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HISTOEY 



OF THE 



COUNTIES 






OF 



LEHIGH AND CARBON, 



IN THE 



COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



BY 

ALFRED MATHEWS and AUSTIN N. HUNGEKFORD. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

EVERTS & RICHARDS. 

1884. 



PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADELPHIA. 



PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. 



It is with the confident feeling thai they have not merely fulfilled, but far exceeded, all 
promises made at the outstart that the publishers present to their patrons and the public, after 
considerable more than a year's labor* from the time of its inception, the now completed History 
of Lehigh and Carbon Counties. As the result of the united and careful labors of men thor- 
oughly experienced in the collection, compilation, and writing of local history, and of score- of 
residents of the region which is the province of the work, including not only those who are 
mentioned as the writers of certain chapters, but others who have made lesser contributions, — 
all especially qualified by original knowledge, by investigation, or by virtue of their positions to 
be the purveyors of local lore, — we think that the volume will merit and receive the favorable 
indorsement of those most competent to criticise the work which it contains, and that time will 
not modify in the slightest degree, but, on the contrary, greatly increase, their estimation. In 
the broadly comprehensive sense. Mr. Alfred Mathews was the author and editor of the 
history. He was assisted by Mr. Austin N. Hungerford of the publishers' corps. To these 
gentlemen should be accredited almost everything in the volume not especially denoted as the 
vork of others, embracing the larger part of its contents, and of course implying supervision 
of the whole. Other writers who have been engaged upon the work are here designated : Rev. 
A. R. Home, D.D., was the author of the voluminous and interesting chapter (vi. in the 
history of Lehigh County) on the Pennsylvania Germans. E. V. d'Invilliers was the writer of 
the chapter on the geology of Lehigh County, aud Charles A. Ashburner, M.S., of that on 
Carbon County's rock and mineral formation. Of the townships of Lehigh County, Heidel- 
berg and Lynn were written by Samuel J. Kistler, Esq.: Upper Macungie, by Rev. M.J. 
Kiamlich; Lower Macungie, by E. R. Lichtenwallner, Esq. ; Upper and Lower Milford, by 
P. \V. Flores; Salisbury, by Professor J. 0. Knauss ; Upper Saucon, by Frank B. Heller; 
W eissenberg, by Solomon F. and Henry F. Rupp; Whitehall, by T. F. Diefenderfer, Esq., and 
F. J. Newhard, Esq. ; North Whitehall, by James L. Schaadt, Esq.; South Whitehall, by Rev. 
F. K. Bernd ; and the borough of Emails, by H. W. Jarrett. In the history of < arbon County, 
two of the general chapters — those on the legal and medical professions — were contributed by 
Dr. R. Leonard, of Mauch Chunk. Towamensing and Lower Towamensing were contributed 
by Col. John Craig; the borough of Packertou, by W. Lee Stiles; the borough of Parrvville, 
by Dennis Bauman ; and the borough of Weatherly, by Dr. J. B. Tweedle. Besides these 
writers there are many others who have contributed church and school histories, etc., whose 
names are. as a rule, mentioned in connection with their articles. The number of these is very 
huge. 

On behalf of themselves and of the writers in their employ the publishers return their most 
sincere thanks to all who have assisted in the compilation of the history by furnishing informa- 
tion or extending courtesies to those in search of it. To mention individually all of those who 
have thus aided our efforts (and indirectly benefited themselves and their posterity, making pos- 
sible the preparation of an ample and authentic history of these counties) would be impossible 
as the list would include the names of the county, city, and borough officials, the members of the 



PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. 



press and clergy, numerous persons identified with the railroads and with manufacturing inter- 
ests, and a long array of (lie old citizens. At the risk, however, of appearing to make an 
invidious distinction we will present the names of a very few, whose posit ions in life or the 
possession of peculiar or extensive information has enabled them to be of especial service to the 
writers. First among those, so far at least as Lehigh County is concerned, should perhaps be 
mentioned Robert E. Wright, Esq., the veteran lawyer, and the late Christian Pretz. who was a 
pioneer in Allentown's period of growth. Of the same city should be mentioned also in this 
connection Augustus L. Rulie, Tilghman Good (recently chief of police), the late Hon. Samuel A. 
Bridges, the late Peter Huber, Samuel Lewis, Joseph B. Lewis, Eli J. Saeger, James L. Schaadt, 
Esq., C. W. Cooper (of the Allentown National Bank), Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, Rev. Joshua 
Yeager, Rev. Schindel, Rev. Thomas N. Reber, Professor J. O. Knauss, Maj. E. R. Nevvhard, 
Thomas B. Metzgar, Esq., B. F. Trexler, Robert Iredell, Jr., C. Frank Haines, Jesse Grim, 
Ephraim Grim, A. G. Reminger, Col. T. H. Good, and Joseph F. Newhard. The history of 
Allentown has been enriched by Rev. J. H. Dubbs, of Lancaster, and that of half a dozen or 
more townships in Lehigh County extensively increased in value by the contributions of Rev. 
William A. Helffrich. Especial mention should be made of the friendship of Samuel Thomas, 
Col. M. H. Horn, Rev. Cornelius Earle, Oliver and John Williams, Joshua Hunt, Samuel 
Glace, William H. Glace, Esq., Jacob Laubach, and Charles G. Schellner, all of Catasauqua, 
and of F. J. Stetler, Charles Peters, and D. D. Jones, of Slatington. 

Among the citizens of Carbon County whose kindly offices we must not pass without recog- 
nition are J. H. Chapman, Dr. R. Leonard, Thomas L. Foster, John Ruddle, Robert Q. Butler, 
Judge A. G. Brodhead, E. H. Rauch, John Painter, James I. Blakslee, Hon. Robert Klotz, 
and E. R. Siewers, Esq. To the late Judge Harry E. Packer the writers in our employ were 
under obligations for many favors. We will add, in this connection, that acknowledgments of 
indebtedness for kindnesses to others are made elsewhere in this volume in appropriate connec- 
tions. 

In concluding these few lines a word concerning the department of illustrations, which 
supplements the literary contents of the volume, is not out of place. The illustrations consist 
largely of portraits of some of those men who have been or are prominent residents of the ter- 
ritory to which this volume is devoted. These portraits, with the accompanying biographical 
sketches, form a feature which is sometimes the subject of ill-considered criticism, on the ground 
that some of them are of persons living. Nevertheless, in the judgment of the publishers and 
of a great many persons who have given the matter' careful consideration, the department is one 
which should not be omitted or limited by the insertion of none but the portraits and sketches of 
those wlio arc deceased. When it is borne in mind how swiftly the stream of life and time 
sweeps onward, — how swiftly the present becomes the past, — -there will be few to find fault witli 
this department ; and when a score or more of years have elapsed, — when the generations now 
marching in the front and in the closely-succeeding ranks shall have passed away, — this feature 
will be invaluable, serving as the best reminder of some of their most conspicuous and honored 
characters to those who remain. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 

PniLADKi.i-iiiA. June, 1884. 



CONTENTS. 



LEHIGH COUH"TY. 
CHAPTER I. 

I In Red Race supplanted by the White 

CHAPTER II. 



PAGE 
1 



The Indian Raid of 1763.. 



CHAPTER III. 

Local Affairs during the Revolution 



CHAPTER IV. 



Fries' Rebellion., 



CH IPTEB XIX. 

PAOE 

The City of Allentown — (Continual) 175 

CHAPTER XX. 

The City of Allentown- 214 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The City of Allentown— i Continued ) 221 

ii CHAPTER XXII. 

The Borough of Catasauqua 231 

17 CHAPTER XXIII. 

Hanover 261 



War of 1812-14.. 



CHAPTER V. 

20 CHAPTER XXIV. 

CHAPTER VI. Heidelberg 268 

The Pennsylvania Germans 23 

CHAPTER VII. Lowhill 

Civil History of Lehigh County 42 

Lynn 29 



CHAPTER XXV. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Civil List.. 



18 



CHAPTER IX. 
The Bench and Bar of Lehigh County 51 



CHAPTER XXVII. 
Upper Macuogie 314 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Lower Macungie 328 

CHAPTER X. 

The Medical Profession 60 CHAPTER XXIX. 

Upper and Lower Milford 344 

CH LPTER XI. 

Educational Matters 72 CHAPTER XXX. 

Salisbury 401 

CHAPTER XII. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 



Lehigh County in the War of the Rebellion 78 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Internal Improvements 110 

CHAPTER XIV. 
The Lehigh County Agricultural Society 112 



Upper Saucon 421 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
Weissenberg 443 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
Whitehall 478 

CHAPTER XV. „„„ 

CHAPTER XXXI\. 
Geology of Lehigh County 114 ^^ w , |jte , Klll '_ 509 

■CHAPTER XVI. 
The City of Allentown 119 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

South Whitehall 539 



CHAPTER XVII. 
The City of Allentown — (Continwd) 132 Washington.. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 



549 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
The City of Allentown— (Continued) 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

141 Borough of Slatington 556 

V 



■vi 



CONTENTS. 



O.A.IRZBOICsr COTTDCTTY. 



CHAPTER T. 
Battlement by Moravians in Carbon County.. 



CHAPTER XV. 

PAGE 

Kidder 727 



I'll IPTER II. 
Progress of Settlement and Internal Improvement;; 

CHAPTER III. 
Civil History 6l >7 



CHAPTER XVI. 

... I Borough of Lehighton 731 

CHAPTER XVII. 

., Lausanne 738 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Lehigh 74o 

CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER XIX. 

Civil Roster 612 | Mahoning (including Packerton) 742 

CHAPTER V. CHAPTER XX. 

The Bench and Bar 615 Parker 740 

CHAPTER VI. CHAPTER XXI. 

Medical History of Carbon County 623 l ''' M " '''"rest 764 



CHAPTER VII. 
Carbon County in the Mexican War 629 

CHAPTER VIII. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
Borough of Parryville 757 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
630 i Lower Towamensing 760 






CHAPTER XXIV. 



Carbon County in the War of the Rebellion 

CHAPTER IX. 
The Carbon '.unity Agricultural Society 649 Towamensing 

CHAPTER X. CHAPTER XXV. 

Sketch of the Geology of Carbon County 650 Borough of Weissport 

CHAPTER XI. CHAPTER XXVI. 
Borough of Blanch Chunk 656 ' Borough of Weatherly 780 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Munch Chunk (including the Borough of Lansford) 787 



769 



773 



CHAPTER XII. 
Banks 711 



CHAPTER XIII. 

East Penn 717 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Franklii 724 



APPENDIX A. 
Population of Lehigh and Carbon Counties 707 

APPENDIX B. 
Anthracite Iron 797 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



PAOK 

Ainey, \\ illiatn H 1 I 

Albright, Charles, Esq 616 

Albright, Michael II 368 

Albright, Ed« In, Esq 58 

Allen family (founders of Allentown) 119 

Allen, Charles I. .. M..D 628 

Alsou, Jabez, Esq 618 

Andrens family 719 

Arner family 745 

Baldauf family 

Bad in family 

Baush family 302 

Barner family I . . 

llalliot family ! 

Ball iet, Aaiou 505 

Balliet, Paul 538 

Bailiet, John 555 

Bassler, Rev. Henry S : ;7T 

Baxter. M . S,M D 628 

Ban man family Tin 

1 tun man, Judge Dennis 759 

Baumann (Hostetter) family 762 

Barber, Stephen 

Barber, Josepl 160 

Barber, Thomas 158 

Barber, William Harrison 159 

Barber, L. H., Esq 61 3 

Baal family 262 

Beitel family 263 

Bieber family 406 

Burk halter fjiniily 484 

Berger, Milton 245 

Bertsch, Daniel 709 

Bertolctte, John D., Esq 1.17 

Bertolette, Frederick, L*q 618 

Beck family 71."' 

Belford, George 672 

Belts family 7 J I 

Belts, Thomas 746 

Berkensto<:k family 4:16 

Beer family 7'19 

Bear family MJ 

Biery family 232 

Hieiy family l'.*2 

Blakalee, James 1 708 

Blakalee, \\ . W 784 

Blank family 1 .7 

Boy.-, Martin II., Mil., AM 440 

Bowers, C. W„ M.D 

How man. Jacob, M.H 628 

Boyer family 7'il 

Beyer, Solomon 

Bowman, W. W 

Bowman, Henry 

Bortz, Harrison ]">8 

B -l/ins, Dr. Gottfrie.l 60 

Breinig family 319 

Brown, Samuel A 538 

Brown, Stephen P - 



PAOfi 

Brown, John 600 

Bross, \ I, M.D 

Brodhead, A. G 674 

Brinker family 4:15 

Bl I i Samuel K 174 

9amuel A.,Esq 54 

Butz, Thomas F 60K 

I'm/. Stephen -i 

Butz family 331 

Bnnton, T. C, M.D 629 

Butler, William 672 

Butler, W. II., Esq 615 

Buchlnan family 291 

Ilniiiliun, II li , Esq 616 

Botz, i homae 

Chapman, I. A 672 

Chapman, J. H 672 

Ghrietman family 332 

Cinder family 262 

harlee W 150 

per, Thomae B., M.D 66 

Cooper family 437 

Cortright, N. D 710 

Craig, Allen, Esq 618 

Craig, Col. John 642 

i i. it. family 304 

Davis, I. 0., M.D 649 

Davis, Hugh L 559 

Davis, < liarle,-, Esq 53 

v, William F., M.fl 66 

Dan tier family ; 464 

mily 2S9 

i 1 1 ii i 1 y 4S3 

Deshler, David 15-16,122 

Dash family 331 

Deshamer, Weslej A., M.D 628 

Deach, Rev. Henry 

Iv fouog, PhUip, M 11 624 

Dickenshied family 

Dickenshied, Charles F., M.D 63 

Dickenshied, Charles, M.D 64 

i >hn II.. M.D 64 

Diehl family 407 

Dillinger family 

Dillinger, Hon Jacob 14* 

Dimmick, Anthony, M.D 

Dimmick, Milo M„ Esq 

Dimmick, John 0., Esq 017 

Dimmick, E. C, Esq 617 

Dinkey family 720 

Dlefenderfer family 491 

Dodson family - 74:: 

l> ■-. Uaac T 744 

. II. J, M.D _ 628 

E. A ." 674 

Dorney family 542 

Doney, K. A., Esq 617 

Drake, Thomas, M D 

, I -t 721 

vii 



VI II 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



PAGE 

Dubs family 365 

!'h S 107 

1 G 7S7 

.. Cornelius 251 

I family 300 

I I, SlichaelD 229 

family • 120 

Eckert family 769 

i amity 436 

in family 301 

Brdman family 434 

Erdman, Aai m 343 

Ki ilm.ui, Enos 113 

Erwin, B 8 . M.D 628 

Esq 52 

1 tin, Esq 52 

Fatzinger family 263 

FauBt, Paul 233 

Faust family 750 

macher family 290 

Fenstermacher, Michael 300 

Fenstermacher family 550 

Fields Richard, M.D 624 

Flentze, Uidwig, M.D 624 

Floras family 360 

i lores, P W 360 

Fogel family 316 

Fnhvriler family 303 

Foster, Charles 368 

Fn-stL-r, Asa L 672, 700 

Foster, Thomas L., Esq 616 

Frey family 291 

Freyman family 745 

Frick, G. W., M.D 628 

Fries, John 17 

Fryman, Wm. G., Esq 618 

Frantz family 514 

Fuller family 235 

Gabel, Willougbby 368 

Gaogwere family 127 

Gausler, William H 86 

Geisinger family 403 

Geisinger family 434 

Geh ringer family 453 

Gehman, David 367 

Gibbons, John S., Esq 54 

Gilbert family 743 

Gilbam, S. R., Esq 618 

Gillespie, J. R., M.D 629 

Ginkinger, Christian 127 

Glace, Samuel 235 

Good, Col. Tilglnnau H 85 

Good (or Guth) family 540 

Good, Peter 126 

Gorman, Charles S., M.D 628 

Graff, George 127 

Grreensweig family 701 

Greenewahl family 452 

Griffith, Jesse, M.D 66 

Grim, .lesse 224 

Grim family 448 

Grim family 318 

Groff family M3 

Gross, Peter 570 

Gross family 511 

Guth family 319 

Halsey, Richard, M.D 627 

Haines family M1H, 32n 

Haines, C. Frank 172 

Hagonbuch family 123 

Bandwerk family 551 

Bandwerk family 273 

Handy, if I , Esq 617 

n uiki iiii mi 1 571 

i, Samuel 786 

H:u tin in family 



PAGE 

Bartman family 291 

B rne, Charles 604 

Harts family 750 

Harvey, Edward, Esq 59 

W, A ., M.D 70 

Bazard, Erskioe 670 

Helffrich, Rev. William A 3 i 

ii ■■iin i. h, J ihn I! ., M.D 70 

Beil family 300 

Beller tamily 436 

Kerbst, William, M.D 66 

Berber family 450 

Hennany family 299 

Heimbach family 361 

Helffrich family 455 

Hen Dinger family 541 

Henninger family... 548 

Biggins, Thomas, M.D 625 

Heista ml family 369 

Hoffman family 550 

Hoffman, C. J., M.D 628 

Huffman family 4S6 

Hoffatetter, Christopher, M.D 65 

Hoffecker, Philip 7S4 

Holben, M. J., M.D 70 

Holl.cn family 44* 

Holcomb, J. T., M.D 629 

Horn, C. T., M.D 828 

Horn, M. H 246 

Home, J. A., M.D 629 

Hyneman family 457 

Untie i family 1-5 

Hudson, Samuel W 753 

Hunt, Joshua 244 

Hunter, David, M.D 626 

Hunsicker family 273 

Hunsicker family 299 

Hutter, Rev. E. W., D.D 229 

Ihrie family 457 

Iredell, Robert, Jr 173 

Jacob family 513 

Jameson, James, M.D 63 

Jarrett, Henry, Esq 54 

Jeter, Tinsley 420 

Jennings, Solomon 3, 403 

Jones, Daniel D 558 

Kalbfuss, Daniel, Esq 616 

Kalbfuss, Joseph, Esq G1S 

Kauffman, Abraham 378 

Kauffman, G. E., M.D 629 

Keiper family 123 

Reiser, P. D., M.D 628 

Keefer, Joseph 5"8 

Kemerer family 405 

Kemerer, Martin 229 

Kemerer, Jacob 273 

Kemmerer, Mahlon S 711 

Kemerer, Frederick 125 

Kern family 361, 541, 55fi 

Kern, Joshua, M.D 66 

Keck family 405 

K eh liner family 264 

Kennel family 512 

Kirby, Russell B., M.D 628 

Kidd family 264 

Kiepes, James, Esq 618 

King, Henry, Esq 52 

Kistler family 301 

Kistler, Samuel J 285 

Kistler, E. II , M.D 628 

Kl.it/ family 289,745 

Klotz, Hubert 708 

Klein family 290,406,465 

Kleckner family 264 

Kolli family 490 

Kuhler family 482 



BIOCKAl'MK'AL 



■ 

orgeJ., M.D 626 

; I tmlly l'»4. 188 

Knepley family 438 

Enerr family 

!\i<i I, \li\ to-orge 377 

i,J.C, M.D 626 

Kransa family 357 

Kutz, \V. L., M.D 628 

Lackey, Junes 235 

Ladd, Horace, M.D 627 

Latham, l'. II , M.D 

Landenalager, Nathan - 227 

Laner family - 33] 

Lanbach, Joseph 235 

Laubai li family 264 

Laury family ' ; 

Lanry, David 536 

Lazarus, J. 8.", M.D 629 

W. B , Eeq 617 

I, K . M.D 623 

i log family 484 

I og, John 706 

i. John 674 

Lehi family ^. 127 

Levau, Benjamin S 504 

...ill in' r family 316 

Uch ten wall ner, M. J., M.D 70 

I. iii ei man, Joseph 107 

Line family 4U6 

Lindernian, H K., M.D 624 

Limierman, J. B., M.D 627 

[.inn. Felix, M.D GO 

Limbach, Frederick * 868 

Longneckcr, Henry C, Esq 55 

I i e, John B , M.D 627 

Longstreet, F. I'., Es<\ i 

Loose, h ,; is 

Martin, Christian F., M.D 60 

M M in:, Jacob, M.D 61 

Martin, Edward, M.I) 61 

Martin, Charles II., M.D 61 

Martin, Tilghnmiill., M.D 81 

Martin, Edwin GK, M.D 61 

Martin, Henry, M.D 62 

Martin, Walter, M.D 62 

Martin, Franklin B., Ml' 62 

Martin, George, M.D 62 

Martin, Frederick A., M.D C2 

Mai tm, Charles 62 

Martin, Jobn a , M.D 62 

H., M.D. wnof< i' Martin) G2 

Martin, Cnarlea L, M D 62 

Man in, Peter 63 

Mathias, Dr 64 

Marx, William S.. E*q 56 

If aeser, George W . M.D 621 

Matheraon, E. M„ Esq 618 

McDamel family 744 

I I [I.Robert 69 

Uexander, M.D 6-7 

McCrea, James 672 

Logne, Dr * « 625 

McConnell, B. 11., M.D * I I 

McLane, Samuel, Esq GIG 

Mechlin family 359 

Mehrkem family 761 

Merkle family 407 

i . Thomas U., Eeq 69 

Meyei family 364 

Mickley family 4S3 

Mickley, Edwin 503 

Mickley, Jacob oi<K 

Miller family , 301 

Miller family 305 

Miller family 401 

Miller, Aaron S., M.D 67 



Miller family 

Moll family |23 

v William 

Mosser family 

More, E. J., Esq 56 

Morltz family ... 407 

Moury family 

Miis->1 man family 

in, Jonas 

MDBselman family 745 

Nagel family ]'24 

Newhard family 4si 

Newbard family 

Newmiller, II. I*., M.D. 

d, Jacob 12:1 

Peter 1 ■;:: 

Nefl family 

Nichol is, Christian 442 

Kevins, John C, M.D 

Nimaon, CI ari B 723 

Notestine family 745 

Nonnemacher family 122 

Obei 1, Joseph 7:17 

Oliver, John, Esq 57 

Olewine, Daniel 7-7 

Ortt family 359 

Ott, C. H., M.D 629 

01 1 family 262 

Oweu family 434 

Packer, Asa 704 

Packer, Robert Asa 705 

Packer, Harry E 7tto 

Paiuter, John 1,7:; 

Peters, John 2;::: 

Peters family 272- 

illy ;,4<J 

Probst family 300 

S. W., M.D 628 

PretZ, I Miatian 142 

Kaji^her, William M., Esq G1S 

Rachel family 550 

Beber, N. B , M.D 628 

Reher, W. W,, M.D 628 

Rehrig family 700 

Rehrig, Esaias 151 

Remaly family 551 

Rex family 660 

Reese, James S., Esq 56 

Reichard family 264 

Reinhard family 1:17 

Rboades family 122 

Kilt. 1 family.' iqj 

B ". W. 1 , M.D (V27 

Rigbter, W. W., M.D 624 

Rives, 0. A., M.D 625 

Rinker, Abraham 1 

1 lin, M.D 65 68 

Romig, William J 65 

Romig family 330 

Romig, R-v Joseph 1 377 

Romfg, Daniel.. 72Q 

Roth family 430 

Rober family 550 

Rothrock, Jonas, 31. D 64 

Romicb family „ 513 

Roedei family 364 

1 , Daniel 7*5 

Rnch family ;,] j 

Rnpp family 319 

Rupp, Herman 321 

Rupp family 4.^ 

Ruhe, Augustus L 171 

Rah 1 , ( luirh 18 A 164 

Babe, John 1" . M.D 

Ruhe family 125 

Rnddle, John 671 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



PAGE 

Runk, Samuel, Esq 63 

Runk, C. M., Esq 56 

Saeger family 127, 511 

Saeger, Nicholas 274 

Saeger, EH J 128 

Saeger, Willium 151 

Salkeld, Isaac 671 

Salkeld, Jacob B 671 

Samuelds family 435 

Savltz, George 127 

Sayre, William H 673 

Scbreiber family 485 

Scbadt family 612 

Sch all, Griffith, M.D 65 

Schall, Henry, M.D 65 

Schall, George B., Esq 57 

Schall family 320 

Scbmoyer family 321 

Schneck family 515 

Schantz family 363 

Schantz, lie v. John 377 

Schantz, Kev. Joseph 377 

Sr hu mucker family 449 

Schumaeker, Rev. Daniel 452 

Schneller, Charles G 235 

Schultz, Christian F 65 

Scheurer family 514 

Seagreavos family 127 

Semmel family 513 

Seiberliug family 454 

Seiple, W. G. M., M.D 628 

Siewers, J. II., Esq 616 

SIgmund, Albert M., M.D 67 

Sieger family 511 

Sieger, Amandes 539 

Sigmund, Ilenry M 367 

Sigmund, Frederick 368 

Singmaster family 333 

Sites, Stephen E., Esq 617 

Smith, A. C., M.D 627 

Shaffer family 329 

Shinier family 363 

Shinier, Jacob S., M.D 67 

Shimer, Edward S 231 

Shifters tine family 291 

Shoemacher family 290 

Shoemaker, D. K., M.D 627 

Shoener family 265 

Solt family 724 

Slough family 291 

Slough, W. C, M.D 70 

Slough, Frank J., M.D 69 

Stan tier family 361 

Stauffer, Samuel 367 

Strauss, Thomas 509 

Stabler family 359,367 

Stahler, Joshua 224 

Steckel family 482 

Stettler family 455 

Sterner family 264 

Stapp, A. M., M.D 628 

Stont family 407 

Stine, Jacob, M.D 64 

Stroh, Abraham G72 

Stroh, Charles 0., Esq 618 

St rob I family 702 



PAGK 

Stiles, John D., Esq , 56 

Struthers, James R., Esq 616 

Snyder family .491,542,762 

Taylor, William II 226 

Thomas, David 241 

Thomas, Samuel 242 

Thomas, John 503 

Thomas, Ilopkin 261 

Thomas, J. J., M.D 629 

Thompson, Michael, M.D 626 

Thompson, John D., M.D 623 

Tweedle, J. B., M.D 628 

Trexler, Benjamin F 170 

Troxell family 542 

Van Dusk irk, Rev. Jacob 332 

Van Buskirk, George, M.D 64 

Wannemacher family 300 

Warbus, N. G., M.D 625 

"Watering (Woodring) family 512 

Wagner, John 12G 

Weaver, Valentine W 504 

Webster, Flemming, M.D 625 

Weiss, Col. Jacob 777 

Weiss family 305 

Weider family 364 

Weida, David 225 

Weida family 291 

Wertman family 304 

Wert z family 489 

Werley family 450 

Wetzel family 750 

Wetterholt, Capt. Johann Nicholaus 7 

Wetterholt, Jacob 8,9 

Weitzel, Paul R., Esq 616 

White, Josiah 670 

Wheeler, O. H., Esq 616 

Williams, David 559 

Williams family.... 235 

Wittman family 438 

Wint family 436 

Wieand family 367 

Wieand, Charles W 367 

Wieand, Jonathan It 344 

Worman family 124 

Wycoff, Peter, Esq 55 

Wright, R. E, Esq 55 

Wool ever, Adam, Esq 57 

Wyeth, J. H., M.D 627 

Teager family 263 

Yeakel family 362 

Yeakel, .lohn 368 

Yeakel, Daniel 378 

Yoder, Daniel. M.D 70 

Young, Samuel, M.D 64 

Young, Joseph, M.D 65 

Younger, William 245 

Young, Edward B 228 

Young, Christian 264 

Young, Horace, M.D 625 

Yundt family 492 

Zangerly, Dr 64 

Zellner family 362 

Zern, Jacob G., M.D 625 

Zimmerman family 291 

Ziegenfuss, A., M.D 625 





















ILLUSTRATION'S. 



PAGE 

An ■■■>, W. 11 facin. 

Mbright, Edwin " 

Allentown In 1840 !-■* 

Ulentown n il al Bank 

Bnlliet, Aaron between 504, 505 

Mall il. John facing 555 

Bnlliet, Paul " 538 

Barber, Joseph " loo 

Barber, Stephen between 226,227 

Barbel I " 158,159 

Barber, W. H facing 159 

Bam Dennis " "'■' 

B rger, Milton " 2J5 

Bertscb, Daniel " " n!l 

Blakslee, ■' - I " ~ n< 

Blake , W. W " K I 

Hum/, Harrison between 158, 159 

Bowman, Henry I ' [n 

Bowman, w. \v " 

Boy6, H. II " WO 

r, Solomon " 226 

Brown, John " 600 

Brown, s. A between 538, 539 

Brown, S.P 

Urn/, Stephen facin( 

Butz, Thomas l»l" 

Bntz, T. F facing 508 

• ban "57 

ol". W fin-in- I iO 

| , Thomas B betwi en 66, 67 

Cortright, Nathan D facing Tin 

in ' ourt-House, \llentowu 46 

-Craig, Col. John facini 

Davie, Hugh L between 

In. Kih,. I, .1 II facing 04 

Dillinger, Jacob " 149 

i Q " 787 

Earle, C " 

Eberhard, M. D betv 

i in, Aurou fiicin 

Erdman, Enos " 113 

Excelsioi Boller-lllils, Albtirtis, Pa " 329 

i, Paol " 234 

i n Church, Mauch Chunk " 

Flral Presbyterian Church, Catasauqua " 250 

I i -i Enginein Lehigh County loo 

Foster, A. L facing 7nn 

.-i.Nni. II " 86 

II I, I'.il. T. II " 85 

Grim, Jesse " 224 

' Peter " 570 

Haines, C Fraul " 172 

Hankee, II. 1 " 571 

Harleman, Samuel " 786 

II in tries " 604 

Harvey, Edward " 59 

HenniDger, Josiah " 548 

J-Herbst, William 1 

Hoffecker, Philip " J 

Hudson, S W facing 753 

Hnnt, Joshua " 244 

Butter, E. W " 

nature 2 

r, Tinsley facing 420 

Jones, D. 1) " 558 



PAGB 

Kemmerer, Martin 

Kemmerer, M. S facing 711 

Kemmerer, M, s., Resident I " 

Keefer, Joseph : 

Ki-tliT, Samuel J fining 285 

Klutz. Hubert between 7ns, vim 

Ki.anicr,J. C ' 

Laudenslagcr, N between 220, 227 

I, .mi y, David facie 

Leisenring, Hon. John " 

Leisenring. Hun. John, Residence of " 

I lard, R., M.D " 

i. BenjaminS " 504 

Liebennan, Joseph " 

Martin, Charles L " 

Martin, Edwin G " 61 

McDowell, R.ii i-n " 

Manch Clmnlc from Lehigliton Road " 

Mickley, Edwin " 

Mickley, Jacob betwi 

Miller, Aaron S facing 67 

Mount Pisgah Plane 

Nicholas, Christian facing 412 

Nimson.C.H " 722 

i of. " 723 

inn-it, Joseph " 

t, Joseph, Residence and Packlti Honsi of " 736 

Olewine, Daniel " 7 17 

Pad " 704 

Packer, Judge Asa, late Ri Id ai i ol " 

Packer, II. E between 7m, 705 

li Iter, Hon. H. E., late Residence of. 

Packer, R. A between 704, 705 

Packer Mini u; facing 

I'll I/, I' " 112 

Rchrig, E " 

Rontig, John " 

Rouse, Daniel " 785 

Rube, A. L " 171 

Ruhe, Charles A " l«4 

i, William " 1"»1 

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Mauch Chunk " 

" 153 

Shinier. Edwards " 23] 

r, A 

Stabler, Joshua " 2 'A 

Slrauss, Thomas 

Taylor, W.H between 22i 

The i Hd ' hurch Presbyl 

The Homestretch on the Switchback 

Thomas, David facing 2 18 

Tin in nis, Hopkin " 261 

in mas, John " 

Thomas, Samuel " 

Trexler, B. F " 

Switchback, Two-Mile Turn on tin- 664 

Weaver, v. \v between 504 

id. lacing 

\\ eiss, ' ol, Jacob " 778 

Wieand, J. D " :»4 

Williams, David bet" 

Woolever, Adam racing 

Young, K. 1! 

Younger, William " 

Zern.J. G " 

xi 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Oneidas, becoming about 1712, by the incorporation 
of the refugee Southern tribe of Tuscaroras, the Six 
Nations — were almost constantly at war with their 
neighbors the Lenape or Delawares. 

The Delawares were divided into nations in much 
the same manner as their northern enemies. Of 
these the most notable were the branches of the 
Turtle or Unamis, the Turkey or Unalachtgo, and the 
Wolf or Minsi (corrupted into Mousey). While the 
domain of the Delawares extended from the sea-coast 
between the Chesapeake and Long Island Sound back 
beyond the Susquehanna to the Alleghanies and north- 
ward to the hunting-grounds of the Iroquois, it seems 
not to have been regarded as the common country of 
the tribes, but to have been set apart for them in 
more or less distinctly-defined districts. The Unamis 
and Unalachtgo nations, subdivided into the tribes 
of Assunpinks, Matas, Chichequaas, Shackamaxons, 
Tuteloes, Nanticockes, and many others, occupied the 
lower country toward the coast, while the more war- 
like tribe of the Minsi or Wolf, as Heckewelder 
informs us, " bad chosen to live back of the other 
tribes, and formed a kind of a bulwark for their pro- 
tection, watching the motions of the Mengwe, and 
being at hand to offer aid in case of a rupture with 
them." 

"The Minsi," continues the authority from whom 
we have quoted, "extended their settlements from the. 
Minisink, a place (on the Delaware, in Monroe 
County) named after them, where they had their 
council-seat and fire, quite up to the Hudson on the 
east, and to the west and south far beyond the Sus- 
quehanna ; their northern boundaries were supposed 
originally to be the heads of the great rivers Susque- 
hanna and Delaware, and their southern that ridge 
of hills known in New Jersey by the name of Mus- 
kanecum, and in Pennsylvania by those of Lehigh, 
Coghnewago, etc. Within this boundary were their 
principal settlements, and even as late as 1742 they 
had a town with a peach-orchard on the tract of land 
where Nazareth was afterwards built, another on the 
Lehigh, and others beyond the Blue Ridge, besides 
many family settlements here and there scattered." 1 

Thus it appears that the Minsi Delawares were the 
ancient owners of the territory now included in Le- 
high County, and that these hills and mountains and 
valleys were their hunting-ground, the Lehigh River 
and all of the sparkling trout-swarming lesser streams 
their fishing-places. 

One of the earliest purchases of land from the In- 
dians in the Lehigh region was in the year 1684, the 
parties being William Penn and Maughaughsin, from 
whom (according to some authorities) came the name 
Macungie, applied to a township of Lehigh County. 
This personage was one of the leading chiefs of the 
Delawares. 

On the 3d day of June, 1684, Maughaughsin, upon 

i " History, Manners, and Customs of the Indian Nations who once 
Inhabited Pennsylvania," by Rev. John Heckewelder. 



his own desire and free offer, sold all his land upon 
Pahkehoma (Perkiomen) to William Penn, for the 
consideration of "2 Match coats, 4 pair of stockings, 
and 4 Bottles of Sider." 

It may be interesting to give the deed in its original 
form, viz. : 

"INDIAN DEED FOR LANDS TO WILLIAM PENN, 1684. 

" Upon mv own Ivsire and free Offer, I, Maughaughsin, in considera- 
tion of Two MatchcoatB, four pair of Stockings, and four Bottles of Sider, 

do hereby graunt 1 make over all my Land upon Pahkehoma. to W ra 

Penn, Prop 1 and Govern* of Pennsylvania and Territories, hia heirs A 
A86ignes forever, w"» which I own myself .satisfied, and promise never to 
molest any Christiana so call' 1 y* .shall sent then by his old". 

" Witness my hand and Seal at Philadelphia ye third day of ye fourth 
month, 1684. 

"The mark of MATJGHAUGHSrN. 




" Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of us. 
"Pump Thomas Lehman. 
"Thomas Holme. 
"Jno. Davers. 
"George Emekn." 

(From the " Pennsylvania Archives.") 

Soon after the delivery of the above deed to Wil- 
liam Penn, Maughaughsin and most of his people left 
this region and moved over the Blue Mountains, only 
a few individuals remaining in their old homes, the 
valleys of the Milfords and the surrounding country. 

The "Walking Purchase."— Among the various 
negotiations by which the Indians were led to surren- 
der their domain to the superior race was the famous 
" Walking Purchase" of 1737. No event in the his- 
tory of the region gave so much dissatisfaction to the 
Indians as the making of this alleged unjust bargain, 
and it was directly or indirectly productive of effects 
which we shall chronicle in the next chapter, as well 
as of others of which we shall present an account in 
the history of Carbon County. 

The first release of Indian title effected in the prov- 
ince was brought about in 1682, before Penn's arrival, 
by his Deputy Governor, William Markham. This 
embraced all the territory between the Nesbamiuy 
and the Delaware as far up as Wrightstown and Upper 
Wakefield. In 1683 and 1684, Penn himself made 
other purchases. In 1686 it has been claimed that 
the Indians granted to him a tract of country com- 
mencing on the line of the former purchases, and ex- 
tending as far northwesterly as a man could ride on 
horseback in two days. No copy of the treaty or 
deed was preserved, if any was made, and the extent 
of the averred purchase remained undecided. Settlers, 
however, began to throng into the lower part of the 
country which it was supposed had been purchased, 
and they soon pushed above the Forks of the Dela- 
ware (the confluence of that river with the Lehigh). 
The Indians believed that their lauds were being en- 
croached upon, and they had several meetings with 
the proprietaries to carry out the measures of the 
treaty of 1686, and to definitely fix the limits of the 



THE RED RACE SUPPLANTED BY THE WHITE. 



ceded territory. The first was held at Durham, below 
EaatoD, in 17:!4; another was at Pennsbury, in May, 
1735, and the negotiations were concluded al Phila- 
delphia, Aug. 25, 17:;7. The lasl meeting resulted in 
an agreement that the treaty of 1686 should be con- 
summated, and the extent of the purchase was decidi '1 
in a novel manner. The proprietaries were to receive 
such portion of the Indian territory as should be in- 
eluded within a line drawn northwesterly from a 
point in or near Wrightstown as far as a man could 
walk in a day and a half, and a line drawn from his 

stopping-place straight to the Delaware, which was of 
course the eastern boundary. 

While the treaty was in negotiation the proprie- 
taries caused a preliminary or trial walk to be made 
to ascertain what amount of ground could be secured. 

It appears that this was undertaken as early as April, 
1735, and that the trees along the route were blazed, 
so that the persons to he engaged in the walk decid- 
ing the ownership of land might have the advantage 
of a marked pathway. As soon as the treaty of 
Aug. 25, 1737, had been consummated, James Steel, 
receiver-general under Thomas Penn, took measures 
to secure for the performance of the purchase- walk 
the man who had " held out the best" in the prelim- 
inary walk. It was proposed that he should walk 
with two others, who were actively to engage in com- 
petition, and that Timothy Smith, sheriff' of Bucks 
County, and John Chapman, surveyor, should accom- 
pany the trio, provide provisions, etc. The time fixed 
for the walk under the treaty was Sept. 12. 17o7, but 
it was postponed until the 19th. The preliminaries 
were all arranged in advance, and Edward Marshall, 
James Yeates, and Solomon Jennings, all noted for 
their powers of endurance, and one of them undoubt- 
edly the champion of the trial walk, were employed 
by the proprietaries to make the decisive effort. It 
was arranged that the Indians should send some of 
their young men along to see that the walk was fairly 
made. The walkers were promised five pounds in 
money and five hundred acres of land. The place 
of starting was fixed at a well-known point, a large 
chestnut-tree near the junction of the Pe-nnsville and 
Durham roads, at the Wrightstown meeting-house, in 
Bucks County, very close to the northern boundary 
of the Markham purchase. Marshall, Yeates, ami 
Jennings stood with their hands upon the tree, and as 
the sun rose above the horizon the signal was given 
by Sheriff Smith, and they started. Their route was 
as straight as the inequalities of the ground and the 
numerous obstructions would permit, and led for a 
number of miles along the Durham road (which was 
then a road in little more than name). It is said that 
Yeates led the way with a light step, and next came 
Jennings, with two of the Indian walkers, while 
.Marshall was last, a considerable distance behind the 
others. He swung a hatchet in his hand, and walked 
with an ca-\ and careless lope. Tin- walkers reached 
Red Hill, in Bedminster, in two and a half hours, 



took dinner with the Indian trader Wilson, on Dur- 
ham < 'reek, near where the old furnace Stood, i I 

the Lehigh a mile below Bethlehem, at what is now 

Jones Island, and passing the Blue Ridge at Smith's 
Gap (in what i- now Moore town-hip, Northampton 
Co. i, slept at night on tin- northern slope. The walk 
was resumed at sunrise, and terminated at noon, when 
Marshall, who alone held out. threw himself at length 

upon the ground and grasped a sapling, which was 
marked as the end of the line. Jennings first gave 
out, about two miles north of (he Tohickon, and then 
lagged behind with the followers until the party 
reached the Lehigh River. He then hit for his 
home, in what i- now Salisbury township, 1 Lehigh Co. 

Yeates fell at the foot of the mountain, on the 
morning- of the second day, was quite blind when 
I taken up, and died three days later. Marshall, the 
champion of the walk, was not in the least injured 
by his exertion, and lived to the age of seventy-nine, 
dying in Tinicum, Bucks Co. 2 

The walk is said to have followed an Indian path 
which led from the hunting-grounds of the Minsis 
down to Bristol, on the Delaware. The Indians 
showed their dissatisfaction at the manner in which 
the so-called " walk" was made, and left the party 
before it was concluded. It is said that they fre- 
quently called upon the walkers not to run. The dis- 
tance walked, according to the generally-accepted 
measurement, was sixty-one and one-fourth miles. 
Nicholas Scull say- it was only fifty-five statute miles, 
while others estimate the distance as high as eighty- 
six milis. 

When the walk had reached the extreme point in 
a northwesterly direction from the starting-place, it 
still remained to run the line to the Delaware, and 
here arose another ground for disagreement. The 
Indians had expected that a straight line would be 
drawn to the river at the nearest point, but instead it 
was run at right angles and reached the river at or 
near the Laxawaxen, taking in about twice as much 
territory as would have been included by the other 
arrangement. The lines embraced nearly all of the 
lands within the forks of the Delaware (that is, be- 



1 Solomon Jennings bad settled some yi iBto the " Walking 

ase" on what is now the Geislnger farm, two miles above B 

i, md, living on the extreme frontier, bs as a 

hunter ami woodsman, a fact whicb led to hie being selected as one of 

the walkers. Me is sai.l to have been extreme!} fond of whiskey, eel 

it has ! d that it was becaUBS Of that weakness that he 

in the walk. Tins, how.-ver, may he an injustice to him. It is certain 
that i. -led from the effects of his overexertion, though he 

lived for twenty yean. Ill- son, John Jennings, was elected sherifl of 
Northampton County in 1762, and again in 1768. Ii is traditional!] ss 
ceived what i? now known a.- tic Qeh> 
iuger farm a- i reward tbi Ins taking rait in the walk, hut there If 

foundation for that theory of his owner-hip. and it is well known that 

be resided upon the propel ty for a number of years prior to 17:17. The 
fa i m was sold to Jacob Qefsinger at public sale in 

- The date of he ; He was a native of Baatte- 

ton, Philadelphia Co., where he was I i in 1710. He was twice mar- 
ried, aud the father of twenty-one children, lie lived for a time on the 
id in the Delaware opposite Tinicum which hears bis name. 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tween the Delaware and the Lower Lehigh), the cele- 
brated Minisink flats, and in fact all of the valuable 
land south of the Blue Ridge. The quantity of land 
embraced in t lie purchase was about five hundred 
thousand acres, .lames Steel, writing to Letitia Au- 
brey in 1737, said that it required about four days to 
walk from the upper end of the day and a half's 
journey, and that "after they crossed the great ridge 
of mountains they saw very little good or even toler- 
able land fit fur settlement." 

This walk gave great dissatisfaction to the Indians, 
and was the principal cause of the council held at 
Easton in 1756, where it was elaborately discussed. 
The Indians complained that the walkers walked too 
fast, that they should have stopped to shoot game and 
to smoke; in short, should have walked as the In- 
dians usually did when engaged in the hunt. They 
also found fault with the manner in which the line 
was run from the stopping-place to the river, claim- 
ing that it should have been drawn to the nearest 
point. The proprietaries were accused of trickery 
and dishonesty, and whether justly or unjustly, the 
•'walking purchase" drew upon them and their asso- 
ciates the bitter hatred of the Delawares. It was the 
smoldering fire of the feeling thus engendered which 
by the influence of men or events was fanned into an 
intense heat a generation later, and created great 
havoc in the region now comprised in Lehigh, North- 
ampton, and Carbon Counties. 

Advent of the White Man as a Settler.— Lehigh 
County was originally a portion of the great county 
of Bucks, established, with Philadelphia and Chester, 
in 1682, and its earliest settlements were formed for 
the most part by the people who pushed northward 
from below the present boundaries of Bucks and 
Montgomery Counties. 

White men found their way into the Lehigh region 
during the seventeenth century, but they came as 
traders rather than settlers, and do not deserve the 
honor of especial consideration by the historian, and 
indeed could not receive it, as they left no mark upon 
the country and only a meagre record of their adven- 
tures. In fact their action, confined principally to 
more or less questionable transactions with the In- 
dians, demands no chronicling. 

As early as 1701 the Lehigh region was brought 
unpleasantly into the notice of the proprietaries by 
the presence of that class of white men to whom we 
have referred, and they also had reason to believe 
that Seneca Indians from the region which is now the 
State of New York had made a southern scout with 
a view to harassing the more peaceful Delawares and 
the few white settlers in the lower part of Bucks 
County. 

Just at what time the first waves of that population 
which was eventually to till Lehigh County and much 
of the territory beyond the Blue Ridge broke over the 

southern I idary cannot at this period be stated. 

It is fair, however, to infer from various facts that it 



was as early as 1715. The " Irish settlement," just 
across the eastern border in Northampton County, is 
known to have been established in 1728, and a 
number of individual pioneers, according to reliable 
traditions and even will-attested records, had come 
into what is now Lehigh County by 1730. The lands 
in the Lehigh valley were not formally thrown open 
to settlement until 1734. It is fair to suppose that 
legal impediment being removed, the people newly 
arrived in this country from Germany and seeking 
homes thronged in quite rapidly considering the 
many disadvantages to be overcome and the not very 
assuring attitude of the Indians. 

Upper Milford (comprising what is now included in 
both Upper and Lower Milford) appears to have been 
the most thickly-settled portion of the territory 
during the first few years, for its people were the first 
to call fora separate township organization. Prior to 
1737 they had been under the jurisdiction of the 
great township of Milford, of which the division in 
Bucks County yet known by the name was a part, but 
in January of that year twenty-three of the inhabi- 
tants, whom we may take it lor granted were among 
the most intelligent and enterprising, petitioned the 
county court for a distinct township. The names of 
those early settlers of the southern part of the county 
were Peter Walker, Ulrich Kirsten, A. Matthias Ochs, 
Johannes Meyer, Joseph Henckel, Daniel Rausch, 
Heinrich Willim, Heinrich Ris, William Bit, Cristian 
Bigli, Jacob Wetel, Johannes Betlzart, Duwalt Mach- 
ling, Johannes Hast, Melchoir Stuher, Michael Koh- 
ner, Felix Benner, Jacob Deny, Michael Zimmer- 
man, Longhurst, Mirwin Weihnacht, Johannes 

Baugeoner, and Hannes Ord. The township was sur- 
veyed and laid out by John Chapman on March 13, 
1738. At about the same time the township was 
formed, or a little later, old documents show that 
there were living there a number of other families, 
among them being those bearing the names of Dubbs, 
Eberhard. Hoover. Mumbauer, Roeder, Spinner, 
Stabl, and Weandt. Still later there came into the 
same territory the Dickenshieds, Hetricks, McNoldies, 
Millers, Schelleys, Keipers, Snyders, Rudolphs, Dret- 
zes, Heinbachs, 1 'errs, and many more. With very 
few exceptions these pioneers were Germans, princi- 
pally from the Palatinate. 1 

True in America to the religion for which they had 
been persecuted in Europe, one of the first acts of the 
Milford pioneers was to establish a church. It is 
probable that this was done prior to 17::ti, but the 
earliest record of baptism occurs under date of April 
24th in that year. A patent was secured Sept. 27, 
1738, for the tract of land which had been selected 
and built upon, and from that date the organization 
known as the " Swamp Church," originally estab- 

1 A chapter upon the Germans, expressly prepared for this work by 
Rev. A. It. Home, gives much interesting information, not only con- 

cerning the immigration of the*' 1 p.-r ->, nlnl people, hut their rharacter, 
customs, etc. 



TREATIES AND SETTLEMENT. 



lished by the Lutheran and German Reformed 
ments, baa been of the latter denomination.' 

The Bettlers on the south hank of the Lehigh had 
becomr bo numerous by 1742 thai they considered 
themselves entitled to a separate township organiza- 
tion, and accordingly a number of them, who de- 
scribed themselves as living " on and near Saucon," 
petitioned the courl to confirm a survey which 1 
had had made in April. Their prayer was granted at 
the March term following (1743), Saucon township 
then being established. The signers of the appli- 
cation were Christian Newcomb, Philip Kissenger, 
George Sobus, Henry Rinkard, John Yoder, John 
Reeser, Christian Smith, Henry Bowman, Samuel 
Newcomb, Benedict Koman, Felty Staymets, Henry 
Rinkanl. .Jr., George Troom, Adam Wanner, Owen 

Owen, Tli as Owen, John William-, John Tool, 

John Thomas. Joseph Samuel, Isaac Samuel, Wil- 
liam Murry i .Mori and Mory, according to other early 
records i, Michael Narer, John Apple, Jacob Gonner, 
Henry Keerer, George Bockman, George Marksteler, 
and Henry Ruml'old." 

Saucon was divided into Upper and Lower Saucon 
in 174:;. On the election of Northampton County in 
1752 they both became a portion of its territory, and 
on the erection of Lehigh Upper Saucon was assigned 
to it. 

The .settlement of the Moravians at Bethlehem, in 
1740, did much toward bringing farmers into the 
Saucon region. They doubtless felt a certain sense 
of security in locating themselves so near an organ- 
ized colony which they judged by its policy would 
always retain the regard of the Indians. 

At what is now South Bethlehem, on the spot where 
the Union depot stands, was built in 1745 that place 
of entertainment which became celebrated as the 
Crown Inn. This was the first tavern on the river 
really deserving the name, and became a popular 
stopping-place for travelers, as well as a favored and 
familiar resort for the pioneer farmers in the sur- 
rounding country. It was managed by the Moravians. 

The development of Hanover township from its wild 
condition to a well-settled and prosperous region was 
no doubt largely influenced by the Moravian colony. 
It had received a few pioneers in 1735 or soon after, 
and its population increased faster after the planting 
of Bethlehem. Still several thousand acres of land 
in Hanover remained unsold up to and after the time 
of tin Revolution. A large portion of the town-hip 

was COnsidi red poor soil during the last century, 
which in this, under scientific processes of farming, is 
equal to any in the county. To be called a "Dry- 
lander" implied reproach. There were other causes, 
however, than the supposed poverty of soil for the 

1 See i'li;tpt<-r n [inn tin- townships for a detailed history of i bl 
m ational institution. 

2 The name** appear us here spoil i, in the record, but the orthography 

is InCOrreCI in many instances. For t! pelting - - iiicotl 

township. 



comparatively slow settlement of Hanover. This 
township, containing the only territory of tin- county 
lying east of the Lehigh, was originally a portion of 
the extensive Allen township, which included the 

Scotch-Irish settlement. Hanover was separately 
nized in 1798, and when Lehigh County was 
erected it was divided into two townships, each of 
which, a- they were separated b thi county line, was 
allowed to retain the original name. The greater 
part of tin- original t iwnship of I [anover was included 
in the tract called the " 1 )rv land-" or Manor of Fer- 
mon, originally laid out for the proprietaries, and 
when they were divested of their estates after the 
close of the Revolutionary war it was not included, 
being their private property. Bui tin- settlers were 
dissatisfied and coin. '-ted their rights in numerous 
suits, the basis being denial that the Penns could 
n title. These dragged on withoi sent 

until as late as 1796, when all were disi the 

settlers and the Penns each bearing an equal part of 
the costs, and the former receiving their lands on pay- 
in, in of £65 10s. for every one hundred acres. 

The territory of the two Macungies 
contemporaneously with that of the Mil fords and 
of Saucon, that is, beginning in or soon after 1730, 
and its pioneers were of the same class < lermans, for 
the most part newly arrived and making their way 
northward through what are now Bucks and Mont- 
gomery Counties to obtain cheap homes in an unin- 
habited or sparsely settled country. When petition 

was made lor the establishment of the township in 
1742, there were living in the region which it was 
proposed to include, Peter Trexler, Henry Sheath, 
Jeremiah Trexler, John Ecle, Frederick Rowey, 
Peter Walbert, Jr.. Philip Simes, Joseph Albright, 
Jacob Wagner, Melchoir Smith. George Stininger, 
Jacob Mil r, George Hayn (or Haines . Adam C >ok, 
Caspar Mier, Kayde Crim or Grim), John Clymer, 
and Adam Prous. These v . ligners of the 

petition, and doubtless thej were onlj a verj -mall 
proportion of the male inhabitants. 
That the people of Macungie were enterprising is 

shown from the fact that they took step- to secure 
what was the first road in the county as early as 1735. 
They petitioned for a road to lead " from Goshen- 
hoppen to Jeremiah Trexler's tavern." and return 
being made in 17:iii the road was duly laid out. Gosh- 

enhoppen was in what is mm Montgomery County, 

and the Trexler tavern, which was in Macungie, was 
in all probability the nu ait which Trexler- 

town was built. In 171"' another road was opened 
from the German settlements in Macungie in a north- 
rly direction to the Lehigh, near Bethlehem. It 

was a mere bridle-path during the lir-t fifteen or 
twenty years, or until the need- of the people de- 
manded its being enlarged and improved to serve asj a 
wagon-road. 

There seems to have been little if any difference 
between the time Saucon and it- northern neighbor, 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Salisbury, were settled, though the latter did not re- 
ceive accessions to its population so Castas the former, 
owing probably to the fact that its lands were largely 
patented in large tracts to men who were not im- 
patient to reali/.r upon the property. In March, 1732, 
John, Thomas, and Richard Penn issued their war- 
rant for the survey of a tract of five thousand acres of 
land for Thomas Penn, his heirs or assigns. Penn 
assigned the warrant to Joseph Turner, and Turner 
to William Allen, the last-named receiving it Sept. 
10, 1736. A portion of the tract surveyed by virtue 
of the warrant lay in Salisbury, and a portion was 
upon the opposite side of the Lehigh. Other exten- 
sive tracts were surveyed along the river, one of them 
of three thousand acres granted the same year to 
Allen, including the site of Allentown, which was 
laid out in 1702. The region was principally settled 
by Germans. A few Moravians settled at what is 
now Emaus in 1747. Salisbury was not settled as a 
township until after Northampton County was organ- 
ized in 1752, but the district extending to Allentown 
in one direction, to Saucon in another, and to Ma- 
eungie in a third came commonly to be called 
"Schmaltzgass," meaning, freely translated, "a fine or 
rich region." 

Gradually the tide of immigration rolled on into 
Whitehall, and then into what is now Washington 
and the back territory. 

Whitehall received quite a large influx of pioneers 
who were of a superior class between 1730 and 1735. 
Among the first was Adam Deshler. In 1733 came 
John Jacob Mickley (a Huguenot, whose name was 
originally spelled Michelet). Then there came the 
Balliets, Troxells, Steckels, Burkhalters, Schreibers, 
Saegers, Schaadts, Keons, Knapps, Guths, and many 
others, among them Lynford Lardner, who built 
about 1740 the house which gave name to the town- 
ship. It was visited by large parties of gentlemen, 
who came up from Philadelphia as the proprietor's 
guests to shoot game. It naturally was called "The 
Hall" by those aristocratic sportsmen, who imitated 
the English country nomenclature. A coat of white- 
wash gave reason for the rest of the name, and when 
the township was organized the name Whitehall was 
chosen to designate it. 

The majority of the early settlers of old Whitehall 
located in that fertile, well-wooded, and well-watered 
.region drained by Coplay Creek, which because of its 
productiveness was called Egypta, or Egypt, a name 
also applied to the church that was organized here 
in the infancy of the settlement. 

In antithesis to this name Egypt is that of Alle- 
mangel, meaning "all is wanting," applied to the west- 
ern part of Lehigh County and a part of Berks ad- 
joining. Many of the early German settlers passed 
over the fine lands in the southern portion of the 
county and along the river to the hilly region of 
Lynn township, an. I of Albany in Berks, because it 
more nearly resembled the land which had been their 



home. They soon discovered their mistake, and in 
sorrow and disgust called the country Allemangel, — 
"all wants," — "there is no water, no richness." The 
people like the soil became poor, and many of them 
went down into " Egypt" after corn. 

Alter a score of years of peace and progress, the 
total population of the territory now comprising 
Lehigh County was in 1752, when it became a part 
of the newly-erected Northampton, about three thou- 
sand souls. These were distributed, according to the 
rude census then taken to ascertain the number of 
inhabitants of the new county, as follows: 

I\Iilf..nl 700 

Upper Saucon ti.Mi 

Macungie 650 

Upperparta of Lehigh County, forming subsequently 
the townships of Lynn. Weisenherg, Heidelberg, Sal- 
isbury, Lowlull, the Whitehalls, Washington, etc 800 

Making in all 2800 

To this number must be added two hundred as the 
approximate population of that part of Allen town- 
ship which is now Hanover, which makes a total of 
three thousand. 1 

The condition of the county in 1773. thirty odd 
years from the time it was first settled, was one ex- 
hibiting great improvement, and yet only a fourth 
part of the lands had been cleared, less than nine 
thousand acres was in grain, and the soil was tilled 
by less than nine hundred farmers. 2 The assessment 
lists for the year exhibit the following figures : 

Cleared Acres in Number of 
Land. 

Upper Milford 7096 

Macungie 6459 

Whitehall 6070 

Upper Saucon 5792 

Lynn 3412 

Heidelberg 2905 

Salisbury .■ 2400 

Weisenberg 21S9 

Lowhill 1131 

Total 37,394 



J rain. 


Farmers 


1283 


156 


2002 


136 


1223 


117 


1028 


84 


860 


118 


904 


101 


672 


48 


562 


78 


435 


48 



CHAPTER II. 

THE INDIAN RAID OF 176::. 
Its Causes — Murders in Whitehall — Action of the Government. 

Slowly receding before the incoming white race, 
there were but few Indians remaining on the lower 
Lehigh after 1740. They had passed away beyond 
the Blue Ridge as a nation, and only here and there 
an individual or family remained in tent or lodge at 
some chosen spot in the ancient hunting-grounds. 
Thus the Chief Kolapechka, called by the whites Cop- 
lav, resided for a long time after the first settlement 
near the head-waters of the stream to which his name 
has been given. He was on very friendly terms with 

1 Northampton County was supposed to have in 1752 a total of six 
thousand population. 

- These statements and the table which follows them do not include 

the township of Hanover. 



THE INDIAN RAID OF 1763. 



the whites, and was frequently employed by the pro- 
vincial officers to carry messages and to act as interpre- 
ter. It is also related that an Indian family occupied 

a wigwam on the farm of Jacob Kohler, remaining 
there until as late as 1742, when the la-t of the I ' la 
wares wire compelled to remove from this region to 
the valley of the Wyoming. 

Still it was a common custom for Indians from the 
north to pass down the valley, and to wander very 
much as they chose through the country when the 
races were at peace. They brought game and peltries 
into the larger towns, and purchased the few articles 
they needed for their forest-life. But after the second 
pronounced outbreak of atrocities they came no more. 

The scattered inhabitants in what is now Lehigh 
County happily escaped the Indians' wrath in 1755, 
when its weapons, the tomahawk and torch, fell so 
murderously and mercilessly upon the settlements in 
Northampton and Carbon Counties, resulting in the 
massacre of the Moravians 1 in the limits of the latter, 
and many murders elsewhere. As to the causes 
which led to these hostilities, the dissatisfaction 
arising from the " Walking Purchase" treaty of 1737, 
which we have briefly described, has by the majority 
of historians been ascribed the greatest influence, but 
it seems also as if the victory of the Indians over 
Braddock a short time previous must have operated 
powerfully as a stimulus to arouse race hatred and 
incite murderous desire. 

The establishment of peace by the treaty of Oct. 
26, 1758, gave a sense of security to the white settlers 
throughout the country, which deepened as time 
elapsed, and no evil deeds were committed until five 
years later, when it was dispelled with a shock. The 
conspiracy of the great and powerful Pontiac, who had 
emissaries among all of the tribes, craftily awaking and 
exciting their slumbering anger and savage desire for 
blood, perhaps had something to do with the outbreak 
here in Lehigh County in 1763. The local offense of 
the whites does not appear to have been sufficient in 
itself to have brought the hatchet down as it fell here. 
Indeed, the Germans who were massacred in White- 
hall, and whose houses were burned, seem to have 
been entirely innocent, and to have treated the 
Indians always with the utmost kindness. The im- 
mediate cause of the butchery was a small sin com- 
mitted by persons with whom the Whitehall settlers 
had no connection, though there were not wanting 
others, outrageous in character, which may be re- 
garded as indirect cause- of the bloody work. 

Concerning these general provocations and the 
murders which followed we have quite minute and 
unquestionabl] correct information from several 
sources.- from which we deduce our narrative. 

bapter of Indian history in the Carbon County depart 
tin - work. 

rincfpal ones sire the printed account hy Joseph J. Jlickley, 
read on the anniversary of the massacre at a family gathering, and an 
article by Rev. Dr. J. H. Dubbs, publisher! in the Ouardlan, 



Beckewelder (in an account which he states in a 
fool note "is authentic") Bays that some friendly 
Indians, who had come to Bethlehem in the summer 
of 1763 to dispose of their peltry, upon returning to 
their distant home -topped at John Stenton's tavern, 3 
eight miles above Bethlehem, where the) were very 
shabbily treated, and upon leaving which in the 
morning they found themselves robbed of some of 
the most valuable article- they had purchased. They 

returned to Bethlehem, and lodging their complaint 

with a magistrate, were given a letter to present to 
the landlord, in which he strongly urged thai the 
Indians' property should be restored. But when they 
delivered the letter, they were told to leave the house, 
if they set any value on their lives. This they did, 
knowing that they had no other alternative. At 
Nescopeck, on the Susquehanna, they fell in with 
some other Delaware Indians, who had been similarly 
treated, one of them having had his rifle -tolen from 
him. The two parties agreed to take revenge in their 
own way for those insults and robberies for which 
they could obtain no redress, "and this they deter- 
mined to do as soon as war should be again declared 
by their nation against the English." 

So much for the incident which seems to have been 
the immediate cause of the Whitehall murders. But 
it appears that there was another occurrence soon 
after this which exercised a more marked influence 
OH the events of the future. Of this Loskiel gives 
the following account: 

"In August, 1763, Zachary and his wife, who had 
left the congregation in Wechquetank, 4 came on a 
visit and did all in their power to disquiet the minds 
of the brethren respecting the intentions of the white 
people.' A woman called Zippora was persuaded to 
follow them. On their return they stayed at the 
Buchkabuchka 6 over night, where Capt. Wetterholt 
lay with a company of soldiers, and went unconcerned 
to -leej) in a hay-loft. But in the night they were 
surprised by the soldiers. Zippora was thrown down 
upon the threshing-floor and killed ; Zachary escaped 
out of the house, but was pursued, and with his wife 
and little child put to the sword, although the mother 
In ggi d lor their live- upon her knees." 

This Capt. Johann Nicholaus Wetterholt, who 
came to this country in 1754, had been commissioned 
a captain in the French and Indian war. He resided 
in 17t)2 in Heidelberg township, Lehigh Co., and his 
name was on the tax-list again in 1764. 1 1 - presence 
at the Gap with a company of soldiers in August, 1763, 



3 In Allen township, Northampton County. 

1 Wechquetanh was .1 place settled by tie- Moravians in Lizard Creek 
Valley, Carbon ' >> 

6 This is one wf the - in which we hit-e tin 

that the Indian mnrdejoi "ti the Lehigh were attributable to the in- 
mditlon of the Indian mind 0*8 con- 

spiracy. 

.me giren by the Delawai ; high Gap. i 

i cording to Heckewehler, "mountains butting opposite each 
other.'' 



8 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



can only be accounted for on the ground that he was 
on his way to or from Fori Allen, in Carbon County, 
where a small force of men bad been retained since 
the close of the Indian war. 

The outrageous act of the soldiers at the Gap was 
very likely brought about by one of ('apt. Wetter- 
holt's lieutenants, Jonathan Dodge, a most bitter 
hater of the Indians and as bloody a scoundrel as the 
country contained, a man who seemed to be possessed 
of a diabolical love of murder, and happiest when be 
could make it most hideous. He was not only hated 
by the Indians, but ultimately execrated by his sol- 
dier associates.' If not responsible for the atrocious 
murders at the < lap he was for many others, and bis 
conduct greatly exasperated the usually peaceable 
Delawares. 

Dodge's despicable acts, which made him trouble- 
some to the soldiers and obnoxious to the people, are 
fully proved by testimony frorn himself and others. 
Concerning a most dastardly attack upon some friendly 
Indians who were on their way from Shamokin to 
Bethlehem. Dodge himself wrote to Timothy Hors- 
field (Aug. 4, 1763) as follows: "Yesterday there 
were four Indians came to Ensign Kerns. 2 ... I 
took four rifles and fourteen deerskins from them, 
weighed them, and there was thirty-one pounds." 
And then he continues that after they left " I took 
twenty men and followed them, . . . then I ordered 
my men to fire, upon which I fired a volley on them. 
. . . Could find none dead or alive." One might judge 
from the frank tone of this letter that Horsfield, the 
commander of the Northampton County military, 
approved of that truly soldierly kind of warfare. 
Jacob Warner, a soldier in Capt. Nicholaus Wetter- 
bolt's company, stated that when he and Dodge were 
searching for a lost gun, about two miles above Fort 
Allen, they saw three Indians painted black. Dodge 
fired upon them and killed one. Warner also fired, 
and thought that he wounded another. The Indians 
had not fired at them. The scalp of the dead Indian 
was taken and sent to Philadelphia. 

1 lodge was charged on the 4th of October with 
striking Peter Franz, a soldier, with a gun and seri- 
ously disabling him, and also with ordering his men 
to lay down their arms if the captain blamed him for 
taking the Indian's scalp. Capt. Wetterbolt wrote to 
Horsfield: " If he (Dodge) is to remain in the com- 
pany not one man will remain. I never had so much 
trouble and uneasiness as I have had these few weeks, 
and if he continues in the service any longer I don't 
purpose to stay any longer." On the 5th of October 
Dodge was put under arrest and sent in charge ol 
Capt. Jacob Wetterbolt to Timothy Horsfield, at 
Bethlehem, but it is probable that he escaped with 
nothing more than a reprimand, for he was with 

l Dodge hi] been sent from Philadelphia by Richard Hockley to 
Lieut. -Col. Timothy Horsfield, with a letter dated July 14, 1763, recom- 
mending liim as " vei v nerrssat \ t\»i tin- ervire." 

- When- WwitJiiiigtioi mm i^ 



Capt. Jacob Wetterholt and bis detachment on their 
way to Fort Allen on October 7th. 

This party under Capt. Jacob Wetterbolt (who was 
a brother of Nicholaus, and a resident of Lynn town- 
ship) arrived and stopped on the night of October 7th 
at the tavern of John Stenton, in the Irish Settle- 
ment, about a mile north of Howertown, in Allen town- 
ship, Northampton Co. Capt. Wetterbolt was a good 
and brave soldier. His courage could perhaps be 
accounted for by his belief that he possessed the 
power of making himself invulnerable (kugelfest), — 
that is, that he could not be killed by a gunshot or 
any blow in battle. He was well aware that the In- 
dians intended when they had opportunity to revenge 
themselves for the wrongs they had suffered at the 
bands of the whites, and he was fully cognizant that 
they had a burning feeling of hatred against this 
tavern and its occupants on account of bad treatment 
received there, and still he selected it as his lodging- 
place for the night, and committed the unsoldierly 
blunder of posting no sentinel. Perhaps his super- 
stitious confidence led to this fatal mistake. 

The night deepened, and as the hours passed stealthy 
foes, as ferocious as wild beasts, as cunning and noise- 
less as serpents, gathered about the fated house. Had 
the Indians prowling in the forests needed any other 
provocation than the memory of the wrongs they had 
received here for falling upon the people of that house, 
it would have been afforded by the knowledge that it 
sheltered the hated Lieut. Dodge. But he and Sten- 
ton and all the inmates of the tavern slumbered on 
undisturbed by any intimation of peril. 

In the early morning of the memorable 8th of 
October, during the gray dawn that precedes the full 
light of day, the door was opened by the servant of 
Capt. Wetterholt. A rifle flashed and the man fell 
dead in the doorway. Capt. Wetterholt and Sergt. 
McGuire were also fired upon and dangerously 
wounded, while John Stenton was shot dead. 

Lieut. Dodge made a terrified appeal for help to 
Timothy Horsfield, sending the following letter (wdiich 
we copy verbatim) : 

"John Stentons, Oct. the 8, 1763 

"Mr. Hosfi eld, Sir, Pray send me help for all my men are killed 
But one and t'aptn. Wetterholt js most Dead, he is shot throngh the 
Body, tor god sake send me help 

" These from me to serve my country and king so long as j live. 

" Send me help or I am a dead man 

"this from Ly n t Dodge 

" Sargt meguire is Bhoi through the hody — 

" Pray send up the Doctor for god sake" 

The news of the disaster reached Bethlehem while 
it was yet early day, and the messenger creating a 
panic as he went, many people flocked to that town 
as the nearest place of safety. As the news spread 
others came in terror-stricken front all the country 
between Bethlehem and the scene of the murders, 
ami also from the Saucon region. 

A few soldiers who were at Bethlehem were sent 
out immediately to bury the dead and bring in the 



MIRDERS IN WHITEHALL. 



wounded. 1 Among the latter was Capt. Wetterholt, 
who died the m-xi morning at the "Crown Inn." 2 
Timothy Horsfield, on receiving the news, informed 
Lieut. Hunsicker al Lower Smithfield, and urged him 
id the utmost vigilance in defeoding the frontiers. 

Five days after the attack at Stenton's the following 
account of il was printed in the Pennsylvania Ga- 
zette, a paper published by Benjamin Franklin, who 
probably wrote this relation from details sent to the 
Governor by Horsfield : 

"On Sunday nighl last an express arrived from 
Northampton Count} with the following melancholy 
account, — viz., that on Saturday morning, the 8th 
inst., the house of John Stenton, about eight miles 

from Bethlehem, was attacked by Indians, as follows : 
Capt. Wetterholt, with a party belonging to Fort 
Allen, being at that house, and intending to set out 
early for the foil, ordered a servant lo get his horse 
ready, who was immediately shot down by the enemy, 
upon which the captain, going to the door, was also 
tired at and mortally wounded ; that then a sergeant 
attempted to cull in the captain and shut the door, 
but he was likewise dangerously wounded; that the 
lieutenant next advanced, when an Indian jumped 
upon the bodies of the two others and' presented a pis- 
tol to his breast, which he put a little aside, and it 
went off over his shoulder, \s hereby he got the Indian 
out of the house and shut the door; that the Indians 
alter this went round to a window, and as Stenton was 
getting out of bed shot him, but not dead, and he. 
breaking out of the house, ran about a mile, when 
he dropped and died ; that his wile and two children 
ran down into the cellar, where they were shot at 
three times, but escaped : that (.'apt. Wetterholt, find- 
ing himself growing very weak, crawled to a window 
and shot an Indian dead, it was thought, as he was 
in the act of setting tire to the house with a match, 
and that upon this the cither Indians carried him 
away with them ami went oil". Capt, Wetterholt died 
soon alter." 

When the Indians had glutted their vengeance as 
far as lay prudently within their power at Stenton's, 
they attacked the inmates of a number of other houses, 
and the hatchet and torch did terrible work. Turn- 
ing toward the Lehigh, the first house they came to 
was that of .lames Allen. This they plundered of 
everything that they coveted, and then destroyed all 
that they eoidd not conveniently carry away. Pro- 

ceeding onward toward the river, they next came to 

Andrew Hazlett's, not hall' a mile from Aliens. 

Ilazlett attempted to tire upon them, but his flint or 
powder was poor, and bis gun would not go off. He 
was shot down by a number of the band, his wife seeing 
him fall and die. She lied with her two children, 

i The detachment 1 "i soldien who perfbn I this duty ws 

command ol Llout. Jonathan Dod i wl ttped the massacre. Hewaa 

■ I iber 1 1 etc for tlii* s'-i 1 1< • 
• Wetterholt, who ";•- sheriff of Lehigh County, and a well- 
known citizen of Allentows, was Ms grandson. 



bin was quickly overtaken by a couple of the fleet- 
footed Indians, who sank their tomahawks in her head. 
Her children were treated in :c similarly barba 
manner, and they were hit lor dead. The woman 
lived, howevi r, for four days, and one of her children 
completely recovered. Another man beside Hazlett 

was in the house, and he too' was killed. Then the 
house was fired, and as th. logs crackled the murder- 
ous baud went whooping and yelling cm toward 
next house, that of Philip Kratzer, where they found 

no victims lor gun Or knife or a\e, the family doubt- 
less having heard the shots at Hazlett's and lied. The 

torch was applied to the humble home, and they then 

passed on to the Lehigh, which thej crossed at a place 

still called ''the Indian Fall," just above Siegfreid's 
Bridge. 

It was subsequently believed that when the Indians 
crossed the river they intended taking vengeance on a 
storekeeper in the neighborhood with whom they had 
quarreled, but they failed to find the way. When 
they crossed in true Indian file, they were seen by 
Ulrich Schowalter, who then lived on the place now- 
owned by Peter Troxcl. He was working at the time 
on the roof of a building which stc,,,.! upon a consid- 
erable elevation of ground, and had a good oppor- 
tunity to see and count the Indians, whom he found 
to number twelve. Probably he was the only person 
who saw the approach of the Indians, for it must be 
borne in mind that the greater portion of the country 
was at that time covered with forest. 

The fierce nature of the savages had been aroused 
but not sateel by the butcheries they had already 
performed on this beautiful autumn morning, and 
they were ready to vent their wild passion on whom- 
ever they found. On reaching the farm of John 
Jacob Mickley, in Whitehall, they came upon three 
of his children, Peter, Henry, and Barbary, running 
about in a field and gathering the chestnuts that the 
frost had dropped from the trees. The eldest of these 
children was eleven years old, the second nine, the 
youngest seven. No doubt they were full of glee in 
their nut-gathering, but their innocent joy and mirth 
was suddenly changed to terror as the dark forms 
burst from the adjacent wood and rushed upon them. 
Little Barbary could run but a few steps when she 
was overtaken and knocked down with a tomahawk. 

Henry ran and reached the fence-, but as he was 
climbing it an Indian threw a tomahawk at his back 
which it is supposed killed him instantly. I'.olh of 

these children were scalped, but the little girl in an 
insensible stale survived for twenty-four hours. The 
oldesi boy, Peter, reached the woods safely, and con- 
cealed himself between two large trees which stood 
i lose together in a little thicket. There he remained 
without making any noise until, hearing screams at a 

neighboring house-, he knew the Indians t'> !>e tl 

and the way open for hi~ escape. Leaping from his 
hiding-place, he- ran with all his might by way of 
Adam Deshler's to his brother, John Jacob Mickley, 



10 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to whom he conveyed the melancholy tidings. 1 The 
members of the Mickley family who were at the house 
escaped attack, it is believed by reason of their own- 
ing u huge anil ferocious dog which bad a particular 
antipathy to Indians. 

Passing by Mickley's house, the Indians came to 
that of Nicholas Marks, whose family seeing them 
coming had made their escape. The house was fired. 
At Sans Schneider's, near by, the household was 
surprised, and father, mother, and three children 
ruthlessly slaughtered. Two daughters who had at- 
tempted to escape were overtaken and scalped, but 
subsequently recovered.- Another daughter was car- 
ried away as a captive, and her fate was never known. 
It was the screams from the terrified people at the 
Schneider house which were heard by the boy, Peter 
Mickley, in his place of hiding. 

Their bloody work being done, the Indians left 
with all possible haste in the direction of the Blue 
Ridge. 

A further account of these murders is afforded by 
a letter from Bethlehem to the Pennsylvania <jnzette t 
dated Oct. 9, 1763: 

"Early this morning came Nicholas Marks, of Whitehall township, 
and brought the following account, viz.: That yesterday just after 
dinner, as he opened his door, he saw an Indian standing about two 
poles from the house, who endeavored to shoot at him ; but Marks shut- 
ting the door immediately, the fellow slipped into a cellar close by the 
house. After this said Marks went out of the house with his wife and 
an apprentice-boy, 8 in order to make their escape, and saw another In- 
dian, who tried also to shoot at th em, but his gun missed fire. They 
then saw the third Indian running through the orchard, upon which 
tiny made the best of their way, about two miles off, to Adam Deshler's 
place, where twenty men in arms were assembled, who went first to the 
house of John Jacob Mickley, where they found a boy and a girl lying 
dead, and the girl sculped. From thence they went to Hans Schnei- 
dei - and said Marks plantations, and found both houses on fire, and a 
horse tied to the bushes. They also found said Schneider, his wife, and 
three children dead in the field, the man and woman scalped; and on 
going fait her they found two others wounded, one of whom was scalped. 
After this they returned with the two wounded girls to Adam Deshler's, 
and saw a woman, Jacob Alleman's wife, with a child tying dead in tin* 
road and scalped. Tin' number of Indians they think was about fifteen 
or twenty. I cannot describe the deplorable condition this poor country 
i-- in ; must id" the inhabitants of Allen's Town and other places are 
fled from their habitations. Many are in Bethlehem and other places 
of tin- Brethren, and others farther down the country. I cannot ascer- 
tain the number killed, but think it exceeds twenty. The people of 
Nazareth and other places belonging to the Brethren have put them- 
selves i t ■ the best posture of defense they can; they keep a strong watch 
. night, and hope by the blessing of God, if they are attacked, t" 
l good stand." 

The house of Adam Deshler, here referred to, is a 
substantial stone structure, still giving unmistakable 
evidence, by its heavy walls and other peculiarities, 
that it was built to serve other purposes than those of 



1 Peter Mickley lived a number of years with his brother from this 
time, and removed to Bucks < ounty, where he died in the yejir 18:17. 

'-' A bill for the relief of these girls was passed by the Assembly in 
which the sum of 141 3s. Sd. was appropriated t<> discharge the 
bills brought against them by the surgeons who dressed their wounds 
and saved their liven. 

3 George Graff, aJVr wards of Allentown, For biographical note see 
chapter on that city. 



an ordinary farm domicile.' 1 This house was built by 
Mr. Deshler in 1760. Adjoining the stone structure 
upon the north was a large frame building, in which 
twenty soldiers might be quartered and a considerable 
quantity of military stores kept. The frame building 
passed into decay early in the present century, and 
was razed to the ground. During the Indian troubles 
this place was a kind of military post, furnished 
gratuitously by Adam Deshler, who was one of the 
most liberal and humane men in the region/ 1 

Many of the settlers in the upper part of the 
county fled to Allentown (then Northampton) for 
safety. The people of that place were poorly pre- 
pared to defend themselves in case of an attack, but 
they did the best thing possible under the circum- 
stances, — that is, they organized a company and sent 
for arms, as will appear from the following letter, 
written two days after the murder, to Governor 
Hamilton. 

" Northampton, 
"the 10th of this instant October, 17'".:;. 
" To the Honorabh- James HumhU town, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Province of Penn-sylvaiiui, N'tvcassel, Cent, and 
Sasoz on Dclawar. 

"As I, Joseph Roth, of Northampton Town, chinch minister, of this 
eighth instant October, as I was a-preaching, the people came in such 
numbers that I was obliged to quit my sarmon, and the same time Cor- 
nel James Bord was in the town, and I, the aforesaid minister, spoke 
with Cornel Bord concerning this affares of the Indians, and we found 
the Inhabitance had neither Guns, Powder nor Lead to defend them- 
selves, and that Cornel Bord had lately spoke with his honour. He had 
informed me that we would assist them with Gons and ammunition, and 
he requested of me to write to your honor, because he was just setting 
off for Lancaster, and the Inhabitance of the Town had not chose their 
officers at the time he set off. So we, the Inhabitance of the said Town, 
hath unanimous chose George Wolf, the bearer hereof, to be the Captain, 
and Abraham Rinker to be the Lieutenant. 

"We whose names are under written promise to obey to this men- 
tioned Captin and Lieutenant, and so we hope will be so good and send 
us 50 Gons, 100 lb. Powder, and 400 lb. Lead, and 150 stans for the 
Gons. 

"Thesefroin your humble servant, remaining under the protection of 
our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ. 

"Jacob Both, Minister, 

"The names of the company of this said Northampton Town : 



" George Wolf, Captin. 
"Abraham Rinker, Liet. 
" Philip Koogler. 
"Peter Miller. 
"Jacob Wolf. 
"Simon Lagundacker. 
"George Nicholas. 
" David Deshler. 
" Martin Froelich. 
'* George Lauer. 
"Daniel Nonnemacher. 
"Peter s< hab. 
" Frederick Schachler. 



Leouard Abel. 
Tobias Dittes. 
Lorenz Hank . 
Simon Brenner. 
John Martin Doerr. 
Peter Roth. 
Franz Kdli-t, 
Jacob Mohr. 
Abraham Savitz. 
John Schreck. 
George S. Schneff. 
Michael Roth rock." 



* The old stone house, which was a place of refuge in troublous In- 
dian times, is in a good state of preservation and still inhabited. It 
stande upon the north bank of Coplay Creek, in Whitehall township, 
upon a farm owned by I>. J. F Deshler, of Allentown. 

5 Facts concerning Adam Deshler ami his family appear in the history 
of Whitehall township. It will be Been by reference to the chapter of 
Indian history in the Carbon County department of this work that 
Deshler furnished large quantities of provisions for the provincial forces 
in 1756, 1757, and 1758. 



LOCAL AFFAIRS DURING T1IM INVOLUTION. 



11 






That the military compan] was nol of very much 
utility upon its organization will appear from an i s- 
trail from one of Col. James Burd's letters to the 
Governor, dated Oct. 17, 1763. He says. " I arrived 
here (Lancaster) <>n Monday night from Northamp- 
ton. I need not trouble your Honor with a relation 
of the misfortune of that county, as .Mr. ETorafield 
told me he would send you an express and inform 
you fully of what had happened, Twill only mention 
that in the town of Northampton (where I was at the 
time) there were only four guns, three of which unfit 
for use, (///</ tin' ■mini/ within four miles m' the place." 
From other sourer- we learn that the one gun in 
good condition was the property of David Deshler. 

Fortunately there proved to he no necessity for the 
company or for guns. The feeling of alarm, however, 
extended much farther than Allentown. Bucks County 
had early sent succor to her northern neighbor, one 
company of mounted men coming into the hostile 
country within twenty-tour hours, and two others 
speedily following. Companies were quickly organ- 
ized in various parts of Northampton County. Louis 
Gordon, of Easton, was captain of one, and Jacob 
Arndt, who had removed from Bucks County, of 
another. 

The Governor was thoroughly alarmed at what he 
supposed to be a general uprising ■■! the Indians, and 
appears even to have been concerned for the safety of 
Philadelphia. On the 15th of October he called the 
attention of the Assembly to the murders in North- 
ampton County in an earnest message, in wdiich he 
urged that immediate attention be given to the sub- 
ject of providing means for the protection of the fron- 
tier settlements. He said, — 



. . . " I have received well-attested accounts of many barbarous and 
shocking murders and other depredations having heen committed by 
Indiansin North I nnty, in consequence whereof great num- 

bers of thoBe « bo escaped the rage nf the enemy have already 

and are daily deserting their habitations ; bo that unless so effectual 

granted them, to induce them to stand their ground, it 
is difficult to say where their desertions will stop or to how small a dis- 
tance from the capita] onr frontier may be reduced. 

" The Provin. i merfl and I have, in consequence ol 

solve of the Assembly of the 6th of July last, done everything in our 
power for the protection of the provin. e pursuant to the trust imposed 
onus; but as our funds are entirety 

arrear becouo-s due to the soldien and others employed 03 th< 
meni for their pay, which we have out in our power to discharge, it 
seems impossible that the forces now on foot can be longer kept to- 
gether without a supply i- Bpeedily granted for that purl 

1 therefore, gentlemen, in the most earnest manner recommend to 

our immediate Consideration the distressed <tate of onr unfortunate 

Continually exposed to the savage 

cruelty of a merciless ■ loony, and request Unit you will i 
session grant such a supply as, with G isristani ma] enable us 

not only t" protect out own people, but o- take ;< Bevere revenge on our 
foes by pursuing them into their own country ; for which 

>t present a noble ardor among our front 

pie which, in my opinion, ought by all means to be cherished and im- 

"... 



included ), to he employed in the most effectual man- 
lier for the defense of this proi ii 

lie inhabitants having become thoroughly aroused 
and watchful, and the government having 
prompl and efficient measures, it was no longer within 
the bounds of practicable possibility tor the Indians 
to invade the territory below the Blue Ridge, hut 
thej continued lor a number of years — in fact, as late 
as 1780 — to commit murders in the country just north 
of the mountains, some of which, having occurred in 
Carbon Countv, are related in this volume. 



CHAPTER III. 



The Assembly acted promptly, passing on t let. 22, 
1763, a provision "that the stun of twenty-four 
thousand pound- he granted to his Majesty for raising, 
paying, and victualling eight hundred men (officers 



LOCAL AFFAIRS DURINc THE REVOLUTION. 

Raising of Troops — Manufactures for the Army at Allentown — Dis- 
tressed Condition of the People. 

WHEN the Revolutionary war opened the people of 
Lehigh, then an integral portion of old Northampton, 
with which its history of that period is inseparably 
merged, had enjoyed more than a decade of peaceful 
and prosperous years, which afforded a happy contrast 
with those intervening between 1755 and L764. The 
farmers, who had so long lived in a state of fear and 
disquietude, had, on the establishment of peace after 
tin' atrocities of 17<>:>, bent all of their energies to the 
improvement of their land ami their homes, giving 
only that modicum of attention to public affairs which 
the interests of the State demand from good citizens. 
But when the inexorable flow of events operating on 
public opinion showed that the crisis of war with the 
mother-country was inevitable, the martial and the 
patriotic spirit of these quiet and usually undemon- 
strative people was awakened, and their thoughts 
were given to the one absorbing topic of the times. 

The feeling that existed in the province is shown 
by the expressions of the convention which was 
held in Philadelphia Jan. 23-^s. 177.,. Follow- 
ing is an extract from the resolutions adopted: 
"But if the humble and loyal petition of said Con- 
gress to his most gracious Majesty should be dis- 
regarded, and the British administration, instead of 
redressing our grievances, should determine by force 
to effect a submission to the late arbitrary acts of the 
British Parliament, in such a situation we hold it our 
indispensable duty to resist such force, ami at every 
hazard to defend the rights and liberties of America." 

Northampton was represented in the convention 
which thus enunciated the independent principles of 
the people by George Taylor, John Oakley, Peter 
Kichline. and Jacob Arndt. 

The war that was to last seven years opened with 

the battle of Lexington upon the 19th of April, l77->, 
and the battle of Bunker Hill was fought on the 17th 
of the following June. Washington was placed at 



L2 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the head <>(' the army. Pennsylvania took prompt 
action toward raising the foul thousand three hun- 
dred men apportioned tit the province, and made 
appropriations for their support. Northampton 
County was as fully aroused as any portion of the 
province, ami quickly organized a company of sol 
dicrs, each man enlisting receiving a bounty of three 
pounds (£8.00). 

This company, of which Thomas Craig was captain, 
was composed almost entirely of Northampton County 
men, and there were many from that portion which 
is now Lehigh. The company formed a portion of 
the Second Pennsylvania Battalion, 1 of which Col. 
Arthur St. Clair (afterward major-general) was the 
commander. 

Following is the roll of Captain Craig's company : 

Captains. 
Craig. Thomas, com. Jan 5, 177'. ; pro. lieut.-col, Sept. 7. 177* i. 
Bunner, Rudolph. 

FCrst Lieutenants. 
Kachleiu, Andrew, com. Jan. >, 1776; disch. June 21, 1776. 
Dunn, Isaac Budd, com. July 4. 1776. 

Second Lieutenants, 

Craij;, John, com. Jan. 5, 1776; pro. Nov. 11, 1776; subsequently capt. 

in Light Dragoons, 4th Cavalry. 
Armstrong, James, com. Nov. 11, 1776. 

"Ensigns. 

Park, Thomas, com. Jan. 5, 1776; disch. June 20, 1776. 
Dull, Abraham, com. Oct. 25, 1776. 

1 The Second Battalion was raised under authority of a resolution of 
Congress dated Dec. 9, 1775. The field-officers of the battalion were 
Col. Arthur St. Clair (afterward a major-general in the Revolutionary 
army), Lieut. -Col. William Allen (promoted from captain in the First 
Battalion), and Maj. Joseph Wood. The adjutant was George Ross. On 
the 16th of February, 1776, the secret committee of Congress was di- 
rected to furnish Col. St. Clair's battalion with arms, and to write to 
him to use t lie utmost diligence in getting his battalion ready, and to 
march the companies as fast as they were ready, one at a time, to 
Canada. On the 13th of March Lieut.-Col. Allen had arrived in New 
York, and embarked some of the companies for Albany, and received 
an order from Gen. Stirling to direct the reBt of the companies to pro- 
ceed to New York, where quarters would be found for them. On the 
12th of April, 1776, live companies of the Second Battalion were at 
Furt Edward, N. Y., on the Upper Hudson River, where they remained 
until the Kith, when they were ordered to Fort George, whence they 
moved northward by way of Lake Champlain into Canada. The other 
companies of the Second came up, and on the 6th of May, Lieut. -Col. 
Allen witli the battalion had passed Descliambault, and was within 
three miles of Quebec, where lie met Gen. Thomas with the army 
retreating from Quebec. On the 7th, at a council of war, at which be 
waa present, it was determined that the army Bhould continue the 
retreat as far as the Sorel. Thomas with the army left Deschambaull 
■ in the 13th, and was at Three Rivera on the 15th with about eighl 
hundred men. On the 20th, Gen. Thomas wae at Sorel, and the same 
day issued an order to Col. Maxwell to abandon Three llivers, which he 

did, and with the rear of the army reached Sorel on the 24th. From 
Sorel, Col. St. Clair's battalion with other troops turned hm-l, ami |>n< 

ceederl to Trois Rivieic.-, on the St. Lawn-nee, where, on Saturday, the 

-Mi of June, a severe battle was fought, resulting in the defeat of the 
American force, Which retreated up the St. Lawrence, and reached 
Sorel mi the 10th. On the 14th the British general, Burgoyne, reached 
that place, the Americana having evacuated it. only a few hours before, 
and moved up the Sorel River to St. John's, at. the foot of Lake Cham- 
plain. From there the retreat was continued to [sle aux Noix, and 
theoco to Crown Point and TIconderoga, which last-named place the 
Second Battalion left, Jan. 21, 1777, and nmved southward to Pennsyl- 
vania, the enlistment of the men having expired. Subsequently many 
of thom enlisted in the Third Regiment of Pennsylvania. 



Sergeants. 
Marshall, Robert, app. Jan. 7, 1776 ; disch. July 13, 177fi. 
Smith, Peter, app. Jan. 15, 1776; pro. Nov. 11, 1776. 
Hoi ii, Abraham, app. Jan. 5, 1776. 
Dull, Abraham, app. Jan. 19, 1 77<- pro. <•> t. 26, 177o. 
Sti'Mi.-c, ' !. i i-i i;in, app. July III, 177ii, 
Carey, John, app. Oct. 25, 1776; disch. Nov. 21, 1776. 
MeMichael, John, app. Nov. 21, 177<i. 

Minor, John, app. Jan. 13, 1776, drummer. 

Gangwer, George, app. Jan. 13, 1776; (iter; reduced Oct. 11, 1776. 
Fuller, Stephen, app. Oct. 11, 1776, Bfer. 
Corporals. 
Shouse, Christian, app. Jan. 15, 1776 ; pro. July L3, 1776. 
Carey, John, app. Jan 5, 1776; pro, Oct 25,1776. 
Byel, Peter, app. Jan. 17, 1776. 
Powelson, Henry, app. Feb. 11, 1776. 
MeMichael, John, app. April 8, 1776; pro. June 21,1776. 

Shearer, Robert, app. April I-, 177'. 
Sweeney, James, app. Nov. 21, 177G. 

Mon, Samuel, app. July 12, 1771'). 

Privat v 

Ackert, John. Kane, George (died Aug. 6, 1776). 

Assui, Anthony. Kims, Michael. 

Byel, Jacob. Labar, Leonard. 

Bowerman, Peter. Labar, Melchior. 

Boyer, John. Man, John. 

Branthuwer, Adam, Man, Lawrence. 

Crane, Josiah. MeMichael, John (pro. April 8, 

Crist, Butler. 1776). 

Cunningham, Alexander. Miller, Christian. 

Daily, Peter. Miller, Matthias. 

Darling, John. Meugas, Conrad. 

Darling, David. Minon, David. 

Davenport. Jacob; Mock, John. 

Davis, Evan (Cookstown, Tyrone Morey, Robert. 

Co., Ireland; enl. Jan. 7, 1776; Mon, Samuel (pro. July 13, 1776). 

missing since battle at Three Nagle, Leonard. 

Rivers, June 8th : paroled Aug. NYy, Samuel. 

9, 1776). Phase, George. 

Davis, John (missing since battle Powels, Jacob. 

at Three Rivers, June 8th). Prang, Stophel. 

Di-li, Daniel. Ramsey, Thomas. 

Dobbs, Th "ina- Rusarch, Conrad. 

Docker, John. Reyley, Daniel. 

Evans, Evan. Richards, Jonathan. 

Fleck, Peter (wounded). Rinker, Abraham. 

Fonlk, Daniel. Rogers, Timothy. 

Freedley, Henry. Shaffer, Thomas. 

Gangwer, George. Shannon, John. 

Crimes, Samuel (missing since the Shearer, Henry. 

battle of Three Rivers, June 8, Shearer, Robert (pro. April 12, 

1776). 1776). 

Groob, Philip. Smith, Peter, 

1 • i ■ onard, Smith, Philip. 

Hind man, John. Standi ey, Peter. 

Hirkie, William. Stinson, David. 

lloolinan, Ludwig, Sterner, George. 

Born, Frederick. Sweeney, James (pro. Nov. 21, 

Hubler, John. 1776). 

Huntsman, George. Thompson, James. 

Jost, Martin. Wilson, Robert. 

Kautsman, Nicholas. Wise, Jacob. 

King, Charles. Yiesly, Felly. 

Winn the news of the Declaration of Independence 
reached Easton it was determined to make a public 
demonstration, which was accordingly done upon the 
8th of July. Capt. Abraham Labar's company pa- 
raded the streets, with fife and drum loudly resound- 
ing and colors flying, and the citizens assembled in 
the court-house to hear their townsman, Robert 
Levers, read the Declaration. 

After the evacuation of Boston by the British under 



RAISING OF TROOPS. 



13 



Howe, in March, 1776, Washington, apprehending 
that New York was the objective-poinl of the enemy, 
moved there with the whole of his army except a small 
force sufficient to garrison Boston. But his entire 
army was lamentably insufficient, and Congress re- 
solved to reinforce the i imander-in-chief with thir- 
teen thousand eight hundred militia, ten thousand of 
whom were to form the " Flying Camp." Of this 

militia the quota of Pennsylvania was six thousand. 
The matter of the quotas of Pennsylvania and of the 

different counties was also considered at the confer- 
ence of the committees of the province, held at Car- 
penters' Hall, Philadelphia, from June 18th to the 
25th, 1776, to which the delegates from Northampton 
County were Robert Levers, Col. Is'eigel Cray, .lohn 
Weitzel, David Deshler, Nicholas Depue, and Ben- 
jamin Depue. At this session of the conference the 
following resolutions were passed concerning the 
organization of the troops : 

" Rtsolvd, unanimously. That this conference do recommend - to the 
committees ami assucialois ' of this provinee to emhody 4500 of the mili- 
tia, which, With the 1500 men now in ttie pay of this province, will be 

the quota of this proriDCe, as required by Congress. 
" Besolved, unanimously, Thai the 4600 militia recommended to ho 

raised he fOl med into six hatl;iliuns, each hattaliuli tu he eonimamied hy 

one colonel, one tieutenant-colonel, one major; the staff to consist of 
a chaplain, a surgeon, an adjutant, a quartermaster, and a surgi 
mate, and to have one surgeon-major, one quarter) ant, a 

drum-major, and a fife-major, and to he composed of nine companies, 
viz. : eight hattalion companies, to consist of a captain, two lieutenants, 
one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, a drummer, a flfer, and sixty- 
six privates each, and one rifle company, to consist of a captain, three 
lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer, one fifer, and 
eighty privates." 

The establishment of a permanent provincial gov- 
ernment, and the holding of a convention for the pur- 
pose of forming the same, were also considered. A 
resolution was passetl providing that all who were en- 
titled to vote for representatives in Assembly should 
be permitted to vote for delegates to the convention 
after taking the test-oath of allegiance (should it he 
required). The judges of election were vested with 
power to administer the oath. Monday, the 8th id' 
July, was appointed as the time for holding the 
election. 

Northampton County was. divided into four election 
districts, as follows : 

The First District. — Easton, William, Lower Sau- 
con, Bethlehem, Forks, Mount Bethel, Plainfield; to 
he held at Easton. 

The Second l>l<tri<-t. — Northampton, Salisbury, l'p 
per Saucon, Upper Milford, Macungie, Weissenberg, 
Lynn, Whitehall, Heidelberg; to be held at Allen's 
Town. 

The Third District— Allen, Moore, Chestnut Hill, 
Towameusing, Penn, Lehigh ; to be held at Peter 
Anthony's. 

The Fourth District. — Hamilton, Lower Smithfield, 



Delaware, I pper Smithfield ; to lie held ;d Nich 

Depue'-. 

It will lie observed thai the whole of the present 
county of Lehigh, except Banover, was included in 
the second district. The jud lection lor this 

district were David Deshler. George Breinig, and 
John ( ierhart. 

The quota of Northampton towards the formation 
of the Flying Camp was three hundred and fortj six, 
of which number, it is said, two hundred came from 
the territory now comprised in Lehigh (though that 
estimate is probably too high). We learn from tin 
Bethlehem Diary that on the 30th of July, 177ti, 
"one hundred and twenty recruits from AUentown 
and vicinity" passed through that [dace on their way 
to the " Flying Camp in the Jerseys." Some ol thest 

iinti joined the c pany of Capt. John Arndt, of 

Baxter's battalion, which early in August joined 
Washington's tinny on Long Island, and participated 

in the battle which ensued there on the 27th of that 
mouth, and which resulted so disastrously to the colo- 
nial troops. The company suffered severely in this 
engagement, and also in that at Fort Washington, 
Nov. 16, 1776. Following is the. roll of the company 
as taken at Elizabethtown the day after the battle : 



Capt. John Arndt. 



Robert si nil 



Elijah Crawford. 



Daniel Lewis. 
John Middagh. 
John McFerren. 
Robert Lyle. 
Jacob Wagner. 
Samuel McCracken. 
Henry Fat/.inger. 
Michael Kehler, 
lleniy Wolf, Jr. 
I s.i .,' Shoemaker. 
Daniel Sehler. 
< brl tian Stout. 
Benjamin Depui. 



2d Lieut. Peter Kichlme. 



Ser;i< 

Philip Arndt. 

Peter Richter. 

Jacob Kichline. 



/ n "ll/rs. 



Alexander S\lh-iiian. 
Henry Onangst 
Adam Yobe. 
James Ferrill. 
l '"in .id Smith. 
George Essfg. 
John Kestler. 
Valentine Vent. 
Michael Diei. 
John Vent. 
James Symonton. 
Miller. 

.Ml. I. ;nl Kress. 



Names and rank of those killed or taken prisoners 
on Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776 : 



SergeunU. 



1 The term "assoclat lopted to designate those who sub. 

scribed to the test-oath of allegiance to the provincial government, as 
prescribed hy resolution of Congress. Those who did not take this oath 
were called " non-aasociators." 



Andrew Ileistn. 

Thomas Sybert. 
Jacob Dufford. 
Bichard Overiield. 

Stout 
.laoili Wenikiii lii 
Martin Derr. 

Fry. 
Matthias Steittingei . 
Henry Hush, Sr. 
Peter Beyer. 



Andrew Keifi i . 

Peter Kern. 
Anthony Frutchy. 
Petet I. rlir. 
Philip Bosh. 
Peter 1 i 
Barnet Miilei . 
Abraham Peter. 
John tin; 



Names and rank of those killed or taken prisoners 
at Fort Washington, Nov. 16, 177(1 : 



14 



HISTORY OF LEFIIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I -i I h tit. Joseph Martin. 
:'.il Lieut Isaac shinier. 



John Wolf. 
Christian Bodt. 

Hyndshaw. 
Jobn ii 

Jacob Andrews. 
John Bnsh. 
Conrad Bittenbender. 
Paul Reiser. 
Jobn Shuck. 
! saac Berlin. 
ETredei ick Kl ai 
Jacob Bngler. 
Lewis Co llins. 
Joseph Keller. 

William Warr 

Fred Wilhelm. 
Henry Wolf.Sr. 



Drummer, John Armlt. 

Fifer, Henry Allshouse. 



Frederics. Wagner. 
Samuel Ooi i <-.\ . 

Ill -III V l'l I / 

Henry BuBh, Jr. 
Ili-m v Straup. 
Isaac Koon. 

Kin Hnrpel. 
.1' 1S1 |li U uiini. 
Henry Weidknecht. 
Jacob Traunfeeter. 
Adam Weidknecht. 
Adam Bortz. 
i teorge Edinger. 
Christian Hai pel. 
Jar, ill Kreider. 
Joseph i ii 



Washington, after the disastrous battle of Harlem 
Heights, retreated across the North River, and the 
army marched rapidly through the State of New 
Jersey by way of Newark, New Brunswick, Prince- 
ton, and Trenton, making none but brief and neces- 
sary halts until Pennsylvania soil was reached. The 
Delaware was then relied upon to check the progress 
of Cornwallis' pursuing forces. The General Hospital 
had been located at Morristown, N. J., but this 
retreat made it necessary to remove it within the con- 
tracted lines of the army. The town of Bethlehem, 
in the estimation of the commander-in-chief, was the 
most advantageous location, being well situated and 
healthful, and far enough removed from the front to 
be practically secure from the enemy. In pursuance 
of Washington's wish, John Warren, general surgeon 
to the Continental Hospital, sent to Bishop Ettwein, 
spiritual and temporal head of the Moravians, the 
following communication : 

"According to his Excellency General Washing- 
ton's order, the General Hospital of the army is 
removed to Bethlehem ; and you will do the greatest 
act of humanity by immediately providing proper 
buildings for its reception." 

The express bearing this notification arrived in 
Bethlehem Dec. 3, 1776, and one of the principal 
buildings was immediately vacated and put in readi- 
ness for the sick and wounded who were expected. 
When the first two hundred and fifty human wrecks 
of war arrived, they were made as comfortable as 
possible under t lie circumstances. They were entirely 
destitute of provisions, and it was three days before 
any arrived. During that time the benevolent Mora- 
vians supplied them with food gratuitously. 

The Moravians at Bethlehem and elsewhere never 
turned a deaf ear to the cries of distressed humanity. 
Their position, as regarded the belligerents in the 
war of the Revolution, was one of strict neutrality, in 
full accordance with their long-established principles, 
but they were suspected in some quarters to be in 
sympathy with the British. One of the men high in 
their councils said, " It is our desire to live at peace 



with all men. We wish well to the country in which 
we dwell. Our declining to exercise in the use of 
arms is no new thing, nor does it proceed from certain 
considerations, being a fundamental principle of the 
Brethren's < 'hurch, — a point of conscience which our 
first settlers brought with them into this province. 
We never have, nor will ever, act inimically to this 
country; we will do nothing against its peace and 
interest, nor oppose any civil rule or regulation in 
the province or country wherein we dwell. On the 
other hand, we will submit ourselves in all things in 
which we can keep a good conscience, and not with- 
draw our shoulders from the common burden." 

Not only were these people under the suspicion of 
many of the settlers in Northampton County, but 
there was a feeling of animosity against them on the 
part of some of the officers and soldiers of the Ameri- 
can army. It was therefore with a feeling of some 
alarm that they saw troops encamped opposite Beth- 
lehem on the night of Dec. 17, 1776. For some 
reason, which does not clearly appear, the division of 
Gen. Lee, then, however, under the command of 
Gen. Sullivan, after crossing tin- Delaware in the 
retreat from Fort Washington, had moved up the 
Lehigh as far as the Moravian town. Gen. Lee had 
been captured at Basken Ridge, N. J., and he had 
been heard to say at the time that if ever he had 
opportunity to do so he should sack the town of Beth- 
lehem, for he believed the Moravian people inimical 
to the American cause, and in some mysterious way 
responsible for his being made a prisoner. If the 
citizens of Bethlehem, however, had any serious fears, 
they were soon dispelled, for Gen. Sullivan showed 
himself to be their friend, and uninfluenced by the 
all too-prevalent hue and cry against them. Gen. 
Gates, too, who happened to be at the town, enter- 
tained a very high regard for the Moravians. 

While the chief centres of operations and of inter- 
est in Northampton County were Bethlehem and 
Easton, Allentown (then called Northampton), al- 
though a comparatively insignificant hamlet of about 
three hundred and fifty population, was a place of 
some importance historically, as we shall show, and 
was frequently mentioned in the official correspond- 
ence of the times.' A considerable number of the 
Hessians taken prisoners by Washington at Trenton, 
on Christmas, 1776, were brought here and kept for 
a time in tents. According to the testimony of an 
old citizen, 2 the camp was in the northern part of 
town, probably where Gordon Street now is. Some 
of these mercenaries settled down here and became 
free citizens, being very willing to give up soldier- 
life when they had opportunity. At a later period 
of the war other prisoners were brought to Allentown, 
and also some of the American soldiers who were 
sick or wounded, to be nursed. In this contingency 



i Pennsylvania Archives. 

- From the Allettloum Fi-iedeusltotc. 



MANUFACTURES FOR THE ARMY AT ALLENTOWN. 



15 



the only church in town was temporarily converted 
into a hospital. 

In the summer of 1777 it appears thai Allentown 
was the centre of operations for the formation of a 
wagon-brigade. John Arndt, Esq., of Easton, writing 
under date of July 9th, to Thomas Wharton, president 
of the Supreme Council, says, "On June 26tb, as many 
of us us could assembled in All ens town, and elected 
Conrad Kreider, of Allen township, wagon-master." 
On July 5th, Kreider reported that there were in the 
county five hundred and fifty wagons. In this same 
year the bells of Chrisl Church, Philadelphia, were 
brought here for concealment 1 when the British took 
possession ol' the city, and the Bethlehem Diary says 
that the wagon conveying them broke down in the 
street at that place. 

The Bethlehem Diary of Feb. 10, 1777, says, "We 
have been informed last week that certain militia in 
the neighborhood of Allentown have expressed threats 
towards Bethlehem and its inhabitants." This threat 
was doubtless made because of the reputed Tory, or 
at least non-resistant, spirit of its people. It was by 
reason of the same feeling on the part of the Ameri- 
cans that they refused to have the laboratory for the 
manufacture of cartridges remain in Bethlehem, and 
removed it to Allentown, Sept. 23, 1777. After this 
removal works wen- also established here for repair- 
ing arms, making saddles, and other articles needed 
by the military. These works, as we shall duly make 
it appear, were quite extensive. One Capt. Stiles 
was in charge of the stores, tools, and arms and 
orders upon him lor various quantities of the differ- 
ent articles in his possession were frequently given to 
officers needing them by Col. Benjamin Flowers and 
others. 

The extreme rigors of the Revolution were felt 
among the workmen at Allentown, as they were by 
the American soldiers and artisans employed in that 
war almost every where. Under date of Feb. 17, 177s, 
John Wetzell, lieutenant at Allentown, wrote to the 
president of tin- Executive Council at Lancaster, 
" My duty demands that I should give news to you 
of a new order received yesterday, viz., in relation 
to shortness of rations issued to military workers ami 
saddlers, the same having created such great unrest 
among the workmen that they concluded to give up 
work. A conversation with David Deshler and Fred. 
Hagener made them more content. The sub-lieuten- 
ants have received many arms to be repaired, and re- 
ceived yesterday lour hundred muskets, and more arc- 
expected daily. The quartermaster writes that he 
wants a large quantity of repaired gun-, because be 
is expecting new militia every day. as well as militia 
of this county, which is to be fully equipped. We 
have decided to allow former rations until we receive 
further instructions. Our department is now in good 
order, and is increased every day, so that I entertain 

1 Rupi>, quoting B. E. Wright, Esq. 



tli'- bop,- to obtain the necessary workmen to finish 

our labor." 

"P.8.— The rations which at pi issued are 

l i ml- of beef, l pounds of bread, also flour and 

vegetables, ' pint of rum or whiskej , wood, Boap, and 

candle-." 

Lieut.-! lom. < 'orneliua Sweers, of Lebanon, writing 
to Wharton. May !, 177*. -ays, "(in investigation of 
the stores at Allentown, ] found certain barrels and 
chests containing -ail-cloth. Since we are in imme- 
diate need of this article. I asked < apt. Stiles for the 
same, which be said could only be surrendered on an 
ord. r of the Council. I Hatter myself that you will 

give thi- order, as Gen. Washington needs the same 

for ordnance wagons, etc." 

The quantity of arms and stores repaired and in 
readiness at Allentown was reported by Sub-Lieut. 
Fred Hagener to Wharton, May 7, 177.S, as follows: 

"800 muskets and be} onets with icabl ■ 
55(i be 
760 It.' rensacka 

4". shot pouches, 

18 powder flasks. 
400 knapsacks. 

75 blankets. 

25 tents. 
140 camp kettles. 

31 rifles (in John Tyler's possession), 

1 muskets (could be ready May 20). 

"These gnn> and arms are in good condition, and we will do our best 
to make others ready and serve our country. 11 

On July 20, 177s. Richard Peters, in the name of 
the War Office, informed the Yiee-1're-ident of Penn- 
sylvania that "the condition of affairs on the borders 
was of the most alarming nature, but that the War 
Office had done everything in its power to serve out 
military stores.'' At that time the State hail at least 
twelve thousand stands of arms at Allentown await- 
ing orders to be issued to the militia. This serves to 
show that Allentown was tit this period extraordina- 
rily active in the cause of liberty. I ts people, and 
those of the surrounding country, were almost without 
exception intense]} patriotic. 

Among the most actively patriotic citizens of the 
county of Northampton were David l>ohler. J of Al- 
lentown, and Capt. John Arndt,' of Easton, both id' 
whom advanced money to the provincial government 
when the public treasury was empty, and that too tit 
a time when the prospect of its being returned was 
not very bright. They both labored with unflagging 
zeal to promote the welfare of the public cause and 
to fill the quota of the county, as required by the 
of Congress and the Provincial Assembly. We have 
already exhibited proof of Deshler's great tnflm 



- lie «as the son of Adam Deshler, of Whitehall, who acted as com- 
mlssary for the Provincial troops in the Indian war beginning in 
bapteron the city of Allenl 
i apt. John Arndt, after passing through the disastrous campaign 
of 1776, returned to Easton, crippled ami broken in health from tin- 
wound lie had received in the battle of Long bland and from the hard- 
ships be bad passed tie i. bstanding, lie declined to ask for 
the pension which the law would have given him. 



10 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in quelling the mutinous feeling which broke out 
among the artisans engaged in the Allentown simps 
for the manufacture of cartridges and the repair of 
arms. Deshler and Arndl were appointed commissa- 
ries, and in that capacity performed most valuable ser- 
vices, which tiny were enabled to do fully as much 
through their wide acquaintance and popularity with 
the farmers as by their business ability. Such in- 
stances were DOt by any mean.-- rare. In fact, the ma- 
jority of the people, sustained by a pure patriotism, did 
all in their power to advance the cause of the colonies. 
Most of the farmers voluntarily came forward and 
sold to the commissaries and their purchasing agents 
their cattle and produce, receiving only the depre- 
ciated Continental currency, when they might have 
transferred them to the British agents for gold. 

But while the majority were loyal, there were of 
course some exceptions to the rule, men in whom the 
mercenary was stronger than the patriotic feeling, and 
who for gain surreptitiously sold their grain and corn 
and live-stock to merchants in Philadelphia and else- 
where engaged in supplying the enemy with provis- 
ions. To prevent the British from purchasing cattle 
or breadstuil's in the province of Pennsylvania the 
Assembly passed an act, Jan. 2, 1778, "to prevent 
forestalling and regrating, and to encourage fair deal- 
ing," the principal object of which was to deter all 
persons from making purchases (especially of cattle) 
from the farmers except those to whom permits were 
granted. One, John Peter Miller, of Macungie town- 
ship, could not resist the temptation of securing British 
gold by evading this law, and was prosecuted under 
it in the Court of Quarter Sessions of Northampton 
County. The entry of the case on the docket was as 
follows: "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs. 
John Peter Miller, of Macungie, For purchasing a 
number of cattle without a permit to do so, contrary 
to an act of the General Assembly to prevent fore- 
stalling and regrating, and a complaint lodged by 
Mich'e) Sbaefer, committee man of Macungy town- 
ship." Miller was brought before Justice Robert 
Levers, Sept. 3, 1779, and was bound over to the. next 
term of the General Quarter Sessions, being admitted 
to bail in the sum of one thousand pounds, one-half 
secured by John Peter Miller, farmer of Upper Mil- 
ford, and two hundred and fifty pounds each by Peter 
Miller, farmer of Macungie, and Peter Fox, tailor of 
the same township. 

The necessities of the American army were often- 
times very great and urgent, and cattle became so 
scarce through the frequent levies made on the whole 
country that most families had to do without meat. 
Tallow was as a matter of course equally scarce, and 
the people in many instances had recourse to a bush 
called the candle-berry-bush to obtain the material 
for candles. The stems and twigs of this bush, cut in 
small fragments, were boiled in a kettle, when a pe- 
culiar wax or grease arose to the surface, which was 
carefully skimmed off, and when a sufficient amount 



was procured, formed into candles by dipping or 
mi ml i ling. The candles were of a delicate green color, 
and gave a pale but clear light. This serves as a fair 
illustration of the expedients to which the people 
were driven to provide the commonest necessities 
An extreme scarcity of salt was a more serious depri- 
vation during Revolutionary times than would at first 
be imagined. It brought from eight to twenty dollars 
per bushel, and oftentimes was not to be had for any 
price. A plant of the fern species was used by many 
families as a substitute, but poorly answered the pur- 
pose, though it made meat and vegetables more savory 
and palatable than they would be without its applica- 
tion. 

The asperity of life during the Revolution in what 
is now Lehigh County, and throughout the whole of 
the great territory of old Northampton, as well as in 
other portions of the province, was very great, and the 
imagination with all of the aids of fact fails to draw 
an adequate picture of it. Added to privation the 
most severe, there was in the latter years of the war 
period the haunting fear that the war-whoop of the 
red allies of the British would be heard in the settle- 
ments, and scenes of savage butchery follow, which 
would be illumined by the lurid glare of burning 
cabins. 

Nor was this fear a groundless one. The confederated 
Six Nations, which had been induced by the English 
to take the war-path against the Americans during 
the year 1777, committed great ravages in the State 
of New York, and in 1778 they determined to make a 
murderous foray into Pennsylvania, with the especial 
object of striking the settlements on the two branches 
of the Susquehanna, which were left in an almost 
defenseless condition through the departure of their 
patriotic men for the army. The Wyoming settle- 
ment was very naturally the object of the English- 
men's especial hatred, because of the devotion its 
people had shown to the cause of liberty; and it was 
easily accessible by the North Branch of the Susque- 
hanna. Late in June there descended that stream, 
under command of Col. John Butler, a force of eleven 
hundred men, four hundred of whom were Tory 
rangers and regular soldiers of Sir John Johnson, 
Royal Greens, with seven hundred Indians, chiefly 
Senecas. Jenkin's fort capitulated, and Winter- 
moot's (which, as was afterwards learned, was built 
to aid the incursions of the Tories) at once opened 
its gates to the invading host. At Wyoming were 
several so-called forts, mere stockades, in no one of 
which was there a cannon or an adequate garrison, the 
arms-bearing men nearly all being absent, as has here- 
tofore been stated. Col. Zebulon Butler, who happened 
lo lie at Wyoming, took command by invitation of the 
people, and the little band, consisting chiefly of old 
men and boys, with a handful of undisciplined militia, 
against whom eleven hundred warriors had marched, 
made as heroic a stand as the world ever saw. On the 
3d of July thev marched out to meet and fight the 



FRIES' UK BULLION. 



17 



enemy, for a safe retreat with their families was 
impossible, and surrender seems never to have been 
thought of. It is beyond our province in this wort 
to describe the uneven battle and the slaughter which 

ensued. Suffice it to say that the brave defenders, 
about lour hundred in number, were defeated by the 
assailing force, outnumbering them by nearly three to 
one. Then followed the horrible massacre, a carni- 
val of murder and torture performed by fiends. But 
who is there who knows not Wyoming? Who that 
does not shudder at the recall of that, name? < If four 
hundred men who went into battle, but sixty escaped 
the fury of the Indian.-. That bloody day made one 
hundred and fifty widows and six hundred orphans 
in the valley. And now the Wyoming Valley is a 
scene of pastoral quiet and loveliness, as if in recom- 
pense for the dark deeds done, the Creator had 
breathed upon the bosom of nature the benison of 
eternal peace. 

The massacre of Wyoming thrilled the world with 
horror. What, then, must have been the feeling of 
those people who had reason to think they might at 
any hour meet with the same fate which had ex- 
tinguished the lives of the four hundred settlers in 
the beautiful valley? The whole bonier was filled 
with the wildest alarm, and a lever of fear took pos- 
session of the people even as far down the country as 
Bethlehem and Easton. Fortunately, no great raid 
southward was undertaken by the Indians, and their 
subsequent atrocities, committed by small bands, were 
confined to the region north of the Blue Ridge, and 
were similar in character to the capture of the Gil- 
bert family and some other occurrences which are re- 
lated in the history of Carbon County. Gen. Sulli- 
van's expedition in 1779 quieted the Indians by 
creating in them a wholesome fear of the military, 
and the effective blows which he struck forever de- 
stroyed tin- Iroquois confederacy. The danger, how- 
ever, was not entirely passed, and two companies of 
rangers were maintained in Northampton County for 
the protection of her people during 1781 and the fol- 
lowing year. One of these was Capt. Philip Shraw- 
der's Pennsylvania Rangers, and the other Capt. Jo- 
hannes Van Etten's Volunteers, a body of veterans 
who had been in the field in 1777. and had fought at 
the Brandywine. 

After 1778 the battle-line was broken, and swept 

away from the Delaware to the north and the south, 
to the highlands around New York and the Carolina 
swamps. The lull of quiet had fallen upon busy 
Bethlehem, which DeKalb had once thought of forti- 
fying. Washington and Lafayette, " Mad Anthony" 
Wayne. Sullivan, and many other heroes of the war, 
John Hancock. Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee, 
Henry Laurens, John Adams, and a host of other 
civil Leaders, who had sojourned at the Moravian 
town, were engaged in their labors as soldiers and 
statesmen in other localities : the drum's wild roll and 
the tramp of armies no more resounded by the Le- 



high, and only the news of the distant battle came 
occasionally to arouse the dwellers in the regi 
winch had been for two years a centre of war planning 

and of war activity. A condition of comparative 
peace had come to the people, a sense of partial se- 
curity, which was made complete at the close of tin- 
war, when, although left in poverty in common with 
the citizens of all the colonies, they enjoyed liberty 
and stood upon the threshold of a greater and truer 
prosperity than lie mosl sanguine had ever imagined 
could be theirs. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Fltrrs REBELLION. 

The Trial of John Fries and his Followei for E I it-aaon. 

The first occurrence of unusual character which 
broke the calm and monotonous current of affairs in 
the region of which we write, after the close of the 
Revolution, was that organized opposition to law 
which has variously been called " Fries' Rebellion," 
the " Milford Rebellion," the " Hot- Water War," and 
the "House-Tax War." This opposition to Federal 
authority reached its height in 1798 and 1799. The 
theatre of its action centring in Milford township, 
Bucks Co., included Bucks, Northampton, ami Mont- 
gomery, and a large proportion of it> scenes were 
enacted in the territory which constitutes Lehigh. 

Shortly after the inauguration of John Adams as 
President of the United States, on March i, 1797, a 
number of acts were passed by Congress, and ap- 
proved by the Executive, which, by many of the people 
of the country, were regarded as obnoxious. Among 
these were the alien and sedition laws, and another 
known as the house-tax law. The latter, which was 
looked upon as especially unjust and burdensome by 
a portion of the people of Eastern Pennsylvania, 
contained a provision directing the assessors to meas- 
ure, count, and register the panes of glass in each and 
every house, and make their number and size tin- 
basis of a direct tax for government revenue. This 
tax led to what we shall hereafter uniformly designate 
as Fries' Rebellion, which was by no means the first 
revolt caused by taxation in the United States. 1 

The insurrectionary movement against the house 
tax of 1798 broke out in Milford township, Rucks 
Co., in the fall of the year. The head and front of it 
was John Fries.- who had as hi- trusty lieutenants 

I Shay's Rebellion, iu Massachusetts, was the first organized opposi- 
tion to Federal law, and was much more serious in its consequences 
than thai which we here have to consider. The Whiskey Insurrection 
in Pennsylvania (chiefly confined to Washington and Fayette Conntlea) 
arose u im taxation in 1794, and was not n easily quelled by any means 
' so-called rebellion. 

s John Fries was born in Hatfield township, Montgomery Co., about 
1750, married Mary Brunner, of White Marsh, at the age of tweuty, 
and five years later remOTed to Milford, Bucks Co., where he built a 
hoti n the land of Jot i ray, at Boggy Creek. At the time of 



18 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



l'r.-.i, ritk Heany and John ( (etman. The opposition 
of Fries and his followers t<> the tax prevented all 
assessments in Milford township, and they were given 
up. The insurrection also extended into Northamp- 
ton County (the region now embraced by its limits, 
and that also within the bounds of Lehigh), where 
the assessors were chased from one township to an- 
other, ami ell'eetually deterred liv the tear of physical 

ill treatment, and even worse consequences, from car- 
rying out the duties for whieh they were elected. It 
is said that the resistants of the tax assembled in 
parties of fifty or sixty, ami that most of them, were 
well armed. Fries usually carried a large horse- 
pistol, and accoutred himself in semi-military style, 
for he had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war, 
and had considerable knowledge of war manoeuvres 
as well as martial spirit. The system of terrorism 
was carried on with a high hand, but at length it re- 
ceived a cheek. One Nichols, who was a marshal of 
Northampton, had the hardihood when he knew that 
Fries was absent, to serve warrants on seventeen of his 
known adherents and take them for imprisonment to 
Bethlehem. Some were released on bail, but several 
were retained in custody. This was about the 1st of 
March, 1799, and it was upon the 6th that the re- 
doubtable 1 ri( s learned what had been done. He at 
once formed a resolution to rescue his adherents from 
the officers of the law. He drew up a strong agree- 
ment, which the members of his baud sigued, pledg- 
ing themselves to stand by the leader until his purpose 
was accomplished. 

On the morning of the 7th they marched to Beth- 
lehem, about one hundred aud forty strong, bearing 
arms of almost every variety, and forming almost as 
motley a throng as an old-time Western company of 
"corn-stalk militia." They were a determined baud, 
however, and they were inspired not alone by fife aud 
drum, but by the words of a man who had in him the 
elements of a leader. They surrounded the "Sun" 
Tavern, where the prisoners were confined, and Fries 
boldly demanded of the marshal that they should be 
released. Alter a slight show of resistance, this 
demand was acceded to, and his object thus being 
accomplished, Fries rode away in exultation, his 
supporters following. This bold act came very near 
costing the leader and some others their lives, for 
news of the open rebellion comiug to the President, 
he sent an armed force to re-establish order in North- 
ampton and Bucks Counties. Several companies 
marched from Lancaster, April 1, 1799, wending their 
way toward the scenes of disturbance by way of 



the outbreak tie lived iti a tog house on a lot that belonged to W illiam 
Edwards, on tbe Sumneytown road, lie had served in the Revolution- 
ary army. " He wan a man of good mind," sa>s Gen. W. II. 11 Davis, in 

his " History of Bucks County, 11 "but had received only the rudiments 
of a Juration, lie talked weU f and possessed a rude eloquence that 

swayed the multitude. His character was good, and he stood well 

among his neighbors. 11. learned the cooper's trade, but followed the 
occupation of a vendue crlei ." lie died about 1320. 



Reading (where also considerable opposition to the 
tax had been manifested). 

Fries had no disposition to meet these soldiers, and 
so went into hiding. About one month, however, 
from the lime he had boldly marched into Bl thleheiu 

and intimidated the marshal and his aids, he was 

captured in a swamp near Bunker Hill, on the farm 
of John Keichline. His hiding-place had been 
betrayed by a little dug called " Whiskey," which 
followed him everywhere. He was completely crest- 
fallen, and unresistingly allowed himself to betaken 
by his captors to that confinement from which he 
should only emerge to stand trial for treason, the 
penalty of which was death. 

On the 15th of May, 1799, Mr. Sitgreaves, of Eas- 
ton, opened the trial on the part of the United States. 
Following are extracts from his speech,' which give 
quite a detailed history of the "rebellion": 

"It will appear, gentlemen, from the testimony whieh will be pre- 
sented to you, that during the tatter months ol the year L798 discords 

prevailed to an enormous extent throughout a large portion of the 

counties of Bucks, Northampton, and Montgomery, ami that consider- 
able difficulties attended the assessors for the direct tax in the execu- 
tion of their duties, — that in several townships associations of the people 
were actually formed in order to prevent the person- charged with the 

execution Of the laws of the United States from performing then duty, 
and more particularly to prevent the assessors from measuring the 
liuuses. This opposition was made at many public township meetings 
called tor the purpose. In many instances resolutions in writing Were 
entered into, solemnly forewarning the officers, ami many times accom- 
panied by threats. Not only so, but discontents prevailed to such a height 
that even the friends of the government were completely suppressed by 
menaces against any who should assist those officers in their duty; 
repeated declarations were made, both at public a-s well as private meet- 
ings, that if any persou should be arrested by the civil authority, such 
arrest would be followed by the rising of the people, in opposition to 
that authority, for the purpose of rescuing such prisoners ; indefatigable 
pains were taken by those charged with the execution of the laws to 
calm the fears and remove the misapprehensions of the infatuated 
people; for this purpose they read ami explained the law to them, and 
informed them that they were misled into the idea that the law was 
not actually in force, for that it actually was ; at the same time warning 
them of the consequences which would How from opposition ; and this 
was accompanied by promises that even their most capricious wishes 
would he gratified ou their obedience. The favor was in many instances 
granted, that where any opposition was made to any certain person 
executing tbe office of assessor, another should be substituted Iti 
some townships proposals were made foi people to choose for themselves; 
hut notwithstanding this accommodating offer the opposition continued. 
Tho consequences were actual opposition and resistance ; in some parts 

violence w .is act ii. illy used, and the assessors were taken and imprisoned 
by armed parties, and in other parties mobs assembled to compel them 
either to deliver up their papers or to resign their commissions ; that in 

s, instances they were threatened with bodily harm, so that in those 

parts the obnoxious law remained unexecuted in I sequence. The 

state of insurrection and rebellion had arisen to such a height it 
became necessary to compel the execution of the laws, and warrants 
were in consequence issued against certain persons and served upon 
them ; in some instances during the execution of that duty the marshal 
met with insult and almost with violence; having, however, got nearly 
the whole of the warrants served, he appointed headquarters for those 
prisoners in rendezvous at Bethlehem, where some of them were to 
enter hail foi their appearance in the city and others were to come to 
the city in custody for trial. 

" On the day Ihu6 appointed for the prisoners to meet, and when a num- 
ber of them had actually assembled agreeably to appointment, a number 
of parties in arms, both horBe and foot, more than a hundred men, ac- 
coutred with all their military apparatus, commanded in some in.-tauces 



1 It was reported in Bhort-hand and published at Philadelphia in 1800. 



FRIES' REBELLION. 



19 



bj their propei offlcei i,inan bed to Betblehdm t collected before the house 

in whlcb were the marshal and prisoners, wb b ; to be 

delivered up to them, and In c m rofusa] they proceeded t" 

act vnv little snort of aotaal hostility . so thai the marshal deei i It 

prndent to accede to their demands, and the prisoners were liberated. 

"This, gentlemen, ii the history of the insurrection. 1 (ball now 
state i" yon the pari which the unfortunate prisoner ;>t the bar 
took in those hostile transaction! Tl sd Inhabitant of 

I ower Mil ford, Bucks ('.unity. Some time In February last ■> | 
meeting was held .11 the house ol one John Kline, in that township to 
li«i iiiir. huu-e i.i\ ; ;it that meeting cei I I ma were en- 

I 1 1 1. 1 and a paper nig i we have i to trace this paper 

so a« t" i lace Si to th irtand jury, but hare railed). Tin- paper 

wai signed by flfty-two pertoi committed to the bands of oneof 

their number. John Pries was present at tins meeting, and assisted in 
drawing up tne paper, at which time lii> expressions against thi 

were extremely violent, and he threatened to b! t oneof the assessors, 

Mr. Fun Ik-', through thi Ii oceeded to assess thehi uses; again 

the prisoner ata vendue threatened another of th< a tee ore, Mr. S. Clark) 

t 111* t it" In- Ut trill |it i'.| to ^ti mi with I hi' ;i -i'--iiiriit, In- -h-ul'l 1"' ruin 

mitted to an old stable and there fed ou rotten corn I < essor in 

Lower Milford wan Intimidated so bj to decline 

ami the principal assessors, together with three other assessors, were 

iilih-nl to -.. ini.i tli.il td\vn>hi]> I.. rwute the law. A t the liutise of 

Mr, Ji >b ii'-- on the 6th of March, Mj Chapman, the assessor, met 
with the prisoner, who declared his determination not to submit, but to 
oppose ih-- Ian , and said that by next morning he could raise seven hun- 

ilit-il turn in opposition to it. 

"On the morning of the next day twenty or more of them mel at the 
house of Conrad Marks in arms. John Fries waa armed with a sword 
and bad a feather En his hat. On the road, as Miry went forward, they 
were mel by young Marks, who told them they might as well turn 
about, foi the Northampton people wen to do the busi- 

ness without those from Bucks County, Borne were so inclined to do, 
but at the Instance of Fries and some others they did go forward, and 
actually proceeded to Bethlehem. Before the arrival of tin .-e r roups, » 
party going on the same business had stopped at the I rid ■ ■■ near Beth- 
lehem, where they were met by a deputation from the marshal, to 
advise them to return home; they agreed to halt there, and send three 
of their number to declare to the marshal their demand During this 
period Pries and his party came up, but ii appears when they came 
Fries took the part] actuall} over the bridge, and he arranged the toll 
ami ordered them to proceed, With respect to the proof of the proceed- 
ings ;it Bethlehem it cannot be mistaken; he was the leading man, and 
he appeared to i ajoj the command. With the consent of his people he 
demanded the prisoners of the marshal, and \* hen that officer told him 
that be conhl not aurrender them, except they wet e taken from him by 
force, and i ■ warrant for taking them, the prisoner then 

harangued his party of the house, and explained to them the necessity 
"' ii "'i that yi ii should not mistake ins design we will 

to you that he declared that was the third day which he had been 
out on tb Is expedition ; thai be bad had a skirmish the .lay before, and if 
the prisoners were not released he should have another t"-day. * Now 

yon observe, 1 resumed he, * that f^n-i- U i ssary, hut yon must obey my 

orders. VVe will not go without taking the prieouors. But take my 
orders: you must not fire first; you must be first fired upon, ami when 
I am none ymi must do as well as you ran. as I expect to he the first 

man who falls.' I!« further declared to the marshal thai they would 
fire till a cloud ol smoke prevented them from leefng i ich other and 
executing the office "f command of the troops, which at that time over- 

■I the marshal and his attendants ; he haran _■ m ■■! i :,-■ 
his orders, Which they did. The marshal was really intimidated to lib- 
erate the prisoners, and then the object was accomplished, and the pai t> 
dispersed amid tin- bnzzas of the Insurgents. After tin- affair at Beth- 
lehem, the prisonei frequently avowed in- opposition to the law, and 

justified that outrage; and when a meeting was afterwards held at 
Lower Milford to chouse assessors the prisoner refused his assent, and 
ever." 

Most of ilic foregoing charge* were proved with a 
variety of other details, and John Fries was convicted 
of the crime of hijrh treason and sentenced to death. 
A new trial was granted, of which the resull waa pre- 

Cisel) the same; but the prisoner was pardoned hy 
President Adams. Upon his release Fries returned to 



his home and resumed the occupation of vendue crier, 
which he had Long followed. He had no Ion 

6i violent rebellion, and his remaining years 
wt re passed in a quiet and law-abiding manner. He 
died ahoiit 1820, having passed the allotted a 

threescore and ten. 

His lieu! i nants, Heanj and < let man, were also tried 
ami convicted of the crime of high treason, but □ 
of them received sentence of death. About thirty 
Others w ho were implicated in the rebellion were tried, 
and most of them convicted and punished by the im- 
position of lines or short terms of imprisonment. 

Among the disaffected who had been taken pri 

by the marshal and rescued by the tnsu 

one Jacob Eyerman, a ( rerinan preacher, who had not 

long been in this: country. He seems to have exerted 

nearly as great an influence as Fries in stirring up the 

people in Bucks County. Winn he was tried. 

the assessors testified that while he was on the round 

of his duty iii Chestnut Hill township, Eyerman 

" came in and heiran to rip out in a violent manner 
against this taxation, saying that Congress had made 
laws which were unjust, and that the people need not 
take up with them; if they did, all kinds of laws 
would follow ; but ii* they would not put up with this, 
the\ need not with those that would come after, be- 
cause it was a free country; hut in case the people 
admitted of those laws, they would certainly be put 
under great burdens/' He said also that " Congress 
and the government only made such laws to rob the 
people, and that they were nothing but a parcel of 
damned rogues, or 'spitz bube' (highwaymen or 
thieves)." 

Eyerman, who had fled to New York State after the 
rescue, was followed and brought back, and the trial in 
which the foregoing evidence was elicited was held 
before William Henry, of Nazareth. He was sen- 
tenced to be imprisoned one year, pay fifty dollars 
fine, and give security for hi- good behavior for one 
year after release from confinement. 

(t All the German population of Northampton 
County." says a good authority, 1 " were more or less 
affected by the spirit of opposition to the house tax.'' 
In Weisenberg township the opponents of the law are 

said to have prepared a house as a place of defense 
against the troop.-, mid to have stored within it quite 
a large quantity of arms and ammunition. 

Fries' Rebellion has been attributed by some writers 9 
to the overbearing disposition and conduct of .Jacob 
Eyerly, who had been appointed by the President to 
collect the direct taxes in Northampton County. (He 

was charged, too, with having deserted the Republican 

or Democratic party, which had elected him to the 
State Legislature in L796, and going over to the Fed- 
eralists.) The Aurora, & Democratic paper published 
in Philadelphia, was the original authority for this 



1 U .8. Henry ia native of Northampton County , En his History of the 

Lehigh Valley. 

2 Notably by Professor Kbeling, in hie Hiatory ol Pennsylvania. 



20 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



view of the matter. That journal affected to regard 
the whole affair as one of insignificant interesl and 
importance, and (warranted by an incident) called it 
the "Hot-Water War." ' 

A disparaging account of the operations of the mil- 
itary, presumably from the Aurora, ox at least based 
upon an article in that paper, is as follows : 

" In some partfl of the counties named (Berks, Bucks, and Northamp- 
ton), in demonstration <>f their opposition to government, they erected 
liberty-poles. To quell the insurrection troops, in obedience to Adams' 
instruction, were raised in Lancaster County. Several companies 
marched from Lancaster April 1, 1799, wending their front toward the 
arena of dispute by waj of Reading, where Capt. Montgomery's troop of 
light-horse arrived on the evening of the 1st of April. Their first act 
to display their prowess and gallantry was to go clandestinely to the 
house of Jacob GoBin, who, in the spirit of the times, had erected a j 
liberty-pole on his own premises, which they cut without meeting with 
any resistance, 

"To give undoubted proof of their daring bravery, they brandished 
their damascene weapons, drew pistols to show that they were armed, 
in the house of the inoffensive father, whose minor children wore 
scared 'half to death' at the martial manoeuvres of the Lancaster 
troops. 

" To let no time slip, and while they were undauuted, they proceeded 
from Gosin's to the house of John Strohecker, whither their eagle eyes 
were drawn by a recently-erected liberty-pole, tipped with a rag ' flop- 
ping in the breeze.' This pole, to show the independence of some 
sturdy urchins, had been erected by some children, in which Stro- 
hecker's were ringleaders. To deter these youug heroes, the soldiers 
took down the pole, stripped it of its insignia, entered the house, where 
they f>.u ml the little wights, and, as they did at Gosin's, so did they here: 
brandished weapODB of war, presented pistols and swords to the youthful 
company, to the no small alarm of both parents and children. 

**To consummate their martial plans and designs they molested the 
house of Jacob Epler, and maltreated him unprovokedly. Like bravos 
ever merit, these merited the contempt of all reflecting persons, ren- 
dering themselves obnoxious to the orderly and well-disposed among all 
classes. 

"Satisfied of having rendered their country some service, the troop 
next morning started for Northampton to fully execute the Bpecific 
purpose of their mission (the capture of Fries). This done, they again 
returned by way of Heading, where they entered the office of the Adler 
(Eagle), a paper edited and printed by Jacob Schneider, whom they 
rudely denuded by violently tearing his clothes from his body, in a some- 
what inclement season, and by force of arms dragged him before the com- 
manding captain, who peremptorily ordered the editor, for writing and 
printing some offensive articles, to be whipped. ' Twenty-five lashes,' 
said he, ' shall be well laid on bis denuded back, in the market-house/ 
which order, however, was not executed because of the timely and 
manly interposition of some gentlemen of Capt. Leiper's company of 
Philadelphia. A tew lashes, however, had been inflicted before these 
men had time fully to interpose. These were laid on by one accustomed 
to beat when little restetani is to be dreaded: he was a drummer. 

" Col. Epler, it appears, had by this time erected, by the assistance of 
his neighbors, a liberty-pole io place of the pole erected by his children. 
Thither tiie soldiers resorted, w here they attempted to compel a common 
laborn to i nt down the ' offending wood,' notwithstanding that he pro- 
tested against doing so at the same time on most solemn asseverations, 
declaring he was also a Federalist (' Ich bin auch ein Federal ihi liebe 
Leut : das bin. J" ich audi ein FcderaV). 

"They succeeded in divesting the pole, and with it appended as a 
trophy, they rode, vociferating as they went, through the streets of 
Reading to their place of quarters. In a few days they left, but on the 
24th of April an army under the command of Ilrig.-Gen. McPhersOU 
arrived at Reading, apprehending some of the insurrectionists, who 
were afterwards tried." . . . 

And so ended Fries' Rebellion. It was one of 
those lesser disorders to which all governments are 



subject, and it might have become a dangerous dis- 
ease in the body politic had not the effective means 
been resorted to for its eradication which was ridi- 
culed in the foregoing extracts. 



1 Says the Aurora, " A person was in the act of measuring the windows 
of a house when a woman poured a shower of hot water on his head." 



CHAPTER V. 

WAR OF 1812-14. 
Rosters of Lehigh County Companies at Marcus Hook and Elsewhere. 

While the State of Pennsylvania was at no time 
invaded by hostile forces during the second war with 
Great Britain, her people exhibited a sturdy patriot- 
ism, and her soldiers went forward to the field with a 
spontaneousness and alacrity which was commend- 
able, and entirely natural to the sons of sires who 
had fought in the Revolution. When the metropolis 
of the State was threatened, there was an out- 
pouring of the militia and other military elements 
such as had up to that time been unequaled, and has 
only since been exceeded by the grand muster for 
the war against secession. In this rally to arms 
Lehigh County was not behind the other divisions of 
the State. 

It was supposed that the enemy's movement up the 
Chesapeake was planned for the assault of Philadel- 
phia, but it proved that the objective-point of the 
British was the national capital, instead of Pennsyl- 
vania's principal city and port. 

President Madison issued July 14, 181 I. bis call for 
ninety-three thousand five hundred militia, of which 
number the quota of Pennsylvania was fourteen thou- 
sand. In pursuance of this general call, Governor 
Snyder, of Pennsylvania, on the 22d of July, sent 
out general orders to the militia of the State to 
organize and march against the' enemy. The news- 
papers of Allentown, the M-iedenebote and the Re- 
publikaner, published the order August 4th. Ten 
days later, Capt. Abraham Rinker, of the Allentown 
Rifles, and Capt. John F. Ruhe, of the Northampton 
Blues, called their companies together for the purpose 
of mustering them for service. On the same day the 
martial spirit of the community was stirred by the 
sight of one hundred regulars, under Capt. Schell, 
marching through the seat of justice of the new 
county on their way to New York State from Read- 
ing. On the Monday following the people heard 
with sorrow and indignation that the national capital 
was in possession of the enemy. 

On Tuesday, the 6th of September, the light infantry 
company of Capt. John F. Ruhe and the riflemen 
under Capt. Abraham Rinker went voluntarily to 
Philadelphia in response to the call from the Gov- 
ernor to protect the sea-coast. Capt. Peter Ruch's 
cavalry troop, raised in Whitehall, also rode out a few 
days later for, the same destination. Besides these 



WAK OF 1812-14. 



21 



there were the companies of Capt. Joseph Wilt and 
John Domblaser, the former raised principally in 
Upper Mil ford, and the latter consisting of militia- 
men from Lehigh, Northampton, and Pike Coun- 
ties. 

On September 9th the companies of Capts. Ruhe, 
Riukei, Dinkey, and Ruch went into camp at Bush 
Hill, near Philadelphia. Altogether there wire about 
one thousand men in this camp, includ i al com- 

panies not here mentioned. After the lapse of several 
weeks they were ordered to Marcus Hook, where they 
remained until November 30th, when orders were re- 
ceived for breaking camp, and the troops marched 
home without having been in any engagement. 
While they won no especial glory, they showed their 
willingness to meet the enemy, and fully expected to 
when they were mustered and went forward to the 
Delaware. 

The company of ('apt. Ruhe arrived at Allentown, 
Monday, December 5th, and on the Sunday follow- 
ing attended divine worship at the Lutheran Church 
in full uniform. Other soldiers from Lehigh County 
who had been in winter-quarters at Chester returned 
soon afterward. 

The news of Jackson's victory at New Orleans, Jan. 
8, 1815, was received at Allentown February 28th. 
It was celebrated by the firing of cannon, illumina- 
tions, blazing bonfires, and the marching of a torch- 
light procession, headed by " Eim herrliche bande 
mxtiik" from Bethlehem, and thus an extraordinary 
air of festivity and rejoicing was given to the whole 
proceeding. . 

It is not possible to give the names of all the Le- 
high County soldiers who obeyed the call of the 
Governor in the war of 1812-14, but the majority of 
them are included in the following rosters, for the 
most part derived from official sources. 

ROLL OF CAPT. JOHN F. RUHE'S COMPANY. 

A completo muster-roll of the Fifth (Capt. Rune's) Company of the 
Secoud Regiment Volunteer Light Infantry, under the command of Col. 
Louis Cache, under the order of the commander-in-chief of the com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania of 27th August, 1S14, and attached to the 
First Brigade, Second Division, Pennsylvania Militia. 





Captain. 


Ruhe, John F. 






First Lieutenant. 


Blumer, Jacob. 






Ensign. 


Fatzinger, Solomon. 






Sergeants. 


Miller, "William. 


Kauffman, George. 


Dobbins, William. 


Gangwere, Isaac. 




Co>-poraU. 


Mohr, John. 


Swander, Daniel. 


Gangwere, Andrew. 


Miller, John. 




Drummer. 


Ketper, George. 






Fi/f>: 


Klut/, John. 





Private*. 

Mickli 

B 

11 , Samuel, 

Keiper, Daniel. 
Dei i , &brabam. 

itr, Barthold. 
K lotz, Andrew. 
Mohr, ] 

Keichline, William. 
Houck, Jacob. 
Spinner, 'i^orge. 
Hutter, ■ lhai lee I 
Gosaler, Jacob. 
Wilson, John. 

Wea\ : 

Sen ry . 
Wagner, John. 
Ginkingt-r, William. 
Beep, John. 

i. ■ | ; 

Camp Mabcub Boos, November 29, 1814. 
I do hereby certify, upon honor, that the above is a jual and true 

muster-roll of Capt. Ittihe's company. 

Jac.!. Bli 

!'i>&t Lieutenant. 
Louis Bache, 
Colonel First Regiment P. V. I. 

ROLL OF CAPT. ABRAHAM GANGWERE'S COMPANY. 

Pay-roll of the First Company of riflemen, commanded by Capt Abra- 
ham Gangwere, attached to the First Brigade, Second Division, Pennsyl- 
vania Militia, in the service of the United States, under the command 
of Brig.-Geu. H. Spering, Maj.-Gen. Sbitz commanding. 



imin, 
. John, 
Selp, < Ihristian. 
Keichline, Peter. 
i I , Leonard, 
Weaver, William. 

John. 
Bom tc, David. 
Btattler, Henry. 
Bbnei . 1 1 ■■ 
Gudekunst, Adam. 
Buber, Dai id 
Keiper, William. 
Ruhe, Charles A. 
Sertz i;<*orge. 
Swenk, Mathias. 
Baverai her, George. 

Peter. 
Seip, Jacob. 
Good, John. 



Gangwere, Abraham. 

Moyer, Daniel. 

Newhart, Jacob. 

Stein, Jacob. 

Keller, Adam. 

Dull, John. 
Minor, Pitkin. 
Quear, Daniel. 

Keiper, Abraham. 
Long. Joseph. 

Keiper, Jacob. 



Poj ei | John. 
Daniel, Daniel C. 
Rose, Joseph. 
Swenk, Jacob. 
Fraiu, John. 
Keilt, Daniel. 
Moy*'r, Nicholas. 
Eeider, Joseph, 
Rhoads, Daniel. 
Brobst, Solomon. 
Ott, Jacob. 
Moj 'i, Abraham. 
Rhoads, John. 
Yundt, James. 
Litzfnberger, George. 
Shoemaker, Benjamin. 



Captain 

First Lie/'t' nanf. 
Second Lieutenant. 
Third Li 

Ensign. 
Sergeants. 



Beidlemen, Abraham. 

Quear, Jacob. 



Cbrporob. 



Bickle, Daniel. 
Nagel, Joseph. 

Quear, Daniel. 



Kuntz, Philip. 
Hilman, Daniel. 
Ilany, Charles. 
Kiukiuger, James. 
Hoffman, Peter. 
Brobst, Henry, 
Haitman, Henry. 
Amhiser, Henry. 
Fisher, George. 
Floats, George. 
Good, Henry. 
Kentz, George. 
Long, .l.i 
Kline, Mathias. 
K am merer, Henry. 
Loudenslager, Peter. 



1 Jacob Mickley is the only one of this company now living. He re- 
sides in Whitehall. 



22 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I roudi nslager, John. 


Snider, Henry. 


Doll Charles. 


Lower, Michael. 


Foght, Golllb. 


Mlnich, Peter. 


Kloeckner, Solomon. 


Bwander, 11 013 


11 1 1 1 1 r j . | ; | . 


Herner, George. 


Wluirinaii. John. 


Fetzer, Daniel. 


< . ■ r,--u ,i e, ] 1 


Rice, Henry. 


it, Hichael. 


Shaffer, George. 


Habenstine, Dai Id, 


Seip, Peter. 


Nunemacker, Henry. 


Billig, John. 


Acker, Henry, 


Breder, Qeoi 


Keck, Dai i'l 


I chi obach, Daniel. 


Beah, 1 ! 


Ebenrider, Peter. 


Lehr, Uichael, 


Bortz, George. 


Sliivry, Jacob. 


Trexler, Israel. 


Lehr, Adam. 


Kewhard, Frederick. 


Deal, Jobn. 


Koch, Jacob, 


Mensch, Adam. 


Steinberger, Jacob. 


Shrivcr, William. 


Caldwell, John. 


Hartzel, Andrew, 


Spauglcr, Jones. 


John. 


Erich, Jacob. 


Diffenderfer, Jonathan. 


Sharrer, Adam. 


Woodring, Gabi [el, 


Fatzinger, Henry. 


Deily, Jacob. 


Bachnian, .hunt!. 


1 i, Mtcbael. 


Keifer, Elias. 


Yost, Nathaniel. 


Rou, or Ban, John (quit the com- 


Flexer, John. 


Erhard, John. 


Wliiteman, Jacob. 


pany Sept. 23, 1814) 


Beichenbacb, Jacob. 


Hower, Jacob. 


Moritz, George. 


Klotz, Peter (quit the company 


Ilinnor, Jacob. 


Herwig, Henry. 


Hantzel, Solomon. 


Sept. 23, 1814). 


Drmkemiller, Michael. 


Ott, Jonathan. 


Gordon, Jacob. 


Ealer, John. 


Miller, John. 


Flower, John. 


I [oi tocher, George. 


Mansch, Peter. 


Nferfer, John. 


Snider, John. 


Good, Adam. 


Frantz, Henry. 


Frack, Jacob. 


Mushlitz, Jacob. 


Kunckel, Lewis. 


Moll, Peter. 


Nagel, Jai ob. 


Poe, Michael. 


Beidelman, Jacob. 


Coock, Peter (enlisted in the army 


Sbant/., John. 


Senile, Michael. 


Hicker, Adam. 


of the United States Oct. 2,1814). 


Miller, John, Jr. 


Lehr, George. 


We do certify that the wi 


bin list is a true statement, on honor, this 


Guishlcr, Jobn. 


! Nagel, Philip. 


13th day of November, 1814 




Kineholt, Cornealius. 


Rau, Conrod. 




Abraham Bxnkrr, Captain 


Hill, George. 


Weil, Conrod. 




Thomas Humphrey, 


Slotifer, William. 


Luckenbach, Abraham. 




Colonel First R. P. V. R. 


Frymon, Michael. 


Hillegas, Jacob. 






Rider, Frederick. 


Shontz, Jacob. 


CAPT. PETER RUCH'S LIGHT-HORSE. 


Rowimlt, .Solomon. 


Shontz, Henry. 


This company was formed almost entirely in the 


Kuntz, Peter. 
Highleageor, Adam. 


Heller, Jeremiah. 
Wetsel, George. 


territory now embrat 


ed in Whitehall and North and 


Rish, Henry. 


Good, Solomon. 


South Whitehall tow- 


nships, and went to Philadelphia 


Heller, Frederick. 




about the same tim 


e as the other Lehigh County 


The above statement commences from the 23d day of September, 1814, 


troops, subsequently 


going into camp at Red Bank, 


to the 31st day of October, 


1814, making one month and eight days 


N. J. The muster-roll has not been preserved, and 


complete. 

I certify, upon honor, that this muster-roll exhibits a true statement 


we are able to give only a partial list of names of those 


of the number of men in my company, attached to One Hundred and 


who were members of this cavalry organization : 


Eighteenth Regiment, First 
Militia, in the service of the 


Brigade, Seventh Division, Pennsylvania 
United States. 


Peter Ruch. 


Captain. 




Abraham Gangwere, 




First Lieutenant. 




Captniti. 


William Boas. 




I believe the above to be correct. 




Privates. 




Christopher J. Hutter, 


Peter Good. 


Michael Frack. 




Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding. 


James Seagua. 


John Swartz. 


I certify that the company 


commanded by Capt. Abraham Gangwere 


Peter Troxell. 


Jacob Schreiver. 


is now in the service of the 


United States, under order of Brig.-Geu. 


Solomon Steckel. 


Daniel Leisenring. 


H. Spearing, commandant militia district. 


John Deichman. 


Peter Leisenring. 




Thomas J. Rogers, 


Peter Burkholter. 






Brigade Major. 


ROLL OF CAPT. JOHN DORNBLASER S COMPANY.! 


Marcus Hook Camp, Oct. 


23, 1814. 










Muster-roll of Capt. John 


Dornblaser's company, belonging to a de- 


ROLL OF CAPT. ABRAHAM RINKER'S COMPANY. 


tadinient of Northampton, Lehigh, and Pike County militia, commanded 




Camp Dupont, Nov. 13, 1814. 


by Lieut.-Col. Christopher J 


Hutter. 


A true list of Capt. Abraham Rinker's company of the Eighteenth 


Dornblaser, John. 


Captain. 


Section of Riflemen, commanded by Col. Thomas Humphrey. 


First Lieutenant. 




Sergeants. 


Bush, John V. 




Knouse, Peter. 


Marck, Jacob. 




Second Lieutenant. 


Lehr, Peter. 


Strouse, John, 


Winters, John. 








Third Lieutenant. 




Corporals. 


Fenner, Frederic (elected 10th October, 1814). 


Shiffert, John. 


Stoer, or Starr, Conrad. 






Nunemacker, George. 


Keck, John. 


Smith. David. 


Ensign. 




Musician, 




Sergeants. 


Wotring, Ferdinand. 




Morrison, John W. 


Hartzell, Jacob. 




Privates. 


Hartzell, John. 


Fenner, Frederick, promoted. 


Bower, Henry. 


Lucas, Solomon. 




Corporals. 


Siegfried, Daniel. 


Strouse, George. 


Teel, Nicholas. 


Stocker, Samuel. ■ 


Hertzel, Henry, 


Yohe, Jacob. 


Barret, Henry. 


Brady, William. 


Mayer, George. 


Deily, Christian. 










Smith, Adam. 


Hartzel, Adam. 


1 The names iu this roster 


are not exclusively those of Lehigh County 


Hartzel, Jacob. 


Steinberger, Peter. 


soldiers, but as it ia found impossible to effect a thorough separation, the 


Rcinhnld, John. 


Kershner, Conrad. 


entire roll is here presented 





THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 





Drummer. 


8*3 lor, Isaac. 






Filer. 


Hockman, Jonas. 






Private/. 


Diets, John. 


Miller, Henry. 


teorge. 


■■■i | Obed 


Bnyder, Peter. 


VanHorn, Cornelius. 


Ward, John. 


i | dam. 


, John. 


i ■■ toper, Joseph. 


FouDg, John. 


DaTla, w llliam. 


Shafer, Joseph, 


i ilark, John. 




i in, \\ illlam. 


Hoffert, Samuel. 


\\ n.tt, Jacob. 


Bnusteln, Jacob. 


Smell, Samuel. 


\\ Bltei . 1 Iodi ad 


1 , ;!'...■ 


Young, Adam. 


> lower, John. 


Btocfcer, Dai td 


ttyer, Henry. 


Wil l.'V. -'i . rge. 


Serbs, George. 


Miller, Abraham. 


Sei i is, John. 


Winimi-r, Joseph. 


Fisher, Dewald 


Price, Freeman. 


Facob. 


Kehler, Leonard. 


Klim-trup, Juhn. 



Sutra u her, J disch.Oct.17,1814). Muck, John. 

Kehler, Daniel. Poaty, Thomas. 

Wiheland, Qhristian. Miller, George (dlsch. Oct 17,1814). 

Btoufer, John. Swenk, John. 

Stock er, Jacob. Brewer, James, 

Gangwebr, Jacob. Smith, Christopher. 

Bolman, Jeremiah K. Herwlne, Jncob. 

Nye, Lawrence. Huston, John. 

Nye, Andrew (disch, Ocl L814), Rinker, George. 

Joseph. Bees, Samuel. 

Miller, Dai BfcGammon, Alexander. 

Hahn, Peter. Strunk, Peter. 

Bahn, l leoi je. Faulk, John. 

Myer, (Jeorge. I oolbaugb, Garret 

Schick, Peter. Jayne, I 

1 Buouel, Barnet. 

Frederick. Place, Jacob. 

Swart wood, Jacob. AdamB, John. 

\\ inner, John. Horman, Frederick. 

Fisher, Philip Wtnans, Samuel. 

Crawrord, J- dm. Kincald, Sylvi iter, 

Beard, John. Vandemark, Peter, 

Shepperd, David. Yan-tter, Anthony. 

Lowman, John, Bowe, John. 

Evans, I>avid. Impson, Bobert 

Stine, John. \ ansickle, William. 

r.;in, .hum's. Steel, Isaac. 

Kester, Philip. Gourtwfight, Levi. 

Kester, Leonard. Watson, George. 

i ami KarOUS He pk, October 21, 1814. 
I certify, OH honor, that this muster or pay-roll exhibits a true state 

of the company, Regiment, Pennsylvania militia, now iu service of 

the I lilted States, mid the remarks set opposite the names are accurate 
and just, to the best of my knowledge. 

Jobs Dobkbiaser, 
CapViin 
I believe- the abOTfl U> be a correct muster or pay-roll. 

Christ. J. Hiiti:r, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding. 



CHAPTER VI. 
THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 

Their Mist. t_v, Character, CuBtoms, language. Literature, and Religion. 1 

li i.iv three-fourths of the population of Lehigh 
County, and a large proportion of that of Carbon, are 
Pennsylvania Germans or their descendants. A his- 

1 By A. B. Home, D.D. 



tory of these counties would remain far fi 
complete without giving at leasl a brief account of 
i in- people, their language, habits, customs, and other 
characteristics. Since the preponderance of the pop- 
ulation of the counties of Pennsylvania easl of the 
Susquehanna, with the exception of the southeastern 

i ii ■-, is of the same nationality, whal is said 

of this class of people, as they are round in Lehigh 
and Carbon, applies with equal force to those of the 
eastern and central part of the State. 

Their History. — The German tongue belongs to 
the great Aryan family of languages, and in times 
very remote was spoken On the highlands of ( 
Asia. From this part of the world the Germans 
swarmed westward, and took possession of Central 
and Northern Europe. Five hundred years before 
Christ, tin' historian Herodotus makes mention of the 
t rermans as " Shouters in battle." They were fullj es- 
tablished in Europe when history begins, [n the second 
century before Christ, two thousand years ago, Papi- 
rius ' larbo, a Roman consul appointed to light with the 
Celts, came upon this people, and found the men of 
huge strength and fierce courage, and the women 
scarcely less formidable. For five centuries from the 
time of Julius < !aesar, as we go down through the ages, 
Ariovistus, Arminius, Afaroboduus, Alarie, Chnodo- 
mar, and Theodoric arc the confronting Goths who 
vanquished the Romans, and took up the sceptre. Taci- 
tus, the great Roman historian, who wrote in the first 
century after Christ, holds up the Germans to his 
people as purer than themselves. Christian churches 
were established among the Germans before the mi- 
gration of the races in the fourth and fifth centuries. 
Ulfilas, the Moeso-Goth, made a translation of the 
Bible at the end of the fourth century, the earliest 
memorial in any Teutonic speech. When Ulfilas 
died the Goths carried the Bible with them to Italy 
and Spain. This Bible translation is the foundation- 
stone of German literature. This was a.D. 388. 
Charlemagne, one thousand years ago, crossed and 
recrossed the Main at Frankfort [Fr<mk-furt) with 
his Franks, exterminated the youth of the laud and 
exiled multitudes. In the year 800 he was crowned 
emperor of Germany, France, and most of Italy and 
Spain. His great problem to solve was to give the 
( Ihristian religion and free schools to the people. The 
various tribes settled in the present regions alter the 
migration, — namely, the Hessians, Palatinians, Ala- 
manians, Suevians, and Alsatians. For eight centu 
ries longer the Germans shifted about in their coun- 
try till, in Ki82, by the invitation of William Penn, 
their emigration began to the New World. 

Several thousand Germans had entered Pennsylva- 
nia prior to 1689. From this year on s steady stream 
of immigration set in. In 1742 their number was 
given at one hundred thousand, and in ITS:! at two 
hundred and eighty thousand. They settled in that 
part of the State which is now included in Lehigh, 
Northampton, Monroe, Carbon, Berks, parts of Bucks, 



24 



HISTORY OF LEHIGB COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Montgomery, Lebanon, Lancaster, York, Dauphin, 
Schuylkill, Northumberland, Snyder, Union, Colum- 
bia, Centre, and other counties, ultimately extending 

en into Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio. They 
came from Rhenish Bavaria, Baden, A Unci-. Wiirtem- 
berg, Switzerland, and Darmstadt. 

The names of many of the townships of Lehigh 
are evidences of the fact that the early settlers of 
this section of the country were Germans, who named 
them in honor of their native places, or that their 
English neighbors gave names to these localities to 
designate thereby from what countries the German 
settlers had come. Such are the names Hanover, 
Salzburg, Weissenberg, and Heidelberg. The early 
German settlers were farmers, and while lands were 
cheap they purchased extensive tracts, always select- 
ing the best. To this day it is a well-known fact that 
all the best lands in the eastern part of the State are 
owned by the Germans and their descendants, and 
that frequently the English settlers are displaced by 
the steady encroachment of the Germans upon them. 
Thus, entire townships which originally were Eng- 
lish, as their names indicated and their early history 
substantiated, have become entirely Germanized under 
the progressive and aggressive encroachment of the 
Germans. Illustrations of this are afforded in the 
names of Lowhill, Whitehall, Milford, and Lynn, 
names of undoubted English origin, but which are 
now townships so intensely German that English 
sounds are only heard exceptionally in families within 
their limits. 

Their Language. — It is sometimes taken for 
granted by ignorant persons that the Pennsylvania 
Germans have no language of their own, that they 
speak a. patois, that their language is an admixture of 
English, or that it is Dutch. Hence it may not be 
out of place to give the origin of the language. 

Martin Luther, in the early part of the sixteenth 
century, by his Bible translations, hymns, and exten- 
sive writings in High German, caused that dialect to 
become the standard language of German literature. 
Hence to this day the High German is employed in 
literary productions as well as in discourse. But 
there were also other dialects spoken through all the 
centuries in different parts of Germany. In the 
southern portion — whence the greater part of the 
Germans who settled in Pennsylvania came — a dialect 
akin to that which prevails in the German counties 
of Pennsylvania was spoken, and has continued to be 
used to a certain extent to this day. This is the 
origin of the Pennsylvania German. It is as old as 
the High German, possibly older, and frequently 
more expressive. It has never been extensively used 
in print, because the High German was adopted for 
this end. As a spoken language, however, it has pre- 
vailed from time immemorial in the South German 
dialects. The ancestors of many of the Pennsylvania 
Germans came from the Palatinate or P/ah, now 
included in Baden, Bavaria, and Darmstadt, where a 



language resembling that of the Pennsylvania Ger- 
man very closely, is still spoken. It also has a 
number of Swiss and Alsatian characteristics. 

Many of the Pennsylvania German words can be 
traced back to older foots, and they are often more 
expressive than their High German synonyms. Ooul, 
the Pennsylvania German word for ''horse," is older 
and more purely German than Pferd, the High tier- 
man, which is derived from the Latin veredus / 
Hutich, "colt," and Eutschli, " little colt," from the 
Suabian hiitsrhel, hutschele, Westerwald husz, Lusatian 
huszche. is more purely German and more expressive 
than Fallen, the High German, which is derived from 
the Greek and the Latin. Hutschli and hutschla is an 
imitation of the sound made by young colts, and, there- 
fore, as that large class of words which are the oldest 
in all languages, it must come down from the historic 
age when the names of objects were first invented. 

Hbmeli, " little calf," can be traced back through the 
Swiss ammeli and mammeli to the language of nature, 
which gives us mamma, the labial sound made in imi- 
tation of the mother, when the child observes her 
lips move in talking to it while she is bending over 
the cradle, — a word common to all languages. 

The Pennsylvania German for pig, sou, with its hus 
son and wuts, are striking illustrations of the anti- 
quity of this language, when it is remembered that 
these words are derived from the sound made in imi- 
tation of the pig, words belonging to the common lan- 
guage of nature, from which the Latin sus, the Greek 
if (hus), the English .von-, the Dutch soe, etc., are 
derived. Sehwein, the High German, is of much more 
recent origin, it being a derivative of son, from the 
Saxon svin and su. The Pennsylvania German grum- 
beer, potato, is much more expressive and original, 
meaning a crooked pear, or grundbeer, ground pear, 
than the High German kartoffel, derived from Erd- 
itp/il, an artichoke. 

The Pennsylvania German krop, crow, sekpel, pin, 
schtreel, comb, scktruwlieh, stroobly, pdnhaws, scrabble, 
biiwi, a young chicken, mullakup, tadpole, blech, tin- 
cup, bdtser, a tailless chicken, buizich, stumpy, are r 
vastly more expressive and original than their Eng- 
lish or High German equivalents. 

It may be added also that the Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans use the language in their conversation with con- 
siderable accuracy. They make but very few mistakes 
in gender, case, or syntax; and this is the more re- 
markable from the fact that their language, like the 
High German, has all the inflections of number, gen- 
der, and case, which make it so difficult to construct 
sentences properly. The definite article the, for ex- 
ample, has the same form in all cases and genders, 
while the Pennsylvania German equivalent has at 
least eight different forms, thus : 





Masc. 


Fern. 


Neut. 


Nom. 


der, 


de, 


dea. 


Gen. 


dem sei t 


dara er, 


dem sei 


Dat. 


dem, 


dara, 


dem. 


Ace. 


den, 


ile, 


des. 



THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 



25 



All these difficult inflections and agreements are 
given substantially correct by the Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans in their conversational language, though there 
is no grammar of the language, and it is not taught 
in families or schools. 

Tneir Sayings and Songs.— The proverbs, adages, 
songs, and sayings of a people are. to a great extent, 

an index of their character. The proverbs of the 

Pennsylvania Germans, which are banded down from 
generation to generation, are very expressive and 
original. The following, among many others, are 
proverbs so common among them that, by their fre- 
quent repetition, they have made impressions upon 
them sufficiently strong to influence lite and char- 
acter. They are the household sayings of every 
family, familiar to young and old. 

Kumi mer iwwer der hund so humt mer iwwer der 
Schwdnz. "If one can climb over the dog, he can 
also get over the tail." By this is meant that when 
the most dittieult part of an undertaking can be man- 
aged, (he less difficult can be easily accomplished. 

Wit men mdcht .-« hut mers. " As one makes it, so 
he has it." That is. a person must expect results in 
accordance with his actions or deportment. 

Der dbbel fdit net weit f&m schtdmm. "The apple 
does not fall far from the stem of the tree." Usually 
applied to children when they have the faults of their 
parents. 
■s. Wer nit haert muss fiehla. " Who will not hear 
must feel." A person who will not listen to good 
advice must suffer the consequences. 

Wer lauert mi der "■''mil, haert set egne sehSnt. "He 
that listens by the wall hears his own disgrace." 
Eavesdroppers hear their own faults descanted on. 

Der heeler is ■-» sehleeht wie dei schtehler. "The 
concealer is as had as the stealer." 

Ij in gruurwar Muck g'hert en gruwwar keidel. "A 
rough wedge is required lor a rough block." A rough, 
boorish fellow must, be handled without gloves. 

Dr kinner mi dei nOrra sawga dit wohret. "Chil- 
dren and fools tell the truth." 

IP r inrliall if iriuiit. " He that perseveres will gain 
the victory." 

Frith gewogt is halwer g'wunna. "That which is 
zealously entered upon is half achieved." 

Mir muss sieh nuch der deck schtrecka. "Stretch 
yourself according to the cover." That is, venture 
out only as far as your means will allow ; do not ven- 
ture too far out. 

Wbt mi r aft im knp hut, /ml an i- in 'In fees. " What 
one has not in the head he has in the feet." If your 
thoughts are not collected, you must make up for it 
in extra labor. Frequently applied when anything 
is forgotten, and a person is obliged to return for it. 

FOrs ilriiku kuiiii i in imiii'iii'l henka. "No one can 
be hanged for his thoughts.'' A person is allowed to 
think as he pleases. 

Lushdich wer nuch leddig is, drourich wer ferschr 
prucha is. " .lolly who is single, sad who is engaged." 



Frequently used by persons who have no pros] 
■ married. 
WOs gn " ' ■■ "in/.-, i/ilil selwer week. " What 

is coarser than dirt removes itself." Applied by 

persons while sweeping when anj one is in their way. 

Wer net kummt tu redder zeit muss nchnu wasiw- 

werich bleibt. " He that does not come in season must 

take what is left." Used "hen pet i elated 

in coming to meals. 

G gekrisch m \ big noise and 

little wool. Applied where a great ado is made 
about anything which is of little importance. 

Out g'wetst is halwer g'meht. "Well whetted is 
half mowed." Keep your tools in good condition il 
you would work with ease, especially applicable to 
mowing with the German scythe, which had to be 
well hammered and frequently whetted. 

Wos ni 'Inn i irarra irill schpitst sich in da 
"The thorn prepares in season to sharpen its point." 
That is, il is early noticeable when a youth is prepar- 
ing tor a bail ending. 

Eh i In- is i/ii "inn i- in rl/i. "tin,- honor is worth 
another." Signifying that one favor deserves another. 

1 1, iinni a-, i peifa mi il, hinkel wo graah mus mer bei 
zeit der hdls rum. dreha. "(lirls who whistle and 
hens that crow must have their necks wrung in good 
time." It is as much out of place for women to 
whistle as it is unusual for hens to crow. 

Ex kummt ml of die graes awh, sunschi Limit en kuh 
ni haws J'i'iiii/ii. " It does not depend on the size, 
otherwise a cow could catch a rabbit." A small per- 
son can often accomplish as much as a large one. 

~K6rtsa hot sin glei geberscht. "Short hairs are soon 
brushed." This is applied to doing a small job, 
traveling a short distance, seeing a small place, etc. 

Wer im Snnera en grub grawbt fdllt selwer nei. 
" Whosoever digs a pit for another falls into it him- 
self." 

Wer aw halt gewinnt. "Whoever perseveres suc- 
ceeds." 

Wer ni buck schtehlt in ken schqf dieb. "Whoever 
steals a ram is no sheep-thief." That is, a person 
may be accused of a deed of which he is not guilty, 
when he has committed another of a similar character. 

Mer mm /:iii l-i'it- im sOck kan-hi. " Do not buy a cat 
in a bag." 

Wiin mer der esel nenni kumt ■ r garennt. "When 
the ass is named he comes trotting along." When a 
person is named in conversation he often comes. 

il nch >ii /im will mit fisha und yawga 
hi a, i hussa drawga. " He that would live by fishing 
and hunting must wear torn breeches." Fishing and 
bunting are poor occupation-. 

Mm- hut ui.r Hum druwwel. "Nothing without 
trouble." 

\\,,m, mer der hund drefl blSft er. "The dog barks 
when he is hit." When a person is guilty, he speaks 
out when allusion is made to him. 
Sourkrout mi tchpeck dreibi Olli sorga week. "Sour- 



26 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



crout and bacon drive rare away." A good, substan- 
tial meal is a corrective of 'lull inn-. 

!('"///< de meis s8ti sin, is et mehl bitter. " When the 
mice are done eating, the meal is bitter." When any 
one has a surfeit, he does not relish his victuals any 
longer. 

De mSrga schtund hut gold im mund. "The morning 
hour has its mouth filled with gold." "Early to bed 
and early to rise, makes a man healthy and wealthy 
and wise." "The early bird catches the worm." 

Besseren lousim hroui 8s gawr ken fleesch. "A louse 
in the cabbage is better than no meat." It is better 
to have a little of a good thing, even if not extra good, 
than to dispense with it entirely. 

MBrga roth mticht bScka roth,omet ruth bringt drucha 
brod. " Morning red makes red cheeks, evening red 
brings dry bread." Early rising is promotive of health, 
while deferring work till evening produces poverty. 

y, in besem /.< hra gut. " New brooms sweep clean." 
A new employe makes a good beginning. 

y.rih On deiner egna naws. " Pull your own nose." 
Attend to your own faults. 

Yedar mus sei egne limit zum gerwer drawga. " Every 
one must carry his own hide to the tanner." Every 
one is responsible, amenable for his own actions. 

Nucli cm exsa en peif duwdck, un d5s schleht hi der 
biwel. " After a meal a pipe of tobacco, and this is j 
found in the Bible." A pun on "this," which word is - 
found in the Bible. 

En blinde sOw findt aw olsamohl en eechel. " A blind 
hog finds an acorn sometimes." An unsophisticated 
person may sometimes make a happy hit. 

Em g'schenkta goul gukt mer net ins moul. "The 
mouth of a horse received for a present is not ex- 
amined." Be not supercilious about a gift. "Beggars 
must not be choosers." 

Mit sehpeck f8ngt mer die meis. " Mice are caught 
with bait." Enticements are held out to dupes. 

Baser en wenig geleiert 8s gOnz g'/eiert. " Better to 
do a little of something than nothing." 

Mer. muss lewa und lewa tussa. " Live and let live." 

Zu wenig und zu fiel ferderbt 8lle schpiel. " Too little 
and too much spoils everything." 

Zu selidrf schneit net, und zu sohpitsich schtecht net. 
" Too sharp does not cut, and too pointed does not 
stick." It will not do to be too exacting. Extremes 
spoil everything. 

Do sitst der haws im peffer. "There the rabbit sits 
in the pepper." There lies the secret. There is where 
the catch is. 

Olena (/rutin hen un- gift. " Little toads have poison 
too." Applied to small persons, asserting that they 
too can accomplish great deeds. 

Many of their simple rhymes have been repeated 
by parents and grandparents to children and chil- 
dren's children while sitting in their laps, so that 
there is hardly a person to be found who is not able to 
repeat them. They are the " Mother Goose," "Mary 
had a Little Lamb," "Mother Hubbard," "Sing a 



Song o' Sixpence," the " House that Jack Built," etc., 
of the Pennsylvania German nursery and household. 
Such are :■ 

11 Aw, be, zee, 

De k.'ts (inkt im sclinee, 

Der Bcbnee gebt week, 

Die kuts leit im dreck." 
" Bulla wie Bdlz, 

Butter we Bchmtilz, 

I'effer geht nf, 

Wer frmgt sebmeist druf." 
" Huiisel foil Buch, 

Hut lauter gut Buch, 

Hut schtiwwel un sebpora, 

Hut ulles ferlora," etc. 
" Die sun sclieint, 

E8 fegli greint, 

Es liuckt uf em lawda, 

Un schpint en lunger fawda," etc. 
" So Bchikt der bauer es hundli nous, 

Es sol! der Yuckli beisa, 

Hundli will net Yuckli beisa, 

Yuckli will net biera Bchittla, 

Biera wolla net fulla," etc. 

Who the authors of these rhymes were is not known, 
as they have come down from times to which " the 
memory of man runneth not to the contrary." 

There are, however, more recent compositions, and 
of a higher literary character, which have already 
gained a firm foothold in the memory of the people, 
and which promise to become standard pastorals, — 
elegiacs, such as the "Cotter's Saturday Night" and 
" Gray's Elegy" are in English. Among these may 
be named the poems of the sainted Dr. Henry Har- 
baugh, than which no better poetry can be found in 
any language. His " 'S Alt Schulhous an der Krick" 
and " 'S Haemweh" are productions the reading of 
which strikes a responsive chord in every heart. The 
following lines from the " Haemweh," descriptive of 
the sweet rest of heaven, are an example of the touch- 
ing pathos of his beautiful stanzas: 

D, iriiitnY net '-'or cor .^inline! tear, 

SDlit feincr fdiconc Stub, 
X)ann n\ir nt'rV bo id>nn lana tterleect 

3d> rcipt net, toai ic bfcii« 
I od] voititniia Icid'tct nteincn 2Beg 

Xer ero'gen Jpeemet ju. 

Ion \i 'ii idto'. fdu'c' Bilterbaui, 

Sort .ndu m'v nimmeb fcrl ; 
@s irnut let'' auti SRamtni met)' 

jn utUm At-otrcort. 
.tlcc' Xatn fndi melj' tor 'n (yrab, 

5Do, mat or in-o bat, tiegt! 
5cll i* too' Qetcnbwelt nit tit, 

SSJo alio Vllt'dit I'etricat; 
I oit Kit tat Voieo eudftiid) 

v iioer tor Xott gefieat. 

Xort tint in'r. toai m'r bo ocrliert, 

tin b'hilto in (SmigFeft ; 
Dort lerce imfrc Xotte ttU' 

3n t'idd int av'.icr ^rfib ! 
9Bic eft, mann id) in Tniieel bin, 

Xont idi an (flit Sinti, 
Un n<ott, loan'a nor isiott'o 'JOiUe njfir, 

3d) fling ibt fdiitcOer in ; 
Te* matt id 4 bit hum' Sditinble Fdjtagb 

SRsr't fag id' — SBtlt, now ! 



Til H PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 



27 



The Pennsylvania German with English Ad- 

mixtlire.— Where t lie Germans have intercourse with 
thi English, their language has become somewhat 
contaminated by the introduction of English words. 
This is but the history of all languages. The fact is 
that the English language is entirely composed of 
words from other languages, the greater part of which 
are Saxon, and, hence, when the < rerman uses an occa- 
sional English word or phra.se, he but receives the 
return of what was borrowed from his language. We 
introduce several examples from the compositions of 

writers who use the Pennsylvania (rerman with the 
English admixture, illustrating the kind of Pennsyl- 
vania German spoken in localities where the people 
come in contact with the English. The first speci- 
men is a poem, entitled "S' Fawra in d'r Train" 
(" Riding on the Train" ), written for Home's " Penn- 
sylvania (Term an Manual" by the present senator 
iron i Lehigh County, Hon. M. C. Henninger: 

S* I AWRA IX D'B TRAIN. 

'S is ©lea hendicb eigerieht 
In uns'rii goota zeit, 

ii 3ii ii nemond blog 

Tnlrs 'r is not g'sheit. 
D'r shtem doot 516a for d.- Lit, 

Si I i- 3 u-lit wo* [cb main; 
I n wfln in'r KrgSta lie wii ga, 

Don fawrt m'r in d'r train. 

'S wawr iu-t bo goot in Slt'r zeit, 

6S1 was icb RJrni nous ; 
DCs mdcbt f'leicbt dal Sltfi baa, 

Ducb sawg ich's frei herous. 
Sfl Bin g<.-liif:i 61 d'r wag 

Fun finf bis fufzich meil, 
'N pawr, de 6pea reich'r vrawr'n, 

Sin guiig.i ut" de geil. 

So wawr d'r ahtefl in 01t*T zeit, 

'S lawfa wawr ka ghond ; 
W ms is m'r Tils dohe gadrult, 

S<"-1 Is eich goot bakont. 
'S is ni mil so in unsra zeit, 

'S fawrt yad'r w5n 'r bdn, 
In war gawr nimt lawfn dut, 

D4r is d'r chSndlmdn. 

Nou fawrt m'r mit d'r insliein-kawrs — 

Des is 'n eis'u'r goal, 
D.ir ■hDoafl un h&cbet we on'r fe, 

Dtkl ti dchl m'r gawr ka moiil ; 
D.ir ward net med un won 'r shpringt 

N" bun'rt dona'nd meil; 
Do hut 'r sboor d'r forzng weit 

Ffir 61 de onVii geil. 

De train is im'r /.inilich ftil 

Mit r.ly flurt.i 1. it, 
'N dal de sin gawr bealicb dnni, 

1 ii '".n'ra sin zoo gsheid. 
t nfgfbntet'i cheDt'1-leit. 

Dal shwurzA un dal weis, 
Un ladia fun d'r r&chta" ;->>rt 

\\ i - nn so ducb so nets. 

Do Bitot 'n rask 1 ] in d8m wits, 
Un dr.rt 'n guot'r cbriwht ; 



■i dumi wun'rnawe 
I ' n i b -lit. 

n rrfitsl b Bital in si I'm ahtool, 

Sei tik.t nf *m hoot, 
*K mant 'r war 'a gfine 51'a, 

V jjfl f._.lt *r ducb SO 

'N ]n ■[■ t tw£g, 

D'r mOcht n ISngCa g'sicht, 

Un driwii Is so 'n rot'r kirl, 
D;ir gukt os we 'n licht, 

i ii ireil'r droue i-^ dQ< Ii 'n pawr, 

Uf ervin hachzlch-trlp 
Se bleiwfl n.-t so, Orich long, 

i ii - u . t [ch an 'n flp. 

ii veibamSnab mit <'r'ru kind, 

S k reiaht am dul un dawb. 

])<• kawra gal markiwardig sbtork, 
Wee real dSa d&cb d'r shtawb. 

M'r \\:iTii t'anln-kt I'l'in kup zoo fuos, 

Mit kola-Sab un shmoa ; 
Ducb 0] d.s mint m'r gnadich 'aw 

Fr'n zimlich gootar chok. 

Da kare dnn&rl dfircb barg und dawl, 

'En lewi lOngi ihdtun, 

Un won yt> doiTb 'n tniod gat, 

i lit m'r gflr ka' sun. 
M'r mus aw im'r engsticb sei, 

> shpringt Ob tun der 'baw 
'Od'r treft fleicbt 'n rinshtikfeo, 

W6fl g&bt 's dmi d'no? 

D'no g&bt'e 'n weaht'r akaidfint, 

'S is Olea gons f'rkart, 
DS weibaleit ward Smficbticb, 

De monsleit sin Trsbtart, 
D'r inahiner blost mard'rl icb, 

De insbein gat druf log, 
Nou shpringt Bfl wfid'r'n OltJ koo — 

Wos gfibt'rfi doa 'n sbtos. 

So 'n sbtos d'r is m'r in'-t g'want, 

'It mocht 'm dawb un shtum, 
'N dal de stalawg;i bortsrbawm, 

Un kuma net recbt rum, 
Un onera shtan ut" bend un fes 

Se hdltl f- -ht Mm flnr 
'En yader winsbt, Br war dahom, 

Ous diiril grosfi g'for. 

So gat dee f.iwra uf dor train, 

Icb has es Orlcb sba, 
M'r grikt k*--n kupwa fun der bits, 

Un aw ka' shteifa \m, 
M'r kawft sei tikt-t fStui noua 

D'no is ni-r ■•! 1 1. K. 
I'm wmiik' hact " Uckfito if yon please," 

Dun racht m'r 'u « v. 



We also append a vocabulary of such Pennsyl- 
vania German words as commence with the letter D, 
taken from Home's " Pennsylvania German Diction- 
ary/* published in 1875, to further illustrate the words 
in use, and giving their English and High German 
equivalents, those commencing with D being selected 
as they constitute a fair average of the number of 
words in ose under each letter of the alphabet. The 
word- are spelled phonetically. 



28 



HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



i the, 'l. it H nrticle,) ten 

dachlich, daily, ta'gltd). 

.1.1 I, flat, j'l datfl i, did, tlwltn. 

■ i re, in i;n in' of, bafur. 
dafun, of it, therefrom, bacon, 
dag, dough, leig. 

da i L, against, bagegen. 

dagich, doughy 

daham, al b imi . |ti $au<. 

dal, part, partly, Ji-ni jum I&ett. 

dala, to share, to deal, tbcilcit, NinbcTn mfU 

dalya dahlia, ©eorgiite. 

damedich, humble, meek, tcmiitbigen. 

da id, diamond, I iamattt. 

dEnke, thank you, |"d)5ntn lanf. 

dar, pi derft, d i 3 luir. 

dftr, the, ter. 

dHtfl i" drj . to cure, tbrren. 

dai b Lden, turpentine, iuipentin. 

daw, dew, j ban. 

Dawb, deaf, destitute of a kernel, t&uf 

dawdi, lather, SBater. 

dawfid'r, against, caiiMter. 

dawfshein, baptismal certificate, SEauffdjeilL 

dawg, day, £ag. 

dawgdeb, idle fellow, SEagMefi. 

dawgwerk, day's work, j ^wer!. 

dawlar, dollar, 2 baler. 

dawl'rods, aster, H balerrofe. 

dawr, there, ta, tort. 

dawtum, date, I fttum. 

dazoo, h.< that, also, too, baju. 

dazwisha, between, bajmifdjen. 

de, the, tic. 

deb, thief, S)ie6. 

debich, quilt, bed-spread, £epptd). 

debshtawl, theft, I iebflo&I. 

derasho, menagerie, Menagerie. 

der&shwel, door-sill, IbiirfdjweHe. 

defendera, to defi ad, ftertbeibigen, 

deichla, conduit pipes, ERbfjren. 

deiks'l, thill, wagon tongue, X'ei^fel. 

deiks'lnug'l, thill-pin, SJtotbnagel. 

deiks'lshuul, pole-piece, I eidjfeifd)nafle. 

deitlich, plain, distinct, clear, bcutlid). 

deit'r, pointer, i enter, 

d<-it>h, German, beutfd). 

deutshlund, Germany, ©eutfdjtflitb. 

deitshldu'r, one born in Germany, Icutfcber. 

deitshl8nai lab, after Hi.' rnaunei of Germany, tciiti'ddanberifd}. 

deiw'l, devil, leufel. 

deiw'lsdi ek, assafoutida, leufetebred. 

dek, cover, 1 ctfe. 

deka, to thatch, to put a roof on, retfeit. 

dekbed, ^ ovei lei leal berbed, i r.fbert. 

dekH, Lid, Dedel. 

d&k'lglds, tankard, Setfelgla*. 

dsk'lkon, with .i lid, iedeltanne. 

dek'sl, adze, to mi with adze, .Unimnmrt 

deTr, plate, teller. 

deni, tn this, tern. 

DStnadi, timothy, £'ieui)flrit«. 

d&mograwt, democrat, I emofrflt. 

dempft, to coddle, to boil, bampfett. 

demarung, twiligktj i ammeruiifl 

dfinft, to those, benefl. 

deng'l, in hammei si \ i bes, dengeln. 

deng'lshtuk, a little anvil on which the edge of a scythe is hammered, 

ii'im'lftorf. 
(irni,. to think, be n fen. 
<ii'ni./.'i 1, reminder, Tcnfjettcl. 
d&nsar, dancer, 2-dnjcr. 

■ I' gb n ba, also, loo, beigleidjen. 
desh'lgrout, shepherd's purse, Defdjelfrafl 
desmol, for this time, I ieemai. 

dest, desk, 'Vult. 

dezeiiii/i, Dezember, X^jcmber. 



dlb'ldonlch, diblicb, spotted, gefletft. 

dich, i bee or you, bid). 

dii in r, poet, X'idjter. 

dids, teats, ;iipen. 

.hi,, thick, tirf. 

dikbdkich, full cheeks, fctrffcacfig. 

diksSkich, punch-bellied, birfbaudjig. 

din, thin, burnt. 

■ limit, ink, 2 1 lite. 

dlndaglds, inkstand, 2intenfa§. 

ding, 'lings g'mocht, thing, told stories, I)irtfl. 

ding - in hire, bingen. 

dinshdmad'l, servant girl, Xienftmagb* 

dinsbddg, Tuesday, £)ienftag. 

dish, table, 2ifd>. 

dishd'l, thistle, SDffkf. 

dishduch, table-cloth, SifdUu*. 

<! 'in, il n, to the, the, bem, ben. 

d'no, d'nort, dYno, after that, nadjljcr. 

do, there, ba. 

dObft, paw, yfpte. 

dObft, to grap for, to tumble, greifen, fatten 

• loki, ii, .luiiisy, ungefdjicft. 

dOch, roof, X<ad). 

dOchdi mi. eaves, 3Dad)traufe. 

dCchfSnsht'er, dormer window, £iad*)fettfler 

dGclifarsht, ridge pole, T'aa^ajcfrel. 

diii-hkoiun, raiiispout, 2)acbf ontel. 

dOchlawda, hatchway, XaaMateii. 

ddckr 1. purlin or purline, Sad)ruttie 

ddch8htul, ridge-lead, Dad)ft»^l. 
d-d death, dead, Xot. tott. 
dodibawr, bier. ^abre. 
dodaglad, shroud, Icbtenffeib. 
dodawcSga, hearse, lotlentvagen. 
dod gOng i. t" die. tctt^ciiangen. 
dotiin, dod'rfiln, of that, tauon. 
dog, day, ZdQ. 

dSgbuch, daybook, diary, Sagebn*. 

doglen'r, day laborer, 2aflclcbner. 

dogabruch, break of day, dawn, iage^attbrua). 

dOks, raccoon, ERafun. 

dCksbanich, badger footed, tadi^beinig. 

dol, millers' ishare, toll, $qU. 

doiu, dam, Dam. 

dOmit, therewith, bamit. 

dumdle, at that time, bamalS. 

dump, vapor, Dampf. 

don, then, bann. 

ih-nki. thanks, 1>anf. 

dOnkbawr, thankful, grateful, tanFbar. 

ddnkbawrkad, thankfnlnesfi, gratitude, Danfbarfeit. 

dOns-a, dance, to dance, 2am. 

don mi won, now and then, tatm unb ivann. 

doo, thou or you, 3>u. 

doo, doiiN. doosht, dood, to do, dost, do, tlnin, thi, Ibuft. 

ddp'l, tlop's, a clumsy fellow, Zclpel. 

dor, tar, Ihccr. 

doreb, through, bur*. 

dOrchbringa, to squander, burdibringen. 

dorclibringar, spendthrift, ^eri'dMrcntcr. 

dOP bdiiwa, thorough, burdttriebeit. 

dflri lifiilft, fall through, burdjfaUcit. 

dOn bgaa, to run off, to escape, burd^ebcii, fortlaiifen. 

dOrchg'shlidsd, Blit through, Ciird)je|M)lt?t. 

dflrchg'widsht, escaped, entronnen. 

dorchlawf, diarrlioea, i'cibircb. 

dorc'iion'r, in confusion, mixed up, burdjetnanber. 

dfirchous, through, by all means, burd)au«. 

■ ion bous net, ou no account, turdiaue Htdjt. 
dm , hsana, to look over (a book), turdifcbi'ii. 
durchseiha, to strain, to filter, bitrdjfeitjen. 

do,, hshimarfi, to be perceptihle through, burdjfdjimmern. 
dOrchsheina, to shine through, burd)fdjetneit. 
dorehshtei.ha, to pierce, burcbmdn'n. 
dOrchsichtig, transparent, burthftthtig. 
dorchsucba, to search, to ransack, burdjiudje* 



THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 



29 



ddrchwrk, throughout, on average, titroVrcg. 
dorchwofes, boneset, Xurdnrad**. 
dorchzwengft, to force through, burajjioeitsen. 
dOrd'ldoub, turtledove, J iirtcltaubt. 
dorrn, gut, intestine, Xarm. 
uY.rm'i, giddiness, Xuumel. 

doruilkh, -idly, tJinncln. 

dflrnumd, gut string, cut gut, XJarmfefte. 

(lorn, thorn, I urn. 

dOrnich, thorny, cernig. 

dorshd, thirst, Xiirji. 

dfirshdi-, thirsty, c;;rftia.. 

dos, that, than, bag, alt. 

doa, a dose of medicine, DofU. 

doub, pigeon, dove, Xaube. 

douwa, staves ol a barrel), aapt-auben 

doumlini4, thumbstall, Daumltng. 

dou'r, duration, Xauer. 

dou'rh. fi. lasting durable, strong, bauerlvut. 

dousfindyarich n ich, Bililleniuni, taufenbjabriget SHeid). 

dun-in i_ nbguibenfraut. 

d'r, the, ttr. 

dra, turn, cui w, crank, Xretjc. 

draft, t<- turn, t-> twist, trcben. 

: a, v'nttcrn. 
draft, to threaten, broken. 

ithe, Xrfdjfclbanf. 
drad'r, treadle, ureter. 
drad] ouftr, tread i ■ wer, Eret-SKflfdjint 

ad'l, win< h, Drebe. 
drawm, dream, Iraum. 
drawgft, to carry, '<■ wear, tragert, 
dreb, dim, cloudy, Impure, trub. 
drebsawl, tribulation, Xruftfat. 

. : Wer. 
L'rblum, morning glory, XriaMerMume. 
drechd'rku^ha, tunnel cake, JrtdjMrfudjcn. 
dri fa, 10 hit, treffen. 
dreTta, i 3 rcfje. 

drei, three, crd. 

dreibl&ti ich, threefoil, bretblctttria,. 
dreidradich, having three stands, three-ply, treitratij. 
Ireiah] its, triangle, Xreierf. 

triangular, treicrfiij. 
drciong'l, triangle (musical instrument,) Dreianget. 

l, to drive, trtiben. 
dreiwar, coachman, drover, jriMber, .Hunger, Stebban&Ier 
dreiyarii h. three years old, trei^ 1 
dn.*k, .liit, I red. 

drekich, dirty, soiled, Credig, |>mu$ii 
drep, stairs, Xrcppc. 

drepsla, to dribble, fill in small drops, trijpfeln 
<■> thrash, brefdjen. 

: Moor, 3oVucrfIur 
dreshd'r, pomace, Xrcrter. 

_ 1, nail, 1 icfdjflegef. 
dreshmftshen, thrashing machine, Xrefimafdjine. 

r«>r it, bafur. 
dVfun, of it, from it, taven. 

dribla, t<> move with small drops, t<> patter, tri^petn. 
drld'l, third part, widow's dower, trittel. 
drikft, to ] ' leze, Critrftn. 

drikning, drouth, litrrc. 
drilft, i" drill, triOcn. 

i ;., hacksaw, I riO Hage. 
drin. iii it. inside, tariit, intoenbfg. 
driwft, over, on the other ^id*-; truben, ubcr. 

eer, tarubcr. 
d'liiiwi, bj 'in- time, tanebtit 

droch, dragon, Xra&e. 
drochaluch, i are, £ebfe. 
drod, wii i rabt. 

drodshdumbft, shoemakers' ends, wax ends, Xratt'ortbeit. 

thread, I rdbtfjam. 
drod,- I rabtjaitfle. 

drok, trcugb, Xrog. 
dion; ti>boil, Xbran. 



drdd, trot, trab 
drourft. to mourn, trauern. 
1 ■ :lircn. 

mbegtelttr. 
.'•A'tiifrauben. 
droui ich 

dr.. us, out, outside,* baraufl crautjen. 
drowa, on the t>>p. barauf, oben. 

drub. drovo, Sxuppe. 

di iii .. di op, 3 ropfen. 

'. i. ill in trope, tropfeln, 
drut, ii | i .n It, tarauf. 

1 :crben. 
druka, dry, Xrocfert. 
dnik.-i, to print, trurfrn. 
druk&ded'r, dandruff, fjirinb. 

. iufcrel 
druk'r, printer, 1 ruder, 
drul, troll, a short gallop, uoQcn. 
drum, drum, Xremmcl. 
di umt> id, clarl m, , r i ampere. 

■ Bage. 
di unft, a iw, baru liter, untcn. 

drunk, trunk, .UL'»T(r. 
■ ■■ i le, Staffel 

d'8, that, tap. 

Vt'llt 

■ i, double, boppelt. 
duch, haudk i loth, Xud). 

duch<rj Lod)ter. 

dudsC'D I i e ut. 

. tifflrf. 
dukdi 
duktftrft, t" take in.' i: to be attended by a physician, cinen SIrit 

baben. 
dukt&ra 
dukmei i butfiuduftd). 

ilpc. 
d&lmi : : olmctfdjer. 

duiii, i-!i irant, stujud, tuntm. 
d&mliad ', i Lundei - frivolities, 2 umm^eiteit. 
duuibich hot, i lose lir) tumpftg, 

dumkui 

dun. ton, 5 iMinc. 

dum'l, to hni rj 

i nnern. 
dOn&rv i, I cuiifrirctter, ©eirttter. 

dunkvs, gravy, aao 
dnnk'l, dark, i 
dunsht, vapor, Dunft. 
pupli i; Kg, ttfflcdr. 

dusk, twilight, .va;bcunfcr. 
duwok, tobacco, Xabaf. 

The ue.xt specimen consists of several extracts from 
Rauch's " Pennsylvania Dutch Hand-Book,' , and ex- 
emplifiea the manner in which E. H. Rauch, Ksq., the 
editor of th ("Pit SchweH'elbren- 

ner"), writes Pennsylvania Dutch, as he terms it. 

THE DOCTOR.— DER DUCKTEB, 
Doctor in sick room.— Well, what seems to be the matter with Annie 
Duck ter in derkronkashtoob.— Well, wass hi lets mitder Annie! 
at bedside. — Indeed, I don't know what is the matter. She 
was ailing all of yesterday and tasl night, with Bevere h-adacbe and 
and it t«eL-m- to hal she has a swelling of the neck. 

■M ©ter om side fum bet.— Kei ich wais g'wiss net wo's failed! Se 
hut gaclaug'd geshter der gone dawg mi aw de letehl naucht, hut 
kupwss nn fever, an es coomd mer n\\ f-.re era hols wasr g*shwulla. 
D. (Feell be seems to bo a little feverish, Annie, Just 

let me see your tongue. Yes, that's it. liny Annie been eating anything 
i ling? 
I>. (Feeld der pools.) Yaw, se sheind a wennich feverish tsu -i. 
Annie, weis mer amohl di tooong. Yaw, m> [b's. Hut de Annie 
ebbos g'essa den morya ': 
Bf. No, not a mouthful except two soft boiled eggs, a piece of toast 



30 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



well Imttfii'il, and ;i pi'-ri' i>f steak about half as big as my band. She 
drank two cups of coffee, however. 

M. Nay, net a mowlful excepl tzwaa waich gakuchty oyer, a 
shtick toaei gool jcabooterdun aehtick fleish net liulb so gross os 
my bond. So but aw tzwse cuplin coffee gadroonka. 
D. Ob, then hei case may not necessarily be a serious one. At all 
events, I think we'll soon get her over this attack. 

I' l Hi, don la ftii case doch net g'fairlicb. Anyhow, ich denk mer 
wierra se bol Lvver den attack bringa. 
M. I hope so, for I don't know what I'd do if Annie would die— it 
would Bet me crazy. 

M. Ich will so liuffa, for ich wais net wass ich du dait wann de 
Annie shtarwa set — es dait mer narrich maucha. 
D, Don't 1"* uneasy, she'll he all right in a day or two : no danger at all. 
D. Si net unruish, se coomd oil recht in a dawg odder tzwaa 
gor k;i' g*fore. 
M. What is it that's the matter with her— it isu't what they call con- 
gestion of the brain, Is it ' 

M. Wasa is es us era failed— is 's net wass se de congestian fum 
gaharn haisa ? 
D. No indeed— nothing of that kind— it's only a case of overtasking 
the stomach and a slight cold, causing some nervous agitation, with a 
little mental prostration. 

D. Nay, nay, nix fun der awrt— es isyoosht an ivverlawdung fum 
mawga un a wennich kail os an narftshe unru feroorsaucht mit a 
weunich gameets fersbwecherung. 
M. But doctor, Annie is very sick— seriously sick, and I'm sure she 
needs medicine. 

M. Awer duckter, de Annie is orrick kronk— g'fairlicb kronk, un 
ich bin sure os se meditzeen hawa moos. 
D. Well yes, of course, it's as I say— she's sick, but what I mean is, she 
is not in that Bort of condition as to cause the least alarm. 

D. Well yaw, of course, es is we ich sawg, se is krouk, awer wass 
ich mane is, os se net in so a condition is os enniche unru feroor 
saucha set. 
M. May be it's what they call diphtheria? Oh; I do hope she'll get 
over it. 

M. Ferleicht is 's wass se diphtheria haisa? Oh 1 ich du huffa se 
coomd drivver. 
D. Nu diphtheria at all, and in fact nothing serious of any kind. 
Fact is, I can't name any particular complaint, because there is none 
other than as I stated — slightly indisposed. 

D. Gorkse diphtheria, un in fact gor nix g'fairlichs fun ennicber 

awrt. De fact 1b, ich con ka? particularer nawma fun kronkheit 

gevva weil es kje realy kronkheit is, awer yoosht a wennich 

ung'eoondichkeit. 

M. Then you are not going to give her any medicine, are you? If you 

won't, I'll have to send for Doctor Smith, because I'm as certain as I live 

that Annie is seriously sick. 

M. Demuoch wid era ka? meditzeen gevva; wann net snick ich 

for der Duckter Shmit, for ich bin so sure os ich Utbosde Annie 

g'fairlicb kronk is. 

D. Well, you may send for Doctor Smith if you will, and if you do, he 

will fully agree with me that there is nothing serious the matter with 

Annie. 

D. Well, du mawgsht for der Duckter Shmit shicka wana du wit 
un wann du doosht, don wesrd ar aw fullens agreea mit mer os gor 
nix g'fairliches mit der Annie is. 
M. Well I'll take your word for it, but, then I'm sure she needs some 
medicine. 

M. Well, ich will don di wardt derfore nemma, awer, ich bin sure 
os se doch meditzeen hawa mus. 
D. Oh yes, of course she does, and I mean to give her just what she 
needs, and if you'll let me have a piece of paper I'll prepare some pow- 
ders— the very Thing that will bring her all right inside of twenty-four 
hours. 

D. Oh yaw, of course, un ich will aw gevva yoosht wass sebraucht, 

un waun du mer 'u shtiuk bohbeer gebeht will ich etlich pilferlin 

prepara forse; un 6el!y bringa se rous in wennicher os feer un 

tzwonsich shtoond. 

The doctor prepared the powders, and directed one to be taken in 

sugar every two hours, and as he left the room, Annie's mother began 

to Biispect that after all she may have been needlessly alarmed. 

Der Duckter but de pilferlin prepared un g'orderd anes ei tzu 
gevva oily tzwaa shtoond, un we ar tzu der shtoob nous is, but der 
Annie era mooter suspect os om end hut se kae ursauch g'hot for 
unrooich tzu si. 



DKY GOODS. 
Clerk.— How do you do to-day, mam. Can I be of any service to you? 

Clarrick.— We mauchts belt. Con ich ebbae du for dich ? 
Lady.— I want to see some of your best black silks. 

Lady.— Ich will amohl eier besbter shwartza sida Sana. 
C. Yes 'm. Just please step this way. Here are the best goods ever 
produced— perfectly faultless. Here is a piece al a dollai ; and here at 
one and a quarter; this at one dollar sixty, and here still better at one 
eighty. 

C. Yaw. Si so goot un shtep den waig. Dob sin de beshty goods 
os yeamohls g'maucht sin warra, par feet un failer-fri. Doh is 'u 
shtick on a dawler; un doh on anes un a fiertle ; nu doe dob a 
dawler un sechtzich, un doh ols noch besser for an dawler un auch- 
tzich, 
E. Sure that this is the best } 
L. Sure 08 des 'a besht is ' 
C. Rely on it, this is the very best that the leading bouses of New 
York and Philadelphia can furnish. There is nothing anywhere to 
surpass these goods 

C. Ferluss dich druf, des is 's very besht os mer kawfa con in de 
leading heiser in Nei Yorrick odder Philadelphia. Es sin gor ka; 
goods os de doh beata kenna. 
L. It looks well— you are sure it's the best? Mrs. Jenkiushas a dress 
that seemed to me unsurpassed, aud I want none below that grade. 

L. Es gookt shas— bisht sure os des 's besht is os tzu hawa is? 
DeMrs. Jenkins hut 'n dress os mer ivvertrefflich fore coomd un 
ich will nix os net uf coomd tzu eras. 
C. Why Mrs. Jenkins' dress to which you refer is from this very 
piece, and you say truly, it is unsurpassed. 

C. Ei der Mrs. Jenkins era dress is fun dem very same shtick, nn 
du husht recht wann du aawgsht 's is ivvertrefflich. 
L. Then you have noue to beat this, have you? 

L. Dem noch husht nix os dee beata con? 
C. Well, let me see, here is a piece of figured goods, equal as to quality 
and as a matter of taste. I incline to think it is richer in consequence 
of the figure. 

C. Well, luss mich sana— doh is 'n shtick os g'figgerd is un es is 
yoosht 'n froke fuu taste cb 's shenner is ; ich denk de figger gebt 
dem a shenners awsai. 
L What's the [.rice of it? 

L. Wasa is der price fum dem } 
I '. Well, the price of this is two ten— just twenty-five cents per yard 
more. 

C. Well, der price fun dem is tzwse dawler un tzse cent— yusbt 
finf un tzwonsich cent de yord mainer. 
L. It's higher priced, then, is it? 

L. Don is des doli haicher in price? 
C. Yes, twenty-five cents higher, and I think it worth fully that much 
more. 

C. Yaw, finf un tzwonsich cent haicher, un ich denk es is aw 
fullens so feel mai waert. 
L. I don't know but that it is, and I think it looks yet richer than 
Mrs. Jenkins' — don't you think so too? 

L. Ich wase net eh 's net so is, un ich denk eB gookt noch reicher 
os der Mrs. Jenkins eras — donksht net aw so? 
C. Oh certainly, it's richer and better. 

C. Y'aw gawiss, es is reicber un besser. 
L. Well, I'll take — let me see — eighteen yards — and you may fill the 
necessary trimmings, and send it up to No. 945 Quality Street. The bill 
you'll send to my husband, Mr. Swelling, at his office, No. 28 Fiuawe 
Avenue. 

L. Well, ich nemn — luss mohl sana — auchtzain yard, un du 
mawgsht de trimmings adda, un shicks nuf tzu nummer nine 
boonert un fiuf un faertzich (945) Quality Shtrose. De hill Bhicksht 
tzu meim monn on siner office, nummer aucht un tzwonsich (28) 
Finawe Avenue. 

Religion and Education. — Tacitus, the Latin his- 
torian, two thousand years ago, gave a description of 
the German character, which, at this day, as tar as 
the virtues ascribed to them arc concerned, is appli- 
cable to the Pennsylvania Germans. These bold 
pioneers in the settlement of Pennsylvania had 
brought with them from the fatherland their re- 



THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 



31 



ligion, l'>ve for education and liberty, their industry, 
• run. .my, and indomitable perseverance. Equipped 
and adorned with these aa their capital and accom- 
plishments, they grained possession of the fertile val- 
lej - and of the hill-sides, even to the summits, which 
haw been caused by their labors to blossom as the 
cose, to yield to them abundantly the Bruits of the 
soil, and to gladden the eye of the observer as once 
did the fertilities of Goshen, the beauties of Sharon, 
the rich abundance of Canaan, and the enchantments 
of Paradise. Among the few treasures — very few 
indeed — which they had brought from their homes 
beyond the sea were a Bible, a Psalter, Starke's 
I ,. i„t Buch/'andAmdtV'Wahres I Ibristenthum." 

\.it f them was without religion and education, 

two precious legacies which they had brought from 
the Fatherland and transmitted to their posterity. 
Souses of worship were erected iii every community, 
which, though but rude structures, afforded them 
places in which to worship the God of their fathers. 
It is worthy of mention, too, that these church 
edifice.-, hundreds of them in Eastern Pennsylvania, 
have been built and owned conjointly by different 
denominations, sometimes three of them using and 
owning the edifice, having services on alternate Sun- 
days, or on different hours of the same day, by agree- 
ment, worshiping under the same roof for a century 
without a jar or discord. Where, in all this land, 
can another section of country be found in which 
brethren of different religious faiths have thus dwelt 
together in unity? It is doubtful, indeed, whether 
anywhere in Christendom a parallel case can be found, 
except, perhaps, in Germany, the native country of 
these people, where, in certain localities, Protestants 
and Catholics worship in the same churches, — the 
one body of Christians occupying the building in the 
forenoon, and the other in the afternoon, of the same 
day. 

The children, when of proper age, are instructed 
in the principles of religion, and encouraged to be- 
come members of the church of their parents. So 
carefully and conscientiously were these duties dis- 
charged by parents, that fifty years ago it was difficult 
to find an adult who was without church-member- 
ship. It was looked upon as greatly to the discredit 
of any one who lived to the age of manhood without 
having made a profession of religion. When any of 
these sporadic cases were found, ministers of the gos- 
pel regarded it their duty to make a public example 
of them, and to hold them up as a warning to others 
on the clay of their reception as members of the con- 
gregation. 

Church discipline was also rigidly enforced, and 
though more or less laxity has crept into some of the 
Churches of the present time, yet in most of them 
the careful practices of the fathers are preserved. 
Examinations of candidates for church membership 
are made, and such as do not come up to the require- 
ment of intellectual and moral qualification are held 



in abeyance till, after further instruction of mind and 
const ience, they attain to the proper standard. Mem- 
of i gregations are subjected to an examina- 
tion before they are admitted to the commuuion-table. 

If any are at variance with the a recon- 

ciliation inti-t be effected before they can come to 
the Lord's table. Those that live in outward and 
gross -ins are prohibited from communing until they 
have given evidence of sincere repentance. Those 
who have been guilty of overt a.ts of transgression 
are required to do Kerchabwt until they give satisfac 
tory evidence of a reformation of their hearts and 
lives. Suicides were formerlj buried on the outside 
of the. graveyard, or in a remote corner within, 
away from all others. Tin- graveyard I Gotti I 
i- always hard by the church, and regular sermons 
are preached in the church on funeral occasion-. 
The educational interests of the young have always 

I received special attention at the hands of tin' Ger- 
mans. In the Fatherland every child i- compelled to 

j attend school from the age of seven to fourteen. To 
find a German who cannot read and write is a- much 
of an impossibility as to find one of fourteen years 
and over who is not a confirmed member of the 
church. 

In conformity with the custom and spirit of the 
Fatherland, a church and school-house were among 
the first buildings erei ted by the sons of their worth] 
sires as they reached America. In every German 
community of Pennsylvania, from the Delaware to 
Lake Erie, this custom was perpetuated. The old 
edifices, still standing at many places, though simple 
and primitive in their style of architecture, bear tes- 
timony to the high value which these | pie plai ed 

on education. Teachers too. not land /infer and igno- 
ramuses, but regularly-trained instructor- coming from 
the gymnasia and schul-lehrer seminarien of the old 
country, were employed whenever the early settlers 
could command the means for doing so. These teach- 
ers woe not mere itinerants, who taught a term and 
then left, but they were permanently employed, 
Houses were furnished them, and farms, containing 
in some cases a hundred acres, were set apart for the 
use of the teacher, who at the same time was also the 
organist of the church and musical instructor. lie 
was the foresingcr, — not the chorister northe leader of 
the singing, but everything that the word 
implies. The teacher was as indispensable in many 
respects as the preacher, and ranked only second to 
him. In many cases be took the preacher'- place, 
especially so in conduct inc. the services in the absence 
of the minister, in n hich case, though not permitted to 
enter the pulpit, as that belonged to the minister exclu- 
sively, in distinction o! hi- office, be read a sermon at 
the altar. Frequently the minister, as is now the 
case in the sparsely settled sections of the West ami 
Southwest, was tin- school-teacher, being engaged six 
days of the week in teaching, and preaching to the 
congregation on Sunday, as well as holding kinnerlehr. 



32 



HISTORY OF LEHKJII COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



v The Pennsylvania Germans a century, and even 
fifty years, ago, were almost without exception 

fanners, mechanics, and laborers. Their daily toil 
on the farm and their trades kept, the children SO 
busily engaged that they had but little time at their 
command for school or study. The consequence was 
that the education of many was sadly neglected ; not 
because the parents disparaged education, luit from 
almost inevitable circumstances. 

They did not so readily adopt the public-school 
system in its earlier days as some of their English 
neighbors, but this was not because they were un- 
friendly to education and schools. Neither is their op- 
position to the public school system to be attributed to 
ignorance, as those not conversant with the facts some- 
times think. There are two reasons for it. Coming 
from a land where religion is taught in the schools, 
they feared that in State schools their most precious 
heritage, religion and religious instruction, would be 
ignored, and the moral nature of their children left 
uncared for by a merely secular education. And, in 
the second place, with their intense love of liberty, 
and having conic from a laud where church and state 
are united, producing a most unhappy state of things, 
they sought to preserve that freedom which they en- 
joyed here, and feared that by the establishment of 
State schools a step might he taken looking towards 
a union of school, church, and state. As soon as 
they felt convinced that such a course was not con- 
templated, they liecame the ardent advocates of a 
free school system, and are now its warmest sup- 
porters. 

Their Traits of Character. — The greater part of 
the Pennsylvania Germans are farmers, hardy and 
industrious tillers of the soil. They are robust, 
strong, healthy, and hard workers. In many of the 
rural districts women assist the men in farm-work. 
Though not seen following the plow, it is nevertheless 
s a common sight to see them engaged in raking hay, 
binding grain, hoeing and husking corn, milking 
cows, and the like. If it be a failing, their failing is 
that they work too much. Ofttimes we have seen 
young ladies whose parents were worth their thou- 
sands engaged as servants, waiting on tables at board- 
ing-school where their brothers were attending as 
students. While these women may not be experts at 
the piano, and yet they sometimes are, they under- 
stand practically how to bake bread, fry beefsteak, 
and prepare a most sumptuous and tempting meal. 
Every mother educates her daughters in the art of 
housekeeping before they are permitted to leave the 
maternal roof. Solomon's description of a diligent 
wife could not have been more accurate than it is, if 
he had taken a Pennsylvania German girl for his 
model. 
As farmers, the Pennsylvania Germans have no 

superiors. Their- 1 native judgment guides them 

in the selection of the farm, and they always have the 
best in the land. Many a worn-out farm, on which 



the original possessor starved, has been purchased at 
sheriffs sale and the soil's fertility reclaimed by these 
people. In a few years the new possessor becomes 
enriched, and lives thereon, as their proverb has it, 
wie en fogel im kSn/sawma. Nowhere, from Canada 
to the Gulf of Mexico, can farms be found in as high 
a state of cultivation, stocked with as fine -beep, 
horses, and cattle, and as well improved with tine, / 
large, convenient building-, as in the German counties 
of Pennsylvania. 

The large Schweitzer scheuer, Swiss barn, is a struc- 
ture peculiar to this people. It is one of the first ne- 
cessities of the farmer. Even when his house is in- 
different in style, and cramped in the interior for room, 
the barn is commodious and supplied with all the 
modern conveniences. The heavy farm horses, which 
are always kept scrupulously clean and well fed, re-' 
fleet great credit on their owners. They treat their 
beasts with great consideration, foregoing their own 
convenience rather than that their cattle and horses 
should sutler. The horse is stabled and fed before the 
owner looks after his own wants, thus fulfilling the 
scriptural precept that "the righteous man regardeth 
the life of his beast.'' 

The Pennsylvania German farmer has all the im- 
proved tools and machinery. His grain is sown, har- 
vested, threshed, and cleaned by means of the best 
machines. All the latest inventions, if proved good, 
are purchased, regardless of cost. His dairy has the 
modern improvements, and a creamery is found in al- 
most every neighborhood. The improved breeds of 
cattle are procured for dairy purposes, hundreds of 
dollars being frequently paid for a choice heifer. 
Fruit-trees are found, not only in the immediate sur- 
roundings of the buildings, but entire orchards of 
choice varieties of apples, pears, peaches, plums, etc., 
are found on almost every farm. It is not uncommon 
to meet from twelve to twenty varieties of grapes on a 
farm. In many sections tobacco is raised and great 
profits derived therefrom. The fact is, the Pennsyl- 
vania German farmer is progressive, and when he finds 
that a new crop can be cultivated to advantage, he is 
not slow in introducing it. He may not have studied 
agricultural chemistry theoretically, but he knows 
experimentally how to adapt his crops to the soil, or 
the soil to the crops, how to rotate crops, and what 
ingredients it is necessary to supply to the soil. He 
lias probably not studied higher arithmetic, algebra, 
or geometry, nor even book-keeping, but he knows 
bow to balance his accounts so that from year to year 
his property is enhanced in value. He may not have 
studied political economy, but he has learned to econ- 
omize practically, so that when the properties of his 
Yankee neighbors fall into the sheriff's hands he is 
enabled to purchase them. 

In the midst of his busy life, the Pennsylvania 
German farmer is not indifferent to the cultivation of 
his sesthetical nature. His house and yard are often 
very tastefully fixed and arranged. Great taste is 



THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 



33 



'displayed in his flower-garden. The housewife, with 
her good sense, provides unostentatious decorat 
for her rooms ami parlors, while her beautiful Sowers 
in pots adorn the windows, and often require a small 
conservatory for their preservation in winter, so that, 
transplanted in spring, in summer, and even till late 
fall, the tastefully laid out yard is fragrant with their 
odor, while their beautiful and varied colors please 
the eye. 

Music i- one of the fine arts very extensively culti- 
vated among this people. An orpin, and not unfre- 
quently a piano, is found in almost every bouse. 
Around this musical instrument, which many a far- 
mer's daughter can play, the young folks of the 
neighborhood gather of an evening or a Sunday after- 
noon, and fill thr air with the sounds of their clear, 
almost stentorian, voices. The notes ma\ not be quite 

as delicate a- refined operatic music, yet they sing 
with .such a heartiness ami good cheer that the music 
seems to come from the inmost soul. It is an out- 
burst of feeling, of emotion, strong and eloquent, 
which, though pronounced by the city belle as not 
delicately beautiful, nevertheless is beautifully sub- 
lime. Orpheus-like, the Pennsylvania German far- 
mer's daughter, by hand ami voice, has often caused, 
if not the tree-tops, yet the head of full many a city 
dude to bow at the magic charm of her music, and, 
[carus-like, his wings melted, to be drawn by the re- 
sistless siren strains to the fatal coast of some Penn>v 1- 
vania German homestead. 

As neighbors, they are extremely kind and friendly, 
They frequently assist each other by loans of money. 
Before the modern innovations and customs were in- 
troduced, these loans were made without interest and 
without requiring instruments of writing. Even when 
notes were given, the holder sometimes banded the 
note to the borrower, with the remark, " I might lose 
the paper, and then when you return the money it 
would cause trouble if I could not find the note. 30 
you best hold the note with the money, and when yon 
return the money you can bring me the note." 

In sickness and misfortune they assist one another 
to the extent of their ability, and never accept any 
compensation. When, before the days of insurance, 
buildings were destroyed bj fire or property wa 
by misfortune, they collected moneys, frequently suf- 
ficient to cover the amount of the loss. At funerals, 
even to this day, all the neighbors assist the afflicted 
family until the dead are buried, and it would be re- 
garded almost as a mortal sin to accept any compen- 
sation, either for services rendered or money expended 
in performing these offices of love. 

Their hospitality is proverbial. No one, not even 
the beggar, i- permitted to depart from their gates 
at meal-times without having his hunger appeased. 
Their beneficence is sometimes abused by unscrupu- 
lous persons, who impose upon their kindness. Hence 
no section of country is so much infested by tramps as 
the German counties of Pennsylvania. No Pennsyl- 



S 



vania German farmer, even when himself in -trait- 
eneil circumstances, would think of accepting pay for 
meals and lodging from any one who temporarily 
enjoys his hospitality ; in reality it would "led 

as an insult if any guest should offer to pay tor his 
entertainment. 

They an- very sociable, and given to visiting; 

distant relatives are not forgotten. Sunday afternoon ■ 

is largely devoted to visiting, but frequently, too, sev- 
eral days are -ei apart, when the season of the year 
permit-, for the purpose of making visits. Ill winter- 
time entire weeks are devoted to visiting. No visit 
is counted unles- a meal is partaken of in connection 
therewith. These meals are most bounteous, such as 

the Pennsylvania German housewife understand 

well to prepare. Several kind- of meats, vegetables 
of all kinds when in season, and pies and pastry of 
every conceivable kind are on the table. It is not at_ 
all unusual to have sis to light different kind- of pies, 
and frequently as many kinds of cakes. 

These victual- are cooked, and baked, and dished 
up in the very best style, -" a- to tempt the appetite 
of the most fastidious. The good housewife ami her 
daughters, who wait on tie guests, in>i>t that every- 
one at table must at least taste every dish and baked 
article that is passed around. The more then- i- eaten 
thereof the better the host is pleased. With "Helfdir 
ditch selver, du eschi yo schier gator nix, du bischt duck 
j net ■<•':!. ess dich ditch recht »0t," ami similar ex- 
pressions, the guest i- pressed to partake of the boun- 
tiful repast until bis ability to do further justice to the 
meal is exhausted. 

Sobriety, modesty, and honesty are di-ringn 

characteristics of this people. They are not, as a rule, . 
total abstainers, but are not drinkers on the other 
hand. Their sociality sometimes leads to convivial- 
ity, but it seldom terminates in drunkenness. They 
are from principle opposed to sumptuary law-, but 
also from principle abhor drunkenness. Their mod- 
esty ha- restrained them from protruding themselves 
to the public gaze. Hence their ability has been un- 
derrated, and great injustice done them. If not un- 
known to fortune, they have been at least to fame in 
sequence. They have been averse from blowing 
their own trumpets. For the same reason they pre- 
fer to suffer denials, privations, and poverty, rather 
than to protrude themselves upon the charities of 
others. Tramp- and beggars of other nationalities 
abound, but of the Pennsylvania Germans never. 
Hardly ever is a single case to be encountered. Their - 
honesty has also become proverbial. Until spoiled by 

the philosophy of the world, it wa- regarded as a 
great disgrace tor any of them to become involved in 
financial failure, or to neglect the payment of their 
honest debts. The principle that " a good name is to 
hi- chosen rather than great rich,-" influences them in 
their dealings with their fellow-men. 

Customs, Habits, Peculiarities, etc.— 77- Old- 
(inu Schools and Schoolmasters. — The school-houses 



34 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and furniture in the Pennsylvania German districts 
were often of a verj primitive character. The build- 
ing was a rudely-i structed log cabin, with four 

windows, unplastered walls, a six-plate wood-stove, 
and no furniture. The desks were inclined planes of 
rough boards around the wall, at which the larger 
scholars found place to do (heir writing, while they 
sal on benches rudely manufactured from a log split 
through the middle, or slabs, with legs <>r rounds fitted 

into auger-holes. These benches, without support foj 
the buck, were placed around the stove, on which the 
smaller scholars were seated seven hours a day, with 
nothing to do but to stare at the unplastered wall or 
look at the old " Mary Ann Furnace'' stove. The daily 
routine of school exercises consisted in " ufsawga." 
This meant the reading and spelling of words, without 
regard to sense and expression. The exercises con- 
tinued during all of the day, from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M., 
with an hour's recess at noon. There was ciphering 
and writing, but not in class. Each pupil constituted 
his own class, and when help was needed the slate was 
brought to the teacher, who looked over the "sums." 
while, at the same time, the " ufsawga" went on. The 
writers received no attention, except an occasional 
mending of the goose-quill pen. 

The books in use were the Testament, the" English 
Reader," " Comly's Spelling-Book," and the " Ameri- 
can Tudor Arithmetic." Geography, grammar, his- 
tory, and kindred branches were not known. The 
teacher's knowledge of the branches taught was fre- 
quently very limited. Reading was a merely mechan- 
ical exercise, consisting of the pronunciation of a 
certain number of words. It was a practical solution 
of the problem of maxima and Minium, — pronouncing 
the greatest number of words in the shortest time 
possible. The pupil that could do this was considered 
the best reader. The teacher's knowledge of arith- 
metic was very meagre. One of the first superintend- 
ents of Lehigh County reports that he found a teacher 
at his examinations who could add and subtract, but 
when requested to perforin an operation involving 
multiplication and division he excused himself, say- 
ing, Des mulMplizeera mi difideera hawb ich noch net 
gelernt (" I have not learned yet to multiply and di- 
vide"). Among the tricks played on the teacher was 
that of locking him out on Fdsnachi (Shrove Tuesday), 
and not permitting him to come in till he treated to 
cake and wine, the pupils " holding the fort" inside. 
Some of the shrewder teachers devised plans by which 
they could get possession of the house. In one in- 
stance the teacher tied chips in a paper, and colored 
some water so that it bad the appearance of red wine. 
With the bottle of colored water resembling wine in 
one hand and the package of chips in the other, he ap- 
proached the school-house, when the door was thrown 
widely open. After the teacher had entered the house 
and the deception was detected, it was too late to 
change the programme, as he now had possession, and, 
with birch in hand, soon commanded order, bringing 



i In ringleaders to terms. A nother climbing on the roof, 
placed a board on the chimney, or rather on the pipe 

protruding above the roof. The smoke had neans 

of escaping, and, very soon, doors and windows were 
cheerfully opened, admitting the teacher nolens volens. 

Their Social Gatherings and Employment.— 
Their sociability has devised various methods for 
the Pennsylvania Germans performing their hardest 
work in a collective capacity, thus greatly lightening 
I lie burden, and making labor a pleasant employ- 
ment rather than an irksome task. The farmer as- 
sists his neighbors, and they in turn assist him. In 
harvest-time as many as twenty to thirty persons of 
the same neighborhood were formerly frequently seen 
in one field. Thus when one fanner's grain was cut 
the harvesters went to the next, thus continuing till 
all the grain was harvested. The hard work was com- 
pensated by the many pleasures connected with it. 
The large party of workers collecting under a shade- 
tree to eat the nine-o'clock lunch or " the four-o'clock 
piece," relating anecdotes, cracking jokes, and en- 
gaging in pleasantries, men and women participating 
with equal enjoyment; the immense dinner, break- 
fast, and supper-tables, where a feast of good things 
was spread out, and a flow of lively sentiment 'kept 
up the laughter until the food, relished by the keen 
appetite, slowly but surely disappeared; tin 1 nth 
schtund (rest-hour), from twelve to two, spent in rest, 
sleep, or story-telling under the shade-tree by some, 
while the women assist in washing dishes, and the 
mowers or cradlers grind their scythes, and in hay 
harvest [dengel) hammer them; the evening enjoy- 
ments, when there is feier owet (holi-evening), all sit 
on the piazza or recline on benches, enjoying rest 
after the weary labors of the day. verifying their 
proverb, " Nueh der erwet is gut ruha," were social 
events which those that engaged in them recall with 
a never-to-be-forgotten pleasure. 

The corn-husking parties, when of an evening the 
young men and ladies, to the number of thirty or 
forty, assemble to assist a neighbor to house his crop, 
are most enjoyable affairs. When a red ear is found 
by a gentleman, it entitles him to the privilege of 
kissing a lady. There is a merriment such as even a 
New Orleans Mardi Qras hardly affords. Then comes 
supper, and the carnival that follows. 

The quilting-party and the apple-butter party were/ 
institutions of former days. The former has almost 
passed away, and is a matter of history. The ladies 
of the neighborhood, young and old, were invited. 
The afternoon was spent in making the quilt, which 
was composed of a large number of patches sewed 
artistically, and other designs, representing birds and 
animals, being quilted thereon. After the supper was 
partaken of. the married ladies went home, while the 
single ones remained, and soon the young men of the 
neighborhood congregated, when the evening was 
spent in a lively manner, music and dancing consti- 
tuting the amusement. 



Till', PK.WSYI.VANIA GERMANS. 



35 



VVv The apple-butter party is still in rogue where 
apples are plentiful. The Pennsylvania Hermans are 
noted for their apple-butter, which is different from 
any other, ami pronounced by competent judges the 
most palatable article made. It ia not a New Eng- 
land sauce, to be eaten with spoons, nor a Shaker 
apple-butter, with its pumpkins used in connection 
with the apples ami eider. It is a marmalade, made 
of sweet cider and schniiz. ire a Pennsyl- 

vania German product, tor which there is no English 
name. At the apple-butter party the schnit are 

made. The young folks are seated around a large 

tub. peeling the apples and cutting them into slices 
[schniiz), which are thrown into the tub until bushels 
of them in made. These are poured by the bucket- 
I ill into the cider,bdiling in a kettle which frequently 
hold- a barrel. As the eider concentrates by boiling, 
and a fresh ,-upply of apples is continually added, 
the apple J butter thickens. It becomes a brown, 
smooth mass, which is seasoned with allspice, cinna- 
mon, cloves, and other spices, and then put in crocks. 
The kettle is scraped with pieces of bread, which, 
with the fresh apple-butter on, are eaten, and consti- 
tute one of the pleasures of the party. This apple- 
butter is used as a substitute for molasses, and when 
spread on bread with sehmierkaes, another Peni 
vania German product, is unequaled, even by the 
best of jellies. After the apple-butter is boiled, the 
young people spend the evening in a manner similar 
to that of the quilting-party. These gatherings, 
when not held in connection with quiltings or apple- 
butter boilings, are sometimes called en gruscht. 

It i — . specially worthy of mention, in this connection, 
that Pennsylvania Germans, theSchimmel family, are 
inventors of the butters manufactured now on a 
large scale from different fruits in their extensive 
establishments in Philadelphia and Chicago. They 
commenced the business, whieh has assumed so large 
proportions, on a small scale, with a single kettle, 
less than twenty years ago. 

II. L. Fischer, Esq., in his Pennsylvania German 
poems, describes the apple-butter party most truth- 
fully. One of his stanzas runs thus: 

•' Un Willi latwerg zu koclia war, 
Dan wur'ii parti g'lnacllt ; 
Ernclit hell mV all die aepel g'scbaelt, 
Un dan, e ding uu's anner s/achpfell 
Bia tang nooch mitter-nacht J 
In turnabout d'r latwerg g'riert, 
Hi- Uirli un kr.-cl war fei'tM'hliiiert. 
I n wan d'r latwerg fertig war, 

Un all >ii<- g*werze d'rin, 

Un heffa full, un — abgeliowa, 

l.-ti iinhs den latwerg heit nuch Iowa, 

Don sin ni'r mil de maed bame gonga." 

The Bal/a/ion.* were, in ante-bellum day-, a notorious 
institution. The militia had their drills exaziera) in 
early spring. Corn-stalks, hoe-handles, and broom- 
sticks served as guns, with which the drills were per- 
formed. The battalion, in May, was the consumma- 
tion of these preparatory exercises. Cavalry and 



infantrj were in tie field, generals, maj 

and Captains, with cocked hats and plume-, with 
epaulette- on their shoulders, fully equipped and 
uniformed, were in i miand. " Itten — shone, com- 
pany/" wa- tin command, given in thunder-tones, 

while brave lieutenant- repeated the word- in Penn- 
sylvania German, "Oebi ach't, buvia, »<•» hSrcht, b 

ulj'." More imposing sight was never beheld, nor 
impressive cot aid given, than on the old-fash- 
ioned bSddOlya day. A.1 the age of eighteen the 

young man wa- compelled to become a soldier, 
the very age at whii h al-o girls were at liberty 
to marry. To the battalion thc\ went; then, if 

not already acquainted, tiny were introduced, not 
in the formal way of polite society, but in blunt Pi 
-vlvania German, somewhat like the following: /'• 
w der John. I> ■ die Betz. Kum her. //>/•/■ dich 
mir. I'll gleich dich, Ich dich awh. All was 
hilarity and fun. They danced till night, and went 
home with the girl- in the morning. 

The holiday observances of the Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans are also worth} of mention. Christmas i- one 
of their chief holidays. The Christmas-tree i- found 
in almost every house, and the churches, even those 
in the rural districts, are profusely and tastefully 
decorated with evergreens. Children are told of the 
Kriicht-Mndli, which is not a meaningless Santa < llaus, 
or Kriss-kingle. It is the Christian Christ-child. 
Their Krhcht-kindli is not the fantastic St. Nicholas, 
nor the horror and consternation creating Belsnickel, 
but the kindly dispenser of good gifts. The A 
hindli does not terrify fergelsehiera) the little ones, 
but gently knocking at the door, or modestly stepping 
within, scatter- chestnuts, dried cherries, and other 
fruits | candy was scarcely known in olden time- |, lay- 
down a gift, perhaps a pair of glove-, or some other 
article of wearing apparel, at the feet of each child, 
and then, after -peaking words of encouragement or 
imparting wholesome advice, withdraws, as it came, 
like an angel of mercy in the habiliments of a human 
being. The inquiry, when children meet one another 
or their older friends, on Christmas morning is not, 
"Where i- my Christina- present 1" but," Wo is mei 
KrUcht-MndUt" It i- not merely a present, but it is 
a Christ-child gilt. The gift of God, in the Christ- 
child Jesus, is to be illustrated, reduplicated, by giving 
in the Christ-child spirit. 

On New- Year's eve the custom formerly prevailed 
of shooting out the old year and -hooting in the new. 
This practice is now, however, last becoming obsolete. 
Meaningless as this custom may appear, it- abuse only 
rendered it unpopular. In that elder day, when brass 

band- and other instru n tali ties for serenading were 

not as common a- now, the new-year shooting saluta- 
tion also had its significance, and possibly its be 

It was a means of manifesting good will and express- 
ing greetings, which now is supplanted by le-s offen- 
sive methods. The shooting, however, was not the 
exclusive exercise. Beautiful verses of hymn 



36 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Scripture were committed by the members of the 
company, and these were repeated singly or in con- 
cert, or sung under the windows of those to whom, at 

the midnight hour, through snow and storm, they 
wended their way. II' shooting was not agreeable to 
the persons visited, it was not indulged in, as permis- 
sion was always asked for before the first shot was ! 
fired. Those to whom these salutations were con- 
veyed recognized their indebtedness to the kind pur- 
\e\ors by inviting them into the house, and handed 
around refreshments. On New-Year's day, when 
persons meet, they wish each other not "A happy 
new year," but, " En gliciselig net yohr," — that is, 
a blessed, happy new year. Members of the family 
vie with each other, as well as with strangers, to be 
first in making this wish. 

Fdsndcht, Shrove-Tuesday, is another day of very 
general observance, not as a holiday, but for baking 
and eating kichlen, tat cakes. This is a custom which 
the Pennsylvania Germans have, with our common 
Christianity, inherited from the ancient church, as it 
enters upon its forty days of fasting in the Lenten 
season. It would be as uncommon for any household 
not to have the Fdsndcht kichlen on this day as for the 
New Englander not to have his turkey on Thanks- 
giving-day. 

Good-Friday and Ascension-day are high religious 
holidays, — holydays in the true sense. These days, 
commemorative of the solemn events of the cruci- 
fixion and ascension of the Saviour, are always ob- 
served with appropriate religious services in the 
churches. On Ascension-day they abstain almost 
superstitiously from all kinds of work. It is believed 
by many of the more ignorant that lightning will 
strike the house or barn if any sewing is done on this 
day in the family. 

Easier also is observed by the Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans, in common with the Christian world, as a 
religious festival. In many of the churches the 
Lord's Supper is celebrated on this day, and young 
members are received in connection with the church. 
The joyfully solemn services of the Easter festival 
are heightened and made more impressive by the 
decorations of pulpit and altar with the symbols of 
the resurrection, the flowers of early spring. Easter- 
eggs, symbolical of the lifelcssness and inertion of 
the grave, until the germ of life within causes the 
shell to break, are eaten in every house. These eggs 
are frequently highly colored, and have beautiful 
designs engraved upon them. They are given as 
presents or exchanged. Not only children, but old 
people also indulge in the custom. 

The 1st of April is regarded as a day for innocent 
pleasantry. It is not the All-Fools' day of the Eng- 
lish, because the Pennsylvania German has a certain 
instinctive abhorrence for calling any one a fool, or 
making a fool of him. In der Opril schicka is the 
term he employs, as less rude or objectionable than 
April fool. 



Whit-Monday, Pingscht-Mbndawg, is, in many of 
the German sections of the State, the great holiday 
for social enjoyment. From long distances they 
come, young and old. by thousands, to spend the day 
in town. It is the gala-day of the year. 

Ilnm-fl '/'/nmksgivmg Services arc a peculiarly 
Pennsylvania < ierman institution. They are observed 
with special interest. After the oat harvest is housed, 
some time in August usually, a day is appointed, not 
on Sunday, wdien all the people are called on to 
assemble in their places of worship for the purpose 
of returning thanks to the Almighty for his goodness. 
Every farmer leaves his work, however important, 
and unites with the congregation in praising the Lord. 
Persons who are not found in the house of God on 
any other occasion of the year are in attendance at 
the aernd kerch, and ministers sometimes embrace the 
opportunity of reminding indifferent members of their 
neglected duties. 

On funeral occasions, as already observed, there 
are large gatherings of relatives, friends, and neigh- 
bors of the deceased. A short service is held at the 
house, after which the funeral procession moves to 
the church, where the burial takes place, and a ser- 
mon is preached. A custom prevails in many neigh- 
borhoods to invite the friends back to the house of 
the deceased to partake of refreshments. Very ex- 
tensive preparations are sometimes made for this 
purpose, and from fifty to two hundred persons dine 
there. This custom is happily being more and more 
discountenanced, and, with other objectionable prac- 
tices, may, before many years, be classified with the 
things of the past, even as the still more reprehensi- 
ble custom, which was countenanced a hundred years 
ago, of dispensing liquor at funerals is now only a 
matter of history. Such, however, was the practice 
then. Every person who attended a funeral in the 
days of yore had an opportunity of being regaled 
with a drink of whiskey, a chunk of cheese, and a 
piece of bread, so that frequently waiters were 
stationed by the road-side, where the funeral pro- 
cession passed on its way to church, where the cus- 
tomary refreshments were again served. 

Catching Elbedriches was a sport which, like the 
boys pelting the frogs with stones, though fun to the 
initiated, was, if not death, at least anything but 
agreeable to the unsophisticated youth. A number of 
boys, who understood the trick, persuaded a verdant 
youth to accompany them to a lonely field or wood on 
a cold winter's night. With the pretense that they 
were going (around) by the side of a hill to chase the 
mythical bird, — for elbedriches were supposed to be 
a bird, — they placed the uninitiated youth at a fence 
corner, holding a bag widely open for the birds to run 
in. There he stood trembling and his hands freezing. 
Neither bird nor companions put in an appearance. At 
length, almost perishing from the cold, he concluded 
to go home, where he found his companions gathered 
around the hot stove, enjoying the fun at his expense. 



THK PENNSYLVAN] \ GERMANS. 



37 



Beliefs and Superstitions.— The Pennsylvania 
Germans, in common with all nationalities, had theii 
beliefs (glawwa) and superstitions in the olden days. 
The sig ") of the almanac were closely con- 

sulted for certain purposes. The waning [abnemmend] 
moon (alt lieht) was favorable for certain purposes 
and verj unfavorable for others. No crops wei pul 
out nor garden vegetables planted at this time, while 
the increasing moon [zunemmen ' was favorable. In 
the sign of the Linn cider was drawn off for rineg ir, 
but no moat wa> pul away for curing in this sign, as 
it was liable then to be infested with vermin, to bi i omi 
lively like the lion. The Balance was a good sign for 
bees to swarm, as the hive would then become heavy 
with honey. When bins were set, it was done in the 
sign of the Virgin, as then they were' sure to hatch 

and the young ones bi me hardy. An odd number 

of eggs had to be placed in the nest, as in fcbaf case 
all would hatch. When a house was roofed, it had to 
be done when the horns of the moon pointed down- 
ward int tiiiiitf gehenda), as then the shingles would 

remain tightly on the root; if done in the iurwer- 
gehenda, when the horns were turned upward, the 
shingles were certain to turn the edges upward. It 
was contended that a board placed on the ground 
would turn the edges downward or upward in accord- 
ance with the sign. When a cup with coffee-grounds 
in was inverted and then placed upright again, the 
Dumber of dark lines made by the grounds indicated 
the number of visitors to be expected that day. The 
charred wick of a tallow candle forced out beyond 
the flame indicated, by the way in which it pointed, 
the direction from which a beau might be expected. 
When the cat washed itself it denoted visitors. The 
first young man entering by the doorway over which 
a chicken-bone was placed by a young lady was to be 
her future husband. Finding a horseshoe was a sign 
ot' good luck, so was a four-leaved clover leaf, but a 
leaf of five leaflets was unlucky. When a barn-swal- 
low was killed the cows gave bloody milk. When 
flowers or the thyme growing on graves was smclled, 
that person's Sense of smell would be lost. When a 

child was stepped over by any one, its growth was re- 
tarded if not stopped thereby. When the hair was 
trimmed on the first Friday of new moon, its growth 
became beautiful ami luxuriant. When the fingei 
nails were trimmed on Friday, it was a preventive of 
toothache ; when trimmed on Sunday, the person who 
did it would feel ashamed that day. When an article 
or clothing was put on reversed, it denoted good 
luck, but if turned right afterwards, it was unlucky. 
Sneezing was a sign of good luck and good health. 

and hence the expression " Q'simdheif was used w hen 
any one sneezed. The crowing of a hen and the crying 
ofs dog were regarded as very unfavorable sign-, por- 
tending a death in the family. When a young corn- 
.stalk or garden vegetable turned white, it was a similar 
omen. In boiling soap, a sassafras stick had to be used 
in stirring it. 



Various cures were in vogue, prominent among 
them t lie ui^til cures, poM wow tng bi a ■ h . B 

(felons) were cured by incantations pronounced over 

tic inflai I anger by a " word doctor." ( ionvule 

pain, bleedings, etc., were stopped in the same way. 

(inns might be bewitched that thej could not lie fired 
oil, and dogs that they did not bark. I'.ut when a gun 
was loaded with a silver bullet, or two pins stuck so 
that they formed a cross, or when the dog was tin i 
Wdsser, the charm had no effect, or was counteracted. 
Children were frequently believed to be liver-grown 

[mi-ij, wBc&sa , and were ell red l>\ passing them through 
under a brier grown fast at both ends. When a horse 
became lame, it was cured by tying a bag-string 
around the lame foot ; but the string had to In- stolen 
from a flour-bag, and the horse left in the stable' while 
the cure was in progress. The skin of a snake, which 
the animal had shed, picked up with the teeth and 
carried in the mouth, will prevent toothache as 
many years as the person takes steps backward while 
holding the skin between his teeth. It i- always 
safest to take a hundred steps, as not many persons 
get toothache after that age of life. Looking up the 
chimney when a person comes to a new home will 
prevent home-sickness. If he is already affected with 
that disease, it cau be cured by making him eat the 
scrapings of the four corners of the table on a piece 
of buttered bread. Warts are cured by rubbing them 
with a piece of fat meat {schpeck) out of doors, when 
the new moon is seen the first time, and looking at it 
over the left shoulder, while the words are repeated, 
"Wds ich sehti nemmt r», wis i<-lt nib nemmt <~>/i." 
Sassafras-tea is drunk in spring to purify the blood, 
and boneset- (d&rchwBa i tea as an appetizer. March 
snow, melted, is good for weak eyes, and the water of 
it is often preserved for years. When an aching 
tooth is stirred with a nail taken out of a coffin, it 
will stop the aching. Such a nail carried in the 
pocket will cure rheumatism. A cured eel-skin tied 
around the wrist or ankle is both cure and preventive 
of rheumatism. A lock of hair of a person who had 
never seen his father was a cure for whooping-cough, 
it' worn next the skin. 

Different signs are employed for prognostications. 
The snowfalls of a winter are indicated by the num- 
ber of days from the first snowfall to full-moon, 
Whether the months will be dry or wet can be fore- 
told by setting twelve fresh onions, partly hollowed 
out and filled with salt, in the garret, and giving them 
the names cd" the months. Those in which the salt is 
melted at the expiration of twelve days are the wet 
months, while the others are the dry ones. When the 
spleen of the slaughtered pigs is thick in front, the 
first half of the winter will be cold, and n'<v , 

Their Distinguished Men.— One-half of the dis- 
tinguished Governors of the State were Pennsyl- 
vania Germans. The first Governor that ever took a 
decided stand in favor of public schools was a Penn- 
sylvania German, John Andrew Shulze. In 1828 lie 



:;s 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



said, in bis message, "The mighty works and conse- 
quent great expenditures undertaken by the State 
cannot induce me to Forbear again calling your atten- 
tion to the subject of public education. To <\r\ ise 
mm in- for the establishment of a fund and the adop- 
tion of a plan by which the blessings of the more 
necessary branches of education should be conferred 
on every family within our borders, would be every 
way worthy the Legislature of Pennsylvania. The 
establishment of such principles would not only have 
the bappiest effects in cultivating the minds, but in- 
vigorating the physical constitution of the young. 
What nobler incentive can present itself to the mind 
of a republican legislator than a hope that his labors 
shall be rewarded by insuring to his country a race of 
human beings healthy and of vigorous constitution, 
and of minds more generally improved than fall to 
the lot of any considerable portion of the human 
family?" 

His biographer says of Schulze, " None of his pre- 
decessors had come to that high office with so much 
culture and grace as he." Under him stupendous 
plans for the improvement of the commonwealth were 
adopted and put in execution. 

George Wolf, another Pennsylvania German Gov- 
ernor, was born in Allen township, Northampton Co., 
almost on the banks of the Lehigh River. He came 
to the gubernatorial chair when the outlook was most 
gloomy and the credit of the State was at a low ebb. 
He, by a bold stroke and an expensive policy, carried 
out the great system of improvements which have 
been so beneficial to the State. The most substantial 
of these was the establishment of a system of public 
instruction. James Buchanan, in a speech delivered 
at West Chester iu 1829, said, " If ever the passion 
of envy could be excused in a man ambitious of true 
glory, he might almost be justified in envying the fame 
of that favored individual, whoever he may be, whom 
Providence intends to make the instrument in estab- 
lishing common schools throughout this common- 
wealth. His task will be arduous. He will have 
many difficulties to encounter and many prejudices to 
overcome; but his fame will exceed that even of the 
great Clinton, in the same proportion that mind is 
superior to matter. While the one has erected a frail 
memorial which, like everything human, must decay 
and perish, the other will raise a monument which 
shall flourish in immortal youth, and endure whilst 
the human soul shall continue to exist. Ages unborn 
and nationsyet behind shall bless his memory." That 
honor was accorded to George Wolf, once a Pennsyl- 
vania German boy. 

Simon Snyder, the third Governor of Pennsylvania, 
whose name has been a household word for over half 
a century in every German family, and for whom one 
of the counties of the State was named, was a repre- 
sentative Pennsylvania German. He was Governor 
during most thrilling times, — the war of 1812-15. He 
devoted all his energies to prosecuting the war, and 



held out every inducement to facilitate volunteer- 
ing and to aid in the equipment and support of the 
troops. 

Joseph Hiester, another Pennsylvania German Gov- 
ernor, like many of the German boys, was put to the 
plow so young that when it struck a Stump or caught 
under a root he was thrown on his back. When, in 
1775, the great Washington was in need of men and 
means, Hiester aroused his fellow -townsmen of Read- 
ing to come to the rescue. When a public meeting 
had been called, he laid forty dollars on a drumhead 
as bounty money and promised to furnish a company 
with blankets and funds for their equipment, which 
promise he fulfilled faithfully. He raised a company 
and marched them to the assistance of Washington, 
and with them endured indescribable privations and 
sufferings. He was Governor from 1820 to 1823. 

Joseph Ritner, a Pennsylvania German farmer's 
boy, and in his youth a common farm laborer (hnecht), 
with less education than any other Governor, never- 
theless proved himself the possessor of so much good 
common sense and reason, as Pennsylvania Germans 
usually do, that his administration was quite an event- 
ful one. Perhaps much of his success was due, like 
that of many of the Germans, to the fact that he con- 
sulted his good wife when difficulties arose. At least 
it is said that when the family had learned of his elec- 
tion to the gubernatorial chair the daughters asked 
Mrs. Ritner, "Sin mer now all Governeerat" And 
she gave them the laconic and yet expressive answer, 
"Nee,ihr ndrra, yu&cht der dad mi ich." In his ad- 
ministration the public school law was put into force. 
He always regarded the consummation of the adop- 
tion of the common-school system as the crowning- 
glory of his administration. 

Perhaps the best representative of Pennsylvania 
German character that ever occupied the guberna- 
torial chair was Francis Rawn Shunk. He was not 
only a German by extraction and birth, but preserved 
| his German feelings, manner of thought, language, 
and habits to his dying day. Like the other German 
Governors, he was a poor, hard-working farmer-boy. 
He worked by the day [im dawglaw) in his youth like 
many a German boy ; he, however, employed his leisure 
hours in study. His faithful mother's influence, ad- 
vice, and consolation, when, after a weary day's labor, 
he laid his aching head on her lap, was powerfully 
effective in forming him to be the great man he was. 
There never was a better exponent of the Pennsyl- 
vania German character so noted for honesty, sincerity, 
and purity, whether in private life or in the Governor's 
chair, than Francis R. Shunk ; cheerfulness and joy- 
ousness, combined with a deep seriousness and relig- 
ious feeling such as his German Bible which he read 
daily commended, characterized his life. 

Governor John W. Geary, though not regularly 
classed with the German Governors, was also of Ger- 
man extraction, and so was David Rittenhouse Porter 
on his mother's side. 



THE PENNSYLVANIA GERMANS. 



39 



The last one in the line of German Governors \v:is 
John F. Hartranft, who, like the others, true to the 
character of his people, came from comparatively 
humble circumstances to the office of chief executive 
of the State. 

N'ii ..nly as Governors of the State but in other 
positions of prominence and usefulness, both in this 
and in different States of the Union, have the Penn- 
sylvania Germans distinguished themselves. Among 
them may lie named Godlove (Gottlieb) S. Orth, one 
of the prominent men of the country, at one time 
Governor of Indiana, and minister to Austria. An 
illustration that the Pennsylvania German is still 
living in all its freshness and vigor in Europe, as it 
did centuries ago, is furnished in the fact that when 
.Mr. Orth was introduced to the Emperor of Austria, 
he conversed with the emperor in the vernacular cit' 
Pennsylvania. The emperor, although speaking 
thirteen languages, did not speak English. As the 
conversatic.ii, at Mr. Orth's request, was conducted in 
German, the emperor asked him, "Tell me in what 
pan of Germany were you born?" "Not in Ger- I 
many," Mr. Orth replied, "but in Pennsylvania, in 
tin- United States." " But," said the emperor, "you 
speak the pleasing accent of the Rhine." 

From the beginning of the Thirty Years' war. in 
1618, tu the end of Queen Anne's, in 1713, their cap- 
ital city, Heidelberg, leveled with the ground three 
times, every decade an army of soldiers sweeping like 
a whirlwind over the Palatinate, leaving confusion 
and death in its train, crops destroyed and houses 
burned, men, women, and children driven into forests, 
where they were left to suffer and to die. leaving their 
native home, and seeking new homes in a foreign land, j 
robbed on the high seas, and sold as slaves up.. n their 
arrival in America, harassed here and distressed by 
unmerciful savages, oppressed, down-trodden, perse- 
cuted bytheir English neighbors, this people has pre- 
served it- identity, character, and language that they 
are till this day, as — 

Selbet 8*in. u in jenen grauen Jabren, da Tacitus geschrieb.Mi. 

Geuondert, uogemiscbt und uursicli solber gteich." 

The first Bible published in America was published 
in ( rerman by < Jhristopher Sauer, thirty-nine years he- 
fore an English Bible was published. The first paper- 
mill erected in America was erected by Bittenhouse 
in li'.'.".. 

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, who came to this 
country in 1742 as a Lutheran minister, ami who him- 
self was a distinguished divine, extensively known in 
America and Europe, was also the sin- of a numerous 
family of descendants, many of whom became prom- 
inent as theologians, statesmen, and scientists. Gen. 
IVter A. Muhlenl.ei-. the Revolutionary [.at riot min- 
ister, who divested himself of his clerical robe in the 

pulpit, and took up his sword in defense of hi- coun- 
try, his congregation joining him, F. A. Muhlen- 
berg, Speaker of the National House of Representa- 
tives in 1789, Rev. Dr. W. A. Muhlenberg, the 



distinguished author of the well-known hymn, "I 

would not live alway," and Muhlenberg, the scientist 
ami botanist, whose name is associated with a number 

of specimens, all were descendants of the Pennsylva- 
nia ( rerman patriarch. 

Rev. Michael Schlatter, the patriarch of tie 

formed Church in America, through wl rtion 

a society was formed in England, in 1752, for the diffu- 
sion of km." ledge among the Germans in America, 

should also he named in this connection. Conrad 
Wci-ei, the noted Indian interpreter, whose name 
and fame are intimately associated with the history of 

this State, David Rittenhouse, the astronomer and 
philosopher, second only to Franklin in his scientific 
researches and discoveries, Hartman, the discoverer 
of anthracite coal and its uses, Barbara Fritschie, the 
heroine of Fredericktown, Lorenz Ibach, who makes 
the calculations for the' almanacs of North and South 
America, Dr. Henry Harbach, the poet of the home 
and heart, Zinzcndorf, the Indian missionary, Baron 
Stiegel, the first man who smelted iron ore in this part 
of the country, Mary Clemmcr, the distinguished 
writer, and such men as Herman, Helfrich, Schindel, 
Dubbs, Neitz, YVaage, Demme, and Weiser, who by 
their oratory stirred and by their lore instructed the 
masses, were all Pennsylvania Germans. 

Influences Exerted — Changes and Improve- 
ments Made by Them.— The Pennsylvania German 
has only of late begun to make his influence felt. For 
more than a century he was engaged in toil and labor, 
so that but little was heard or known of him beyond 
the limited circle of his immediate surroundings. He 
had no hankering for office, he did not seek for re- 
nown, nor attempt to press himself into prominence, 

preferring in hi- I lest way to attend to his own 

busines-, and t h 1 1- remained in comparative obscurity. 
His character was a- little understood as his lan- 
guage. 

Within the past few decades, however, his worth 
has become very generally recognized. He has learned 
the language of the land, and converses very fluently 
therein. Instead of being a disadvantage to him, 
it has been found that his German is an advantage. 
That the saying that, as many language- as a man 
knows by so many times he multiplies himself, is 
applicable also to him. His practical knowledge of 
an additional language besides the English has given 
him many advantages. His knowledge of the Penn- 
sylvania German enables him to understand the High 
German when In- reads it ..r hears it spoken. 

In tin Eastern Pennsylvania counties, and i 
yond the Susquehanna, the preachin lis 

very largely in German. In mon- than half of the 
churches in this part of the State the sen i< es are ex- 
clusively German. Of the remaining halt', at li 
half are alternately English and German. The Ger- 
man used in the sanctuary is a proper, grammatical 
High German. The Pennsylvania Germans, though 
they may never have been taught to read the German 



10 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of the books, have not the least difficulty in understand- 
ing it, besides they can learn i<> read the German almost I 
without effort. The Pennsylvania < rerraan affords them i 
an easy access to the rich treasures of < German lore, of 
which those who do uol um I erst a in I German can only 
acquire a knowledge by severe study. The chief diffi- 
cult} of the Pennsylvania Germans in learning Eng- 
lish is in the articulati f those few sounds which do 

not occur in < rerman. These are chiefly th, w, ch, and 
a few others. Many of them have, however, by faith- 
ful, persevering practice, entirely overcome these dif- 
ficulties, and pronounce the English so well that even 
the mosl practiced ear cannot detect any imperfec- 
tions. The ability to articulate German sounds not 
found in English is a great help to those whose 
mother-tongue is Pennsylvania German, in acquiring 
other languages, and constitutes a full offset to the 
labor required in overcoming difficult English sounds. 
Ch, as pronounced in German, . ii, and other sounds 
not found in English, are more difficult for the Eng- 
lish tongue to acquire than th, w, and ch are to the 
German. Let any Englishman try to say nclit un 
dchtzig, and he will fail eighty-eight times in the at- 
tempt. But these and ii are sounds which are found 
in Greek, French, and other ancient and modern lan- 
guages. That it is much easier for a German to learn 
the pronunciation of those languages than for an Eng- 
lishman is hence very evident, and constitutes among 
others one of the advantages that a German has in 
acquiring foreign languages. 

The towns and cities of Eastern Pennsylvania all 
have German newspapers, and the circulation of 
these is constantly increasing. The German weeklies 
of Allentown alone have a combined circulation of 
thirty thousand. This is far in excess of the propor- 
tionate increase of population during the past thirty 
years. There now are six or seven churches in Al- 
lentown in which German is preached exclusively, 
and fully as many more whose German is on an 
equality with the English. Thirty years ago there 
were in this city only three or four churches in which 
German was preached. A similar pertinacity of the 
Pennsylvania German is found throughout the Ger- 
man districts of the State. 

In many sections of the State the original English 
and Scotch-Irish population has given way almost 
entirely to the Germans. In Berks, Lancaster, Leb- 
anon, Northampton, and other counties wdiere, at the 
beginning of the present century, large and pros- 
perous settlements of English-speaking people were 
found, the Pennsylvania Germans have supplanted 
them so completely that if it were not for the inscrip- 
tions on the. tombstones these English names would 
be entirely unknown. 

Tin- Pennsylvania Germans have made an impres- 
sion on the customs and habits of those with whom 
they have come in contact, and have, which is usually 
regarded most difficult, even introduced their forms 
of expression and idioms into the English of their 



neighbors. Thus tin expression right away, so fre- 
quently heard, as " I will come right ami'/" is a 
Pennsylvania Germanism, from grawdes megs, M,m- 
days, Tuesdays, is from the German Mondawgs, Dinsch- 
dawgs. The German ethical dative mer,for me, is an- 
other example, as " my flowers all died for me last 
winter,"—///' ; blumma "in mer ■>/ dod g&nga, etc. Once, 
so frequently heard, is a similar Pennsylvania Ger- 
manism, as "come here <mr,\'' "let me see once," — 
/■///// ///»/ h&r, In* wir/i i in,,t sehna. The word ihimt, i-, 
frequently used in its Pennsylvania German sense, as 
" he is a dumb fellow,'' — er is n, •lii/iunrr Iccrl. The 
English word "dumb" means "not able to speak," 
but in German the word means "ignorant,'' and 
hence the expression "dumb fellow" is intended to 
mean an "ignorant fellow," "a stupid fellow." 

The idiom it k nil, so universally heard in Eng- 
lish sections of country where German influences pre- 
vail, is another example. The German says, es is Biles 
611, " it is all all," and means " there is nothing left," 
but the expression anglicized is nonsensical, and yet 
"the money is all," "the paper is all," "the ink is 
all," etc., are heard almost constantly. The adverb 
"so," as frequently used in English communities 
in which Pennsylvania German influences prevail, is 
another illustration of how their idiom has insinu- 
ated itself into the English. " I can get along «q,'' 
irh l-i'iiui so/drt I.iiiiuiia : " this will not go' so," desgeht 
so mt, and similar expressions, are very common. 
The adverb thru, as frequently heard, is also a Ger- 
manism. " Well then, you may go," well dOnn mawgst 
tin ijelm : "can you read then too?" k&nscht 'In ddnn 
a ir lehsa .' 

While these influences may be of a doubtful char- 
acter, there are others which the Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans have brought to bear on their neighbors that 
are of unquestionable benefit. Thus, for illustration, 
have they taught others, by precept and example, 
industry and economy. Laziness is discarded by 
these people to such an extent that no one is toler- 
ated among them who will not work. Even the in- 
tellectual laborer is sometimes not in the best repute 
among them, unless he is willing, at times, to " lay 
his hand to the plow," which, indeed, is to his ad- 
vantage physically. Book agents, drummers, and 
even profesional men find it greatly to their advan- 
tage, when they attempt to transact business among 
the Pennsylvania Germans, to give a specimen of 
their ability to work, should they come to the country 
in the busy season. 

The farmer's wife and daughters exhibit specimens 
of i heir industry at the annual fair. One of the inter- 
esting features of the Allentown and Lehighton fairs 
is the needle-work, jellies, preserves, butters, canned 
fruits, wines, bread, cakes, pies, and various other 
articles displayed, which are the handiwork of the 
German ladies of Lehigh and Carbon. Similar ex- 
hibits are found at the fairs of other Eastern Penn- 
sylvania counties. Nor are these mere external show. 



THE PENNSYLVANIA CERMANS. 



n 



In the homes of these "omen may be found similar 
exhibits. Their garrets and otherwise unoccupied 

r 11- are filled with large rolls of home made rat:- 

carpets, bags of schniti and other dried fruits, crocks 
ci!" apple- butter, — enough to supply several years' con- 
sumption, — clothing and underclothing of the most 
substantial kind, bed-quilts, sheeting, pillow-cases, 
stockings, gloves, and, in olden times, home -pun and 
home-made fabrics of all descriptions to last tin- 
family for years. In the cellar, pickles, sour-crout, 
pickled cabbage, mince-meat, and other articles of 
diet are stored away in abundance. Besidi - this, the 
house, from cellar to attic, is kept scrupulously clean. 
$Jo dirt nor dust are allowed to accumulate on window- 
panes, stairways, Moors, or furniture. The house is 
washed ou( several times a week, and -wept and 

dusted daily. The beds are not infested with vermin. 

nor tin clothes permitted to become moth-eaten. 
The Pennsylvania German women are not only seen 
on their knees in their devotions, but when scrub- 
sweeping, and dusting, which constitutes also 
part of their worship, an article of their faith being 
that "cleanliness is next to godliness," or, better, 
that "labor is worship," or, better still, " in the sweat 
of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread." 

It 'would be folly to suppose that these examples of 
industry could remain without effect on those who 
come in contact with them. Their English neighbors 
will either imitate the example thus set them, or in 
shame sell them their property and remove to another 
locality. The young lady who is not German, if she 
marry oin of these young men and comes to hi- home, 
where she form- the acquaintance of his mother and 
sisters, takes the lesson to heart and soon learns to 
imitate their example. The influences thus shed 
abroad by these people have converted the hills and 
valley- of Eastern Pennsylvania into one vast hive 
-warming with industry and economy. 

Among the many improvements made by the Ger- 
man population of Pennsylvania, in late years, that 
of erecting school and church edifices deserves men- 
tion. In the city of Alleiitown. perhaps the most 
intensely German citj in the Slate, have been erected 
no less than five or six of the finest and most sub- 
stantial school buildings that can be seen anywhere 
outside of the' largest cities. It is, inched, a ques- 
tion whether any city of equal size in this country 
has better school buildings and accommodations than 
German Allentown. Nowhere in the United States 
many educational institutions found on the 
-aim,- area of territory as in Eastern Pennsylvania. 
Lafayette College at Easton, Lehigh University and 
the Moravian Female Seminary at Bethlehem, Muhl- 
enberg < lollege and the Female College at Adlentov, n, 
'he Keystone Normal School at Kutztown, Franklin 
and Marshall College at Lancaster, the Millersville 
Normal School, Lebanon Valley College at Annville, 
Vc iin-ylvania College at Gettysburg, Dickinson Col- 
lege at Carlisle, the West Chester Normal School, the 



Bl osburg; Normal School, the Cumberland Valley 

Normal School at Shippensburg, Lewisburj I 
versity, and Palatinate Co 

all located either in German counties or receive their 
patronage largely from the German districts. Many 
of these institutions were built by the money of 
Pennsylvania • rermans. 

The many beautiful and costly church ed 
which have been built in the rural distrii man 

Pennsylvania, as well as in the town- and cities, in the 
last twenty-five year-, are an abundant proof of the 
liberality and progressiveness of this people. No- 
where in the whole country, it has been repeatedly 

observed with great surprise by visitors from other 
sections of tie United States, are 30 man] church 
buildings found of equal size, so well built and fur- 
nished, and better attended services. These churches 
are mostly built of brick or -tone, have high and well- 
proportioned steeples, are carpeted, and ha\ e improved 
furniture ami large pipe-organs. 

The manufacturing interest- ami public improve 
ments in this territory are scarcely exceeded by those 
of any other territory of equal size. The iron indus- 
tries, from the mining of the ore to the manufacturing 
of almost any article into which iron is capable of 
being manufactured, are simply immense. Lehigh, 
Berks, and other German counties are literally honey- 
combed with ore beds. The number of furnaces from 
Easton to Harrisburg is counted by the score, while 
the rolling-mills and other iron manufactories are 
equally numerous. These, however, constitute but 
one branch of the industries found in this territory. 
The manufacture of hats, shoes, tobacco, silk, furni- 
ture, clothing, paper, cotton goods, etc., 1- extensively 
carried on, and gives employment to the surplus pop- 
ulation not engaged in agricultural pursuits, as well 
as affording development tor their inventive genius. 

These external evidences of progress and improve 
ment are but the index of an internal growth which 
is constantly going on. While it is true that, as is 
sometimes asserted in disparagement of the Pennsyl- 
vania Germans, none of their number has ever occu- 
pied the bench as judge of the Supreme ' fcmrt, it is 
equally true that almost every other position of prom- 
inence, fi nor of the State to President of the 

United State-, has been filled b\ representatives ol 
this people; and not only this, but that for all the 
learned profession-, as well a- the different positions 
of trust and responsibility, they have furnished not 
only creditable but distinguished representatives 
during the present century. 

While Judge Jeremiah Black, Bon. S1n1.u1 Cam- 
eron, and President James Buchanan may not be 
ranked among the full-blooded Pennsylvania Ger- 
mans, these distinguished individuals have always 

claimed to have sprung from this people from their 
mother's side, en- to have German blood coursing in 
their veins. On the 'ether hand, such men as Dr. 
Gross, the eminent surgeon, Dr. Krautb, one of the 



42 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



first theologians of the country, the Drs. Schmucker 
through three generations, and a dozen other promi- 
nent theologians, are Pennsylvania Germans "to the 
manor born." Many of the rising men on the bench, 
at the bar, in the pulpit, in the practice of medicine, 
in science, and the professorial chair at this day, are 
Pennsylvania ' lermans, who are proud of their nation- 
ality and the language of their mothers. It is worthy 
of mention, in this connection, that whereas this peo- 
ple twenty-live yours ago had not a single representa- 
tive on the bench, they now have no less than a dozen 
who are an honor to any nationality. The presiding 
judges of Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, Berks, Schuyl- 
kill, Lebanon, Union, Montgomery, Centre, Somerset, 
Clearfield, Clinton, and other judicial districts of the 
State may be named in this connection. 

In closing this subject, which has already exceeded 
its limits as marked out originally, it is but proper to 
add that a people, as the Pennsylvania Germans, so 
little known beyond their immediate surroundings, so 
often misunderstood and misrepresented, and yet a 
people who have acted so prominent a part in the his- 
tory of our country, and constitute so important a fac- 
tor among our population, a people who are by no 
means becoming extinct, either in language or influ- 
ence, are worthy of a more extended notice: an entire 
volume should be devoted to this subject. 



CHAPTER VII. 

CIVIL HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 

Its Township Divisions, Courts, Sent of Justice, and Public Buildings- 
Care of the Poor. 

The three original counties of the province of 
Pennsylvania, established by the proprietary govern- 
ment in 1682, were Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester. 
The territory now included in Lehigh County was a 
portion of the vast county of Bucks, and it so re- 
mained until the erection of Northampton, in 1752. 
It was then an integral portion of that county until 
the increase of ils population led to the setting off of 
Lehigh, in 1812. 

For purposes of civil government the region which 
is now Lehigh County, with some additional territory, 
was in 1734 organized as a township. Settlements 
had been made in what was afterwards Macungie 
and Milford as early as 1729, and roads had been laid 
out from these settlements to Goshenhoppen (in what 
is now Montgomery County), and to other points, in 
1730 and the early succeeding years. The people 
living here petitioned the court of Bucks County for 
the laying oil' it township on June 13, 1734. A survey 
"I the territory was ordered, which was duly made, 
and the report returned on September 13th, and the 



township was soon after established. It had been pro- 
posed that it should be called " Bulla," but for some 
reason the name of Milford was substituted. On the 
loth of January, 1737, a petition was presented pray- 
ing for the division of this great township, which was 
granted, and a decree issued which created the town- 
ship of Upper Milford, with an area of twenty-one 
thousand one hundred and twenty-five acres, which 
was included in Lehigh County upon its organization. 

In January, 1742, a petition was presented to the 
court of Bucks County for the organization of another 
township. Return of a survey was made on January 
28th, which was accepted, and a decree of the court 
brought into existence the township of Macungie, 
with an area of twenty-nine thousand two hundred 
acres. 

The next in order, and but a very short time later, 
was the laying out of the territory on the lower part 
of the river Lehigh. In the spring of 1742 the set- 
tlers along the south bank of the river, " on and near 
Saucon," petitioned the court of Bucks County for 
the laying off a township to be called Saucon. A 
survey was made in April, and confirmed by the court 
at the March term in 1743. No record is found of 
the division of this township ; but that it occurred in 
the latter part of the same year is evident from the 
fact that constables were appointed for Upper and 
Lower Saucon. Upper Saucon became, on the organ- 
ization of Lehigh County, a portion of its territory. 

On May 11, 1751, a petition was presented to the 
Assembly of Pennsylvania praying that a portion of 
the county of Bucks be set off as a new county. This 
project became the subject of considerable debate in 
the Assembly, and of contention outside of that body. 
The act erecting Northampton County was, however, 
finally signed by Governor James Hamilton, .March 
11, 1752. The territory thus set oil' embraced the 
townships of Upper Milford, Macungie, and Upper 
Saucon, afterwards in Lehigh County. On the 16th 
of June, in the same year, a petition was presented to 
the first court of Northampton County, asking that 
"the back parts of Heidelberg" 1 and Macungie be 
formed into a separate township. This petition was 
granted, a survey was made, and a township set off 
which was given the name of Heidelberg, formerly 
applied to a division or district of Macungie. 

Weissenberg and Whitehall townships were estab- 
lished in 1753, as appears by a record of the North- 
ampton court, under date of March 20th, which simply 
states that they were " made and allowed." Salisbury 
was " laid off by bounds'' on June 9th of the same year. 

Lynn township was organized and its boundaries 
established by the Northampton court at its June 
session in 1753. The territory which it comprised 
had previously been called " adjacents to Heidel- 

lief'J." 



1 The back district of Macungie had been known aa Heidelberg dis- 
trict, :m«l WR8 not until this time recognized as a township. 



CIVIL HISTORY OF LEIIICII COUNTY. 



43 



Lowhill township was ordered to be laid out Dec. 
18, 1758. 
The next township in this territory was Hanover, 

taken from Allen by order of the COUrt at the Janu- 
ary term, 1798. The greater part of this township 
was embraced in Lehigh County upon its organiza- 
tion fourteen years later. In 1810 Whitehall was 
divided into the townships of North and South White- 
hall. 

Erection of Lehigh County.— That part of the 
territory of Northampton lying west of the Lehigh, 
south of the Blue Kidge, and bounded on the south- 
west by the count) of Berks, had by 1810 so increased 
in population that the project of securing it- organi- 
zation as a separate county naturally arose in the 
minds of its most active men. The people settled 
here were so far away from Easton that the journey 
thither to transact business was a great inconvenience 
to them. Besides that, Allentowu had for a number 
of years aspired to become a seat of local government, 
and in early days her citizens had even hoped and 
endeavored to have the town made the capital of 
Northampton County. These considerations led to 
the petitioning of the General Assembly for the or- 
ganization of a new county. The project met with 
favor, and upon March 6, 1812, the Assembly passed 
an act erecting Lehigh County. It was decre 
that law — 

"That all that part of Northampton County, lying and being within 
the limits of the following townships, to wit, tin- townships of Lynn, 
Heidelberg, Ciowhill, Weissenberg, tfacungie, i pper Milford, s>>nt!i 

Whitehall, North Whitehall, Northampton. Salisbury, Upper s n, 

and that pari of Hanover within the following bonnds to wit, begin* 
ning at the Bethlehem line where it joins the river Lehigh, thence 
along the s.nd line until it intersects the road leading from Bethlehem 
to the Lehigh Water Gap, then' ■■ il :u said road to Allen township 
line, thence along the liue of Allen township westwardly to the Lehigh, 
shall he anil the same are hereby, according to their present lines, 
declared to be erected mi i i count" lienceforth t< be called I 

The townships which have been organized since 
the erection of the county are Upper and Lower 
Macungie, formed by the division of the original 
Macungie, in the spring of 18:52; Washington town- 
ship, taken from Heidelberg, on Dec 6, 1 S47 : Lower 
Milford, set off from Upper Milford, in January, 
1853; and Whitehall, set off in 1867. 

Northampton township once existed ami has been 
lost, principally by absorption into the borough, and 
afterwards the city, of Allcntown. Xo record of its 
organization can be found, but it seems to have been 
recognized as .a township as early a- 1804. At that 
time the county of Nort ha in pi on was redistricted for 

judicial purposes, and Northampton, Salisbury, and 
Whitehall townships were made to constitute District 

No. 7. Elections lor justices, constables, supervisor-, 
school directors, and other officers were held until 
1852. In that year a portion of Northampton was 
added to the borough of Allentown, and the re- 
mainder was doubtless attached to one of the border- 
ing townships. At any rate it then ceased to exi-t as 



a township. What it- precise boundaries were is not 

known. 1 

Location of the County-Seat.— Section 9 of the 
organizing act of March 6, 1812, authorized and re- 
quired the Governor, on or before the 1st day of Maj 
following, to appoint three discreet and disintt 
persons, non-residents in the count} ol Northai 

QOr holding leal property therein, whose duty it should 

be to lix upon a proper and convenient site for a 
court-house, prison, and county-offices within the 

COUnty of Lehigh, and as near its centre as the situa- 
tion would admit. It was provided that thesi 
missioners, or a majority of them, should, on oi 
the 1st of July, make a written report to the Governor 

in which they should certify and describe the sil I 01 
lot of land they had chosen. Commissioners were 
also appointed to take possession of the property, and 
to assess, levy, and colled money- for that purpose. 
It does not appear that a site was selected within the 

ti specified by the act, as no purchase was made 

Nov. 19, 1812. Upon that date William Tilghnian 
(in his own right and by virtue of powers vested in 
him by an act of the General Assembly passed April 
11, L799, entitled "An Act for the benefit of Elizabeth 
Allen and Elizabeth Margaret Tilghman") sold to 
William Fenstennacher, John Yeakel, and Abraham 
Gresheimer, commissioners of Lehigh County, "in 
consideration of one hundred dollars lawful money 
and for other causes, two certain lots or parcels of 
ground adjoining each other, situate on the northwest 

corner of Hamilton and Margaret now Fifth streets, 
in the borough of Northampton." These lots ai 

hundred and twenty feet in width by two hundred and 
twenty-five feet in depth on Fifth Street Thi 
further specified that the lots were transferred to the 
commissioners, "to be by them held for the use and 
benefit of the people of the county, and for the pur- 
pose of erecting and building a court-house thereon, 
and such other public offices as may be deemed neces 
sary for the said county of Lehigh." It was provided 
that the commissioners should " yield and pay there- 
for yearly, on the 1st day of January in every year. 
forever, the sum of four dollars lawful money to the 
party of the first part during his lite," and after his 
death to Margaret Elizabeth Tilghnian, her heir- and 
--i ns, forever: "and the said party of the first part. 
for himself, his heirs, executor-, and administrators, 
hereby covenants with the -aid party of the second part 

and their successor- in office foiv\ ei , that no part of the 
saiil yearly rent -hall ever be demanded or r© 
In the said party of the lir-t par: icutors, 

administrator-, or assigns, or by any other person or 
persons lawfully claiming or to claim under him or 



bistory of this town I elsewhere in this volume, we 

oi herealisl lelected in Northampton 

tii. in L840 to 1 n under the 

head oi Dlati id No :n the c mutj ril list CI 

Albright, 184 ronatban D. H 184 ■ ■ I • 

1844 ; John F. Holuuch, 184 



44 



HIST011Y OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



them, or by the s:ii<l Elizabeth Margaret Tilghman, 
her heirs or assigns, or any person or persons lawfully 
claiming or to claim under her or them; and that in 
case the said Elizabeth Margaret Tilghman, her heirs 
or assigns, shall not execute a release of the said 
yearly rent so as to extinguish the same, then the 
heirs, executors, and administrators of the said party 
lit' the lirst part shall and will pay the said rent 
forever, and keep and preserve the said parties of the 
second part and their successors in office, and the 
said County of Lehigh forever indemnified from the 

paj lit ul the said rent or any part thereof, and all 

costs and charges to be incurred on account of the 
same." 

On the same date as the above — Nov. 19, 1812 — a 
lot sixty by two hundred and thirty feet, on the south- 
east corner of Margaret and Andrew Streets (Fifth and 
Linden), was transferred for a nominal sum to the 
commissioners to serve as a site for the county jail. 
The deed sets forth that this lot was bought by Wil- 
liam Fenstermacher, John Yeakel, and Abraham 
Gresheimer, commissioners of Lehigh County, from 
Henry Pratt, Thomas W. Francis, John Ashley, 
Thomas Astley, aud Abraham Knitzitig, of Phila- 
delphia, merchants, by their attorney, William Tilgh- 
man, in compliance with a request by Ann Penn 
Greenleaf, wife of James Greenleaf, now resident in 
the borough of Northampton. 

An effort was made to secure the location of the 
county-seat at Millerstown, now Macungie borough, 
and another to have the public buildings placed upon 
Market Square in Allentown. The Republikaner, in 
a contemporaneous issue, says that a bill was pre- 
sented to the Legislature in reference to the latter 
location, but was not called up. Another bill, peti- 
tioning the appointment of commissioners, was called 
up on the 1st of April, 1814, and rejected by the vote 
of the Speaker. In the mean time, the jail had been 
built upon the lot secured for the purpose, and the 
county commissioners had advertised on Jan. 7, 1813, 
for contracts for the furnishing of stone, lumber, and 
other material with which to build a court-house. 

Organization of the Courts. 1 — The act by which 
Lehigh County was created provided and declared 
"That the inhabitants ... be entitled to aud shall 
at all times hereafter have all and singular the courts, 
jurisdictions, officers, rights, and privileges to which 



'The Tliinl Judicial District, of which Lehigh, upon its erection in 
1X12, became a part, was created April 13, 1791, and was composed of the 
counties of Berks, Northampton, Luzerne, and Northumberland. Jacob 
Itusli was its first president judge, and was succeeded by John Spayd in 
1806. Roberi Porter was elected in 1808, and was upon the bench u ben 
Lehigh Counts "as organized. In 1831, Garrick Mallory was elected, 
and lie was succeeded by John Banks, in 1836. The original district 
remained unchanged until April II, 1834, when the State was redis- 
tricted, and Berks, Northampton, and Lehigh Counties were made to 
compose the Third District. On April 5, 1S49, Berks County was de- 
tached and organized as the Twenty-third District. Northampton and 

Lehigh remai I the Third until the State was again redistricted by 

act of Assembly, April 9, 1874, when Lehigh became the Thirty-first 
District, as it still remains. 



the inhabitants of other counties of this State are 
entitled by the Constitution and laws of this Com- 
monwealth," and "that from and after the third 
Monday in December next the Courts of Common 
Pleas and of General Quarter Sessions, in and for the 
County of Lehigh, shall be opened and held at the 
house now occupied by George Savitz," in the borough 
of Northampton (Allentown), in the said county of 
Lehigh, until a Court House shall be erected in and 
for said county." 

Under this authority the first term of court was 
opened. The following is from the court record: 

" December the 21st, 1812. This being the day on 
which the several courts of Common Pleas, of the 
Quarter Sessions, of Oyer and Terminer and General 
Jail Delivery, and of the Orphans' Court in and for 
the County of Lehigh, were to be opened, the Judges 
of the said Courts appeared at the house of George 
Savitz, in the Borough of Northampton, that being 
the House designated by law for holding the Courts, 
when the Honorable Robert Porter, Esquire, produced 
a Commission under the great Seal of the State, dated 
the — day of , A.D. 1812, appointing him Presi- 
dent Judge of the said Courts. 

" Peter Rhoads, Esquire, produced a commission 
under the great seal of the State dated the 13th of 
October, A.D. 1812, appointing him Senior Associate 
Judge of the said Courts, and Jonas Hartzell, Esquire, 
produced a Commission under the great seal of the 
State, dated the Kith of October, A.D. 1812, appoint- 
ing him an Associate Judge of the said Courts." 

"John Mulhallon produced a commission from the 
State appointing him Prothonotary of Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, Clerk of Courts of Oyer and Terminer and 
General Term Delivery, Clerk of Court of Quarter Ses- 
sions and Orphans' Court, bearing date July 23d, A.D. 
1812." 

The grand inquest was composed as follows : 

George Rhoads, Esq., Allentown. 

Daniel Sieger, Esq., Lynn. 

Frederick Jordan, Esq., Saucon. 

Daniel Cooper, Esq., Saucon. 

John Sclmler, Esq., Upper Milford. 

Peter Moyer, farmer, South Whitehall. 

Abram Dorney, farmer, South Whitehall. 

George Ebenreiter, farmer, Hanover. 

Solomon Graff, distiller, North Whitehall. 

Christian Smith, farmer, Heidelberg. 

Andrew Strassburger, tanner, Upper Milford. 

David Biery, farmer, South Whitehall. 

John Keek, farmer, Heidelberg. 

John Bare, hatter, Upper Milford. 

Joseph Kidd, farmer, Hanover. 

Godfrey Roth, farmer, Heidelberg. 

Abraham Gruenewalt, miller, Weissenberg. 

John Engleman, farmer, Upper Milford. 



2 This was what is now the Allen House, then a two-story stone struc- 
ture, about and above which the present large hotel has slowly grow n. 



CIVIL HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 



45 



Jacob Grim, fanner. Macungie. 
George Small, farmer, North Whitehall. 
George Eisenhard, surveyor, Macungie. 

Joseph Larosh. farmer. Heidelberg. 

John Keiper, tobacconist, Allentown. 

christian Smith, farmer, Lowhill, 

The first business of the court was the admission of 
attorneys. In the firsl thirteen cases thai wire called 
confessions of judgment were entered. There were 
altogether nineteen civil causes for trial. Eight cases 
were made returnable at the February term, 1813. 
Three petitions tor roads were received, and one pray- 
ing for the appointment of a commissioner to examine 
a person of alleged unsound mind. Three person* 
made declaration of their intention to become citi- 
zens. 

i >n Nov. :;o, 181:;, court was opened at the house of 
George Savitz, but adjourned to meet in the upper 
story '>t tin> prison building (which was completed a 
short time before, and stood on lot No. 122, at the 
southeast corner of Margaret and Andrew Streets, — 
Fifth and Linden). The courts were held at this 
place until the summer of 1817, when the court-house 
was finished, since which time they have been held 
in that building (hereafter to be described) down to 
the present, with the exception of two terms in 1864, 
when the court-house was being remodeled. 

The first record of the Orphans' Court of Lehigh 
County is dated Dec. 7, 1812, at which time a term of 
court was held by the associate justices, the Hon. 
Peter Rhoads and the Hon. Jonas Hartzell. But one 
case was brought before them, — the appointment of a 
guardian of a minor child. 

The records in the register's office show that wills 
wei'i- recorded from the 13th of September, 1812. 
Those of the following person-, were recorded in that 
year: Daniel Schmeiers, of Macungie township, dated 
July 28, 1812; John Newcomer, of Upper Saucon 
township, dated Aug. 22, 18(1.",; Matthias Brobst, of 
Lynn township, dated Aug. 12, 1S05 ; Christian W'.id- 
enstein, of Macungie township, dated June 15, 1806; 
Barbara Jenser, of Weissenberg township, dated .Ian- 
nary, 1810. 

Letters of administration were granted in 1812 upon 
the estates of John Quarry, Adam Ruber, Christian 
Strump, and Adam Wetzell. 

Early Financial Affairs of the County.— At the 
time of the formation of the county, William Tilgh- 
man, one of the proprietor- of Northampton (Allen 

town) pledged himself to pay on.- thousand dollars 
annually for three successive year- into the treasury 
of the county. He made the fir.-t payment V 
1812, and it served an important part in meeting the 
expenses which the commissioners wen' obliged ;>. 
incur. The total expenses of the county up to Jan. 
1, 1813, were three hundred and sixty-eight dollars 
and eighty-two cents, leaving -ix hundred and thirty- 
one dollars and eighteen cents in the treasury. The 
expenditure- were as follow-: 



, for election expenses al Uillerfltown 

.1 M iiiiniiv, " i diet 

A. Sbifferstein, " " District 

i B -haw, " " Allentown District 

'i.'i justice 

-oil/, rent of r n- for court 60.00 

Gommisf i to January 1 

Quarry stone for prison 67.21 

- 168 82 



The county accounts were audited by John w. 
Frederick Hyneman, and George S. Eisenhard. 

In 1813 the receipt- of the county from all sources 

were $15,448.80. Of this sum, $1558.66 represented 
the balance at the previous settlement, aid tie 
amount paid in by Judge Tilgliman on his promised 
donation. The sum of $13,254.56 was collected in 
taxes out of $16,772.60 assessed on the inhabitants 
and estates, and $3.90 was paid in by Peter Ilauck as 
Sheriff's fees. At the close of the year there wa- a 
balance in the county treasury of $6693.80. The 
auditor- were John Weiss, John Spangenberg, and 

George S. Eisenhard. 

In 1814 the total receipts were 818,325.91, and in 
181"., sl."., ii.lti. 8!i. The auditors in those years were 
William Eckert, Henry Haas, and Henry Mohr. 

In 1816 the total receipt- were $17,214.05. This 
year, for the first time, bank loans were made for 
county purposes, the first being one of $2176.53 from 
the Easton Bank. 

Court-House and Jail.— As we have heretofore re- 
lated, the first courts were held in George Savitz's 
hotel, a small building, which was the nucleus of the 
Allen House, and the succeeding ones for several 
years in the jail or county prison building. The first 
action in reference to the erection of the court-house 
of which any record has been preserved was the in- 
sertion in the German new-papers of Allentown of an 
advertisement, bearing date of .Ian. 7, 1814, calling 
for proposals for furnishing stone, lumber, shingles, 
and other material for the erection of the proposed 
building. The commissioners whose name- were af- 
fixed to this card were William Fenstermacher, Philip 
Kleckner, and John Yeakel. In addition to the funds 
provided by taxation, a number of the inhabitants oi 
Allentown had subscribed various sums for assisting 
in the work of erecting the public buildings. The 
treasurer'- account for 1815 shows that three hundred 
dollar- was received from William Tilgliman for 
James Greenleaf for that purpose, and also a balance 
of money subscribed by the proprietors of the bor- 
ough amounting to $141.34. 

John Yeakel having visited Lycoming County and 
secured a plan of the court-house there, it was made 
the basis of design for the Lehigh County building. 
Work was immediately begun on the court-house, and 
it appears that during the year 1814 the money 
[.. tided amounted to $6911.98. During the next year 
the aggregate of the itemized account was $8989.85, 
and in 1816 it wa- $1852.68, thus making, with the 
co-t of the bell, .<77o.su, incurred in lsl7. a total of 

$18,530.31. Other improvements wen- mad. about 



46 



HTSTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the building and grounds which, as is shown by the 
commissioners' account liir April, 1819, increased the 
grand total to $24,937.08. Courl was held in the new 
building for the first time in August, 1 s 1 7 . 

The court-house remained in its original condition, 
with occasional repairs, until 1804. At the Novem- 
ber term of court in the preceding year the grand 
jury reported the "court-room entirely too small and 
inconvenient for the administration of justice, and are 
nt' opinion that by building an addition of about 
thirty feet to the mirth side thereof in proportion with 
the old building would make the court-room large 
enough, and would therefore recommend that the 
commissioners of the county would enlarge said court- 







COUNTY COURT-HOUSE, ALLENTOWN, PA. 

room by making said addition to the same as afore- 
said, the cost of which not to exceed the sum of three 
thousand dollars; or in case the cost of said attach- 
ment should exceed said sum of three thousand dol- 
lars, that such excess will be made up by private sub- 
scription. 

"Approved Nov. 6, 1863. 

"Reuben Stabler, 

" Foreman." 
Publication of the above recommendation was 
made in the newspapers, and no exception being 
taken, the report of the grand jury was approved by 
the courl Jan. 14, L864, and the commissioners were 
advised to immediately commence improvements. 



Accordingly, they advertised for proposals for furnish- 
ing stone with which to build. On the last of Febru- 
ary, E. Culver, architect, of Williamsport, met the 
commissioners, and presented drafts and specifica- 
tions, which were accepted, and on the same date an 
agreement was entered into with Henry Smith for the 
mason-work. Work was commenced April 17th, and 
prosecuted as expeditiously as was consistent with 
thoroughness. On the 10th of November the court 
was held in the enlarged room, which, however, was 
not finished, and the trial of William Keck Cor mur- 
der was conducted at that term. 

The cost of the enlargement and improvement of 
the building, and the proper furnishing of the court- 
room and offices, which alone was four 
thousand dollars, amounted toS.~i7,'j:i~'.St'i. 
This expenditure resulted in giving Le- 
high County a large, substantial, con- 
veniently arranged, and tasteful court- 
house, which is in every respect adequate 
to the needs of the public. The court- 
room is unusually large, and the offices 
of the prothonotary, treasurer, recorder, 
register, Orphans' Court, aud sheriff are 
all ample for the purposes they serve, and 
are provided with excellent vaults and 
safes for the preservation of the county 
records. 

The erection of the first jail antedated 
by nearly four years the building of the 
court-house. Active work was com- 
menced upon it in the spring of 1813, 
and by fall had progressed so far that 
the commissioners ordered the upper 
room to be prepared for occupation by 
the courts, which was done, so that the 
November term of Quarter Sessions was 
held there. The room was used for this 
purpose until the completion of the court- 
house, in 1817. This building, which cost 
only a little over eight thousand four 
hundred and twenty dollars, was used 
as a jail until the present elaborate and 
imposing structure was in readiness, in 
1869. 
The first action was taken in reference to the new 
jail in 1865, the grand jury at the September term of 
court reporting : 

"That in accordance with the suggestions of the court they have ex- 
amined the county prison, and are unanimously of the opinion that the 
true interest of the county, and the duty of those who represent the 
people of the county, requires that a new jail should hi* erected as soon 
as consistent with our financial condition. We therefore recommend 
and direct the county commissioners to commence the erection of a 
county prison some time in the year 180", having a due regard to the 
wmi's of the county and the interests of the people. 

" By order of the Grand Iniuir-.t. 

" Lr.vt Link, Foreman." 

The grand inquest at the October term, the same 
year (1865), reported, "That in accordance with sug- 



CIVIL HISTORY OF LKIIICII COUNTY. 



47 



gestions of the court they have visited and examined 
the jail of said county, and find the same, in their 
opinion, quite inadequate to answer the purpose for 

which it is designed, il being loo -mall :ill'l loo b:li] lv 

arranged, and also too insecurely built to accommo- 
date and keep sale the number of prisoners generally 
confined therein, and having examined a reporl on 

the same subject made by the grand inquest at the 
last preceding session, and having duly considered 
the premises, we beg leave to state that we fully 
concur therewith, and recommend the building of a 
new jail under the conditions set t'ortli in said re- 
port." 

After due publication of the recommendations given 
above and no exception- being taken, the court ap- 
proved of the report of the grand jury, and recom- 
mended the commissioners to proceed to the -election 
of a site and the erection of a new jail. < )n the 14th 
ut March, 1866, the present site, two hundred and 

thirty feel on Fourth Street and four hundred and 

twenty feet on Linden, bounded by the street named 
and Court and Penn Alleys, was purchased of Chris- 
tian Pretz and others lor ten thousand dollars. 

At a meeting of the commissioners, held Dec. 3, 
1866, it was resolved that the commissioners, the 
clerk, and Mr. G. A. Aschbach visil Schuylkill and 
other counties to examine their prisons. On the 10th 
of December the] reported that they had visited the 
prisons of Schuylkill and Berks Counties, and Mr. 
Aschbach was instructed to draw plans embodying 

the most desirable features in the structures they had 

On the Hd of April, 1867, it was resolved that a jail 
or penitentiary should be erected on the ground al- 
ready purchased, "in accordance with the plans of 
Messrs. Aschbach and Nauman, who are appointed 
architects and engineers, and which plans have been 
approved by the secretary of the commonwealth." 

Work was then immediately commenced. No con- 
tract, were made, but all of the labor was performed 
by the day, that upon the wood-work being under the 
superintendence of Stephen Donblazer and Janes 

1 c, In. The stone used in the building, with the ex- 
ception of that in the front, was from the quarry of 
Nathan Benner, in Salisbury township. 

1 hi April 111. 1808, the commissioners resolved to 
sell the old jail lot tit public sale on June 6th follow- 
ing, possession to be given on April 1, 1869, or as 
soon thereafter as the new jail was ready for occu- 
pancy. Early in April, 1869, the new jail having re- 
ceived completion, a bill was passed by the Legis- 
lature authorizing the transfer of prisoners to it from 
the old one. The transfer was made April Hth. 

The building was not entirely finished until 1870. 
The last report of .Mr. Aschbach, bearing date of Dec. 

12th in that year, contained a state m of the amounts 

expended upon the work each year, as follows: 1807, 
$68,653.78; 1868, $63,627.42; 1869, $38,963.62 ; 1870, 
$'.1800.8°-; 1871, $.834!'. If to the aggregate of these 






amounts i be sum of $10,000 expended in 1 366 for the 
lots and $9094.25 in 1869 for a heavy iron fen 
added, ii will be -ecu thai the total cost of the prison 
was $200,222.95. 

I he jail is a model one in till respects. Ii is a 
massive and substantial-appearing structure in the 
Tudor style of architecture, and the sombre bro« □ or 

dark-red sandsl i of its front gives. i n combination 

with its outlines, an impression of gloomy grandeur. 
A square tower rises from the centre of the front to a 
height of Mite hundred feet. It is embattled at tin- 
top with heavy embrasures. The building is two 

I - in height,, and the long structure extendin 

hack from the front, in which is the prison-keeper's 

residence, gives the building the form Of a letter T. 

The length of the side walls is one hundred and sev- 
enty-eight feet, and they are built of the Lehigh 
mountain stone, which, it has been remarked, came 
from Mr. Ben ner's quarry. The prison contain- forty 

cells. 

County Provision for the Poor.— A project for 
the establishment of a " House of employment and 

Support for the Poor of Lehigh County" wa- set on 

foot as early as 1831. The Legislature was petitioned 

to pass a bill authorizing the people of the county to 
vote upon the question of opening such an institution, 
but there arose quite a strong opposition to the meas- 
ure, which was expressed in numerous remonstrances 
and the bill was not passed until April 11, 184 1. \t 
the next October election the people voted "Poor- 
House— Yes" or "Poor-House— No," according to 
their individual preferences, and with the resull of 
twelve hundred majority in favor of providing :m 
asylum for the indigent at the expense of the county. 

Accordingly, the commissioners, twenty-eight in num- 
ber, named in and appointed by the act to -elect and 
purchase land on which to erect the necessary build- 
ings, assembled in Allentown on Oct. 28, I844,forthe 
purpose of effecting an organization. Lewis Schmidt 
was appointed chairman, and Michael D. Eberhard 
secretary. A committee of eight was appointed to re- 
ceive proposals for a suitable farm. Thirty propertii - 
were offered before the next meeting was held, on 
December 4th. The full board of commissioners met 
in the court-house and voted on the different farms 

offered. The properties of Charles and Soli a 

Mertz being proven the choice of a large majority of 
the commissioners, twenty-two of whom had voted for 
its purchase, a committee of four was appointed to 
have it surveyed ami negotiate the purchase. It was 
found to contain two hundred and fifty-four acres and 
the price paid for it was $27,662.32. 

The Board of Poor Directors met in Allentown on 
March 28, 1845, for organization, and at their second 
meeting, April 7th, received reports from the different 
districts in regard to the number of paupers in them. 

Allentown reported 44; Upper Macungie, 17; Lower 
Macungie, 1 1 ; Upper Saucon, 1 1 ; Salisbury. 3 ; South 
Whitehall.!'.; North Whitehall, 1.". ; Weissenberg, 1 - 



48 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lowhill, 5 ; Hanover, 7 ; and Upper Milford, 25 ; 
making a total of 145, with three townships — Lynn, 
Heidelberg, and Northampton — aot heard from. 

Thomas Faust was chosen as steward, and hi* wife, 
Anna Faust, as matron, \piil 9, 1845. 

On May 1, 1S4.">, proposals were received for erect- 
ing a building, and contracts awarded to Joshua Seip, 
Stephen Dornblaser, Thomas Becker, Daniel Smith, 
Nonnemacher & Fatzinger, and Robert McDowell. 
The main building was put up in the summer 6*f 

1845, at a cost of $4893, and $1044.70 were expended 
in furnishing it in a proper style. This building was 
ready for occupancy in December, and upon the 29th 
of that month twenty-four paupers from the various 
districts of the county were admitted. In January, 

1846, all of the poor who were being maintained in 
the several districts were removed to the institution. 

In 1847 a hospital building was erected, and in 
1861 an addition was built. In 1878 the building 
was again extended and otherwise improved by the 
county commissioners. The workhouse was erected 
in 1S65. The total cost of the buildings has been 
$51,154.21. The institution is a large one, and is 
maintained in excellent condition by the directors 
and the superintendent and matron. It affords ac- 
commodations for four hundred and eighty persons, 
there being in the several buildings three hundred 
and three single and fifty-five double beds, while the 
insane department has forty cells. The expenses of 
the institution for each year since its establishment 
are shown by the following table: 



1S46 82,273.63 

IN-) 7 7,000.00 

IMS 4,500.00 

1849 3,60 

1850 3,000.00 

ls.M 4, .'••' 

18.V2 3, 

1853 4,! i 

1S54 5,5 

L855 6 



6,500.00 

6,000.00 
5,000.U0 

5,1 

1861 9,500.00 



1856.. 

is:.;.. 

ISM.. 
I860.. 



1862 $7,000.00 

L863 13,000.00 

1864 11,000.00 

1865 9,000.00 

1866 19,728.12 

1867 23,1 .00 

1868 23,725.82 

1869 21,963.07 

1871 24,826.40 

1*71 18,000.00 

lsT_' 16,000.00 

1873 1S.000.00 

1874 18,673 19 

1st:. 19,563.39 

1S7G 19,101.49 

1877 7,419.46 



Following is a list of the poor directors from 1844 
to 1883: 

1844, — Jesse Grim, Michael D. Eberhard, Allentown; John Blank, 
Upper Saucon. 
1845. — Jesse Grim, Allentown. 
1846 — Michael D. Eberhard, Allentown. 
]> 17. —John Blank, Upper Saucon. 
1848. — Henry Schantz, South Whitehall. 
1849.— Jonas Brohst, Upper Macungie. 
1850. — Daniel Miller, Upper Macungie. 
1851.— Henry Diefenderfer, Lower Macungie. 
1852.— Hiram J. Schantz, Upper Macungie. 
1853— Peter Romig, Lower Macungie. 
1854.— Solomon Klein, Salisbury. 
1855.— Samuel Bern hard, Upper Macungie. 
1856. — John Madderu, Milleratown. 
1857.— John Bortz, Upper Macungie. 
1858. — Jesse Grim, Allentown. 
1859. — Benjamin Jarrett, Lower Macungie. 
I860.— Leonard Muyer, Upper Macungie. 
1861.— Jacob Andreas, Allentown. 
L862.- Perry Weaver, Upper Milfurd. 



1863.— Charles Wenner, South Whitehall. 
1864.— Jacob Andreas, Allentown. 
1865. — Jacob Schafier, Upper Macungie. 
1866. — Solomon Griesemer, South Whitehall. 
1867.— Daniel B. Mohr, Allentown. 
1868.— Henry Bitter, Salisbury. 
1869.— Reuben Hennin-er, Smith Whitehall. 
1870.— John Kidman, North Whitehall. 
1871. — Jonas Hartzell, Allentown. 

1872. — Reuben Henninger, South Whitehall. 
1873.— John Kidman, North Whitehall. 
1.-71. Jnnas I In it /ell, Allentown. 
1875.— John Sieger, South Whitehall. 
1876.— David Wieser, Whitehall. 
1877. — Jesse Marks, Allentown. 
1878.— John Sieger, South Whitehall. 
1879.— David Wieser, Whitehall. 
1880. — Jesse Marks, Allentown. 
1881.— Henry Sbantz, South Whitehall. 
1882. — Reuben Dormer, Lower Macungie. 
1883.- -Edwin Oramlich, Allentown. 



CHAPTER VI II. 



CIVIL LIST. 

Roster of Civil Officials of Lehigh County and Representatives in the 
National and State Legislative Bodies from 1812 to 1884. 

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. 

Joseph Frey, Twentieth and Twenty-first Congresses 1827-31 

Henry King, Twenty-second and Twenty-third Congresses 1831-35 

Peter Newhard, Twenty-second and Twenty -seventh Congresees.1839-43 

Jacob Erdman, Twenty-ninth Congress 1845-47 

John W. Hornbech, Thirtieth Congress 1S47 

Samuel A. Bridges, Thirtieth, Thirty-third, and Forty-fifth Con- 
gresses 1847-49, 1853-55, 1S77-79 

Henry C. Longenecker, Thirty-sixth Congress 1859-61 

John D. Stiles, Thirty-seventh, 1 Thirty-eighth, and Forty-first 

Congresses 1863-65, 1869-71 

J. S. Biery, Forty-third Congress 1873-75 

STATE SENATORS, 



Elected. 

Henry Jan .-It.. October, 1813 



Joseph Km\ , Jr 

Henry King 

W. C.Livii 

John S. Gibbons- 
Jacob D.BoftB. ... 



1817, 1821 
1825,1829 

1831, 1833 
1S40, 1842 
1846 



Elected. 
William Fry. .....October, 1852 



.1 . Schindel 

l ■■ B Schall 

Edwin Albright. 
Kvan Hulhen.... 
M. C. Heninger.. 



1858 
1864 

1870, 1873 
1876,1878 
L882 



MEMBERS "F THE HnUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 



Elected. 

Abraham Rinker October, 1815 

Philip Wint " 1815 

Peter Newbard " 1817 

Wm. Fenstermacher. " 1817 

PeterNewhard " 1819 

Wm. Fenstermacher. " 1820 

John J. Krauee " 1S21 

Wm. Fenstermacher. " 1822 

JohnJ.Krau«e " 1822 

George s Eisenbard.. " 1823 

Samuel Mayer " 1824 

Petei Newhard " 18_4 

Jacob Dil linger " 1825 

Petei Newhard " 1826 

Jacob Dil linger " 1826 

George Miller " 1827 

Jacob DUUnger " 1828 

George Miller " 1828 

Walter 4'. Livingston. " 1829 

Peter Newbard " 1S29 

Daniel Edgar " L830 

Peter Knepley " 1830 

Christian Pretz " 1831 

Peter Knepley " 1831 

John Weida " 1832 

Peter Knepley " 1833 

John Weida " I 

Jesse Grimm " 1834 

Jacoh Knhioth " 18IJ4 

Alexander Miller " 1835 

William Stahr " 1835 



Jacob Erdman October, 

George Frederick " 

Jacob Erdman " 

Mai tin Ritter " 

Martin Ritter " 

I Ibarles Foster " 

Martin Ritter Oct. 11, 

Benjamin Fogel *' 11, 

Benjamin Fogel " 16, 

Peter Haas " 16, 

Benjamin F'ogel " 15, 

Petei Haas " 15, 

George Frederick " 14, 

George S. Eisenhanl. " 14, 

Reuben Strauss October, 

Jarrett " 

Jesse Samuels " 

Reuben St r hubs " 

Reuben Strauss " 

Jesse Samuels " 

David Laury " 

Peter Bauman " 

Samuel Marx " 

Peter Bauman " 

Robert Klotz Oct. 10, 

Samuel Marx " 10, 

Samuel Marx " 9, 

Robert Klotz " 9, 

David Laury October, 

David Laury Oct. 14, 

David Laury " 19, 



L8S6 
L836 

1837 
1837 

1838 
IMS 
1 S39 
1839 
1840 
1840 
1841 

1*41 

1842 
1842 

1843 
1843 
1844 
1844 
1845 
1846 
1846 
1S46 
1847 
1847 
1848 
L848 
1849 
1849 
1850 
1851 
1852 



1 To fill unexpired term of Thomas B. Cooper, deceased. 



CIVIL LIST 



-10 





Elected. 




1 lected. 




: 






.. 1-7" 




.... " 




Herman U 1 




1870 




.. 


11. 1856 






1871 

1-71 


Herman Rnpp 


a.] 




II.m tn id Rupp 


M ** 








1872 


Tilghman H. <; 






iii.ii Steckel 




1-72 


Samuel Bolllet.... 


... " 




Robert Steckel 






Samuel J. Kistler 




11. 1859 


James Kimmett.... 




" 1-7; 


W. 0, l-i.lil.iiw.il] 


■ 




John II i 


. Not 


lir, 1-74 


W. C. Lichtcnwall 


ier " 


S, 1861 


James Kimmett.... 






Samuel Camp 


.... " 


li. 1862 


George F. Gross 






Nelson v elsei 


.... " 


13, 1863 






1-7.. 


Nelson w 




11. l-i-l 


i i. ii.. B. Heller 




1876 




•* 


11. 1864 






1876 
1878 


Nelson ^ 


....Octt 






James I'. Kline.... 






.i. 111. 11 Heller 




" 1878 












1878 


John ii i 




1866 

l-< 7 






l--,i 


Amandes Sii 




Daniel H. * reitz. 




1867 


Wn nam IV Krdmai 


... 


1880 


John ii. rogel 




" 1868 


'.. 1 11 >yle.... 




" 1882 






[868 






" 1882 






Is.','. 


William U. Erdniai 


... 


" 1882 






SHEB 


[FFS.1 


















...Oct 




George KJotz 


•> 


17. 1816 










tl 


27, 1820 




.1 




l. H utter. 




'• 


i Rinker.. 


.... " 


21, 1-2; 


ll.-i man M i 


Nm 








ll>. I-2'l 




...Oct 


31, 1866 






l.i. I8S2 


r Miller 




31, 1871 








" 




Edwin Zimmermai 


...Dec 


8, 1874 


Jonathan I>. Meek 




12, 1- 18 


'1 1 j ■ ii. .. s It morgan 


... •* 


1-, 1-77 


'•\ etherhol 


..Oct 


19, 1841 


rer 


" 


7, 1880 






16, 1844 


i Haberry 




1883 




« 


23, 1-47 
'ROTHON 


OTA I! II 








1 




Commie 




Commissi 


John Hnlhollen... 


.7t.lv 








.14,1839 . 


Henry V. 


. April 


14, 1815 
s. 1818 




1. 


12, 1-u 
17. 1845 


. '■! 


■ i 


Christian 1 B tl 1 


.Feb. 


11. 1--L 


Villi;... Miller 


M 


25, 1848 


1. Hutter. 


Jan. 


2, 1-24 


- imnel. 


(■ 




Charles L. Hutter 


.Dec. 




- i Samuel. 


... " 


1-, 1864 


Daniel Kreamer... 


.. 183(1 


James La ikey 


" 




Daniel Kreamt 


.Fel 


1 18 




... " 




Edmund w. Unit, i.n.^ 


25, 1*24 




.. " 




i !harles Craig 


..r„iv 


1 :. 1- .:, 


Jacob S. Dlllinger . 


*' 




Jacob 1'ii 


Oct. 




Jai l> S Dillinger 


" 


7. 1872 


1" Beil 1 


Jan. 


9, l- IG 




...Dec 


i . 


n F. Beitel 


. " 




Ilenrv ' Wagner 


" 


14. 1878 








Tilghman D. Frey.. 


• 






OBDEBS 


"1 Dl I I'- 








■ 






Commissioned. 




.July 




ll German 


Nov. 


22. 1851 




! , ! 


1.-. l-l- 




lime 


18, 1-..4 


George Mux 




James 11*11 


.Jan. 


2, 1824 




Nov. 


10, 1856 






■J ;. 1826 




'• 




John \\ [Ison. 




1 • xler... 


«• 


12. 1862 


William li i 


.Jan. 


i 


Jonatbau Tr< 


" 




William Bnas 


; .. 






.. 


13, 1868 


A. Gang'. 






Not 




John 1' Sieberling. 


Dec. 


.-, l-"l 


were 


. " 


12. 1842 


H Breder.... 


" 


24, 1-77 


Stein 


. •* 


17. 1-4:. 


Dallas Dill d 


■• 




Nathan 1 






Jose| ii C. B 








REGISTERS 


OF WILLS 






Leonnni '■ 




23,1812 




Not 






.Jan. 


8, 1818 




'< 






1 ■! 


9, 1821 




M 


1- I-:. 1 




.Jan. 


2, 1824 


1 Blemmer 


" 






Dec 






" 


19, 18G0 






3 i: Engleman 

^ II 1 D§ 1' .11:11. 




1. I-. 


William Boas 


.Jan. 




U 




'* 


1.1- 19 


E. fi. Newhard 


" 


20, I860 


Bamnel Marx 


" 




11; New hard 


" 


7. 1-72 




\.,x 






15, 1875 

1 :. 1-7- 


Tilghma 






11. nl.e her 


" 


Edward Beck 




17. 1846 


Tilghman K. Keck. 




27, 1881 



CLERKS 01 COtJl LBTEB SESSIONS 



[nlhol I 

Henry Wilson Apr. I 14, 1815 

Hem. V. 

i: I' Beit. 1 Feb. 9, 1-21 

1 . Hyneman Jan. 

F. Hyneman D. 

I . 1829 

Henry » Knipe Jan. 19, 1- ... 

II. -IH W I. ; ■ 4.1- 19 

-li " 

Charles 8 Busl Nov. 1 1 



' The office ol slierin was held by >] until 1839, when it be- 

came elective. The .lute- here given are the dates of commission. 

Christian Rinker was sheriff of Northampton County from 
1762. 

Jonas Hartzell, from 177- 1.. 17-:,, ..ml from 1791 to 1793. 

Abraham Rinker, from 1 - 

Henry .larrelt, from I 
I 



John I" 1 

Nathan Metagnr.... 
Uickley.. 
Boas 11... 

man 

I|e|t/e|. 
.1. E. /ill 

I. Ruhe., 

- 1 miter 

hard 

James I! 



. » 

14, 1-7- 






CLEBKS "I ORPHANS' 



.'.. n. .. i 

John SI ;. 1-12 

Henry » il- .n Lpril i 

li. in j Wilson ran. 

in i i:. ... i 1 . i. 'i. 1821 
in 1' Beltul..Nov. i 

Fred. Dyneman Fan. 

I i. I ii\ ii. in .hi. i 

Henry Jarrett .lime 

Jacob Dillinger March 

II-;. 

Henry W. Knipe.... " 

Charles S. Bnsll " 

Charles.- Bush Not I 



W. Belfridge Sot. 12, 1-42 

John I). Lawall " 17, 1845 

Nathan Metzgar.... " 2J. 1 > ". 1 

\\ Mickley. " 1-, 1854 

i-lll.li " In, ]-".7 

. tusman '■ i 

H ii. i ml. " : 

ramerman... " 

Augustus I.. K.il.e.. " 

Anguetus 1. Ruhe " 7. I 572 

W ■■ ■;-- Ii. . 15, 1875 

.n Billiard.. " 
Henry W. Mohr " 



CLERKS OF III! Ill- OF 0TEB AM' TERMINER. 



. '..in missioned. 
i uly 23,1812 

WHson \|i il ll.l-!.'. 

Henry w lis. .. Is 

Christian F. Bi Itel Feb. 9, 1821 

Fred Hyneman .i i 

Hyneman Dec. 23, 1-2.; 

Jarrett Inne 1. 1-2:. 

1 ,. 1. 1 

; 
W. Knipe... .Jan. 1 
lie mi \V. Knipe.... " 

- ' 29, 1839 

( I, ml...- S Bush N.,v 1 



missioned. 

Not. 

1 1 ■• 17. 1845 

Lawall " 

Nathan Metzger '■ 22, 1-7.1 

• Mickley.. " 1 

Roas II im-iilui " i 

in " In. I860 

.1. i: /;in mel man... " 

Augustus L. Ruhe.. ' l 

Joseph Hunter " 7. 1872 

1 I Newhard Dec. 1 

John I'. Goundie.... " 1 



CORONl BS. 



Commissioned. 
;. 1812 

; i " 17, 1815 

Weaver .Dec. 1 I, 1-17 

Daniel Mertz la... 

Andrew Knanss Dec. 20, 1-21 

Benjamin F..j;el " 1 

- bantz In. 1 S3, 1-2:1 

" i .ll.-i 1. 

Me.'.. .LI. 

Foster I' 

n.iiv M 

. Gangwere. N. 

John Bisenhart " 20, ls44 

Charles Troxel March 

Charles Truxcd Not. 



. in missioned. 

John Eiln.a.i Dec. 

N.i\. 

- Stonier Jan. 1 

. iwen -lo-cer Not 

..wen W. Fausl " '.., I -.'.7 

Edwin 11. Martin.... " 

Ephmim Yol.e fan. 

James II Bnsb Not. 

.1:. - H. Bll-h " 1 

William II Romig I' 
' 

'-man Di 

Israel H. Troxall.... " 

F. Morton. " r. . 1881 



31 mi:-. 



Commi 

1813 

Charles I.. Hutter Nm. 21, 1815 

1 ... 1.1 

Henry Weaver - 

Newhard, Jt D 

r fan. 

Charles gaeger " 

Charles Saeger " 

Abraham Gangwere. " 

, I.. Eberbard.Dec 21, 1832 
D. Eberhard.Jan I. 1- ':.: 

I Kl.lll- " 

John .1 1 . . 
John .1. Krause. 

i ! 

:i inker... " 

B ..cker... " 

George Rhonda.... .. •' — , 1S41 

!■ :. .- " .:. 1-4J 

William II lll.imer...Dec. 



: 

Tilghman H. Martin, .Ian. — , lMr. 

Joshua House " — . 1-47 

Charles 11. Martin Dec. 

Ephraim Tobe " 

A nun Troxall Jan. 

Oct. 

Thomas ,-teckel •• 1 

William l'.eimer " 11. 1859 

Reubep Engleman.... " 8,1861 

DaTid Schaadl " 1 

J. Franklin Re-ehar.l '■ 

Simon Mover " — , 1867 

Daniel Bitner " 

Peter Heller " 

P.ter Hendricks " 

Keek .. " 

John J. Trexler Not. — . 1-7- 

George Knhl " — , 1-sH 



50 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



SURVEYORS. 



Commissioned. 

Geo S Eisenhart ...March 28, 1814 

Eisenhart ... " 12, 1818 

i i i nhart ...Deo. 9, 1824 

Geo S Eisenhart ...Jan. — , 1-27 

And'w K Wittmau.Aug. 

John Sherer May 23, 18 18 

Jonas Haas Jan. — , 1842 

Willoughby Fogel.. " — . 1845 
1\ illoughb) Fogel.. " —,1848 



Commissioned. 

John n. Lawall i ; 

Elected. 

Solomon Fogel October, 1856 

-"!■ hi ii Fogel " 1859 

Solomon Fogel " 1862 

i ' Samuels " 1868 

Tobias ECessler November, ] .s74 

Tobias Kessler '• 1878 

Fr i- Weiss " 1881 



DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 
Elected. 



COMMISSIONERS. 



Elected. 
Wm.F. Fenstermacher...Oct., 1812 

Abraham Greisheimer.... " 1812 

John Yeakel " 1812 

Philip Kleckner " 1813 

Jacob Newbard " 1814 

Ja Sctaaffer " 1815 

John Yeakel " 1816 

John Billig " 1817 

John Spangenberg " 1818 

Jacob Wannemacher " 1819 

Abraham Schafifer " 1820 

Solomon Gangwere " 1821 

Peter Marx " 1822 

Conrad Knerr " 1823 

JohnBogen " i«4 

John Rinkcr " 1825 

John Greenewalt " 1826 

Joshua Frey, Sr " 1827 

Hi in I in - " 1828 

Jacob Ward " 1829 

Caspar Peter " 1830 

JacobSchwent " 1831 

William Eckert " 1832 

J. Schmidt " 1833 

Solomon Greisheimer " 1834 

Martin Ritter " 1835 

John Sberer " 1836 

JacobDevr " 1837 

Henry Leh " 1838 

Philip Pierson " 1839 

Timothy Weiss " 1840 

John Yost " 1841 

Daniel Stabler " 1842 

Peter Romig " 1 «4:i 

CharlesFoster " 1*44 

Samuel Camp " 1845 

Petei B g " '846 

John Lichtenwallner " 1847 



Elected. 

Benjamin Breinig Oct., 1848 

Samuel Knanss " 184!) 

Peter Engleman " I - SO 

Daniel Iliiusman " 1851 

Joseph Miller " 1862 

John Weber " 1 So!) 

SamuelSieger " 1854 

JohnErdman " 1855 

i.ii Mai ks " 1856 

Levi Doenblazer " 1857 

John Peter " 1858 

Paul Balliet " 1859 

George Newmeyer " ismi 

Daniel Bitner " 1861 

Willoughby Gable " 1862 

Joseph Newhard " 1863 

ReubenDanner " 1864 

Jonas Hullenbach " 1865 

Daniel Focbt " 1866 

Thomas Jacoby " 1867 

Henry B. Pierson " 1868 

Stephen Kern " 1869 

John Strauss " 1n7h 

Hi i Balliet " 1871 

Jacob A. Leiby i' 1872 

Jesse Solliday " 1873 

Daniel Latter Nov., 1874 

AlexanderSingmaater... " 1874 

Alexander McKee " 1875 

Daniel Lauer " 1S75 

Alexander Singmaster... " 1 ^7 ". 

Thomas Casey " ls7s 

David L. Barner •• 1S7S 

Jonathan Barrall " 1878 

George K. Carl " 1S81 

William F. Schmoyer.... " 1881 

John Hottenstein " 1881 



CLERKS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

November, 



George Rlioads 1813-18 

John Kuecht 1818-27 

George Rboails 1827-32 

James Hall 1832-36 

Josiah Rhoads 1836 

Abraham Ziegenfuss, Jan- 
uary, 1836, to November 1846 



AUDITORS. 



George S. Eisenhart Oct., 1813 

John Spangenberg " 1813 

John Weiss " 1813 

Henry Weber " 1815 

George S. Eisenhart " 1816 

J. Gieger " 1817 

John Slein " 1818 

John Wilson " 1819 

Samuel Me\er 1 " 1820 

James Hall " 1821 

George Breinig " 1822 

Jacob Dillinger " 1823 

Andreas Schiffeistein " ls24 

John Marx " 1825 

H. W. Kneiss " 1826 

Peter Kneppin " 1827 

Benjamin Fogel " 1829 

Henry W. Kneiss " 1830 

.In oh C. Kistler " 1831 

Henry Guth.Jr " 1832 

Joseph Frey, Jr " 1833 

ii -I fried " 1834 

Jacob Moser " 1835 

rhai lis C. Buroch " 1836 

David Folweiler " 1837 

John Hitter " 1838 

George Miller " 1839 

Benjamin Breinig " 1840 

John II. Lawall " 1841 

Nathan Miller " 1842 

Charles Ritter " 1843 

Nathan German " 1844 

Herman Rupp " 1-45 

Paul Balliet " 1846 

Charles L. Newbard " 1847 



R. E. Wright. l Nov. 1846 

CM. Runic Aug. 1848 

H. 0. Loi!giie<'ker...Oit. 8, 1850 

.loin. n. stiles Oct. 11, 1853 

Win. S. Marx Oct. 1356 

George B. Scholl.... Oct. 11, 1859 



Jesse Line, 

1846, to 1853 

Edward Beck 1853-56 

Godfrey Peters 1856-67 

Lewis M. Engleman 1867-79 

Victor D. Barnes 1879-82 

Henry C.Wagner 1882. 



Elected. 

John H. Clifton Oct., 1848 

George Blank " 1849 

Jonas Haas " 1850 

Hiram Schwartz " 1851 

Franklin. I. Ritter " 1852 

Eli J. Saeger " 1853 

Samuel J. Kistler " 1854 

John R. Schall " 1855 

Daniel H. Creitz " 1856 

Robert Yost " 1857 

W. J.Hosworth " 1858 

CharlesFoster " 1859 

Joel Stetler " 1860 

Owen Schoat " 1861 

G L'e Plank " 1862 

Daniel Clader " 1863 

Abraham Ziegenfustt.... " 1864 

Georae Blank" " 1865 

Jacob Lichty " 1866 

Daniel Miller " 1867 

W. J.Hosworth " 1868 

Franklin J. Newbard " 1869 

, Wilson P. Reidy " 1870 

Solomon F. Rupp " 1871 

J. Winslow Wood " 1872 

Franklin Harwich " 1873 

Franklin D. Acker Nov., 1S74 

Alvin F. Iiiefenderfer... " 1874 

Frank J.Peter " 1874 

George N. Kramer " 1878 

1 Jacob S. Renninger " 1878 

Astor S. Saeger " ls73 

Morris Schmidt " 1881 

Henry C. Kelcl r " 1881 

Alexander .1. Zellner " 1881 



F.dwin Albright Oct. 

Thomas B. Metzgar.Oct. 
« in. 11 Sowden, ,0ct, 

C. J. Erdinan Nov. 

M C. Heninger ...Nov, 

Arthur G l)ewalt...Nov. 



Elected. 
1865 
1868 

1.-71 
1-74 
1877 
1880 

i-:; 



Adam Woolevef Oct. 14,1862 J. M. Wright 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

Xo record has been found of the justices of the 
peace of that portion of Northampton County which 
is now Lehigh, prior to 1784. The names of those 
appointed since are given below, with the districts to 
which they were commissioned and the date of com- 
mission : 

Andrew Buchman, District of Heidelberg and Lowhill, Aug. 7, 1784. 

Frederick Limbach, District of Upper Milford, Aug. 27, 1784. 

Peter Rlioads, District of Northampton and Salisbury, 1784. 

George Breinig, District of Macuugie and Weisaenberg, Jan. 26, 1786. 

Jacob Horner, District of Heidelberg and Lowhill, Jan. 6, 1787. 

l.mlowick Stabler, District of Upper Milford, Nov. 8, 1788. 

Peter Kohler, District of Whitehall, Aug. 30, 1791. 

James Gill, District of Upper Milford, Aug. 30, 1791. 

Nicholas Sieger, District of Whitehall, April 21, 1794. 

Abraham Buchman, Feb. 11, 1794. 

John Sbymer, District of Upper Milford, Jau. 23, 1795. 

Henry Kooken, District of Upper Saucon, May 7, 1795. 

Charles Deshler, District of Salisbury, Oct. 6, 1797. 

Henry Jarrett, District of Macuugie and Weissenberg, March 7, 179S. 

Leonard Nagle, District of Salisbury, March 28, 1798. 

John Van Buskirk, District of Macuugie and Weissenberg, I'll. 20, 

1799. 
Conrad Wetzel, District of Upper Milford, May 14, 1799. 
Henry Haas, District of Heidelberg and Lowhill, Feb. 24, 1801. 
Anthony Stabler, District of Upper Milford and Upper Saucon, April 2, 

1802. 

In 1804 the county was redistricted and numbered. 
The districts embracing territory in this county were 
numbered Nos. 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11. 

John Weiss, District No. 11, Lynn and Weissenberg, Oct. 24, 1807. 
Daniel Saeger, " " " " " " 

William Fenstermacher, District No. 10, Heidelberg and Lowhill, March 

29, 1808. 
John Sbuler, District No. 8, Macuugie and Upper Milford, March 29, 

1808. 
Anthony Stebler, District No. S, Macuugie and Upper Milford, March 

29, 1808. 
Jeremiah Trexler, District No. 8, Macuugie and Upper Milford, March 

29, 1808. 
Adam Daniel, District No. 4, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Hanover, March 

3, 1809. 
George Brader, District No. 4, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Hanover, 

March 15, 1809. 
Jacob Sweisshaubt, District No. 4, Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Hanover, 

July 15, 1809. 
Jacob Kline, District No. 8, Macuugie and Upper Milford, Dec. 11, 1S10. 
George Yund, " No. 7, Whitehall and Salisbury, Feb. 6, 181 1. 
Matthias Gross, " No. 4, Nazareth, Bethlehem, ami Hanover, Oct. 30, 

1811. 

The justices of the peace of the county of Lehigh 
from its erection, in 1812 to 1815, were elected under 
the districts as laid off'by the court of Northampton 
County. In the latter year new districts were formed 
and are given below in their order from that time 
until 1840. From that time the names of the justices 
of the peace will be found in the several townships. 

District No. 7 was composed of the townships of 



1 Appointed deputy attorney. 



THE BENCH AND BAR OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 



51 



Northampton, Salisbury, and Whitehall. Leonard 
Nagle, Peter Gross, and Nicholas Sieger were com- 
missioned March 20,1812; Charles Deshler, March 
27th, the same year; Jacob Diehl, on tin 1 llth of 
January, 1813; and Anthony Murich, Feb. 15, 1813. 
Christian F. Bietel was commissioned justice Si 
1812, " for the district that includes Hanover." Con- 
rad German was commissioned justice for the town- 
ships of Heidelberg and Lowhill, which were for- 
merly described as District No. 10 in Northampton 
County; John Fogle as justice for District No. 8, 
which embraced the townships of Macungie and 
Upper Milford, March 12, 1812 ; and Lorentz Stahler 
for the same district Feb. 15, 1813 ; Peter Haas, Jr., 
as justice ibr District No. 11, embracing the townships 
of Lynn and Weissenberg, Jan. ,28, 181 I ; and Henry 
1 [aas for the district " recently described" as District 
No. 10, containing the townships of Macungie and 
Lowhill. 

Dibtric] No. I, compo&ed of the tinmahipB of Hanover, Northampton, and 
Salisbury. 
Commissioned. Oomm] 

Jacob Colver Sei t. J. 1-^1 John T. Krause April 19,1826 

Jacob Albright April 1,1822 Charles S. Burk ... Ocl 28,1828 

Seed Dec. 12,1823 Jacob NewhanJ Vet 

Jobo Kaler Dec 12,1823 Jacob Stein Nov. 

Uarx Dec 21,1824 Ja bHari Fan. 24,18 5 

John Knau-s Jan. 19,1825 George Bhoada I 1 

DlSTBICT N". -, composed of the toicnsliips of Upper Saucon and Upper 
Mdford. 

Commissioned. Comml 

Dec. 12,1815 Daniel Fritz Dec 

William H. Long.... July 3,1821 Philip Fieraon Ha) 

Peter Cooper Vug. 13,1821 Charles W. Wieand. April 1,1836 

Thomas Eomig July 2", lsai Andrew K. Witmer.March B.1837 

I'i-iii i \ o. 3, composed of the toionskips of Macungta mid WeUsmberg. 
Commissioned. C mmissioned. 

Miller Oct. 28,1820 Jonas SeiberliDg lune 16,1836 

Henry Helfricb Dec. 5,1823 Lewis Larrash \ l 

Jacob Romig Dec. 5,18 J fin Isaac Breinlg...Oct. 20,1838 

Samuel Marx Dec. 26, 1823 Willooghby Togel Ian. 29, 1839 

in Jan. 12, 1827 David .Scliell March 2,1839 

G o.S ini'l Eisenhard.Jan. 12, 182/ 

N'u. 4, compo&id of thi townships of Ijimi, Heidelberg, and 

Louhill. 
Commissioned. I'niimiissioned. 

lleiitv Long May 1G, 1818 Jacob Zimmerman. ..Jan. 6,1832 

Andrew Shiflerstein. Nov. :;, 1820 W. Fenstermacher....Mav 21,1834 

Peter Haas Aug. 13, 1821 Peter Schneider Dec. I, 1835 

JohnWeida April 26, 1822 George Rel lane 

John Sieger Dec. 12, 1S23 

District No. a, composed of the toumshipaof North Whitehall and South 
Whitehall. 



Commj 

John Sieger 1 

i Not. 27, 1820 

Anthony Murich Dec 13, 1820 

L, I i 

Abraham Tn.xall July 1% 1826 

i Saeger \ 

.1 In Nagl April 21 



' '"Ml II. 

- Click Sept. 24, I S29 

Henry Burkholti Inly 

George Frederick May 21. 1834 

Solomon Grobel June 

Joseph Koblet tfari b 

George S. Hander Feb. 26, 1839 



- 'I NTY SCHOOL SCPF/ltlNTKNDKM - 
W, Cooper, Blected -lune 5, 1854 ; resigned September, 1855. 
in Good, appointed October, 1855. 
Hiram II Schwartz, elected May 4, 1857. 

Tilgbman Good, elected May 7, 1860; resigned May 2J. 

E. J. Young, elected May 24, 1863 ; re-elected May 1, 1866; re-elected 

May I 
J. 0. Knauss, elected Slay 7, 1872, and has continued in office to the 
nl time. 



< ii \ I'M; i: ix. 

THE BBNCB AND BAB OF LEHIQH COUNTY. 

lit and Associate Judges — Biographical Sketi r syl — 

When the territory aow constituting Lehigh County 
came under the jurisdiction of Northampton, on its 
erection in 1752, the justices of the peace were the 
justices of the Courts of Common Pleas, Oyer and 
Terminer, Quarter Sessions, and the Orphans' Court. 
Lewis Klutz, of .Ma< iin^ic township, was mie of the 
justices of the court in that year. In 1753, Peter 
Troxell was elected justice of the section known as 
Egypta, which later in the year was erected as White- 
hall township. He also became a justice of the courts. 

In the year 1763 a change was effected, by which 
the judges of the courts were commissioned from the 
justices of the peace. The earliest thus commissioned 
of whom any record exists was Henrj Kooken, who 
was given the office in 1776. Then in successive years 
the appointees were a- follows : 

Frederick Limbach, justice of Upper Milford, 1777. 
Jacob Horner, justice of Heidelberg and Lowhill, 
1777. Peter Kohler, justice of Whitehall, 1779. Peter 
Rhoads, justice of Northampton Town, 1784. Fred- 
erick Limbach, justice of Upper Milford, 17S4. George 
Breinig, justice of Macungie and Weissenberg, 1786. 
Jacob Horuer, justice of Heidelberg and Lowhill, 
1787. Ludwig Stahler, justice of Upper Milford, 1788. 

The Constitution of 1790 abolished the system of 
justices, and "a judge learned in the law" was ap- 
pointed as president judge with associates. 

The first president judge of these courts was Robert 
Porter, who had been elected to that office in the Third 
I M-trict (of which Lehigh became a part) in 1809. 
He was a native of Montgomery County, and the 
eldest son of Gen. Andrew Porter. Holding the first 
term of court in Lehigh County, Dec. 21, 1812, he con- 
tinued to preside over the court until 1831, when he 
was succeeded by the Hon. Garrick Mai lory, who held 
his first term of court in May. 1831, and served until 
1836. The Hon. John Banks became his successor, 
and held his first term in May of that year. He re- 
mained in office until 1847, when the Hon. J. Pringle 
Jones was commissioned, who presided over the courts 
until 1851. In October of thai year, at the first gen- 
eral election for judges in the Stale, the Hon. Wash- 
ington McCartney was elected as president judge of 
the Third District, and held his first term in February, 
1S."i2. He continued in this position till his death, 
July 15, 1856. He was succeeded by his brother-in- 
law, the Hon. Henry I '. Maxwell, who was appointed 
by Governor Pollock in July, 1856, and reappointed 
in December, lS-'di, and continued to discharge the 
duties of the utlire until Dec 1, 1857. 

The Hon. John K. Findlay was his r, and 

held office until January, 1862. The Hon. John W. 
Maynard was elected president judge in October, 1862, 



52 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and held his first term in January, 1863, and his last 
September, 1867. The Hon. J. Pringle Jones again 
came to the bench in January, 1868, and served one 
) ear. The Hon. A. B. Longaker was elected as presi- 
dent judge in ( (ctober, 1868, and took his seat in Jan- 
uary. 1869. He held the position till July, 1878. when 
he resigned, and the Hon. Edward Harvey was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy. In October, 1878, the 
Hon. Edwin Albright was elected president judge of 
Lehigh County, then constituting the Thirty-first Dis- 
trict, took his seat in January, 1879, and still con- 
tinues to discharge the duties of the office. 

The first court formed in Northampton County, 
under the Constitution of 1790, embraced as associate 
justices Peter Rhoads and John Mulhollen, who were 
commissioned Aug. 17, 1791. Peter Rhoads was 
again appointed in 1806 and 1809, and upon the or- 
ganization of Lehigh County he and Jonas Hartzell 
were appointed as associate justices of the newly- 
created court, and served until 1815. Since that time 
the following persons have served in that capacity : 

Commissioned. 
Willoughby Fogel Nov. 12, 1856 



Commissioned. 

9, 1815 



11, 1823 Josbue Stabler 
3, 1838 j " " 

Willoughby Fogel 

James Frey 

Jacob Erdman 

Reuben Gntb 



12, 1850 

23, 1801 

23, 1861 

9, 1866 

9, 1S66 

9, 1866 

. " 26, 1867 

Samuel J. Kistler July 3D, 1808 

David Laury Nov. 5, 1868 

James Frey " 17, lsTl 

David Laury " 0, 1S73 



Johu Fogel Sept. 

Jacob Stein Nov. 

John F. Rube " 

Joseph Saeger Ian. 11, L839 

Peter Haas March 26, 1840 

" " 3, 1843 

Jacob Dillinger " 14, 1843 

Peter Hans Feh. J- 1-1- 

JohnF.Ruhe March 29, 1849 

Peter Hans Nov. I", L851 

Jacob Dillinger ' 10,1851 

Charles Keck Aug. 7,1855 

" " Nov. 19, 1856 

The Constitution of 1874 abolished the office of as- 
Bociate justice in certain districts, of which Lehigh 
County was one. 

The first business in the Court of Quarter Sessions 
of Lehigh County at its first term (December, 1812) 
was the admission of attorneys applying for the priv- 
ilege of practicing in the several courts of the county. 
The following were duly admitted, viz. : George Wolf, 
Henry Wilson, Johu Ross, William Mcllhinny, Fran- 
cis B. Shaw, Frederick Smith, Charles Evans, John 
Ewing, Frederick J. Heller, William Speriug, and 
Samuel Sitgreaves. Of these, only three, Henry Wil- 
son, John Ewing, and Frederick J. Heller, were resi- 
dents of Lehigh County. 

Of the foregoing, Henry Wilson was a native of 
Harrisburg, and studied law in that place. He was a 
man of ability and character, and rose rapidly in the 
estimation of the people. 

Frederick J. Heller had been admitted to the bar 
of Northampton County in 1797, and had been quite 
an active practitioner, but notwithstanding that fact 
little is now remembered of him. 

John Ewing was another of the pioneer lawyers of 
Lehigh who has passed out of recollection. He lived 
for a number of years in the house on Hamilton 
Street now owned by E. J. Hart, 

John Evans had been admitted to practice in North- 
ampton County in 1803. He did a large amount of 
professional work in the Lehigh courts, and was re- 



garded as one of the best lawyers who visited Allen- 
town in the olden time. His family is now scattered. 
Henry King was for many years succeeding 1815 
the leader of the Lehigh bar, and enjoyed the most 
enviable reputation throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, 
lie was born in the town of Palmer, Hampden Co., 
Mass., on the 6th of July, 1790, and received the rudi- 
ments of his education in that region. When about 
fifteen years of age he became one of the few se- 
lect pupils of the Rev. Ezra Witter, who resided in 
the town of Wilhraham, Hampden Co. Under this 
teacher he finished bis general education. In 1810 he 
commenced the study of law with an eminent attorney 
of New London, Conn., W. H. Brainerd, Esq., with 
whom be remained until the fall of 1812, when his 
studies were interrupted through the disturbed con- 
dition of the region, consequent upon the war with 
Great Britain. He removed then to Wilkesbarre, 
Pa., where he completed his preparation for the bar 
in the office of the Hon. Garrick Mallory and was ad- 
mitted to practice in April, 1815. It was very shortly 
after this that he removed to Allentown, when' he 
was for some time the only resident lawyer, but was 
brought into contact with the eminent practitioners of 
neighboring towns, as Sitgreaves, Ross, Wolfe, Evans, 
Smith, and John M. Porter. In 1825 he was elected 
to the Senate of Pennsylvania for a term of four years, 
upon the expiration of which he was again elected. 
Before his second term expired, in 1830, he was chosen 
as a representative to Congress, which position he 
filled for four years. During his career in the Legis- 
lature he was most of the time at the head of several 
of the most important committees. He was chairman 
of the committee to remodel the penitentiary system 
of the State, and drew the bill which divided the 
State into districts and established the Western Peni- 
tentiary. The next measure with which he was 
identified was the well-known act of 1829 to reform 
tin' general code, in the preparation of which he was 
assisted by the " Prison Discipline Society" of Phila- 
delphia, whose favorite project it was. Joel B. Suther- 
land, T. J. Wharton, and Judge King, of Philadel- 
phia, had been appointed commissioners to visit 
several of the States, and report to the Legislature from 
the knowledge thus gained a system for the govern- 
ment of the penitentiaries. After a full examination 
they reported in favor of the system then in vogue in 
New York. This was strenuously opposed by the 
"Prison Discipline Society," who found in Mr. King 
an able and effective advocate in the State Senate. 
Alter a long and severe struggle the plan now in force 
in Pennsylvania was adopted. Mr. King also drafted 
the bills under which the Arch and Walnut Street 
1 prisons in Philadelphia were removed, and Moya- 
mensing prison erected in their stead. So closely had 
he been connected with these reforms, and so active had 
hi' been in advancing them, that he gained much fame, 
and when the commissioners appointed by the king 
of Prussia to visit this country and report upon the 



THE BENCH AND BAH OF LEHKIII (DIMV 



differenl systems of penal correction came here, they 
sought him out in bis quiet home at Allentown, 
they might confer with him. During four years of 
the time Mr. King was in tin Legislature he was also 
chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Several impor- 
tant laws still in force on the statute-books of the 
State owe their origin to Mr. King, among them that 
for " recording releases for payment of legacies," for 
"preserving the lien of first rtgages," for "dis- 
tributing the proceeds of sheriffs' sales." Many other 
laws prepared by him were included in the revised 
rod, of Pennsylvania. In Congress, Mr. King was an 
active tariff man and voted for the tariff of 1S.",l', and 
opposed every reduction since. Differing in tins and 
some other matters from the administration party 
under Jackson, he, at the close of his second term, 
retired to private life. He died a few years ago. 

Charles Davis, who came to Allentown only a little 
later than Henry Kins, was a man of almost equal 
prominence professionally, while a- a citizen he had 
few superiors in disinterested usefulness. Mr. I );i\ i ~ 
was born in Easton, Dec. 25, IT' 1 "', and pursued his 
preliminary legal studies in the office of Hon. Samuel 
Sitgreaves, being admitted to the liar on Jan. 6, 1817. 
In the same year he removed to Allentown. Here he 
resided until 1839, following uninterruptedly his pro- 
fession, which developed a very extensive practice. 
Mr. Davis removed to Beading in 1839, and from 
there to Easton, his native place, in 1867. From this 
time until his death, which occurred quite suddenly 
on Jan. 19, 1873, he led a semi-retired life, but was j 
in the full enjoyment of his faculties, and was fre- j 
quently consulted by other members of the North- 
ampton bar. In speaking of Mr. Davis, Judge Max- 
well said, " It was worthy of remark that no attorney- 
had ever been more diligent in the practice of his 
profession, nor more faithful to his clients or more 
interested and devoted to their interest ; that, when 
his clients had committed to Mr. Davis their can 
and business, he devoted to their prosecution and 
maintenance all the powers of his vigorous mind ; 
that Mr. Davis had not only been an aide, successful, 
and honorable lawyer, hut had in other ways also 
proven himself a valuable and useful citizen ; that he 
had ahvay- been a consistent, devoted Christian, and 
had, b\ his walk and conversation, honored his re- 
ligious profession." M.H.Jones, Esq., in seconding 
the resolutions offered by Judge Maxwell, said, ''That 
he could indorse unto approval every word that had 
i said in eulogy of Mr. Davis In Judge Maxwell, 
ami that, in seconding the resolutions, he desired to 
bear testimony to Mr. Davis' worth and ability as a 
lawyer, and as a good and upright citizen; that he 
hail been a man of undoubted talent and of great 
legal, experience, and had remained in full practice 
until, from increasing years and declining health.be 
had been longer unable to attend to its demands; that 
his ,, pinions on legal questions were highly valued by 
his fellow-members of the bar, and exhibited remark- 



able cleai : ad, -this facili [ues- 

lions he had retained up to the time of his death." 
The resolutions referred to were as follows: 

" Whereas, Enfoi red of the death of Oh 

! ilor member of the liar, who waa admitted aaan at- 

torney of this Court on thi r January, 1817, practiced at this 

Barf ii [ t i Allfiiliiwn, in the Conntyof 

Hog, in Berks County, in which last- 
named counties he had a large and bu 

and n few years ago retui uaUvecounty, where he resided 

at the time of h 

u Rtaolved, Thai Ons liar bear testimony to the high character and 
great worth and accurate legal I : the lamented deceased. 

He was ever devoted to the interests of his clients; earnest and assiduous 
in the faithful discharge of bis duties I te Court, and died at 

an adva need I i istian hope. 

" /.' the members of the Bar will attend the funeral of 

the deceased Id a body, and wear the usual badge of mourning, and that 
an Invitation d to the membersof the Bur of Lehigh and 

Berks Counties to unite with us in paying this last mark of respect to 
the memory of the ds 

"Resolved, That a copy of thi transmitted to the 

widow of thi ; , i t.i the Barsof Lehigh and Berks Counties, 

and published in the newspapers of this county." 

Mr. Davis left a widow and one son. the Hon. J. 
Depuy Davis, who was State senator from Berks 
( 'otinty. 

Samuel Runk was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., 
Sept. 5, 1783. He received his early education at 
home and in its vicinity, including a knowledge of 
the classics and of the higher mathematics, with both 
of which he maintained a close familiarity to his end. 
Having passed over his general studies, he took up 
civil engineering as a specialty, and after several 
years spent in its theory and practice, made a trip, 
on foot, through Pennsylvania, and from Pittsburgh on 
a flat-boat, down the Ohio, in search of a future home. 
The diary of this journey contains numerous items of 
local interest, and some thrilling incidents in flat-boat 
navigation at that early day. 

Not finding the West to suit him, he returned to 
Pennsylvania, and entered the law-office of Frederick 
Smith, at Reading, as a student, and in due time was 
admitted to the bar at that place, April 17, 1818. Soon 
after he came to Allentown, and was admitted to the 
bar of Lehigh County. May 1, 1819, and thereafter 
continued to reside here. 

When he came to this county, this region was in- 
tensely German. He took a leading and active part 
in effecting a change. At a time when Sunday-schools 
were an offense to a large portion of the community, 
he was instrumental in organizing, and became the 
first president, of the first " Lehigh Valley Sunday- 
School Association'' established in this valley. The 
first meeting to organize an English congregation in 
Ulentown was held at his office, and largely through 
his efforts became successful. He became its treasurer 
for a number of years. 

After the publii Stem was adopted. In- was 

engaged from year to year, by the directors, to make 
the examinations of applicants for teaching; through 
these examination- many ofthc iuexp. rt- uvre dropped 

by the way. 



54 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



He was never an aspirant for office, and never lield 
office, except of a purely local character. He was 
burgess. 

Asa lawyer, In- was thoroughly read in the standard 

works of his profession. Having come to the bar 
when a small number only of our State reports had 
been published, he grew up with them, and had read 
them all, a labor rarely achieved by those now com- 
ing in. As a counselor, he ranked with the most 
reliable at the bar during his period. None surpassed 
him in integrity. 

As an advocate, he was not a dealer in sonorous 
rhetoric, but sought to acquire as complete a knowl- 
edge as practicable of the material facts of his cases, 
and to present them, with the law, as concisely as 
consistent with clearness and accuracy, and to rely 
upon the intelligence and the integrity, of the court 
and jury, to secure that justice which belonged to 
them. 

He died May 21, 1848, after an illness of a few 
days, the result of a cold contracted at the preceding 
term of court. He was a good citizen and an upright 
lawyer. His remains repose in the dilapidated and 
neglected grounds of the congregation which his early 
efforts brought into existence. 

Henry Jarrett, who began practice here in 1824, 
was the son of Isaac Jarrett, and was born in Macun- 
gie township, June 22, 1772. In 1798 he was elected 
justice of the peace for Macungie and Weissenberg 
townships. He was married to Elizabeth Heintz, of 
Macungie, in 1800. He was sheriff of Northampton 
County in 1812, when Lehigh was set off, anil a few- 
years later studied law with a Mr. Cook and a Mr. 
Kaulbock, and was admitted to practice as an attor- 
ney of Lehigh County Nov. 29, 1824. He resided 
during his early married life at Millerstown and 
Freemansburg, but after his admission to the bar re- 
moved to Allentown, and lived on Water Street, on 
the property now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Mar- 
garet Reader. In 1829, Mr. Jarrett became clerk of 
the courts of Lehigh County. He died Nov. 4, 1830, 
at the age of fifty-eight years. His son Phaon was 
admitted to the bar of Lehigh County in September, 
1835. He graduated at West Point, and became a 
civil engineer. The only descendants of Henry Jar- 
rett now living are Mrs. Angelina J. Troxell and Mrs. 
Margaret Reader, of Allentown, the latter at this 
writing being eighty-two years of age. 

John S. Gibbons was a prominent attorney of about 
the same period as Mr. Jarrett. He was a native of 
New York State, born at Poughkeepsie, July 11, 18< »2. 
He removed to Philadelphia before reaching his ma- 
jority, and studied for his chosen profession with two 
prominent attorneys of that city. In 1824 he came 
to Allentown, and was immediately admitted to prac- 
tice. He followed the profession until his death, 
March 12, 1851, with great success. During the 
greater part of that period his office was at 531 
Hamilton Street. He was a man of more than or- 



dinary ability and of high character. From an obit- 
uary notice published in one of the local journals we 
quote : " Clear, calm, courteous, prudent, and prompt, 
he was at all times a most able advocate, a most for- 
midable opponent, and when roused by a case, or an 
opposition that was worthy of his best efforts, he was 
an eloquent and powerful orator. A strict observer 
of professional honor and courtesy himself, he frowned 
indignantly on the petty artifices and low chicanery 
that with some men pass for professional skill, and 
held in utter sovereign contempt both the acts and 
the actors of those degrading practices." 

The late Hon. Samuel A. Bridges, at his death the 
oldest member of the Lehigh bar, was born at Col- 
chester, Conn., Jan. 27, 1802. He secured an aca- 
demic education in his native town, and graduated at 
Williamstown College in the year 1826. He later 
studied law, and in 1829 was admitted to practice in 
his native State. In 1830 he came to Pennsylvania, 
first locating at Easton, and thence going to Doyles- 
town. He, however, liked neither place, and soon 
came to Allentown, and remained here up to the time 
of his death, — his admission to the bar of this county 
occurring Feb. 1, 1830. Being a good lawyer he soon 
gained an extensive and lucrative practice, as well as 
the good will of our people. Under the administra- 
tion of Governor Porter he was appointed deputy at- 
torney-general for Lehigh County in 1837, and held 
the office for seven years. On the 22d day of Feb- 
ruary, 1848, he was elected to Congress to fill the un- 
expired term of Hon. John W. Hornbeck, an old-time 
Whig, who died soon after having taken his seat in 
1847. During the session for which he was elected 
the Mexican war ended, and the American govern- 
ment having been successful, succeeded in the acqui- 
sition of the Territory of Texas. Many very im- 
portant measures were brought before Congress, and 
in all of which Mr. Bridges took a prominent part. 
He returned from Congress March 4, 1849. Lehigh 
and Bucks were then united as a district, and Hon. 
Thomas Ross, of Bucks, was elected in 1848 and 1850, 
and in 1852, Lehigh being then entitled to the candi- 
date. Mr. Bridges was again elected, serving two years, 
from 1853 to 1855. After the expiration of his term 
he again vigorously and actively pursued the practice 
of his profession. But after a retirement of over 
twenty years from official life, he in 1876 was again 
elected to Congress, serving two years. His Con- 
gressional record throughout was a good one. A man 
of strong convictions of mind upon all subjects, and 
possessed of the courage to boldly assert them at all 
times, it mattered not to him whether in the minority 
or majority, they were his views and always honestly 
given, and with such forensic power and Strength of 
language as to carry great weight. 

Mr. Bridges abandoned his law practice a number 
of years since, and lived in retirement. He had long 
been the leading lawyer at the bar of this county, and 
his practice large and highly remunerative. While 



THE BENCH AND BAR OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 



55 



in practice he devoted the whole force of his life to it. 
He was well read, and blended the analytical with the 
logical, ami as an orator his stylo was picturesque and 
powerful. His devotion to the cause of his clients 
was a distinguishing feature of his character. Their 
i ause was his cause, ami tin' energy, force, ami zeal 
with which lie conducted all cases committed to his 
charge was the secret of his success ; L s a lawyer. In 
all his business transactions he was prudent and care- 
ful, prompt in the discharge of his obligations, and 
exacting the same promptness from those with whom 
he had dealings. Socially he was a pleasant ami 
companionable man. always having a bind word for 
all whom lie met. He was a man of cheerful disposi- 
tion and of many kindnesses. 

Mr. Bridges died Jan. 14. 1884. He was twice 
married. His first wife was Sarah Wilson, the young- 
est daughter of James Wilson, a prominent and suc- 
cessful merchant of this city. She was a sister to 
Thomas Wilson, James W. Wilson, Francis Wilson, 
Mrs. Hutter. Mrs. Saeger, and Mrs. Dr. Martin. The 
lady died in 1864. One child, a son, was the issue of 
this marriage, hut he died in his infancy. His sec- 
ond wife, Miss Martha Stopp, daughter of the late 
Joseph Stopp, deceased, survives him. 

Of Petri Wycoff little can lie authentically related, 
except the fact that he was born near Bound Brook, 
N. J., in 1808, studied law under Mr. McDowell, of 
Doylestown, was admitted to the bar of this county 
Sept. 3, 1838, and died March s. 1x77. His office 
was near where Evan llolben's now is. A few years, 
about the middle of his professional life, were passed 
in Philadelphia. He is remembered as an honest, 
upright man, a good office lawyer, and fairly success- 
fill in his profession. His widow, who was a daughter 
of Gen. William Brown, is still living. 

Robert Enimett Wright, now the oldest attorney at 
the Lehigh liar, was born at Carlisle. Pa., Nov. 30, 
1810. After attending for several years the school of 
Charles Wales in his native town, he entered the 
drug-store of John C. Baehr, in 1826. Two years 
later he came to Allentown and entered the employ 
of John B. Moser, with whom he remained until 
twenty-one years of age, when he went into the drug 
business for himself. But he had never cared par- 
ticularly for this or any other line of mercantile life, 
and consequently he soon abandoned it and entered 
his name as a student of law, ami upon' Sept. 5, 1838, 
was admitted to practice. Almost immediately after 
taking up the duties of his profession he attained 
popularity, which was based upon his unselfish devo- 
tion to various public interests, as well as upon his 
generally recognized professional ability and trust- 
worthiness. Politically he was and is a Democrat. 
While not in any sense a place-seeker, the possession 
of various fitting qualities led to his appointment to a 
number of honorable and responsible stations, in all 
of which he proved himself more than adequate. He 

was twice appointed di.-tiict attorney by Attorney- 



General J. K. Kane, and was twice given the office of 
postmaster at Allentown. lie acted as school dire 
for twenty-three years, and few men have done more 
than lie for the advancement of the educational in- 
terests of the city, or. for that matter (though more 
indirectly), of the county. He also served two terms 
as burgess of Allentown. He was appointed a re- 
porter of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania by 
Governor William Fisher Packer, ami published the 
firs! Index Digest of the Supreme Court Reports. 

Always faithful in the discharge of whatever of 
duty devolved upon him, and always kind and con- 
siderate to all with whom he has come into contact, 

he has commanded the respect and affection of the 

people iii the community in which he has passed the 
adult years of a long life. Few men have had more 
friends; few shown their worthiness of having them 
by SO numerous unselfish labors for the good of indi- 
viduals and institutions. It can be said of Mr. 
Wright that he has been unceasingly a public bene- 
factor. 

The subject of these few inadequate lines (which, 
however, are more extended and more full of praise 
than perhaps he would wish) was joined in marri 
in 1836 with Maria, daughter of Charles Hutter, of 
Allentown. Their children are Carrie H., Charles 
(deceased), Ida (wife of Hon. Evan Holben), Mary 
(wife of Dr. Laubach), Sarah R. (wife of A. C. 
Brooks), Robert E. Wright, Jr. (born in 1847, now a 
well-known member of the Lehigh bar), J. Holmes 
Wright (born in 1850), Mary (deceased), Minna A. 
(wife of C. A. Miller), and J. Marshall Wright, the 
present district attorney. 

Henry C. Longnecker, one of the best-known at- 
torneys of his time, was horn in Cumberland County, 
Pa., April 17, 1821. He was placed at school at Wil- 
braham, Mass., from whence he entered the Norwich 
Military University of Vermont, and was subsequently 
graduated at Lafayette College. Easton, Pa. After he 
graduated he chose the law as his profession, and en- 
tered upon its study in the office of Hon. James M. 
Porter. He was called to the bar Jan. 26. 1843. After 
the appointment of Mr. Porter as Secretary of War in 
the cabinet of President Tyler, Mr. Longnecker took 
charge of his law business, and conducted the same 
with entire satisfaction until the return of Mr. Porter 
from Washington, after which Mr. Longnecker con- 
cluded to make his residence in Lehigh County, and 
accordingly was admitted to the liar here on the .'10th 
of January. L844, ami soon entered upon a successful 
practice. Upon the breaking out of the war with 
Mexico, Mr. Longnecker volunteered, serving as 
lieutenant and afterward as adjutant oi his regiment. 
He participated in all tin' principal engagements 
under Gen. Scott, which ended in the triumphal 
entry of the United States arm] into the city of 
Mexico. Upon hi- return from Mexico he was 
elected district attorney of Lehigh County by a very 
flattering vote, and in this capacity lie acquitted him- 



56 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 






self with satisfaction. In 1851 and 1854, Col. Long- 
necker was a delegate to the State Democratic con 
vention of those years. 1 n 1856 the trouble in Kansas 
assumed a grave aspect, and Mr. Longnecker, like 
many earnest and conscientious Democrats of that 
day, opposed the principles by which his party was 
made the means of extending the area of slavery, and 
was afterward an ardent advocate of the measures of 
the Republican party. In 1858, Mr. Longnecker was 
elected a representative from Pennsylvania in the 
Thirty-sixth Congress from the Sixth District., which 
was then decidedly Democratic, and served as a mem- 
ber of the Committee on Military Affairs. In the 
war of the Rebellion lie became colonel of the Ninth 
Pennsylvania Infantry, and as such commanded a 
brigade in Western Virginia in 1861. He subse- 
quently commanded a brigade at the battle of An- 
tietam. Col. Longnecker was no ordinary man. In 
addition to the liberal education which he received 
he was endowed with a sound judgment upon public 
affairs, and his counsels were often invoked by those 
in power during the dark daysof rebellion. 

He died Sept. 16, 1871, and left a widow (a daughter 
of Mr. Samuel Lewis) and two children. 

John D. Stiles, a native of Pennsylvania, settled at 
Allentown in the practice of his profession in 1844, 
and has been a very successful lawyer. He was (as 
the civil list in the preceding chapter will show) 
three times elected to Congress, the last time in 1868. 
On the expiration of his term, in 1871, he returned to 
the practice of law, in which he is still engaged. He 
had been three times a delegate to Democratic national 
conventions, the first being the convention of 1856, 
when he aided actively in the nomination of James 
Buchanan, as he afterward did in his election. 

C. M. Runk is a native of Pennsylvania, and was 
admitted to the bar at Allentown, Aug. 31, 1846. He 
has had a successful practice, and is still living. 

James S. Reese was one of the successful prac- 
titioners at the Lehigh bar, and became a member of 
the Legislature, as will be seen by reference to the 
preceding chapter giving the civil list of the county. 
He would doubtless have reached higher stations in 
the gift of the people had his life been spared, but he 
died quite young. He was a native of Easton. 

E. J. More, who was admitted to practice in 1849, 
the year after Mr. Reese, was a native of Allentown, 
and died there. He studied his profession with Sam- 
uel Runk, and became quite a popular lawyer, espe- 
cially as a counselor. 

William Samuel Marx, in his time a leader of the 
bar, was born at Wescosville, Lehigh Co., March 1, 
1829, and was the sou of Samuel and Magdalena 
(Beary) Marx. His lather held several offices of 
public trust and honor, and while register of wills for 
Lehigh County removed to Allentown, residing oppo- 
site the court-house. William received bis early 
education and preparation for college at the Allen- 
town Academy, then under the charge of Mr. — 



Douglass. He was ready for the freshman class of 
Princeton at the age of fourteen years, but on account 
of his youth was put oil' lor a year, alter which delay 
he was entered there. He was graduated regularly 
in the class of 1S4S, having for his classmates, among 
others, Rev. W. C. Cattell, D.D., late president of La- 
fayette College, and Henry C. Pitney, vice-chancellor 
of New Jersej . 

He entered the law-office of Hon. Henry C. Long- 
necker, at Allentown, immediately, and after faithful 
study was admitted to the liar of his native county 
Feb. 5, 1850, before he was fully of age. He was 
characterized by great energy and determination, and 
early established himself as a force among his brethren 
at the bar. At that date the courts were regularly 
attended by Judge J. M. Porter, Hon. A. E. Browne, 
A. H. Reeder, and others, leaders of the Easton bar, 
and with them the younger men hesitated to contend ; 
but Mr. Marx early demonstrated his willingness and 
ability to meet and cope with them in the trial of 
cases, and with more than ordinary success. He was 
appointed sheriff's attorney by Sheriff Nathan Weiler 
in 1853, and in 1856 was nominated and elected dis- 
trict attorney, and served the full term. His labors 
were arduous, because of an increase of important 
cases growing out of riots during the construction of 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and in securing the con- 
viction of some ringleaders he, by overwork, laid the 
foundation of ill health, which, later, culminated in 
the disease which carried him off. Among his asso- 
ciates of the bar he was early regarded chief, and had 
one of the most successful and lucrative practices 
before he had been ten years admitted. About 1860, 
on account of ill health, he associated with him in 
practice Hon. C. M. Runk, and continued the part- 
nership until the autumn of 1864. Iu April, 1866, 
while trying an important case at Easton, he con- 
tracted a severe cold, and, unable to have it at once 
checked because of his duty to his client, it took a 
hold on his system which could not be shaken off, 
and after five months of sickness he died, Sept. 2, 
1866, at the early age of thirty-seven and a half years. 
Mr. Marx was in politics an ardent Democrat up to 
the war, and in the campaign of 1860 a follower and 
great admirer of Stephen A. Douglas, and cast one of 
the thirteen straight ballots given in Allentown to 
that Presidential candidate. When the South chose 
the arbitrament of war, he was prompt to range him- 
self on the side of the government, and never swerved 
in the fiercest contests of partisanship of the succeed- 
ing years to aid by voice and vote the administration 
of Abraham Lincoln in vindicating the constitutional 
supremacy of the laws. This course separated him 
widely from his party, then and now dominant in his 
native county. His later votes were consequently 
given to the Republican candidate. His nature was 
such that he always entered ardently into and pushed 
whatever he undertook, and, nothing of a politician, 
it was always easy to understand where he stood upon 



THE BENCH AND BAR OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 



57 



any question of the day. His circle of friends and 
admirers was large; and many of tbem surviving can 
tell of interesting incidents in his career. 

Mai 18, 1854, he was married to Josephine W. 
Baldwin, of Bloomfield, X. .1., by whom lie had four 
sons and one daughter. His widow and four children 
survive him. 

Another strong lawyer, who, like Mr. Marx, died 

oung, was John Oliver. He was born at Eas- 

tou, received hi> early education at Yandever's pri- 

vate school in that place, and then entered Franklin 
and Marshall College, at Lancaster, from which In- 
graduated, standing high in his class. Immediately 

coi ncing practice — he was admitted Nov. 3, 1856 

— at Allentown, he rose rapidly in his profession. He 
.pular and a good speaker, and therefore it was 
not strange that in 1 S7<> he became the choice of the 
Republicans of the district for Congress. He lacked 
only about one hundred and fifty votes of defeating 
his opponent, E. L. Ackerman, although the Demo- 
cratic majority in the district was very heavy. During 
the war Mr. Oliver was major of the Fourth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Militia. He died not Ion- alter his 
candidature for Congress, at the age of thirty-four, 
very widely and deeply lamented, and in his death 
the Lehigh bar lost one of its most brilliant orna- 
ments. He was a man of strong character and yet 
very fine intellectual fibre, — a scholarly ami polished 
gentleman. 

George B. Schall, one of the members of the bar 
who has passed away, was a native of Tre.xlertown, 
and a graduate of Princeton College. He was ad- 
mitted to practice in 1857, became successively dis- 
trict attorney ami State senator. 

Adam W'oolever was a descendant of a family 
2 the pioneers to this country from the Palati- 
nate, named Wohllelier I Well-liver i, numberii 
eral brothers, one of whom first settled in what is now 
Columbia County, where a town located by them was 
given the name of " Woolever-Stettle" i Woolever- 
fcown . Another planted bis home in the Mohawk 
Valley, X. Y., while another nestled down amid the 
hill- of Xew Jersey, within sight of the Delaware, 
ami in the original borne of the proud Lenni Lenapes. 
These hardy pioneers, having by hard labor founded 
a home, cleared the forests, and broken up the -oil in 
Columbia County, anticipating rest and comfort in 
the days to come, had scarcely time to enjoy the 
fruit- of their toil before the hand of oppression 
reaching across the broad ocean again grasped them, 
and by the unjust taxation of her Majesty Queen 
Anne, and some technical plan in the titles of land 

they occupied, deprived the I their right- and 

and compelled them to renew their efforts 
elsewhere. Almost disheartened, hut braving the 
dangers and trials awaiting them, with Spartan 
energy they packed their humble furniture on sleds 
and, in the midst of a severe winter, wended their 
way through an unbroken and almost trackless way 



to tin- Mohawk Valley, where they settli -ore. 

From tin- hardy and determined race sprang Adam 
W'oolever. the -object of this sketch, born in Franklin 
town-hip. Warren <'.,., \. .1.. on the 7th of March, 
1-;:;, and the son of Adam and Diana Woolever. 
In his boyhood I ueational 

advantages, and at the age of about fifteen he entered 
a store in Easton a- clerk. After remaining for a 

time he entered the office of Judge Joseph Vliet, of 

Washington, X. .1., and read law lor one year. With 
a view to better opportunities for study he left Wash- 
ington, and removing (o Fa-ton, entereJ the law- 
office of the Hon. Judge McCartney, one of the most 
eminent lawyers of the day. Hen- he read law until 
1855, when he was admitted to the bar. In Ma 
L855, be removed to Catasauqua and opened an office, 
continuing in practice until 1859, when in the fall of 
that year he was appointed b Sheriff Haines as his 
attorney, and served three year- in that capacity. At 
the end of his term, in 1862, he was elected district 
attorney, in which official relation he served cred- 
itably for three years. In L866 he in connection 
with David O. Say lor and Esaias Rehrig, conceived 
the idea of starting the Coplay Cement-Works, now 
so well and favorably known, and which project 
pr'.ved successful. While thus engaged in manufac- 
turing interests he continued the practice of law, and 
in the fall of 1869 was elected to the Legislature, 
serving creditably during the years 1870-72. In 
1872 he was nominated in the Democratic caucus lor 
Speaker of the House, but the Republicans having a 
majority, one of their number was chosen. In 1875 
be was elected chief clerk of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, in which capacity be served until the 
spring of 1877, when the Republicans gained the 
ascendency and ended hi- term. From that time he 
lived a more or less retired life, lie was also a can- 
didate for the office of State senator, and al one time 
mentioned for the gubernatorial chair. 

In 1876, Mr. Woolever published a very meritorious 
book entitled "Treasury of Wit and Humor," con- 
taining sayings of 931 authors, 1393 subjects, and 
10,299 quotations, — a work favorably received by the 
press, as also by literary and professional men. He 
wa- a fine scholar, devoted much of his time to book-. 
and was as thoroughly versed in the standard and 

hi literature of the day as any man in the city of 
his residence. His social nature and genial temper 
made numerous friends, and rendered his home the al- 
most dailj meeting-place of many kindred spirits. His 
word ever was regarded a- a law unto him. A man 
of generous, kindly impulses, with the hand of charity 
ever open for the needy and deserving, the poor ever 
found in him a practical helper and friend. As a 

citizen he wa- plain and unassuming, treating the 

poor and humble with the same deference a- the rich 

and exalted. Hi- simple and polite demeanor made 

him universally esteemed by all who knew him. 

There were excel li inn- of character displayed in 



58 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



his private life, there were traits of goodness and kind- 
ness and genial warmth and brightness exhibited in 
his social intercourse with those friends whose " adop- 
tion he had tried." which the world knew not of. 
Few men exhibit the best that is in them to the world. 
Those who have mingled in the strife of polities and 
have done battle in the arena in which selfishness and 
hardness and cynicism are a part of the armor of suc- 
cessful combatants, hide the better feelings of their 
nature from the gaze of the multitude. It was so 
with Adam Woolever. It was only to those with 
whom he was on terms of closest intimacy that he 
spoke without reserve of those things of which he 
thought most deeply. They only knew the enthusi- 
astic love he had for all that is strong and pure and 
beautiful in humanity, and his detestation for false- 
hood, cruelty, and deception. He had the manliness 
of a man united with the tenderness of a woman. 
He was as straightforward and honest in the warmth 
of his friendships and the intensity of his dislikes as 
a child. He was bluff and hearty in his ways, with a 
keenly humorous instinct, but with an undercurrent 
of grave, old-fashioned courtesy and thoughtful con- 
sideration for the feelings of others. A gentleman 
beoause he possessed a gentle, kind heart, he was 
utterly incapable of mean and despicable things. His 
knowledge of history was remarkable; he had studied 
it as one who looks beneath the surface to discover 
the hidden springs of action which have changed the 
current of national life. He believed in the universal 
brotherhood of man, and all forms of oppression out- 
raged the fine sense of justice which was a prominent 
trait in his character. 

In politics Mr. Woolever was always a Democrat. 
He took an active part in every State campaign, and 
was popular with the masses as a speaker. With a 
clear perception of the issues involved, a lucid style 
of speaking, and a pleasing address, he combined an 
agreeable modicum of facetiousness, never failing to 
attract and hold the attention of his auditors. He 
was also equally successful as a lecturer; his produc- 
tions evincing close thought, careful study, and great 
purity of language. He believed in " woman's rights," 
and the injustice and inequality of the laws of the 
various States with regard to women and their prop- 
erty was a subject upon which he could quote an 
array of facts absolutely unanswerable. 

Mr. Woolever was married in January, 1857, to 
Miss Eliza Ann Saylor, only daughter of Samuel 
Saylor, of Hanover township. Their children are 
Lilly, Ida, Samuel S., Harry, Maggie, and three who 
are deceased. The death of Adam Woolever oc- 
curred on the 24th of September, 1882, in his fiftieth 
year. The virtues of his true heart were apparent 
in all his life to those who knew him best, and to 
them is known how much constancy, truth, and man- 
liness, how much tenderness, kindness, and charity, 
are buried in his grave. 

One of the foremost names in the history of the 



bench and bar of Lehigh County is that of Edwin 
Albright, the president judge of the several courts. 
He was born Nov. 8, 1838, in the part of Upper Mil- 
ford township which, since its division, constitutes 
the township of Lower Milford, and is of German ori- 
gin. His ancestors settled here early in the last cen- 
tury. His parents are Michael and Maria Albright 
(Schaeffer). 

After receiving a common-school ami academic 
education, he prosecuted the study of the law with 
great zeal and success, and in 1862 was admitted to 
the bar. From this time he was engaged in the active 
practice of his profession until 1878, when he was 
elected to his present position. He was district attor- 
ney from 1S65 to 1868, and served two terms in the 
Senate of Pennsylvania (1870 to 1876), having been 
elected as a Democrat for the first term in the district 
composed of Lehigh and Northampton, and for the 
second in that of Lehigh and Carbon Counties. 

During his term of service in the Senate that body 
contained among its members some of the most emi- 
nent lawyers in the State; it covered the period im- 
mediately following the adoption of the new Consti- 
tution of 1S73, which necessitated the enactment of a 
large body of most important laws. An opportunity 
was thus afforded for the application of his extensive 
knowledge of the law and its practice in the courts, 
lie served on the Judiciary Committee, and was one 
of the committee of lawyers to examine and report 
upon an elaborate civil code which had been prepared 
by a commission. He ranked with the most eminent 
lawyers with whom he was associated in his legisla- 
tive career, and the most important legislative enact- 
ments during this period bear his impress. 

His administration of justice is distinguished for 
kindness, impartiality, firmness, and energy, while 
bis decisions show great learning and research, are 
well considered, and rarely disturbed. He has earned 
and maintained the confidence of the people of his 
native county by a faithful discharge of every duty 
with ability and integrity. 

In 1866 he married Rebecca Y. Sieger, and has 
children, a daughter, Bertha, and a son, Roderick. 

Hiram H. Schwartz, who was admitted to practice 
in 1858, now a resident of Berks County, was a native 
of North Whitehall. He was, as will be seen by refer- 
ence to the civil list, at one time superintendent of 
schools of Lehigh County. Removing to Kutztown, 
he was thrice elected as the representative of Berks 
County in the State Legislature. He is now judge of 
the Orphans' Court. 

The late Alfred B. Schwartz, brother of Hiram II., 
was born in North Whitehall, graduated from Frank- 
lin and Marshall College, was admitted to practice in 
1859, and by the time the war broke out had attained 
a very respectable clientage. He entered the army 
as captain of a company in the One Hundred and 
forty-seventh Regiment, and after considerable ser- 
vice returned home and died. 





-^ 



THE BENCH AND BAR OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 



f,9 



Thomas B. Metzgar is t ho son of Nathan and Re- 
becca (Worman) Metzgar, the former a Dative of 
North Whitehall and the latter of Allen town, being a 

descendant of the pioneer Abraham Worman, who 
Settled at and owned Crystal Springs. Mr. Metzgar 

removed to Allentown in 1830, when fifteen years of 
age, and his son was born there Dec. 25, 1839. Hi- 
re nived his general education at the Allentown 
Academy under thus, excellent instructors, McClena- 
chan, Chandler, and Gregory. Having very early 
formed the intention of studying law, he bent his en- 
ergies toward that end. lie taught school at Ruchs- 
ville, and subsequently, by invitation of Mr. C. W. 
Cooper, became instructor in the Allentown Gram- 
mar School. In 1859, when eighteen years of age, he 
realized his hope, and began reading law with Hon. 
Samuel A. Bridges. In I860 and 1861 he continued 
his studies in the Law Department of the University 
of Pennsylvania, and, concluding the course, returned 
to Allentown, and was admitted to the bar on April 
7. 1862. The success which attended him almost from 
the start proved the choice of profession to have been 
a wise one. His practice increased evenly and with 
satisfactory rapidity from year to year, as also did his 
personal popularity. In 1868 he was elected district 
attorney, and he discharged the duties of that office 
until 1871. Twice he was elected city solicitor, the 
two terms being separated by a period of several 
years. He was a delegate to several State Conven- 
tions of his party from this district, and in 1876 
was the district delegate of his native county to the 
National Convention at St. Louis, which nominated 
the Hon. Samuel J. Tilden for President. Official or 
political life, however, has had but little attraction 
for Mr. Metzgar, and a large clientage lias claimed 
the greater part of his time and energies. He has 
had an extensive practice in the Lehigh and other 
Eastern Pennsylvania courts and in the Supreme 
Court, and has been extensively intrusted with the 
settlement of estates. Mr. Metzgar was married Sept. 
1, 1863, to Susan R., daughter of Solomon Sweitzer. 

Edward Harvey, a prominent member of the Lehigh 
bar, was born in Doylestown, Bucks Co., Pa., Jan. 
17, 1844. He is the only son of Dr. George T. and 
Mary K. Harvey. After passing through the common 
school and the excellent private school of Dr. S. A. 
Andrews, in his native town, be completed his aca- 
demic course at the Lawrenceville High School, near 
Princeton, in the State of New Jersey. In I860 he 
was matriculated as a member of the class of 1864 at 
Princeton College. Deciding, however, upon entering 
the profession he has so successfully followed, he left 
college in his junior year and commenced the study 
of law at Doylestown, under the preceptorship of 
Hon. George Lear, then the leading member of the 
Bucks County bar, and subsequently attorney-general 
of the Slate. At September term, 1865, the subject 
of this sketch was admitted to practice in the courts 
of his native county. In November of the same vear 



he visited Allentown, and on the 8th of that month 

was, on motion of lion. s. A. Bridges, admitted a^ a 
member of the Lehigh County bar. He took up his 
permanent residence in Allentown, Jan. I, 1866, and 
commenced to practice bis profession in the office of 
Hon. S. A. Bridges. By reason of his favorable intro- 
duction to the people of this county, and because be 

gave all of his attention without interruption to his 
profession, be soon acquired a lucrative pr 
which has increased with his age and experience. 
Nor i- his practice confined to the limits of his 
county; he is frequently called to assist in the argu- 
ment and trial of cases in adjoining counties and in 
the Supreme Court of the State, as well as in the 
Federal courts. 

A pronounced Democrat, our subject has taken no 
greater part in polities than a good citizen should 
and an able speaker is compelled to. While indiffer- 
ent to personal political preferment, he ha- earnestly 
desired that the principles of his party might prevail, 
and has not been negligent of efforts in behalf of their 
advancement. His legal ability received a fitting 
recognition when he was chosen a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention of 1873, being elected fr 

the Senatorial District composed of Lehigh and Car- 
bon Counties. He served creditably to himself and 
constituents, and was a member of the Committi e on 
Corporations. 

In March, 1877, the First National Bank of Allen- 
town was compelled to suspend, through the failure 
of W. H. Blunier & Co., bankers. The 1 id of di- 
rectors was reorganized, and Mr. Harvey was chosen 
president. His position was a responsible and delicate 
one. Through his efforts the creditors and stockhold- 
ers had secured to them large sums of money, and 
the assets of the bank were made to realize very hand- 
somely. He remained in charge until June, 1878. 

June 14, 1878, Mr. Harvey was appointed president 
judge of the Thirty-first Judicial District of Pennsyl- 
vania, composed of the county of Lehigh, to fill a 
\ acancv caused by the resignation of Judge Lou 

He held the position until the close id' the unexpired 
term, which was the first Monday in January, L879. 
His experience at the bar, and his familiarity with the 
principles and decisions of his profession, enabled him 
to fill the place with gnat satisfaction to the bar and 
to the public. His appointment was a gratifying com- 
pliment, as it came from a Republican Governor, — 
John F. Hartranft. 

Since his retirement from the bench he has vigor- 
ously pursued the practice ofhis profession. In 1878 
he was asked to accept a nomination as an independ- 
ent candidate for president judge of hi> adopted 

county, but peremptorily declined the use of his name. 
Again, in 1870, he was asked to accept the independent 
candidacy forjudge of the courts of Berks County, but 
declined that also. In 1882 be was waited upon by a 
committee of the judicial conferees of Dauphin and 
Lebanon Counties, and was asked to permit his name 



60 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to be used lor the Democratic nomination. This also 
was declined by him. 

Upon April 9, 1884, Judge Harvey was chosen by 
the Democratic Slate Convention to represent the 
Tenth Congressional District in the Democratic Na- 
tional Convention, to be held in ( 'hicago, July 8, 1884. 

Following are the names of all the attorney- ad- 
mitted to practice in Lehigh County :' 



Henry Wilson Dec. 

John Swing " 

Frederick I. Seller. " 

Henry King May 

Charles Davis ...Feb. 

John Evans " 

Samuel Runk .May 

John D. Honey " 

John S. Gibbons Feb. 

Henry Jarrett Nov. 

John J. Wurtz Aug. 

Andrew L.King . .Sept. 
Jno. S. McFarland ..Dec. 

Silas H. Hickox* " 

Samuel A. Bridge Feb 
John W. Hornheck...Mav 
Jesse W. Griffith-... "" 

Phaon Jarrett- Sept. 

Aug. F. Boaz* Feb. 

Piter Wyckoff Sept. 

Robert E. Wright... " 
H. C. Lougnecker... Jan. 

John D. Stiles Sept 

William P. Millet 

Nathan Miller* " 

Silas E. Blizzard May 

Roberts. Brown ...Feb. 
Charles M. Runk... .Aug. 
Charles W. Cooper..June 

James S. Reese 

J. De Puy Davis Sept. 

Edmund J. Moore. ..Dec. 

El Mia Eorrest Feb. 

William S. Marx.... " 
Henry W. Bonsai] 

Gilbert G. Gihbons*.Sept. 
Jas. II soothers*.. .Nov. 
Adam Wbotever*... April 

Uriah Brunner* Aug. 

John H. Oliver Nov. 

William II. Aiin-y.Jan. 

George II. Scholl " 

H. H. Schwartz May 

A.B.Schwartz " 

R. Clay Hamersly... " 
Arnold C. Lewis*. ..Aug. 
Bobei t S. Levi, urn*. April 

A. W. Leyburn* " 

Henry A. Biglei ; ... " 

Evan Holben* " 

Edwin Albright*.... " 
Jacob S. nillinger*. " 
Thos. B. Metzger*... " 
F. A. R. Baldwin. ..Aug. 
Mahlon H. Btery....Nov. 

Wm. H. Sowden Sept. 

John Rupp Nov. 

Edward Harvey " 

Levi Smoyer July 

Wm. H. Deshler Sep'l. 

Henry S. Floyd Oct. 

Const. J. Erdman...Oct. 



2t, 1812 

21, isl j 

■'•J, 1812 

15, 1815 

: J ., Is 17 

3, 1819 

4, 1819 
4, 1819 

2, 1824 

29, 1824 

30, 1825 
,, 1826 

::, Is J7 
1, 18'>9 
1. is.ai 

3, 1830 

7, 1834 

4, is: if, 

1, 1830 
::, 1838 
;,, 1838 

30, is 1 1 

2, 1844 
3, 1844 
6, 1844 

5, 1845 

6, 1846 

31, lS4li 
24,1847 
— , 1S4S 

3, 1849 
4, 1849 
5, ls;,n 

5, 1850 

2, IS",- 

4, 1S54 
13, 1S54 

9,1855 
It',, Is',:, 

3, 185(i 

6, 1857 
6,1857 

5, 1858 

16, 1 s.v.i 
10, 1859 
10. I860 

8,1861 

8, 1861 

7, 1862 
7. I -i: J 
7, l-i,: 
7, 1802 
7, 18112 
7,1803 

9, 1863 

6, 1864 
3, 1865 
s. 1865 
1, 1867 
9, 1867 

28, 1S<17 
28, 1807 



Eli G.Schwartz April 

li:o i,I Roper " 

H. C. Hunsberger... " 

Wm. H. Glace " 

Samuel A Buttz... June 
W. li. Luckenbach.Aug. 

George H. Rupp Sep! 

R. E. Wright, Jr.... » 

James S. Biery " 

Joseph Hunter June 

William S. Young.. ,S„],t. 
.1. Winslow Wood. ..Nov., 

M. L. Kauffinan April 

George K. Wilson. ..Dec. 
James B. Deshler. ..Nov. 
E. A. Muhlenberg.. March 

E. C. Lochman Juue 

Harry F. Kramer... " 
Willi.,.,. P. Snyder.. " 

.1. M. McClure Mo 

Willis .1 Forrest Sept. 

Nathaniel M. Orr...Nov. 
Oscar E. Holman... April 

M. C. L. Kline Inn,- 

John M. Kessler " 

M. C. Henninger....Sept. 
W. II Mns, hlitz.... " 

Edwin H. Stiue '' 

A. G. Dewalt " 

Thomas J. Foley Oct. 

R. A. B. Hati8man...Jau. 

II, -in v W. Ross " 

Albert J. Erdman... " 
James L. Schaadt... April 

A. R Longaker Inly 

Charles S. Runk " 

Harry C. Stiles April 

J. L. Marsteller Sept. 

w. Lichtenwallner. " 

E. R. Lichtenwallner Jan. 

Allen H. Focht April 

Morris J. Hoats June 

John D. Ulrich " 

S. S. Duffy " 

11- in v J. German. ..Nov. 

Thomas F. Gross Jan. 

William J. Stein " 

J. M. Wright April 

F. G. W. Runk June 

Philip McNultv Sept. 

T. F. Diefenderfer.... " 

F. M. Trexler April 

E. F. Shock rune 

Henry .1. Oneil Sept. 

A. P. frilly " 

E. H. Reninger " 

H. A. Weller " 

Enos F. Erdman Nov. 

il i: Schaadt " 

Jonas F, Kline .Jan. 

E.J. Lichtenwallner. " 



I l,s 

1868 
1808 
1868 
1868 
1868 
1868 

ISI.S 

1868 

I si;,, 
18119 
I.-,,:, 
1S70 
1870 
1H71 
1S73 
1874 
1874 
1874 
1 S75 
1875 
1875 
1876 
1876 
1876 
1876 
1S77 
1877 
1877 
1877 
1878 
1878 
1S7S 
1878 
1878 
1878 
1S79 
1879 
1879 
1880 
1880 
1880 
18S0 
1880 
1880 
1881 
1881 
1881 
1S81 
1S81 
1881 
1SS2 
ISS2 
1882 
1882 
1 882 
1882 
1882 
1882 
1883 
1883 



CHAPTER X. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

Biographical Sketches — The Old Homoeopathic College—Medical 
Societies. 

Tin: earliest trustworthy in formation concerning 
practitioners of medicine in Lehigh County comes 



1 It must be borne in mind that quite a Dumber of those whose names 
appear here wen, non-residents, and only obtained admission for the 
trial of special cases. Those who have been thus admitted are marked 
with an asterisk: i ,. 



down to the present generation in one of the official 
documents of Northampton County, nearly a cen- 
tury and a quarter old. This is an assessment-roll 
which shows that in 1763 three physicians resided in 
that part of Northampton which now constitutes 
Lehigh County. These were Dr. Gottfried Bolzius, 
of Northampton Town (Allentown), Dr. Carl Fred- 
erick Martens, 2 of Macungie, and another, unnamed, 
in Upper Saucon. Dr. John Hertzogh owned prop- 
erty in Weissenberg between the years 1763 and 1769, 
but nothing can be learned of him further than that 
fact. He certainly did not reside there in 1763, and 
it is doubtful if he ever did. 

Dr. Bolzius, as one of the pioneer settlers of the 
infant Allentown, evidently found the practice of 
medicine an insufficient staff, for in 1766 he was in 
possession of "the shop and beer-house" which had 
previously been assessed as the property of David 
Deshler. Thus combining the avocations and the 
emoluments of publican and physician he was en- 
abled to make a living at least, and we find him a 
resident of the little village as late as 1782. He had 
at least one patient of high degree, who was ailing 
with it most malignant disease, for when Governor 
James Hamilton was at Easton, he came to him to be 
treated for the cure of a cancer. 

Dr. Felix Linn was a resident of what is now 
Lower Milford township some time prior to 1784, as 
in that year he sold a farm of one hundred and fifty- 
five acres, which " he bought of his father, Peter 
Linn, several years previous." This farm, on which 
he doubtless resided, was situated on the Hosensack 
Hill, about a mile south of the home of Dr. John H. 
Dickenshied. 

A remarkable example of the heredity of inclina- 
tion and pursuit is afforded by the Martin family, in 
which there have been five successive generations of 
physicians, counting from Christian Frederick Martin, 
who was one of the very earliest practitioners in 
Lehigh County. 

Christian Frederick Martin, the progenitor of the 
family in America, was born in Prussia, Dec. 22, 1727, 
and was the son of a Lutheran clergyman, who was a 
man of eminence outside of the ministry, and at one 
time a member of the higher courts or cabinet. He 
received collegiate and medical education in Berlin, 
and very soon after graduating from the University of 
Medicine, he came to America with the Rev. Henry 
Melchior Muhlenberg and others, and settled at the 
Trappc, in Montgomery County, previously, however, 
traveling over Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. 
He married at theTrappe a Miss Schwartz, the daugh- 
ter of a clergyman, and entered upon the practice of 
his profession. His wife died after she had become 
the mother of six children, — Frederick, John, Samuel, 
Elizabeth, Ellen, and Mary. The eldest son removed 
to Otsego County, N. Y., and died there, and the 



- The name should have been Christian Frederick Martin. 




C^5 jXr^v 7. /sU. ^U^: 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



61 



other two sons passed the whole of their lives in 
Montgomery County. Elizabeth married a Mr. Egner, 
and Ellen a Mr. Hartzell, while Mary became the 

wife of a Mr. Dickenshied, and was the ther of 

Dr. Charles F. Dickenshied. Dr. Martin married as 
his second wife Mary Miller, the daughter of a tavern- 
keeper at the Trappe. Soon after this marriage Mr. 
Miller, learning of a tract of land in Macungie town- 
Bhip which was to he offered at public sale, advised 
his daughter to purchase it. She rode on horseback 
to the farm (near Emails) on the day appointed, and 

made the purchase. To this place Dr. Martin and 
In- wife moved about 1702, and there all of their 
children were born. These were Andrew, Jacob, 
George, Charles H., Peter, and Anna (who married 
Peter Bright). Four of the sons became physicians, 
and we shall presently have more to say of them. 
Dr. Christian F. Martin practiced medicine in Ma- 
cungie and the surrounding country until near the 
close of his life, his " ride" covering Lehigh County, 
and extending far into Montgomery, Bucks, North- 
ampton, and what is now Carbon County, lie edu- 
cated his sons in medicine by lectures on anatomy, 
illustrated by Eustache's plates, and others on sur- 
gery, obstetrics, praetiee, materia medica.and botany. 
He was a finished scholar, owned a large library, and 
was fond of teaching and demonstrating. He died 
on the 13th of June, 1812, aged eighty-four years, 
and was buried in the graveyard of the Little Lehigh 
Church, beyond Millerstown (now Macungie). The 
inscription upon the tablet at his tomb reads thus, — 

"Hier ' fiuht' in Gott 
Doc Christian Frederic 

Martin 
er wurde geboorn dem 
22ten DeCbt 1727 

und ist im Eterrn entaclofen 
dem 13ten Junius 1812 
er bracht eein alter /u 
84 yalir .". H. 22 Taga." 

Mrs. Martin long survived her husband. She re- 
moved to Allentown, and lived with her sons until 
her death, in 1835, at the age of ninety-three years. 

As has been heretofore stated, four of the sons of 
Dr. Christian Frederick Martin became physicians. 
First, Jacob (the eldest of the family, who took up the 
profession) commenced practice in Allentown about 
1790, after studying with his father. He was post- 
master from 1805 to 1814. He died in Allentown in 
1834, aged fifty-three years. His wife was dam, the 
daughter of tavern-keeper George Savitz, by whom 
he had seven sous and three daughters. The former 
were Edward F., Charles H., Tilghuian II.. Walter, 
Franklin B., William, and Thomas; the daughters 
were Mrs. Thomas B. Wilson, Mrs. John W. Horn- 
beck, and Mrs. E. B. Newhard. One of the daughters 
of Mrs. Wilson married the late ex-mayor, Dr. T. 
"i eager. One of the sons of Mrs. Hornbeek, Dr. M. 
E. Hornbeek, is now practicing his profession in 



Catasauqua. The first five of the seven sons abi 
Darned bi c one physicians. 

Edward i '.. the eldest son, si "led und practiced in 
Weaversville. He died then-, leaving a son, Walter. 

who also became a physician. 

< lharles II., tin si cond -on ..i i aduated at 

the University of Pennsylvania on March 6, 1830 (at 
the same time as his cousin, Frederick A., -on of 

<ieorLiej. lie i tenced practice in Allentown, and 

continued it until his death, in September, 1860. Be 
left three -on- who became physicians, viz., Dewi 
.1.. Edwin G., and Henry F. The lir-t Darned grad- 
uated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1858, 
practiced in New Jersej a lew years, and then settled 
in Allentown and opened a drug-store, which he 
carried on until Ins death, in 1874. 

Dr. Tilghman II. .Martin is the son of Dr. J 
and .lam.' Savit/ Martin, and was horn in Allentown 

on the 6th of December, 1809. He received an a 
deinie course iii bis Dative town, and early determined 
to follow the professional career of his father. He 
soon alter entered the i.tHce of the latter :i^ a Student 
of medicine, ami in 1829 repaired to Philadelphia, 
wlnre he became a private student of Professor Wil- 
liam Horner, of the Universitj of Pennsylvania, and 
also attended a course of lectures at the Philadelphia 
Medical Institute. He graduated from the Medical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania in 
1831, and, returning to Allentown, became associated 
with his father, to whose practice he succeeded. He 
was an active member of the Lehigh County Medical 
Society, as also of the State Medical Society. Dr. 
Martin was married in 1836 to Miss Mary, daughter 
of Daniel Kramer, of Allentown, to whom were born 
children. — Alfred . I., M.Eugene, Daniel [deceased 
Harvey (deceased', Thomas T., and two datigh; 
Eliza (deceased and Mary A. (Mrs. II K. Hartzel). 
Alfred .1. graduated from the University of Pennsyl- 
vania in March. 1857, and became associated with his 
father in practice. During the late war their profes- 
sional services were given gratuitously to the families 
of soldiers. Thomas T. also graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania as a physician in 1877, and 
- engaged in practice in Allentown, his office being 
thai formerly occupied by his lather. M. Eugene and 
Daniel adopted the profession of dental surgery, in 
which the former is still engaged. Dr. Tilghman J. 
Martin was a Democrat in his political affiliations, 
and, though not especially active in the political field, 
was elected treasurer of tin county of Lehigh, and 

filled various minor local offices. Hi- death occurred 

Nov. 5, 1878, in hi- sixty-ninth year. 

Dr. Edwin (J. Martin i- the son of Dr. Charles H. 
Martin and M. Lngeline Goundie, daughter of Sebas- 
tian Goundie, a prominent member of the Moravian 

settlement of Bethlehem, Pa. He was born I >ct. 3, 
1836, in Allentown, and received his scholastic train- 
ing at the Allentown Academy , under t In instruction 

of Professors McClenehan, Chandler, and Gregory. 



62 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



He chose for his life-work ihe profession in which 
various members of the family had attained distinc- 
tion, that of medicine, and first prosecuted his si adies 
in the office of his father. Later he became a student 
of the Medical Department of the University of Penn- 
sylvania, from which he graduated in the spring of 
1856. He at once became an associate of his father, 
to whose practice he succeeded at his death. He has 
since that time been actively engaged in professional 
labor, and enjoys an extensive general practice, for 
which his thorough training, not less than his abilities, 
have fitted him. Dr. Martin is a man of untiring in- 
dustry, of unswerving integrity, and active and liberal 
in the encouragement of all projects looking to the 
mali rial advancement and prosperity of the city of 
his residence. The duties of his profession are pur- 
sued with a kindly charity and benevolence that have 
left their impress and marked him as a benefactor to 
the needy and humble. He is a member of the Lehigh 
Medical Society and of the State Medical Society. 
He has manifested a commendable zeal in the further- 
ance of all educational enterprises, was one of the 
founders and since its organization has been secretary 
of the board of trustees of the Allentown Female Col- 
li !ge, and was also for years a trustee of the Muhlen- 
berg College. He is now a trustee and secretary of 
the board of management of the Hospital for the In- 
sane for the Southeastern District of Pennsylvania. 
He is a member and was the first president of the Le- 
high Valley Medical Association. The material and 
business interests of Allentown have also received 
from him a decided impulse as trustee and secretary of 
the Jordan Manufacturing Company, as a stockholder 
of the Coopersburg Turnpike Company, the Bethle- 
hem Turnpike Company, and the Lehigh Telegraph 
Company. He is a director of the Allentown Na- 
tional Bank, and president of the Board of Trade. 
He was during the war appointed surgeon of the 
Twenty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Militia, and 
mustered into service for the emergency. He now 
holds the commission of surgeon of the Fourth Regi- 
ment of National Guards of this State. As a Demo- 
crat, Dr. Martin was elected mayor of Allentown in 
1880, his able and judicious administration receiving 
the cordial indorsement of his party and insuring his 
re-election in 1882. He also served a term as coroner. 
He is an enthusiastic Mason, has been Deputy Com- 
mander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Tem- 
plar of the State, and was recently elected to the high 
office of Grand Commander of the same body. In 
religion he is a Lutheran and member of St. John's 
English Lutheran Church of Allentown. Dr. Martin 
was married on the 29th of August, 1861, to Miss 
Fannie S., daughter of the late Stephen Balliet, of 
Lehigh County. Children, Irene B. and Charles S. 

Henry, the third son of Charles H. Martin, grad- 
uated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1858, 
and practiced in Slatington until 1862. He was during 
the war assistant surgeon of the Ninth Pennsylvania 



Reserves. He emigrated to Colorado, where he is 
now engaged in mining operations. 

Walter, son of Jacob, graduated from the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to California, 
where he died on the day of his arrival. 

Franklin B., son of Jacob, was also a graduate of 
the school from which most of the medical members 
of this family received their diplomas. He practiced 
at Fogelsville, YVhitemarsh, and at Catasauqua, and 
died in the latter place. 

II. George, the second of Dr. Christian Frederick 
Martin's sons who studied medicine, after the comple- 
tion of bis studies with his father, settled, about the 
year 1800, in Whipton township, Montgomery Co., 
where he remained until 1814, when he removed to 
Whitemarsh. He practiced there until 1850, when 
he moved to Philadelphia and went into retirement. 
He died in that city Dec. 8, 1S62, aged eighty-three 
years. He left three sons, — Frederick A., Charles, 
and John A., — wdio became physicians, all receiving 
their preliminary education from their father. 

Frederick A., son of George, graduated from the 
University of Pennsylvania March 6, 1830, and during 
the next two years practiced with his father at White- 
marsh, but subsequently removed to Coopersburg, 
where he practiced until 1S43. In that year he re- 
moved to Philadelphia, and opened an office on Third 
Street. In 1850 he retired from the more active duties 
of his profession, and went to Bethlehem, where he 
remained until 1867, when he returned to Philadel- 
phia, where he now resides. 

Charles, son of George, graduated from the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, in 1833, and during the next 
three years practiced in Whitemarsh and Mechanics- 
burg. He then relinquished the profession, and 
studied divinity at Gettysburg Seminary. He became 
pastor of St. James' Episcopal Church, in New York 
City, had charge of churches at Hagerstown and other 
places, and is now at the head of a ladies' seminary 
in St. Joseph, Mo. 

John A. (son of George), following the family 
predilection, entered the same university from which 
bis brothers had graduated, and concluded his course 
of study in 1836. He followed his profession about 
ten years at Whitemarsh, when his health failed and 
he removed to California, where he practiced, and 
also established a hospital. After an absence of two 
years he returned East, studied law in Philadelphia, 
and practiced at Norristown a few years. But his 
original taste for medicine seems to have returned, 
for he moved to Magnolia, Del., and resumed its 
practice. He died there, March 13, 1872, aged fifty- 
seven years. 

III. Charles H., son of Dr. Christian Frederick 
Martin, after the completion of his studies with his 
father, settled in Allentown, about 1812, and practiced 
there until his death, May 31, 1844. He left one son, 
Charles L., who became a physician. 

Charles Ludwig Martin, the son of Dr. Charles H. 



64 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of the University of Pennsylvania and attended the 
lectures of such eminent doctors as the Bartons, 
.lames, and Physick, who in their day ranked at the 
head of the profession. After his graduation in 1817, 
lie practiced medicine in the Milfords and surround- 
ing eountry and soon had a large practice. He re- 
mained in the profession until 1858, when he retired 
after he had acquired a handsome competency. He 
was a strict allopath. He relinquished his practice to 
his sons, Drs. J. H. and Charles Dickenshied, the lat- 
ter of whom died at the Trappe, in Montgomery 
County, thirty odd years ago. In 1 80S he moved to 
Allentown, which has been his home since. With 
the exception of a few years, he has lived all the time 
at his late residence. When the war of 1812 broke 
out he entered the service as a surgeon's mate, and he 
was one of the latest lingering veterans of that war. 
He died Oct. 24, 1881, at the age of eighty-nine years 
and twenty-six days, probably the oldest male citizen 
of Allentown at that time. He left four children, one 
son and three daughters. They are Dr. J. H. Dicken- 
shied, of Lower Mil ford, Mrs. Dr. Samuel Young, 
Mrs. Rev. N. S. Strassburger, and Miss Rebecca 
Dickenshied. His wife survives, and is eighty-four 
years of age. She is a sister of Michael D. Eberhard, 
who is eighty-five. 

Dr. Samuel Young, a native of Upper Saucon, who 
has been spoken of as a son-in-law of Dr. Charles F. 
Dickenshied, was a regularly educated physician, who 
began practice at Cold Brook, Bucks Co., subsequently 
removed to Milford, and in 1S72 to Allentown, where 
he died in 1883, in his seventy-fourth year. 

Dr. Charles Dickenshied, son of Charles F., had a 
son Charles, who became a physician, and now prac- 
tices in Trenton. 

Dr. Samuel Young, who married a daughter of Dr. 
Charles F. Dickenshied, had a son Oliver, who prac- 
ticed medicine in Berks County, and died there in 
1863. 

Dr. John H. Dickenshied is a grandson of John 
Dickenshied, who settled in Milford township, Lehigh 
Co., where he was industriously employed as a sad- 
dler. He was united in marriage to a Miss Martin, 
and had children, — Charles F., Mary (Mrs. Klotz), 
and Elizabeth (Mrs. Paul Knauss). Charles F. was 
born in Upper Milford township, Sept. 29, 1792, where 
much of his life was spent. He early chose medicine 
as a profession, graduated at the Medical Department 
of the University of Pennsylvania, and after a brief 
interval of practice at adjacent points in Lehigh 
County, located in Upper Milford, where he pursued 
his profession uninterruptedly for a period of forty 
years. Dr. Dickenshied was regarded as a successful 
practitioner, well skilled in the healing art. He even- 
tually removed to Allentown and retired from active 
labor. He married Annie Catherine Eberhard, daugh- 
ter of Henry Eberhard, of Allentown, and had chil- 
dren, — Anna Maria (Mrs. Samuel Young), Diana 
(Mrs. N. S. Strausberger), Charles H., Rebecca M., 



and John H. The death of Dr. Dickenshied occurred 
in October, 1881. His son, John H., was born June 
4, 1826, on the homestead in Upper Milford, the home 
of his boyhood having been also his residence in later 
years. He was educated at Allentown and the Aca- 
demic Department of the University of Pennsylvania, 
and choosing the profession of medicine, entered 
the office of his father as a student. He graduated 
from the Medical Department of the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1847, and at once became identi- 
fied with the active practice of medicine as associate 
with his father. On the removal of the latter to 
Allentown in 1857, the doctor assumed control of the 
whole field of labor. His thorough course of study, 
excellent judgment, and wide experience from years 
of practice have placed him among the leading phy- 
sicians of the county in point of skill and reputa- 
tion. The doctor, in November, 1856, married Miss 
Amanda M., daughter of George Steinman, and has 
children, — Eugene H., Emma S., Ida M., Frederick 
S., Agnes L., Annie G, Charles F., and Mary E. 
Eugene H., after graduating at the Medical Depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, became as- 
sociated with his father, and divides the labor attend- 
ing their very extended practice. Dr. Dickenshied 
many years since became a member of the Lehigh 
County Medical Society. He is a director of the First 
National Bank of Allentown, and one of the board 
of managers of the Goshenhoppen Mutual Fire In- 
surance Company. He finds little leisure for matters 
of political concern, though a Republican in politics. 
Both he and Mrs. Dickenshied are members of the 
German Reformed Church. 

Dr. George Van Buskirk, who attended lectures as 
early as 1801-2 at the University of Pennsylvania 
and the Jefferson Medical College, practiced at Mil- 
lerstown during the war of 1812, and subsequently 
removed to Pottstowu. A son now practices dentis- 
try in Allentown. 

Dr. Jonas Rothrock, a native of Northampton 
County, afterettending a course or so of lectures, be- 
gan practicing in 1818 at Freemansburg, and soon 
afterwards moved to Macungie, where he followed 
his profession for a short period. He removed to 
Haines Hill, in Berks County, where he died, after 
keeping a tavern for a number of years. 

Dr. Jacob Stine, a native of Allentown, studied 
with Dr. Charles H. Martin during the years 1816-18, 
and afterwards practiced ten or fifteen years, or until 
his death. The attorney, Jacob Stine, is his son. 

Dr. Matthias began practice at Millerstown about 
1820, after being for a short time at Trexlerstown. 
He was popular and had fine abilities. About 1825 
he left for Philadelphia, selling his practice to Dr. 
James B. Hahn, who five or six years Inter removed 
to New York State. 

About 1821, Dr. Zangerly, a native of Germany, 
who had graduated at Philadelphia, commenced prac- 
tice in Lynnville, Lynn township, and continued 



THE MEDICAL I'KOK ESSION. 



65 



until his death in 1859, achieving the reputation of 
being an unusually good physician. 

Dr. Christopher Hotfstetter, a native of Wiirtem- 
berg, came to Emaus about 1825, and about 1836 re- 
moved to Illinois, where a few years subsequently he j 
found the ills of life unbearable and committed 
suicide. 

Dr. Griffith Behall, who practiced in Lehigh County 
for a very long period, was a native of New York- 
State, and was horn in the year 1800. He was a 
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and im- 
mediately afterwards began practice in Heidelberg. 
In 1829 he succeeded Dr. John Romig, in Fogelsville, 
and about 1850 removed to Heektown, where he 
practiced until within a few months of his death, 
which occurred in 1882. His practice had extended 
through sixty years. He left a son, Joseph Schall, 
who is now a physician in Meadville, Crawford Co., 
Pa. A son, William, studied with his father, and 
practiced a few years, but died in early manhood. 

Dr. Henry Schall, a brother of the subject of the 
foregoing mention, born in New York State, was 
also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. 
He practiced in Saegersville and in Heidelberg town- 
ship. He died in 1837, aged thirty-eight. His wife, 
Rachel Steckel, being aware that his end was near, 
his disease being consumption, studied medicine with 
her husband, and upon his death took up his practice 
and supported her family of six children. Three sons 
wire sent to and graduated from the Jefferson Medi- 
cal College, becoming physicians. John D. settled at 
home, and there followed his profession. Griffith 
H. located near Lehighton, in Carbon County, after- 
wards moving to Slatington, where he died in 1881. 
James practiced in Whitehall and Breinigsville, re- 
moved to Meadville, Pa., and subsequently to Texas, 
where he died about 1866, aged thirty-five years. 

Dr. Jesse Griffith was quite a well-known prac- 
titioner in Millerstown and vicinity for eight or ten 
years succeeding 1830. He came from and returned 
to Philadelphia. 

l>r. Joseph Young, a native of Bavaria, who studied 
medicine and graduated at Freiburg, in the Grand 
Duchy of Baden, came to this country about 1830, 
and three years later settled in Emails. Alter prac- 
ticing there a few years he returned to his native land, 
and marrying there, brought his bride to this country 
and settled in Macungie in 1842. Four years later 
he removed to Milwaukee, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life. 

Dr. William F. Danowsky, of Poland, who studied 
medicine, graduated, and married in his native land, 
came to this country in 1886, after serving as phy- 
sician and surgeon on a Polish whaler for I ighteen 
months, lie settled in the Saucou Valley, where he 
practiced for a short time, and then moved to Emaus, 
where he remained a number of years. He then lo- 
cated in Allentown, and in 1853 commenced the 
manufacture on a small scale of illuminating gas. 
a 



This resulted in the establishment of the Allentown 
gas-works, of which Dr, Danowsky may he considered 

the founder. 1 In 1860 he went to live on a farm in 
Union County, but subsequently returned to Allen- 
town, where he died in 1875. Dr. E. J. Danowsky, 
druggist, is his son, 

Dr. Christian F. Schultz, a native of Brunswick, 
Germany, who graduated in medicine in Utrecht, 
Holland, and in anatomy from a school of his native 
town, came to this country in 1840 and settled in 
Emaus as a partner with Dr. William Danowsky. In 
1842 he removed to Maryland, and thence to the West 
Indies, but in 1844 returned to this country and again 
located at Emaus, win-re he si ill lives. 

John Romig, M.D., was descended from a family 
of German origin which early emigrated to America. 
John Adam, the grandfather of the doctor, was a 
resident of Lehigh County, where his son John was 
born, and followed during his active life the business 
of a miller. He married Hannah Koehler, of the 
same county, and had children, — Joseph, Peter, John, 
Charles, William J., Judith, Rebecca, and Mary. 
John, the subject of this biographical sketch, was 
born Jan. 3, 1804, in what is now known as Centre 
Valley, Lehigh Co. Here and at Allentown the 
years of his youth were spent in pursuit of such 
advantages of education as were afforded by the 
schools of the day. In the fall of 1820, when seven- 
teen years of age, having decided upon a professional 
career, he entered the office of Dr. William I. C. 
Baum, formerly of Reading, who had recently re- 
moved to Allentown, as a student of medicine. His 
studies were continued under his preceptor for four 
years, during which period three courses of lectures 
were attended at the Medical Department of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1825. 
Fogelsville was the scene of bis earliest professional 
labors, after which he removed to Allentown, and in 
1838 engaged in active practice of a general character. 
With the exception of a brief interval as a prac- 
titioner in the city of Baltimore, it has since been 
his residence. He was married in 1826 to Miss Eliza 
Fogel, daughter of Solomon Fogel, of Fogelsville, 
wdiose death occurred in 1828, when he was again 
married in 1830 to Miss S. Matilda Martin, of Allen- 
town, to whom were born a large family of children. 
The survivors are John, William H., George M., 
Hannah L. (Mrs. Joshua Hunt), Anna J. (Mrs. 
Joseph Hunt), and Matilda. The death of Mrs. 
Romig occurred Oct. 2, 1883. The professional labors 
of Dr. Romig in Lehigh County extended over a 
perioil of more than hall a century, during which 
time he enjoyed a large family practice, and was re- 
garded as a physician of skill, discretion, and a wide 
experience. In response to the demands of b 
tientS, and ill accordance with his conviction-, Dr. 

Romig, in 1834, embraced the principles of the 



' See history of Allentown. 



66 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



homoeopathic school, to which for a brief period he 
devoted himself exclusively. In connection with Dr. 
Constant ine I tering, of Philadelphia, and Dr. H. Det- 
willer, of Easton, he in 1836 established the North 
American Academy of Homoeopathy at Allentown, 
which was the first homoeopathic school of medicine 
in America. He graduated from this institution on 
the 14th of August, 1888, and subsequently, as one of 
its faculty, filled the chair of obstetrics. 

In 1880 lie retired from active practice, having been 
succeeded by his sons, Drs. William H. and George 
M. Romig, the former of whom graduated from the 
Medical Department of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania in 1867, and from the Hahnemann Medical 
College in 1871. George M. received his diploma 
from the University of Pennsylvania in 1868, and 
from the Hahnemann Medical College in 1870. They 
are exponents in the practice of both schools of med- 
icine. 

Dr. Romig was early made a member of the State 
Medical Society, though in later years not among its 
active workers. His political convictions are in har- 
mony with the platform of the Republican party, 
though he has found little leisure for participation in 
the exciting arena of politics. He has been for years 
an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Allentown. 

Dr. William J. Romig, one of the best known med- 
ical men of the county, was a younger brother of 
Dr. John Romig, and was born June 18, 1821. He 
studied with his brother and at Jefferson Medical 
College, and commenced practice, at Catasauqua, 
though he subsequently located at Allentown. He 
retired from practice in 1872, and was preparing to 
resume when he died suddenly of pneumonia on April 
10, 1883, aged nearly sixty-two years. Dr. Romig was 
favorably thought of in a very wide circle, not less for 
his qualities as a man than because of his abilities as 
a physician. He was one of the earliest and sturdiest 
leaders in the anti-slavery movement, and was fore- 
most in almost every good cause, deeply interested in 
Christianity and the welfare of the church, a strong 
advocate of temperance, and a vigorous agitator for 
the advance of the cause. Dr. Romig was twice mar- 
ried. His first wife, with whom he was united Dec. 
9, 1845, was Miss Mary Royer, of Allentown, by whom 
he had four children. He was married to his second 
wife, Miss L. Anna Matthews, of Philadelphia, Jan. 
2, 1855. 

The first person who attended to the medicinal 
wants of the people in Weissenberg and the surround- 
ing country was the Rev. John Helfrich. His suc- 
cessor was his son, Dr. John Henry Helfrich, who 
was a very successful physician and enjoyed a large 
practice. 

Dr. Frederick A. Wallace, of Easton, went to 
Hynemansville, in Weissenberg township, in 1845, 
and practiced there until 1850, when he moved to 
Philadelphia. Subsequently he removed to Fox 
Lake, Wis., where he now lives. He was succeeded 



by Dr. Frank Nice in 1852. Dr. Frederick Seiber- 
ling, now of Lynn township, practiced in Weissenberg 
about eight years, dating from 1862, and H. A. Saylor 
for four years subsequent to 1871, when he served a 
term as prothonotary of Lehigh County, and then re- 
turned to Hynemansville and resumed the duties of 
his profession. Dr. Joshua Seiberling began practice 
in this locality in 1875, and Dr. John Brunner about 
the same time. 

Joshua Kern, a native of North Whitehall, studied 
medicine with Dr. John Romig, of Allentown, and 
graduated in lS-Hi from the Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, commencing practice immediately afterward at 
what is now Orefield, in South Whitehall. He is still 
in practice. 

Thomas B. Cooper, the son of Peter and Susannah 
Cooper, was born Dec. 29, 1823, at Coopersburg, 
Lehigh Co., Pa. He, after a preliminary course of 
study, received a thorough scholastic training at the 
Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, and, choosing 
medicine as a profession, entered the Medical De- 
partment of the University of Pennsylvania, from 
which he graduated ou the 1st of March, 1843. He 
was, on the 14th of October, 1845, married to Miss 
Elmina C. Shantz, whose children are Alice Blanche, 
Oscar F., Tilghman S., Llewellyn H., Thomas E., and 
Elmina. 

Dr. Cooper began his professional career at Coopers- 
burg, and very speedily achieved both reputation and 
an extended practice. His love for his profession was 
strong, and his ability to respond to the demands of a 
great number of patients so remarkable that his field 
of labor was supplied on his death by four physicians, 
with practice sufficient for each. 

The doctor, as a relaxation from the arduous duties 
of his profession, devoted much attention to the politi- 
cal issues of the day. As a Democrat, he was in 1860 
elected to Congress from the Sixth Congressional Dis- 
trict, composed of Lehigh and Bucks Counties, the 
canvass being a very closely contested one, and suc- 
cess the result of his untiring energy and personal 
popularity. 

Dr. Cooper, in his business methods, was thorough 
and upright, and in all his professional career keenly 
alive to the important interests intrusted to his skill 
and judgment. He possessed a vigorous mind, acute 
perceptions, and great energy. In his religious pref- 
erences he was a Lutheran, having connected himself 
with that church while a student at Gettysburg. His 
death occurred April 4, 1862, at his home in Coopers- 
burg. 

Dr. William Herbst is of German parentage, his 
grandfather, John, having been a manufacturer of 
German cloths in Mueselwitz, Saxony. Among his 
children were two sons, who emigrated to America, 
— John G., a resident of Northampton County, and 
Frederick William, who graduated from the Jef- 
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1827, and 
settled in Pike township, Berks Co., where he prac- 




i 





"Z>~i&S~~ 




C^SV&i0^.O ^h^//e^_ #i.& 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



67 



ticed for a continuous period of forty years. Later 

in life the city of Reading became liis li e, where 

bis death occurred in 1880. 

He married Miss Catharine, daughter of George 
Schall, of Pike township, Berks Co., and had chil- 
dren, — George. Mary (wifeof Rev. G. A. Hinterleitner, 
of Pottsville, Pa.), William, Hannah (Mrs. E.W.Gil- 
bert, of Reading . and John .deceased). William 
was horn Sept. :M. Is.'!.*'., in I'ike township, Berks Co., 
and received his education at the Williston Seminary, 
Easthampton, Mass., after which he began the study 
of medicine, and graduated from the .feff'erson Medi- 
cal College, Philadelphia, in J855. He located at 
Trexlertown, Upper Macungie township, and has 
si nrc enjoyed an extended practice. His skillful treat- 
ment of the many forms of disease has brought him 
into intimate professional relations with the leading 
families in a large area of territory, and given him 
an exclusive field in the village of his residence, 
where he is the only physician. The doctor has made 
a specialty of the science of botany, his attainments 
having secured for him a professor's chair in Muhlen- 
berg College, Allentown, which lie filled for seven 
years. He has been since 1860 a member of both 
the State and County Medical Societies. He was for 
thirteen years associated with the Lehigh County 
almshouse as physician. The doctor was married, in 
1858, to Elnora B., .laughter of David Schall, of 
Trexlertown. Their children are H. Herbert, a grad- 
uate of Muhlenberg College, and of the medical de- 
partment of the University of Pennsylvania, who is 
a practitioner at Wilmington, Del., and one daughter, 
Carrie. Dr. Herbst is a director of the Allentown 
National Bank, and actively identified with the busi- 
uess interests of the township in which he resides. 
In religion he is a Lutheran, and member of the 
Lutheran < 'hurch of Trexlertown. In politics he is 
a Democrat, hut not active in the arena of politics. 

Aaron Miller, M.D., traces his lineage for several 
generations to Christian Miller, Sr., who was horn 
June 5, 1706, and died July 11, 1785. His son 
Christian, Jr., was born Jan. 6, 1741, and died Oct. 
_f 1763. The birth of Peter, son of tin- last named, 
and grandfather of Dr. Aaron Miller, occurred Jan. 
19, 177^, and his death Aug. 22, Is.,;,. II,- was 
married to Maria Bachman, daughter of Nicholas 
Bachman, with whom lie spent sixtj two years of 
married life. His son Peter was horn Dec. 1. 1 sol', 
and married Magdalena, daughter of the late Joseph 
Saeger. Their children are Maria L. (married to 
Levi Krauss), William F. Miller (deceased), Matilda 
i married to Hon. Samuel J. Kistler), Joseph F. 
Miller (deceased), Owen H. Miller, Aaron S. Miller, 
M.D., Edward P. Miller, M.D., Sophia R. (married 
to Dr. William < ;. M. Seiple, of Lehighton), and 
Sarah A. Miller (deceased . 

Aaron, the subject of this sketch, was horn July 1, 
1839, in Saegersville, Lehigh Co., Pa., w here his early 
life was passed. He received his earliest education at 



the village school, and later became a pupil of the 
leading school of Ulentown, alter which he prose- 
cuted hi- studies al Kingston, Luz Pa. He 
early decided upon a professional career, and in 1859 
in the study of medicine with Dr. David <». 
Mo-ser, of Breinigsville, Lehigh Co., which was 
continued with Dr. D. D. Shade, of Steinsville, Pa. 
lie attended lectures at the Me. heal College of the 

University of New York, aid graduated from that 
institution in the spring of 1862. He first locale,! at 

Germansville, Pa., and after a successful practice of 
two years removed to Saegersville, where he ha- sin 
followed his profession. From the first Dr. Miller 
enjoyed an extended practice, which bas also been 
successful and lucrative. Like most country prac- 
titioners he engages in a general practice, including 
such occasional cases of surgery as come under his 
observation. He is a close student, drawing his 
wisdom not less from experience than from intelli- 
gent reading of the standard works of the day. The 
doctor was married in lsil:;, to Miss Sarah k"., daugh- 
ter of William Mosser, of Albany. Berks Co. Their 
children are Cora A., Peter W., Maggie S., Sophia 
K., and Franklin A. The doctor is in politics a Re- 
publican, but so exclusively devoted to his profession 
as to have little leisure for matters of public concern. 
He is the owner of a productive farm, and is also a 
director of the Saegersville Slate Mining and Manu- 
facturing Company, and engaged- in other business 
operations. He is in religion a member of the Ger- 
man Reformed Church, of Heidelherg. 

Jacob S. Shinier, M.D., son of Charles B. Shinier, — 
born in Shimersville, in Upper Milford, April 4, 1836, 
— studied medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, 
and graduated in the spring of 1857. The same year 
he entered into partnership with Dr. Samuel R. Rit- 
tenhouse, in Macungie, where he practiced medicine 
foreleven month-. Married the same year Miss Caro- 
lina C. Smith, of Philadelphia. Removed in the year 
1858 to Bethlehem, where he practiced his profession 
for only a few month-, and removed to his native 
place (Shimersville), and practiced medicine for about 
six years. He sold his property in 1865 to Dr. A. 
M. Sigmund. In 1863 Dr. Shinier united himself 
with the Evangelical Association, and was licensed 
in the spring of 1866 as a minister of the gospel. He 

' tinned to preach the gospel in several circuits 

of the church, in Montgomery County, Camden, 
N. J., anil Philadelphia for several years. He was 
then compelled to resign his ministerial charge on 

account of | ' health, and returned to his medical 

profession, and is since practicing medicine in Phila- 
hia. Besi i edical business, he has been 

since 1880 a corn sj litor of a DOn-sei tarian 

quarterly magazine, 1 irschrift fur Wusentcl 

liehe und Praktische Theologu (in German), published' 
by Lauer & Yost, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Dr. Albert M. Sigmund, son of Frederick Sigmund, 
the ironmaster, was born in Upper Milford on Feb. 



68 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



27, 1839. He studied medicine in the University of 
Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1 8(50 ; went in prac- 
tice the same year with Dr. J. H. Dickensheid, in 
Lower Milford; went the same year, when his father 
died, in partnership with his brother Henry, and pur- 
chased their father's furnace (Hampton Furnace), and 
became also an ironmaster. In 18G3 he was commis- 
sioned surgeon in the Union army for about two years. 
In 1865 he purchased the residence of Dr. Jacob S. 
Shinier, situated in Shimersville, where he practiced 
medicine over seven years, and died April 10, 1872, 
aged thirty-three years, one month, thirteen days. 

Dr. Theodore C. Yeager, son of the Rev. Joshua 
Yeager, studied medicine with Dr. Charles L. Mar- 
tin, of Allentown ; graduated from the University 
of Pennsylvania, and practiced in Allentown until 
his death, Jan. 14, 1874, at the age of thirty-five years. 
He was elected mayor of the city in 1873. 

Dr. Charles Appel, born in 1841, studied medicine 
in the Pennsylvania University, and went in practice 
in 1872 in Zionsville, in Upper Milford, and is still 
practicing there. 

Dr. Robert C. King, born in 1854 in Northampton 
County, studied medicine in the University of Penn- 
sylvania; graduated in 1875. During the last eight 
years he has been a practicing physician in Limeport, 
in Lower Milford. 

History of Homoeopathy in Lehigh County.'— 
Honneopathy was introduced into Lehigh County, 
in the fall of the year 1830, by two Lehigh County 
men, Dr. John Romig, of Allentown, and Rev. John 
Helfrich, of Weissenberg township. Dr. Romig, who 
remains with us to this day as one of our most es- 
teemed citizens, had up to that time been an allo- 
pathic physician. As such he was very popular and 
had a large practice. Rev. Helfrich ministered to 
the spiritual wants of several congregations in this 
ami adjoining counties. Both gentlemen had been 
induced to take up the new system of medicine by 
Dr. William Wesselhoeft, of Bath, Northampton Co., 
who, before his conversion, had also been an allo- 
pathic physician of great ability. 

Dr. Wesselhoeft was among the first homoeopathic 
physicians in this country, and became an enthusiastic 
advocate of the new system. He had seen the evil 
effects of allopathic practice, and with indomitable 
will set himself to the task of making a change for 
the better. It was in the fall of the year 1S30 that he 
began to make weekly visits to the house of Rev. Hel- 
frich, in Weissenberg, for the purpose of instructing 
the latter in homoeopathic practice. Here a number 
of patients were regularly present, so that the new 
healing system could at once be put to a practical test. 
The results of this clinic and dispensary were very 
encouraging, and these meetings were kept up until 
•Aug. 23, 1834. On this day was organized a society, 
known as " The Homcepathic Society of Northampton 

i By F. J. Slough, M.D. 



and Adjacent Counties," which, of course, included 
Lehigh. The members from Lehigh were, besides 
Dr. Romig and Rev. Helfrich, two German physicians, 
Dr. Joseph Pulte and Dr. Adolph Bauer. Dr. Pulte 
had hitherto practiced in the village of Trexlertown 
for a short time as a homoeopath. He is now living 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he is considered one of the 
foremost homcepathists of the city, and where the Pulte 
Homoeopathic Medical College has been established 
in his honor. Dr. Bauer practiced homoeopathy for a 
short time in Lynn township, this county. 

The Homoeopathic Society held regular meetings 
at Bethlehem, Allentown, and at the residences of 
its members. Its objects were the advancement of 
homoeopathy among the profession, interchange of 
experience, and mutual improvement. The result of 
these meetings was the establishment of a homoeo- 
pathic school at Allentown, which its founders called 
"The North American Academy of the Homcepathic 
Healing Art." This was the first homesopathic medical 
college in the world. It was founded on the 10th of 
April, 1835, the eightieth anniversary of the birth 
of Dr. Hahnemann, the celebrated founder of the 
homoeopathic system. 

Some time previous to this Dr. Constantine Hering 
had begun the practice of homoeopathy in Philadel- 
phia. He was requested to come to Allentown and 
be president of the new college. He accepted the 
call, and became the leading spirit of the institution. 
The faculty of the academy comprised the following 
gentlemen : Drs. Hering, William Wesselhoeft, E. 
Freytag, John Romig, J. H. Pulte, and Henry Det- 
willer. The last named resided at Hellertown, North- 
ampton Co. He was the man who, on the 24th of 
July, 1828, had prescribed the first dose of honireo- 
pathic medicine ever given in this State. The remedy 
was pulsatilla, and was given to a lady at Bethlehem 
on whom several doctors had tried all their remedies 
without success. Dr. Detwiller cured her very speedily 
by the use of the above-named remedy. 

The course of instruction followed in the Homoeo- 
pathic Academy was of a high standard, and given 
entirely in German. Its annual session lasted from 
the 1st of November to the 31st of August. The 
buildings occupied by the school were three stories 
high, and had two wings, each sixty by forty feet. 
While it was in operation several homoeopathic books 
were translated from the German, and a monthly jour- 
nal known as the Correspondenzblatt der Hbmoopath- 
ischen Aerzte was published. 

The academy continued to flourish for about six 
years, when, unfortunately, its treasurer, Mr. John 
Rice, became financially embarrassed. Mr. Rice up 
to this time had been a man of high standing in the 
community, and was cashier of the Northampton 
Bank, which was located at Allentown. This bank 
tailed, and a general panic followed. As Allentown 
then was but a small country town, with no prospect 
of an early escape from the results of the panic, the 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



69 



above-named medical gentlemen thought it besl to 
separate and introduce homoeopathy into different 
sections of the country. Accordingly, Dr. Hering, 
the president of the academy, removed to Philadel- 
phia, where he became very eminent, and took a lead- 
ing part in the organization of the Homoeopathic 
Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Wesselhoefl 
removed to Boston. There he became one of t In- 
most prominent homoeopathists of that city, and at 
his death left his sons to perpetuate the honor of his 
name. Dr. Pulte, as before stated, went to Cincin- 
nati, where he still resides as one of the most honored 
physicians of the West. Dr. Bomig remained in 
Allentown, and Dr. Detwiller subsequently removed 
from Hellertown to Easton, where he remains to this 
day, being known and respected throughout the en- 
tire Lehigh Valley. There is no doubt that the ac- 
tion of these men in thus separating and introducing 
their medical system into new parts of the country 
was a wise one, as the result was for the benefit of a 
much greater part of the population. 

The only homoeopathic physicians remaining in the 
county alter the close of the academy were Dr. John 
Romig and Rev. John Helfrich, who had graduated 
at the academy during its existence here. Their 
number was not increased until 1846, when Dr. J. 
Henry Helfrich, son of Rev. John Helfrich, who 
had just graduated at the Pennsylvania Medical 
College, in Philadelphia, — there was no homoeo- 
pathic school in existence at that time, — began to 
practice at Kern's Mill, Lehigh Co. A few years 
later he took up his father's practice in Weissenberg. 
Here he remained until 1858, when he removed to 
the village of Fogelsville, Lehigh Co. In 1866 he 
left this place and went to Kutztown, Berks Co., 
where he practiced for eleven years. In the spring 
of 1877 he sold out his business in Kutztown, and 
came to Allentown. where he is still located as an 
active practitioner. Dr. Helfrich is a man of won- 
derful endurance. It is doubtful whether any physi- 
cian in the county has worked harder during his life 
in the practice of his profession. Wherever he lo- 
cated he had a ven extensive practice. He devoted 
his whole time to his chosen work, and no outside 
influences had any charms for him. 

In 1849, Rev. John Helfrich, M.D., published a 
German work on homoeopathic veterinary practice. 
This was the first book on this subject published in this 
country. 

Krom 1846 to 1862 no physicians in this county took 
up homoeopathy exclusively, though there were several 
who practiced it along with the old system. Such 
were Dr. Charles L. Martin, of Allentown, and Dr. 
Samuel R. Rittenhouse, of Miller.stown, now Macun- 
gie. About the year 1865 the latter removed to 

Reading, where he became an exclusive hom p- 

athist. and one of the leading physicians of that city. 
During the same period Dr. William llcrbst, of 
Trexlcrtown, and Dr. Joshua Kern, of Siegersville, 



began to practice homoeopathy to some extent, as, they 

have continued to do until the present day. 

since L835 many families in the county have pro- 
cured works on done-tie medicine, based on thi 
system, together with a ease of homoeopathic reme- 
dies. In this way many who had BO homo ipathic 

doctor in their vicinity h ive been abb' to cure their 

own ailments and to prevent serious illness. 

In the beginning ol |xi;n, Frank J. Slough, of 
Clauss\ ille, this county, began the Studj of medicine, 
and of homoeopath] in particular, with Dr. J. Henry 
lldii ich, then residing at Fogelsville. On the 3d of 
March, 1862, he graduated from the Homoeopathic 
Medical College in Philadelphia as the first graduate 
of that institution in this county. Within a month 
thereafter Dr. Slough entered into partnership with 
his preceptor at 1'ogelsville. In this position he 
remained until November, 1864, when Dr. Helfrich 
removed to Kutztown, leaving his partner, who had 
shortly before become his son-in-law, alone at the 
former place. Dr. Slough continued to practici at 
Fogelsville until October, 1875, when he left thai field 
in charge of his brother, Dr. Chester Slough, and 
came to Allentown. Here he established, in connec- 
tion with his professional practice, a homoeopathic 
pharmacy, locating it at No. 845 Hamilton Street, 
corner of Ninth. This sort of pharmacy was then a 
new thing, not only in Allentown, but in all East- 
ern Pennsylvania, except Philadelphia. It naturally 
caused quite a sensation, as it was not a small affair, 
but a large and well-stocked drug-store, attractive and 
fully up to the times, or rather ahead of the times, as 
they were then. It proved a complete success, and 
powerfully influenced the community in favor of 
homoeopathy. Meanwhile, Dr. Slough's professional 
practice increased so much that in February, 1877, he 
sold the pharmacy to Dr. J. Henry Helfrich, who at 
that time moved into this city from Kutztown. Dr. 
Helfrich continued the business at the same place for 
several years, when, bis practice having al-o become 
quite extensive, he gave it into the possession of his 
daughter, Mrs. A. M. Slough, wife of Dr. F. .1. 
Slough. 

When Mrs. Slough had taken charge of the phar- 
macy she devoted her time almost exclusively to the 
advancement of the business. Her husband, Dr. V. 
J. Slough, still continues a large (practice. He is a 
member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, 
of the State Medical Society of Pennsylvania, of the 
Homoeopathic Society of the Lehigh Valley, and 
of the Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Association of 
Pennsylvania. 

In 1866 homoeopathy began to gain new advo 
in this county. Quite a number of physicians took 
up the new system. Some followed it almost 
sively, while others practiced homoeopathy or allo- 
pathy according to the preference of their patients. 
In the spring of 1866, Dr. Constantino II. Martin 
started in homoeopathic practice with his father, Dr. 



70 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Charles L. Martin, at the corner of Seventh and 
Walnut Streets, Allentown. He remains there to this 
day, being now associated with his brother, Dr. 
Charles D. Martin, who graduated in 1867. Both 
have an extensive practice and are highly esteemed 
by the community. 

In 1867, Dr. M. J. Lichtenwallner. of Upper Ma- 
cungie, graduated from the Homoeopathic College of 
Pennsylvania. For several years he practiced in the 
village of Millerstown (now Macungie), but becom- 
ing tired of his profession, he abandoned it entirely 
and entered into other business. 

In 1870 and 1871, Drs. William H. and George M. 
Romig, sons of Dr. John Romig, who has been men- 
tioned, began the practice of medicine with their 
father in this city, where they remain to this day, 
both enjoying a large and remunerative practice. 
For the past few years Dr. George M. Romig has 
made a specialty of treating diseases of the eye. 

In the spring of 1869, William Chester Slough, of 
Claussville, graduated from the Hahnemann Medical 
College of Philadelphia. Soon after he began to 
practice at Fogelsville, this county, with his brother, 
Dr. F. J. Slough. This partnership continued until 
1875, when the latter removed to Allentown, and Dr. 
Chester Slough took their united practice to himself. 
He remained at Fogelsville until the winter of 1882, 
when he went to Emails, where he has since built up 
a large practice. 

About the year 1870, Dr. Francis Freytag, a Ger- 
man, who had practiced homoeopathy in the Western 
States, came to Allentown and succeeded in establish- 
ing a good practice, especially in the treatment of 
chronic cases. Dr. Freytag died here Sept. 23, 1882. 

Dr. Daniel Yoder, a native of this county, and a 
graduate of the Pennsylvania Medical College, class 
of 1858, began to practice at Catasauqua as an allo- 
pathist. He continued thus more or less until about 
1870, when he gradually became a convert to homoe- 
opathy, and at last adopted the new system exclu- 
sively. He has a large practice, in which he is very 
successful, and is highly honored by the community. 
He was the first president of the Lehigh Valley 
Homoeopathic Society ; he is a member of the Amer- 
ican Institute of Homoeopathy and of the State 
Medical Society of Pennsylvania. 

In the spring of 1866, Dr. W. A. Hassler, a native of 
this county, graduated from the Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege in Philadelphia as an allopathist. He settled yi 
Allentown, where he also became a convert to the 
new system. His practice is large and remunerative, 
and he enjoys the respect and confidence of the com- 
munity. He is a member of the American Institute 
of Homceopathy and of the Homceopathic Medical 
Society of Pennsylvania, also president of the Lehigh 
Valley Homceopathic Society and of the Homceopathic 
Free Dispensary in this city. 

On the 10th of March, 1875, M. J. Holben, of Lynn 
township, this county, graduated from the Hahne- 



mann Medical College of Pennsylvania. He com- 
menced practice at Slatington, succeeding Dr. J. G. 
Grosscup, also a native of Lynn, and a graduate of 
the Homceopathic College. Dr. Grosscup had prac- 
ticed at Slatington for about six years, and now re- 
moved to Reading, where, in addition to his regular 
practice, he opened a homceopathic pharmacy. Dr. 
Holben remains at Slatington, where his services are 
largely in demand. He is a member of the Pennsyl- 
vania and the Lehigh Valley Homceopathic Societies. 

On the 10th of March, 1875, John H. Helfrich, 
son of Rev. W. A. Helfrich, of Fogelsville, graduated 
at the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia. 
He located at Emaus, where he continued to practice 
until the winter of 1882, when he accompanied his 
father on a trip to Florida. Returning after a few 
months, he settled at Fogelsville, associating with his 
brother, Dr. Calvin Helfrich. The latter is a graduate 
of the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, 
and of the New York Homceopathic College. These 
two brothers have an extensive practice. 

In March, 1878, Dr. T. D. Koons, from Cherryville, 
Northampton Co., graduated from the Hahnemann 
Medical College. Several years later he set up his 
practice in Macungie, Lehigh Co. 

Dr. H. Lincoln Kistler, of Allentown, graduated 
at the Hahnemann Medical College in the spring of 
1883, and is now practicing in this city. His resi- 
dence is at No. 115 North Ninth Street. He is a 
member of the Lehigh Valley Homceopathic Society. 

We might mention a number of other homceopathic 
physicians who are natives of this county, but not 
practicing within its limits. Among these are Dr. C. 
B. Kuen, of Claussville, who resides in Philadelphia; 
Dr. Levi J. Kuen, of the same place, who is located 
at Reading; and Dr. L. R. Lentz, of Fogelsville, now 
at Fleetwood, Berks Co. 

In Allentown, the Lehigh Valley Homceopathic 
Medical Society was organized on the 7th of April, 
1881. Dr. Daniel Yoder was elected president, and 
Dr. F. J. Slough, secretary. This society now has 
twenty members, and comprises the territory lying 
between Easton and Maueh Chunk. 

In 1881 the Homceopathic Pharmaceutical Society 
of Pennsylvania was organized in Allentown by the 
election of Dr. F. E. Boericke, of Philadelphia, as 
president, and Dr. F. J. Slough, of Allentown, as 
secretary. The objects of this association are the 
advancement of homceopathic pharmaceutics. 

Recognizing the necessity of a dispensary, in which 
the poor of the city could obtain medicine and medi- 
cal treatment free of charge, the homceopathists of 
Allentown organized for the purpose, and in Novem- 
ber, 1883, opened a Free Homceopathic Dispensary. 
This institution, located at No. 34 North Seventh 
Street, occupies three rooms, one of which is used for 
the reception of patients, the other two as consulting- 
rooms. It is open daily from three to four p.m. The 
different classes of diseases are there treated by dif- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



71 



ferent physicians, who may be consulted then- on 
certain fixeddays. Hundreds of poor, suffering people 
have availed themselves of this opportunity to re- 
ceive both medicine ami medical advice, and the 
Homoeopathic Dispensary is recognized as an insti- 
tution that is doing a noble work in the interest of 
humanity. 

From the preceding sketch it will be seen that 
Lehigh deserves great credit for what she has done 
in the interest of homoeopathy. This new system of 
healing was introduced here at a comparatively early 
time, and to-day numbers so many active and earnest 
adherents, both in and out of the medical profession, 
that its future success and progress are amply assured. 

List of Lehigh Physicians.— Following is a list of 
physicians registered in the county of Lehigh, with 
place and date of graduation and residence: 

Williams S. Herbst, Jefferson Medical College, March 10,1855. Trexler- 
town. 

Harvey Y. Horn, Jefferson Medical College, March 12, 1879. Coplay. 

Charles J. Keini, University of Pennsylvania, March 12, 1875. Cata- 
sauqna. 

George M. Bomig, University of Pennsylvania, 18118, Hahnemann Med- 
ical College, 1870. Allentown. 

John Romig, University of Pennsylvania, April 5, 1825. Allentown. 

N. T. Halltnan, University of Pennsylvania, March 3 ', 1862. Neffsville. 

Frank J. Slough, Homoeopathic Medical Collcg.. March 1,1862. Allen- 
town. 

W. Jerome Lochman, University of Pennsylvania, March 14, 1871. 
Allentown. 

William B. Krdman, University of Pennsylvania, March 15, 18G0. 
Macungie. 

Peter N. G. T. Meyer, Gottingen, 1805 ; Groningen, 18GG. Allentown. 

M. E. Hornueck, University of Pennsylvania, March 11, 18G5. Cata- 
sauqua. 

Frank C. Erdmann, University of Pennsylvania, March 10, 18GG. Centre 
Valley. 

Henry 11. Beigel, Jefferson Medical College, March 27, 1867. Catasauqna. 

William J. Roniig, Jefferson Medical College, March 211, 1S45. Allentown. 

William C. J. Slough, Hahnemann College, March 3, 18G9. Fogelaville 

John H. Helfrich, Medical College of Pennsylvania, March 4, 1846. 
Allentown. 

S. C D. Fogel, University of Pennsylvania, March 12,1874. Fogelsville. 

Alhert J. Erdman, Jefferson Medical College, 1872. Saegersvllle. 

Henry Helfrich, practiced in this city since 1856. Allentown. 

William H. Roniig, University of Pennsylvania, March 14, lsti" ; Hah- 
nemann College, March 10, 1871. Allentown. 

William A. Bassler, Jefferson Medical College, March 10, 1806. Allen- 
town. 

Alfred J. Martin, University of Pennsylvania, March, 1857. Allentown. 

Thomas E. Cooper, Louisville Medical College, Feb. 25, 1881. Coopers- 
burg. 

Daniel Yoder, Medical College of Pennsylvania, March 6, 1858. Cata- 
sauqua. 

J. A. Fetherolf, Jefferson Medical College, March, 1880. Slatington. 

Monroe J. Ilolben, Hahnemann Medical College, March 10, 1875. 
Slatington. 

F. W. Quig, University of Glasgow, March 30, 1862. Catasauqna. 

S. A. Apple, Jefferson Medical College, March 12, 1869. Allentown. 

Henry A. Grim, University of Pennsylvania, March 31, 1855. Allen- 
town. 

John A. Laroes, University of Pennsylvania, Mai li 1 :;, 1862. Coopers- 
burg. 
W. K. Mistier, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, 1868. Geruiatisville. 
Robert C. King, Eellevue Hospital M< B, 1876. I.imeport. 

Philip R, Palm, Jefferson Medical College, March 24, 1S46. Allentown. 
vi J. Kline, University of Pennsylvania, March 1-, ls75. Guthsville. 
Aaron S. Miller, University of New York, L862 SaegerorlHe. 
Thomas G. Nagle, Long Island College Hospital, ls7o. Allentown. 
Edwin G. Martin, University of Pennsylvania, March 29, 1856. Allen- 
town. 



I barli I.. Martin, Dniv i Itj il ! H. Allen- 

town. 

s. Berlin, .1 il O liege, March 12, 1878. Allen- 

town. 

Charles D. Martin, Bellevue Hospital Medical College, March 1, 1867. 

Allentown. 
Const. H. Martin, Bellevue Hospital Medical rch 1,1866. 

Allentown. 

John Trumbower, statement and affidavit Bled Friedensville. 

Robert W. Young, Jefferson Medical College, March 11,1875 -latiug- 
ton. 

Jacob X. Miller, University of Pennsylvania, March 11, 1868. Slating- 
ton. 

J. D. Christman, University of Pennsylvania, March I", i-T'.. Allen- 
town. 

Mablon It. Dill, Jefferson Medical College, 1881. Shimersville. 

John F. Koch, i, I Diversity of Pennsylvania, ' lack- 

ers port. 

T. D. Kooub, Hahnemann Medical Colli -■ . Mar h, IS . ■ Macungie. 

Thomas T. Martin, University .if Pennsylvai 77. Allen- 

town. 

Daniel Hiestand, University ..1 Pennsylvania, March 16,1881. Mi 
icsville. 

P. E. Stem, University .if Pennsylvania, March, 1881. Coplay. 

F. O. Ritter, University of Maryland, March 3, 1881. New Tripoli. 

James D. Graver, Bellevue Hospital Medical lull'- March, 1870. 
Steinville. 

A.H. Miller. Bellevue Hospital Medical College, March 18, 1878. East 
Texas. 

H. A. Baylor, statement ami affidavit filed. Heynemansville. 

J. W. Sieberling, Bellevue Hospital Medical lull.---. Feb. 21, 
Heynemansville. 

John A. H. Helfrich. Hahnemann Medical College, March 10, 1875. 
Emaus. 

H. S. Clemens, University of Pennsylvania, March 12,1862. Allentown. 

Josiah Kern, Jefferson Medical College, 1846. Orefield. 

Edwin P. Miller, Bellevue Medical College, Feb. 28, 1866. Saegersville. 

S. K. Berndt, Jefferson Medical College, March 10, 1863. Alburtis. 

J. D. Erdman, University of Pennsylvania, March 1 2, lsT2. Macungie. 

A. B. Fetherolf, Bellevuo Hospital Medical College, 1865. Litzenberg. 
J. A. Koch, Jefferson Medical College, March 11, 1*74. Egypt. 
Samuel Young, statement and affidavit filed. Allentown. 

F. C. Sieberling, University of New York, Much 9, ls>>2. Lynnville. 
E. H. Dickeushied, University of Pennsylvania, March 14, 1881. Lower 
Milford. 

D. S. Shade, University of Pennsylvania, 1856. Steinsville. 

D.D. Fritch, University of Pennsylvania. March 11,1870. Macungie. 
Francis Frietag, statement and affidavit filed. Allentown. 

B. II. Mohr, Jefferson Medical College, Much 12, 1881. Alburtis. 
John H.Dickenshied, University of Pennsylvania, April 3, 1847. Lower 

Milford. 
John H. Diller, Jefferson Medical College, March, 1868. Emaus. 

E. M. S. Beaver, Jefferson Medical College, March 11, ls74. Macungie 
Thomas A. Strosser, University of Pennsylvania, March 14, lsOT. Ma- 
cungie. 

L. B. Balliet, University c.f Pennsylvania. April 1, 18,"i4. Unionville. 

L. s. Collins, Eclectic Medical College, March 18, 1870. Frielensville. 
W. P. Kistler, Bellevue Medical College, March 1. 1867. Schnecksville. 

D. W. W. Follweiler, Medical Hospital College, March 18, 1870. Lynn- 

port. 

E. G. Stoinmetz, Long I and College Hospital, June 2G, 18G7. Hoken- 

dauqua. 

E. L. Reichard, Jefferson Medical College, 18G4. Allentown. 

J. K. Bowers, American University. December, 1874. Ulentown. 
R. T. Sowden, University of Michigan, March 26, 1879. Slatedale. 
H.T. Trumbauer. Jefferson Medical College, March 12, 1862. Coopers- 
burg. * 
0. Fegeley, University of Pennsylvania, March 14, 1867. Allentown. 
N. Ritter, Jefferson Medical College, March 9, 1861. Breinigsville. 

C. II. Apple, Jefferson Medical College, March IS, 1881. Ziniisville. 

F. M. Lanbach, Bellevue II spiral Medical College, March 1, 1868. 

Allentown. 
w. II. Hartxell, Jefferson Medical College, March 13, 1873. Allentown. 
W. E. Luvd. Jefferson Medical College, 1878. Catasauqna. 
Cnarles Meyer Sl.uem ent and affidavit 1 ngie. 

James W. Cole, Jefferson Medical College, March 12, Issj. Allentown. 
Roger Hunt, University of Pennsylvam 1880. Catasauqna. 



72 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



William A. Kent/.heinier, University of Pennsylvania, March 15,1880. 

Friedensville. 
Palm E. Helfrich, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, March 7, 

1880 ; Homoeopathic Medical College of New York, March 5, 1882. 

Fogelaville. 
Abraham L. lustier, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, March 

13, 1883. Allentown. 
Thomas A. Scherer, Jefferson Medical College, April 2, 1S83. Slating- 

ton. 
Agnes M. Slongh. Allentown. 
W. H. Hamersly, University of Pennsylvania, 1883. Catasauqua. 

Medical Societies— The Lehigh County Medical 
Society was originally organized in 1853, at a meeting 
held at Dr. Charles H. Martin's office. Dr. Martin 
was elected president, Dr. David O. Moser, of Brein- 
igsville, secretary, and Dr. Thomas Cooper, of Coop- 
ersburg, treasurer. Among the first members were 
Dr. Leisenring, of Macungie, Dr. William Kohler, of 
Egypt, and Dr. Tilghman H. Martin. The society 
maintained an existence for a few years and was then 
disbanded. It was reorganized in 1858, and since that 
time has been in quite a flourishing condition. The 
records show the names of officers and members only 
since 1865. The members in that year were A. A. 
Fryman, S. W. Balliet, W. B. Erdman, J. P. Kohler, 
H. A. Hallman, H. Haberackon, William Herbst, N. 
S. Kohler, J. Laross, S. W. Ruch, H. K. Hartzell, 
M. E. Hornbeck, N. R. Ritter, P. L. Reechorn, A. F. 

Miller, A. J. Martin, Shade, C. W. Williams, 

E. G. Martin, H. T. Martin, T. H. Martin, F. C. 
Seiberlfng, T. C. Yeager (died Jan. 14, 1874), E. F. 
Steckel. Accessions have since been made as follows : 
1868, A. P. Fotheroy, M. G. Seiple, F. P. Troxell ; 
1871, H. A. Grim ; 1873, J. D. Erdman ; 1874, W. J. 
Lochman, P. R. Palm, Samuel Youndt, Joshua Mor- 
ton, A. J. F. Minuich; 1875, J. R. Davis, J. W. 
Seiberling, W. S. Kistler, J. W. Graver; 1876, F. C. 
Erdman ; 1877, S. K. Berndt ; 1882, S. W. Berlin, C. 
J. King, Eugene Beaver, Thomas Martin, H. Horn, 

A. N. Miller, F. W. Quigg, Koch, F. C. Cooper, 

E. P. Stine, W. R. Young. 

The presidents of the society since 1865 have been 
as follows: 1865, William B. Herbst; 1866, E. G. 
Martin ; 1867, H. K. Hartzell ; 1868-70, F. C. Seiber- 
ling ; 1871-73, William B. Erdman; 1874, H. C. 
Grim ; 1875-76, J. D. Erdman ; 1877, Samuel Young; 
1878-79, F. C. Erdman ; 1880-81, E. G. Martin ; 1882- 
83, William B. Erdman. In 1865, J. P. Kohler was 
secretary, and since that time to the present date the 
office has been held by P. L. Reichard. 

The Lehigh Valley Medical Society was organized 
in Bethlehem in 1881, with Dr. E. G. Martin as pres- 
ident. Dr. Green, of Easton, was*president in 1882, 
aud Dr. R. Leonard, of Mauch Chunk, in 1883. 
From the first Dr. Charles Mclntyre, of Easton, has 
been secretary. 



CHAPTER XL 

EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 

Early Schools— Progress— Holders of Permanent Teachers' Certificates 
— Comparative Statement of 1855 and 1883. 

The early German settlers in Pennsylvania, like 
the New England pioneers in the West, as a rule no 
sooner secured the material necessities of life in 
their new homes than they began building up those 
twin institutions of civilization, the school and the 
church, and if the latter class of our national popu- 
lation sooner succeeded in securing a high educa- 
tional standard it must be borne in mind that they 
were not obliged, like the Germans, to undergo a 
revolution of language. 

Almost without exception the earliest schools in 
Lehigh County were established at or in connection 
with the Lutheran and German Reformed Churches, 
and the pastor was often the secular teacher. " Fre- 
quently," says Professor Knauss, "the school-house 
preceded the erection of the church, and served 
the double purpose of church and school. These 
schools were church schools so far as instruction 
was concerned, but were not directly supported by 
the church. Each parent who sent children had 
to pay in proportion to the total number of days sent. 
In most cases the teacher ' boarded 'round,' which in 
those days was no easy task." In but few instances 
was the pupil afforded opportunity for studying any- 
thing beyond reading, writing, and a little arithmetic. 
The Germans excelled in music, and at a very early 
day introduced it in their churches and schools. To 
the Moravians particularly were the people, as a whole, 
indebted for the, introduction of what at the time 
was probably called advanced education. In their 
schools, and in all of the others of early times, the 
German language was exclusively employed. 

Of the early schools in Lehigh County that in con- 
nection with the Swamp Church, in Lower Milford, 
was probably the first. It was established about 1725, 
and remained in operation until comparatively recent 
years. The Schwenkfeldcrs, about 1734, opened a 
school at their meeting-house, near the Milford and 
Montgomery County line (which, of course, did not 
then exist, all being Bucks County). This was main- 
tained until 1840, over a hundred years, and served, 
as did the former, a most beneficial end. In these 
schools Latin and Greek were the favorite studies, 
and were taught as early as 1755. The Mennonites, 
some time between 1735 and 1740, erected in what is 
now Upper Milford a small log building to serve as 
school and church. It was divided into two apart- 
ments by a hanging partition for this purpose. When 
the attendance at religious services was very large, 
this was raised and the two apartments thus thrown 
into one. A similar building was erected a little 
later by the same sect in a fine grove between Coop- 
ersburg and Centre Valley. 



EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 



73 



At what is now Dillingersville, LtJwer Milford, a 

Lutheran congregation was formed as early as 1743, 
and not long afterwards a log school-house was built 
and a school established. This was certainly prior to 
1759, for in one of the old records it is stated that 
John Baltfaaser Goetz died in the school-house, and 
was buried on Easter Monday of that year. The con- 
gregation appointed three of its leading members a 
committee to select and take up a suitable tract of 
land for church and school purposes, and it seems 
that they selected a tract of about thirty acres a little 
west of the village site, which they patented in 1770. 
The building erected here was used both for church 
and school purposes until 1791, and after that time 
only for the latter, coming to be known as the " Up- 
per Milford School-House."' By act of Assembly this 
property was sold in 1871, the sum of four thousand 
and fifty dollars being realized, which is placed at in- 
terest as a special school fund. 

The Moravians commenced the erection of a school 
building at Emaus in 1740, one year prior to the or- 
ganization of their congregation there. When this 
occurred, July 30, 1747, Christopher Hevne and 
Mary Hevne were appointed overseers of the children, 
and in 1750, when the school which had been estab- 
lished at Oley, Berks Co., was moved here, a num- 
ber of other teachers and assistants were appointed. 
The school was removed to Bethlehem in 1753 because 
the Moravians were fearful of Indian troubles. 

A congregation was formed at Egypt, in Whitehall 
township, in 1733, and presumably a school was or- 
ganized there soon afterwards. Lehigh Church, in 
Lower Macungie, was founded in 1750, and the school 
about the same time. New Tripoli, in Lynn, is prob- 
ably the oldest school-site in that part of the county, 
ami that at the Heidelberg Church the oldest in the 
northeastern portion. The congregation was organ- 
ized in 1750. Two schools, one supported by the Lu- 
therans and one by the German Reformed members, 
were for a time kept at this place, but were finally 
united. 

We have already spoken of the endowed school at 
Dillingersville. There were several others in the 
county thus established or aided by far-seeing and 
liberal people, whose good deeds live after them even 
unto the present day, though changed in form. One 
of these was at Centreville, near Macungie borough, 
Lower Macungie township, where John and Jane 
Wetzel donated three acres of land for school pur- 
poses, and conveyed it by deed, Aug. 21, 1790, to the 
trustees and their successors. The property was sold 
in 1868 on ground-rent reservation, and the annual 
receipts from it now amount to one hundred and fifty 
dollars per year, which, in addition to the sum other- 
wise provided, enables the district to have an eight or 
nine months' term of school annually. On the 24th 
of September, 1790, Andrew Eisenhard, Cornelius 
Hughes, and John Herman donated two acres of land 
in what is now East Texas, and built thereon a school- 



house at their own expense. This property was sold 
for thirty -seven hundred dollars in 1874, and tie- dis- 
trict derives a revenue of two hundred and twenty-six 
dollars annually from that sum, a portion of which is 
expended for a summer school. These in-tancesshow 

that during the pasl century there were not wanting 

people who appreciated the advantages of education, 
and were willing to advance the interests of the cause 
at their own expense. Their example, we may add, 
has been emulated by a number of individuals during 
the present century. 1 

About 1760 harm was caused to tin schools, 
good authority, from the fact " that many of the prin- 
cipal teachers, Buch as Miller, of Lynn, Roth, of Al- 
bany, Michael, and others, left their services as 
school-teachers and commenced to preach, because 
the congregations could get no other ministers. Less 
qualified men were taken as teachers, and the schools 
lost greatly thereby." Professor Knauss says, " This 
inaugurated a decline in the requirement for teachers, 
which continued for a considerable time, until the edu- 
cation of the children was considered a secondary 
thing, and, in consequence, much neglected. At this 
period almost any person that came along and made 
some pretension to education was employed as a 
teacher. This often brought into the school-room 
persons entirely unfit, morally and mentally, for the 
position. Nearly all of the old schools were noted 
for severity of discipline. Some of the teachers were 
not only severe, but cruel, in their punishments." 

The German language was the sole vehicle or me- 
dium of instruction until 1800. Between 1800 and 
1820 English was introduced in some of the more 
progressive schools, and taught in connection with 
German, while in the same period a very few dis- 
tinctively English schools were organized. The first 
of these was at Egypt, in Whitehall. The house in 
which it was held was built in 1808, and the school 
opened Jan. 3, 1809. Jacob Kern, the first teacher, 
received fourteen dollars per month. Th? school was 
kept up regularly until 1857. The English School 
Society of New Tripoli, Lynn township, was organ- 
ized in 1812, erected a building, and organized a 
school, which was continued until 1850. About the 
same time English schools were established in Allen- 
town. The Balliettsville English school was estab- 
lished in 1816. The subscription stated, "The house 
is to be built twenty by twentj four feet, and each of 
the twenty subscribers to said school is to deliver one 
short and one long log by the lirst day of May next" 
(1816). Another English school was established in 
Upper Saucon in 1833. 

That slow progress was made in the introduction 



1 A notable instance of generosity to the common free schools was 
tliiit ->r the late Frederick Miller, of Washington township, who by hie 
last will, dated Jan. 17, 1854, bequeathed four thousand dollars to the 

school districts of Washington and Heidelberg, in the projwrtion of 
twenty-four hundred to the former and sixteen hundred dollars to the 
latter. 



74 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTS, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and practical use of English is shown by the report 
of County Superintendent C. W. Cooper (the first 
elected) for the year 1855. He says, "The approxi- 
mate proportion studying in English books is seven- 
eighths, of whom />ul three-eighths understand the lan- 



guage. 

" In the beginning of the first decade of the present 
century," -ays Rev. W. A. Helfrich, "educational 
matters began to gmw better, but only in a few in- 
dividual schools, such as at Lynn, where Salem and, 
later, Frederick Smith ; in Heidelberg, Bergenmeyer; 
in Weissenberg, Busse ; at the Ziegel Church, Storb 
and Allenborn, were teachers. These were all edu- 
cated teachers from Europe. They not only taught 
the common branches, but also instructed in history, 
natural history, and natural philosophy, besides 
giving religious instruction. The schools were gen- 
erally kept during the winter season, for four or five 
months." 

In the foregoing we have an account of those 
schools which in their excellence were an exception 
to the rule. In most of the schools the instructors 
were men of a poor order of ability. He was more 
the sehool-wiaafer than the school-teacher. Dr. Balliet, 
of North Whitehall, describes a school which will 
answer as the average one of the period from 1816 to 
1834, as follows: "The house was twenty-four by 
twenty feet, built of logs, had a very low ceiling and 
small windows, and was (sometimes) plastered inside. 
Along the three walls on the inside were long desks 
sloping up towards the wall, with high benches with- 
out backs. In the centre of the room, around a very 
large stove, on two rows of benches without backs, 
sat the abecedarians and the ab-abs. Near the stone, 
fronting the school, was the teacher's desk, painted 
red, about five feet high, with a high stool or bench 
to correspond. Behind this were hung, on pegs 
against the wall, the shawls, scarfs, hats, and caps. 
There too stood the bucket with water, often visited 
by the tired children, not to slake their thirst, but to 
relieve themselves of the monotony of the school- 
room. Near the bucket were stacks of dinner-baskets, 
the sight of which an hour before noon whetted the 
appetites to the highest pitch. The course of instruc- 
tion in the English schools embraced reading, writing, 
spelling, and arithmetic. The following were the 
books used: Comly's 'Primer and Spelling-Book,' 
Murray's ' Introduction to the English Reader,' 
'English Reader and Sequel,' Frost's 'United 
States History,' and Pike's ' Arithmetic' Gram- 
mar and geography were seldom taught. . . . The 
day sessions were long. The school was frequently 
called at eight o'clock in the morning, and continued 
until four and a half or five o'clock p.m., with an 
intermission of an hour at noon. No recess in the 
half-day sessions was granted. . . . The German 
schools, particularly those at the churches, opened 
in the morning with singing and prayer. This was 
seldom the case with the English schools. The ex- 



ercises in the forenoon consisted in reading twice and 
spelling once. In the afternoon the same routine 
was followed. The interval between reading and 
apelling was spent, by the larger ones, in writing and 
ciphering at their seats. In the early German schools 
the girls were not required to write and cipher. 
Little or no attention was given to writing by the 
majority of the masters. All the writing was done 
with the goose-quill ; steel and gold pens were then 
unknown in these parts. The ' making and mending 
of pens' consumed much of the teacher's time and 
patience." 

Holders of Permanent Certificates.— Following 
is a list of the holders of the permanent certificates 
issued by the school department at Harrisburg to 
teachers recommended by authorities of Lehigh 
County : 



No. of 
Certif- 
icate. 



69 
70 
97 
98 
573 
596 
597 
688 
689 
735 
736 
737 
756 
763 
856 
857 
858 
865 
866 
867 
868 
869 
870 
901 
904 
905 
906 
907 
908 
909 
910 
933 
931 
911 
970 
978 
1006 
1111 
1112 
1113 
1115 
1132 
1153 
1154 
1484 
1540 
1612 
1616 
16 2 
1854 
1907 
2289 
2290 
2412 
2413 
2414 
2416 
2625 
3349 
3510 
3525 
3529 
3538 
3548 
3549 



Name of Holder. 



Post-Office Address. 



Date of 
Certificate. 



E.K. Buelirle Alleotown j Man I. 20, 1SDS. 

R. Clay Hamersly Catasanqua March 24,1868. 

F W.Siegfried Allentown I May 9, 1868. 

piG.Bernd Egypt 

J. 0. Knauss Alleotown Fell 25, 1870. 

G. W. Brisker Limeport April 7,1870. 

E. D. Rboads Nell's " 

Anna M.Smith Catasanqua Nov. 25, 1870. 

Kale M. Smith " 

George P. Bates. Hokendauqua March 21, 1S71. 

Miss E.J. Haines Alleotown 

Miss A. E. Reichard... " 

Hokendauqua April 11, 1871 

Alleutown May 9,1871. 

Rmaus Jan. 29, 1872. 

Catasanqua 



Coplay 

Locust Valley.. 



Feb. 27, 1872. 



Wm, K. Derr 

Henry G. Paff... 
Samuel C Lee.., 
B. C.Snyder..... 

R. A. Lyttle 

A. F. K. Krout 

J. F. .Tacohy 

Rebecca Sigley.. | Catasauqna 

Edwin H. Breder.... 

Charlotte Beat 

Cecilia Wonderly... 

F. S. Hartzell 

Owen K. Wilt 

Wm. T. Morris 

Wm. H. Albright. .. 

Joel P. Geiger 

The.,. Smith 

Edward Bermany.. 
Wm. R. Henniuger 

Edwin Heilman 

Geo. M. Cunkle Macungie 

E \ Troxell Catasanqua July 27, 1872. 

E.J. Young Allentowo Oct. 22, 1872. 

F B Heller Limeport Not. 19, 1872. 

Feb. 21, 1873. 

Oct. 3, 1873. 

Oct 4, 1873. 

Oct. 6, 1873. 
Noy. 13, 1873. 
Dec. 9, 1873. 



Bethlehem June 3. 1872. 

South Bethlehem.... 

Catasauqua 

Breinigsville 

Saegersville 

New Tripoli 

Jacksonville June 6, 1872. 

South Whitehall " 

lane 20, 1872. 



Mrs. C. S. Stoneback... 
M. N. Bernhard.. 
Lewis P. lb' ker. 

B. F. Abbott 

L. B. Landis 

R. II. Kraniin 

Ella T. Gabriel.... 
Annie F. Swa'rtz.. 
Lewis II. Jacoby. 

A.N. Ulrich 

Peter A. Lantz.... 
Frank .1. Stettler 



Hokendauqua.. 

Allentown 



Locust Valley July 27, 1875. 

Catasanqua Dec. 24, 1875. 

Saegersville May 22, 1876. 

Slatington.... 

Clara A. Uuger Alleot.iwo May 2o, 1876. 

MissKJ. Young " ^VJ 8 ^- 

Wm II. Knauss " April 30,187.. 

J. Winters Rodgers.... " July 15, 1878. 

Miss L. J. Busse ' 

M. E. Scbaner Orefield May 12,1879. 

t latasauqtia 



Lynnvillo.., 

Alleutown., 



.1. II Mushlitz . 
T. P.Fredei ick, 

Alvin Rupp 

F. D. Raul. 

M. F. Cawley 

P. B. Oswald , New Tripoli.. 

Laura E. Busse Allentown... 

J. George Kerschner... Orefield 

C. II. Rboads , Allentown... 

Sol. F. Rupp Scipstown.... 

Henry F. Rupp " 



1S80. 
1882. 
1883. 



EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 



::, 



COMPARATIVE TABULAi: STATEMENT OF LEHIGH COUNTS - HOOLS, i- 





SCH ■ 










Tr.v 1 




































£ 




















































o 


















a, 


o. 














= 




a 
/- 


















1 

O 

— 






a 
e 
H 








1 






■ ng tho Comnv 
Law of L8S4. 

s f School 


■ 


I. 


/ 


it 

| 

M 


I 



s 


s 

■■/ 

1 


5 

00 

E 

— 


£ 

- 

- 
H 




"5S 


9 

* « 

o 5 
« = 

- z 


X — 


s 


E 

1 


JS 


i 


2 ~ '• 

■ 


- b£ 
| = 




-. 

55 


-. 

"2 


— 

— 

X 


6 


c 
d 




.7- 

o 


- 


- 


OQ 




it 


it 
= - 
■/. 

9 


1 


OQ 

*3 

B 




1 l~ 


23 




*s • 


- 


~ 


— 
- 




EG 


o 


c 


a 


a 


a 


= 


- 


9 


■— w- 




*— — 






I * 


% 


A 

4 


- 

14 

4 
4 
4 


< 


> 

in 

« 
'.i 
I'. 

s 

6 


6 
2 


fi 


V5 
2 


3 

m 

m 
I 
'2 

1 
1 


a 
< 


> 
< 


< 


> 
< 


s 


148 


108 


f % 


< 


2, 1 !oo] ugh *.— 

7. Hanover, [udependentf... 

Heidelberg township 

'.i. Bokendauqua, Indept-f.. 

L2 M icuogiG borough * 

1 1. m ic aogie, Lower, twp 


Feb. 1, 1853 4 M 

i--" 2 

April 7, 1859 4 

Ocl .''1- »9 4 

M ril 3, 1861 1 

1834 B 11 

i 37 1 5 

1849 

April 7,1865 5 

1849 1 6 l A 
1838 l 1 17' . 

L867 3 

184 ' l" 19 




■ 




8513.90 


108 










1 


47 












•2 




2 
2 

2 




51.00 
38.12 

42.00 






72 


11^ 
















1 


-- 










2 
8 










23 












5 


7 


22.00 




35.00 






S162.60 




5 








•> 


2 


4 










149 








4 


5 


7 


7 


19.15 






29.50 




21)7 ■' 


1 !7.28 




6 






7 

7 


o 


2 


3 










142 






... 


4 


5 


7 


1 1.28 








1 117 129 L76 


87.74 




o 


1 


5 


11 


IB 






20.42 






26.00 




242.78 






1 


7 


11 


1 


















5 




li 


in 


18 


■' 


1 




■ ■ ■ 






276.00 


1 I ■_'. 1 




7 4 




14 


21 


2 


3 


20.00 


33.58 








i- | 




17. Salisbury township 


1S44 9 14 
Dec. 9, 1852 9 10 

1- > 






G 
5 


9 
9 

11 


14 


2 

2 
2 


3 


20.00 


30.00 




29.00 


- 


1.. 247 il 


415.80 










7 




IS 


22.00 




28.00 302 


388 








l B. 9 in' on, i ppei . tow nship. 

19. Slatington borough -: 

" m . W ishlngton township 








. 


in 


1 1 


" 


■1 


20.00 


32 00 




28, 137 




..,;., 




194.36 


[846 6 
1848 I" 14 




f 


M 


■', 


-■ 


•; 




44.1 




25.00 


21 B 




2:.:: 






4 


4 


5 


9 


14 


1 


3 


22.18 


35.71 




343 


354 




141.(14 


22. Whitehall, North, twp 


1849 11 in.; 

l-ll ' 






A 




11 


II 


1 


1 




29 00 




29.00 300 


7.S5 







151.70 




9 


6 


6 


1(1 


19 


1 


1 




34.21 


18.75 


30.00 512 


421 


404 


:;-l 451 


1 


bitehall, South, twp 








' 




14 


r; 


1 










495 


181 


11 > 






Oct. 31, 18G7 




4 


11 

N 


! 


6 


14 

144 


9 

211 


1 
5 


6 
47 




36.00 






37 


























256 


$22.91 


$38.85 


$18.94 


S29.34 4581 






1 ' 1 

























—The changes, especially where a decrease is noticed in the seTeral items in the above table, are accounteil (bl I y the changes 
made by the division of townships, or by the organization of independent school districts, or by the incorporation of several of the villages into 
boroughs. The following will explain the apparent discrepancy : 

1. Oooperaburg borough, taken from Upper Sancon township territory. 

2. Copluy borongh, taken from \Vhitehall territory. 

1. Emails borough, taken from Salisbury and Upper Mtlford townships. 
4. Macungie borough, taken from Lower Macungie township. 

•ugh, taken from Washington township. 
1 w est Bethlehem, Independent, taken from Hanover township. 
7. On : lent, taken from Qppei Macungie and Weissenberg in Lehigh County, and Maxatawny in Berks County. 

- II kendauqua, Independent, taken from Whitehall, then South Whitehall. 

1 : 1 Of incorporation as a borough, 
t Date of formation into an independent school district. 
Sames or Monies of the Finer School Boards and rut Officers. Wiif.re the officers were kkowh, iiiiv omli are mentioned. 

Conpmburt/ borough— Jacob Schaffer. president ; l>r. II. T. Tnimbauer, secretary ] Henry K. I.amlis. treasurer. 

I'oylay borough — S. A. Leinbach, president; 0. L. Schreiber, secretary ; M. Rothermol, treasurer. 

Emaut borough— Abrm. Ziegenfusz, K Shuler, Jas. Christ, J. Hammon, R. Miller. I, Egner. 
. Tndtpenimt— Jacob Gum, A. Brouse, Daniel cladcr, Seth Grim, Samuel Grim. 

;; inon i (otnuMj — Samuel Breder, president ; C. S. Bush, secretary ; Timothy VI siss, treasurer. 

£Tanovi ' Wiiliam Transue, president; Ei I retary : L. J. Krause, treasurer. 

;/. Ed hip — J. Hensinger, president ; Peter Miller, secretary ; Julm Saeger, treasurer. 

| e—T. W. Weaver, president ; Edwin Hickley, secretary j Thomas H. Green, treasurer. 

Loahltt toinuMp— Peter Ertel, president Levi D J r.secreteryj Andrew Knerr, treasurer. 

J,;/na toirn>)iip—J. Itn iniiny, president . J. s. Kistler, secretary ; Daniel Brobst, treirsurer. * 

.1/ ; . (,j. ,lmaahi David Schall, president ; J. Llchtenwallner, secretary j Solomon Fogel, treasurer. 

Uocunyie, Lower, lotmship — Jacob Wenner, president r. se.retary ; George Ludwig, treasurer. 

Milwrd, Upper, loioiuAip— W. Gabel, president; W. Hittle, secretary ; Andrew Kruuse, treasurer. 

.Sdwfcary totcmhip — D. Kline, president; J Spinner, secretary ; John Ritter, treasurer. 

er, fomuMp— C. E. Christ, president ink, secretary j Henry Teager, treasurer. 

Batington borough— Kich. II. Dyer, Moses Kulins, William Peter, D. Lew.-, li Hi: tzelman, L. C. Smith. 

Washington township— J. F Heller, president ; B S. Levan, secretary' ; Charles Peter, treasurer. 

11. j ... S. S. Ei ebard, president ; Joshna Seiberling, seen ?e Muse, treasurer. 

Whitehall, North, Imrmhip— John Shelrer, president ; Joseph Steckel, secretary ; Daniel - I .surer. 

Whitehall, South, toirrwhip— Gideon Ibacb, president ; George Frederick, secretary ; Solomon Griesemer, treasurer. 

Whitehall— G. W. Daniels, president; Franklin J. Xewhard, secretary ; Adam Sbeirer, treasurer. 



76 



HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Education of Poor Children— The Schools un- 
der the Law of 1834. — The first entry in the treas- 
urer's report of funds for the education of the chil- 
dren of the poor is for the year 1819, and shows that 
the sum then devoted to that purpose was $95.68. In 
the year following it was $77.82. In 1821 the sum 
was considerably larger, being $245.13. In 1822 it 
was $288.27; in 1823, $.",48.73; in 1824, $558.95; in 
1825, $412.30 ; in 1826, $510.57 ; in 1827, $456.73. In 
1828 the fond amounted to $508.98, distributed as 
follows : 

Borough of Northampton, townships of Salisbury 

;iini Northampton .*. $421.71 

Hanover 

North Whitehall 16.01 

South Whitehall 9 32 

Upper Simeon 12 95 

Wefssetiberg ln.17 

Upper Milforcl 6.53 

Macungie 3.97 

Total $508.98 

In 1829 the fund for the education of poor children 
was almost exactly the same as for 1828, and in 1S30 
it fell off to $360.76. In 1831 it was $452.39, and in 
1832, $526.14, while in 1833 it reached $763.41, which 
was distributed as follows: 

Borough of Northampton $434.77 

Salisbury 69 60 

Lower Macungie 51 4S|^ 

South Whitehall 43.91 

Upper Milford 41.(19 

Northampton 36.73 

Upper Saucon 30.22 

Hanover 21 39 

Weissenberg 21.12 

Upper Macungie 8.27 

North Whitehall 8.07 

Heidelberg 6.42 

Iiowbill 30 

Total $763.41!^ 

In 1834 the amount raised for the purpose of de- 
fraying the tuition of the indigent children exceeded 
$1000, the distribution being as follows : 

Borough of Northampton $440.5s 

Salisbury Ill 69 

South Whitehall 25.61 

Upper Saueon 70 41 

Upper Millord 46 39 

Upper Macungie 23.80 

Lower Macungie 28.53 

North Whitehall 22.69 

Heidelberg*. 12.45 

Weissenljerg 25.04 

Hanover 108.24 

Lowhill 82 

Lynn 2.00 

Northampton 42.84 

Total $1000.05 

The following year (1835) a still greater sum, 
$1153.43, was divided among the townships. 

In the mean time the free school law of 1834 had 
been passed. Of this law Thaddeus Stevens is gen- 
erally acknowledged to have been the most powerful 
and effective champion. While the Pennsylvania 
Germans were, as a rule, opposed to the establishment 
of free schools, — partly because the measure was a 
novelty, and partly because it severed education from 
positive religion, — it is a notable fact that the first 
Governor who took a decided stand in favor of the 
system was a Pennsylvania German. Governor John 
Andrew Sehulze, of Bucks County, came out strongly 



in favor of establishing a system of free schools as 
early as 1827. Governor George Wolf, who "signed 
with warm indorsement" the bill of 1834, was also a 
Pennsylvania German, — a native of Northampton 
County. 

The general law of the State, enacted in 1809, pro- 
vided for the education of the pour gratis, and it was 
under its provisions that the sums of money we have 
already stated were raised and applied. The law- 
failed to do the good that was intended by its framers, 
chiefly for the reason that there were lew families who 
cared to place themselves on record as being too poor 
to pay the tuition of their children. In his great 
speech in the House of Representatives, Thaddeus 
Stevens said that the bill of 1809 instead of being 
called a public school law, ought to be entitled " an 
act for branding and marking the poor, so that they 
may be known from the rich and proud." While the 
country was sparsely settled, the system of schools 
under thejaw of 1809 was perhaps the best that could 
be devised and operated. 

The new law (of 1834) made the schools free alike 
to rich and poor, high and low, and provided for their 
support by taxation. It was made optional for town- 
ships to accept or reject by election the provisions of 
the act. There was a strong opposition to the law in 
Lehigh County, the rich being in most cases unwilling 
to pay a heavy tax for the poor, and the latter fre- 
quently unwilling to pay the small share that would 
fall upon them. Therefore, when the township elec- 
tions were held, there were heavy votes east against 
the free-school law. Allentown and the township of 
Hanover accepted it the first year, and then followed 
Lynn through the influence of the Kistlers and Mosers. 
(The dates of acceptance by the different townships 
are all given in the table on the preceding page.) 
Those townships which refused to accept the new law 
continued the operation of the old one, and in 1839 
the total amount received for the education of their 
poor children was $1022.16, distributed as follows : 

Upper Milford 5211 47 

Upper Saucon 155.67 

Lower Macungie 144 27 

South Whitehall 144.53 

North Whitehall 118.05 

Upper Macungie 130.80 

Lowhill 83.4 ; 

Weiasenberg 31.92 

Heidelberg 2.01 

Total 81022.16 

The effect of the law of 1834 is thus described by 
Prof. Knauss: 

"The free-school system at first gave no better 
teachers, but it regulated the location of school-houses, 
formed new districts, and brought the children into 
the schools. If a person had to pay tax he wanted 
the value of his money. The children learned what 
was to be learned under the old teachers. Better 
ones were not to be had, but more teachers were 
appointed. Soon, however, young men saw that 
teaching was a profession, and many devoted them- 
selves more to the cause, sought for education, and 



EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 



77 



the teaching power grew. In this way the schools 
were gradually improved, until the higher and normal 
schools commenced to educate and prepare better 
teachers." 

There was a show of improvement going on in the 
schools during the years following the passage of the 
free-school law, but no decisive step of advancement 
was taken until twenty years later, in l.s.">4, when the 
office of county superintendent was established. 
Charles W. Cooper, Esq., was elected to this office 
in Lehigh County on June 5th, and had the honor of 
being the pioneer in a new field. The task which 
confronted him was a difficult one, but he entered 
upon it with zeal, and discharged the duties of the 
office with ability and good results until September, 
1855, when he resigned, Tilghman Good being ap- 
pointed his successor. 1 

Mr. Cooper'.- report of 1855 is interesting reading 
at the present day, and affords a very good idea of the 
condition of the schools of Lehigh County thirty 
years ago. Of the teachers he says, "The strict 
letter of the law would have compelled me to reject 
a still greater number (greater than twenty-nine), but 
under the circumstances I did not consider it policy, 
though the character of some of the certificates 
amounted to more than a rejection. I will mention 
one as an illustration. In one of the districts, where 
the compensation of teachers is not very liberal, I 
was requested to examine a young man pronounced 
by those who had previously employed him and 
who desired again to employ as a very competent 
teacher. After having spent quite a long time in 
endeavoring to ascertain in what branches he ex- 
celled, I gave him a temporary certificate, with every 
branch erased except orthography, reading, and 
elementary principles of arithmetic, with a written 
addition below of, 'That which is not erased the 
holder is still very deficient in.' The applicant was 
much pleased with his certificate, and was afterwards 
employed to teach the best school in the district, the 
written addition below being taken to mean an extra 
recommendation. This, however, was the only case 
in which so much deficiency received even a scrap of 
paper from me." 

That there were teachers doing duty in the county 
who were not possessed of extraordinary ability or 
Qualifications for the profession would seem certain 
from the following application for a certificate, here 
copied with literal exactness : 

" Township, Lehigh county 

" Dir Sir„ I Have tryed :ill means To Become a teacher in our School 
hous Ami It Seems tharr it* rum To be fount So i ana obliged to Due 11 
myself again. The} All a Satisfied without me havinf v - 
you., But I would Bather Hare one from you,, I am able to Tea< h Re td- 
iiiL'. Kiting, English and Cherman Pike II - Mensuration Surveying 
A Which is not all Required In our School An<l this i am able to Due 
purfVct. Now [fyou pleas Sent me i Satifical By male,, If you will come 
and \i>it my School you may Exeinan me if you think Pi r to Dui 



So,, you know 1 hare Bin at at the time of your Examination, 

1 think ii Is rerj Obyi m to pou thai i amable To teach Sol 1 and the 

Board,, I am Also able i" Support in all practical questions, 
Zntrest, Bark, 8tone„ Circle questions and obth i | mres and 

cimme cli itions that you will 

" Require ol Me 

" Yourth Rospectfuly 

" Post oflB 

The address upon the envelope was: 

"CWCoorn 

"County Superintent 
" Cbopersburg 



'Pa 



■// i "intake nol" 



And that there were such teachers does not seem 
strange when there were trustees in office capable of 
the following : 

" Township Oct 10"' 1854 

" We the undersined the Trosthies of the Cool Tistricht to Bec- 

comant as our Cool Peeger To Mr C Cooper the Lehigh County 

Super In tentend wish him have him to he Xaoiened Ac 
" Yours Rasptfuty 



1 The names of all the county school superintendents are given in tin- 
chapter containing the civil list. 



" >Trostee»" 

Notwithstanding some untoward circumstances, Mr 
Cooper found the schools in general in a promising 
condition. He says, "The schools I found well at- 
tended, some too well, and as a general thing quite an 
interest was manifested by both teacher and scholars. 
It was an easy task, however, to distinguish the dis- 
tricts which had accepted the system previous to the 
act of 1849. 2 In all such districts I found better sys- 
tem, better teachers, better pay. and consequently 
better instruction than in those which have only had 
the system since 1*49. There seems to be a deter- 
mination in every district to ' put the shoulder to the 
wheel,' and to push on the cause of education. With 
such a spirit manifesting itself, it will not be long 
before Lehigh can be justly proud of her public 
schools." 

" Of our school-houses," he continues, "I hardly 
know what to say. If I must be candid, I will only 
say they are ' nothing to brag of.' They are either 
of the octagon or square order, with desks attached to 
the wall, and high seats, without distinction, where 
little 'shaver,' can neither touch the bottom or sup- 
port backs from the opening of school to the tini. 
dismissal, and who are only kept from giving out under 
such corporal punishment by the magic power of the 
rod. With the exception of a very fine building at 
Balliettsville, North Whitehall, and several buildings 
in the boroughs of Catasauqua and A I leu town, all the 
school-houses in this county agree with the foregoing 
description." 

In 1856, Mr. I rOOd stated in hi, report that "twenty- 

six teachers give full satisfaction ; sixty-two may be 
called medium, and employed till better ones can be 
procured; seventy-nine would better be dismissed 
from the service." 

' An act compelling acceptance of the provisions of the law of 1834. 



T< 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



In [858 the superintendent Baid, "The various 
boards of directors .•> r < no longer satisfied with the 
mere fact that a person calls himself a teacher. In 
many instances he is troubled with questions, fre- 
quently such as these, to wil : How many years have 

you bi i d in the profession? Where did you 
teach lasl year? What kind of a certificate do you 
hold, and w hat le of teaching and government do 

yon adopt in 3 our scl I '.'" 

1 11 I860 the superintendent noted that "the teachers 
have improved, both in scholarship and manner of 

imparting instruction." 

In l->71 "the lirst strictly rural graded school is 
found in Whitehall District, and has been very suc- 
cessful." 

Thus it will he noticed (here was a general and 
gradual improvement in the efficiency of the teachers, 
and consequently in the condition of the schools. 
One of the most important factors in the onward 
movement was the Teachers' Institute, which was first 
held in 1858, and has since been maintained, holding 

one session a tally, with the exception of a period 

of three years. These teachers' meetings have stimu- 
lated study on the part of those engaged in giving 
instruction, and have also favorably moulded public 
opinion. 



CHAPTER X U. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IX THE WAR OF THE REBEL- 
LION. 

Lehigh Men among the firxt in the Field — Histories and Rostrr- of the 
Forty-seventh and Other Regimonts — The Emergency Men — Action 
of County Officials during the Rebellion. 

The 12th of April, 1861, is memorable from the 
fact that then hegan the most colossal and bloody civil 
strife that the world ever witnessed. The Executive 
of Pennsylvania on that morning received a telegram 
in these words: "The war is commenced. The bat- 
teries began firing at four o'clock this morning. 
Maj. Anderson replied, and a brisk cannonading com- 
menced. This is reliable and has just come to the 
Associated Press. The vessels were not in sight." 
This startling intelligence was flashed by wire 
throughout the United States. The Northern people, 
wdio had hoped that war might be averted, could not 
mistake the import of this first overt act of the ene- 
mies of the Union. They accepted the arbitrament 
of the sword. On the 15th of April, three days after 
the firing upon Fort Sumter, President Lincoln 
issued his proclamation calling out the militia of the 
several States to the number of seventy-live thousand. 
On the afternoon of the same day the Secretary of 
War telegraphed to Governor Curtin that a call had 
been made on Pennsylvania for sixteen regiments, and 
that two regiments were wanted within three days, 



for the national capital was entirely unprotected, and 

it was feared that it would be attacked, The Execu- 
tive telegraphed to every pari of the commonwealth 
an appeal fur men to come forward in companies and 
squads with the utmost dispatch for the defense of 

Washington. Soon the air and human hearts were 
everywhere pulsating with the wild war music of the 
fife and drum. 
The officers of the few organized companies in the 

Slate, as the intelligence of the appeal reached them, 
hastily called their men together and tendered their 
services to the Governor. One of the first thus 
promptly to respond was the Allen Guard, of Allen- 
town, commanded by ('apt. Thomas Yeager. 

Jusl here, before entering upon the history of this 
company, it may be well to remark thai 11" sooner 
had these men left for the field than action was taken 
by the authorities for the relief id' their families, 
the first of a series of patriotic measures mi the part 
of Lehigh County officials, of which we shall have 
more to say at the conclusion of thi- chapter. 

The Allen Guard, One of the first Five Com- 
panies of the State. — The Allen Guard having 
tendered their services to the State and being accepted 
by the Governor, proceeded to Harrisburg on the 17th 
of April, and were mustered into service on the fol- 
lowing day. Arriving simultaneously, or nearly so, 
with this company were the Ringgold Light Artillery, 
Capt. McKnight, of Reading; the Logan Guards, Capt. 
Selheimer, of Lewiston ; the Washington Guards, 
Capt. Wren ; and the National Light Infantry, ('apt. 
McDonald, of Pottsville. On the morning of the 18th 
there also arrived from the West a detachment of 
regulars of Company H, Fourth Artillery, under com- 
mand of Lieut. Pemberton (afterward a lieutenant- 
general of the Confederate army). These regulars 
and the volunteers of the five companies departed on 
the same train, at nine o'clock A.M. of the 18th, the 
former for Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, and the 
hitter for Washington, and arrived at Baltimore at 
one P.M. The volunteers were under the necessity of 
marching about two miles through the city from one 
station to another. The volunteers, mostly unarmed, 
were crowded and bustled along their line of march 
by a wdld mob, composed of thousands of the rebel 
roughs of Baltimore, the same infuriated horde which 
made a brutal and bloody attack upon the Massachu- 
setts Sixth on the following day. At seven o'clock 
P.M. of the 18th "these five companies, the head of 
the grand column of two millions of men who were 
afterwards mustered and marched in their footprints, 
arrived in Washington. Their timely arrival was the 
occasion of much joy. They immediately commenced 
barricading the capitol, and remained in the city ready 
for any emergency. After twenty-four other regi- 
ments wen' organized and fully equipped, these first 
companies, which were justly entitled to the first 
place in the first regiment, were organized as a part 
of the Twenty-fifth and last regiment of three months' 



LKIIIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



79 



men. Bates, in hia "History of the Pennsylvania 
Volunteers," Bays, " In the progress of the gigantic 
struggle which ensued » . . so many and such bril- 
liant services have been rendered by the soldiers of 
the national armies, thai the timely march of these 
companies has been little noted. But the valne of 
their presence in the capital at this critical juncture 
cannot be overlooked in any fair estimate of the 
causes which led to our triumph; and it must ever 
be regarded as one of the links in that chain oi great 
events, seemingly planned bj Providence, for our de- 
liverance." The thanks of the House of Etepri 
Uvea, which are rarely tendered, and only for great 
and most signal services to the State, were i x| 
in the following terms : 

"Tim: i MTBD States, 

"July 22, 1861. 
Phat the thanks of this Bouse are due, and are herebj 
tendered to the five hundred and thirty soldiers from Pennsylvania, who 

■ ■ do ■ .1 : Ball ■■. an I ea I Washin ton on the 
I8th of April defense of the National capital. 

•• i. \i i -ha a. Grow, 
" sp< ! Mws." 

ALLEN GOAED (three months' service). 
Recruited at Allentown. Mustered into service al Hirrisburg, April 
18, 1861. 
tain ; J M. Wilson, first lieutenant; Joseph 

T. Wilt, second lieutenant ; Joseph T. Wilt, first sergeant; 5 
Goble, second sergeant; William Wolf, first corporal; John E. 
Websti irporal ; [gnitz Cressor, third corporal; Daniel 

Kramer, foui tfa coi poral. 

Privat- s. 



Eforman H. 
Deitrich, Chai 

Henry \V. 
Dunlap, Milton II. 

, William. 
Frederieli, Gideon. 
roller, Mathew EL 
Frame, William G. 

I. i win. 
i . Iduer, James. 
■ 
Houck, John. 

is, Nathaniel. 
Hettinger, Jose] b 

' ■ orge. 
Kittle, Edwin M. 
Jacob, David. 
Kress, William, 
Celpei . Ge n ge W. 
LeJsenring, Martin W. 
I : inklin. 



Miller, Edwin II. 
M< Nulty, Henry. 
Pfefler, I h tries \. 
Rieber, Jonathan W. 
Rune, William. 
Ro^hman, Y.\ neat 

i W. 
Romig, John. 
St lienuk, Samuel. 

1 1 enry. 
Shiffert, Charles A. 

M. II. 
Seip, Lew is Q. 
Sheldiei . Adolphns. 
Sbeldler, Enville. 
Uhler, John F. 
Wetherhold, Allen. 
■' . i >avld, 

r, William, 
w eies, J 
Weyandt, Bonneville. 



The First Pennsylvania Regiment. -The Allen 
Rifles, a company in Allentown, which had several 
years been organized and under the command of Capt. 
Tilghman H. Good, on the organization oi the First 
Pennsylvania Regiment became a part of it, and was 
d< aignated as Company I. The members of the com- 
pany volunteered their services on the 13th of April, 
1861, and they were "Hired to and accepted by the 
Governor on the 15th. On the 18th the volunteers 
left thrir homes and families, unarmed and without 
uniforms or equipments, and proceeded to rJarrisburg. 

On the 20th of April the First Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment was organized by the eh-. ire of Samuel Yohe, of 



Gaston, as colonel ; Tilghman H. G I ol Ulentown, 

as Lieutenant -colonel; and Thomas W. Lynn aa major; 
while Jamee Baltimore waa designated as adjutant. 
The captain of Company I (the Allen Rifles) having 
been elected Lieutenant-colonel, William L G 
was chosen to till the vacancy. We may remark her.' 
thai mosl of the members of this company 
in other organizations after their term was out, and 
thai all hut a few of them re* immissione during 

the war, ranking them from Lieutenant to colonel. 

On the night of the 20th of April the regiment left 
f [arrisbui e under command of Brig : irge G. 

Wynkoop, and proceeded first to a point near Oo< 
vill.'. Md., then to Camp Scott, near York, Pa, Cloth- 
ing and camp equipage were received here, and on 
the l iih of -May it entered on the duty of guarding 
tin Northern Centra] Railroad from the Pennsylvania 
line to near Baltimore. Maj 25th it was ordered to 
Cantonville, Md. ; on the 29th to Pranklintown, and 
on the 3d of June to Chambersburg, where ii was 
assiii-iml to the Seeoml Uri^rmU' ; from tlmiv il was 
ordered with its brigade to Bageratown, and thence, 
on the 21st of June, to Frederick, Md. It then went 
t.» Martinsburg, \'a., where it did garrison duty till 
July 17th. It was then, with its brigade, enga 
making demonstrations in front of the enemy till after 
the battle of Bull Run. On the 21st it wa- .. 
to Harper's Ferry, and on the 23d it took passage 
tor Harrisburg, where the men were discharged and 
mustered out of the United States service. 

1 ii;m REGIMENT (three m ml- * i 
Company I. 
William 11 Gausler, captain ; K. P. Rboads, first lieutenant; Benjamin 
C. Roth, second lieutenant; Lbelle Hellman, first sergeant ; Edwin 
Q Huencb, eant; Henry Fried, third sergeant; Noah 

Trumbor, fourth sergeant ; Henr) Truml Hah Ion 

Fried, second corporal; Daniel C. Miller, third corporal; Charles 
Hertz, fourth corporal; Julius Beokert, musician ; Augusts 



Prhate*. 



Albright, Tilghman. 
\]ii Ight, James. 
Blumer, Homy A. 
Blank, Wellington J. 
Becbtel, Daniel. 

, a athonj . 
ft i ick, David. 

'■ ■ | ROD 

Decb, William. 
Denins, Tilghman. 
Eicbel, John. 
Perry, 
ei . William. 
Guth, Henry. 
Gaumer, w ill >nghby. 
Haldeiiiiiii. William il 
H Eskej , I (liver. 
Heldt, I 

Harris, William P. 
1 1 m i er, Petei 
Bammei lej , fc^llis. 
Hllliard, William. 
Hacfa man, Martin. 
Qalnse, < thai I 
Hack man, Charles. 
Hardner. David. 



■ ; . Henrj 
Keck, Thomas. 
i , Lewis. 

moo. 
B ei k, Fi anklln, 
Eleckner, William. 
Konold, Mel I 
Kramer, Henry. 

Killing, AlonBO. 

1 Hem | 

Kleckner, Benjamin. 

b, Thomas, 
Lciser, James. 

Tilghman, 
Miller, Henry. 
Mobr, Henrj 
Miller, ii 

Moyer, William J. 

Mel Irystal, J Lines, 

maker, John. 
Nonnennaker, Daniel. 
' odrew, 
1 i 
Remmel, Peter. 
Roth, Edwin. 
BltZ, Tilghman. 



80 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



V 



Rehr, Lewis. 
Reminel, Edward. 

Seip, James U. 
Saeger, Richard M. 

Stahley, Christian. 
Si-hwenk, Charles. 
Steele, Joseph. 
Stuber, James. 



Smith, Joseph. 
Trexler, Franklin. 
Tre.xler, Henry. 
Van Dyke, Walter. 
Wenner, George. 
Worman, Abraham. 
Wagner, Henry. 
Wasser, Franklin. 



The Ninth Regiment (Three Months' Service). 
— Of this regiment, recruited under the call for sev- 
enty-five thousand men, issued by the President April 
15, 1861, Company D was from Lehigh County, and 
about one-half of its members were enlisted at Cata- 
sauqua. In that town a meeting was held immedi- 
ately after the publication of the President's call. 
Patriotic addresses were made by David Thomas, 
M. H. Horn, George W. Cyphers, and others, and a 
feeling aroused which bore immediate fruit, and not 
only that, but had an effect throughout the war 
period. At a second meeting, held on April 17th, 
the number of enlistments was increased to forty. 
These men were consolidated with a squad then being 
enlisted at Allentown, and left for Harrisburg on the 
19th, where they were mustered into service on the 
24th. 

At the town-meeting in Catasauqua the following 
persons were appointed a committee to go with the 
enlisted men to Harrisburg, and attend to their wants 
until they were mustered into service : Joshua Hunt, 
M. H. Horn, William Miller. C. D. Fuller, V. W. 
Weaver, and George W. Cyphers. After they were 
duly mustered, Governor Curtin commissioned M. H. 
Horn, of this committee, with authority to visit their 
camps anil attend to their wants generally. 

From the date of muster the Ninth Regiment re- 
mained at Camp Curtin until May 4th, when, having 
received arms and accoutrements, it proceeded to West 
Chester, where a camp was established and daily drill 
had. There it remained until the 26th of May, when 
it moved by Philadelphia to Wilmington, Del., to 
strengthen the loyal feeling in that region. The reg- 
iment remained in camp at Hare's Corner, Del., until 
June 6th, when it was ordered to join Gen. Patter- 
son's command at Chambersburg, Pa. Here it was 
attached to the Fourth Brigade, First Division, com- 
manded by Col. Dixon H. Miles, of the regular army 
(who was subsequently killed at Harper's Ferry). 
The regiment advanced to the Potomac on Sunday, 
June 16th, and encamped on the road between Wil- 
liamsport and Martinsburg. The regiment subse- 
quently recrossed the Potomac and encamped near 
Williamsport until July 1st, when the whole army in 
and about that place removed across the river in the 
direction of Martinsburg, Va. The enemy under 
Jackson having retreated from Falling Waters, the 
Ninth encamped on the 2d of July on their camp- 
grounds. From the 2d to the 8th they remained in 
and about Martinsburg, Va., and on the latter date 
moved out on the Winchester pike to Bunker Hill, 
and a general forward movement was decided upon 



with a design of giving battle to the enemy concen- 
trated at Winchester. But before the movement was 
commenced a council of war was held, after which the 
order to advance was countermanded. On the 17th 
the regiment was removed to Charlestown,on the 21st 
to Harper's Ferry, on the 22d to Hagerstown, and on 
the 24th to Harrisburg, where the men were mustered 
out. During their absence the men of Company D 
were not called upon to tace the sternest duties of war, 
but they performed all that was required of them. 
The Catasauqua men on their return home were ten- 
dered a collation, which was served in one of the 
Crane Iron Company's buildings, and the Allentown 
boys were also appropriately greeted at the city of 
their home. 

NINTH REGIMENT (three months' service!. 

Field and Staff Officers. 

H.C. Longenecker,colonel ; William H. H. Haugen, lieutenant-colonel. 

Company D. 

Mustered in April 24, 1861. 

G. D. Hand, captaiu; C. A. G. Keck, first lieutenant; Enoch Phillips, 

second lieutenant; Levi Stuhler, first sergeant; William Semmer, 

second sergeant; Tilghmau Miller, third sergeant; Morgan Rich- 
ards, fourth sergeant; Charles Nolf, Jr., first corporal; Richard 

Wilson, second corporal; William Williams, third corporal; Gran- 
ville Hangams, fourth corporal ; Henry Stressen, musician ; William 

Miller, musician. 

Privates. 

Arthur, Samuel. Lewellyn, Thomas. 

Barrow, Samuel C. Meyers, William H. 

Baumeister, William C. Morrison, John. 

Clement, Hugh. Michael, Charles H. 

Craft, Levi. Manley, Lewis. 

Crogan, Richard. McClosky, John. 

Cooney, Michael. McGee, Cornelius. 

Dettwiler, Henry. McIIecker, John. 

Davis, Isaac. Mcllues, Joshua. 

Daniel, Daniel. Patrick, John. 

Edwards, Evan. Panly, William H. 

Elliott, James. Paul, William. 

Eckenberger, Henry. Ruse, David. 

Foudran, Benedict. Robn, Wilson. 

Graham, John. Ritter, Augustus. 

Grate, John. Schwab, Joshua. 

Hopkins, William. Snyder, William T. 

Hopkins, John. Snyder, James R. 

HngheB, James. Sattenfuse, William H. 

Henry, Francis. Sclilosser, William. 

Hetthenson, James. Smith, Samuel. 

Hammerly, Robert. Smith, Stephen. 

Hacker, Jacob. Steinberger, Henry. 

Jones, Joseph. Toinbler, David A. 

Kramsic, Edwards. Vansyche))] James. 

Kane, John. Vonluml, Charles. 

Kick, Lorentz. Wilson, Frank II. 

Reiser, Edwin. William, Robert. 

Keiser, William. Werly, William. 

Leister, Tilgbman. Wolf, Abraham. 

Lockwuod, Samuel. Xandres, Francis. 

Leister, Peter. Young, James. 

The Forty-sixth Regiment (Three Years' Service). 
— Immediately after the mustering out of the three 
months' men, Arnold C. Lewis, then editor and pub- 
lisher of the Catasauqua Herald, commenced recruiting 
a company for the three years' service, which eventu- 
ally became Company C of the Forty-sixth Regiment. 
The. company was composed, in part only, of men 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THIO WAR OF THE REI5KLLIOX. 



■• 



from Catasauqua and vicinity, and the regiment waa 
recruited in Northampton, Allegheny, Potter, Berks, 
Dauphin, and other counties. The men of Company 
C were mustered into service Aug. 17, 1861. 

The regimental organization was completed af 
Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, on September 1st, a> fol- 
lows: Col. Joseph F. Knipe, Lieut. -Col. Jane, I.. 
Selfridge, Maj. Arnold < '. Lewis. The regiment was 
assigned to the Army of the Shenandoah, and was 
posted on the Cpper Potomac, along the Maryland 
shore, near Harper's Ferry. Soon alter its arrival it 
was assigned to the First Brigade of the Second Di- 
vision, under the command of (Jen. Williams. On 
the 24th of February, 1862, they crossed the Potomac, 
ami under Gen. Banks occupied in turn Leeshurg, 
Charlestown, Martinsburg, and Winchester. Their 
first engagement with the rebels was at or near Kerns- 
tow n. and on the 25th of .May, 1862, they participated 
in the battle of Winchester, where the Union army, 
numbering seven thousand men, contended with 
Jackson's forces of twenty thousand for five hours. 
In this fight the Forty-sixth lost in killed, wounded, 
and missing, seventeen men. On the 7th of August, 

1862, they were ordered towards Cedar Mountain, 
and on the 9th, about o p.m., the whole division was 
advanced upon the rebel lines. The position of the 
Forty-sixth was opposite the enemy's advanced ar- 
tillery, and upon this they charged with desperate 
valor. They were fearfully exposed to the enemy's 
artillery and strong lines of concealed infantry, which 
poured in upon them a merciless storm of shot and 
shell. The total loss of the regiment was thirty 
killed, thirty-four wounded, and six taken prisoners. 
In the battle of Antietam they supported Ricketts' 
division, and advanced, carrying the woods to the 
right of and beyond the cornfield. Their loss in this 
battle, was six killed and three wounded. Upon the 
inauguration of the Fredericksburg campaign the 
Forty-sixth was ordered forward from Fairfax, but 
did not arrive upon the field in time to be engaged. 
In the reorganization of the army the Forty-sixth was 
made part of the Twelfth. On the 27th of April, 

1863, the corps marched north to Kelly's Ford, crossed 
the Rappahannock and the Rapidan, and moved to 
Chaneellorsville, and was here joined by the Third 
and Fifth Corps. The army under Gen. Hooker ad- 
vanced May 1st, and was met by Stonewall Jackson's 
corps on the 2d, about sundown. Fighting imme- 
diately commenced, and was continued the whole 
night, and until the evening of the third, both armies 
losing heavily. The Forty-sixth lost four killed, a 
large number wounded, anil ten taken prisoners. On 
the evening of July 1st the regiment arrived at Get- 
tysburg, and was posted on the summit of Culp's 
Hill. The Forty-sixth held the extreme right of the 
line as far :is Spangler's Spring, and owing to their 
sheltered position the loss was small. 

After the withdrawal of Lee's army into Virginia 
the Forty-sixth was forwarded, with the Eleventh and 
6 



Twelfth Corps, to the Rapidan and was there detached 

from the Army of the Potomac and ordered to the 
support of lien. Rosecrans, in Tennessee. In Jan- 
uary, 1864, a large proportion of the officers an 
of the Forty-sixth re-enlisted for a second term of 

three years, and joined < ten. Sherman's army at Chat- 
tanooga and entered the Twentieth Corps, the old 
Eleventh and Twelfth being consolidated. They par- 
ticipated in all of the battli under Sherman 
after that date, the most important of which were 
Resaca, Dallas, Eenesaw, Peach-Tree Creek, Pine 
Knob, Marietta, and Atlanta. In these several en- 
gagements their loss in killed ami wounded was about 
one hundred and fifty men. On Sept. 1, 1864, At- 
lanta surrendered, and the hard fighting of the regi- 
ment was now over. 

On the 11th of November, Sherman commenced 
hi- march to the sea. On the 21st of December he 
reached Savannah; on the 17th of February, Colum- 
bia ; on the 17th of March, < roldsboro'. On the 26th 
of April. Johnson surrendered at Raleigh, and the 
army immediately commenced its homeward march, 
and on the 16th of July the Forty-sixth, after nearly 
four years of faithful service, was mustered out. An 
order was given to muster out at Alexandria, Va., but 
the regiment was not broken until it reached Harris- 
burg. 1 

Following is the roster of the Lehigh men in Com- 
pany C of this regiment: 

1 'KTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 

Company C. 

Mustered in Aug. 17, 1861 ; mustered out July 16, 1865. 

Arnold C. Lewis, elected capt. Aug. 17, 1861 ; maj. Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed 

Sept. 22, 1861, by private John Lanehan, of Co. I, white attempting 

to enforce discipline in a case of insubordination. (Lanehan was 

hanged for the crime near Frederick City, Md., Dec. 23, 1861.) 
W. R. Thomas, elected 2d lieut. Aug. 17. 1861 ; 1st lient. Sept. 4, 1861. 
Joseph Matchette, pro. to corp. Sept. 1, 1861 ; to 5th sergt. ; to 1st sergt. ; 

to 1st lient. Nov. 1, 1862 ; to capt. of Co. I, Jnlj 27, 
James McQuilleu, pro. to . i ].. tfov. t. 1861; to sergt. March 4, 1862; to 

2d lieut. March 20, 1864 ; to 1-1 lient. July 27, 1864. 
Robert Wilson, pro. to 1st sergt. ; to 2d lieut. ; killed at Cedar Mountain 

Aug. 9, 1862. 
Isaac Davis, pro. to corp. Oct 31, 1861; I sergt A.ug.81, 1863; to 1st 

sergt. May 22, 1865. 
Daniel Davis, pro. to corj>. to sergt. May 22, 1 

Edward Ciamsic, pro. to 2d lieut. Oo. B, May 22, 1865. 
Morgan Richards, pro. to 5th sergt. ; drowned near Edenberg, Va., April 

4, 1862. 
William McMonagle, pro. to Corp. April 8, 1864. 
John Moore, pro. to corp. April B, L864. 
John Patrick, pro. to Corp. May 22, 1865. 
Robert K. Williams, pro. to corp. Aug 17, 1861 ; severely wounded at 

Cedar Mountain; disabled for service and hon. disch. on snrg. 
Nov. 15, 1862. 
John J. Davia,pro.to corp. April 4, 1862; tosergl N - I, 1863. 
Hugh Lyons, pro. to Corp. Aug. 30, 1863. 
John H. Price, pro. to corp. Sept. 11, 1861. 

it-t. 
Wallace Brown, killed at Cedar Mountain Aug. 9, 1862. 
Daniel Desmond, wounded at Cedar Mountain ; disabled for service and 
hon. disch. on surg. certif. Oct. 15, 1862. 



1 From an article by Col. M. U. Horn, in the Catasauqua ValU-y Record 
of March 9, 1876. 



82 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John LeOj wounded in battle, and trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 1, 

L863. 
John McQnillen, must, onl on surg. sick certif. Nov. 24, 1862. 
David Bachman, died at Philadelphia Jnne 15,1865. 
Daniel Dyer, hon. diach. on surg Bick certif. July 14, 1862. 
Alexander Doneghly, w ied in battle; hou. disch. (disabled) on surg. 

certif. Nov. 27. 1862. 
John Cannon, drowned with Morgan Richards, near Edenberg, Va., April 

4. 1862. 
Andrew Si Illy, wounded in action; died Aug. 16, 1864. 
Philip Hill, hon. disch. on surg. sick certif. as unfit for duty Nov. 11, 

1862. 
George Hasson, wounded at Cedar Mountain Aug. 9, 1862; died Sept. 7, 

1862 ; grave at Alexandria, Va., No. 235. 
John Kilpatrick, lion, disch. on surg. certif. as disabled Oct. 26, 1862. 
James McLaughlin, hon. disch . on surg. certif. as unfit for service Oct. 10, 

1862 
David McCnndles, killed at Chaneellorsville, Va., May 2,1863. 
Patrick Reily, trans, to Vet. lies. Corps Dec. 15, 1863. 
John A. Richards, wounded at Cedar Mountain Aug. 9, 1862; died soon 

after in the field. 
W. S. Thompson, hou. disch. on surg. certif. as unfit for service Feb. 21, 

1863. 
Frank Ward, died at Hancock, Md., Feb. 15, 1S62. 
Patrick Sullivan, hou. disch. on surg. certif. as unfit for service Feb. 13, 

1863. 
John Blair, hon. disch. on surg. certif. April 13, 1863, as unfit for 

service. 
Philip Gallagher. 
James Adams. 

Thomas Mooney, mtiBt. into service Jan. 7, 1864. 
James McCracken, must, into service Dec. 31, 1863. 
Condy 1'ollnck. 

John Reed. must, into service Jan. 3, 1864. 
Edward Rogers. 

Samuel Zellner, discb. by General Order Oct. 22, 1862. 
Edward Mullen. 
John McFailden, must, into service Feb. 29, 1864 ; absent, sick, at muster 

out. 
H. W. Ehrit, must, into service Jan. 1, 1S64. 
Beujamiu Beidelman, must, into service March 3, 1864. 
Jeremiah Kcef, must, into service Jan. 1, 1864. 
Thomas McMurtrie, must, into service March 9, 1864. 
Solomon J. Rowe, must, into service Feb. 29, 1864. 
Ellas Beidelman, must, into service Feb. 26, 1864. 
William McGonegle, must, into service May 11, 1864. 
James McClo'.lan, must, into service April 7, 1864; must, out July 8, 

1866. 
John Brown, must, into service Feb. 29, 1864. 
John McMurtrie, must, into service Dec. 31, 1863. 
William Pritchard, must, into service March 11, 1864. 

The Forty-seventh Regiment (Three Years' Ser- 
vice). — This regiment in the three years' service was 
recruited principally through the influence and exer- 
tions of Col. Tilghman H. Good, of Allentown, who 
was granted his authority by Governor Curtin on the 
5th of August, 1861. Companies A and E were raised 
at Easton, B, G, I, and K at Allentown, C at Sun- 
bury, D at Bloomfield, Perry Co., F at Catasauqua, 
and H at Newport, Perry Co., and at Harrisburg. 
It will thus be seen that five companies, forming one- 
half the strength of the regiment, were recruited in 
Lehigh County. Companies B, E, and G, as also a por- 
tion of Company I, had previously served in the First 
Regiment, during the three months' service; D, in the 
Second; A and a portion of I, in the Ninth; C, in 
the Eleventh ; and K, in the Twenty-fifth. The com- 
panies rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, and on the 1st 
of September the following field officers were ap- 
pointed: Tilghman H. Good, colonel; G. W. Alex- 



ander, lieutenant-colonel ; and William H. Gausler 
major; James W. Fuller, Jr., was appointed adju- 
tant. Schools of instruction for officers were insti- 
tuted, and although but little opportunity was pre- 
sented for drill, the command was brought to a high 
degree of proficiency in discipline. The various com- 
panies were uniformed and equipped as they were 
mustered in, at dates varying from August 19th to 
September 20th. 

The Forty-seventh proceeded from the State to the 
national capital, arriving there on September 21st, and 
being stationed on Kalorama Heights until the 27th, 
when it was ordered to join the advance of the army. 
It encamped at Fort Ethan Allen and was assigned 
to the Third Brigade of Gen. W. F. Smith's divi- 
sion, under Gen. J. J. Stevens, which comprised lie- 
sides the Thirty-third, Forty-ninth, and Seventy- 
ninth New York Regiments. The Forty seventh 
had been armed by the State with the Mississippi 
rifle and drilled exclusively in light infantry tactics. 
Its commanding officer was a strict disciplinarian, 
having for years commanded the Allen Rifles, a com- 
pany well known in Pennsylvania for its efficient 
drill. As winter approached the soldiers of this regi- 
ment received in the form of blankets, gloves, and 
articles of clothing practical proofs that they were 
remembered by their friends at home. During the 
bitterly cold night of September 2Sth the Forty-sev T 
enth occupied the fort and momentarily expected an 
attack. At four o'clock in the morning they heard 
the heavy firing which they supposed to indicate an 
engagement with the enemy on the part of some of 
the other regiments encamped in the vicinity, and 
hastily forming the men marched at double quick 
three miles in the direction of the sound to reinforce 
their comrades. But it was found that, through a sad 
mistake the Sixty-ninth and Seventy-first Pennsyl- 
vania Regiments had been firing upon each other. 

The regiment moved with the brigade and division 
to Camp Griffin, and on October 11th took part in 
the grand review at Bailey's Cross-Roads. On the 
20th of December it was ordered to take part in the 
battle of Dranesville, but the enemy retreated before 
it reached the field. On Jan. 22, 18t>2, the regiment 
was ordered, at the request of Brig.-Gen. Brannan, 
then commanding the Third Brigade, to accompany 
him to Key West, Fla. On the following day it left 
Washington for Annapolis, embarked on the steam- 
ship "Oriental" on the 27th, and arrived at Key 
West February 4th. It was then brigaded with the 
Seventh New Hampshire and the Ninetieth and 
Ninety-first New York, all under the command of 
Gen. Brannan. While in Florida the regiment suf- 
fered much 1rom fevers incidental to the climate, and 
many of its members died. At length, upon the 18th 
of June, to the relief and joy of all, it embarked for 
Hilton Head, S. C, where it arrived on the 22d. In 
July it moved to Beaufort, where it was brigaded with 
the Sixth Connecticut, Seventh New Hampshire, and 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF 'NIK KK BULLION. 



83 



Eighth Maine. It being necessary to picket theen- 
t ire island, and a large portion of the force being sent 
North, the duty devolving upon those who remained 
became exceedingly onerous, but the men of the 
Forty-seventh bore their full share, and the reginn nt 
received the highest commendation from lim*. Hun- 
ter ami Brannan for its attention to dutj and fine 
discipline. 

Soon after Gen. O. M. Mitchell assumed command 
of the Department of the South, about the middle of 
September, an expedition was fitted out to penetrate 
Florida and remove the obstructions in the St. John's 
River. For this purpose a force was selected, con- 
sisting of the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania, Seventh 
Connecticut, First Connecticut Battery, and one com- 
pany of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, all under 
command of Gen. Brannan. Landing at Maysport 
Mills on the 1st of October, the campaign was opened 
by operations directed against St. John's Blufi', a 
strongly-fortified point five miles from the month of 
the St. John's River. Making a detour of twenty- 
five miles through pine woods and swamps, the 
Forty-seventh constantly in the advance, and almost 
incessantly skirmishing with and driving the enemy 
before them, the command bivouacked at night in the 
rear of the fort. The gunboats were constantly ex- 
changing shots with the rebels in their works during 
the night. In the morning the brigade was formed 
and advanced to the assault, but they found that the 
Confederate Gen. Finuegan, who was in command, 
had evacuated under cover of the darkness, leaving 
eleven pieces of artillery and a great quantity of am- 
munition. Companies B and E, under command of 
Capt. Yard, were sent in pursuit of the retreating foe, 
and, after a sharp skirmish, took possession of Jack- 
sonville, Fla. Thence the two companies proceeded, 
on the 6th of October, by steamer "Darlington," two 
hundred miles up the river, where the rebel steamer 
" Governor Milton'' was captured and safely conveyed 
within the Union lines. The loss to the Forty-seventh 
in these successful operations was but two wounded. 

( )n the 21st the command proceeded to destroy the 
railroad bridge over the Pocotaligo, and sever com- 
munication between Charleston and Savannah. A 
landing was effected at Mackey's Point, and with the 
Forty-seventh again in advance the force marched to- 
wards the bridge, Col. Good being in command of 
the brigade and Lieut.-Col. Alexander in command of 
the regiment. The brigade had marched but a few 
miles when, coming out into an open region, it re- 
ceived a heavy fire from a rebel field battery. The 
brigade was deployed to the front, and drove the 
enemy from their position. A little farther on, at 
Frampton, the rebels were found posted in a wood 
with infantry and artillery, while in their front was 
an open cotton-field. The brigade was formed in line 
of battle with two companies thrown forward as skir- 
mishers, and charged upon the enemy in the face of 
a terrific fire. This bold movement had the desired 



effect; the enemy lied precipitately and in panic. 
Pursuit was made, and after a chase of four miles the 
enemy was found in force at Pocotaligo bridge, under 
command of Gen. Walker. A ravine extended al< 

their front. The Fortj -seventh was ordered to relii 
the Seventh I onnecticut, and forming upon the edge 
of the stream, kept up for two hours a steady and ef- 
fective fire. But they received a storm 'e terrible 

than they sent, for the reliefs in their strong intrench- 
ments obtained a large reinforcement, and poured 
forth a murderous fire upon the Union line. The 
ammunition of the artillery being completely ex- 
hausted, and night coming on, the command was 

withdrawn to Mackey's Point. Capts. Mickley 

Junker and fourteen enlisted men were killed and 
one hundred and fourteen wounded. Both officers 
and men were complimented in general orders for 
their gallantry. Returning to Hilton Head on the 
23d, the Forty-seventh was, a week later, detailed as 
escort at the burial of (ten. Mitchell, anil fired the 
salute over his grave. 

The Forty-seventh was ordered to Key West, Fla., 
on the loth of November, and arrived there on the 
18th. Here a detachment of five companies, under 
command of Col. Good, was ordered to garrison Fort 
Taylor, and the remaining five, under Lieut.-Col. 
Alexander, to garrison Fort Jefferson. At this time 
the military importance of these posts wa> very 
great. A strenuous effort to secure foreign inter- 
vention was being made by the Confederate govern- 
ment, and with some prospect of success. In his 
instructions to Col. Good the general commanding 
says, "It is hardly necessary to point out to you the 
extreme military importance of the two works now 
intrusted to your command. Suffice it to state that 
they cannot pass out of our hands without the great- 
est possible disgrace to whoever may conduct their 
defense and to the nation at large. In view of diffi- 
culties that may soon culminate in war with foreign 
powers, it is eminently necessary that these works 
should be immediately placed beyond any possibility 
of seizure by any naval or military force that may be 
thrown upon them from neighboring ports. . . . 
Seizure of these forts by eoup d\ main may be the 
first act of hostilities instituted by foreign powers, 
and the comparative isolation of their position, and 
their distance from reinforcements, point them out i in- 
dependent of their national importance) as peculiarly 
the object of such an effort to possess I hem." Recog- 
nizing the imminent peril to which they were exposed, 
without a moment's delay the entire available force 
was employed to place the forts in the best possible 
condition of defense, and the efforts wire unremitting 
until every means at command were brought into 
requisition to render them impregnable. In these 
positions, w ith Col. Good in command, the regiment 
remained until the 25th of February, 1864. In the 
mean time five hundred men of the regiment had 
re-enlisted and received a veteran furlough. The 



84 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Forty-seventh was highly complimented at various 
times during its occupancy of Key West for its effi- 
ciency, and continually enjoyed the confidence of the 
department commander. 

In obedience to orders received Feb. 25, 1864, the 
regiment proceeded to Franklin, La., where it was 
assigned to the Second Brigade of the First Di- 
vision, Nineteenth Army Corps. An expedition was 
fitting out at Franklin, under command of Gen. 
Banks, to proceed up the Bed River, and on March 
15th it moved, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, by 
way of New Iberia, Vermilionville, Opelousas, and 
Washington to Alexandria, where it was joined by 
the command of Gen. A. J. Smith, and a fleet of gun- 
boats under command of Commodore Porter. After 
a few days' rest it again moved forward, following the 
course of the Red Kiver toward Shreveport, which 
was to be the point of attack. The line of march 
from Natchitoches was through a country affording 
no forage and but little water. The regiment en- 
camped on the night of April 7th at Pleasant Hill, 
and on the following day marched until three o'clock 
P.M., when the column halted. Firing had been 
heard in the front for some time, and the Fort3'- 
seventh was hurriedly formed and sent forward at 
double quick, passing the Second Division of the 
Nineteenth Corps. As it approached the scene of 
action, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, in a confused 
mass, were met hurrying toward the rear. The bri- 
gade was brought into position on a small elevation. 
Scarcely had this been done when the rebels, flushed 
by victory, came sweeping on in hot pursuit of the 
retreating Union troops. A well-directed volley at 
short range from the half-concealed battle-line which 
had been hastily formed suddenly brought them to 
a halt. Infantry and artillery had poured a storm of 
lead and iron into their ranks which literally mowed 
them down. The rebel line wavered and fell back, but 
again pressed forward bravely, and was again repulsed. 
Moore, in his " Rebellion Record," says, " Volley after 
volley was discharged from each side full into the 
ranks of their opponents, but neither gave signs of 
yielding, and night charitably threw her mantle over 
the ghastly scene, and enforced a cessation of hostili- 
ties. The wounded of both armies lay during the 
night between the lines, and their groans and cries 
for water were most distressing. Shortly after mid- 
night the command was withdrawn, and, wearied and 
worn, it returned to Pleasant Hill on the 9th. The 
loss was near sixty men killed and wounded, and 
among the former was Lieut. Swoyer, of Company 
K. At Pleasant Hill the regiment was posted on 
the right of the line, with its right resting on a high 
bluff. The enemy, under command of " Dick" Taylor, 
made an attack at mid-day, and the battle raged with 
great fury until five o'clock p.m. In the middle of 
the afternoon the Forty-seventh was ordered from 
the right to the left of the line, and while passing by 
the flank, in the rear of the One Hundred and Sixty- 



fifth, repelled a charge made against that regiment, 
and before which they had fallen back. Then the 
Forty-seventh made an impetuous counter-charge, 
and a desperate encounter ensued, in which the rebels 
were driven back and several pieces of artillery cap- 
tured. Lieut.-Col. Alexander was severely wounded, 
and Color-Sergt. Benjamin F. Walls was wounded, 
as was also Sergt. Pyers, of Company C, who seized 
the colors when Walls was obliged to relinquish 
them. 

Gen. Banks, notwithstanding the victory at Pleasant 
Hill, was obliged to retreat to Grand Ecore, which 
place was strongly fortified. There the army remained 
until the 22d, when the retreat to Alexandria was 
commenced, which place was reached on the 25th, 
after a light engagement with the enemy at Cave Hill. 
During this expedition the Forty-seventh marched 
eight hundred miles, and lost, by sickness, killed, 
wounded, and missing, two hundred men. On the 
16th of May the army reached Simmsport, and crossed 
the Atchafalaya on a bridge of steamers. Subse- 
quently the regiment moved to New Orleans, and was 
ordered from there to Washington, where it arrived 
on July 12, 1864. As a part of the Nineteenth Corps, 
under Gen. Hunter, the Forty-seventh was engaged 
in the defense of the capital, and in expelling the 
rebel army from Maryland. Gen. Sheridan was soon 
after placed in command of the forces concentrated 
here, and proceeded to reorganize what was thereafter 
known as the Army of the Shenandoah. 

On the 19th of September the regiment, posted on 
the extreme right of the corps, engaged in the battle 
of Opequan. At two o'clock a.m. Gen. Sheridan drew 
out his entire force, determined to carry the enemy's 
works by assault. The First Division of the Nine- 
teenth Corps, to which the Forty-seventh was attached, 
fought with great gallantry, and sustained heavy 
loss. The grand charge of Gen. Crook's forces and 
the cavalry under Averill was made through the line 
held by this regiment. The rebels fell back to Fish- 
er's Hill, eight miles south of Winchester, where they 
were found on the 21st strongly posted. The Forty- 
seventh deployed as skirmishers, and charged the 
enemy's works. Owing to the abruptness of the as- 
cent the rebels were unable to depress their guns, and 
the men suffered little loss. The pursuit of the re- 
treating foe was continued during the entire night, 
and until it reached Port Republic. The command 
soon after returned, and encamped at Cedar Creek. 

Col. Good and Lieut.-Col. Alexander were mus- 
tered out on the 24th of September, their terms having 
expired, and Maj. Gobin and Charles W. Abbott, of 
Company K, were promoted to fill the vacancies, 
while Capt. Levi Stuber, of Company I. was promoted 
to major. 

On the 17th of October the Forty-seventh proceeded 
on a reconnoissance to Strasburg, and on the 19th 
participated in the battle of Cedar Creek, where the 
Army of West Virginia, under Crook, was surprised 




WW- 



COL. T. H. GOOD. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



-5 



and driven t'riiiii its works. The Second Brigade, with 
the Forty-seventh on the right, was thrown into the 
h to arrest the retreat. The line was formed 
while vast bodies of men were ru-hing by it. and a 
heavy fog prevented objects being seen at a distance 
of fifty yards. Suddenly the enemy came down under 
cover of the fog. The right of the regiment was 
thrown back until it was almost a semicircle. The 

brigade, only fifteen hundred strong, was i lending 

with Gordon's entire division, and was forced to retire, 
but in comparatively good order, though exposed to a 
raking tire. Repeatedly forming as it was pushed 

back, and making a stand at every available point, it 
finally succeeded in checking; the enemy's onset, when 
Gen. Sheridan suddenly appeared upon the field, who 
met his crestfallen, shattered battalions without a 
word of reproach, but joyously swinging his cap, 
shouted to the stragglers as he rode rapidly past them, 
" Face the other way, boys ! We are going back to 
our camp I We are going to lick them out of their 
boots !" The lines reformed almost as by magic. The 
first charge of the enemy fell upon the Nineteenth 
Corps, and was handsomely repulsed. The force of 
the blow was heavy upon the Forty-seventh, but it 
stood firm, ami was complimented on the field by Gen. 
Thomas. The army now began to take courage. 
When the final grand charge was made, the regiment 
moved at nearly right angles with the rebel front. 
The brigade charged gallantly, and the entire line 
making a left wheel, came down on the enemy's left 
think, when they " went whirling up the valley" in 
confusion. In the pursuit to Fisher's Hill the regi- 
ment led, and upon its arrival was placed on the skir- 
mish line, wdiere it remained until noon of the next 
day. The army was attacked at early dawn, and no 
respite was given to take food until the pursuit was 
ended. Capt. Minnich was killed, Maj. Gobel 'cap- 
tain Company G) mortally, and Capt. Oyster severely, 
wounded. The loss was one hundred and seventy- 
six killed, wounded, and missing. The corps fell back 
five miles to Winchester, and went into winter quar- 
ters. A good camp was formed, but it had to be aban- 
doned, and on the evening of the 20th of December, 
in the midst of a snow-storm, the regiment moved 
towards Fairview. where it again went into winter 
quarters, and was on constant active duty, guarding 
the railroad and constructing works of defense against 
the incursions of the guerrillas. The regiment par- 
ticipated in a number of reconnoissances and skir- 
mishes during the winter. 

After the surrender of Lee to Grant, on the 9th 
of April, the regiment moved by rail to Washing- 
ton, and encamped near Fort Stevens. Here it was 
clothed and equipped, and participated in the grand 
review on the 23d and 24th oi May. On the 1st of 
June it was again ordered to duty, and embarked for 
Savannah, Ga., where it arrived on the 6th. In July 
it proceeded to Charleston. S. C, and relieved the 
One Hundred and Sixty-tilth New York, on duty in 



the city, it- headquarters being in the beautiful man- 
sion of the Confederate Secretary of the Treasury. 
Company E garrisoned Fort Moultrie, and a detach- 
ment of Company G Fort Sumter. Many of the 
members of the Forty-seventh fell victims to disease, 
and their remains now repose in Magnolia Cemetery, 
Ai length the long-wished-for day of muster out ar- 
rived. The regiment, on the 3d of January," 1866, 
embarked for New York, where, alter a stormy pas- 
, it arrived safely and proceeded by rail to Phila- 
delphia. It had seen service in seven of the Southern 
States, participated in the most exhausting cam- 
paigns, marched more than twelve hundred miles, 
and made twelve voyages at -ea. It was the Only 
Pennsylvania regiment that participated in the Ked 
River campaign, or that served in that department 
prior to the surrender of Lee. < )n the 9th of January, 
after a term of service of lour years and lour months, 
it was mustered out at Camp Cadwalader. 1 

Col. Tilghman H. Good. — Henry Good, the 
grandfather of Col. Good, emigrated from Switzer- 
land, and settled in South Whitehall township, Le- 
high Co., Pa., where he was an enterprising farmer. 
His children were three sons — Nathan, James, and 
Henry — and five daughters, — Mary, Leah, Hettie, 
Eliza, and Anna. James was born in South White- 
hall township, May 24, 1804, and died Dec. 21, 1838, 
having succeeded to the employment of his father. 
He married Mary Blumer, born Feb. 6, 1807, daughter 
of AbramBl timer, of the same township, and had chil- 
dren. — Edwin (deceased), Tilghman H., James (de- 
ceased), Sarah (Mrs. Rufus Snyder), Henrietta (Mrs. 
Russel Thayer), and Caroline (Mrs. William Rein- 
smith'). Tilghman H. was born Oct. 6, 1830, in South 
Whitehall. When eight years of age. his father hav- 
ing died, the lad found a home with his uncle, Peter 
Blank, with whom he remained until his sixteenth 
year, his time having been occupied with labor upon 
the farm and attendance at the neighboring school. 
He then removed to Allentown and became an ap- 
prentice to the trade of a shoemaker. On completing 
his term of service he removed to Philadelphia, and 
for two years continued to exercise his skill upon the 
bench. On returning to Allentown he opened a boot 
and shoe store, and continued thus engaged until 
1849, when he became the landlord of the Allen 
House, and after a period of four years in connection 
with the latter enterprise he resumed his former 
business. 

Col. Good was, on the 6th of April, 1851, married 
to Miss Mary, daughter of Amandus Trexler, of Al- 
lentown, to whom was born one child, who died in 
infancy. On the organization of the Allentown Bank, 
Col. Good was elected paying teller, which position 
he filled for four years, when he engaged in the sale 
of hats and shoes. lie had for many years been 



1 Taken with some slight change from Bates' Record of the Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers. 



86 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



identified with the militia of the State, as commander 
of the Alien Rifles and brigade inspector for the 
county. His military ardor and patriotism alike 
prompted him to offer his services to the government 
in the emergency. He assisted in the organization of 
the First Pennsylvania Regiment of Volunteers, of 
which he was made lieutenant-colonel. After three 
months' service he organized the Forty-seventh Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and for three years and 
two months participated actively as its commander in 
many of the most important events of the war. The 
regiment was at various times highly complimented 
for its efficiency, and enjoyed the confidence of the 
commander of the department. On retiring from 
active service Col. Good became landlord of the 
American Hotel, and two years later embarked in the 
real estate, insurance, and banking business, which 
was continued until 1879, when he became a second 
time landlord of the Allen House. He has been 
largely identified with the growth and business de- 
velopment of Allentown, as director and former sec- 
retary and treasurer of the Elliger Real Estate Asso- 
ciation, and member of the building committee to 
erect the Adelaide Silk-Mills, and in many other im- 
portant interests. Col. Good has been for many years 
an influential advocate of the principles of the Democ- 
racy in his county. He was in 1858 elected to the 
State Legislature, serving on various important com- 
mittees. He was in 1868 elected mayor of Allentown, 
re-elected in 1870, and at a later period served in the 
same official capacity for a third term. He is also a 
member of the Allen Commandery of Knights Tem- 
plar. 

Ma.t. William H. Gausler. — David Gausler (or 
Gossler), the father of William H., was a native of 
Bucks County, Pa., and reared by Mr. Huber. He 
learned the trade of a shoemaker in Northampton 
County, which was successfully followed for a brief 
period, after which he embarked in the business of 
hotel-keeping at Rittersvillc, Hanover township, Le- 
high Co., and later at Howertowu and Butztown, 
Northampton Co., Pa. He was an officer in the 
Florida war, in 1835-36, as also under Gen. Sam 
Houston in Texas, where he doubtless met his death. 
Mr. Gossler married Polly, daughter of Abram Clater, 
whose family were distinguished in early times, and 
had children, — William H. and Augustus A., the 
latter of whom was drowned, in 1848, in the Lehigh 
Canal, near Easton. William H. was born on the 9th 
of May, 1830, at Rittersvillc, Hanover township, and 
spent much of his early youth at Bethlehem in school. 
From 1840 until 1856 he was associated with the 
Lehigh Canal, first as driver and (at fourteen) as 
commander of a boat. Being a young man of much 
enterprise he soon acquired a large boating property, 
and on attaining his majority was the proprietor of a 
line of twelve transportation boats on the above 
canal plying between Philadelphia and White Haven. 
He also had a line running from White Haven to 



Allentown, supplying the towns en roub with provis- 
ions and other materials, and returning with lumber. 

In 1856, under the firm-name of 1'retz, Balliet, 
Gausler & Co., he established a planing-mill and 
lumber-yard, which business was continued for three 
years. In 1860, Mr. Gausler established a wholesale 
coal- and lumber-yard, and conducted an extensive 
trade until the freshet of 1862 compelled its abandon- 
ment. At the beginning of the late war (in 1861) he 
entered the service as commander of the Allen Rifles 
and Jordan Artillery, of Allentown. He was, at the 
expiration of his term of service, appointed major of 
the Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, organized by Col. Good and himself, and par- 
ticipated actively in the Red River expedition under 
Gen. Banks. He was appointed provost-marshal at 
Key West, Fla., in 1862, and was also placed in com- 
mand of Fort Taylor. 

Mr. Gausler, in 1866, made Philadelphia his place 
of residence, where he engaged in the wholesale gro- 
cery trade. In 1868 he became an importer of queens- 
ware, and a year later organized the firm of Gausler, 
Russel & Co., which existed for five years, after 
which the present firm of Gausler, Hoffman & Co. 
was established, now the leading importers of queens- 
ware in the city of Philadelphia. 

Mr. Gausler was married, in 1852, to Miss Sarah A. 
Schimpf, of Allentown, whose children are Augustus 
C, Emma (Mrs. William Leeds), Nina (Mrs. George 
C. Child), William H., Edward A., and Jennie. In 
politics Mr. Gausler's sentiments are strongly Repub- 
lican, and though formerly active in the political 
arena and a member of the City Council of Allen- 
town, he is now chiefly devoted to business pursuits. 
He is in religion a member of the Lutheran Church. 
He is also identified with the Masonic fraternity, as a 
member of Porter Lodge (of Catasauqua), Free and 
Accepted Masons, and of Hector Tindale Post, No. 
160, of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Field and Staff. 1 

Col. Tilghman H. Good (Allentown), must, into service Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

must, out Sept. 24, 1804, exp. of term. 
Col. J. P. S. Gobin (Sunbury), pro. from capt. Co. C to maj. July 24, 1864 ; 

to col. Jan. 3, 1865; to brev. brig.-gen. Marcb 13, 1865; must, out 

with regiment Dec. 25, 1865. 
Lieut. -Col. G. W. Alexander (Reading), must, out Sept. 23, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
Lieut. -Col. Cbarles W. Abbott (Allentown), pro. from capt. Co. K Jan. 

3, 1865; must, out with regiment Dec. 25. 1865. 
Maj. William H. Gausler (Allentown), disch. by special order of War 

Department April 15, 1864. 
Maj. Levi Stuber (Allentown), pro. from capt., Co. I, to maj. May 22, 

1865; must, out with regiment. 
Adjt. J. W. Fuller, Jr. (Oatasauqua), pro. from sergt., Co F, to adjt. Oct. 

30, 1861 ; res. Jan. 9, 1862. 
Adjt. W. H. R. Hangen (Allentown), dismissed by order of War Depart- 
ment April 15, 1864. 
<,i M. James Van Dyke (Allentown), pro. from 1st lieut., Co. C, to q.m. 

Sept. 24, 1861 ; res. Jan. 16, 1862. 
Q.M. Francis Z. Heebner (Allentown), pro. from private, Co. B, to q.m. 

1 Tbose members of the field and staff who are from Lehigh County 
are indicated, and a few officers from other localities are inserted. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



87 



Jan. 2o, isi;*2; prisoner from October, 1864, i" March, 1865; must. 
out June 1, 1865, exp. of term. 
Q.M. W. H. Ginkingw (Allentowu), pro. fnmi private, Co. B.to com,- 
sergt. Sept. 18, 1861 ; to q.m. Jum 1,1865; must, oat witli regi- 
ment. 

Compact B, 

E. P. Rhoads, capt., must. Aug. 30, 1861; pro. to rapt. Aug. 30, 1801 ; 

must. <>ii( Sept. is, 1864, exp. of tei m 
Edwin ti Minnlch, capt., must, iug. 30, 1861 ; pro to l*t lieut. Aug. 30, 

1861; to capt. Sept. 19, 1864; killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 

1864 : but ied in National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 9. 
William H. Kleckner, capt., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Sept. 

19,1804; tu capt. Jan. 4,1865; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1864 ; veteran. 
H. A. Haiti man, 1st lieut., must Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Sept. 19, 

1864; to 1st lieut. Jan. 4, 1865 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865; veteran. 
Allen G. Ba11iet,2d lieut.,muet. Aug. 30, L861 : pro. t.. *_;.l lieut. Aug. 30, 

1861 : must, oul Sept is, 1864. 
B. A. Hilliard, 2d lieut., must. Aug 30, L861 pro. to 2d lieut. Jan. 1, 

L865; must, out with company Dec. 25,1805; veteran. 
Thomas F. Gotirwine, 1st sergt., must. Aug. 30,1861; pro. to sergt. 

Sept. 19, 1864 ; to 1st sergt. Jan. 1, 1865; must, out with company 

Dec. 25, 1865 : veteran. 
Mien Goumer, 1st sergt., must. Aug.30, 1861 ; killed at Pocotaligo, S C, 

Oct. 22, 1862. 
T Bergensbock, sergt., must. Sept. 10,1861 ; pro. to sergt. Sept. 19,1864; 

must, out willi company Dec. 25, 1865 ; veteran. 
Jolm Houck, sergt., must. Aug. 30, 1881 ; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1S6."> ; veteran. 
Charles K. Miller, sergt., must. Jan. 9, 1862; pro. to sergt. Jan. I, [866 ; 

must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865. 
Franklin Fatzinger, sergt., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. to sergt. Nov, 

1865; must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865 ; veteran. 
Oliver Hiskey, sergt., must. Aug. 30, 1863 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, exp. 

of term. 
Charles Backman, sergt., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. to sergt. Aug. 1, 

1864; wounded at Cedar Creek. Va., Oct. 19, 1864; pro. to cum.- 

sergt. Nov. 1, 1865 ; veteran. 
Matthew R. Toiler, sergt., must. Aug. 30, 1861. 
Henry H. Kramer, Corp., must. Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. to Corp. June 24, 

1861; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va,, Oct. 19, 1864; must, out with 

company Dec. 25, L865; veteran. 
Jolm Eisenhard, Corp., must. Aug ■".", IsOl ; pro. to corp. April 21,1865; 

must, out with company Dec. 25. 1865 ; veteran. 
Daniel G. Gerhard, corp., must. Aug. 30, 1S61 ; pro. to corp. Oct. 16, 1865; 

must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865 ; veteran. 
Charles H. Knauss, corp,, must. Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. to Corp. Oct. 4, 1865 ; 

wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. l'.i, lsG4 ; must, out with company 

Dec. 25, 1865. 
Valentine Fisher, i orp., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. to corp. Oct. 16, 1865; 

must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865; veteran. 
T. Reinsmith, Corp., must. Aug. 30, 1861; pro. to corp. Oct. 1,1864; 

wounded at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1S64 ; must, out with com- 
pany Dec. 25, 1866 veteran. 
George J. Weiss, corp., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. to corp. Oct. 26,1864; 

must out with company Dec. 26, 1865 ; veteran. 
Hamson Geiger, corp., must. Aug. 30, 1861; pro. to corp. Nov. 1,1864; 

wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1804; must, out with com- 
pany Dei 25, 1865 veteran. 
Henry Storch, corp., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. to enlist In regular 

army Jan. 13, 1862. 
Allen J. Reinbard, Corp., must. Sept. 10, 1862 ; must, out June 1, 18C5. 
Henry A. Schwartz, corp., must. Oct. 16, 1862 ; musi. oul Oct 15, 1865, 

exp. of term. 
Francis H. Strachly, corp., must. Oct. 16, 1862; must, out Oct. 15,1865, 

exp. of term. 

Lewis II. Seip, corp., must. Aug. 30, 1801; wounded at Sabine Cross- 
Roads, La., April 8, 1864; pro. to corp. Sept. 19, 1864; disch. Oct. 4, 
18C5 : veteran. 

Jm)im a Darrohn, Corp., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; died at Winchester, v*a., 
n 12, 1864, ol wounds received at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 4,1864; 

veteran. 
Aaron Fink, corp., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; died at Bit ton Head, S. C., Nov. 

5, 1862, of wounds received at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 
Thomas Miller, corp., must. Aug. 30, 1801 ; pro. to corp. Sept, 19, 1864 ; 



died a1 w mi be ter, Va., Ocl 15, 1864 ound red at 1 ledar 

Crei k Ocl 19, 1864 . vi I 

Jesse Etemmel, corp., must, Aug. 30, 1861 ; died at Key w : t, EHa., March 

29, 1863. 
Franoi Sand rp., must. Aug. 30,1861; killed at Sabine Cross-Roads, 

Lu„ April 8, 1864; veteran. 
Jamei Hamilton, musician, must. Jan. 26, I i I out with company 

Dec. 25 
Henry Btrominger, musician, must. An ( . Sept. 

19, 1861. 
Adam Garrecht, musician, must, Jan. 9, 1862. 
Alfred Eisenbraum, musician, must. \u 61 died at Georgetown, 

D. C, Oct. 26, 1861; buried in Military a D 

I Columbia. 

PritJ 

Albright, John P., must. Dec. 21,1863; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
Asaenheimer, G., must. March 2, 1864; muBt. ou( with company Dec. 

25, 1865 
Acker, Cornelius, must. Jan. 14, 1862; disch. on surg certii lug 27, 1862. 
Apple, John, must, Aug.30, 1861; died at Key WeBt, Fla., March 12,1862, 
A [ . i . l h . Jacob, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; died il Berryvllle, Va . Sept. 15, 

1864 ; veteran 
Bieber, William, must. Jan. 24, 1865 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Bergensbock, II., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. Is, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
Hast, Jacob, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; muBt. out Aug. 21, 1865; veteran. 
Blumer, Alexander, must. Aug 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. is, 1804, exp. 

of term. 
Bohlen, Frederick, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
Brong, Lewis H., must. Sept. 10, 1862; must, out June I, L865. 
Beltz, Henry, must. Aug. 30, 1861; died at Key West, Fla., March 1, 

1862. 
Braden, Josiah, must. Feb. 9,1864; died at New Orleans, La., July 9, 

1864. 
Bergensbock, H., must. Feb. 11, 1865. 
Barry, James, mn>t. .Ian _' \. 1st", , 
Chamberlain, G., must. Feb. 2, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Cope, Thomas, must. Jan. 29, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Clader, Ephraim, must. March 14, 1865; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
Clader, Ephraim, must. Aug. 30, 1S61 ; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
I Deal, George, must. April 4, 1865; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
' Dingier, John, must. Feb. 13,1865; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Danohn, Joseph, must. Aug. 30, 1861; disch. on surg. certif. Oct. 24, 

1863. 
I Denhard, Edward, must. , 1861; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
Diehl. Solomon J., must. Sept. 10, 1862 ; died at Key West, Fla., June 

18, 1863. 
Detrick, Ambrose, must. March 2, 1864; died at Washington, D. O.,0ct. 

7, 1864. 
Kggye, Perry, must. Jan. 9, 1862; must, out Jan. 15, 1865, exp. of term. 
Fleming, John, must. Jan. 30, 1865 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Ferber, Peter, must. Aug. 30, 1861; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
Fries, John, must. Nov. 18, 1803 ; wounded at Sabine Cross-Roads, La., 

April 8,1864 ; must, out June 29, 1865. 
Funk. George, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 24, 1862, to re-enlist in 

regular army. 
Fink, Edward, must. Aug. 30, 1861; killed at Pleasant Hill, La., April 

8 1864. 
Geidner, Evan, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va.,Oct. 

19, l B64 ; most, out with compan j D reran. 

Geist, 'William, must. Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

ib65 ; veteran. 
Graver, John, must. Jan. 11,1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

L ■>*..-.. 



88 



HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Gangwere, William, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, uut Sept. 18, 1804, exp. 

of term. 
Ginkinger, William H., must. Sept. 14, 1861; pro. to com.-sergt. Sept. 

18, 1S01. 
George, Nathan, must. Aug. 30,1861; died at Hilton Head, S. C, Nov. 

14, 1862, of wounds received at Pocutaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 
Kettle, Daniel E., must. Feb. 10, 186.5; must, out with companj Dei 

1865. 
HiBkey, Franklin, must. Aug. 30, lsoi ; must. out with company Dei 

1865. 
Horn, John, must. Feb. 9, 1864 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865. 
Heck worth, Thud., must. Aug. 30, 1861; disch. on Burg, certif. July 9, 

1864. 
Houseman, Joseph, must. Aug. 2:1,1864; must, out June 1, 1865. 
Hilliard, William II., must. Jan. 14, 1S62 ; must, out Jan. 15, 1865, exp. 

of term. 
Hartzel, Alvin J., must. Nov. 23, 1863 ; trans, to Co. I April 16, 1864. 
Hubner, Francis Z., must. Sept. 14, 1861: pro. to q.-m.-sergt. Sept. 14, 

1861. 
Haltiman, Peter H., must. Sept. 10, 1862; died at Baltimore, Md., Nov. 

2", 1864, of wounds received at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 
Hedrick, Levenas, must. Oct. 12, 1S63; drowned at Morgauzia, La., June 

27, 1864. 
Hilliard, William H., must. Sept, 14, 1861; died at Key West, Fla., Aug. 

18, 1862. 

Jacob, George, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865; vet. 
Jackson, James A., must. Feb. 16, 1864; disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 2, 

1865. 
Johnson, John, must. Jan. 11, 1864; died at Fortress Monroe, Va., July 

26, 1864. 
James, Thomas, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; veteran. 
King, John, must. Feb. 18, 1865; must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865; 

veteran. 
Kramer, Allen L.,must. Sept. 9,1862; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., int. 

19, 1864; must, out May 26, 1865. 

Knauss, Henry, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
Knerr, Levi, must, Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1S64, exp. of term. 
Kramer, Henry, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. March 11, 

1864. 
King, Howard, must. Jan. 24, 1865 ; must, out July 14, 1865. 
Kein, Phaon, must. Oct. 29, 1862 ; must, out Oct. 28, 1865, exp. of term. 
Kern, William, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; died at Hilton Head, S. C., Oct. 23, 

1862, of wounds received at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 
Labar, Alonzo, must. Jan. 25, 186", ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Labar, Leander, must. Feb. 6, 1865; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Leisenring, Martin, must. Aug. 30,1801 ; wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, 

Oct. 22,1862; must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865; veteran. 
Leutz, Josiah R., must. March 23, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1S66. 
Leigen, Janus F., must. Dec. 29, 1S62; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Lausteren, John D., must. Oct. 29, 1862; must, out Oct. 28,1865, exp. of 

term. 
Lutz, James, must. Nov. 23, 1863 : trans, to Co. I, April 10, 1864. 
Lulz, Samuel, must. Dec. 2, 1863; trans, to Co. I, April 16, 1864. 
Labold, Charles, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865; veterau. 
Menning, George, must. Jan. 18, 1864: must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
Miller, Albert, must. Aug. 30, 1861; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865 ; veteran. 
Miller, Dennis, must. March 23, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Morgan, Bat in It. must. lit. j;,, l>i,| , must, out with company Dec. 26, 

186S 
Miller, Henry, must. Jan. Is, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Martin, Levi, mast. Aug 30, 1861; must, out with company Sept. Is, 

1864, exp. of term, 
Menning, Luther, must. Aug. 30, 1861; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, exp. 

of term. 
Mentz, Joseph, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 24, 1862, to enlist in 

regular army. 



Metzgar, Philip, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. May 11, 

1864 
.Mai tin, Charles A., must. March 1,1862; pro. to sergt.-maj. Sept. 1,1864. 
Meirknecbt, Conrad, enl. Aug. 30, 1861; died at Charleston, S. C, Oct. 

30, L865 ; veteran. 
Nixon, John T., must. Jan. 25, 186.",; st. out with company Dec. 25, 

1865 
Nunemaker, George, must. Jan. 18, 1864 ; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
New hard, Allen, must. Aug. 30, 1861; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 

19, 1864. 
Osmon, Andrew, must. Sept. 10, 1862; must, out June 1, 1865. 
Pfaiffer, Charles, must. Feb. 9, 1864; wounded at Winchester, Va., Sept. 

19, 1864 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865. 
Pauley, Henry, must. Aug. 30,1861; disch. on surg. certif. April 16, 

1804. 
Pfeiffer, Obediah, must. Jan. 9, 1862; wounded, with loss of leg, at 

Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862 ; disch. on surg. certif. March 16, 

1865; veteran. 
Pammer, Edwin, must. June 9, 1862; died at Key West, Fla., Aug. 27, 

1862. 
Ritz, Tilghman, must. Aug. 20, 1861 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Reichard, George, must. Feb. 3, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865; veteran. 
Remmel, Peter, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865 ; veteran. 
Remmel, Edwin, must. Nov. 18, 1863 ; must, ovit with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Rcinhard, Christian, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865; veteran. 
Rhoads, Allen P., must. Aug. 30, 1861; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
Rich, George, must. Jan 12, 1865; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Ruttuian, Ernest, must. Aug. 30, 1861; wounded at Pocotaligo, B.C., 

Oct. 22, 1862 i must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865 ; veteran. 
Rogers, Samuel S., must. Feb. 27, I860 ; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
Raubenold, J. D., must. Aug. 23, 1864; wounded at Winchester, Va., 

Sept. 19, 1864 ; disch. by general order May 15, 1865. 
Keiuhard, Henry, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. Jan. 13, 1862, to re-enlist 

in regular army. 
Reichard, Edwin, must. Aug. 30, 1861 : trans, to Vet. lies. Corps Match 

1,1864. 
Repsher, Joseph, must. Feb. 19,1864; killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 

19,1864. 
Rhoads, Franklin, must. Sept. 10, 1862; captured at Cedar Creek, Va., 

1 let. 19, 1864 ; died at Salisbury, N. C, Nov. 15. 1864 ; burial record, 

Nov. 22, 1864. 
Reymond, llalderuan, must. Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, 

ii. t. 22,1862. 
Sbaneberger, George, must. Jan. 19, 1864; must, out with company 

Dec. 25, 1865. 
Siselof, John, must. Feb. 2, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 1865. 
ShalVr, John E., must. Feb. 16, 1865 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Smith, William H., must. Feb. 17, 1865; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 

Smith, Isaac N., must. Feb. 27, 1865 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Smith, Barcley, must. Jan. 23, 1864; must, out with compauy Dec. 25, 

1865 
Smith, Benjamin, must. Feb. 3, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Smith, Franklin B., must. Feb. 18, 1864; must, out with company Dec. 

26, 1865. 

Smiley, William, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out with company Dec. 25, 

1865. 
Studley, Charles, must. March 7, 1865; must, out with company Dec. 

25, 1865. 
Schreiner, Caspar, must. Aug. 30, 1861; must, out with company Sept. 

18, 1864, exp. of term. 
S, hatter, Hiram, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 19, 

1861. 
Serfass, Aaron, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. IS, 1864, exp. of 

term. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN TI1H WAI! OK Till', ItKHKLUON. 



89 



Beiger, Franklin, must. tug. 23, 1864; I st. out June 1, L86S. 

i \r.-. 30, L8B1 ; must oul Sepl I : I I ■ 

term. 
springer, James, must Aug. 30, L861 ; disch. Jim. u, 1862, to re-enl. In 

regular army, 
Stuber, William, must Sept 14, 1861; diach on surg. certlf. Jan, L0, 

1863. 
gtuber, Francis, must Aug. 30, 1861 ; trans to Co S Sept 19,1861. 
Bcherer, August C.,must Nov 24, 1863; died at Baltimore, Md., Oct. 28, 

1864, wounds received at < tedar Creek, Va , Oct. 19, L864 . veteran. 
Bcblmpf, John, must, Aug, 10, 1861 ; killed at Cedar Creek, Va 

! B64 : \ atei an. 
Bcbwenk, Charles, must. Jan. 9 L8< died at Baton Rouge, La., June 

20, 1864; veteran. 

must Aug. 30, 1861; died at Kej West, Fla., June G, 

1862. 
Smith, Joseph, must Dec. 28, 1863 ; died at New Orleans, La., Sept 2, 

1864. 
Bteffen, Thomas, must. June 9, L864; killed at Winchester, Va., Sept. 

19,1864. 
s.i vi iv. Charles, must Aug. 20, 1861 ; wounded al Pocotaligo, S, l Q< t 

22, 1862. 
Bteffen, David, must. Feb 26, L864; muBt. out Jan. 27, 1866. 
Troxler, Allen \V., must. Feb. 4, 1864 -i out with company Dec. 

26, 1865. 
Trexler, Charles, must. Sept. 19, 1861 ; must, <mt Sept is, 1864, exp. of 

term. 
lice, James, must Aug. 30, 1861; killed al Cedai Creek, Va.,Oct. 19, 

L8I i : buried in National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 10; veteran. 
Ungerer, Christian, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, oul Sept 18, 1864, exp. 

of term. 
Van Billard, Oliver, must. Feb. 20, 1864; must, oul May 26, ISG5. 
v.in Billard, Martin, must Feb. 9, 1864; must, nut with company Dec. 

25, 1866. 
Wagner, Charles, must Dec. 15, 1863; must, out with company D» 

i ■ 
Wilhelm, Kelson, must. Feb. 20, 1865 ; must.out with company Dec. 25, 

: I 
Weiss, William J., must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept is, 1864, exp. 

of term. 
\\ ti and, Harrison, must. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must. <mt Sept. is, isij-I, exp. 

«>) term. 
OTieand, John, must Aug. 30, 1861; wounded, with loss ol leg, at Po- 

cotaligo, S. i '. ; disch. on surg. cert if. Dec, .:, 1862. 
wieand, William, must. Sept. 14, 1861; must out sept. 18, 1864, exp. of 

term. 

raham, must. Aug. 30, 1861; trans, to Co. I Oct 10, 1S63; vet- 

eran. 
Wieand, Benjamin, must. Sept. 10, 1861; tram to Co D Do I 

veteran. 
Sander, Dallas, must Feb. 3,1864; must out with company Deo. 26, 

Xoung, 1 ranklin, must Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. is, 1S64, exp. of 

term, 
Young, Joseph, must. Aug. 'Ml 1S61 ; disch. Jan. 13, 1862, to re-enl. in 

gular army. 
Young, I'ani.-l. must. Feb. -7. L864; trans, to 48th Co. Vet Res. Corps 

Man h 14. L866. 

COMPAKI F.l 

mustered in iug. 30, 1861, mustered out Dec. 25, 1865, except as othei 

wise mentioned. 
Henry S. Bart, pro. to capt. Aug. 30, 1861 ; ai ted as ma i by brevet during 

the latter part of the Bed River expedition and the beginning of 

the Shenandoah campaign; must, nut Sept, 18, LSI I 
Edwin Gilbert, pi", from 1st sergt to capt Jan. I, L866. 

W, Fuller, pro. to 1st lieut Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. on -org. certif. 

June 22, 1864. 
\v. ii. Bartholemew, pro. from 1st sergt. to 1st lieut Sept. 1, 1864. 
Henry 11. Bush, pro. to 2d lieut. Aug 30, 1861 ; died at Fort Taylor, Fla., 

March 31, 1862. 
Augustus Kagle, pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. April 1, 1862; res. Sept 1 L, 

Th una- F. I. mil.. 1 1. pi i. to 2d lieut. Jan. I 



1 This company was from < Alasauqua, 



James Tait, pro. from corp. to Bergt Sept 18, 1864 ; to 1st sergt. Jan. 1, 

i | ■ 
Richmond II. Schwab, pro. to corp. Sept. If rgt Jan. 1, 1866, 

Joseph J. I.ilh \ pro. I 

John L. Jones, wound i al Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 

L864 exchanged Sept 24, 1 : to sergt 

June 2, I 
John W. Heberling, pro to sergt. Aug. 10, l 361 ; mubt.i u I 
Albert II. McHoe, pro. to sergt. Aug. 30,1861; tnu tout Sept 18, 1864, 
William H. Glace, pro to sergt Aug. ;n, i»,i ; mu-t ""< 
Jan,.- W. Fuller, Jr., | at and idjt Oct 30, 1861. 

William II. Fink, pro. to m-i gt. Sept. Is, 1st,! ; died at Baltim 

April L5, l " 
Benjamin F. Bush, pro. to corp. Sept 11, 1864; to sergt. Sept I 
Preston M. Rohn, pro. from corp. to sergt. Jan I 
F. Longenhagen, not on muster-OUt roll. 

Josiah II. Walk, wouuded at Oedaj Creek, Va., Oct 19, 1864; pro. to 

corp. Jan. I, 1865. 
Spencer Tetter mer, pro. to corp. April i!, 1865. 
George H. Longenhagen, pro. to corp. April 2, 1865, 
Martin O'Brieu, pro. to corp. April ^. r >, 1865. 
Robert Cunningham, pro. to corp, June 2, I -' 
Walter Moyer, must, into service Dec. 1, 1863; pro. to corp. June 2, 

1S65. 
James M. Bush, must, into service Dec. 4,1863; pro. to corp. April 26, 

1865. 
James E. Patterson, must, out Sept. 18, 1864, 
Augustus F.Eberhardt, wounded at Pocotaligo, S.C 1 1 

on surg. certif. April il, 1863. 
Joseph II. Scli wall, disch. on surg. certif. April 26, 

W. H. Van Dyke, must, into Bervice Sept 10, 1862; must, out June 1, 

1865. 
Franklin Arnold, wounded at Sum nm Point, Va., March 28, 1866; disch. 

on surg. certif. July 15, 1 
James Bitter, died at Fort Jefferson, Fla., Oct 23, 1863. 
David Towbler, musician, must, out Sept. is, 1864. 
Simon P. Keifer, musician, must, into Bervice Sept. 10, 1862; must.out 

by General Order June I I 

/ ' i ■ 

Peter Andrews, must, into service I sb 

David Andrews, must, out Sept 18, 1864. 

Daniel A. Akroth, must into service Oct 27, L862; trane. froi 

14th Regt. Pa. Cav., March Is, 1864; must, out Dec. 9, 1865. 
George Armsberg, must, into service Sept. 7, 1864; trans, from Co. C, 

14th Regt. Pa. Cav., March 18, 1864 ; must out Sepl L8i 
Henry BuSS. 

Hiram Beidelman, must, into Bervh e Feb D, I 
Philip Bohner, must, into Bervice Feb. 8, 1 -»>i 
William H. Barubart, must, into Bervice Feb. 25, 1865 ; trans, from 11th 

Regt. Pa. Cav. March 18, 1865. 
Stephen Beers, disch. on surg. certif. April 1 I, 1 863. 
Abraham Bander, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Godfrey Betz, died at New Orleans May 10, 1864. 
Faustin Boyer, must, out Sept. 18, L8l I 
Alfred Biege, must into service Sepl. 28, 1SC4 ; substitute; must, out by 

General Order June 1, 1865. 

E. Bartholemew, must, iu Sept. 18,1861 ; died at Foi tTaj lor, Fla,, April 

3, 1862 
P. Bartholomew, must in Dec. 21, I Jl 3. 
Ernest Bender, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
Cbai les Buss. William < ladei 

John < iurren, must In Feb. 8, I B6 1 
John C. Collins, must, in March 15, 1864; trans, from L4th Regt. Pa. 

Cav. March 18, 1865. 
William Christ, must tn Sept 10, L862; must out June I, 1865. 
John II- Crotto, must in Sept - L864; trans from 1 1th Regt i'.t. Cav. 

Feb. 25, 1865; must, out July 22 
Fredei ick < '» iulter, must In I 
Michael Deibert, must in Sept 28, 1864 . substitute; must oul I 

era! Order June 1, 1865. 
Samuel Dunkel, must In Jan. 9, 1862 ; trans, to Vet Res. Corps Han b, 

1864. 
William Ehrich, must, in Jan. 26, I 

Joseph Ebertfc, must In Feb, 23, 1864. 

Frederick Bngle, dis :h. on surg. certif March 14,184 ! 

Augustus Kngle, must, out Sept 1-. 1864 



90 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



William Eisenhart, trans, to \ et, Res, Corps, date unknown. 
H-nr\ Fulk. 

Martin C. Fry, must, in March 31, 1864. 
w Frome, must, in Feb. 23, L866. 
Frederick (fisher, disch. on surg. certif. July 7, 1864, 
Orlando Puller, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
William H, Fri-d, di-rh. mi -m — _ ■-- - ■ tif Sept. 26, 1m; I. 
David A. Fry, must, in March 7, 18G5 ; died at Charleston, S.CL, A.ug.16, 

1865. 
A.mandua Fritz, must, in Feb. 10, 1864, 
John Guth, must, in Dec. 19, L863. 
Joseph Geiger, must.. nil Sept. is, 1864, 

Thomas B. Glick, must, in Sept 18, 1864 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Presto Gettes, must, iu Oct. 5, 1862 ; must, out Oct. 4, 1864. 
Addison B, Geb , must, in Sept. 10, 1862; killed at Cedar Creek, Va., 

Oct 19, 1864 ; buried in National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 9. 
Rflim". Grader, must, in Feb. 19, 1864 ; killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 

19, 18G4. 
Joseph Gross, must, in Feb. 8, 18G4; died at Winchester, Va., Jan. 17, 

1865; buried in National Cemetery, lot 18. 
Levi II. Getter, must, in Dec 7,1863, 
William F. Hallanbach. 

William II Heberling, must, in Feb. 11,1864. 
Joseph Hesler, must, in Feb. -jt, 1864. 
George W. Hatter, must, in Feb. 8, 1864. 
Joseph Heck man, must, out Sept. is, 1864. 

John F. Haldeman, must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Henry Hummel, mmt. in Sept. is, isci ; must, out Sept. IS, 1864. 
Oaborn Houser, must, in Sept. 18, 1SG1 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Joseph Hunsicker, trans to Co. B, 1st U. S. Art., Dec. 5, 1862. 
William Herman, died at Natchez, Miss., July 23, 1864. 
L. Hultzbeiser, died at New Orleans, La., Stay 1, 1864. 
William A. Houser. 

Edwin Haldeman, must, iu March 7, 1NII5. 
Isaac Jacoby. 

James Johnson, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
William Jordan, must, out Sept. is, 1864, 

Abraham Jassum, must, in Oct. 5, 1862 ; must, out Oct. 4, 1865. 
Edward Jassum, must, in Out. 5, 186J; trans, to Co. II Oct. 31, 1864. 
Isaac C. Jacoby. 

William II Jackson, died Sept. 19, 1864. 
Philip King, must, in Dec. 4, 1863; must, out Nov. 14, 18G5. 
George Kerchner, absent, sick, at muster out. 
George Klein, disch. on surg. certif. April 16, 1864. 
Reuben II. Keim, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
William Kuntz, must, out Sept. 18, 18G4. 
Nicholas Kubn. must, out Sept. Is, 1864. 

Owen Kern, must, in Sept. IS, lsiil ; must, out Sept. 18, 18G4. 
George King, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Charles King, must, iu Sept. 1, 1862; must, out by General Order June 

1,1865. 
Jefferson Kepner, must, iu Jan. 27, 1864; must, out by General Order 

Aug. 11, 1865. 
J. K. Longeuhagen, must, in Dec. 19, 1863. 
John Lanb, must, in March 7, 1865. 
PeterS. Levari, must, out Sept. IS, isr.4. 
J. Laudenslager, must, out Sept. is, 1864. 
Johu Lucky, must, out Sept. is, 1864. 

Alfred Lynn, must, in Dec. 7, 1863 ; disch. on surg. certif. Oct. 14, 1865. 
Emory Lindster, must, in Aug. 24, 1861; pro. to hosp. steward Aug. 25, 

1861. 
Harrison Lilly, killed at Summit Point, Va., March 25, 1865; buried in 

National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 26. 
James Lilly, must, in Jan. 28, 1864. 
Tilghman Lehr, must, in March 28, 1864. 
Franklin Laubacb, miiBt. in April 25, 1864. 
\,a\\ rence McHride. 

William H. Moll, wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 
Joseph Mersch, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 
Franklin Mersch, must, in Feb. 18, 1864. 
George Moll, must, iu Dec. 10, 1863. 

Sidney J. Miller, must, in Jan. 27, L866 ; must, out Nov. II, 1865. 
Uriah Myers, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
W. H. Moyer (2d), must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. March 

4, 1862. 
V. Minsenbcrger, disch. on surg. certif. April J, I < 
Philip McCne, must, in April 7, 1863 ; disch. on surg. certif. July 7, 1864. 



Peter UoBer, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C.,0ct. 22, 18G2; disch. on surg. 

certif. Feb. 24, 1863. 
John Markoffer, rnu-t. in Oct. 29, 1862 j must, out Oct. 28, 1865. 
Joe] Michael, must, in May '^, 1865; trans, from 159th Regt. P. V. ; 

disch. on surg. certif. May 25, 18G5. 
< Iharlea H. Michael, must, in Sept. 1, 1862 ; captured ; died at Salisbury, 

N.C., Dec.ll, 1864. 
W. H. Moyer list), raptured: died at Florem B, E C . Jan. 22, 1865. 

Peter Moser, must, in Dec. 1'.', 1863 ; absent, sick, at muster out. 

Daniel Newhart. 

Albert Newhart, must, out Sept. IS, 1864, 

William Offhouse, must, out Sept Is, 1864, 

Michael O'Brien, must, iu Jan. 20, 1864 : discb. on surg. certif. May 25, 

1865. 
John u'Brien, must, in Aug. 31, 1861 : died at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 

26, 1862, of wounds received at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 18G2. 
William Reiser, must, in Dec. 16, 1863. 
Edward Rensimer, must, in Feb. 23, 1865, 
Thomas B. Rhoads, must, out Sept. 18, 1864 
Francis Both, must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; must out Sept. 18,1864. 
Griff, Beinbart, must, in Dec. 21, 1863; wounded at Sabine Cross-Roads, 

La., Apnl 9, I sill , dis( b. on surg. certif. Dec. 28, 1864. 
Charles Robrbaclrer, muBt. in Sept. 1, 1S62; must, out by General Order 

June 1, 1865. 
Aaron Roeder, trans, to Co. B, 1st U. S. Artillery, Dec. I 
Edward Remely, must, in Jan. 27, L865 
Matthias Snyder. Matthias Smith. 

David Shafer, must, in Dec. IS, 1863. 
Joseph Savitz, must, in March 31, 18G4. 
Samuel Snyder, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
Reuben Siegfried, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 
Francis Shafer, must, iu Feb. 23,1865. 
Henry Soltzman, must, in March 8, 1865. 
Lucian Schroeder, must, in Feb. 12, 1864 ; trans, from 159th Regt. I'. V. 

May 29, 1865. 
Samuel Smith, disch. on surg. certif. April 12, 1862. 
John G. Seider, discb. mi surg. certif. April 12, 1862. 
Thomas A. Smith, disch. on surg. certif. Dec. 14, 1862. 
John Schreck, disch. on surg. certif. April 13,1863. 
Gotlieb Schrum, must, out Sept. IS, 1864. 
Robert M. Sheats, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

Llewellyn J. Sleppy, must, in Sept. is, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Nicholas Smith, must, out Sept. IS, 18G4. 
John G. Snyder, must, in Sept. 10, 1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1, 18G5. 
Peter Sbireman, must, in Sept. 10, 1862 : must, out June I, 1865. 
Franklin Siegfried, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 

Jacob Sholl, must, in Feb. 3. 1864 : .lied at Philadelphia March 21, 1864. 
James Troxell. 

James A. Trexler, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Hiram WerUheiser, nrust. iu March 7, 18G4. 
Gilbert Whitenian, must, out Sept. IS, 1864. 
Conrad Warueck, disch. on surg. certif. Jan. 18, 18G2. 
John P. Weaver, must, out Sept. 18, 1864 
Franklin II. Wilson, must, in Sept. 10,1861; disch. by General Order 

Junel, 1865. 
James M.White, must, in Nov. 23,1862; trans, from 14th Regt. Pa. 

Cav. March 12, 1865 ; disch. on surg certif. June 25, 1865. 
Adam Wuchter, must, in Feb. 27, 18f>4 ; must, out by General Order 

July 24, 1865. 
John Weiss, died at Camp Tyler, Tex , July 15, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived at Pleasant 11 ill. La., April 'J, 1864. 
John Whorely, died at New Orleans, La.,' July 16, 1 si 14 . 
Ambrose Wesner, must, in Fob. 26, lsr.-I. 
Levi Warner, must, in Feb. 23, 18G4. 
George Youss, must, in Dee. 16, 1863. 

Company G. 
Mustered in Sept. IS, 1861 ; mustered out Dec. 25, 1865, except where 

otherwise mentioned. 
Charles Mickb-v. pro, to rapt. Sept. 18, 1861 ; killed at Pocotaligo, S. C, 

i let, 22, 1862 ; buried in Cnioii Cemetery, AUeutown. 
John J. Goebel, pro. to 1st lieut. Sept. IS, 1861 ; to capt. June 18, 1863; 

com. maj. Oct. is, 1864; not mustered; died at Winchester, Va., 

October, 1864, of wounds received at Cedar Creek Oct. 19, 1864. 
Thomas B. Leiscnnng, pro. from sergt. to 1st sergt. Sept. 19, 1864 ; to 

capt. Jau. 1, 1865. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF TUK REBiaUoN. 



91 



G. W. Hnntzberger, pro. from :-t sergt t" -'I Heot. Jan. 13, 186! 

lieut. Jane 18, 1863; moat, out Not. 10, 1864 
William II Steckol, pro. to sergt Nov. 1, 1864 ; to lei lieut. Jan. 1,1866. 
Charles A. Henry, pro. to 2d lient Sept 18,1861; ret Dec. 31, 1801. 
(Tharles A. Hackman, pro. from sergt. to 1st sergt Ha 

lieut June 18, 1863; commanding capt. Nor. 30, 186*; not mast" 

ered ; must, out Nov. 5, 1864 
James W. Crader, pro. to cor] ipril i, 181 ; to eergt. May 1, 1863 ; to 

2d lieut. March 20, 1805. 
Henry T. Denufe, pro to corp. April 6, 1862; to sergt. May 1, 1863 ; to 

2.1 lieut. March 20, I ifl 
D. K. Diefenderfer, pro. from corp lo wrgt. April 1, 1862; to 1st sergt. 

May 1, 1863 let out Sept. 18, 1864 

Jacob Wat man, pro. to eergt. Jan 1,1865. 

John Pratt, pro from Corp. to sergt. Feb. 5, 1865. 

Daniel v. Hertz, most, into service Dec 16, lsc?.; pro. to corp. Hot. 1, 

1864; to sergt Feb. 1,1865 
John G. Helfrich, must.oul Sept 18, 1864. 
Martin II Hackman, mnet. in Jan. 8, 1862; pro. to corp., to sergt. April 

26,18(14; must, onl .1 IU. -. 1 -' 
John W. Click, mnet. ill Sept. 10, 1862; pro. to corp. Jan. I, 1865; to 

sergt. May 1, I860; must, out June 1. 1 
James Crader, died at Natchez, Miss., July 9, 1864. 
Harrison Guth, corp 

Benjamin F. Swartz, must, it: Dec.31,1863; pro. to corp. Not. 1, 1864, 
George Hepler, pro. to corp. Jan. 1. 1865. 
Frederick Wilt, must, in Dec. -'. 181 '.::; pro. to corp. Feb. 1, 1865. 
Joho Kneller, muBt. iu Dec. 19, 1863; pro. to corp. Feb. 1,1865. 
Constant Losch, must in Dec. IT, 1863; pro. to Corp. May 14, 1864 
Nelson Coffin, pro. to corp Jan, 1 . 1804; must, out s.-pt. 18, 1864. 
William Hai D 27, 1862 ; mast, ont Sept. 18, 1864. 

R. M. Fornwald, pro. to corp. Jan. 19, I SO'.; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Solomon Becker, pro. to c irp. Jan. 1,1862; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
All.-n Wolf, pro. to corp. May 1, 1863; mnet. out Sept 18, 1864. 
SoIodiod Wieder, must, [u Sept. IT. 1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1 
James Gnidner, ninsician. 
William N. Smith, mueician, niuel t Sept. Is, 1864. 

P 

Daniel AnsPach, discli. on Burg, certif. March 4,1862. 

Kichard Arnbrunn, must, in Sept. 17, 1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1, 1865. 
Peter H. Bernd. 

William Buskirk.must. in Feb. 15,1864. 
Jacob Blank. 
Benjamin BortE, must, in Dec. 18, 1863; must out by General Order July 

6,1866. 
Jeremiah Bernhard, must, in Dec. 17,1863. 
John Brensiuger, must in Feb. 22, 1864. 
Jacob Bollinger, must, in Feb. 20. 1 s<;4. 
William L. Burger, must, in Keb. .1,1864. 
George P. Butz, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 

John Barton, must, iu Feb 25, 1865; absent, sick, at muster out. 
Hiram Brobst, disch. on surg. certif. Jan. 18, 1862. 
Joseph Barber, disch. on surg. certif. July 28, 1864. 
David Bu-kirk, must in Feb. 26,1864 ; must, out by General Order May 

28, 1865. 
Jacob H. Bowman, must, out Sept. is, 1864. 
Jacob Beldelman, died al Natl../, Miee., July 3, 1864. 
John Becher, killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 
Alfred Boyntoti, must, in Feb. Is, 1865. 

Adam Backman, niUBt. in March 23, 1865 ; not on muster-out roll. 
Edwin K. Crader. 

Thomas K. Crador, must, in March 5, 1865. 
Charles Carter, must, in Feb. 20, 1865. 
John Cumin. 

Jacob Diehl, must, in Feb. 15, 1864. 
Timothy Deterliue, must, in Jan. 16, 1865. 
Lewis Dennis, must out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Timothy Donahue, must out Sept 18, 18i i 
Alpheus Deck, must, in Dec. 19, 1863; died at New Orleans, La , June 

3, 186-1. 
Benjamin Diehl, must, in Sept. 16, 1862 ; killed at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 

22, 1862. 
Henry Daisor, must, in April 19, 1865; trans, from 14th Begiment Pa. 

C'av. April 19, 1865. 



IP i.i\ H.. II, must in Me. r 

\\ illi.im 1, Eehbacb, must, in .Ian. 21, r ■ 

' kert, must, iu Dec. 29, 1863 ; must, out by General Order Sept. 

25, 1805. 
Milt. .o a. Engleiaan, must in Sept 17, 1862; must, ont by General 

Ordei June I, i ■ 
William Eberhart, died at F..rt Jefferson, Fla., Ha] 9, 
Francis Bret ett, must in Sepl 1 ' i 
Hnnte [Stserj hart, must In Feb 6, 1864. 
Peter G. Fegeley, must In Feb. -'. , 
Malral Foust, mnet En Jan. I 1 

971111am Frick, must, in Feb 15,1866 al snl i i it muster out 
Joseph Fisher, diech. on surg certif. March 4, 1862. 

I i i Fleher Bt out Sept. 18, i 51 I 

W i It lam G. Frame, must in sept _|, 1 361 . trans I" Vet B 

4, 1864. 
B it ■ Gelter, absent, sick, at muster out. 
James Gaumer, must in Sepl I I ont by General Order June 

1, 1805. 
Franklin T. Good, must, in Sept. s, 1862; discb. by order of War Depart- 
ment Aug. 13, 1864. 
Preeton B. Good, must, out Sept IS, 1864. 
William H. Gupitill, must, in Jan. 30, 1865 ; disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 

15, 1865. 
John Great, must, in Oct. 31,1861; discli. on surg. certif. April 16, 1864. 
William Geisinger, must, in Sept lo, 1862 ; must, out by General Order 

June 9, 1S05. 
Henry C. Graceley, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 13, 1864. 
William Hertz. 

John J. Harte, must, iu Feb. 25,1864; absent at muster ont 
Ed. II. Hunsberger, must, in Jan. 1, 1862. 
Max J. Hallmeyer, disch. on sin : ..it I 
Jonathan Heller, must, out Sept. 18, 1864 : died at New Orleans June 7. 

l-'.l 
George T. Henry, must, out Sept. 18, 1804. 
Cornelius Heist, must, out Sept. Is. 1864. 
Henry Iienn, must, in Feb. 2, 1865; must, out by General Order May 

15, 1865. 
Solomon Hillegass, must, in Sept. 8, 1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1, 
Levinus Hillegass, must, in Sept. 10, 1862 ; must, out by General order 

June 1, 186 
Franklin Hoffert, must, ont Sept. 1 ■ 
Henry J. Hornbeck, pro. to com. sergt. April 15, 1864. 
John Hiel, died at Hilton Head, S. C, Hot . I. 1862, of wounds received 

;.i I' otaligo, S. C, ii i 

Philip Hower, died at New Orleans, I.a.. April -1 , 1864. 
Jacob Hay, must, in Feb. 15, 1865; died at Charleston, S. 0., Oct 1". 

1865. 
John C. Helfrich, died at New Orleans, I.a., Aug. \ 1804. 
Frederick L. Jacobs, must, in Aug. 14, 1861 ; must, out Sept. IS. 1-4. 
Charles Kauffman, must, in Feb. 2. 1805. 
Daniel T. Reiser, must, in Jan. 25, 1864. 

William Keck, must, in Jan. 29, 1864 ick, at muster out. 

Allen P. Kemmerer, must, in Sept. 10, 1862; diech. by Special Order 

April 17, 1864 
Lewis Keiper, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
James II. Knerr, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
George Knauss, must ..ut Sept. Is, 1864. 
William U. Kramer, must, in Sept. 10, 1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1, 1865. 
John Kremmilt, disch. on surg. certif. Oct. 28, 1863. 
Benjamin S. Koone, must, in Feb. _', 1805 ; disch. on surg. certif. Feb. IU, 

1805. 
William Kennedy, must, in Feb. 23, 1864 ; died at Philadelphia 

1865. 
.1 K i, ., pi .i,l. erger, killed at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1 
John Kimt/. killed at Pocotaligo, s C, Oct. 22, 1862. 
Isaac Kass, must, in Feb. J, 1865. 
D, Lelbensperger, must in Dec 1 ".. 1863. 
1 l.i.crller, must, iu 1 > 
l.eibv, must, in S.pt 28, 1862; must, out by General Order 

.lime l, 
Benjamin G. Lucas, must, in Oct '-t. 28, 1865. 

George W. Llghtfbot, must, in Feb. 26, 1864 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps 

April 26, 1806. 
George Lebr. 



92 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Julius Lasker, killed at Cedar Greek, Va., "ct. 19, 18G4; buried in Na- 
tional Cemetery, Winchester, lot 10. 
John Lynn, must in Sept. 17, 1862. 
Charles Moyer, absent, without leave, at muster out. 

Nathan Miller. 

Wellington Martin, must, in Dec. 7,1863 
Hiram Mertz, must, in Dec. 15, 18&J. 
Frauklin C. Mertz, must, in Dec; 29, 1863. 
William H. Mertz, must, in Feb. 2, 1865 
William Martin, must, in Jan. 24, 1865. 
John Meiseuheimer, disch. on surg. certif. March 4, 1862, 
Henry Meyer, disch. on surg. certif. Feb. 21, 1863. 
Edmund Miller, disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 9, 18G2. 
Orlando Miller, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Franklin Moyer, trans, to 1st U. S. Art. Nov. 28, 1862. 
Barney Montague, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Gideon Moyer, must, in Sept. 11, 1862. 
John R. Moody, must, in Jan. 19, 1865. 
William Mercer, must, in April 28, 1865. 
Daniel Mead, must, in Feb. 25, 1865. 
Benjamin F. Neur, must, in Nov. 23,1863. 
James Noddins, niUBt. in Feb. 22, 1864; absent at muster out. 
Franklin Oland, died at Hilton Head, S. C.,Oct. 30, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 
Condy O'Donuell. Aaron Peter. 

Moses Peter, must, in Dee. 19, 1863. 
Francis Pfeifer. Henry G. Rice. 

Jonathan W. Reber, must, in Dec. 29, 1863. 
George Reber, must, out Sept. IS, 1S64. 
Israel Reinhard, must, in Sept. 10,1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1,1865. 
William C. Reinsmith, must, in Oct. 31, 1861. 
Jonas Scherer. J. W. H. Strominger. 

Francis Stuber. 

Ambrose L. Shultz, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
V Reuben L. Seip, must, in Dec. 15, 1868. 
Christian Smith, must, in Dec. 15, 1863. 
Daniel Scheetz, must, in Jan. 4, 1864. 
Charles Stem, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
John Schimpf, Sr., disch. on surg. certif. March 4, 1862. 
Francis Snietzer, must, out Sept. is, L864. 
Jacob Stangala, disch. on surg. cerlif. April 18, 1864. 
Erwin S. Stahler, must, in Sept. 17, 1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1, 1865. 
William Sieger, must in Oct. 22, 1802; must, out Oct. 28, 1865. 
Walter C Smith, must, in Oct. 31,1861 ; trans, to IT. S. Signal Corps Feb. 

29, 1864. 
Irvin Scbeirer, must, in Oct 1. 1882; died at Fort Jefferson, Fla., May 

18, 1863. 
Edmund G. Scholl, died at Key -West, Fla., May 18, 1862. 
Christian Schla, died at New Orleans, La., June 1, 1864. 
Henry Smith, died at New Orleans, La., May 30, L864. 
Jeremiah Strahley, died at New Orleans, La., May 14, 1864. 
Carl Shorp. Florence Sly. 

W. H. Trumbower, must, in Feb. J, 1^64. 
Lewis Teicbman, must, in March 22, 1865. 
Luther M. Toomey, must, in Nov. 30, L863 ; disch. on surg. certif. March 

31, 1865. 
Nathan Troxell, diBCfa. on surg. certif. April 18, 1864. 
John A. Ulig, disch. on surg. certif. Aug. 12, 1862. 
Augustus Upman, must, in Jan. 30, 1865. 

Fred. Vaughn, must, in Feb. 21, 1864 ; trans, to Co. C Dec. 9, 1864. 
J. Vartin, died at Fort Jefferson, Fla., Jan. 24, 1864. 
Frederick H. Walter. 
Simon D. Wolf, must, in March 21, 1864. 
Edward Wieand, must, in Feb. 2, 1865. 
Frederick Weisbacb, must, out Sept. IS, lsf,4. 
George Wooteu, must, in Nov. 2S, 1863 ; must, out Sept. 9, 1865. 
John E. Webster, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at Baton Rouge, La., 

June 24, 1864. 
Reuben Wetzell, died at Georgetown, D. C, Nov. 17, 1861; buried in 

Military Asylum Cemetery. 
Jeremiah Westcott, must, in Jan. 30, 1865. 
Peter Weller, muBt. in March Id, 186 . 
David Weider, must, in Sept. 17, 1862. 

George Xander, must, in Oct. 31, 1861 ; must, out Sopt. IS, 1864. 
Joseph Young, must, in March 1, 1864; must, out May 17, 1865. 



William Young, died at Washington, D. C, Nov. 24, 1861 ; buried in Mil- 
itary Asylum Ct meter}'. 

Engelhert Zanger, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

Henry Zeppenfelt, must, in March 1, 1864; died at Beaufort, S. C, Sept, 
10, 1862. 

Company I. 

Mustered in Aug. 30, 1861 ; mustered out Dec. 25, 1865, unless where 

otherwise mentioned. 
A. G. Keck Coleman, pro. to capt. Aug. 30, 1S61 ; res. Feb. 22, 1864. 
Levi Stuber, pro. to 1st lieut. Aug. 30, 1861; to capt. Aug. 1, 1864; to 

maj. May 22, 1865. 
Theodoro Mink, pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. Sept. 19, 1SG4 ; to 1st 

lieut. Nov. 3, 1864; to capt. May 22, 1865. 
Allen Lawall, pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. Jan. 1, 1865 ; to 1st lieut. May 

30, 1865. 
James Stuber, pro. to 2d lieut. Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 18,1864. 
Wm. H. Haltiman, wounded at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864; pro. 

from sergt. to 1st sergt. Jan. 1, 1865 ; to 2d lieut. May 27, 1865 ; died 

at Pineville, S. C, July 23, 1865. 
Wm. If. Meyers, wounded at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864; at Cedar 

Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864; pro. from corp. to sergt. Sept. 19, 1864; to 

1st sergt. May 27, 1865; com. 2d lieut. July 25, 1S65; not mus- 
tered. 
Edwin Keiser, sergt. 

Edwin Kemp, pro. from corp. to sergt. Sept. 19,1864. 
Thomas N. Burke, pro. to corp. Sept. 19, 1864 ; to sergt. July 11, 1865. 
Owen Kuder, must, in Oct. 16, 1862 ; pro. to corp. June 2,1865 : to sergt. 

July 11, 1865 ; must, out Oct. 15, 1865. 
Charles Nolf, sergt.: killed accidentally at Key W'est, Fla., June 9, 

1862. 
Thomas J. Kerr, must, in July 1, 1863 ; pro. to corp. July 2, 1865. 
Stephen Hettinger, must, in March 15, 1S64 ; pro. to corp. June 2, 1865. 
Israel F. Hartzell, must, in March 15, 1S64; pro. to corp. June 2, 18G5. 
Joseph Hettinger, pro. to corp. July 11, 1865. 

Charles II. Dankle, must, in Jan. 26, I,S6."» ; pro. to corp. July 11, 1865. 
Jefferson Kunkle, must, in March 31, 1864 ; pro. to corp. July II, 1*65. 
Alvin J. Hartzell, must, in Nov. 23, 1863; trans, from Co. B April 16, 

1864 ; pro. to corp. July 11, 1865. 
Henry Miller, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

D. H. Nuuemacher, pro. to corp. Jan. 1, 1862 ; mnst. out Sept. 18, 1864. 
T. W. Fitziuger, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

John W. II. Diehl, pro. to corp. May 17, 1863; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Francis Deifer, pro. to corp. Nov. 29. 1862 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Joseph Kramer, must, in Sept. 10, 1862; pro. to corp. April 21, 1st,,".; 

must, out by General Order June 1, 1865. 
Allen Knauss, pro. to corp. Sept. 19,1864 ; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., 

Oct. 19, 1S64; disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 7, 1865. 
William Frack, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. to corp. May 1,1862 ; killed 

at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864. 
Michael Fitzgihbons, pro. to corp. April 21. 1865. 
Tilghman H. Desh,pro. to corp. April 21, 1865. 
Benjamin Huntzberger, must, in Jan. 14, 1S64; pro. to corp. April 21, 

1865. 
Julius Benkhart, musician. 
Wippolett Benkhart, musician, must, in Sept. 10, 1862; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps May 1, 1865. 

Privates. 
Frank Allenspacb, must, in March 24, 1S65 ; absent, sick, at muster out. 
George Acher. Theodore Anderson. 

William Burger. 

John Bush. must, in Jan. 5, 1864. 
William Bayne, must. in Feb. 15, 1865. 

John Bullard, must, in April 5, 1864 ; trans, from Co. D Oct. 23, 1864. 
Theodore Baker, tnu^t. out Sept. 18, 1864. 
William Baker, must, in Oct. 2, 1862; must, out Oct. 1, 1865. 
J. Bondenschlager, disch. on surg. certif. Oct. 29, 1862. 
William Baumeister, traus. to Vet. Res. ' lorps May 12, 1864. 
John Bartholomew, killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 
John Burns, must, in March 7, 1865. 
William Barre. 

James B. Cole, disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 15, 1862. 
Augustus Colvine, must, in Feb. 15, 1865; trans, to Co. C March 20, 

1865. 
John demons. 

William H. Dreisbach, must, in Oct. 2, 1S62 ; must, out Aug. 1, 1865. 
Edwin Dreisbach, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN TTIK WAR OF THK KKI5KIJ.ION. 



93 



T. T. Drawbaugh, must, in July 1, 1862. 

John Dias, must, in ' 

FrtMl.Ti.Ii iMester, tliBch. on surg. certif. Dei !2,18l 

Samuel Dillingham, must. in Ni 18, 1862; (rami. from Co. 11.14th 

Etegt. Pa, Car. ; diBch. on surg. certif. April 11, L865. 
L. Drockenmiller, killed atPoi taligo, S. 0., 0< t 22, 1862, 

■ i Dietrich. 
Peter Dopstadt, must, in March 7. I 
Boos Eckhart, must in Jau. 30, 1865. 
William Kllis, died at Beaufort, S. C, Aug. '_'. IS 
Waltei P Fetzer. 

Joseph Freeman, must in March 10, 1865. 
Francis I'm nil, must, in March 10, 1865. 
\V. Fenstermaker, must, out Sept. IS, 1864. 
Owen Fetzer, died at New Orleans, La., April 19, 1864, 
baiafa Koy. 
John Gross, must, in Feb. 18, 1864; wounded at Cedar Creek, Ta , Oct 

19, 1864. 
itiul.s Gross, must, in Feb. 29, is 64; alsent, *ick, at muster out. 
Henry Gutthard, must, in Feb. 13, 1865. 
Alexander Ores I A. Geustenlichter. 

George T. Gross, diach. on surg. certif. July 30, 1862. 
Samuel Guth. diach. on surg. certif. July 20, 1864. 
Allen P. Gilbert, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Francis Gihlner, killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864; buried in 

National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 10. 
Solomon Gross, must, in Feb. 8, 1864. 

Eli K. Hnnsberger, must, iu Jan. 16, 1864 ; absent at muster out. 
Charles Henry. Granville I). Hangen. 

Joseph Hawk, must, in Feb. 25, 1864. 
David C. Hawk, must, in April 1, 1864; died at New Orleans, La., July 

28, 18) 
Albert Hiller, must in March 7, 1865. 
George W. Hartzell. 

William F. Henry, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Uriah Henry, must, in Feb. 9, 1S63. 
Daniel Kramer, must, in Oct. 2, 1862 ; wounded at Pocotaligo, S. O, Oct. 

22. 1862 ; absent, sick, at muster out. 
Levi Kraft, disch. on surg. certif. March 12, 1864. 
Edwin Keiper. must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Xaver Kraff, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Charles Kaucher, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
David F. Knerr, must, in Sept. 10, 1862: must, out by General Order 

June 1, 1865. 
Solomon Krechlo, trans, to Capt. Snyder's company, 1st U. S. Art., Nov. 

27. 1862. 
Charles Klutz, must in Oct. 29, 1862 ; trans, to Oo. II Dec. 7,1862, 

F.lvin Knuuss, died at New Orleans. La., Aug. 3, 1864. 
Ogdon Lewi?, must, out Sept. 18, 1S64. 

Samuel Lute, must, in Dec. 2, 1863; trans, from Co. B April 16, 1864. 
John J. Lawall, must in Sept. 17, 1862 ; must, out by General Ordei 
June 1, 1865. 

Peter Lynd, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Frauklin Letter, must, out Oct. 30, 1864. 

David Lost, died at Camp Griffin, Va., Oct. 29, 1861. 

James Lut/., must, in Nov. 23, 1863 ; trans, from Co. B April 16,1864; 
killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 

William Mench, disch. on surg. certif. July 14, 1864. 

Harrison W. Miller, must, in Jan. 14, 1864 

Charles Matzkowsky, must, in Feb. 20, ISM. 

William Martin, wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct 29, 1864. 
Miller, must, out Sept. 20, 1864. 

Aaron BfcHose, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

Sylvester McCabe, must, in Jan. 17, 1862 ; must, out Jan. 17, 1865. 

Jesse Moyer, must, in Sept. 1 7, 1862 ; must, out by General Order June 
1, 1865. 

Leander Horrell, must. in Oct 23, 1864; trans from Co. H, 14th Regt. 
Pa. Cav.; must, out Oct. 22, 1865. 

Philip W.Miller, must, in Nov. 20, 1863; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps April 
3, 1865. 

Jeremiah Mete, killed at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 

John Mclntire. 

William McLaughlin, must, in March 8, 1865. 

Nicholas McKeever. Jacob Newhard. 

Samuel Moss, must, in July 1,1863: trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 12, 
1864. 

Jacob Peter, must, in Not. 24, 1863. 



I Alfred C. Pretz, mu-t in Sept 10, 1862 trana r I Fla, Cav. March 
U, 1864 
Cornelius Bowan, must. In H ■■■ '. 1863 

i ■■ Eth< ads. I i'li Rockell. 

\\ llliam Re< 

James C. Robertson, disch. bj ordei of War Department Jan. 27, 1862. 

William Radeline, must in Feb. 19,1864; died at Charleston, S. C, 

Oct. 25, 1865. 
Marcus Roth, must, in Feb. 13, I 

s. M. Rauvenbach. Hilton H, Stephens. 

William Swartz, Levi Stein. 

Reuben Snyder, must, in Feb 25, I 

Jacob Beber, must In Dec. 24, I ■■ 

David Shaffer, disch. on BUl h t. 22, 1862. 

Henry D. Spinner, disch! on surg. certif July 27, 1863. 

Henry C. Snaveley, must, in Jan. 16, 1862; must, out Jan. 17, 1865. 

Fred. mi ,. Scarbecker, must, in No* 23, 1862; trans, from Co. H, 14th 

Regt. Ps Car. ; must, out tfoi 22, 1865. 
! Charles G. Sasserman, must, in Oct. 2, 1862; must, out Oct. 2, 1865. 
, Gottlieb Schweitzer, must oul Sept. 18, 1864. 
William Smith, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Samuel Smith, must, in Sept 10, 1882; must, out by General Order June 

1, 1865. 
Stephen Schechterly, must, iu Sept. 10, 1862; must, out by General 

Order June 1, 1865. 
Charles Smith, must, in March 7, 1865; disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 14, 

1865. 
Frank W. Siegfried, trans, to Cap) Snyder's company, 1st U.S. Art, 

Feb. 26, 1863. 
Francis Stick, died at New Orleans, La., June 20, 1864. 
| Jonas Snyder, died on board of the steamer " McClellau" July 8, 1864. 
Henry J. Schlagle, must, iu Feb. 24, 1864 ; captured; died at Salisbury, 

N. C, Jau. 13, 1865. 
Joseph Stephens, must, in Nov. 5, 1862; killed at Cedar Creek, Va.,0ct. 

19, 1864. 
Frederick Smith, died at Fort Tyler, Texas, May 4, 1864. 
Isaiah Schlochter. 
Peter M. Stockslager. 

Clinton Sage, must, in March 10, 1865; not on muster-out roll. 
Levi Schoittz, died at Philadelphia March 11, 1864. 
Edwin F. Trickier. 
Henry Traak, must, in March 6, 1865. 
John L. Transue, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
John Troxell, must, out Sept. 18, I Jl I 
Israel Troxell, must, in Sept. 10, 1862 ; must, out by General Order June 

1, 1865. 
James Vansyckel. 

Daniel Vansyckel, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Eli Wieder. 

William Walter, must in Jan. 4, 1864. 
Harrison Wiel. 
Henry W. Weil. 
Gideon Weiser. 

Henry W. Weiser, must out Sept. 18, 1864. 

William Wipkey, must, in Oct. 18, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 30, 1864. 
Samuel Wierbach, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Daniel Wanuermaker, must, in Sept 10, 1862; must, out by General 

Order June 1, 1865. 
Lewis Warner, trans, to Capt. Snyder's rmnpany, 1st V . S. Art., Nov. 27, 

1862. 
Francis Xander. 

Nathaniel Xander, must, out Sept, 18, 1864. 
Joseph Yonkert, must, in Feb. 2, 1865. 
Peter Yeager, must, in Jan. 4, 1864, 

Thomas Ziegler, wounded al k, Va., Oct 19, 1864. 

Frederick Ziegler, must, in Oct. 23, 1862; trans, from 14th Regt Pa. 

Ciiv. ; disch. on surg. certif. April 11, 1865. 

1ST K . 

Blustered in Bept 17,1861; mustered out Dec. 25, 1865, unless where 
otherwise mentioned. 

George Junket t, must, in Aug. 21, 1861; pro. to capt. Sept. 17, 1861 ; 
died at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 25, 1862, of wounds received at Po- 
cotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 

Charles W. Abbott, pro. to 1st lieu t. Sept. 17, 1861; to capt. Oct. 22, 1862; 
to lieut.-col. Jan. ::, 1865. 



94 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Matthias Miller, pro. from corp, to 1st aergt. Jan. 1, 1S64 ; to 2d lieut 

Aug. 1. 1864; to capt, Jan. 1, L865. 
David H. Fetherolf, pro. from 2d to 1st lieut. May 2, 1863 ; must out 

Nov. 17, 1864. 
Franklin Beisel, pro. from corp. to 1st Bergt. Aug. 7, 1864; to 1st lieut. 

.i ,., !3, 1865. 
Alfred P. Swoyer, pro. from Ul Bergt. to 2d lieut. May 2, lsr>:} ; killed at 

Sabine Cross- Roads, La., April 8, 1*04. 
Elias F. Benuer, pro. from corp. to sergt. Sept. 14,1804; tu 2d lieut. Jan. 

:. 1865. 
George J. Scherer, pro. from corp. to sergt. Nov. 6, 1864 ; to 1st sergt. 

Jan. 24, 1805. 
John Bischoff, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862; pro. from 

corp. to sergt. Jan. 24, 18) 
Samuel Kunfer.pro. to corp. Sept. 19,1864; to sergt. Jan. 24,1865. 
Samuel Reinert, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862 ; pro. to corp. 

Vug. I. 1864; to sergt, Oct. 1, 1865 
William Laodis, pro. t" corp, Sept. 19,1864; wounded at Cedar Creek, 

Va.,Oct. 19,18G4; pro. to sergt. Oct 1,1865. 
Peter Reinmiller, sergt., must, nut Sept. 18, 1S64. 
Conrad Volkanand, sergt., must, out Sept. IS, 1864. 
Phaou Guth, Bergt , must, in Oct. 2, 1862; must, out Oct. 1, 1865. 
William II. Berger, died at Philadelphia Nov. 5, 1865, of wounds received 

at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct 1!', 1864. 
Edwin Mover, ^ergt. 

Manoh Carl, corp., wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C.,Oct. 22, 1862. 
C. Weidenbach,pro. to corp. Sept. 19, 1864. 
Edwin Person, must, in Feb. 9, 1864; pro. to corp. Sept. 26, 1864. 
William Hinkle, must, in March 29,1864; pro. to corp. April 21,1865. 
John Saylor, must. in Feb. 23, 1864; pro. to corp. July 1, 1865. 
Nathan Handwerk,must. ui March 7,1804; pro. to corp. Oct. 1,1865. 
Amos Slutter, must, in March 29, 1864 ; pro. to corp. Oct. 1, 1865. 
George Kruck, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 
Lewis Benuer, must, out Sept. 1*, 1864 
Martin Guth, must, in Oct. 2, 1862; must, out Oct. 1,1865. 
Joseph Frack, must. In Oct. 2, 1862 ; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 

1864; must, out June 22,1665. 
William Knerr,must. in Oct.2,1862; must out Oct. 1, 1865. 
William Sen u bard. 
Daniel Fritz, musician, disch. on surg. certif. July 29, 1862. 



Valentine Amend, must, out Sept.lS,18G4. 

Benjamin Amey, must, in Oct.2,1862; must, out Oct. 1, 1865. 

Charles Acker, must, in Nov. 5, 1862; disch. ou surg. certif. May 19, 

1805. 
William Barr, must in Feb. 8, 1864. 
Peter Berkemeyer, must, in Feb. Ill, 1864. 
Francis Boger. 

Charles Bower, must, in March 15, 1864. 
Henry A. Breinig, must, in Feb. 21,1865. 
Joseph Bachmau, must, in Oct. 29, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. Dec. 

Hi, 1801. 
M. Bornschier, must, out Sept. 18, 1S64. 
William II. Barber, must, in July 20,1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1,1865. 
Tilghmau Boger, must, in Aug. 26, 1862; must, out by General Order 

June 1, 1865. 
Tilghmau Breisch,niusi. iu Oct. 2, 1862; must, out Oct. 1,1865. 
William Brecht, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 1, 1864. 
Lewis Berliner, killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1804 ; buried in Na- 
tional Cemetery, Winchester, lot 10. 
John Bower, must, in Dec. 2,1*63; not on muster-out roll. 
William Carl. 
Peter < 'ope, must, in March 21, 1804; must, out by General Order June 

22, 1865. 
Francis Dankle. 

John Delp, must, in Aug. 11, 1863; drafted. 
John Dottery, must, iu Dec. 2,1863. 
E. Druckenmiller, disch. on surg. certif. Aug. 18, 1864. 
Alfred Diehl, must, in Oct. 29, 1862; must, out Oct. 28, 1865. 
Daniel D. Dackratt, must, in Aug. 14, 1861; pro. to principal musician 

Sept. 1, 1863. 
Lewis Dipple,died at Key West, Fla., April 27, 1862. 
Philip W. Datzius, must, iu Feb. 29, 1 *64 ; died at Portsmouth Grove, R. I., 

Nov. 9, 1864. 
William Eastman, inu*t. in Feb. 14, 1865. 



Werner Erbe, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 1, 1864. 
William Frey, must, in March 2, 1864. 

Charles Fisher, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

John F. Fersou, disch. on Burg, certif. Marsh 11, 1864. 

Paul Feig, disch. on surg. certif. Jan. 2d, 1862. 

Joseph Freas, must in March In, 1m',;.; must, out by General Order 

Sept 1 1. 1st;;,. 
Rudolph Fisher, disch. on surg. certif. July i9. 1 B62. 
Harrison Fegely, must, in Dec 2, L863 ; wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., I >ct. 

19,1864; trans tu Co. E,21fll Regt.,lst Bat., Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 17, 

1805. 

Edward Frederick, must, in Oct. 2. 1862; wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, 
Oct. 22, 1862; died al Fort Jefferson, Fla, Feb. 16, 1863. 

Gottlieb Fiesel, died at Hilgjn Head, S. C, Nov. 9, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at Pocotaligo, S fc C, Oct. 22, 1862. 

Joho Gulty. 

Benedict Glichler, must in Feb. 8, 1864; must >>ut by General Order, 
May 19, 1865. 

Jacob Geesey, must, in Oct. 12, 1864; must, nut Oct. 11, 1865. 

Matthias Gerrett, must, in Dec. 2, 1863 ; died at New Orleans, La., May 
22, 1S04. 

Edwin Gross, must, in Dec. 15, 1863; died at Charleston, S. C, Oct. 30, 
OS65. 

Charles Grim, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 

Jacob F. Hartzog, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. €., Oct. 22, 1862; disch. ou 
surg. certif. Feb. 24, 1863. 

Charles Heiney, must, out Sept. 18, L864. 

William 1'. Heller, must, in Aug. 26, 1862 ; must, out by General Order 
June 1, L865. 

Harrison llandweik, must, out Oct. 2, 1862; must, out Oct. 1, 1865. 

Edward Houser, must, in Oct. 2, 1862; must, out Oct, 1, 1865. 

Henry Hantz, must, in Oct. 18, 1864; must, cut Oct. 19, 1865. 

John Hinderer, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 1, 1804. 

William A. Heckman, must, iu Aug. 14, 1861 ; promoted to principal 
musician Sept. 1, 1863. 

Paul Houser, must in Oct. 2, 1862; drowned from steamer "Pocahon- 
tas" June, 1864. 

Nicholas Hagelgaus, killed at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864. 

George Hoffman, must, in Oct. 29,1861 ; died at Annapolis, Md., Feb. 21, 
1865. 

Jacob Hull, must, in May 2, L865 ; trans, from 159th Regt. P. V. May 2, 
1865. 

George Kase, must, in Dec. 2, 1863. 

Abraham Keiter, must, iu Feb. 15, 1865. 

William S. Keiter, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 

Edward Keller, must, in Feb. 16, 1805. 

Johu W. H. Kuerr, must, in Feb. 15, 1865 ; absent, on detached duty, a 
muster out. 

James E. Knerr, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

Frederick Knell, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862; disch. on 
surg. certif. May 9, 1803. 

John Koftier, disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 7, 1863. 

Jacob Kentzler, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

John Holdhoff, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

Anthony Krause, must, out Sept. is, L864. 

John Reiser, must, in Oct. 2, 1802 ; must, out Oct. 1, 1865. 

George Kilnmre, killed near Bei ryville, Va., Sept. 5, 1864. 

Moses F. Klotz, must, in Dec. 15, 1803 ; killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 
19, 1804; buried in National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 9. 

John Kolb, died at Baltimore, Md., Oct. 21, 1804. 

Hiram Kolb, wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 

David Klotz, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 1, 
1864. 

Julius Landrock. William Leonhard. 

W. A. Leibensperger, must, in March 15, 1864. 

Daniel H. Loug. 

Lewis Long, must, in Dec. 2, 1863. 

Elian Leu, must, out Sept. 18, 1864. 

Amaudus Long, died at Key West, Fla., March 29, 1862. 

George Leonhard, died at Key West, Fla., April 19, 1862. 

Joseph Louis, died at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 23, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 

Abraham Landis, died at Hilton Head, S. C, Oct. 23, 1862, of wounds re- 
ceived at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 

Solomon H. Long, must, in March 16, 1864 ; died at New Orleans, La., 
Aug. 21, 1864. 

Harrison Metzger. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



95 



Jonas Dletzger, must, in Oct. is, 1861. 
Lewis Miller. 

Peter Miller, trraat in Feb. H 
John Moser, must, in Feb 22, 1864. 
Bamue] Bladder, must, oal Sept. L8, 1864. 
Hetxgi i. must oal Sept. I-, 1864. 
lifted MutbartJ, must, in Oct 10, 1864 ; most, out Sept I-. 1SG4. 
David M ■ mnel onl by Gen 
Martin Mnench, died al Key West. Fla., July 22, 1862. 

John McConoell, tilled atP tallgo, S C, Oct. 22, 1862. 

Jacob Haddeo,died oi wi i at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 

1864. 

HcFarland, .linl at I >rl Jeffers D, n - . Si pi LO, 1862. 
Willi mi Noli, must m Sept 17. 1862 ; must out by Genera] Order June 

1. 181 

Nagle, diodal Alexandria, Va., Lug. 23, 1864; grave 2604. 
Frederick Messier died al Key West, Fla., Aug. 20, i- 
eh u lee Preston, must in Di 
BUas Ready, disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 26, I I 
Martin Seinnger, must, in Dec. 2, 1863; disch. on surg. certif. Aug. 3, 

[864 
Henry s. Bomig, must, in Dec. -'. 1863 ; disch. on surg. certif. April 11, 

1865. 
Charles B lai Baton R iuge, La., Aug, 10, 18G4. 

r .- Richdur, must in Nov. 5, 1862; died al Baltimore, Md., Sept 1, 

LSI I 
William Shrank, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 
David Semmel. 
Benjamin Shoemaker, must in Dec -. I 

iker, must in Dec. j, 1863. 
Lewis 0. Seip, must in Feb. 19, I 
Tilghman s airwine, abei at, - i k, a musl 
John <!. Snyder, must, in Feb. 1".. I II 5. 
Willi. .in II. Snyder, must, in Feb. la, 1S65. 
Levi Stahly, must, in April 1, 1804. 
Caul Mini", wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. 22, 1862. 

-Haass, must, in March 15, lsG4. 
Evan Slrauss, must, in Feh. 14, 1865. 

James Strauss, wounded at Cedar Creek, Va , Oct 19, L8I I 
William Stet ner, must, in Feb. 14, 1st;,'.. 
Andres Snyder, disch. on surg. certif. June 3, 1862. 
1 Sackenheimer, disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 1, 1862. 
John Schimpf, wounded at Pocotaligo, S. C, Oct. '^-', 1862; must, out 

Sept. is. 1864. 
John Scholl, n.u-t. out Sept. If, 1864. 
William I). Schick, must, in Oct. 2, 1862 ; disch. on surg. certif. July 4, 

1865. 
Alfred Smith, must, in March 3, 1864 ; disch. on surg. certif. July 19,1865. 
William Shearer, disch. on surg. certif. Dei I 1864. 
Henrj Savitz,musl in Oct. 2, 1862; must out Oct 1, 1865. 
William Si hlicher, must, in Oct. 2, 1862; must out Oct. 1, 1865. 
Franklin Smith, must, in Oct. 10, lSt>4; must, out Oct. 9, 1865. 
James Sieger, most, in Oct 29,1862; most, out Oct 28, 
Charles Stout, must, in net. 29, 1862; must, out Oct. 28, 1865. 

Jul in G Sigle, must, in March 2,1864 ; must "Ut by ll.-iuT.il Order Nov. 

14,1- 
Lewis Schneck, must, in Dec. 15, 1st;;'. ; killed at Cellar Creek, Va., Oct. 

19, 1864; I urieil in National Cemetery, Winchester, lot 1". 
.l.ili n Schucbard, died at Hilton Head. .- C, Oct 24, 1862, of wounds re- 

i at Pocotaligo, s. C, Oct. 2! 
Augustus Scbirer, died at Key West. Fla., April 5, 1862. 
Josfah Slegler, must in May 28, 1864. 
Henry s. Toole, must, in Oct IT, 1862 ; must, ..ut by General Order July 

8, l-i 
topher t'lrich, must, out Sept. 1*. L864. 
Lewis Wasser, must, in Feb. 21. 1865 
James D. Weil. must, in March 2, 1864. 
Levi Wagner, must, in Feb. 4, 1864, 
Samuel Woodrlng. 
Christian F. Wieland»must. in Feb, 27, 1864; pin to assistant surgeon 

Dec. IS, 1864. 
Samuel Wolf, killed at Pleasant Hill, La., April 9, 1864. 
William Walbert,dled at N.-» Orleans, La . April ",1864. 
Benjamin Zellner, must in Dec. 15, 1- 

Ninetysecond Regiment Ninth Cavalry — 
This, which was at first known as the Lochiel Cav- 



alry, had a portion of one c ipany (A | from Lehigh 

County. It was organized on the 2'.itli of Vugust, 

1861, ami its place of rendezvous was < 'ami' * ' 

near Harrisburg. On the 20th of Novi mbt r, 1861, 
it moved to Louisville, via Pittsburgh, went into camp 
at JTeffersonville, Ind., opposite Louisville, and en- 
gaged in drill. It went to the front in January, 1862, 
and in February, on the advance of Gens. Buell and 
Mitchell against <ien. A. S. Johnson, at Bowling 
Green, it was, at the request oi the i itizens, ordered 
to remain for the protection of the State, and the bat- 
talions were posted at different localities. In March 
the regiment was ordered into Tennessee, ami in May 
the third battalion met a force ot Morgan - cavalry at 
Lebanon, where that daring leader was defeated. 
Soon afterward the third battalion captured Mor- 
gan's rear-guard, and pursued his force to the Cum- 
berland Mountains at Sparta. The same battalion 
was again warmly engaged al Moore's Mill on the 6th 
of June, and at Tompkinsville, Ky., on the 9th of 
July, with Morgan's force again. 

The battalions were united in Kentucky early in 
August, and the regiment was engaged in protecting 
the State against the raids of Morgan's bands. It 
covered the retreat of Gen. Nelson to Louisville, after 
tin- battle of Richmond, Ky., on the Moth of August, 
and in doing so had a sharp tight with the rebel cav- 
alry at Shelbyville. It was engaged at Perryville, 
where it fought bravely, and lost ten killed and 
twenty-seven wounded. 

It returned to Louisville, where it was remounted 
and newly equipped, and on the 22d of December 
went on an expedition through the Cumberland, 
Pine, and Clinch Mountains, where roads ami civil- 
ization were abandoned, and great hardships were 
endured. On the 1st of January, 1863, it reached 
the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, captured a 
force of the enemy, and burned the bridge over the 
Watauga. Twelve miles distant, on the Holston 
Kiver, another force of two hundred and fifty was 
captured and paroled, and a mile of trestle-work 
was destroyed. The command then recrossed the 
mountains by the route over which it came, and 
reached Nicholasville on the 13th of January. Soon 
afterward the regiment went to Louisville and was re- 
mounted, then went to Nashville, and. on the 8th ot' 
February, to Franklin, where it drove Forrest's cav- 
alry from the town. During eighteen day- the regi- 
ment confronted a vastly superior force of rebel eav- 
alry under Van Dorn. and when attacked defeated it. 

The nextdayafigl surred, which, though disas- 

trous to the Union arm-, was nobly borne by this 
regiment. In the Chickamauga campaign the regi- 
itn'ut was in action at the batth-s ,,f Rover, Middle- 
ton, and Shelbyville. at which latter it captured a 
battery and about a thousand prisoners. It was also 
in action at Cowan, Lafayette, and Chickamauga. 

In the winter and spring of lXiiH-ii-J it was in the 
battles of Dandritlge, New Market, Mossy Creek, and 



96 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Fair Garden. It then re-enlisted, had a furlough of 
thirty days, and returned, twelve hundred strong, in 
May. During the summer of 1864 the regiment op- 
erated against Morgan in his last raid into Kentucky, 
and on the 2d of September reached Chattanooga, 
crossed the mountains to McMionville, and on the 
6th attacked and defeated a brigade of Wheeler's 
command, taking about three hundred prisoners. 
The same day the regiment attacked and defeated a 
part of the force of the rebel general Williams. 

The regiment joined Gen. Sherman at Marietta, 
Ga., and on the 14th of November, 1864, started on 
the march to the sea. During this march it was 
in action at Lovejoy's Station, Macon, Bear Creek, 
Waynesboro', Buckhead Creek, Buckhead Church, 
and Waynesboro' again. 

After reaching Savannah the regiment delayed a 
month, then went forward, and was in action on the 
Charleston and Augusta Railroad, at Aiken, Lexing- 
ton, Black Stakes Station, Averysboro', N. C, Ben- 
tonville, near Raleigh, Hillsboro' Road, and Morris- 
ville. 

This regiment had the honor of firing the last gun 
at the enemy before the surrender of Gen. Johnson, 
and of receiving the flag of truce sent by that gen- 
eral, with a letter asking for terms of surrender. 
After this surrender the command went to Lexington, 
where it remained till the 18th of July, when it was 
mustered out of the service. 

The following is a list of Lehigh County soldiers 
in the Ninety-second Regiment: 

NINETY-SECOND REGIMENT (NINTH CAVALRY), Three 
Years. 
Company A. 
Samuel H. Schneck, 1st sergt., must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; pro. from corp. 

May 20, 1865 ; must, out with company July IS, 1865. 
James B. Hammersley, sergt., must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; pro. from private 

Jan. 1, 1864; com. 2d lieut. March 16, I860; must, out with com- 
pany July 18, 1865. 
Tilghman Miller, hugler, must, in Oct. 3,1861 ; killed at Louisville, Ky., 

.Inly 20,1864. 
Charles Dickson, farrier, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; must, out with company 

July 18, 1865. 

PrivateB. 
Daniel F. Becktell, must, in Oct. 31,1861 ; must, out with company July 

18, 1865. 
Augustus Ebert, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; pro. to hospital steward Jan. 1, 

1865. 
I'll is T. Hammersley, must, in Oct. 31, 1861 ; wouuded at Carter's Station 

Dec. 30, 1862, and at Watauga River, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1863 ; must, out 

with company July 18, 1865. 
Oscar T. Hoffman, must, in May 23, 1864 ; must, out with company July 

18, 1865. 
Henry n. Mertz, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; must, out with company July 

18, 1865. 
Victor Matauer, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; must, out with company July 18, 

1865. 
John Masenheimer, must, in June 20, 1864; disch. by General Order July 

18, 1865. 
Richard N. Saeger, must, in Oct, 3, 1861 ; must, out with company July 

18, 1865. 
Edward G. Yeager, must, in Sept. 30, 1864 ; disch. by Geueral Order May 

29,1865. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regi- 
ment (Nine Months' Service). — -This regiment, of 



which Companies D and G were recruited in Lehigh 
County, was raised in response to the proclamation of 
the Governor, issued July 21, 1862, calling for troops 
to serve nine months. The several companies rendez- 
voused at Harrisburg, and were mustered into service 
from the 13th to the loth of August. A Lehigh 
County man, W. W. Hammersley, was chosen lieuten- 
ant-colonel. On the 16th of August the regiment was 
ordered to Washington. Soon alter its arrival there 
it crossed the Potomac, and encamped for a week on 
Arlington Heights. On the 21st it moved to Fairfax 
Seminary, and on the 29th to Fort Woodbury, where 
for a week, during which the fierce fighting at Bull 
Run and Chantilly occurred, it was incessantly en- 
gaged in felling timber aud erecting fortifications. 
In the mean time Capt. Samuel Croasdale, of Bucks 
County, had been appointed colonel, and the staff 
selected. On the 6th of September the regiment, in 
light marching order, recrossed the Potomac, and 
entered on the Maryland campaign. At Frederick 
City, where it arrived on the 14th, it was assigned to 
Crawford's brigade of Williams' division, Mansfield's 
(formerly Banks') corps. The first engagement in 
which the regiment participated was at Antietam 
Creek, on the 17th of September, where it made 
a most gallant charge. Colonel Croasdale was 
instantly killed, and Lieut.-Col. Hammersley was 
severely wounded. The regiment received a most 
severe fire, thirty-four being killed and eighty-five 
wounded, of whom six subsequently died. After the 
battle the regiment was alternately encamped at 
Sandy Hook and on Maryland Heights, at the latter 
place being employed in constructing fortifications. 
On the 10th of December the Twelfth Corps, which 
had been left to hold the Upper Potomac when the 
rest of the army advanced to Warrenton, was or- 
dered to move rapidly to Fredericksburg, Burnside 
being on the point of attacking the enemy at that 
point. On the 16th the regiment arrived at the 
Neabsco River, where it was halted, and on the fol- 
lowing day turned back to Fairfax Station, the strug- 
gle at Fredericksburg being over. On the 19th of 
January, 1863, it proceeded to Stafford Court-House, 
upon the occasion of Buruside's second abortive cam- 
paign. It was here placed in winter quarters, and 
was employed on guard and picket duty until the 
opening of the spring campaign under Hooker. 
While here Lieut.-Col. Hammersley, being perma- 
nently disabled by the wounds received at Antietam, 
resigned, and Capt. L. Heber Smith was commis- 
sioned to succeed him. On the 1st of May, the corps 
having reached Chancellorsville, the brigade was or- 
dered to intrench on the plank-road leading through 
the Wilderness. Later in the day the regiment was 
moved out to the United States Ford to open the way 
over the Rappahannock, but returned in the evening 
to the intrenchments. During the night it was or- 
dered out upon the front, where it remained until the 
morning, aud during the day participated in the 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



97 



fighting upon the left centre. At evening the enemy 

succeeded in breaking the right wing and coming in 
upon the Bank occupied by the Union works. The 
night was very dark, and in retiring to its original 
line the regiment found itself in the clutch of the foe, 
Many of the officers of the Btaffand two hundred and 
twenty -five non-commissioned officers and men wire 
taken prisoners. The balance of the regiment, under 
command of Gapt. Kennedy, -succeeded in reaching 
its position in the line, which it held with tenacity, 
the battle raging around them with the utmost fury. 
The brigade having suffered severely during the pre- 
eeeding two days, was, on the afternoon of the 3d, 
ordered to the rear as guard to prisoners, hut in a few 
hours was again summon e<l tn the front. At the close 
of the battle the regiment, reduced to one hundred 
and seventy-two men, returned to Stafford Court- 
House. On the 12th of May, the term of service 
having expired, it was relieved from duty and pro- 
ceeded to Harrisburg, where, on the 19th, it was mus- 
tered out. The officers and men who were taken 
prisoners were held but a short time, returning in 
time to be mustered out with the rest of the com- 
mand. 

Following is the roster of Lehigh men in this 
regiment: 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGTMKNT (Nine 

months). 

Field and Staff. 

\\ ". W Hammersley, Heut.-col., must, iuto service Aug. 14, 1S62 ; pro. from 

capt., Co. G, Aug. 25, 1862; wounded at Antietam, Bid., Sept. 17, 

1862 ; disch. on aurg. certif. Jan. 31, 1863. 

Company D. 
Mustered iuto service Aug. 13, 1862; mustered out May 10, 1863, unless 

where otherwise mentioned. 
John P. Dilllnger, capt., must, in Sept. 2, 1862. 
Walter H. Seip, 1st lieuL, must, in Sept. -i, 1862. 
William H. Miller, 2d lient., must, in Sept 4, 1862. 
Benjamin C. Roth, 1st sergt. Franklin 0, Wasser, sergt. 

George Diefenderfer, sergt., missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., 
May 2, 1863. 

Stephen Swartz, sergt. 

Frederick A. Ruhl, sergt., missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., 

M.i\ i, 1863. 
William G. Stayer, corp. 
George F. Hawke, corp. 
Tilghman F. Horn, corp. 

William Sowden, corp., wounded a-t Antietam, Bid., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Abraham VTortnan, corp., missing In action at Chancellorsville, Va., 

May _\ 1863. 
Alonzo Kuni/., corp., missing in action at ChancellorsTille, \ a . Maj 2, 

1863. 

James Albright. 

Frederick A. Boas. 

Henry A. Berger. 

Henry Burger. 

Mahlun H. Beary, wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17. 1862 

Allen Blank, wounded at Antietam, Ml., Sept. 17, 

Edward Blow, disch. March 19, 1863, for wounds received at A 

Bid . Sept. 17, 1862. 
Sylvester Burgen, died near Stafford Court-House. Va,, March 2, 1863. 
Franklin Blosa, killed at Antietam, aid., Sept. 17, 1862. 
I Dallas Dillinger. 
Aaron Frederick, wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 181 
Edwin W. Fried. Solomon S. Frederick. 

Daniel Fried. 



[gnatz Gresser, corp. 

1 1 >\«<<rth, corp. 



Hemy A. Breinig. 
James A. Bieher. 
Franklin Bower. 



Lewis Frankenfleld, died at Washington, l> • , March 22, 1863. 

Victor Faringor. John George. 

William i Richard Grauff. 

William Graver. Andrew 

Henry B. <: n n Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, I 

Stephi d A Henry, Moses L. Klotz 

Peter Hill-pass. Bineharl Ceiffer. 

James S. Hoffert. Nathan ECelser. 

Phaon liar [man. Harrison B n i 

Philip Helweld. Em tnuel Knauss. 

J. H. B. Jarrett. William Kern. 

James A. Jackson. 

George Keck, billed at Antietam, Bid., >• pt, 17, 1862. 

James Lute J. B. Lichtenwallner. 

William i>. Miller. 

David II. Maddern, wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1662 ; m 
in actiou at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 18&*. 

John N'agle. H Xiinn. maker. 

Henry Nagle, missing In action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 18G3. 

Charles Nagle. Henry Pfeiffer. 

Tilghman Peter, missing in action at Chanrellors\ ill--, Va., May 2, 1863. 
j Peter I: Henry K. Reles. 

Jacob Richard. Jacoh H. S;ieger. 

Charles Snyder, wounded at Antiet im, Mi. Sept. 17, 1862. 

John E. Shaffer. Daniel Schli i l< I 

j Jeremiah Siegfried. Clark Sutton. 

re Siegfried, disch. on snrg. certif. Dec 22, 1862, 



Jeremiah Tranaue. 

William W, Weaver. 

Henry Wleand, 
James Wetaell. 

William Wagner. 



Henry G, \\ 
Frederick Weaver. 
Joseph Yingling. 
John Young. 



I fOMPANI G. 

Mustered in Aug L2, 1862; mustered out Maj L0 L863, unless where 
otherwise mentioned. 

w. W. Hammersley, capt, must. in. Aug. 14. 1802; pro. to lieut. -col. 
Aug. 26, 1862. 

Peter C. Huber, capt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. from 1st lieut. Sept. 
2, 1862 ; captured at Chancellorsville, Va,, Maj _', I 

Daniel C.Miller, 1st lieut., must in from 2d lieut. 

Sept. 2, 1862. 

George W. Hamilton, 2d lieut, pro. from 1st sergt. Aug. 18, 1862. 

James A. Lucas, 1st sergt., pro. from corp. Aug. IS, 1862 ; missing in ac- 
tion at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

William H. Schlosser, sergt., pro. from corp. Sept. 18, 1862. 

Benjamin F. Leech, sergt , pro. from corp. 

Solomon H. Kramer, sergt., pro. from corp., Aug. 18, 1862. 

Preston Brock, sergt. 

Henry Waller, sergt., killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Charles A. Pfeiffer, Bel 

David Hollenbach, corp., pro. Dec, i, I v 'i- ; missing in action at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va., May _', 1863. 

Reuben 1>. George, pro. to corp. Feb. 7,181 

Lewis Fiuk, corp. 

John W. Si ul I. pro. to corp, D missing in action at Chancel- 

lorsville, Va . May j, 1863. 
Samuel Smith, pro. to corp. Sept. 19, 1862. 
James It. Roney, pro. to c 'rp. Sept 19, 1862. 
Tilghman J. Keck, corp. 
Milton II Dnnlap, corp. 

Willoughby Knauss, Corp., died at Philadelphia Nov. 18, 1862. 
Wellington Martin, musician, must. In Aug. 14, 1882. 

Privates. 
Eli Andreas, missing m action at rhancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Robert Attreed. Abraham Bechtel. 

George S. Berger, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 

1863. 
Reuben Bittner, missing En action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Henry W. Bate. 
Thomas J. Bi i Hilton W. Beaver. 

feenmeyer, disch, on surg. certif Feb. 9, 1863. 
Jose] hi -t P- v . date unknown. 

Ira Coffin, musing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Henry Creitz. 
Lew i" Danbert, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 



98 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



A 11mm t l»i>r« Hid, iiiif-in._' in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

i'Ii. nil- Dii'fi'TnieitiT. Daniel .!. I'llling.-i. 

Hugh Davis, disch. on Burg certlf. .Ian. 31, I v >' '■. 

<\ Fenstei machei . 

James Eli, missing in action at (hancellorsvilk-, \ a , Maj '_', 1862. 

William Fry, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1862. 

Edwin Fretzinger, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 

Aii.Ipu [ 'lata, died at Washington, D. «'., Nov. 8,1862; buried in Mili- 
tary Asylum Cemetery. 

Dai id i lackenbach, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Thomas F.Good, missing In action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2,1863. 

Aaron Qmm, missing in action at Clianeellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

William II. Good. William A. Goranflo. 

L. W. 0. Goranflo, died at Maryland Heights, Md., Nov. 14,1862. 

William Haas. 

Maudes Henry, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Henry Huber. 

Tilghman Jacoby, died near Staflford Court-House, Va., Feb. 20, 1863. 

William Kenner. Jeremiah Kern. 

Gabriel Kern. 

Alfred Klotz, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

James Krnm, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

James Kunkel, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Theodore Knauss. 

Franklin J. Keck, disch.. on surg. certif. Feb. 14, 1863. 

John Lentz, miBSing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Jacob Long, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. V 

Henry Lucenhill, killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Daniel F. Mertz, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. V 

Daniel Moyer, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Howard C. Manvill. David Miller. 

Henry Merkel. William H. Miller. 

Franklin Moyer. 

Meno Miller, died at Baltimore, Md., October 3d, of wounds received at 
Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

William Merlz, died at Allentown, Pa., May 13, 1863. 

Samuel B. Parker. Emanuel Paules. 

David 0. Pricharde, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 
1863. 

Paul Rehrig, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

William H. Keilz, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 
1863. 

Jonathan W. Reber. Levi F. Reidy. 

Henry G. Richard. Thomas J. Raynes. 

William J. Richard. 

Franklin S. Ritter, killed at Antietam, Md , Sept. 17, 1862. 

Griffith Schindler. Henry Shenton. 

William Schnerr. Benjamin F. Smith. 

William G. Smith, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 
1863. 

Henry Stout, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Henry H. Snyder. Jeremiah Sourwein. 

Reuben Sorhen. Daniel Strauss. 

John Watt, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

John P. Weaver. 

Hiram Wilt, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Henry W. Wint, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Daniel Weiss, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Thomas Zellner. 

One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment 
(Nine Months' Service, Dratted Militia).— Of this 
regiment, seven companies were from Lehigh County 
and the remaining three from Mouroe. They rendez- 
voused at Philadelphia in November, 1862, and a 
regimental organization was effected, with the follow- 
ing field-officers: Ambrose A. Lechler, colonel ; George 
Pilkington, lieutenant-colonel; William Schoonover, 
major. Soon after its organization the regiment was 
sent to Suffolk, Va., where for a month it was sub- 
jected to careful instruction and discipline. The 



regiment was selected to accompany Gen. Foster in 
his expedition for the reinforcement of the army 
operating upon the defenses of Charleston. Proceed- 
ing to Newberne, N. C, it was incorporated with 
Foster's forces, and on the 27th of January, 1863, set 
Bail, arriving at Hilton Head on the 5th of February. 
While in the Department of the South the regiment 
was not engaged in any hostile operations, but was 
principally employed in fatigue duty upon the fortifi- 
cations and in provost duty. Soon after the expira- 
tion of its term of duty it returned North, and was 
sent to Philadelphia, where, on the 17th and 18th of 
August, it was mustered out of service. 

Following are rosters of the Lehigh companies of 
this regiment: 

Company A. 
Mustered in Nov. 7, 1862, and mustered out Aug. 17, 1S63, except when 

specially mentioned. 
Levi Smoyer, captain. 

Monroe H. Miller, 1st lieut, com. qr.-mr. May 4, 1863; not mustered. 
Alexander Singmaster, 2d lieut., discb. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
Levi Giering, 2d lieut., com 1st lieut. May 1, 1863; not mustered. 
J. Franklin Mertz, 1st sergt., pro. from sergt. Dec. 8, 1362 ; com. 2d lieut. 

May 4, 1S63; not mustered. 
William F. Seip, sergt., pro. from private Dec. 8, 1862. 
Jacob Geary, sergt., pro. from private Dec. 8, 1862. 
Lewis H. Reinhard, sergt. 

Amatias W. Jacoby, sergt., pro. from corp. Nov. 25, 1862. 
Jonas F. Gorr, sergt., discb. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
James G. Gorr, sergt., disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
Charles H. Hiskey, Corp., pro. to corp. March 10, 1S63. 
Edward Doll, corp., pro. to corp. March 10, 1863. 
Franklin D. Smoyer, corp. 

Jacob Hinkle, Corp., pro. to corp. Dec. 12, 1862. 
Edwin Lorrish, corp. 

Simon S. Miller, Corp., pro. to corp. Dec. 12, 1862. 
William H. II. Jarrett, corp., pro. to corp. Nov. 26, 1862. 
Henry Smoyer, corp , disch. by Special Order Nov. 25,1862. 
John Fries, Jr., corp. 

John Bleiler, musician, disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
John Sizelove, musician. 

Privates, 
Jacob Acker. William Albitz. 

Reuben Abner, disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
David Bexter. John Bernhart. 

Benjamin Boyer. Nathan Bortz. 

Heney Bleiller, disch. by Special Order Nov. 27, 1862. 
Frank Christman. Sylvester Engleman. 

David Derr. John Fritz. 

William David. Joshua Fritz. 

William Dietz. David Frederick. 

John H. Eiseuhard. C. W. Fenstermacher. 

Lewis Eisenhord. Daniel Faust. 

Augustus Fegley, died at Beaufort, S. C, June 4, 1863. 
William M. Flexor, died at Beaufort, S. C, June 7, 18G3. 
Stephen Fegley. William Gutli. 

Augustus Frederick. Linueus Gripley. 

William Gorr, disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
William Gorman. 

Edward Hallacher, disch. by Special Order Nov. 26, 1862. 
Jacob Horace, disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
William II. Hirkey, died at Beaufort, S. C, March 30, 1863. 
John P. Haas. Michael Kuter. 

James Haines. Amaudesi Knerr. 

John Haines. Milton Laudenslager. 

John H. Hoffner. L. F. Laudenslager. 

Casolas Haas. John Mayberry. 

Alfred Haas, Johu Mest. 

John Keck. Jacob Moyer. 

William Kt-hni. * William Miller. 

Amandes Kammerer. 



LEHIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE KKUELUoN. 



99 



John Moogold, dlscb. by sp«-< inl Order Nov. 29, L862. 
Jacob .' Miller, disch. bj Special Order Nov. 26, 1862 
James Miller. Jo lab Bockel. 

Charles n Nuso John Ruhf. 

James Newmoyer. Nathan BJckerd. 

BCo« N el ford, Charles Etemsen. 

Bonneville Oswald. Henry Smith, 

Jacob K. Bitter. Peter Bhffferd. • 

James Blckard. Petei Shell. 

William Raw, Charles Sifielsley. 

John F. Romig. Jacob Sorber 

Amandus Stephens, dtsch, by Special Order Nov, 26, 1862. 
Alfred Sunk, disch. by Special Order Nov. 26, 1862. 
Tilghman Schwartz, died at Beaufort, S, 0., May it, 1863. 
Henry Shaffer, Tilgbman Wetzel. 

David Steward. 

Stephen Wieder, disch. by Spe, i;tl Order Nov. 2"i, l>-tl2. 
William Wieder, disch. on surg. certif, March 20, 1S63. 
James Wile. 

Company B. 
Blustered in Nov. 7, 1862; mustered out Aug. is, 1863, except whore 

otherwise mentioned. 
Samuel 1>. Lehr, capt. 
Daniel B causa, let lieut. 
John L. Cnlbertaon, 2d lieut 
William Kei r,lst sergt., pro. from corp. Nov. j.5, 1862. 

Franklin C. Hitlliet, sergt. 

Jacob It. W esley, Bergt., pro. from corp. May 6, 1863. 

B. Frank Abbott, pro. to corp. Dec. 24, 1862; to eergt. Feb. 28, 1863. 

Solomon B. Bitter, sergt., pro. from Corp. ]>ec. S, lSf-2. 

Aquilla Knauss, sergt., disch. by Special Order Nov. 24, 1862. 

Aaron Beisel, sergt., died at Beaufort, S. 0., May 5, 1863. 

John A. Long, sergt. 

Tilghman Beisel, pro. to corp. Nov. 20, 1862, 

John Fah ringer, pro. to corp. May G, lSf.U. 

Allen J. Troxell, pro. to corp. June 2, 1S63. 

John Lehman, pro. to corp. Dec. 8, 1862. 

Uriah B. Sanders, pro. to corp. March 1, 1863. 

Milton J. Guth, pro. to corp. March 1, 1863. 

Edward Steyer, pro. to corp. June 10, 1863. 

Samuel Roth, corp. 

Alfred T. Bemhard, corp., disi-h. on surg. certif. June 2, 1863. 

Mos-'s L. Shuadt, Corp., disch. on surg. certif. Dec. 24, 1862. 

William Shaffer, pro. to musician Dec. 15, 1862. 

Privates. 
William H. H. Acker. Nathan Adam. 

Edward Bauer, must, in Dec. 31, 1862. 
John Beidler. Charles Beltz. 

Ferdinand Buclimau. Jacob Bast. 

Solomon Blank, died at St. Helena Islam!, S. C, Feb. 19, 1863. 
Bonneville Burt. 
William Cope, must, in Dec. 31, 1862; disch. on surg. certif. June 2, 

1863. 
John Deily. 

J. dm David, disch. on surg. certif. June 2, 1863. 
Edward V. Bngleman, disch. by Special Order Nov. 24, 1862. 
Alviu Fink. Aaron Fah ringer. 

Charlea Prick. Charles Frantz. 

Daniel F. Fink. 

Daniel Ferrer, died at Beaufort, S. C, March 18, 1863. 
William Fry. Lewis Uaumer. 

Pharon H. Guth. Alfred Guth. 

David D.Gilbert. Daniel George. 

Joseph Gackenbach, disch. by Special Order Nov. 22, 1862. 
Charles Hensinger. William Herman. 

Blichael Houser. Henry W. Jarrett 

Thomas Hoffman. 

Josiiih K. Knerr, pro. to chaplain March 1, 1863. 
Samuel J. Kramer. 

Franklin Kline, must, iu Dec. 12, 1862. 
Tilghman Keiuert. William Kratzer. 

John Kuhns. 

Alexander Kepple, Jr., must, in Dec. 12, 1862. 
James S. Kuder. 
James Kline, disch. by Special Order Nov. 22, 1862. 



James 0. Knauss, disch, by Spe< ial Ordei Noi 20, 

i taniel Kei cfa tier, disch. bj Spei Ial Ordt i 

Andrew Keel msurg. certif. Nov, 14,1 

ECdwln Koch, died at Hampton, Va., Feb. 22 

James KIchllne. Henry M. Lehr. 

i lhai lea K Echllne. Ellas I . ■ ■ 

Solomon Long, disch. by Special Ordei Noi I \ I -■ ! 

Levi Levan. Solomon Miller. 

Andrew Lough ridgi itban U athard. 

\ i h .in Moyer. w illiam J. Minnlch. 

adaui Miller. Franklin Miller. 

Abraham Miller, disch, by Special Order Nov. 22, I I 

Joseph Moyer, died at Hilton Head.S.O., July 19,1 

John Moyer. Fi ederick Oswald. 

M. K. Nunnemacher. Daniel S. Pan 

\, Nunnemacher, Joseph N. Kuch. 

Daniel Roth, disch. on Burg, certif. May 1 1 . I 

Edwin J. Sell. Joel Stelner. 

Evan Strauss. 

Lewis II. Sell, must, in Dec. 12, 1862. 

Lev< Is II Schaller. 

Jeremiah Speigle, disch. by Special Order Nov. 24, 1862. 

Esekias Wisser, disch. by Special Order Nov. 22,1862. 

Charles Smith, must, in Dec, U, 1862; disch. on surg. certif. June 2, 

1863. 
Henry Shular, died at Suffolk, Va., Dec. 18, 1862. 
Madison Strauss. 

Henry Smith, must, in Dec. 12, 1862. 
Daniel Taylor, must, in Dec. 12, 1862. 
Peter Weaver, must, in Dec. 12, 1862. 
James A. Yeager. 

Company D. 
Mustered iu Nov. 8, 1862; mustered out Aug. 18, 1863, unless where 

otherwise mentioned. 
David Schaadt, capt. 

Samuel A. Brown, 1st lieut., resigned May 2, 1863. 
Josiah Kern, 2d lieut., cum. 1st lieut. May 1, 1863. 
John Morgan, 1st sergt., pro. to corp. Dec. 3, 1862; to 1st sergt. May 1, 

1863. 
Jesse Wambold, sergt. Silas T. Biery, sergt. 

Reuben Helfiich, sergt., pro. from corp. Nov. 10, 1862. 
Joseph Koch, sergt. 

Josiah Saeger, pro. to corp. Nov. 10, 1862. 
Jacob Herling, pro. to corp. Jan. 1, 1863. 
Lewis Miller, pro. to Corp. March 15, 1863. 
John Lindenmuth, pro. to corp. March 1, 1863. 
Joseph Miller, pro. to corp. Feb. 10, 1863. 

William J. Krantz, pro. to corp. May 1, 1SR3. 

Frank B. Gordon, pro. to corp. May 23, 1863. 

M. TM 3 M. Lorash, corporal. 

Alexander B. Brown, Corp., died at Beaufort, S. C, May 22, 1863. 

Isaac George, musician. 

/'/ iintes. 
James A. Bates. Lewis R. Brown. 

Edwin Blehl. Samuel Clader. 

Peter Bowman. Francis Carter. 

Andrew Buder, Phaon Diebl. 

M. Druckenmtller, disch. on Burg, certif. June 13, 1863. 
Jvhwn Diehl, disch. by Special nnler Nov. 23, 1862. 
Ci'orgn Kisi-nhard. James Frietz. 

Christian Flarkie. James Fucherty. 

Anthony Fogel. 

Charles Gross, disch. on surg. certif. March 23, 1863. 
William Hauser, absent, sick, at muster out, 
Moses Hauser. William Harmony. 

Henry Qausman. 

John Herman, absent, sick, at muster out. 
Charles H. Holy. Philip Horn. 

Kvan Holben. William Hunt. 

Lewis Hopper. 

Nathan Hauser, disch. by Special Order Nov. 23, 1862. 
Stephen KechHne, absent, sick, at muster out. 

Renadus Kleckner, Jacob Kromer. 

Louis 0. Kratzer. 

Charles L. Koch, com. capt. May 1, 1863; not mustered. 



c 



100 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



JmIin Eiffel. II. -mi v In i 

Jacob Koppel. John Liuk. 

Isaac Laub, 

David Lauchner, diecb by Special Order No\ 

George Loeb. Charles 'O Miller, 

John Martin. Abraham Miller. 

William Merkley. Peter Miller. 

Alfred Miller Nathaniel Moll. 

Gideon Moyer, diech. by Special Order Nov. 28, 1862. 
Isaac R. Moyer, disch. on Burg, certif. March 7. 1868. 
aingle. Pati ick Nugent. 

Adam Miller. Edmnnd Newhard, 

Robart Newhard. Henry Oisander. 

Samuel OUlt, disch. dm surg. certif. June 13, 186 :. 

Herman Peter. Solomon J. Rawe. 

Wllloughby Peter. Jacob Roth. 

Joseph Protzellen. Allen Roth. 

Amandus Reinert. Fredrick Schenner. 

Henry Schaffer. Matthew .s. hwerer. 

-. tieirer. Israel Schmoyer. 

Thomas Scheirer. Moses Semmel. 
Franklin B. Snyder, com. 2d lient. May 1, 1863; not mustered. 

Philip Siegel. Tilghman Smith. 

William Smith. Philip Storm. 
Reuben Snyder. 

Milton W. Snyder, died at Beaufort, S. C, May 27, 1863. 

Frederick Scherer. Edwin Trivily. 

Adam Trickert, disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862. 

Aaron Wenner. William Wilson. 

William Wright. Joseph Younkert. 

Company E. 
Mustered in Nov. 11,1862; mustered out An:;. IS, 1863, unless where 

otherwise mentioned. 
Tilghman Schleiker, rapt., died at Beaufort, S. C, July 9, 1863. 
Peter Graybill, 1st lieut. 
Henry II. Wierbach, 2d lieut. 

Larus Koch, 1st sergt., pro. from corp. Feb. 16, 1863, 
John Hohe, 1st sergt., died at Fortress Monroe, Va., Feb. 16, ISG'i. 
Charles Hohe, sergt. John Albright, sergt. 

Henry Schleiker, sergt. 

Charles Rockel, sergt., pro. from private Nov. 18, 1862. 
Samuel Furry, sergt., disch, M Special *>nb-r, date uukuown. 
Joel W. Roth, corp. Lucus Baumer, corp. 

William Ziegler, corp. Charles H. Ziegonfuss, corp. 

William Hohe, corp. 

Henry Billiard, pro. to corp. Nov. 18,1862. 
Christian Neuchler, corp. 
John W. Albright, corp., disch. by Special Order, date unknown. 



Frederick Binder. 
Alfred Butz. 
Charles Breisher. 
Hiram Burger. 
James Carroll, 
Henry Chron. 
John Derr. 
Edward Dallas. 
Francis Dimmel. 



Privates. 

John Berglaud. 
John Boyd. 
\\ illiam Brown. 
James Crader, 
David Ehrig. 
Henry Ehe. 
Nathan Kbert, 
William Khert. 
Stephen Ebert. 



Willonghby Egner, died at Hilton Head, S. C, March 1, 1803. 
J. Fenstermacher. Franklin Finey. 

Franklin Frit/inger. Edwin Gernert. 

Samuel S. Faust. Edward Garlich. 

Charles Furgeson. Alfred George. 

William 0. Hartman, died at Bilton Head, 8 C, Aug. 10, L863 
John Ho wer, dlsch. by Special Order, date unknown. 

rge M. Hoffman. Adam Klauss. 

John Hartman. John A. Knorr, 

I,, .1, Hopper. George D. King. 

James Johnson. Edward Klause, 

Levi Kiierr. 

[§aac Kloughertz, absent, sa-k, at niustoi out. 
Samuel Kern, disch. by Special order, date unknown. 
Reuben D. hong. Frederick Martin. 

Paul Michael. David M .■■ I 

Joseph W. Mohry. Samuel Mack. 



Eplnaim Moyer, disch. by Special Order, date unknown. 
Frederick Miller. George M. Pilgard. 

Washington Miller. Moses Ran. 

John MiFarland. I-ra.-l Rumfeldt. 

John 0. Newcomer. Willonghby Rickert. 

I'd ward Bell hard, disch. by Special Order, date unknown. 

Martin Seibert. William Shields. 

Joseph Somsreither. John Btleb. 

Jesse Shoemaker. Daniel Shoemaker. 

I Tilghman Scholl. Michael Stum-hack. 

I John Schlcil'er. Joseph Unkle. 

I Gideon Suable. Tilghinau Weil. 

Henry Sell. William 11. \\ innm-r. 

Reuben Sell. Thomas Widrig. 

Jonas Shaffer. Absalom Wierbach. 

Samuel Smith. Charles W. Weiss, 

Henry Weichter, disch. by Special Order, date unknown. 

Benjamin Wagner, disch. on surg. certif. June 2, 1863. 

William D. Weaver, Tilghman Young. 

Henry Young, 

COMPANT G. 

Mustered in Nov. 7, 1862; mustered out Aug. IS, 18G"J, unless where 
otherwise mentioned. 
Lewis P. Hecker, capt. 
Joseph P. Cornett, 1st lieut. 
William F. Hecker, 2d lieut. 
William G. Freyman, 1st sergt.' 
Levi Oberholtzer, sergt., must, in Nov. 12, 1*62 ; pro. from corp. Dec. 6, 

L862. 
William H. Kuntz, sergt. 
Edwin F. Osenhach, sergt., must, in Nov. 12,1862; pro. from private 

Nov. 20, 1862. 
Gideon Lent/,, sergt., pro. from private Nov. 30, 1S62. 
John R. Reichard, sergt., disch. by Special Order Nov. 20, 1SG2. 
Benneville Roth, sergt., disch. by Special Order Nov. 18, 1862. 
Lewis D. Sh'Ckel, sergt., pro. to qr.-mr. sergt. Dec. 6, 1862. 
W. F. Newhard, corp. Benneville Stehley, corp. 

Michael Klein, pro. to corp. Nov. 20, 1862. 
Jeremiah Oswald, corp. 

William Fisher, must, in Nov. 12, 1882 ; pro. to corp. Dec. 6, 1862. 
Jeremiah M. Deibert, must, in Nov. 12, 1882 , pro. to corp. Nov. 20,1862. 
John W. George, must, iu Nov. 12, 1862, pro. to corp. Dec. 10, 1862. 
Adam Everett, corp. 

John Handwerk, Corp., disch. by Special Order Nov. 20, 1862. 
Benjamin Rockel, Corp., disch. by Special Order Nov. 20, 1862. 

Privates. 

David Buchman. Joseph Bersheig. 

Peter Baer, disch. hy Special Order Nov. 20, 1862. 

Peter Benner, disch. by Special Order Nov. 20, 1862. 

William Best. 

Charles E. Clader, must, in Nov. 12,1862. 

John Deibert. Lewis Deibert. 

Solomon Deibert, disch. hy Special Order Nov. 12, 1862. 

Henry Dorwart, disch. by Special Order Nov. 18, 1862. 



J. din Fisher, 
Frederick Frahllc, 



Benneville Eiseuhait 
Charles Frantz. 

John Gensenleiter. 

Carl Halior, must, in Nov. 14, 1862. 

Nicholas Helm Daniel Reiser. 

Jeremiah Ker&hner. Henry Kern 

Levi E. Kistler. James Krause. 

Charles Kunsmau, must, in Nov. 12, iStjj. 

Peter KuntZ. 

Owen Kern, disch. by Special Order Nov. 18, 1862. 

Nathan Kennel, disch. on surg. certif. May N, 1862. 

Andrew Kratzer, died at Hilton Head, S. C, July 18, 1863. 

William Krause. Lewis Leh. 

Joseph T. Leibeuguth. William Measimer. 

Henry J. Miller. Jeremiah Miller. 

Reuben Miller. William Montz. 

Adam Minieh. Richmond Muthart. 

Reuben Mertz, disch. bj Special Order Nov, 18,1862. 

William Morgan, pro. to com. -sergt. Nov. 20, 1862. 
Stephen Newhard. MoBes Peter. 

W illiam Newhard. Levi Peter. 

Jonathan J. Paul, disch. by Special Order Nov. 18, 1862. 



I.KIIIGH COUNTY IN THE WAR OF TIIK REBELLION. 



101 



Tilghman Rebert. B 

Cyme Richelderfer. Ellas Both. 

Joseph Rickert. Oliver Roth, 

Edwin Bex, disch, by Special Ordei " 

Reuben Roth, died at Beaufort, S. 0., April 17, It 

Henry II. Rex. 

Wllloughby Schaffer, K< ■ 9enBinger. 

Elias Sclmeck. Harrison Simons. 

Hilary Schneck. Samuel Smith. 

Jeremiah Schni I Peter Snyder. 

I h neck. I ah Steckel. 

Charles Schneider. I man Stable] 

Henry W. Steil 

John Samuel, diech. by Special Ordei Not. 18 It 

Henry Smith. Matthias Winsch, 

John Witmer. 

Conrad C, Wolf, moat in Dec -i ■, i">-. died at Hilton Head, S. C, Aug, 

11, i 
Jonas Wright, al (i tnustrr out. 

Valentine Wright, absent, alck, at muster out. 
Willi. tin Wright, absent, sick, at muster out. 
Alfred V+-I j ] , absent, -ii-U. nt master out. 
Charles fehl, al sent,e ck,at master out. 
Samuel febl, absent, sick, at mustei ul 
Joseph Yclil. 
Lewis "Zeri'ass, disch. by Spei il '■ t L8, 181 

■ 1 wv I . 

Mustered in Nov. S, 1862; mustered out Aug. 18, 1863. unless where 

otherwise mentioned. 
Alvin F. Creitx, capt, disch. " 

Lewis Hermany, capt., pro from 1st lieut. V\ -, )m'»2. 
Win, G. Qrosscnp, 1-t lieut, pro. from 2d lieut Nov. 8, 1862. 
Allen Sander, 2d I lent., pro. from sergt. Dec. 6, 1SG2. 
Wm. II Cassler, i-t m private Not. 26, 1862. 

Amandus Hermany, 1-t m'I-i , disch. by Special Order Nov, 26, 1*02. 
Stephen Stiegerwalt, 1st Bergt., pi i. from i rirate N« ■■. 25, 1*62. 
Henry !'■ I 

Levi f. Stiegerwalt, Bergt., pro. from private Nov. 25, 1862. 
Daniel Moose, sergt,, pro from private Nov. 25, 
Manasses Behler, sergt., disch bj Special Order N< v. 25, 1862. 
David Horn, -"' ■■ i . 'il-. 'n i' 1 . S] ■ ■ ial Ordi i Ni v. 2-"', 1862. 
David Wei tmau, corp. 
Samuel Sechler, pr >. to corp. Iie< <■. 
Michael Bachert, pro. to corp. Feb. 14. I 
Samuel Arnold, pro. to corp Jan. I 

i »wen Grosscnp, pro. t i I 1 B, 1862. 

Lewis Scbultz, pro. to corp. I 
Reuben Dauber, pro. to corp. Dec. 6, 
Dennis Northstein, pro. to corp. J' 

Levin us Smith, corp. Special Ol der June 13, 1863. 

LeviS.1 ler, corp., disch. by Special OrderKov. 25, 1862. 

Th mi- Ever tr. corp , disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862, 
Reuben Hansicker, corp., disch. by Spw Eal Order v>v. ^.".,1862. 
Daniel Bachman, corp., died at Hilton Head, S. C, Feb. 1 1, I 
John Shappell, corp. I bai les Smith, corp. 

Jacob K. Hartman, corp. Ellas Berber, musician. 

Samuel Fullweiler, mi b bj Special Order Dec. 2"-. 186 

Privates. 
Bi lucher. \ athony i '"lemau. 

Daniel Billi<r. Daniel B. Creitz. 

Henry Billig. \\ II lough by Camp. 

Brobst. John I imp. 

C. Druckenmiller. 
Charles Deppe, diech. bj Special Order Jane 2, IS 

. disch. by S| >, 1862. 

Edward Evei ■ u, disch. bj S] 

Everett, df» h. by S| eclal Ordei v - 
.' i i- Grim, disch. by Special Order Nov. 26, 1862. 
Joseph Hauaman, disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, 1862, 
Henry Hartranft, disch. by Special Order J 
William Eckroth. William Freed. 

Levi Greeuawalt. I : Eland werk. 

Daniel Helntselman, died at Hilton Head, S C, July ■_■■.. l- I 
William ibiiiiinger. Edwin Hermany, 

Jefferson Kuukle. Bamuci Knecht. 



' 1863 
d Leh. 



l : njau 

Elian Z. I 

- I Mini Zettlemoyer. 



Owen K i 

Benjamin Kunkle, disch. b 

David Ki-tler. 

Edwin h 

Samuel Loch, died at Beaufort 9 - , \pr.l : I 

.i ii ib '-\ 

John Miller 1st), disch. bj Spet Ial Order Nov. 2 

John Miller (2d I 

Lew i- Miller. 

Robert McDa 

Daniel Ohlenwine, absent, sick, at muster out. 

i aai i tewalt. 

Oswalt, disch by Special* 

Phillips, disch. by Special Order Ni ■ 
B M Rauch, disch. by Special Order S . 1862. 

Solomon Biegel, disch. by Si ■ 
Thomas Boch, disch by Special Order Nov, 25, 1862. 

i. Phillips, died at Beaufort, S ' ".. May 7, I 
Adam Rupple. 

F. Reed, died at Hilton H id, S C, July 23, 1863. 

Schoedler. 
Han y Snyder, disch. by Special Order June J, 1863. 

1 ■ Smith, disch hj Spi i ial Order Nov. 25, 1862. 
Daniel Smith, disch. by Special Order Nov. 25, L862. 
Samuel Wa h by Special Ordei Nov. 25, 1862. 

.1 ib] i 3nyder, died ;.t Beaufort, S. C., Maj 28, L863. 
William Sicks. 

hwem. 
Henrj Sizelove. 
Charles Winderholder. 

Com pant K. 
Mustered in Nov. 7, 1SG2 ; mustered out An. -mless where 

otherwise mentioned. 

Samuel C. Lee, capt., d 

Neitz, capt., promoted from 2d lieut. Nov. 7, 1862. 
Charles H. Foster, 1st lieut. 

Philip W. Flores, 2d lieur., promoted from 1st sergt, Dec. 6, 
Edwin Seibert, 1st .sergt., promoted from private Dec. 7, 1862. 

Repp, Bergt 
George G. Rosenberg, sergt., promoted from corp. Dec. 7, 1862. 
William H. Wieand, sergt. 

Daniel Scbantz, sergt., disch. by Special Ordei Noven 
James F, Smith, sergt., disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 
I h irles Heil, sergt , died at Beaufort, S. C, May 11, 1863. 
i ie T. Tool, promoted to corp. T 

William M. Boeder, corp. John F. Fegely, corp. 

Willooghby Standt, promoted to corp. Dee. 7, 18C2. 
Thomas F. Hohr, promoted to corp. Dec. 7, I 
Henry Bower, promoted to corp. Dec. 7, 1862. 
George Knoll, promoted to corp. Dec. 7, 1862. 
Robert Grow man. promoted to corp. Dec 7, 1862. 
John Dice, corp., disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 
William Williams, corp. 

Private*. 
Martin Ackerman. Jonathan II. Bickel. 

William E, Benedict. John B 

Benjamin Bortz, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

Wllloughby Bauder. Bernhai 

Eberhard Bander. 

Elias Dihl, disch. by Special Ordei L862. 

Joslah Dony, disch. by t ■ mber, 1862. 

William Don v, disch. on surg, certif. Jane 2, l- 

t 
Wllloughby Dony. 1 ranklln Flores. 

Franklin Dieter. Jonas Fritz. 

William Ettinger. S moon Frit/.. 

David Fisher. 

J. Fegely, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 
Charles Furry, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 
Field John A. Griffeth. 

i Fry. hart. 

>rge. mbach. 

David < fei i 

William Heft, disch. bj Special Order November, lSr.2. 
Richard T. Jones, dutch, b] -; Ordei November, 1862. 

Baliman, disch. on surg. certif J 
William Heil. William Knoll. 



102 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



William Jonos. Joseph Koons. 

Isaac Klein. 

John Knoll, disch. by Sjn-ual Onln NovembiT, 1862. 

David rlrieboll, disch. by Sj ial Order November, 1862. 

JamesKidd. <■. Laudenscblager. 

John Lewis, disco by Special Order November, 186 ' 

S. Leibeosperger, died at Beaufort, 8 C, Ipril 12,1863. 

Honry Mobr. 

Jesse Mangold, disch. by Special Older November, 1862. 

Amos Miller, discli. by Special Order November, 1862. 

Seth Bllller, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

John T. Boberts, disch. by Special Order November, 1S62. 

Solomon MM!. Amandus Kick. 

Hicbael Ntiss. David Rudolph. 

Gottlieb Pflnger. William II. Scbiffert. 

Lewis Keinbold. William Sicher. 

S. Rothenberger. 

Francis SchiifTer, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

Charles Scbell, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

John D. Schell, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

Nathan Seibert, disch. by Special Order November, 1862, 

Jacob D. Stauffer, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

George T. Stein, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. , 

Jeremiah G. Steichter, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

Daniel Thomas, discli. by Special Order November, 1862. 

Franklin Weidner, disch. by Special Order November, 1862. 

Samuel Schaffer. John Trumbower. 

Levi Schuler. Edwin Weil. 

George Sclimoyer. William B. Williams. 

Charles H. Standt. John Wolf. 

Jeremiah Swartz. 



Two Hundred and Second Regiment (One Year's 
Service). — Company E of this regiment, which was 
raised in the tall of 1864, went from Lehigh County. 
Company A was recruited in Carbon County; B, in 
Juniata ; C, in Adams ; D, in Northumberland and 
Cumberland ; F, in Northampton ; G and H, in 
Cumberland; I, in Union; and K, in Huntington. 
They rendezvoused at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, 
where the regiment was organized September 3d, 
with the following field-officers : Charles Albright, 
of Carbon County, colonel ; John A. Maus, of Union 
County, lieutenant-colonel ; Walter H. Seip, of Le- 
high County, major. On the 10th the regiment pro- 
ceeded to Camp Couch, near Chambersburg, where it 
was subjected to thorough drill. On the 29th the 
regiment started for Alexandria, from which place it 
was sent by Gen. Slough, who commanded the post, 
to duty on the Manassas Gap Railroad, taking posi- 
tion along the road from Thoroughfare Gap to Rec- 
tortown. Gen. Sheridan had just previously opened 
his brilliant campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, 
and over this road the supplies for his army were 
transported. To keep it open was therefore of vital 
importance, and to break it up and hinder and destroy 
trains was a cherished purpose of the disloyal inhab- 
itants dwelling along the line, and of Moseby and his 
guerrillas, who claimed this as their favorite stamp- 
ing-ground. This duty was exceedingly arduous and 
harassing. If a soldier went outside the lines he was 
immediately set upon, and either murdered or sent 
away into captivity. Frequent collisions occurred, 
in Some of which the skirmishing was brisk, those at 
Sali in mi the 8th and 16th resulting in some loss. 
In both of these the enemy was driven and a num- 



ber of his men killed and wounded. On the 10th a 
party of the enemy succeeded in throwing a train of 

cars from the track while running at full speed, kill- 
ing four or five and wounding twenty. Not content 
with this, they poured repeated volleys upon the poor 
sufferers in the wreck. Upon hearing of this outrage. 
Col. Albright hastened to the scene of the disaster 
and immediately ordered that every building within 
the radius of one mile of the wreck should be burned. 
To secure trains against similar disaster in the future 
all the prominent rebels were made prisoners, and 
some of them made to accompany each train. This 
had the desired effect, and the trains were no more 
disturbed. In speaking of this part of the service 
Col. Albright says, "The soldiers would have pre- 
ferred being with the army at the front to doing this 
duty. Guarding railroads is always distasteful to 
soldiers, they being in constant danger and without 
any opportunity, scarcely, of winning honorable dis- 
tinction. But they appreciated the necessity of the 
work and cheerfully performed it." " Constant ac- 
tivity and vigilance," says another officer, " were 
required, for guerrilla bands, frequently disguised 
in our uniforus, constantly prowled about the coun- 
try, attacking detachments inferior to them in num- 
bers and, like the stealthy Indian of the Western 
frontier, creeping upon our sentries and assassinating 
them." When the triumphs of Sheridan in the val- 
ley were assured, and the enemy effectually routed, 
this railroad was abandoned, and the ties and rails 
were removed to Alexandria. In this laborious duty 
the regiment was engaged, and when completed it 
retired to Alexandria, where it was assigned to the 
duty of guarding a portion of the Orange and Alex- 
andria Railroad, extending from Bull Run to Alex- 
andria, with headquarters at Fairfax Station. In the 
vicinity of the station four large works were built, and 
the regiment was here kept busy in guarding the 
workmen and upon other duty. In a communication 
sent on the 1st of January, 1865, as a New-Year's 
greeting to the regiment by Gen. Gamble, in com- 
mand of the brigade, occurs the following acknowl- 
edgment of its good conduct and the soldierly quali- 
ties of its commander : " From my personal knowledge, 
and the report of the inspecting officer, I consider it 
my duty to return you my thanks for your energy 
and personal attention to the duties and interests of 
your command. You have a good regiment, and I 
am glad to know the right kind of a colonel is at the 
head of it." 

Toward the close of May, 1865, the regiment was 
ordered to Philadelphia, where it reported to Gen. 
Cadwalader, and was sent by him to the anthracite 
coal regions of the State. Headquarters of the regi- 
ment were established at Tamuqua, and the command 
was distributed in detachments to various points in 
that region. Col. Albright, who had been previously 
brevetted brigadier, was placed in command of the 
district. Toward the close of July the detachments 



LEnir.1I COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLIQN. 



103 



assembled in Harrisburg, and on the 3d of August the 
regiment was mustered out of service. 

TWO in NDBED Wh BE* OND BEG I MEN! qi reai wrvice). 

COMI'AN 1 

U i in An_-. 30, 1884 : mustered onl Am.-.::. 1885, except where 

specially mentioned. 
Welter H. SeSp, eapt., pro. to nmj. Sept. 1, 1->I. 

Miin C. Both, capt,, pro. from Lei Ment Sept 4, 1S64. 
V. Lucas, let lieiit., pro. from 2d lleut. Sept. 4, 1S&4. 
George H. Good, 2d lleut, must, in Sept, I, 1864 ; disci irg. certif. 

April 4,180;",. 
Alfred Mellln, 2d lleut, pro. from 1st eergt. April 1G, 1865. 
Alfred Smith. 1st Bergt., pro. from sergt April 16, 1865. 

sergt William II H. Trexler, sergt. 

Henry Weiand, 
.inh n Kni'rr, sergt., pro. rrom eorp Jui ; 

b Benson, corp. En 31 -tiler, corp. 

Wittenmyer, corp. UHton Kichline, corp. 

\.ii >o Frederick, corp. Addison J. Knauss, corp. 

Milton W. Reichard, corp. 

Augustus W. Bfenntg, corp., pro. to corp. June 23, 186,7. 
C Laudenschlager, curp., accidentally killed at Washington, D. C, ttaj 
28, 1855. 

Thomas Etoth. musician. 



Eli I. Fat ringer, mn 



I 

Jeremiah Biery. 
Henry E. Htirger. 
11'iny J. Burger. 
Angnstus S. Bechtel. 
William M B 



Henry H. Brow n 

Allen D. Burger. 

Jacob H. Burger. 

George S. Bai 

Jeremiah Beidelman. 

J, Bartholomew. 

Franklin Brobst, must. in March 7, 1865. 

Thomas Baker, disch. by General Order June lit, 1865. 

Madison Coles. Henry W. Derr. 

Franklin Doyle. Frank Ernst. 

Lewis Finch, must in Fen. 28, 1865. 

William Fnfleelman, died at Baltimore, Md., Oct. 7, 1864. 

John D. Gangwere. Nathan Gaumer. 

Amos Giess. Lmandes Hackman. 

David Gackenbach. Moses Hoffman. 

John Gorman. Charles K. Hartinan. 

Albert Herman, must. In March 4, 1865. 

Edwin C. Hess, must, in Jan. 28, I 



Franklin J. Kromor. 

William Kiefter. 
Harrison S. Kern. 
Anthony Kleinamitb. 
Adam Koch. 
James Kern. 
Willonghhy <;. Kuhn-i. 
Edwin Eneehel. 
William S K naOM. 

John Eeiffer. 
Levi Exalt 
Henry A. Knerr. 



Henry Kleckner. 
James J. Kunkle. 
Uriah Keek. 
William H. Lenta. 
Charles Lick. 
Jesse Lehman. 
William A. Lynn. 
James C Moore. 
Nathan Miller. 
Harrison Miller. 
David Miller. 
I.iw i- Miller. 



Aaron Moyer, disch. by General Order Aug. 5, 1865. 

David M.Miller, died at Alexandria, Va , Oct 28, 1864, grave 2791. 



John Vagal, Si 

Amon P. Nagel. 

Theodore S. N'agel. 

John Petit, must, in Feb. 2 

William Reinhard. 

Lewis F. Ruff. 

William F. Reinhard. 

Emanuel Reinhard. 

Joel Sterner. 

Henry C. Smith. 

Augustus Schitz. 

Hiram F. Shaffer, disch. by General Order June 19, 1865. 

John Shaffer. John Vogel. 

Edwin Troxell. George J, Wolf. 

Edwin C. Troxell. John Young. 

Joseph S. Trambower. Harrison Young. 

Depeu t'beroth. * 



J 'lin Nagel, Jr. 
William W. < Nman. 
Hiram Parker. 

H i I'. .- iib-i. 

Frederick Saxenheimer. 
Franklin P. Smith. 
Jai oh W. Strickler. 
Milton A. Saeger. 
Jacob A. Smith. 
Edwin Schertziuger. 



Two Hundred and Ninth Regiment— This regi- 
ment, of which Company II was from Lehigh County, 
was organized al < !amp ( lurtin on the I6tb of Septem- 
ber, 1864, by the choice of the following field-officers: 
Tobias B. KaafFman, formerly major of the First Re- 
serve Regiment, colonel ; George \V. Frederick, lieu- 
tenant-colonel ; John L. Ritchey, major. A consider- 
able number of officers and men had .served in other 
organizations, the experience thereby gained proving 
of great advantage in disciplining the raw recruits, 
[mmediately after its organization it moved for the 
front, and, passing up the James River, landed at 
Bermuda Hundred. It was placed in camp at < amp 
Potter, where it remained two weeks, and was then 
posted upon the advanced lint- Lo the left of Fori 
Harrison, midway between the James and Appomat- 
tox Rivers. Soon alter taking position, ( 'apt. John B. 
Landis, with three lieutenants and one hundred and 
thirteen men, was detached from the regiment and 
assigned to duty in garrisoning redoubt Carpenter, on 
the left bank of the James. Company and battalion 
drill was here prosecuted with whal 5UCC< — it was pos- 
sible, with a large proportion of the command almost 
constantly on exhausting duty on picket and in gar- 
rison, and by great diligence and efficiency on the part 
of its. officers it attained a good degree of discipline. 
During the engagement at Chapin's Farm, or Fort 
Harrison, the regiment was ordered upon the parapet, 
creating the impression upon the enemy that a charge 
upon his flank was about to be delivered. The real 
charge upon the front was heroically made, and the 
fort was captured. 

On the night of the 17th of November the enemy 
made an attack upon the picket line in considerable 
force. Col. Kaufiman, who was division officer of 
the day, Capt. Henry Lee, and Lieut. Thomas J. 
Hendricks, with nineteen men. fell into the enemy's 
hands, and were held as prisoners until near the close 
of the war. The troops upon the main line were 
ordered out, and the attack was handsomely repulsed. 
In addition to the loss by capture, one man was killed 
and two were wounded. On the 24th the regiment 
was transferred, with other Pennsylvania regiments 
with which it had been brigaded, from the Army of 
the James to the Army of the Potomac. It was as- 
signed to duty with the Ninth Corps, and was soon 
after brigaded with the Two Hundredth and Two 
Hundred and Eighth Pennsylvania Regiments, form- 
ing the First Brigade, Col. Charles V7. Diven com- 
manding, of the Third Division. The regiment was 
encamped on the commanding ground near Meade 
Station, the division, which was in command of Gen. 
Hartranft, being posted as a reserve to the other two 
divisions. During the winter the regiment was en- 
gaged in drill, in fatigue duty upon fortifications, and 
in the construction of roads, and was ut upon occa- 
sional demonstrations upon the left. 

At a little before daylight, on the morning of the 
25th of March, 1865, the regiment was aroused by 



1(14 



HISTORY OF LKHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



rapid and heavy firing in its front, and it was soon 
apparent that the lines, which were held bj Gen. 
Wilcox's division, had been broken, and Fort Stead 
man, which was in its immediate front, and which, 
by daylight, was in full view, had been captured. 
Gen. Wilcox, whose directions, in case of an emer- 
gency, the regiment was instructed to obey, had or- 
dered it under arms, and in motion for the protection 
of his threatened rear. Af this juncture Gen. Hart- 
ranft appeared on the ground, and assumed personal 
supervision of his command. While the Two Hun- 
dred and Eighth was moving upon the extreme left 
of tin- break, and Hartranft personally was moving 
with the Two Hundreth upon the right front, the 
Two Hundred and Ninth was sent down a ravine, 
where it was under partial shelter, to come in upon 
the right, where it was joined by two skeleton regi- 
ments from Michigan, the Second and Seventeenth. 
" I had scarcely got my regiment in position, - ' says 
Lieut.-Col. Frederick, in his official report, " when 
the same aid informed me that it was Gen. Hartranft's 
order that I should immediately, with the Two Hun- 
dredth Pennsylvania, charge the hill in my front, 
which was then held by the enemy. I at once gave 
the order to charge, and the regiment moved forward 
under a very heavy fire of musketry and artillery, 
gaining a line of works running across the open field, 
over which we were advancing. Halting for a mo- 
ment, we again advanced, gaining a ditch near the hill 
occupied by the enemy. Here we were shelled from 
both front and rear. . . . We remained in the ditch 
some time, when, noticing the enemy retreating, we 
poured into them a murderous fire, which was con- 
tinued until I saw the Two Hundredth, which was on 
my left, preparing, as I supposed, to charge. I im- 
mediately ordered my regiment to charge likewise, 
and forward we went, not an officer nor a man halting 
or faltering until our advance line was gained and our 
colors were planted on the works. I am satisfied that 
they were the first colors planted on the works. My 
officers and men all did their duty so well that it 
would seem invidious to make any distinctions. . . . 
A considerable number of prisoners were sent to the 
rear, estimated at three hundred and fifty." The loss 
in the engagement was five killed and fifty wounded. 
In a general order issued after the battle, Gen. Parke, 
who commanded the Ninth Corps, says, "The Major- 
General commanding congratulates the corps on this 
auspicious result. It will be a source of pride to him 
and them that so heavy and desperate an attack upon 
their lines was repelled by them before the arrival of 
the supports promptly and cordially furnished from 
the other corps. The gallantry and steadiness of the 
troops engaged, which so brilliantly retrieved a mo- 
mentary disaster, and converted it into a victory, 
merit and receive his warmest commendation and 
gratitude.'' 

Preparations were made for a determined assault on 
the enemy's works, by the division., at daylight on the 



morning of the 2d of April. Lieut. -< !ol. Met 'all, who 
commanded the brigade, massed his force, by order 
of Gen. Hartranft, near the Avery House at one a.m. 
Two hours later he led it to the front of Fort Sedg- 
wick, and formed it in column of regiments, just in- 
side the picket line, as a reserve to the Second Brigade, 
which was formed in a similar manner outside. At 
four o'clock the signal to advance was given, and the 
regiment moved at double quick, following closely the 
column. At the picket line there was a momentary 
■ luck, occasioned by meeting numbers who came 
running back, and reporting a repulse. These were 
quickly rallied, and the command again went for- 
ward. As it came upon the open space in front of 
the rebel works it was exposed to a fearful fire of in- 
fantry and artillery, but, without faltering, it pressed 
forward and gained the hostile front, capturing many 
prisoners, and turning the guns of the fort and bat- 
teries upon the enemy. In common with the division, 
it succeeded in holding the captured line, though hard 
pressed by the rebels, nettled at their loss. At night 
the firing gradually died away, and a heavy picket 
line was thrown out, the enemy's chevaux-de-frise 
being moved to the opposite side of his works. The 
command was early astir, and at daylight the pickets 
cautiously advanced. They soon found that the en- 
emy had gone, and when the columns, which were 
immediately put in motion, reached the city of Pe- 
tersburg, they found that also abandoned. The Two 
Hundred and Ninth was sent to the left, to commu- 
nicate with troops of the Sixth Corps. After remain- 
ing in and about the city until noon, the regiment 
returned to camp. The loss in the engagement was 
seven killed and fifty-two wounded. Capt. James P. 
McCullough was among the killed, Maj. Ilitchey and 
Lieuts. Henry A. Bigler and Baltzer Shugar among 
the wounded. The division was now ordered to take 
charge of the army trains, and moved with them 
along the South Side Eailroad, repairing the track as 
it went, until it reached Nottoway Court-House, where 
it was halted, and where the regiment remained until 
the 20th, the rebel army having surrendered on the 
9th. From here it returned to City Point, and thence 
to Alexandria, where it went into camp, and was held 
until the 31st of May, when the recruits were trans- 
ferred to the Fifty-first Pennsylvania, and the rest of 
the regiment was mustered out of service. 

TWO HUNDRED AND NINTH REGIMENT (One Year's Service). 

Company U. 

Mustered out May 31, 1865, except as specially mentioned. 

William II. Miller, capt., must, ill Sept. 14, 1864; disch. March 26, 1866 

William Ken, .apt, must, in Sept. 14, 1864 ; pro. from 1st lieut. April 15, 

1866. 
Lewis Fink, 1st lieut,, must, in Sept. 15, 1864; pro. from 2d licut. April 

16, 1865. 
David B. Overholt, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 19, 1864; pro. from 1st sergt. 

April 15, 1866. 
Albert Dorward, 1st sergt,, must, in Sept. 0, 1864 ; pro. from sergt. April 

15, 18C5. 
William Morton, Jr., sergt., must, in Sept. 3, 1864; wounded at Fort 

Steadman, Va., March 25, 1865; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 



LEHIGH COUNTV IN THE WAR OF TIIK REBELLION. 



105 



John Lurz,sergt., most In Sept 3, 1864; pro. from corp. April I ■ 
William II. Keener, aergt., must in Sept. ". 1804 , pro n 

3, 1865. 

William Harsball, sergt., most m Sept. 9, 1864. 

Cornelius Fagen, sorgt.. mosl lied al Cirj Point, Va., 

April 10, I 
A. 0. Franken field, corp., mult in Sept 3, 1864. 
Tilgliman J. Wagnei , Corp., most in Sept. 3, 1864. 
i Bex, corp., must in Sept. 9, 1864, 

JameeW. Snyder, corj. inn r u s. |.t. :;, 1864. 
w lllfam S Coffin, corp., must In - | 
Levi ZiegenfuBS, corp., must, in Sept. 3, 1864; pro. to corp ■' 

1865. 
Paul Michael, corp., must, in Sepl 18,1864; pro. to corp. A pril I 
Lewie r. Krotzer, corp., must. In £ L864; pro. to corp. April 

19, 181 

Privates, 

Thomas H. Arnold, must, in Ing 29,1864. 

Joseph Arnold, must, in Aug, 29, 1864. 

Hoses AUender, must, in Sept 6, 1861 

Reuben Brader, must in Sept 6,1864 

George W. Blocker, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 

Wilson Benfnger, most in Sep) '. i-> 1. 

Jacob W. Christ, must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 

William P. H. (lark, must, in Sept 8, 1864 ; died March 25,1865; buried 

in National Cemetery, City Point, Va., Sen, 2, Div. 2, grave 159. 
.John Darrohn, must in Sept. 3, 1864. 
Francis Devlin, must, in Sept. 17, 1864 in muster-out roll. 

John Bbert, must, in Se] I i,1864 
John Eastman, must, in Sept. 3, I 
William J Edwards, must, in Sept. ::, I - 
C. F. Engleman, most In Sept 3, 1864 
Milton A. Eckert, must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 
0. H. < Kallweiler, must in Sept. 3, 1864. 
Jarrett Ferber, must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 
William L. German, mn*t in Sept. 3, I B64. 
William F. Griesley, must, iu Sept 3, 1864. 
Amandes Gernest, must t, 1864. 

Jeremiah Geiger, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 
Anthony Gehrig, must, i n Sept. 3, 1864. 
Tilgliman Hartzell, must, in Sept 1, HM. 

Til gh man Sandwerk, must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 
H. Holey, must, in Sept 3, 1864. 
V Hersh, must, in Aug, 29, 1864. 
Aaron Bandwerk, must. En Sept. 9, 1864. 
ih Hippie, must in Sept 6, 1864. 
Michael Herley, uioel En Sept 8, 1864; not on muster-out roll. 
John W I st in Aug, 29, 1864. 

Krcssler, must in Sept. 7, 1864. 
Charles Krause, must in Sept 7, 1 -■ 1 
Francis Knntz. must, in Sept. 9, 1864. 
Josiali Klotz, must in Sept 
Albert Kleckner, must, in Aug. 31, 1864. 
Jacob Koch, must in ing. 29, I8B4. 
Hiram Iff. Kratzer, must, in S 

Keiffer, must, in Si pt ' 1 364 ; not on muster-out roll. 
Jonathan W. Klotz, must, in Sept. 3, 1864; died March 28th, of wounds 

received al Fori Steadmao, Va , Much 25, 1865. 
James Kane, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; not OS muster-out roll. 
James Kane, must, iu Sept 14,1864; not on muBter-out roll. 
Qenrj Lcvan,must.in Sept. 3, 1864. 
John Lawrence, must. En Sept. 3, I 
Cornelius Lent/, must, in Sept 3, 1864. 
Edwin Loch, must in - 
Jonas Mace, must in Sept 3, 1864; wounded it Petersburg, Ta., April 

2,1865; absent at master out 
Hoses M. I :'_-.-i. ni'i-r. in Aug. 29, 1864. 
Ephraim Michael, muat in - pi 14, 1864. 
Henry Myers, must. In Sept. 8, 1864 

13, i 
Amandes Mover, must, in Aug. 31, L864; died March 25, 1865; buried 

in National i remetery, City Point, Va., Sec 0, Dl» >, grave 65 
Thomas Hurry, must in Sept. 10,1864; not on muster-out roll. 
Samu'-l Mac, must, in Sept. 16, 1864 ; died at Alexandria, \ a 

1865; graft ;.i: >, 
Patrick McCann, must, in 8epl ' ; . L864 . not on muster-out roll. 
William H. McDonald, must, in Sept 13, 1864 ; Dot on muster-out roll. 



William Nicholas, must in Sept. v . 1864 ; not on muster-out roll. 

William L, Nagle, must In Sept 3, 1864. 

Robert Newhart, must, in & ".it oo muster-out roll. 

I raid, must En Sept 
Petal I isu.tH, must, in Sepl 
Robert Ohio, must, in Sepl 14,1864 wounded at Petersburg, Va., April 

2,1865; absent, In hospital, at mnsteront. 
i manui i Paulas, must, in Sepl b. bj General Order Jnne 

3, 1865. 
Josepli Rex, mil , 1864. 

Francis Robenold, must. En Sept 
Samuel Roth, most in Aug. 2!), 1864. 
Alfred Rltter, must, in Aim 29, I8i I 
V illl mi Ruhe, must, in Sept. ■. I -■ I 
Robert F Roberts, must In Sepl 1,1864 
William E. Bex, must, in Sept. 7, 1864 dlscb bj General Ordei July 

1-65. 

Edwin Bex, must, in Sept. 7, 1864. 
Lewis A. Rex, must, in Sept. 7, 1864. 
Irwin Sober, must. In Sept. 7, 1864. 
Tilghman Bober, must. in Sept. 7, 

Amandes Roth, must, in Aug. 29, 1864 ; not on muster-out roll. 
John Snyder, must, in Sept 3, 1864. 
Charles A. ShifTort.must. in Sepl 3, 1864; disch. by General Order June 

3, 1865. 
Benry W. Sell, must, in Si | 
Simon Snyder, must, in - ' buried In 

National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. 
David V. Williamson, must, in Sept. t, I 
Henry W. Weiss, must in - , 
Thomae West, must, in Sept. 3, 18f>4. 
Henry Weiss, must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 

i i Weaver, must, in Be] t '. I -■' i 
Matthias Zimmerman, must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 

Militia of 1862 Fifth Regiment— The Fifth 
Regiment of the militia of 1862, as will be seen by 
the rosters which follow, had a goodly part of its 
strength from Lehigh County. The men were not 
formed into companies, but, rallying from points all 
along the railroads and from the hack regions on the 
intimation that the border was in danger of invasion.' 
went forward to Harrisburg en masse, and were there 
organized into companies and regiments. The Fifth 
Regiment was organized on the afternoon of Sep- 
tember loth, with H. ('. Longnecker as colonel, J. 
B. Clemens as lieutenant-colonel, M. H. Horn as 
major, and E. D. Lawall as adjutant. The regi- 
ment went forward to the front, and with others re- 
ceived the compliments of Gen. McClellan in the 
following language (addressed afterward to Governor 
Curtin) : " The manner in which the people of Penn- 
sylvania responded to your call and hastened to the 
defense of their frontier no doubt exercised a great 
influence on the enemy." The Governor of Mary- 
land, in his closing addre<> to Governor Curtin, said. 
" The readiness with which they crossed the border 
and took their stand beside the Maryland brigade 
Bhows that the border is but an ideal line." 
FIFTH REGIMENT MILITIA 01 

KlELD *K 
Henry C. Longnecker, colonel; J. Brcckenridgc Cli rinnt- 

i: M<i<h m Qorn, major; Edward D. Lawall, adjutai 
ton J. Kramer, qnartermastei . GeorgeMlah, liam H. 

Culver, asaiatanl boi tfel 

' The new s that the Stale wa» in danger, and the call u|K>n Unpeople 
to arm and prepare fur defense, ivaa conveyed over the State by Governor 
CuttinV proclamation 'f Sept. I I 



106 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Forrest, «piai 1. 1 m.i-t. r -. r ^r; t nt ; Jacob Wolle, commissary-sergeant; 
George C. Hand, hospital steward. 

CoHPAKl C. 

Isaac N. Gregory, captain ; Benjamin J. Hagenbach, first lieutenant; 
Benjamin K. Sweitzer, Becond lieutenant; William Eejser, first 
sergeant ; William Kress, Edwin Hittle, Simeon H, Price, sergeantB ; 
Edward B, Young, Tilgbman D. Kemerer, E. I". Powell, William 
Detch, Alfred Ettinger, John Stopp, E. B, Rotfa, Israel Yingling, 
corporals; Edward Shiffert, musician. 



Company G. 
George B. Scholl, captain; Thomas Snyder, first lieutenant; Sylvester 
Weiler, second lieutenant ; Allen P. Steckel, first sergeant ; Corne- 
lius Pagan, James P. Eoder, Franklin Beck, Allen Newhard, ser- 
geants; Elias Sliingler, Charles Shout, Milton H. Beidler, Jacob R. 
Wolle, George Kti^leman, Allen Pfeiffer, Daniel Gilbert, Edwin L. 
Young, corporals; Francis strnrhli-y, .luM-ph M"ll, musicians. 

Prirat, ■ 

Allen flfobr. 



Privates. 



Charles Arthur. 

Charles Apple. 

William Basher. 
Jeremiah Beiry. 
Jeremiah Bledelman. 

Henry Bitting. 
William Bnrnham. 
J.H. Bui - 

James Christ. 
Washington Christman. 
Henry Cole. 
Dennis Dieffenderfer. 
George Dieffer. 
Solomon Dorney. 
Milton Eckert. 
Charles Egge. 
Edward Y. Engleman. 
Frederick Froutz. 
Franklin Fried. 
Peter K. Grimra. 
Amos Guth. 
Uriah Guth 
Walter Getter. 
George Hagerhuch. 
Peter Hartman. 
Joseph Becker. 
Henry Heckman. 
Henry Himbach. 
Solomon Helfrich. 
Simon Houk. 
Moses Kehm. 
George Kauffman. 
Daniel Keiper. 
Gabriel Keiper. 

V 



Daniel Keyser. 
William Knauss. 
Francis Kramer. 
Stephen Lentz. 
William I, hid. 
Edward Lucas. 
Benjamin Lucas. 
Augustus Manuiug. 
David Miller. 
Tilghman Ozman. 
' lharles Present. 
Charles Quier. 
Solomon Reinamith. 
Walter Reinsmitb. 
Charles Reinsmitb. 
Franklin RinUer. 
James Ritter. 
Adolph Rosstaiacher. 
Joseph Ruhe. 
Uriah Sanders. 
Henry Seagreaves. 
William H. Simons. 
Edwin Strauss. 
Charles Wagner, 
Paul Wald. 
Thomas Wenuer. 
Benjamin Weaver. 
Milton Weaver. 
Henry Weikle. 
Francis Weidner. 
John Weiss. 
Henry Wuchter. 
John 0. Tingling. 
Emanuel Yohe. 



Company E. 



Alfred Adam. 
Allen Burger. 
William Burger. 
Jacob Bast. 
Matthew Blicbe. 
James Beck. 
James S. Beiry. 
Jonathan Bear. 
Edward Clauss. 
Benneville Christman. 
Tilgbman Daubert. 
Henry Daubert. 
Henry Dienner. 
Jacob Eckert. 
Benneville Ecker. 
Robert Fatzinger. 
Owen Fatzinger. 
Peter Fegley. 
Amandus 0. Greenawalt. 
James Gernard. 
George Hand. 
Daniel Hood. 
William Hertz. 
William Hintz. 
Isaac P. Hummel. 
Herman Haverly. 
William H. Kuder. 
Henry Kercher. 
Tobias Kersler. 
Tilghman W. Kramer. 
Milton J. Kramer. 
James S. Kuder. 
William Leidensperger. 
Solomon Long. 



Samuel Miller. 
William Mobr. 
Tobias Mosser. 
James Neff. 
Edwin H. Peter. 
Charles Richter. 
Charles Rube. 
Tilgbman Ruhe. 
John Ross. 
Tilgbman Reinhard. 
Peter Reinhard. 
Henry Schwartz. 
Augustus Schitz. 
John II . Sykes. 
George Suhafer. 
Jacob Snyder. 
John Schneider. 
Leonard Sclimucker. 
Henry Scbaeffer. 
Stephen Smith. 
Charles Schaffer. 
Alfred Smith. 
Reuben Schout. 
Edwin Troxell. 
EsaiaB Trambour. 
Jacob Wint. 
Charles Wolf. 
Jesse W r ombold. 
August Weber. 
Hezekiah Weiser. 
Peter Yoder. 
Edwiu Yeager. 



William Marx, captain; Charles Mertz, first lieutenant; William II. 
Wannemachor, second lieutenant ; Thomas Kech. first sergeant; 
Charles J. Haines, Amandps A. Wagner, James Smith, Elisba Forrest, 
sergeants; Thomas Rube, Samuel B. Auewalt, Alfred J. Brenig, 
Joseph E. Balliet, Allen A. Huber, Henry Gangwere, Henry A. 
Evans, Jacob Bloomer, corporals ; Charles Mohr, musician. 



Company H. 

William H. Hoffman, captain ; Franklin Steller, first lieutenant ; Abiel 
Heilman, second lieutenant; Henry Fried, first sergeant; Henry 
Ritter, D. J. E. Deshler, Henry E. Rube, George W. Hoffman, ser- 
geants; Franklin Trexler, Henry Trexler, Henry Schwartz, William 
Mininger,Owen Mertz, Benjamin Fleckner, Moses Scheuck, Frank- 
lin Hersb, corporals; Alinon Naule, Allen F. Barber, niusiciaus. 
PHvati i. 



Privates . 



J. A. Aikens. 
Frederick A. K. Baldwin. 
John Bechtel. 
Jonathan Becker. 
Samuel Becker. 
John Bergland. 
James Cahoon. 
Jacob S. Dillenger. 
Conrad Emig. 
Jacob Goebel. 
William H. Hagenbuch. 
John Hartzell. 
Solomon Hartzell, 
Benneville Hine. 
Edward C. Heiber. 
Benjamin T. Jacoby. 
John Krause, Jr. 
William Laubach, 
Edward Laubach. 
Edward I> La wall. 
Walter Losch, 



Eugene Master. 
Thomas B. Metzger. 
Daniel H.Miller. 
Harrison Miller. 
S. R. Kissley, 
John Nunnemacher. 
Esaias Rerig. 
William H. Roney. 
Warner Ruhe. 
Alfred G. Saeger. 
Charles G.Sassman. 
Milton Sassman. 
David 0. Saylor. 
Peter Shut/.. 
Richard Snyder. 
Samuel Smith. 
George Teraberry. 
Willoughby Tuxler. 
Peter Wanner. 
Wilson Weider. 
Henry Wonnan. 



Henry Bornman. 
Samuel Baum. 
Peter Cortwright. 
Jacob Cleaver. 
George D. Deifer. 
Charles Erdman. 
Edwin Eisenhard. 
Charles Everett. 
George Fried. 
Tilghman Fredericb. 
Daniel Fink. 
Daniel Fritz. 
Wilson Gross. 
Martin Heft. 
Charles Herzog. 
Gottlieb Herzog. 
William Hufert. 
William Henry. 
Jonathan K. Knouss. 
Robert Latimore. 
Israel Lebr. 
Hiram Mertz. 
Tilghman Miller. 
John Nehlig. 
Henry Odenheimer. 
William Rant. 
Solomon Rant. 



/ 



William Roth. 
Lewis W. Roth. 
William Ritter. 
William Rube. 
William Reinhard. 
Herman Schuon. 
Morris Stemler. 
Daniel Shitz. 
Edward Sherer. 
John Sowers. 
Nathan Snyder. 
William Saussman. 
Reubeii Steehel. 
Francis Smith. 
Tilghman Snyder. 
Lewis Sbetton. 
Charles Sane. 
Peter Stark. 
Francis F. Troxel. 
Daniel Trump. 
Frederick Wilt. 
Edwin Wiand. 
Benjamin Womlerly. 
Jacob Weaver. 
William Yohe. 
Henry Zink. 



LKIIICII CorNTY IN TIIK WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



107 



The Twenty-seventh Regiment, Emergency 
Troops of 1863.— Four lull companies were re- 

cruiteil in tlii> county with a design of entering the 
field in this regiment, but on account of disagree- 
ment in regard to the term of service, but one— thai 
under Capt. I. N. Gregory— went on duty. The 
other three — those commanded bj * !apts. William 
Hoffman, George W. Bchall, ami John H. Oliver, 
— returned home. Capt. Gregory's company, which 
was mustered in as Company If, June 19, 1863, went 
to < "olumhia and crossed the bridge over tin- Susque- 
hanna to Wrightsville. Upon the attack of the 
rebels on the town last named, they retreated with 
the regiment and burned the bridge behind them. 
They were shelled by Gen. Ewell. About a week 
later the regiment moved to Carlisle, then t<» Waynes- 
boro, Boonsboro, and beyond and hack by the way of 
Hagerstown and Green castle. Subsequently the regi- 
ment was moved to Mercersburg, and then, when its 
presence was thought necessary, to Chambersburg. 
Tt was disbanded at Harrisburg, Aug. 1, 1863, with- 
out actual participation in hostilities, but ready for 
whatever necessity should demand. 

TWENTY-SEVF.NTII REGIMENT MILITIA. 
COMPACT! II. 
I-,. 11 N 1.1 ■■_ ■■r\, captain j Edward B. Young, first lieutenant; Ben- 
jamin K. Sweitzer, second lieutenant; William Keiser, first ser- 
geant; Edwin Hittle, Thomas Keck, Charles H. Dankle, Theodore 
Siegfried, sergeants; Samuel Anewalt, Alfred Ettinger, Joseph Bal- 
liet, John Stopp, Jacob Bass, William Bauham, James Mosser, John 
H. Johnson, corporals; Edward Shiffert, musician. 



John Anthony. 
Henry E. Ames. 
Hiram E. Bnctelman. 
William B. Backer. 
Owen Bach man. 
Charles Beohm. 
Daniel Heidelmao. 
Hilton Brong. 
Samuel P. Bliss. 
Nicholas Correll. 
Reuben Desh, 
Alpheu- Di sb. 
Wellington Dicht 
Milton Eckert. 
Charles Eckert. 
John Frieze. 
Peter Fegley. 
EH Fritzinger. 
Franklin Grimm. 
Amos Guth. 
Walter Guetter. 
Solomon Ilelfricb. 
William Knouss. 
Charles Kaffmon. 
Wilson Kialler. 
Lewis Kistler. 
• Ibarles kumiss. 
Frank P. Laubock. 
Constantine Martin. 

Han (SOD Miller. 
Hiram Mertz 



/' ir.it- ._ 

%/ Frank Mertz. 

Augustus M. Minnich. 
Theodore Mohr. 
Allan D. Moore. 
David OvenV.lt. 
Georpe Boeder. 
William Rees. 
Walter Reinsmith. 
Daniel Reinhard. 
Benjamin Smith. 
* Reuben Seip. 
Eugene Stettl<r. 
Franklin Smith. 
Hiram S. Shinuer. 
John A. Snuffer. 
Etvi Siegenfuss. 
John Shinier. 
Christian Smith. 
Frank Troxell. 
Aaron Tice. 
Theodore Taylor. 
Ji.lm Wi-i-.s. 
Charles Wagner. 
Alfred V. Willenmyer. 
M Wetherhold. 
Francis Weimer. 
Allen Wulfinger. 
Milton Weaver. 
Edwin Wiand. 
Henry V\ ittenmyer. 
Edwin C. Yeager. 



Thirty-eighth Regiment, Militia of 1863. 
Company B and a portion of C in this regiment 
were from Lehigh County, and its colonel was Mel- 



chior II. Horn, of Catasauqua, from which locality, 
we may remark, also came nearly all of the men 
whose name- appear in the subjoined roster. On 

Simda> , June 28, 1st',:;, i ,.,\ mmr ( 'urtiii telegraphed 
over the- State the follow ing dispatch : 

" The enemy is appearing. I must rely upon the 
people for defense of the State, and have called mili- 
tia for that purpose. The term of service will be 
while danger is imminent. Send forward companies 
a> soon as possible." 

A copy of the foregoing reaching Catasauqua, a 
meeting was held the same Sunday afternoon at Lau- 
bach's Eagle Hotel. A roll was started and sixty-six 
persons by signing it signified their willingness to go 
to the front for Pennsylvania's defense. Two days 
later the roll was increased to one hundred and six- 
teen. At noon, on June 30th, the com pan j organ- 
ized with the following line-officers: Captain, Mel- 
chior H. Horn; First Lieutenant. Joshua Hunt; 
Second Lieutenant, Edwin Mickley ; and at one 
o'clock they left for Camp Muhlenberg. The 
morning they were mustered into service for ninety 
days. The number being too large, some of the men 
were transferred. 

On the 2d of July the organization of the Thirty- 
eighth Regiment was effected, with Melchior H. Horn 
as colonel. The next day Gen. Siegcl took command 
of the camp, and commenced forwarding the men to 
the front. The Thirty eighth was ordered out on pa- 
rade, and the men were complimented by Gen. S 
on their soldierly appearance. The regiment left 
camp that day and proceeded to Harrisburg and then 
to Shippensburg. Thence they moved through Cham- 
bersburg to Camp Advance, where they were bri- 
gaded with the Thirty-seventh, Thirty-ninth, Forty- 
first, and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiments. The 
Thirty-eighth remained along the borders until July 
28th, guarding and repairing railroad-, and gathering 
in rebel stragglers. On the 28th the brigade was 
ordered to Chambersburg, where the Thirty-seventh, 
Thirty-ninth, and Forty-first were encamped (the 
Thirty-eighth, however, with the Forty-fifth, moved 
to Harrisburg, and thence proceeded by Gen. Couch's 
orders to Schuylkill County). The regiment was 
mustered out at Reading on August 7th. There was 
considerable sickness in the regiment during the 
campaign, but only one death occurred. 

Col. Horn, writing of the militia in general, very 
truly says, "With but few exceptions they were not 
brought to mortal conflict, but they nevertheless ren- 
dered important service. They ca forward at a 

moment when there was pressing need, and had the 
Union army been defeated at Gettysburg they would 
have taken the [daces of the fallen, and would have 
fought with a valor worthy of veterans. . . . The 
bloodless campaigns of the militia may be a subject 
for playful satire, but in the strong arms and sturdy 
hearts of the yeomanry of the land, who spring to 
arms at the moment ol danger, anil when the danger 



10S 



HISTOKY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



is past cheerfully lay them down again, rests a sure 
guarantee for the peace and security of the country." 
Following is the roster of the Lehigh County men 
in this militia regiment : 

THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT (THREE MONTHS), EMERGENCY 

MILITIA OK 1SG3. 

Company B. 

Mustered to July 3, 1863; mustered out Aug 7, 1863. 

Melchlor H. Horn (pro. to colonel July :;, 1863), Joshua Hunt, captains ; 
Edwin Mickley, first lientenanl ; John Morrison , second lieutenant ; 
ii.mv Welty, first sergeant; William Stewart, William Williams, 
Roberl Steward, ' Sharles B. Earp, sergeants ; Frederick Eagle, Wil- 
liam Andreas, William A. McKibben, John II. Nolf, Llewellyn 
Thomas, Milton Berger, Evan Edwards, Charles Graffin, corporals; 
Franklin Eckensperger, James Courtney, musicians 
Privates. 
Andrews Jacob Donecker. 

Reuben A. Hover. David Davis. 

David P. Bowen. Morgan Emanuel, Jr. 

John Barr. Owen W. Eastman. 

Joseph Broadseller. James W. Fuller. 

John Black. Charles D. Fuller. 

William Boyle, Orange M. Fuller. 

David W. Bowen. Jacob Funk. 

James Blair. Adam Freund. 

William II. Bates. Berthohl Fritchey. 

John Cane. Samuel Fries. 

John Case, Adam Fulton. 

Joseph ' " Joseph Forrest. 

Jacoh Case. John Gross. 

William .1. Craig Lewis Gutenday. 

John Couway. Thomas Hunt. 

Johu Church. John Hille. 

George Hopkins. Samuel McKeague. 

John Hunter. David McFetridge. 

William II. Hock, John McClenaghan. 

Peter Haut, Dennis MeFadden. 

Joseph Humphries. Godfrey Osenheiuier. 

Thomas .lames. Enoch Philips. 

Samuel Eieffer. Jonathan Price. 

William Krone. Thompson Porter. 

Uriali Kurtz. David P. Porter. 

Peter Keeling. Henry Kaup. 

John Kiefter. William Rankin. 

Allen Kurtz. J. H. Stoflet. 

Charles Lantz. John D. Snyder. 

Tilghman H. Moyer. Franklin Smith. 

James Moran. John Stewart. 

George Matchett. Charles D. C. Troxell. 

Tilghman Michael. John J. Thomas. 

Daniel Milson. William R. Thomas. 

William Miller. Benedict Vantram. 

Joseph M< Mullen. Evan Williams. 

James McCleary. David Williams. 

Joseph McFetridge. William Young. 

James McNab Daniel Yoder, pro. to hospital 

steward July 3, 1863. 

COMPANH C. 

Mustered in July :;, 1863; mustered out Aug. 7, 1863. 
The following-named persons were mustered into Company 0. 
William Biery. William H. Horn. 

Franklin Bower. John Keifel. 

Tilghman Breisch. Simon H. Kester. 

John W. Campbell. Alfred Lynn. 

William Hopkins George H. Minnich. 

William Wheeler, to Co. E (Capt. Edwin Kelley) of the same regiment. 
Samuel C. Wolle, to Co. F, 37th Regt. (Capt. John R. Porter), of which 

lie was made 1st sergt. 
F. P. L an bach, to Co. II, ^7th Regt. (Capt. Isaac N. Gregory). 

Forty-first Regiment, Militia of 1863 —Com- 
panies D, I, and K of this regiment were from Lehigh 
County, and were recruited at Allentown. They went 



to Reading, ami were there mustered into service July 
1, L863. They remained thereuntil the 5th for equip- 
ment, and towards evening of that day took the train 
for Carlisle. They proceeded ten or twelve miles 
beyond that place and found the track torn up. 
They then marched to Chambersburg, where they 
received orders to march to Merecrsburg. Near 
South Mountain the corps under Gen. Warren, of 
which this regiment was a part, had a skirmish with 
the rebels, who were on the retreat from Gettysburg, 
but the Forty-first being in the rear, did not partici- 
pate. The corps was drawn up in line of battle the 
next morning, but the rebels had fled. The regiment 
then returned to a point near Greencastle and camped 
for two days, when Company I, a company from 
Lancaster, and another from Wilkcsbarrc were sta- 
tioned as provost guard at Gen. Warren's headquar- 
ters. The men were discharged on August 3d and 4th. 
Following are rosters of the Lehigh County men in 
this regiment : 

FORTY-FIRST REGIMENT (THREE MONTHS |, EMERGENCY 

MILITIA OF 1863. 

Mustered in July 1, 18(53; discharged Aug. :i-4, 1863, 



Field and Staff Officers. 



Maj. John H. Oliver. 



Q.M, Abraham B, L.m<;aker. 



Company D. 
Walter H. Seip, captain ; Benjamin C Roth, fust lieutenant; Jann-s A. 
Lucas, second lieutenant; William H. Schlosser, first sergeant; 
Henry Stanton, Harrison Butz, James Roney, George T. Young, 
sergeants ; John Nagle, Daniel Miller, James Lutz, John W. Lackey, 
Henry E. Burger, Charles Laudenslager, Henrj Wiand, Aaron 
Fredericks, corporals; Andrew Gang were, Dallas Sanders, musi- 
cians. 



Pi-ivates. 



John D. Albright. 
Adam Beers. 
Augustus C. Becbtel. 
Henry D. Coster. 
Madison Cole. 
Edward T. Engleman. 
Solomon Fatzfnger, 
Nathan Gaumer. 
John Grotz. 
Frederick Gangwere, 

Jacob J- Goeble. 
Otto Geler. 
Henry J. Horn. 
Henry A. Heckman. 
0. Lewis Iluber. 
Uriah Hartzell. 
William H. Ibach. 
Henry Ibach. 
Benjamin F. Ibach. 
Miw's keliria. 
Henry L. Kenner. 
Peter Kromer. 
Benjamin Kleckner. 
Christian Kuntz. 
Emanuel Knauss. 
Edward H. Lucas. 
Israel Lehr. 
Daniel Lehr. 
Jesse Lehman. 
Jacob Leibensberger, 
Lewis P. Levan. 
Milton T. Laudenslager. 
Gotlelb Lutch, 
Wellington Martin. 
William V. Mobr. 



George Nunnemacker. 
James Nngle. 
Jesse F. Oeb 
Edward Oeba 
Charles PreBton. 
Lewis P. Queen. 
Reuben Raub. 
George W. Reese. 
William Reinhard. 
Charles Richler. 
Johu H. Ross. 
w illiam Roth. 

William A. Roney. 
Henry C. Roth. 
Tilghman S. P. Rciss. 
Augustas E. Sherer. 
Benjamin F. Schwartz. 
Tilghman H. Snyder. 
Israel Schneck. 
Jeremiah Sherer. 
Peter Schult/,. 
Walter P. Scholl. 
Peter Screiher. 
Jeremiah S. Shuman. 
John L. Schreiber. 
Jesse Smith. 
Clinton P. Trexler. 
James II. Cnger. 

Depeu Uberoth. 

Frederick Wilt. 
Peter Werner. 
Henry Weinsheimer. 
Peter Well-'i. 
Henry E. Willemyer. 

William Young. 



L 10 1 1 Kill COUNTY IN T1IK WAR OF 'NIK liKBKU.ION. 



109 



1 ihtI. 

Ofaftrlea Eecb, CRptniu ; PhymI II. Kim-, tn-t lieutenant: Sti-nhi'ii 
Smith, Mcoud lieutenant; Levi Kruuss, Aral sergeant; Abner A. 
Campl LI, George DieBeni \ Briber, Alfred G. Peter, 

sergeant*; Daniel Reinamith, Gideon II. Smith, Benjai 
Schloaser, Joeepb Hough, David Delly, Charlea Lelnuerger, David 
Pfaft, Daniel II. Snyder, corporals; John Both, musician. 



Private 



Benjamin Aii--nder. 
Jacob M. Berger. 

Willi, ,in 8. Berger. 
James Itacliman. 
William P. Berkenna 
Peter Bennei - 

Bn [fogle. 
:■ Iber. 
Lewis B 

Samael Belliet. 
Francis Belliet. 
Alfred Balge. 

d Ba< bman. 
David < liana*. 
Petei * i 

Wllaon Drukenmiller. 
i . . i 

Aaron Drukenmiller. 
John Evans 

Fatzlnger. 
William F. Frey. 
Jouas Frey. 
Lewis Frack. 
Phaon W.George. 
Jonas Gebry. 
Jobn Grof. 
John Oreber. 
Levi Haaf. 
Ellas i i.u tin ■ h 
I'baon Hausnian. 



n Ballman. 
Hilton Eachllue. 
Bphraim ECeeser. 
i i adwlg. 

John D. Long 
i Oswald. 
Ellis J. Peter. 
Alfred Peter. 
Uhei I Qneei 

Belnsmith. 
Leon I 1 '. Boeder. 
Samuel Bitter. 
Irwin Rabi I 
.IiHiph Hay. 
John K.itl'-y. 
Solomon Bein i 
i.h EUnert. 
Sebastian Silliman. 
Paul Smith. 
Joseph Snyder. 
Jacob Seiss. 
i iei i Smith. 
Daniel Snyder. 
Willoughb} T. Shoemaker. 
David Steffan. 
Harasb Troxet. 
Uiron w eat 
Philip \\ 
John Williert. 
Robert Young. 



Company K. 



. 'i, 



John H. Oliver (pro. to major July 5, 1^63), Charles Hertz, captains; 
ib\ I Heilman, first lieutenant; Henry Fried, second lieutenant; 
Thomas Snyder, first sergeant; William J. Reichart,John A. Young, 
William G. afoyer, Henry C. Huber, Bergeants; Henry Trexler. 
Da i Smith, Milton Bieber, Jeremiah Transue, David Hardner, 
William Haas, John Lenz, Sylvester Weller, i rpora] 3tephen A. 
Henry, Charles C. Moore, musicians. 



Privates. 



Samuel S. Apple. 
Blackford Barnes. 

i 'l,i 1 1 - [ti-finett. 

Adolph Clause. 

issily. 

Edwin Desch. 
John IF Btsenhart. 
Tilghman S Frederick. 
Robert Fatzinger. 
Hciijaiiiin Fatzinger. 
Daniel C. Fritz. 
Benjamin Fink. 
Charles W. Gorr. 
Andrew M Qa □ 

John J. Gorr, 

J.. III. 

Charles Hart 
m «es Hoffman. 

' Hand. 

in Heberly. 
David B 

Henry Hardner. 
Philip Hill. 
John Hill. 
Philip Helwert 
Edwin J« 
Charles Kramer. 
Henry B>m< 



■ i Kern. 
Willuugbby Kern. 
William M. I. audi-. 
John La Roche. 
Josiab Lefevre. 
George Minoig. 
Owen Bfetz. 
Henry Moore. 
William C. Moore. 
John Manbart. 
.i ihn ttoyer. 
tfoyei 
JoBtan D Moll 
John Blusenhetmei 
\\ i 1 - o B Mo 
Andrew '■■ 
Thcod iro No 
Tilghman Oil 
William i 
u ■ i hi Rube. 
Lewis Both. 
Edwai I Reii bard. 
Amandai sieger. 
Christian Stahly. 
Tilghman Stelnberger. 
Hiram T. Shaffer. 
Lndwig Shnltz. 
,i Stempfle. 



Edwin Shaffer. 
Charles Schott. 
Achilles Smith. 

Georgo Smith. 

John H, Selslove 

William H. Trui 

! ■ ■ 



■ iltz. 
Beojamin Wondei ly. 

u .it 
Frederick Welkle. 
George \ 
John H. Young. 



Action of the County Authorities during the 
War. — Scarcely had tin' first soldiers from Lehigh 
County entered the field, when public action was 
taken toward relieving such families as were pecu- 
niarily distressed by the absence of the men who sup- 
ported them. At a special meeting of the county 
commissioners a petition, indorsed by " many citizens 
of Lehigh County/ 1 was handed in, " praying for an 
appropriation out of the common funds to support the 
families of those who might be in need during the 
absence of their men or soldier- who proposed to de- 
fend the country's Sag." It was resolved by the com- 
missioners to appropriate live thousand dollars in 
installments of five hundred dollars each to be dis- 
tributed at such periods as might be deemed proper. 

On Jan. 1, 1862, the commissioners nave evidence 
of their recognition of new necessities by resolving 
to raise the county tax to forty cents upon the one 
hundred dollars and the State tax to twenty-five 
cents on the one hundred dollars, and to levy a spe- 
cial tax of fifty cents per head for militia purposes. 

During the same year it became necessary or expe- 
dient to offer a county bounty. At a meeting of the 
commissioners on July 28th, a committee of citizens, 
appointed at a public meeting, presented themselves, 
and requested an appropriation for the recruits re- 
quired from the county to fill the quota required by 
the Governor. The commissioners made an appro- 
priation for this purpose of ten thousand dollars, of 
which fifty dollars was to be paid to each and every 
recruit (the quota being two hundred men). 

But more men were demanded than it was at first 
thought would be needed, and upon Sept. 5, 1862, the 
commissioners, upon the recommendation of a mass- 
meeting of the citizens of the county, held a! Allen- 
town, resolved to appropriate oul of the funds of said 
county the sum of one hundred dollar- as a bounty 
to each soldier recruited in said county and regularly 
mustered into the service of the United States as a 
volunteer i not exceeding the quota allotted to said 
count} under the call for three hundred thousand 
men to be raised by a draft), and the sum of fifty dol- 
lars to all those persons who have enlisted in said 
county and been mustered into the old regiments qow 
in the said service since the date of the last county 
appropriation, or who may hereafter enlist in said 
regiments. On September 15th it was resolved that 
the bounty thus offered should be allowed until the 
25th of the month, and that none should be paid 
either to those enlisting in the old or new regiments 
after that date. 

The county tax was raised two mills on th 
hundred dollars, or to titty cents, on April L3, IS 



110 



HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and at the same time the State tax was increased to 
three mills, or thirty cents, on the one hundred dollars. 

i )n June 30th, when the necessity lor State defense 
had become urgent, the commissioners resolved to pay 
twenty dollars per month to each and every recruit 
lor that service for a period not to exceed three 
months 

It was <m the afternoon of the same 'lay that this 
action was taken that Capt. Walter H. Seips' com- 
pany of eighty-five men left Allentown. Each of 
them received twenty dollars, being a month's pay in 
advance, the total reaching seventeen hundred dollars. 
Other companies which left the county for the de- 
fense of the border soon afterward received similar 
compensation. 

Though there were not wanting in Lehigh County, 
as elsewhere, those who were enemies of the Union 
cause, the great majority stood firmly loyal, and either 
bore arms or supported generously with influence and 
money the great movement which resulted in the 
overthrow of a gigantic rebellion. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

The principal works of internal improvement in 
Lehigh County have been confined to the immediate 
valley of the Lehigh River. First came the laborious 
operations for making the river navigable, undertaken 
and accomplished by the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- 
tion Company. Subsequently the system of trans- 
portation thus established was superseded by the 
canal, which proved more effective, and, like numerous 
others in the country, was frequently referred to as an 
" artery of commerce." But the time came when 
the flow of traffic in this channel was regarded as of 
the slow venous rather than the rapid arterial charac- 
ter, and the demand for a swifter and stronger servant 
led to the construction of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, 
which had its origin in the enterprise of a few lead- 
ing citizens of this county. The completion of this 
road in 1855, its successful operation, and the disaster 
by which were destroyed the river improvements of 
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company in 1862, 
led that great corporation to abandon the idea of re- 
constructing their dams and docks above Mauch 
Chunk, to substitute therefor a railroad, and ulti- 
mately to extend it down the river to Easton. Thus 
the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad replaced the 
navigation system of the Upper Lehigh, and supple- 
mented the company's carrying business by canal on 
the Lower Lehigh. 

All of these improvements had as their chief ob- 
ject the placing of Carbon County coal in the Phila- 
delphia and other important markets, and followed 
naturally and logically the mining operations of the 



Lehigh and other companies. For this and for other 
reasons which are obvious we shall give a connected 
and detailed account of them in a voluminous chap- 
j ter of the history of Carbon County, and here attempt 
only to state the facts concerning certain Lehigh 
County connections and other improvements entirely 
independent of the coal-carrying canal, and the two 
railroads that vie with each other for the traffic of the 
valley, which, at least in Lehigh County, they have 
in a large measure been the means of creating. 

It must be borne in mind that while the discovery 
and mining of coal in Carbon County and the upper 
Lehigh and Schuylkill region led to the establish- 
ment of these great means of transportation, the 
canal and the railroads were the causes which in turn 
operated to bring into existence the heavy iron indus- 
tries of Lehigh County, as well as to give outlets for 
its surplus agricultural wealth. Thus the counties 
were wedded and placed, as it wen-, in reciprocal re- 
lations, in which each was vastly benefited by the 
other. 

The Earliest Railroad Enterprise in Lehigh 
County was one which had for its object the attain- 
' ment of a result similar to that aimed at by the pro- 
jectors of the canal, the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and 
the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, — that is, the 
penetration of the coal-fields. We find that on March 
17, 1838, the Hamburg, Allentown, Bethlehem and 
Easton Railroad Company was incorporated by act of 
the General Assembly. This corporation was com- 
posed of a number of men who sought to build a 
railroad from a point on the Schuylkill River, near 
Hamburg, passing through Kutztown, in Berks 
County, to Allentown, and thence through Beth- 
lehem to Easton. By the provisions of the act the 
work was to be commenced within five, and com- 
pleted within ten, years. The country was, however, 
not ready for such a railroad enterprise, and the pro- 
ject was abandoned, never to be re-entertained, the 
building of other lines obviating the necessity of this 
one in later years. 

The Perkiomen Railroad. — The next railroad 
project in which the people of Lehigh County be- 
came interested was that which led finally to the 
construction of the Perkiomen Railroad. As early as 
1849 or 1850 this project was talked of, and on April 
23, 1852, a charter was procured for the Norristown 
and Freemansburg Railroad Company, with power to 
build a road between the points named. A supple- 
ment to the charter, procured April 18, 1853, granted 
the right to make Allentown the terminus. The 
name was changed, April 6, 1854, to the Norristown 
and Allentown Railroad Company, and on Nov. 23, 
1865, to the Terkiomen Railroad Company. Up to 
! this time no work of importance had been done upon 
i the line; but soon after the final change in title 
i operations were commenced at the junction of the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad below Phrenix- 
i ville. Track was laid to Collegeville, and for a year 



INTKliNAL I M PK< >V KM KNTS. 



Ill 



(ir two thai place was the terminus of i lie road. Then 
it was cxi. 'inli. 1 to Pennsburg. In 187 1 work was 
commenced at the north end of the line, at Emaus. 
In the winter of 1875 the tunnel ai Vera Cruz was 
finished, and in the spring of 1876 trains began run- 
ning regularly to Allentown. This line is now under 
control of the Philadelphia and Beading Railroad 
i lompany. 

The Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad.— The 
first company obtaining a charter to make operations 
on this line contemplated only the construction of a 
plank mad, and was incorporated April 5, 1853, as 
tin- "Catasauqua and Fogelsville Plank Road Com- 
pany." An amendment of the charter, made April 5, 
1853, allowed the Crane Iron Company to become 
subscribers to the stock, and by a supplement to the 
charter passed April 20, 1854, the company was au- 
thorized to build a railroad instead of a plank road 
it they thought it best) to connect with the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad. The name of the corporation w;is 
changed to keep it in conformance with the purpose 
of its existi nee. In February, 1856, the company was 
authorized to extend the railroad to Long Swamp town- 
ship, in Berks County, to connect with the iron mines 
there, and by a supplement to the charter, made in 
April, 1801, authority was given to construct a branch 
to the iron-ore beds in Lehigh and Berks Counties, not 
to exceed six miles in length. The road was built in 
1856-57, a distance of nine miles, at a cost of about 
two hundred and sixty thousand dollars, which was 
furnished by the Crane Iron-Works and the Thomas 
Iron-Works. In 1S59-60 the road was extended two 
and a half miles to Trexlertowu, and in a few years 
afterward was extended to Alburtis, where a junction 
was made with the East Penn Railroad. Still later it 
was built to the Lehigh Mountain and beyond the 
ore-beds to Rittenhouse Gap, about a mile and a half 
from Berks County. Quite a remarkable iron bridge 
on this line, said to have been the largest of the kind 
in the United States at the time it was constructed, 
spans Jordan Creek in South Whitehall township. 
From a description of it contributed to the Journal 
of the Franklin Institute, by Elwood Morris, civil 
engineer, we extract the following: "The extreme 
length of the bridge is eleven hundred and sixty-five 
feet, and the iron superst ruction consists of eleven spaus 
of one hundred feet each. These spans are of a sus- 
pension truss, each truss being sixteen feet high, and 
the two trusses necessary to carry a single-track rail- 
road being spaced ten feet clear apart. The trusses 
are supported upon a group of east-iron pillai- of 
cruciform section, connected and braced together in 
stages, and firmly stayed laterally by heavy wrought 
iron bracing-rods bolted to the masonry. These skele- 
ton piers of cast and wrought iron stand upon low 
piers of solid masonry raised above the line of flood, 
and pointed at both ends. The single-track railway 
crosses the deck of the iron bridge in a straight con- 
tinuous line. Early in July this bridge . . . was 



ti -in in the in tire satisfaction of I iany with 

a loaded train drawn by a locomotive, the wh 
train weighing upon each span of one hundred feet, 

one hundred and thirteen tons, or more than one ton 
to the foot lineal, which was the test-load contracted 
for. The first stone was laid Aug. 'J7, 1856, and the 
first locomotive crossed .Inly II, ls.~>7. the whole hav- 
ing been completed in less than a year, at a cost of 
about seventy-seven thousand dollars for the entire 
structure." 

The present officers of the Catasauqua and I 
ville Railroad arc George T. Barnes, presidi al ; John 
Williams, secretary and treasurer; Charles \\". Chap- 
man, general superintendent. 

Slatington Branch of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road. — A short branch railroad was built from the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad, at Slatington, to Slatedale 
in 1860, work upon it being completed in December 
of that year. The contractor.-, were John and Wil- 
liam Craig, of Lehigh Cap. This road was constructed 
for the accommodation of the slate trade, and has 
but little miscellaneous traffic. 

East Penn Railroad.— By legislative act of March 
9, 1856, the Reading and Lehigh Railroad was incor- 
porated, and invested with power to construct a rail- 
road from a point at or near the junction of the 
Lebanon Valley and Philadelphia and loading Rail- 
roads, in the city of Reading, to any point on the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad, either in the county of 
Lehigh or Northampton. The name of this company 
was changed to the East Penn Railroad Company on 
April 21, 1857, by an amendment of the charter. On 
April 15, 1863, power was given the company to ex- 
tend the road to the Delaware River, and to construct 
a bridge over that stream. The road was built to 
Allentown, wdiere it connects with the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad. It is now under the control of the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad Company. 

The Ironton Railroad.— A stock company was 
formed in 185° for the purpose of building a railroad 
from a point on the Lehigh Valley Railroad near 
Coplay to Ironton, where there are valuable ore-beds. 
A charter was obtained March 4th, and the work of 
construction was commenced soon afterwards. It was 
finished in I860, at a cost of about seventy thousand 
dollars. The principal stockholders were Tinsley 
Jeter, Jay Gould & Co., of New York, and E. W. 
Clarke & Co., of Philadelphia. About 1870 the greater 
portion of the stock owned by these individuals was 
sold to Robert Lenox Kennedy, president of the 
Commercial National Bank of New York, by whom 
it was retained until the sale of the road, in 1882, to 
the Thomas Iron Company of Hokendauqua, by which 
corporation it is -till owned. From the organization 
of the company until the sale of the road Eli J. 
Saeger was its president. This road, with its branch 
from Ironton to Saegersville and into the ore region 
beyond, opened one of the richest hematite ore beds 
in the county, and has proved a valuable enterprise. 



112 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The Berks County Railroad.— On March 29, 1871, 
a company was incorporated by act of Assembly to 
construct a railroad " from a point on the Wilmington 
ami Reading Railroad, at or near Birdsboro', in Berks 
County, by the most available route to and through 
the city of Reading, and thence connecting with any 
railroad or railroads now built in the county of 
Lehigh." The company was also authorized to con- 
struct branch roads not to excel 1 twelve miles in 
length, and to establish a telegraph line. It was one 
of the provisions of the charter that the road should 
be completed by the 1st of July, 1874. It was duly 
built to Slatedale, where it was connected with a 
branch of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. In 187(5 the 
company experienced financial troubles, and the road 
was finally leased to the Philadelphia and Reading 
Company for ninety-nine years. Afterwards the first 
mortgage bonds of the Berks County Railroad Com- 
pany were exchanged for Philadelphia and Reading 
bonds, and the road came under the entire control of 
the company named. This railroad passed through 
the valley of Maiden Creek, in Berks County, and 
those of Jordan and Trout Creeks, in Lehigh County, 
and furnishes an outlet for slate-quarries in the last- 
named valley. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE LEHIGH COUNTY AGRICULTUKAI, SOCIETY. 

LEHIGH County has attained an enviable reputa- 
tion throughout the State as a rich agricultural dis- 
trict, wisely and well developed by an enterprising 
class of farmers. One of the largest factors in the 
recent advancement of the agricultural interest has 
been the county society's annual fairs. These ex- 
hibitions have been the means of stimulating the 
farmer to put forth his best efforts, and their excel- 
lence drawing great throngs of people, from adjoining 
counties, as well as from all parts of Lehigh, they 
have served a valuable educational purpose, and 
afforded countless suggestions in regard to improved 
implements and methods of work. Could the results 
of these fairs be definitely ascertained, it would un- 
doubtedly be found that they have caused a great 
increase in the agricultural wealth of the county, and, 
indeed, of a still wider field. 

The society is now over thirty years old. In 1850 
and 1851 a number of the leading farmers and some 
other citizens became interested in the project of 
forming an agricultural society and holding annual 
exhibitions. They procured copies of the constitution 
and by-laws of several county societies in Massachu- 
setts and other States, and held several meetings at the 
Eagle Hotel at Allentown, at Ruchville, Breinigs- 
ville, and Millerstown. The first meeting, however, 
at which any definite action was taken was one held 



at the house of William Leisenring, in Egypt, White- 
hall township, on Jan. 24, 1852, of which Daniel 
lieisel was president, and Dr. D. A. Moser secretary. 
At this meeting it was resolved to organize an agricul- 
tural society for Lehigh County, and a committee was 
appointed to prepare a constitution, and report at an 
adjourned meeting at the room of the commissioners 
in the court-house at Allentown, Feb. 3, 1852. This 
committee was composed of Jesse M. Line, of Allen- 
town ; John Yost, of Salisbury; Charles Witman, of 
Saucon ; Charles Foster, of Upper Milford; James 
Weiler, of Lower Macungie; William Mink, of Upper 
Macungie; Jacob Grim, of Weissenberg; Joseph 
Moser, of Lynn ; David Knerr, of Lowhill; Andrew 
Peters, of Heidelberg; John Fenstermacher, of Wash- 
ington ; Edward Kohler, of North Whitehall ; Peter 
Mickley, of South Whitehall; Charles Ritter, of 
Hanover; and George Beisel, of Northampton. 

The meiting was held at the time and place ap- 
pointed, Daniel Saeger being called to the chair as 
president, while Henry Y T eager was chosen vice-pres- 
ident and Jacob Dillinger, secretary. An address was 
delivered by R. 10. Wright, Esq. Edward Kohler, of 
the committee appointed at the previous meeting, re- 
ported a constitution, which, after being read, was 
adopted. Edward Kohler was elected president ; fif- 
teen vice-presidents were chosen, one from each town- 
ship; Jesse M. Line was elected recording secretary ; 
Dr. David O. Moser, corresponding secretary; and 
Owen L. Schreiber, treasurer. 

Arrangements were subsequently made for .holding 
a fair on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of October. For this 
purpose the use of a plat of ground, containing about 
five acres, was secured from Messrs. Pretz & Weiu- 
shimer. This was upon the corner of Fourth and 
Union Streets. The ground was fenced in a novel 
manner, posts being set firmly in the ground, and a 
muslin screen, about seven feet high, being carried 
from one to another entirely around the plat. Out- 
siders were thus prevented from seeing the exhibition. 
The fair was successful beyond the hopes of the most 
sanguine. A large number of articles were exhibited, 
and large crowds of visitors attended each day. The 
premiums paid amounted to $163.50. One of the fea- 
tures of this fair was an address delivered on the 
grounds, October 6th, at "early candle-light," by R. 
E. Wright, Esq. George W. Toering, Esq., also ad- 
dressed the members of the society and others at the 
court-house, and on the 8th of October the closing 
address was delivered in German by Rev. Jeremiah 
Shindel. 

So generally had the people been interested in the 
fair, that the managers felt warranted in taking steps 
towards making it a permanent institution. Accord- 
ingly they decided to purchase a tract of land in the 
northern part of the town, containing eight acres. 
This property, owned by William Mattern, was se- 
cured, at a cost of two thousand dollars, before the 
close of the year, and the deed was recorded Jan. 1, 




^^v 



(^C^t, 



£Z>*^ 



THE LEHIGH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



113 



1856. To this was added three acres and five perches, 
bought for $1045.84 from Owen Saeger. In the spring 
of 1856 the grounds were fenced and the central build- 
ing and an oilier erected. 

Preparations for the second exhibition were made 
on a liberal scale, ami it proved a greater success from 
even point of view than the first. The succeeding 
fairs were all creditable and well attended, and the 
society attained an excellent condition and reputa- 
tion. It was thought advisable in 1854 to reorganize 
the society as a stock company. The constitutions of 
many other societies were then obtained, and the 

managers < ipiled from them a constitution for the 

government of the Lehigh County Agricultural So- 
ciety, which embodied all of the most wise and de- 
sirable provisions. At the annual meeting in Febru- 
ary, 1855, the proposition for a change to the form of 
a stock company was laid before the society. The 
plan was t" issue shares at ten dollars each, and to 
allow every person holding one or more to have one 
vote in the decision of all important matters concern- 
ing the society. The change was effected and the 
results have been very gratifying. On the 13th of 
August, 1855, the society was incorporated under a 
general act. Dividends on stock were prohibited by 
the constitution, and the receipts of the society have 
all been expended in the purchase of real estate, im- 
provement of the grounds, erection and repair of 
buildings, and in premiums. The purchase of addi- 
tional ground gives to the society fourteen acres. This 
is even in surface, with a slight slope southward, and 
forms one of the finest places for an agricultural ex- 
hibition imaginable. The buildings are commodious 
and tasteful structures, admirably adapted to their 
several uses, and the general arrangement is exceed- 
ingly convenient. The fame of the Lehigh County 
tairs has gone abroad throughout Eastern Pennsyl- 
vania, and they are annually attended by immense 
throngs of people. An idea of the large attendance 
and of the consequent flourishing condition of the 
ety may be gained from the following table, show- 
ing the annual income from the date of organization 
to the present : 

1852 Sl.200 1869.... 56,930 

1853 2,200 1870 6,118 

l*>! J.T0O 1S71 7,359 

1855 4.H0I) 1878 

1856. 2,600 1873 

L857 2,300 1874 7,813 

2,479 1875 7,185 

1869 2,556 1876 4,465 

I860 2,710 187J 5,781 

1861 1,883 1878 5,885 

1862 No fair. 1879 6,493 

1863 2,579 18S0 7,207 

1864.. 2,870 1881 7,937 

1865 4,946 1882 8,056 

1866 3,868 1883 8,751 

1867 6,352 

1868 5.S69 Total 5156,914 

The following are the names of the officers of the 
society from 1852 to 1884 : 

/;■, /,'.—Edward Kohler, 1852; Hiram .1. 
Shantz, 1855; Col. George Beird, 1859; Owen L. 
Schreider, 1860; Hiram J. Shantz, 1869; Solomon 



Griesemer, 1870; Owen L. Shreider, 1871 : Enos Erd- 
man, L873 to L884. 

Secretaries.— J ease Line, 1852; Augustus L. Rube, 
L854; Joshua Stehler, L856; L. P. Hecker, 1875; 
W.J. Hoxwerth, L876; L. P. Hecker, 1877 to date. 

Treasurers. — Owen L. Schreider, 1852; A.G. Rcnin- 
1855; .1. P. Barnes, 1873; Ephraim Grim, 1875 
to L884. 

Enos Erdman, the late president of the Lehigh 
County Agricultural Society, was one of the In -t 

representative men of the county in all it- varied 

interests. Born April 16, 1822, in Upper Sum-on town- 
ship, the oldest >oii of Hon. Jacob Erdman. lie was the 
proper representative of his family, whose history from 
the early settlement of the township is sketched else- 
where in this work. Industry, integrity, energy, a 
spirit of social, business, and public enterprise, a large 
and tine physique were the prominent characteristics 
by which he was known. Primarily a farmer, he took a 
thorough and practical interest in agriculture, holding 
the position of president of the agricultural society 

I for the last twelve years of his life. lie also engaged 
in mining and manufacturing, was a hank director, 
and was frequently selected to manage important 
private trusts. He was one of the projectors of the 
Allentown and Coopersburg turnpike, and was pi 
dentof the turnpike company from its beginning to 
the time of his death. Like his father, whose cttorts 
in the Legislature in behalf of the public school sys- 
tem were recognized as largely effective of it- adop- 
tion in Pennsylvania, he fostered educational institu- 
tions, public and private, and was at one tine n 
trustee of Muhlenberg College. In comparatively 

I early life he was captain of a cavalry company — the 
Saucon Troop — in the volunteer military service. 
Ardent and influential in politics, he never sought 
for any office of emolument, but was often given 
places of distinction. 

He was a prominent Odd-Fellow, Mason, and 
Knight Templar, and was one of the founders of the 
lodge of A. F. M., at Coopersburg. 

He died on March 22, 1884, at his home tit Centre 

I Valley, while yet in the full prime of lite, and was 
buried under the same monument with his father at 
Woodland Cemetery, at St. Paul's Church l Blue 
Church), of whose Lutheran congregation he was a 
member, it being the same church and burial-place 
where his ancestors worshiped and were buried during 
nearly a century and a half preceding his death. His 
widow, Ann, a daughter of Solomon Keck, of Salis- 
bury township, and three sons, C. J. Erdman, Esq. 
(of Allentown, a prominent member of the Lehigh 
County bari, Preston K. Erdman, Esq. (a member of 
the Philadelphia bar), and Dr. Frank C. Erdman 
(residing at his father's house), survive him. 



114 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



CHAPTER XV. 

GEOLOGY OF LEHIGH COUNTY.' 

The geology of Lehigh County, in common with 
that of Northampton and Berks Counties, is divided 
by geologists into three periods, representing three 
great divisions of time, called respectively — 

1. Azoic or Eozoic. 

2. Palaeozoic. 

3. Mesozoic. 

To these may be added the Cainozoic (or new life) 
rocks, comprising all recent deposits up to the present 
day, though this division has never been recognized 
by the State geologists, and is only sparingly repre- 
sented in the muds and gravels along the Lehigh 
River and lesser streams of the county. 

Of the other three divisions, the Azoic or Eozoic is 
the oldest, and comprises a great mass of rocks with- 
out—or, more properly, with but little — evidences of 
life, as their name suggests. 

1. Azoic Rocks of Lehigh County.— To this age 
the whole Smith Mountain belt of rocks is to be re- 
ferred, extending from Easton, on the Delaware, un- 
interruptedly to Reading, on the Schuylkill, where 
they sink under a plain of the next highest division 
or Paleozoic rocks, which iu this county constitute 
the limestones and slates of the Great Valley, and the 
sand rocks of the North or Kittatinny Mountain. 

In other parts of the United States and in Canada 
this Eozoic formation, by all odds the thickest of the 
divisions above referred to, is capable of subdivision 
into at least six rock masses, of which the Lehigh 
Hills or South Mountains comprise only the lowest or 
Laurentian member, all the other five upper mem- 
bers, if deposited here at all, having been eroded and 
frittered away to build up the various formations of 
the palaeozoic system. 

The thickness of this mass of rock is unknown, for 
forming as it does, the base of our observed rock sys- 
tem, we can have no knowledge of how much of the 
formation is still hidden from us. 

Undoubtedly it took a much longer period of time 
in its formation than the overlying systems, and even 
since the pakeozoic era it has undergone so many 
physical and chemical changes as t<> almost totally 
obliterate its original character and composition. 

It must be remembered by the people of Lehigh 
and adjoining counties, that, this South Mountain 
range, now averaging one thousand feet above sea- 
level, was, in past geological ages, an immense moun- 
tain system, rising to a height of at least five miles, 
covered by thirty thousand feet of newer rocks, com- 
prising the limestones and slates of the Great Valley, 
the sand rocks of the North or Blue Mountain, the 
shales, hydraulic limestones, and sandstones of the 
Stroudsburg and Lehighton Valley, the red and white 



By E. V. d'lnvilliers. 



sandstone of the Mauch Chunk Mountain, and the 
coal measures to the north of it.'- 

The effect of the great pressure of this superincum- 
bent mass of rocks on the eozoic floor may be imag- 
ined, and such changes of constitution have been 
brought about by it as to secure for this Laurentian 
mass the name among geologists of crystalline or 
metamorphic rocks. 

Remnants of the vast paheozoic system are still to 
be found in patches on the South Mountain crests, as 
at St. Peter's Church, near the Berks County line, and 
in the included valleys of limestone and slate in the 
very heart of the mountains. 

A glance at the colored map of Lehigh County 
will show at once the extent of the Laurentian for- 
mation colored pink, and the frequency of the pahe- 
ozoic patches still left.iu the mountain folds. 

Of the character of these rocks it may be said, in a 
general way, that there are principally two kinds, — 1. 
Distinctly stratified, thick-bedded, massive gneiss; a 
mixture of granular quartz and pink or white feld- 
spar, with a general absence of mica, corresponding 
to that variety of gneiss which Professor Dana has 
called granulite ; 2. A stratified syenite, in which 
there is a preponderance of hornblende and asso- 
ciated minerals ; a considerable proportion of feld- 
spar, but little or no quartz. 

Magnetic oxide of iron grains are abundantly dis- 
seminated through the hornblendic rocks, and much 
that has been called hornblende in these strata is 
really magnetite. It is also a constituent of the 
granulite rock. 

Talcose, chloritic and micaceous slates, such as 
are abundantly found in the newer Huroniau gneisses 
in York, Adams, and Lancaster Counties, 3 rarely 
present themselves among the Lehigh County gneiss 
rocks. 

It would be impossible to classify these two prin- 
cipal members throughout the mountain range, for 
they imperceptibly grade into one another. The 
writer met the same difficulty in his survey of Berks 
County- (D s , vol. i., part ii.), and there, as here, the 
only practical guide to their geographical distribution 
is the greater erosion of the hills made up of the 
softer granulite rocks, and the consequent higher 
ground occupied by the hornblendic variety. The 
latter hills present rugged sides and crests, are sterile 
and rocky, and generally wooded. The former pre- 
sent rounded hills with considerable soil, and are 
those mostly cultivated in the mountain region. 

In Lehigh County the mountain mass is split in 
two by the beautiful Saucon Valley, made up of newer 
paheozoic measures. The western half of the division 
forms more properly what is locally known as the 
Lehigh Mountain, a belt two miles wide, composed 



-' sec remarks of Professor .1. P. Lesley, Report T> t p. 60, of the Penn- 
Bylvauia Geological Survey. 
:i See Reports 0, 0C, CCC, Puun. Geological Survey. 



GEOLOGY OF LKHIGH COUNTY. 



115 



chiefly of the harder syenitic gneiss, and extending 
from the Lehigh River at Bethlehem southwest, 
through Upper Saucon, Saulsburg, and Upper Mil- 
ford townships. 

The eastern division i- mostly confined to North- 
ampton County, where it forms the will-known 
Morgan, Bougher, and Hexenkopf hills. Passing 
into Lehigh County from near Leithsville, it occupies 
portions of Upper Saucon and Lower Milford town- 
ships, joining the western division in the latter town- 
ship, and forming with it a mountain area four miles 
wide along the Berks County line. 

This second division, bordering the Mesozoic red 
■hale of upper Bucks County, is the western extension 
of the great Musconetcunk Mountain range of New 
Jersey. But in Pennsylvania, along the Delaware, its 
summits are only from four hundred and fifty to live 
hundred and thirty feet above tide-level, which \r.i- 
given rise here to the name of Durham Hills for this 
New Jersey mountain range. 

These mountain ridges are evidently made up of 
elosely-folded anticlinals, though the form of struc- 
ture can he actually observed at but few places. It is, 
however, a fact commonly accepted by all geologists 
who have worked in the region that they have both 
anticlinal shape and structure. The arches are 
almost everywhere bent over northwards, producing 
a steep dip in the north leg of the anticlinal, and a 
gentler dip in the south leg, but both inclining towards 
the southeast. This fact will often confuse the student 
of structure here, but it in no way impairs the rule 
governing the structure of this mountain and valley 
area from the Delaware to the Schuylkill Rivers, — viz., 
of inverted or overturned anticlinals and synclinals. 
Within these Laurentian rocks are the magnetic ore 
minis dt' Durham, in Bucks County, Dillingersville, 
New Zionsville, Alburtis, and Lock Ridge, in Lehigh, 
as well as the recently discovered deposits of corun- 
dum near Shimersville. 

Just north of the Lehigh Mountain, a synclinal 
trough, through which the river runs from Allentown 
to Bethlehem, divides the main mountain mass from 
two outlying patches of gneiss, one east of the river at 
Allentown. and the other on the Little Lehigh Creek, 
in Saulsburg township, in the heart of the (treat Val- 
ley. They are important as evidences of the spread 
of this gneiss formation underlying the limestone 
belt of the valley, as it does the smaller Durham and 
Saucon Valleys. These little detached ridges must be 
looked upon as parts of underground mountains still 
covered with limestone. 

2. Palaeozoic Rocks of Lehigh County.— These, 
the second division of the rocks of Lehigh County in 
point of age. are such as give evidence of the exist- 
ence of former life, and frequently such in abundance. 
In point of territory, they are more widely distributed 
in Pennsylvania than any other system, being succes- 
sively brought to the surface by repeated folds through 
the interior and eastern part of the State. However, 



they by no means equal in thickness the eozoic meas- 
ures from which they have been derived. 

Potsdam S No. I. Thi member of 

this division in the county is the Potsdam 
usually a triple formation of lower and upper slate 
and a middle white sand-tone or quartzite. This 
formation Professor Henry D. Rogers, in the first 
survey of the State, called primal, adding a fourth 
lower member of conglomerate, marking the base of 
the formation. (July the two upper members, the 
sandstone or quartzite and the upper slate, havi 
far been noticed in this count} .' 

The (primal) upper slate forms the transition 
between the sandstone and the overlying Siluro-Cam- 
brian limestone of the Great Valley. Its thick' 
varies greatly in different parts of the county, in 
some places thinning out entirely, and elsewhere at- 
taining a thickness of several hundred feet. This 
slate has been colored on the map as part of the lime- 
stone area, as it contain- the range of the brown 
hematite ore hanks, which occurs between the lime- 
stone and sandstone nearly the whole length of the 
county. It is by far the most important member of 
the series from an economical point of view. 

To the primal white sandstone, colored buff on the 
map, whose junction with the underlying gneiss marks 
the horizon of another very important class of ores, 
the red hematites or specular ores, is assigned a thick- 
ness of only thirty feet in the State Geological Re- 
ports, though going westward into Berks County it 
gains in thickness wdiat the slate loses. 

The two lowest members, so largely developed in 
the south, seem to have thinned out entirely bef< 
reaching Pennsylvania, and evidences of a non-con- 
formability between Potsdam and gneiss are frequent. 
One such typical occurrence is well seen south of 
Easton, on the Delaware. 

The sandstone usually consists of a compact quartz- 
ite, gray to blue in color when freshly broken, and 
weathering to a yellowish brown, and becoming pock- 
marked from the dissolution of small specks of fel- 
spathic material contained in the rock. It is fre- 
quently characterized by well-preserved specimens 
of scolithus, a delicate, stem-like fossil. 

In Lehigh County this formation will be found 
everywdiere flanking the north base of the mountains, 
and dipping northwest unconformably, on southeast 
dipping gneiss from the Lehigh River, at Allentown, 
to the Berks County line. It occurs similarly be- 
tween the gneiss and limestone in the Saucon and 
Durham Valleys, though apparently absent south of 
Saucon Valley P. O., where the gneiss and lime- 
stone are in direct contact. A small patch of it covers 
the north flank of the outlying gneiss ridge in Sauls- 
burg township, northwest of Emaus*. i v »uite an exten- 
sive area of it still covers the Laurentian rock- in Ipper 
Milford township, indicating the evident former con- 



1 See Report D 3 , rol. i. p. 210, of the State Geological Report!. 



116 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



cealment of the whole gneissic region by paheozoic 
measures, the subsequent wearing away of which 
covering has allowed extensive areas of the eozoic 
floor to be exposed. The mines of specular ore, or red 
hematite, at Vera Cruz, Shimersville, and Zionsville, 
are generally referred to this formation. 

Siluro- Cambrian or Auroral Limestone. — This di- 
vision of the palaeozoic rocks, under the name Mag- 
nesian limestone No. II., as is frequently used in 
the Pennsylvania Geological Reports, comprises the 
Calciferous saudrock, Chazy, Bird's-Eye, and Black 
River limestones of the New York geologists. The 
Trenton limestone, being non-magnesiau, forms an 
upper distinct member of the formation, immedi- 
ately under the Hudson River (matinal) slates No. 
III. 

The color, texture, and composition of the lime- 
stones vary greatly. Blue and dove are the most 
prevailing tints, but the limestones may be said to 
show all shades from pure white to black. The lime- 
stone along the foot of the South Mountain is not 
only hard, flinty, and compact, but even semi-crys- 
talline. It apparently everywhere lies conformably on 
the Potsdam sandstone No. I. formation beneath it. 
The thickness of the limestone formation in Lehigh 
County is uncertain, for the apparently regular sur- 
face of the valley conceals a very troubled and irregu- 
lar floor, from three to seven miles wide, so compli- 
cated and contorted as to defy accurate measurement 
or interpretation of dips. 

Its general structure is a series of tightly com- 
pressed rolls and basins, some regular, some over- 
turned, twisted, and even snapped. One of the most 
distinct and longest basins is the synclinal extend- 
ing from Allentown, between the South Mountains and 
the line of Pine Knob, Quaker Hill, and Chestnut 
Hill, southwest toward Alburtis. 

A second marked trough is bounded on the north 
by the great anticlinal, which crosses the Lehigh 
River a mile above Catasauqua. A third synclinal 
borders the slate belt, and is deeper than the other 
two, because it holds the lower members of the 
overlying slate formation. The anticlinal, north of 
this, brings up to the surface the limestone areas at 
Kreidersville, and the patch on Catasauqua Creek, 
two miles above Weaversville, in Northampton 
County. 

The upper or Trenton limestone is probably best 
seen on the Lehigh River, at Siegfried's bridge. The 
beds of this member are much sought after by the 
farmers, as they are non-magnesian, and make a very 
pure and strong lime. On passing southeast from 
Siegfried's bridge the limestones become generally 
more magnesian until near the contact line of the 
two members of the formation, the hydraulic lime- 
stone occurs, so long and favorably worked at the 
Coplay Cement Quarries. 

The extent of this limestone formation is shown on 
the map by a blue color. In general, its southern limit 



usually outlines the northern border of the South 
Mountains, except at Bethlehem in Northampton 
County, where it continues south through a break in 
the mountains and joins the Saucon Valley basin 
extending through into Upper Saucon township. The 
north limit is the edge of the Hudson River slates of 
No. III. 

The great majority of the ores in the limestone are 
limonite, more commonly called brown hematite. It 
is the hydrated ferric oxide, containing when pure 
59.89 per cent. iron. The two most important and 
persistent ore horizons in the county occur at the con- 
tact of the Siluro-Cambrian limestone with the Pots- 
dam upper (damourite) slate, and the other at the 
junction of either the Magnesian or Trenton lime- 
stone with the slate of No. III. It is from the da- 
mourite slate occurring there that the great mass of 
iron ore is obtained for the Lehigh Valley furnaces. 

Between these two horizons, usually carrying ore in 
situ, there are local deposits of ore spread through the 
centre of the valley. These partake of a pocketty, 
irregular nature, and are not usually to be relied upon 
as persistent ore mines. 

The most important of the iron-ore mines of Lehigh 
County is the fronton Mine, both from its size and 
the excellent quality of the ore it has furnished. A 
full analysis of its ore will be found further on. In 
addition to the brown hematite ores it would not be 
out of place in this short sketch to note the occurrence 
of a valuable zinc deposit near Friedeusville, in the 
Saucon Valley. 

Hudson River Slates No. III. [Matinal of Prof. 
Rogers). — This is the third member of the Paheozoic 
series, and occupies all that portion of the Great Valley 
lying between the North Mountain and the edge of the 
limestone on the south, with a breadth of about eight 
miles on the Lehigh and twelve miles along the Berks 
County line. It is an irregularly accented low hill 
country, very greatly cut up by numerous streams and 
rivulets. The whole mass is one formation corre- 
sponding to the Hudson River slate formation of New 
York, though occasionally traces of a lower Utica 
black slate formation intervene between it and the 
Trenton limestone. It may be divided into two 
members, the upper being more massively bedded 
and therefore supporting a more elevated country, 
constituting the southern slope of the North Moun- 
tain. The slate mass, like the limestone, is highly 
plicated with numerous local anticlinal and syncli- 
nal rolls, and dips overturned ; is greatly worn down, 
concealing exposures and rendering measurements 
difficult. 

In Northampton County, along the west bank of the 
Delaware, Mr. R. H. Sauders estimates five thousand 
two hundred and forty feet as a conservative thickness 
for the formation, and suggests six thousand feet as 
a probable thickness.' He says, " These five or six 

> D», vol. i. p. 85. 



GEOLOGY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. 



117 



thousand feet of rock consist of beds pf slate varying 
in thickness from one one-hundredth of an inch up 
to at least thirty feet, being nearly all of a dark-gray, 

bluish-black color, fine and coarse grained, with oc- 
casional beds of sandstone, which arc not persistent." 
Within this formation arc frequently found important 
beds of roofing slates, and a full description of the 
various openings in the county will he found in 1> , 
vol. i., of the State Geological Survey Reports. 

State-quarrying and the preparation of slate for 
roofing and school purposes form an important indus- 
try in the county. Most of the larger quarries arc 
situated in the neighborhood of Slatington and Slate- 
dale. Cleavage is a marked characteristic of these i 
slates, greatly facilitating the work of preparing them 
for market. Theextenl of the formation is shown by , 
a gray tint on the map. The upper mass, immedi- ! 
ately beneath the Oneida conglomerate No. IV., of 
the North Mountain, is well exposed; but between I 
this point and Slatington the slates are so twisted and 
broken that it is impossible to formulate the bed se- 
quence or depict the structure. The flexures are fre- ; 
quently so sharp as to produce almost parallelism in 
the arms of the folds. 

At the Lehigh Water Gap these slates are last seen 
dipping northwest conformably under the sand rocks 
of the mountains which form the north boundary line i 
of the county. 

Oneida and Medina, No. TV. — This latter forma- 
tion, No. IV. (Levant of Prof. Rogers), consists of 
a lower Oneida conglomerate and an upper Medina 
white sandstone, with an intermediate Medina red 
shaly sandstone. The two white sand rocks make 
the ribs of the double-crested mountain. They are 
economically unimportant, and create a generally 
sterile soil. They mark the last and highest sub- 
division of the pakeozoic measures in Lehigh County, 
and I have now to refer to a much more recent forma- 
tion, the 

3. Mesozoic or New Red Sandstone.— The term 
mesozoic (middle age) is applied to this formation 
because it was deposited after all the paheozoic (old 
age) formations had been completed and lifted out of 
the ocean at the close of the uppermost coal measure 
(Permian) era, at which time Middle, Northern, and 
Western Pennsylvania became dry land, leaving a 
belt of Eastern Pennsylvania still underwater. The 
name New l!"l sandstone was given to it in England 
to distinguish its rocks from the Old Red sandstone of 
Scotland, made famous by the researches of Hugh 
Miller. 

In Lehigh County, these rocks are only represented 
along the Bucks County line, in the townships of 
Upper Saucon and Lower Milford. After the South 
Mountain and paheozoic highlands had been consid- 
erably eroded they were submerged, during which 
time mesozoic sediments were deposited over gneiss 
and Potsdam sandstone hills alike. South of the 
Saucon Valley, for instance, mesozoic rocks form the 



upper part of :i mountain ridge, the top of which is 
still nine hundred and eighty let above tide, and 

was, of course, once -till higher. 

The north limit of the Mesozoic formation was 
probably a limestone ridge, and the subsequent more 
rapid erosion and disintegration of the lime-tone 
than the mesozoic strata has hit the latter standing 
as a highland, and reduced the former to a line of 
valley- he! ween the edge of the mesozoic rocks and 
the mountains. It is hut sparingly represented in 
Lehigh County, in a hell from one to two miles wide, 
made up entirely of red sandstone and shale, and de- 
void of the gnat trap dikes and conglomerate hills 
that characterize tin- formation in Berks, Bucks, and 
Montgomery Counties. The topograph} of this coun- 
try is undulating ; the hills are furrowed; the soil is 
red ; the rocks are beautifully stratified : line-grained, 
compact, hard clay sandstones alternating with bi 
of soft shale. 

The Mesozoic sandstone of Lehigh County si 
attains value as a building stone. The shales weather 
to a sticky, wet clay soil. The sand-tone- make a 
porous, drier soil. The whole surface is easily tilled, 
and is mostly under cultivation, the sandstone being 
of shaley constitution, although massive, and the 
shales being so soft that the plowshare can cut into 
the solid mass underlying the soil. The Mesozoic 
sandstones and shales cannot be grouped into sub- 
formations, for they are not alike. When traced by 
outcrops the shales graduate into sandstone and the 
sandstone into shale. 

The following analyses of some of the limestones 
and ores of the county may prove of interest and 
serve the purposes of this short article. They were 
mostly made by Mr. A. S. McCreath, chemist of the 
Geological Survey at Harrisburg, who is to be cred- 
ited for them in all cases unless where otherwise 
stated. They are mostly taken from Reports M, and 
MM, D, and DD of that survey. The first list com- 
prises analyses of dolomites or magnesian limestones, 
representative of the largest division of the Siluro- 
Cambrian formation, No. II. 

1. 2. :i. 4. 

1 1, Uibte residue 5.650 11.260 13.*90 

Calcium carbonate 51.920 47.890 51.603 4- 

m mm mi carbonate 41.071 17 40.410 

Sulphur trace trace 147 

PbusphoruB 0.011 0.021 0.012 0.012 

(1) Buth's quarry, about one mile uortta of Alburtia (H. Pember- 
ton, Jr.). 

(2) From another part of same quarry. 

(3) Mrs. Kuan's quarry, one and a half miles northeast "l Trezlertown. 

(4) Frantz quarry, one and a quarter miles northeast of Trexlei I 

Many oilier analyses of the same class of rocks 
show that the dolomites vary greatly in composition, 
even in different parts of the same quarry. 

The following three analyses are of limestones 
occurring higher in the measures, and consequently 
showing a larger percentage of lime, approaching 
the lreuton subdivision : 



118 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



l. 

Carbonate of lime 70.780 

Carbonate of magnesia 1 

Carbonate of iron 1.398 

Bisulphide of iron 

Alumina 

Phosphorus 

Carbonaceous matter 



0.105 

SCO 

,019 
.120 

Insoluble residue 11.070 



2. 

56.220 

31.201 
I 305 
n 320 
,300 
.008 
.120 

10.9811 



3. 

83.632 
5 162 
1 188 
.238 



.026 
.835 

7.850 



(1) Edward Guth's quarry, at Guth's Station, four aud a half miles 
west of Catasauqua. Fine-grained, dark blue, with slaty structure. 

(2) Thomas Iron Company's quarry, at Guth's Station. Fine-grained, 
bluish gray, with some quart'/. 

(3) Ironton Railroad Company's quarry, one mile southeast of Ironton, 
Hard and compact, bluish gray (D. McCreath). 

Samples of damourite or hydromica slate were taken 
from various places in the county during the progress 
of the survey, and as this bed, occurring near the 
base of the magnesian limestone, is of great economi- 
cal importance from its association with the brown 
hematite ores of the valley, the following analyses 
are subjoined to show its general composition : 



Silica 


1. 
49.92 

0.91 


2. 
45.40 

;, or, i 
24.69 J 

18 56 
trace 

0.27 
5.86 
4.80 

99.03 


3. 
59.30 

30.30 

trace 
trace 

151 
6 Jl 

4.711 

102.05 


4. 
39.80 
14.40 
2.40 




1.77 


trace 




0.11 






0.74 
0.52 


0.52 
3.34 
6.00 




100.97 


102.20 



(1) From Kraemlich and Lictenwallner's mine, Fogelsville (Dr. F. A. 
Gentb). 

(2) Thomas' Iron Company's mine, at Hensingersville (Sydney Castle). 

(3) Lehigh Iron Company's quarry, at East Penn Junction (Pedro G. 
Salom). 

(4) From another part of same quarry. 

The limonites or brown hematite ores show much 
variation in their composition, as might be expected 
from the nature of the deposit; but the following 
have been selected to show the average quality of 
the ores in various parts of the valley. 

The Ironton Mine, at Ironton, as being the most 
perfect type of Lehigh County limonite deposits, as 
well as the largest producer, comes first in importance. 
The greater part of this ore has been shipped in the 
past to the Cambria Iron-Works at Johnstown, Pa., 
for the manufacture of spiegeleisen. 

1. 2. 

Silica 4 845 

Manganese binoxide 77.1)00 

Manganons oxide 4.320 

Ferric oxide 3.660 

Alumina 0.711 

Oxide of cobalt 190 

Oxide of nickel trace 

Cupric oxide trace 

Baryta 0.162 

J.ime 0.770 

Magnesia 0.236 

Soda 0.368 

Potash 3.042 

Sulphuric arid trace 

Phosphoric acid 0, I 10 

Water 3.980 



S4 ss 
3.77 



1.68 
trace 



trace 
1.90 

0.79 
o.lo 
3.50 



trace 
I 38 



Total 100.883 



101.09 

1. 2. 

Iron 2.662 

llanganese 52.031 50.58 

Sulphur trace 

Phosphorus 003 trace 

(1J Average sample, analyzed by Mr. A. S. McCreath. 
J Picked specimen, analyzed by Mr. Henry Pemberton, Jr. 



The most southern or first range of mines hugs the 
north Hank of Lock Ridge at Alburtis, and trends 
(like all the others) in a northeasterly direction, par- 
allel to the South Mountains. The position of the 
various mines can be determined from the key-list on 
map, ami the following are a few analyses of theirores : 

1. 2. 3. 4. 

Iron 46.60 45.30 47.000 44.600 

Manganese 0.454 749 0.519 0.576 

Sulphur 0.027 0.032 0.030 trace 

Phosphorus 0.597 0.137 0.111 O.I51 

Insoluble matter 16.23 21.00 10.050 20.340 

(1) James Kreischman's mine. 
i2i Wiand's mine. 

(3) J. Barber & Co.'s mine. 

(4) Hensingers & Saul's mine. 

At Barber & Co.'s mine, one and one-half miles 
from Alburtis, near Hensingersville, carbonate ore 
has been found, this being one of the few places in 
the county where this ore is known to exist in any 
quantity. 

It is hard and compact, surface white, brownish 
color on fresh fracture, laminated structure, and 
minutely cystallized. It underlies the brown hema- 
tite in this mine, and shows the following analysis: 

Protoxide of iron 45.064 

Sesquioxiile of iron 1.553 

Bisulphide of iron 457 

Alumina 1.043 

Protoxide of manganese 1.150 

Lime 644 

Magnesia ... 1.495 

Carbonic acid 29.330 

Phosphoric acid 142 

Sulphuric acid 061 

Water 420 

Insoluble residue 17.575 

Total 99.534 

Iron 36.350 

Sulphur 268 

Phosphorus 062 

The following are some analyses of ores in the 
second range : 

1. 2. 3. 4. 

Iron 51.25 43.00 51.950 38.00 

Manganese 0.381 4 575 0.360 1.4S4 

Sulphur 0.016 0.049 trace 002 

Phosphorus o.loo 0.109 0.106 0.108 

Insoluble matter 11.01 19,00 11.430 30.97 

(1) Ludwig's old mine. 

(2) Blank's mine. 

(3) Reuben Itomig's mine. 

(4) Milton Lauer's mine. 

The third range of mines, still farther north, shows : 

l. 2. 3. 

Irou 48.250 42.30 48.200 

Manganese 0.432 0.648 oils 

Sulphur O.U45 0.026 O.i 05 ' 

Phosphorus.. 0.025 0.100 0.158 

Insoluble matter 18.450 24.12 14.810 

(1) Frank S. Lichtenwallner's mine. 

(2) Elwyn Bastian's mine. 

(3) Francis Guth's mine. 

The fourth range, well up towards the No. III. 
slates, gives: 

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 

Iron 48.100 45.700 51.750 40 600 36.500 

Manganese 0.300 048 0.309 0.144 2.932 

Sulphur 0.045 0.034 trace trace 0.031 

Phosphorus 0,104 0.157 0.270 0.270 3.136 

Insoluble residue 13.440 20.210 10.350 19.880 18.900 

(1) Francis Breinig's mine. 

(2) Nathan Whitely's mine. 

(3) Henry Schwartz and W. B. Fogel's mine. 

(4) Alwyn Bortz's mine. 

(5) Jacob Steininger's mine. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



119 



The magnetic ores of the county are but slightly 
developed, and when mined show on an average about 
forty-five per cent. iron. These ores, while being 
very low in phosphorus, contain a great deal of sili- 
cious matter, so that they can be sparsely used with 
the limonites, themselves high in silica. Before eon- 
eluding this brief article, it may be well to incorpo- 
rate the following analyses of the cement stone quar- 
ries at Coplay, on the Lehigh River, all made by Mr. 
John Eckert : 

12 3 4 5 

Silica 12.88 12.81 13.72 14.88 15.03 

Alumina 4.25 4.86 4.11:1 5.32 3.97 

Ferric oxide 1.09 .97 1.04 1.12 1.93 

Carbonate of lime 72-7 72.64 71.54 69.26 74.12 

Sulphate of lime 1.60 1.68 1.79 2.29 l.lfl 

Carbonate of magnesia... 4.69 4.62 4.37 3 67 2 41 

l.oric acid 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.13 

Organic matter 1.57 1.72 1.78 1.68 1.47 

Total 99.05 99.41 98.43 98.11 100.26 



CHAPTER XVI. 
THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 

Settlement and Growth.— The development of 
Allentown has been not unlike the growth of the 
century plant, — a hundred years of slow, sure, but 
inconspicuous advancement, and then the sudden 
putting forth of long-stored energies in a rich and 
flourishing bloom. The period from 17<>2 to 1862 — 
from the planting of the germ of civilization in the 
wilderness to its fruition — was one of even and gentle 
progression, little noticed ; but there came a time 
when the full force of its life was exhibited, and the 
wondering and admiring gaze of all neighbors was 
attracted by its vigor. 

It is our purpose in the following chapter to rescue 
from a fast-engulfing oblivion the record of humble 
beginnings nearly a century and a quarter ago; to 
mention men of mark who have passed away with the 
flood of years, and also many of those who are still 
upon the stage, where they have played well their 
parts ; to chronicle notable events; to sketch the im- 
portant institutions of the town; to give some repre- 
sentation of its growth and improvement; and last, 
but not hast, to set forth those facts which are illus- 
trative of the genius of the busy, bustling present, 
and of the last few years, during which industry and 
energy have asserted their potency in the roar of 
great furnaces, the rumbling of ponderous machinery , 
the resounding blows of the conquerors of iron, in 
the softer whir of wheels, the sharp strokes of Hying 
shuttles and the hum of innumerable spindles, in the 
places of honest toil, where enterprise and labor join 
to enrich the mass of men. 

The Family of the Founder— Land Title— Trout 
Hall. — Prior to the middle of the eighteenth century 
the region embracing the site of the future city of 



Allent iwn was a wilderness, very sparsely dotted with 
the habitations of men. The nearest important out- 
post of civilization was Bethlehem, while to the 
northward were the small pioneer farming settlement-, 
in which the struggle of man against the great fi 
was scarcely more than begun, — Egypta and the Irish 
Settlement. Here and there through the surrounding 
region, very few and far apart, had been built the 
cabins of solitary toilers who had ventured into the 
wilderness to make homes, and who year by year 
were widening the areas of sunshine around them and 
bringing each summer a lew more acres of the virgin 
soil under cultivation. 

Such, in brief, was the condition of the country in 
1735, when William Allen became ( m — , — ,-. i of a large 
tract of land, including the site of Allentown, and so 
it remained, save for slight and gradual changes, for 
nearly thirty years. 

The Aliens occupy a distinguished place in the 
early history of Pennsylvania. Proud says. " Wil- 
liam Allen was the son of William Allen, who died 
in Philadelphia in 1725. He had been an eminent 
merchant in the city and a considerable promotor of 
the trade of the province, a man of good character 
and estate." ' William Allen, the younger, had been 
appointed chief justice of the Supreme Court in 1750, 
a position which he held for many years. He en- 
joyed the friendship of the Penn family, and his 
daughter Ann married Governor John Penn. He 
speculated very extensively in lands, and by shrewd 
and careful methods secured an ample fortune. 
Secretary James Logan, writing to Thomas Penn, in 
England, says he " had a method of procuring a 
knowledge of the quality or worth of lands, which he 
effected by private arrangements he made with the 
surveyors who transversed the wild lands, ... to 
whom he gave douceurs; in this manner he became 
the wealthiest of the land speculators, as persons de- 
sirous of purchasing good tracts would purchase of 
him in preference to all others." Judge Allen had 
married one of the daughters of Andrew Hamilton, 
a former Deputy Governor under William Penn. He 
had three sons, — Andrew, James, and William. 

The lands in Lehigh County of which Judge Allen 
became the owner amounted to about three thousand 
acres. The first parcels which he acquired were part 
of a tract of five thousand acres granted to Thomas 
Penn by warrant, dated at London, May 18, 1732, in 
consideration of a yearly quit-rent of one shilling 
sterling for each one hundred acres. By an instru- 
ment of writing indorsed upon the warrant, and bear- 
ing the same date, for a consideration mentioned, 
Thomas Penn assigned the warrant and the five 
thousand acres of land mentioned to " Joseph Turner, 
of the city of Philadelphia, merchant, his heirs and 
assigns, forever." By a like indorsement upon the 
warrant, bearing date Sept. 10, 1735. Joseph Turner 



1 Prouil's Hist .iv of Pennsylvania, vol. ii. p. 188. 



120 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



sold and assigned to William Allen the warrant and 
five thousand acres of land mentioned in it. In pur- 
suance of the warrant there was, in the language of 
the law, "surveyed unto the said William Allen, on 
the 9th of October, 173"), in part of the quantity 
therein mentioned, a certain tract of land situate in 
tin' fork above the western branch of the Delaware, 
in the county of Bucks (of which Lehigh was then a 
part), containing thirteen hundred and forty-five 
urns and allowances." By a deed of Aug. 20, 1739, 
Thomas Penn, " by virtue of the powers and author- 
ities granted by John and Richard Penn, and in his 
own right, the said John, Thomas, and Richard Penn 
being the true and absolute Proprietaries aud Gov- 
ernors-iu-chief of the province of Pennsylvania and 
the counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, on the 
Delaware, confirmed unto the said William Allen, 
his heirs and assigns, the aforesaid thirteen hundred 
and forty-five acres and allowance." ' 

It appears that Judge Allen did not deed to his son 
James, the founder of Allentown, the lauds on which 
the city is built until five years after the original plat 
was laid out and the first houses built. The transfer 
was made by deed dated Jan. 5, 1767. 2 

Further light is thrown upon the land transactions 
in this locality of William Allen by an old draft. 3 
This shows the total amount owned by him to have 
been three thousand acres, divided into six tracts. 
Tract 1, containing two hundred acres, was surveyed 
for Allen by Nicholas Scull, 4 June 7, 1739. Tract 2, 
coutaining seven hundred and sixty-five acres, was 
originally surveyed for Joseph Turner, Nov. 23, 1736. 
Tract 3 was the island in the Lehigh. Tract 4, con- 
taining five huudred and one acres, was patented to 
William Allen, Aug. 13, 1739. Tract 5, containing 
five hundred and nine acres aud seventy-two perches, 
was patented to Allen, June 22, 1739. Tract 6, con- 
taining five hundred and forty-one acres, was sur- 
veyed for Allen by Edward Scull, Oct. 28, 1740. 5 The 



I This deed is recorded in the Laud Office of Pennsylvania, in Book A, 
vol. ix.pp. 68, 69, and 70. 

-This deed, acknowledged Jan. 13, 1767, is recorded at Easd.ii, in 
Deed Book A, vol. i. p. 91. 

3 It waa made hy John Lnkens, surveyor-general of Pennsylvania 
from 1761 to his death, in 178 l j. lie was a native of Horsham township, 
Montgomery Co., and learned surveying from Nicholas Scull. 

II Scull was an eminent early surveyor. He was appointed surveyor- 
general of Pennsylvania in 1748, and held the office till his death, in 
1761. 

5 The later deed history of the Allen lands is as follows: James Allen, 
who has heen mentioned as receiving the Allentown tract from his father 
iu 1767, died in 1782. By hie last will and testament he gave his real 
estate to his sou, James Allen, ami his daughters, Ann Penn Allen, Mar- 
garet Elizabeth Allen (intermarried with William Tilghmau), and Mary 
(intermarried with Henry Walter Livingston), as tenants in common, iu 
fee-simple. Tin- will was admitted to probate hy the register of wills at 
Philadelphia April 13, 1782, and was dated May 3, 177s. Some time after 
1782, and prior to I7!'X, James Allen, Jr., died in his minority, without 
issue and nnmarried and intestate, whereupon, by operation of law, his 
Interest in the real estate descended to his sister, Ann Penn Allen (after- 
wards married t<> James Greenleaf), Margaret Elizabeth (intermarried 
witli William Xllgbman), and Mary (intermarried with Henry Walter 
Livingston), as tenants in common. 



total of these tracts is two thousand five hundred and 
sixteen acres, and if to this amount the area of the 
island (not stated) and the allowances be added, it 
would about equal three thousand acres. The ad- 
joining land-owners were Benjamin Eastburn, J. 
Earthmau, William Philips, M. Snyder, G. Stout, J. 
Zimmerman, J. Bodrock (Rothrock), and Giles 
Windsor. 

As has been already said, the region around the 
confluence of the Little Lehigh, the Jordan, and 
the Lehigh River was very sparsely settled when 
William Allen made his purchases. It had pro- 
gressed so little beyond the condition of a wilderness 
by the middle of the last century that game was al- 
most as abundant as during the centuries before, when 
the country had no human dwellers but the Indians. 
The forests were still the home of the deer and bear, 
and multitudinous lesser animals, now rare or extinct, 
and the sparkling streams swarmed with fishes, among 
them being that handsome aristocrat of the finny 
tribes, the trout, which from time immemorial has 
been more eagerly sought by the angler than any of 
the humbler aquatic species. 

The Aliens appear to have first come into this great 
domain of forest and stream for recreation and sport, 
ami they founded here a rural retreat, to which they 
frequently came from Philadelphia, bringing friends, 
for a sojourn in this beautiful spot. They had built a 
house within the present limits of Allentown as early 
as 1753. In the draft of a road surveyed in that year 
from Easton toward Reading, by J. Schulze, and 
afterwards laid out, the words " Allen's House" ap- 
pear where the city now is. This house was more 
familiarly known as "Trout Hall." An error has 
been perpetuated by writers on Allentown concerning 
this first human habitation within its boundaries. 



May 17, 1798, by deed of partition between Ann Penn Allen, Wil- 
liam Tilghman, Margaret Elizabeth Tilghmau, Henry W. Livingston, 
and Mary Livingstou, the lands which hail descended to them from 
James Allen, the elder, and James Allen, the younger, were deeded and 
confirmed to Ann Penn Allen, afterward intermarried with James Green- 
leaf (acknowledged June 6, 1798, aud recorded at Easton, in Book E, 
vol. ii. p. 374). 

By deed of April 24, 1800, executed and delivered before her marriage, 
and in which .lames Greenleaf joined, Ann Penn Allen conveyed all her 
real estate unto William Tilghmau and John Lawrence, or the survivor 
of them, in trust, that they should convey all or any part of her said 
estate to such person or persons as she should by writing direct. (Ac- 
kuovvledged and recorded same day at Easton, in Book E, vol. ii. 
p. 650.) 

Some time prior to 1S28 John Lawrence died, leaving William Tilgh- 
man sole trustee of the lands aforesaid. Afterwards, aud also before 
1828, William Tilghmau also died, without having made any disposition 
of the trust either hy deed or will, in consequence of which the same 
descended to his heir-at-law, who was a minor and not a citizen or resi- 
dent of Pennsylvania, which circumstances rendered him entirely in- 
capable of discharging the duties of the trust, to the great injury of 
Ann Penn Greenleaf. Thereupon the General Assembly of Pennsylva- 
nia passed an act April 12, 1828, entitled " An Act appointing a trustee 
of certain trust estates and property of Ann Penn Greenleaf, wife of 
James Greenleaf." (Pamphlet Laws, 1828, p. 334.) 

By this act the trust was vested iu Walter C. Livingston, of North- 
ampton borough, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, as 
fully aud effectually as it had been in Tilghlnau aud Lawrence. 



TUN CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



121 



The original "Trout Hall" was not, as many suppose, 
the -tone building which has been incorporated in 
Muhlenberg College, but a log structure which stood 
where now is Jordan Street, racing the preset) I Union 
Street. Its foundations were still in existence when 
Jordan Street was opened, about 1845, and were then 
removed. The second "Trout Hall." the stone walla 
of which now form a portion of the east wing of the 
college building, was built many years alter the log 
house, and was a much more pretentious domicile, 
undoubtedly having been designed for a place of per- 
manent abode. It was about fori y-five feel square, 
and its ample rooms were wainscoted with walnut. 
At the old "Trout Hall," and very likely at tin sec 

ond building of that name, the guests, as might be 
imagined from the prominence of Judge Allen, num- 
bered some of the inu-t notable men of the province. 
That the Governor occasionally was one of the party 
IS shown by a passage in the Pennsylvania Archives, 
in which a gentleman who called at the Governor's 
house in Philadelphia was told that that distinguished 
personage was not at home, " having gone with .Air. 
Allen to his fishing-place." No doubt the Little Le- 
high and Cedar Creek were frequently whipped for 
trout by the dignitaries of the commonwealth, who 
found Judge Allen's house a pleasant retreat from the 
cares of state. The judge not sympathizing with the 
Revolutionists went to England in 1777, and died 
there three years later. His son Andrew went with 
him, and died in England in 1805, while William, 
who had joined the patriot army as colonel, soon re- 
signed, put himself under the protection of Lord 
Howe at New York, and also sought the shores of 
the mother-country. James, the only male member 
of the family who appears to have been true to the 
American cause, died in Philadelphia in 1782. 

Twenty years or more before his death he laid the 
foundations of the town named in his honor. The 
earliest mention of the hamlet which has grown into 
the city of Allentown is under date of 17(51. In De- 
cember of that year a petition was presented to the 
court of Northampton County for " a road from Jacob 
Collier's (Kohler's) mill to Philadelphia, to begin at 
said mill ; thence to Gottfried Knows'; thence through 
tht new Town which is built on Mr. Allen's land; thence 
to Upper Saucon, to the King's Road." It is probable 
thai the merest embryo of the town was then in 
existence. The next mention in the old records is 
slightly contradictory to the first. It occurs also in a 
petition regarding a road, and is under date of March, 
17(12. Divers inhabitants of Whitehall township "set 
forth that the petitioners are in great need of a road 
to lead from Jacob Collier's mill to a new town to be 
erected on part of a tract of land belonging to the 
Honorable William Allen, and thence the- nearest and 
best way to the King's Highway leading from Phila- 
delphia to Bethlehem," and asked the court to appoint 
viewers. Under date of June 22. 1702, a report was 
made by a committee appointed in the preceding 



March, in which thej said, " We, the subscribers, do 
hereby certify that, in pursuance of an order of this 
court of March term last past, we did view and lay 

OUl B certain road leading from Whitehall town- 
ship to the neia town called Northampton, and from 
thence by :i marked black oak sapling standing by 
the road that leads from Salisbury to Upper Saui 

township, (dose by the line of said township. Begin- 
ning at a road that leads from Trucker's mill to Phil- 
adelphia; thence south . . . to George Knows'; thence 
south . . . to Jordan ('reek; thencesouth . . . down 
said creek; thencesouth . . . across said creek ; thence 
east to Northampton town ; the nee down Allen Street ; 
. . . thence north . . . to a corner; theme south . . .; 
thence s, mill to Little Lehi," crossing that stream and 
Trout Creek, and so on to the terminus already men- 
tioned. In this we have the first mention of the town 
by name, and the first mention of a street laid out. 

James Allen platted that part of the pn 
between Fourth and Tenth Street.-, and an equal die 
tance north from the Little Lehigh. Hamilton Street 
was doubtless named alter Governor Andrew Hamil- 
ton, one of whose daughters, as we have shown, was 
James Allen's mother. What is now Seventh Street 
was originally Allen. Linden was then Andrew, 
Walnut was John, Fourth was Tilghman, Fifth was 
Margaret, Sixth was William, Eighth was .limes. 
Ninth was Anne, and T enth was Jpffers , o p. Turner 
was doubtless named after Joseph Turner, the original 
owner of one of the Allen tracts of land. The town 
plat was intersected by two roads of common travel, 
the first of which was the road from Easton to Heading, 
a link in the old-time New York and Pittsburgh route, 

now Union and Jackson Streets, and a road from 
Bake-Oven Knob, pasl Helfrich's Springs, forming 
what are now Seventh and Allen Streets. 

It does not appear that the proprietor ever became 
a resident of the town which he laid out, nor were 
bis descendants (daughters) among the first settlers. 
However, they lived lure later for (ptite a number of 
years, and for the sake of convenience we speak of 
them in this connection. Ann 1'enn Allen (Nancy) 
married James I Ireenh at, an Englishman re- i dent in 
Washington, and a land surveyor. She resided here, 
and died at the house upon the southeast corner of 
Hamilton and Fifth Streets. Margaret Elizabeth 
Allen married William Tilghman, whose great popu- 
larity is attested by the number of children named 
after him from fifty to seventy years ago. Mrs. Tilgh- 
man died here in her twenty-seventh year, and is 
buried under the German Lutheran Church. Mary, 

youngest daughter of James Allen, married Henry 
Walter Living-ton, and was the mother of Walter C. 
Livingston, who took a promim lit part in the all'air- 
of the town for many year.-, but removed from here 
to Philadelphia more than a quarter-century since. 
James, the only son of the founder of the town, died 
in his minority before 1798. 
The Earliest Residents,— Incidents. Reverting 



122 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



to the Allentown, or rather Northampton, of 1762, we 
can rind Iml little to say of the infant settlement. It 
is probable that not more than a half-dozen houses 
were buill during that year. The season was one of 
great drought. From May to September no rain fell. 
The grass was withered in August, and the grain 
withered so that it scarcely yielded as much as had 
been put into the ground. Rye was harvested in 
June and corn in August, as life was gone and it was 
useless t<> wait longer. 1 It is not to be wondered at 
that the prosperity of the new village should be slight 
during a season of universal want in the surrounding 
country. 

One of the causes of the slow growth of the new 
town was doubtless the alarmed state of what were 
practically the frontier settlements on account of 
Indian hostilities. Murders were committed in 
Whitehall in 17t>3, and the greatest uneasiness was 
felt throughout the country. The state of feeling in 
Allentown was such that on one Sunday, as Rev. 
Joseph Roth was preaching, he ceased, and a military 
company was organized, largely through his efforts. 2 

There was no attack made upon the town, and no 
harm came to any of the people in its immediate 
neighborhood. This same year (1763) the few people 
who were in the place showed their enterprising spirit 
by making great exertions to have the seat of justice 
removed here. The cause of their failure was doubt- 
less the fact that Easton was the private property of 
the Penns, and their superior interest retained it. 

The first notice of Northampton in the assessment 
list occurs in 1764, when the taxable inhabitants 
numbered twelve, as follows: Leonard Able, laborer; 
Pinion Brenner, carpenter; David Deshler, shop- 
keeper and beer-shop ; Martin Derr, wheelwright ; 
Martin Fraelich, George Leyendecker, George Lauer, 
Daniel Nonnemacher, Abraham Rinker, Peter Schwab, 
George Wolf, tavern-keeper. In 1765 six names were 
added, viz.: Tobias Titus, baker; Lorentz Hauch, 
butcher; Frantz Kuper, cooper; Philip Kugler, ma- 
son; Philip Klingenschmidt, and Frederick Schach- 
ler, who united the avocations of shoemaker and inn- 
keeper. 

In 1766 the families numbered thirty-three. Among 
the new-comers was Dr. Gottfried Bolzius, the first 
physician of the town. His practice of medicine \\:is 
doubtless insufficient for his support, or at least did 
not occupy all of his time, for he purchased David 
Deshler's shop and beer-house. Governor James 
Hamilton lived here for a time about this period to 
get cured of a cancer, and he was doubtless Dr. 
Bolzius' most distinguished patient. 

Most prominent among the settlers whom we have 
mentioned was David Deshler, son of Adam Deshler, 
who had settled about 1733 in Whitehall township. 
Soon after he came here he purchased the mill prop- 



tteminiecencee <<f an 8ai ly resident in the FVfafaiisbofe, July 7, isai. 
See ciLipirr it. f,,i an uoouiit of tlii* proceeding. 



erty on the Little Lehigh from Michael Rothrock, 
and in 1782 he owned four houses and lots in Allen- 
town. In 1780, when slavery was abolished in Penn- 
sylvania, he owned two negroes. He was undoubtedly 
the richest man of his time in the village, and he was 
one of the most influential. On Oct. 17, 1763, at the 
time of the Indian troubles. Col. James Burd, who 
was then here, wrote that there were but four guns in 
the town, and three of them were unfit for use ; pre- 
sumably that one belonged to Deshler. He became 
during the Revolutionary war one of the most promi- 
nent characters in Northampton County. He acted 
as commissary of supplies for the army, and with 
John A rndt, Esq., also a commissary, advanced money 
out of his private means in 1780, when the United 
States treasury as well as that of the State of Penn- 
sylvania was empty. The latter part of his life was 
passed at Biery's Bridge (now Catasauqua), where he 
lived in a double stone house. He owned a large 
property, including the land on wdrich a large part of 
the borough has been built. He had several sons, 
among them Adam, commonly called Han Adam, 
who settled at Easton and raised a family, including 
David W. and George Deshler. His daughters were 
Mrs. Christian Mickley and Mrs. John Wagner. 

' Another family here among the very earliest set- 
tlers was that of the Rinkers. Abraham Rinker was 
the first keeper of the ferry over the Lehigh, estab- 
lished soon after 1753. He was a lieutenant in the 
force raised in 1763 to resist Indian encroachments 
and barbarities, and he became a captain in the Revo- 
lutionary army. He was a representative of Northamp- 
ton County in the Legislature and also sheriff. His 
son Abraham was in the war of 1812, and was the 
representative of Lehigh County in 1816. He died 
< >et. 29, 1820, aged sixty-five years. Christian Rinker, 
probably the father of Abraham (1st), was elected 
one of the commissioners of Northampton County in 
1753. 

A third family among the first settlers of which some 
information is attainable, as descendants -till live here, 
was that of the Nonnemachers. Daniel Nonnemacher 
appears on the assessment list of 1704. He was pre- 
sumably the father of Henry, a weaver, whose sons 
were Henry, John, and George. The second son, 
John, who died in 1850, was the father of John Non- 
nemacher, who now lives on Lehigh Street. Many 
representatives of this family now reside in Allen- 
town. 

The Rhoads (or Roth) family was also here as early 
as 1763, though they are not mentioned in the assess- 
ment list. Several members of this family attained 
distinction locally. The first of the family in Lehigh 
County, who spelled his name Roth, was a Swiss, and 
came to Whitehall township about 1735. Before the 
family had procured a home he died, under a large 
oak-tree near the Jordan, by what is now known as 
the Mauch Chunk road. He left two sons, — Daniel, 
twelve years old (whose descendants still live in White- 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



1 23 



hall i, and Peter, horn on the day of his father's death. 
Peter was reared among the Quakers, where he 
learned tailoring, obtained a good English education, 
and was induced to change the spelling of his name 
toRhoads. He removed to Northampton, and in L784 
built the .stone house still standing on Seventh Street, 
north of the Pennsylvania Hotel. He was elected 
justice of the peace and of the courts of Northampton 
County in 1784, and associate judge in 17!d. 1806, and 
1809, and was chosen to the same office in Lehigh 
County. He had also been a member of the Legis- 
lature from Northampton County in 1777-79. He 
died there in 1814. His eldesl son, < reorge who died 
in Allentown in 1851 , had a son, Josiah, who kept a 
hotel here for many years. Some of his descendants 
now reside in this city. Peter (second son of Peter) 
was an associate .judge of Northampton County, and 
was t he first burgess of Allentown, in 1811, and the 
first president of the Northampton Bank, in 1*14. He 
died here in 1836. His sons were Stephen, Edward. 
and Augustus, all now dead. Two daughters still live 
in Allentown, and also gome of Stephen's children. 
The third son of Peter Rhoads, Sr., was John, who 
also lived in Allentown until 1812. He then removed 
to the 'banks of the Jordan, near where his grand- 
father died, and lived then- till 1837. He moved then 
to a farm near Egypt Church, where he died in 1851. 
His sons were George, now deceased : Daniel J., of 
Coplay ; Mahlon, a resident of Allentown ; and Owen, 
of Upper Milford. Tin sons of Daniel J. are Erastus 
D., who lives in North Whitehall ; Walter B., in Al- 
lentown ; and Robert, in Whitehall. 

It is a tradition in the Keiper family that the first 
of their name here was a settler of 1763; and, doubt- 
less, the tradition is well founded, though the name 
does not appear in the assessment list of 17o4. John 
Keiper. who came here in 17113, lived where Franklin 
Good now resides on Seventh Street), and was a 
tobacconist. He died July 4. 1833. His sons were 
John, Peter, Daniel, David, and George. Augustus, 
a son of John, and Catharine Keck and Anna Seip), 
daughter of Daniel, now reside in the city. Sarah. 
the oldest daughter of John Keiper (first , married a 
Ma--< 5 ; Nancy was the wife of John Wagner, a soldier 
of the war of 1*12; Catharine married ('apt. John F. 
Rube; and another daughter was the wife of John 
Haines. Henry Keiper, a brother of John 1st I, was 
in the Revolutionary army, fought at the battle of 
Germantown, and after the War settled in Allentown. 
He lived on Walnut Street, near Sixth. One of his 
daughters, Catharine, married Peter Good, and was 
the mother of Tilghman Good; another, Elizabeth, 
married Jacob Hagenbuch. John, a son of Henry 
Keiper. is now represented by a son, Gabriel, who 
lives in Allentown. 

In 1770 the number of houses in the town was 
titty-lour, mx of which were taverns, kepi by Henry 
Hagenbuch. Michael Klechner, Nicholas Fuchs, 
Michael Schroeder, George Weiss, and Philip Klotz. 



Then were at that time two shop-keepers, < e urge 
Graff and Philip Boehm ; one potter. Abraham 
Albert; one mason, James Preston; one doctor, 
Gottfried Bolzius; one hatter, Peter Berger; one 
wheelwright, Joseph Derr; one smith, Martin Froe- 
lieli; three shoemakers, Henr\ Gross, Philip Klotz, 
and George Schreiber; three tailors, Andrew » lang- 
were, Peter Miller, and Abraham Savitz; one tobac- 
-t, Peter Keiper; one saddler, Peter Linn; one 
gunsmith, John Moll; four carpenters, Jacob New- 
hart, Jacob Nonnemacher, John Miller, Jr., and 
Dewalt Miller; and one butcher, Michael Nagel. 
Some of these men were the founders locally of 
prominent families, of which there are -till repre- 
sentatives in the city. 

Jacob Newhard, whose avocation is put down as 
that of a carpenter, was the father of Peter Newhard, 
one of the most distinguished men in the county. 
Jacob and his wife Mary i Kohler) were both born in 
North Whitehall township in 17-V2, and they mar- 
ried and settled in Allentown in 177:1. Their first 
son, Abraham, was born in 1777. and died in Allen- 
town, Feb. 28, 1863, aged eighty-six years. Some of 
hi- grandchildren now reside here. Peter, who was 
tin' second son, was born July 26, 1783, and appren- 
1 to a cabinet-maker. Learning the trade, he 
followed it many years, though later in life be car- 
ried on the hardware business. He married Sarah 
Romig in 1810. In 1815 he was elected coroner, sub- 
sequently served one year as sheriff, filling out the 
term of Sheriff Kleutz, who died, and in 1817, '18, '19, 



and 1N24. 



'26, '27, '28, '29, he was a member 



of the State Legislature, lie was elected State 
Senator in 1833, and served till 1839, represent- 
ing Lehigh. Northampton, Pike, and Wayne Coun- 
ties. He was elected to Congress in 1838, and again 
in 1840. His death occurred Feb. 19. 1860. He left 
a son and daughter, the well-known citizen of Allen- 
town, Edmund R. Newhard (a merchant for many 
year- subsequent to 1846, postmaster, and officer of 
the Fifty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer 
infantry. 1861-65), and Amanda A. Mr-. W. I , 
Smith). 

The Hagenbuch family was also represented here 
as early as 177:'., Henry Hagenbuch being licensed in 
that year to keep a tavern. He was succeeded by 
Jacob, who was either a son or brother, and be by 
Jacob 2d , whose -"U-. Benjamin J. and Charles II.. 
carried on the same house — the "Cross Key-" — in 
later years. This house was conducted by members 
ill the family for nearly one hundred years. The 
Jacob Hagenbuch died in 1813 and the younger 
in 1S70. Four children of the latter are living, — 
Benjamin J. and Maiyueivtta i wife of Rev. F'ritzi tiger) 
in Allentown, and Charles II. and George in Kansas. 
Mary (Mrs. John Morey), another daughter, is de- 
ci ased. 

The John Moll who is mentioned a- a gunsmith 

built the -hop on Seventh Street, near the Lafayette 



124 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Hotel, where his son, John Moll, died, at the age of 
eighty-seven years, in the summer of 1SS3, and in 
which his grandson now carries on the same trade 
that was established there before the Revolution. 
The father of John Moll (1st), whose name was Wil- 
liam, was also a gunsmith, and plied his trade as 
early as 1747. His great-grandson, William, has an 
heirloom descended from him, a device for cutting 
threads on screws, neatly made of iron, and bearing 
in plainly legible characters the inscription, "April 
10, 1747— W. M." 

James Allen received ground-rent in 1776 on sev- 
enty-one lots at nine shillings sterling each. He 
owned six hundred acres of land, valued at eight 
pounds per one hundred acres, and his taxes in the 
aggregate were £9 6s (provincial). 

It seems that James Allen had, as late as 17G9, 
owned a much larger amount of land than he was 
taxed with in 1776, and had promised to convey to 
the lot-holders one thousand acres of land in trust, 
and for some reason, which does not appear, they re- 
leased him from the obligation, as the following 
document shows: 

"Know alt men that we the subscribers proprietors of Lots in the 
Town of Northampton < 1< * hereby certify that Sir. James Allen hath de- 
clared to lis his intention of conveying iu Trust for the Inhabitants of 
this Town a thousand Acres of Land called Barrens as an open free 
common in pursuance of a promise made by his father William Allen 
Eteqr Now we do hereby certify and make known that we the present 
Freehold era of the said Town do refuse to accept of such conveyance 
from him and do discharge him and his said father William Allen 
Esquire from any promise made by either of them to ub to that purpose 
and we do hereby release to the said William Allen and James Allen 
any right or claim that we have or may have to the said common or 
any demand from them on that account Witness our hands and seals 
this first day ot May 1769 Henry Kookin, Martin Derr, George Shreiher, 
Peter Miller, Lawrence Hauck, Martin Frolich, Bartle Huber, Simon 
Brenner, Margaret Brang, Peter Bischoff, George Simp, Abraham Albert, 
Leonard Abel, Juhann Miller, Tobias Dibber, Frederick Sheckler, Ma- 
thias Wagner, Henry Hagenbuch, Philip Kugler, David Deshler, Jacob 
Mohr, and Daniel Nunnemacher. Acknowledgment taken before Henry 
Kookin one of the Justices of the Peace of Northampton County May 1st 
17G9."i 

After the Revolution.- — In 1781 the total amount 
of tax on the inhabitants of Allentown was £73 10s. 9d. t 
of which David Deshler paid seven pounds, Bart hoi 
Huber three pounds, Thomas Mewhorter two pounds, 
and all of the others one pound each, or less. The 
town was then embraced in Salisbury township. In 
1782 there were fifty-nine houses here, the ownership 
of which is indicated in the following assessment list : 

Houses. 

Abraham Albert, potter 1 

John Bishop, tailor 

George Brenier, Khoeniaker 

Jacob Buchman, laborer -. I 

George Blank, tailor 1 

Janiei Preston, mason 1 

Gottfried BulziiiM, doctor 1 

Christian Bemper, shoemaker.... 1 

John Dyler, laborer 1 

David DeHhler, grist- and saw- 
mill and 75 acres of land 1 

Charles Deshler, shop-keeper 

Michael Krhard, shoemaker 



Houses. 

Martin Frolich 1 

Nicholas Fox, inn-keeper... 1 

George Gangwere.... 

William Gall 

George Groff 1 

Jacob Gews, laborer 1 

Andrew Gangwere, tailor 1 

Frederick Gabel, carpenter 1 

Henry Gross, inn-keeper 1 

Matthew Gang were, wheel- 
wright 

Barthol Huber, tanner 1 

John Horn, hatter 1 



Houses 

Peter Hertz, laborer 1 

Lawrence Hanck, laborer 2 

Peter Horbach, laborer 1 

Henry Hagenbnch, inn-keeper... 1 

Peter Hanck, shoemaker 1 

Abraham Henry, skin-dresser l 

Jacob Huber, shoemaker 1 

Barthol Mettle, inn-keeper 1 

Widow Krumbach, inn-keeper 

Philip Klotz, shoemaker 1 

Conrad Krumbach (and .50 acres 

of land) X 

Michael Kuntz,joiner l 

John Helper, tobacconist 1 

Andrew Young, shoemaker 1 

Jacob Veohl 1 

John Moll, tailor 1 

John Miller, joiner 1 

Peter Miller, tailor 1 

John Murphy, watch-maker 1 

Thomas Mewhorter, tanner 1 

Henry Nonnemacher, weaver 

(and 23 acres of land) 1 

Jacob Newhard, joiner 1 

Leonard Nagle, laborer 2 

Nicholas Ott, mason 1 

Philip Riller, laborer 1 



Houses. 

Peter Rhoads, shop-keeper 1 

. 1 
. 1 



1 Recorded Lo Northampton Recorder's Office, Book C, vol. i. page 337. 

2 For an account of affairs in Allentown during the Revolution, Bee 
Chapter III., devoted to incidents of the war. 



George Reeser, lauoi er 
Andrew Reel, inn-keeper. 

Matthew Ringel, smith 1 

Abraham Rinker, hatter l 

Christian Shick, laborer 

George Shreiber [and 26 acres of 

land. 1 

Henry Shade 2 

Michael Shrader 1 

Richard Steer, skin-dresser 1 

John Spade, laborer 1 

Joseph Smith, shoemaker.. 1 

1 George Weiss, inn-keeper 1 

Jacob Weiss, tailor 1 

Joseph Wartinton, tailor 

Conrad Worman, 200 acreB of 

land 

Frederick Winsch, laborer 

Caspar Weaver, ferry and 80 

acres of land 

Conrad Kettle (200 acres of land 

and 1 grist-mill) -. 

Tost Dornblaeser, laborer 

Elizabeth Allen 1 

Isaac Green leal (200 acresof land) ., 

Adam Tnrney (90 acres of land ) .. 



SingU Men. 



John Widder. 
Henry Heisser. 
Jacob Fink. 
George Ad. Blank. 
John Reesomer. 
John Gabel. 
Bernhard Kline. 



Dawall Young. 
John Moor. 

Caspar Smith. 
Rudolph Smith. 
Samuel Greter. 

Jacob Rnauss. 

John Smith. 



Nearly every family seems to have owned a cow, 
the enumeration showing one hundred and two, while 
of horses there were but eight owned in the town. 

This list contains the names of some settlers of 
whom we have not heretofore made any mention. 
Nicholas Ott, mason, in 1783 bought lot No. 147, on 
the east side of Margaret (now Fifth) Street, and in 
1795 sold it to John Horn, hatter, who was also here 
in 1782. 

" Leonard Nagel, mentioned in the list as the owner 
of two houses, has descendants now residing in Allen- 
town. His sons were George, Leonard, and John. 
His daughter, Rebecca, married James Ginkinger. 
Christiana married Caspar Newhard. She was born 
in 1790, and died in 1871. Her children were Joseph 
: F. Newhard, the well-known ex-sheriff of Lehigh 
County, and popular merchant and landlord of Alleu- 
town, William H., Charles, James J., and Solomon 
P. Newhard, the two last now residing respectively in 
Lebanon and Philadelphia. 

Conrad Worman, who is mentioned as the owner of 
two hundred acres of land, came here from Mont- 
gomery County shortly prior to 1782, and bought the 
property including Crystal Springs, from which the 
city obtains its water-supply. He built a house near 
the spring, which was in later years occupied by his 
son Abraham. This son has descendants still in 
Allentown, — Abraham and Mary (widow of Peter 
Huber). The other sons of Conrad Worman were 
Jacob, Henry, Conrad, John, and Andreas. He also 
had two daughters. Henry Worman married Mary, 
a daughter of Henry Gross, who settled here prior to 
1812. Their son, William, aged seventy-three, lives 
in Allentown. John is a resident of Emaus, and Abra- 
ham of Whitehall township. 



THE CITY OK ALLENTOWN. 



125 



Barthol (Bartholomew) Huber, who appears in the 
li-i of 1782 as a house-owner and by occupation a 
tanner, was the grandfather of Peter Huber, for many 
years one of its most active business men. Huber 
came from Germany, and lived for a time in Macungie 

township. His son, ( 'onrad, \v:i- born there, and Came 

to Allentown at an early day, living here until his 

death, at the aire of eighty -ti\ e. He was a saddler, as 
were also several of li is sous. His wife was Margaret 
Bender. Their sons, Jacob and David, are deceased. 
Peter, whom we have already mentioned, married as 
his first wife Anna, a daughter of Abraham Woi man, 
and his second wife, -till living, was her sister, Mary. 
Mr. Huber was heavily engaged in the grain and 
liquor trade and in transportation prior to 184*. but 
pas ruined by the gnat fire of that year. He died 
in the early part of 1884. His sons are among the 
leading business men of the city. Courad Huber also 
had live daughters. — Susan Mrs. George Kanlfinan I, 
Elizabeth (Mrs. Jonathan Schwartz), Christiana ( wife 
of Ur. Charles Martin . Mary (wife of Levi Wood- 
ring), and Hannah. 

Frederick Kemerer, who was a soldier of the Rev- 
olution, came here s i after the war. He was one 

of the latest lingering survivors of the honored army, 
dying here in December, 1843, at the age of eighty- 
seven years. He was buried with military honor-, by 
the Harrison Guards and the Artillerist-. 

John Frederick Ruhe was a distinguished arrival 
of 1796. He was a native of Germany, but for twenty 
tears was a resident of England, and was in the estab- 
lishment of the king's apothecary. He came to 
America in 1789, the years intervening between that 
date and 1794 being spent in New York and Phila- 
delphia. He was a physician and a druggist, and 
occupied a place of influence in the community. He 
was a somewhat conspicuous figure from the fact that 
he always wore "small-clothes." — the old-fashioned 
knee-breeches and silk hose. He died here about 
1836, at the age of ninety-seven, and his wife, Hen- 
rietta Elizabeth i Maekenroth), died at the age of 
eighty-seven. Their children were John F. Ruhe, 
George (who died in Philadelphia), Charles A. (who 
has sons and daughters now living in Allentown), 
Catharine Elizabeth (who died unmarried), and Jo- 
anna Louisa (wife of Henry Elmer). The oldest son, 
John F. Ruhe, was a captain in the war of 1812 
(" Northampton Blues"), cashier of the Northampton 
Bank, burgess, alderman, associate judge, etc., and es- 
tablished the tobacco hu-ine-s. He died in 1802. His 
fir-t wife was Catharine Keiper, and his second Eliz- 
i abeth Kramer. He was the father of twenty-three 
children, of whom his first wife was the mother of 
i twelve and his second of eleven. Those who attained 
I maturity were, by his first wife, Augustus L., who 
may be called the Nestor of the Allentown press, 
I having learned his trade in the Friedensbote office, 
| then becoming a partner in the Patriot, and after- 
wards establishing the Lehigh Begitler ; William and 



John F., respectively in Philadelphia and Illinois; 
Matilda (Heckman and Louisa W< ith de- 

ceased; Henrietta (Ritter ; and by his second wife-, 
George, Edward, Henry, and Thomas, all in Allen- 
town ; Eliza, willow of ( »wen Saeger; Clarissa and 
Amelia, both deceased; Mary and another dau 
respectively Mrs. Seem and Mr-. Englem tn ol I 

Of the Allentown of 1795 the " United States Gazet- 
teer," compiled b\ Joseph Scott, has the following 
. . . "A handsome and flourishing town of North- 
ampton County, pleasantly situated on the point of 
land which i- formed by the junction of Jordan 
Creek and the Little Lehigh. It is regularly laid out, 
and contains about ninety dwellings, a German Lu- 
theran and a Calvinist Church, an academy, and three 
merchant mills." 

( lid residents in years gone by have given further 
details in describing the town a- it appeared in 1795. 1 

Water Street is said to have been the most thickly- 
populated street because of its close proximity to 
water, which in other parts of town (unless hi 
from the stream) could only be reached by exceed 
ingly deep wells. One of the first houses erected in 
the town was that which stood on this street near the 
bridge, torn down in 1877 by Paul Balliet. John 
Wagner, John Eckert, and other old citizen- were 
born in that house. Market Square was then a waste, 
and only a few houses stood around it. "The Rain- 
bow" Tavern was where the Allen House now is, and 
the spot now occupied by the Eagle Hotel h 
with a pool of water. At the corner .of Allen and 
Andrew (now Seventh and Linden 1 Street- was a 
tavern kept by John Fox, much patronized on train- 
ing-days by the militia, whose favorite place for ma- 
noeuvring was Allen Street. It appears that "the 
Cross Keys" was kept at this time by ('apt. Abraham 
Rinker and Solomon Gutekunst. Where Springer's 
store now is a Mrs. Hertz, who was reputed to be a 
witch, kept a bakery. Daniel Snyder had a store 
wdiere the Allentown National Bank now stands, and 
on South Seventh Street, a few doors below, was the 
shop of Allentown's first printer, one Bruckman, who 
occasionally issued a small sheet containing news and 
miscellaneous matter, which must be regarded as the 
first attempt at newspaper publishing. At Walnut 
and Seventh Streets John Miller, commonly known 
a- "Hand Cheese" Miller, kept a noted tavern, "the 
Hornet's Nest." The first fire in Allentown of which 
record or tradition has anything to say occurred at 
about the period of which we have been writing, and 
consumed the house of Peter Herz, on what is now 
North Eighth Street. Herz took it quite philosophi- 
cally, and fiddled as Nero did when Rome was burn- 
ing, remarking to the bystanders, " Wann das nichl 
gut fur die wanzen ist, so weiss ich nicht was 
ist," which, freely interpreted, is, " If this is no' 



1 The particulars which immediately follow are chiefly gleaned from 
articles in the Fric<l>->i*boU. 



126 



HISTORY OF LHHKMl COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



t.i destroy Innrs. I .-mi sun- I don't know whal is bel 
ter." In l- 111 '. Rees' "Encyclopedia" stated thai the 

number of li ea in Allentown \\a> about ninety, 

showing, if th' statistician was exact, that it had not 
grown appreciably since 17!i~>. In 1810 tin- popula- 
tion had reached seven hundred and live, and was 
ninety-five greater than that of Bethlehem. In 1811 
the town was incorporated, and in 1812 it became the 
Beal of justice of Lehigh Count} . The following is a 
list of the taxable inhabitants in the latter year, tho - 
absent in the war excepted: 



Jacob Ilnli i 
William Mm. , 
Leonard Nagle. 
John Nagle. 
Jacob Baucis 
I -.l.i. Gangwere. 
John Wll 
.in. h Newhard. 
Abraham Rinker. 



Bve Ulen. 


John >[..]i i 


Christian Arnheisor. 


John Moll. 


Abraham Heidelman. 


Elizabeth New hard. 


Jacob Blnmer. 


Jacob Martin. 


Jacob Bishop 


Charles Martin. 


John Boyd. 


I'ln iMijui Meyer. 


William 1 


Leonard Nagle. 


1 lharlea Deshler. 


Peter Nagle. 


Henry Denhard. 


Peter NVwhard. 


ill ii 1'iefenderfer. 


James Nonnemachei 


Jacob Derbum. 


Jacob Newhard. 


Daniel Deglay. 


Abraham N'ewhiird. 


John Eckert. 


John Nonnemacher. 


William Eckert. 


George Nonnemacher. 


Henry Eckert. 


Jacob Nonnemaeher. 


George Ebert. 


Henry Nonnemachei 


Solomon Fatzinger. 


Andreas Neidlinger. 


George Fox. 


James Preston. 


Jobn Fetter. 


Peter Rlioads. 


James Greeuleaf. 


Peter Rhoads. 


Jobn Gudekunst. 


George Rhoads. 


Solomon Gndekuust. 


Abraham Rinker. 


Jacob Gangwere. 


Abraham Rex. 


Solomon Gangwere. 


John Rinker. 


George Graff. 


Frederick Ruhe. 


Felix Griesemer. 


Adam Rape. 


Henry Gross. 


John Raser. 


Peter Hauck. 


Frederick Ritter. 


Abraham Henry. 


Jacob StrauBS. 


Jacob HugtMibuch. 


Peter Schneider. 


Peter Hartz. 


James Seagreaves. 


Conrad Huber. 


Widow Stuber. 


Widow Horn. 


^ John Seip. 


John Horn. 


George Smith. 


Abraham Horn. 


Michael Smith. 


John Hains. 


^ Peter Seip. 


Jonas Hartzcll. 


^ Adam Seip, 


James Jamieon. 


Jacob Sittler. 


Andrew Gangwere. 


Jacob Stine. 


Widow Kauffman. 


George Schaffer. 


George Ksmflmau. 


Jacob Steckel. 


Jobn Keiper. 


George Savitz. 


Peter Keiper. 


Til gh man Williams. 


Christian Ginkiuger. 


Conrad Wornuin. 


John Keiper. 


Jacob Worman. 


Philip Klotz. 


Henry Worman. 


George Klotz. 


Leonard Weiss. 


John Knecht. 


John Wagner. 


Gottlieb Keiser. 


Uargarel Weil. 


William Henry Livingston. 


James Wilson. 


George Lauer. 


Abraham Worman. 


Peter Lehr. 


Martin Weiser. 


John Lehr. 


Henry Weaver 


Philip Lehr. 


Jonas Weaver. 


Henry Lehr. 


Andrew Young. 


John Miller ( junk ). 


\\ Idow Young. 


John Miller (turner). 


Adam Wetzell. 


Jacob Miller. 




Single 


Ft*l • ,,!■ II. 


David Wagnei 


Conrad Worman. 


Daniel Hertz. 


Christian Seip. 


William Dobbins. 


John Miller. 



Isji.ir I'reston. 

Jobn Mohr. 
Pete) Heoah, 
Jobn Keiper. 
11 1- o r v Keiper. 
Adiini I. .l.i 
Godfrey Ettwlne. 
Caeper Setter. 
George Henry. 



Peter Good came from Whitehall township to Allen- 
town in 1810, but his name does not appear in the 
foregoing li>t, as he was absent at the time on military 
duty in the war of 1812, having gone with Ruch'e 
cavalry to Marcus Hook. He lived here until his 
death, in 1832. He had been a farmer while living in 
the country, hut in Allentown followed tailoring. Il< 
first lived at the corner of Walnut and Eighth Streets, 
and afterward bought and moved to a stone building 
on Seventh street south of the Square, where A. G. 
Reninger now lives. His wife was Catharine Keiper. 
Their children were Catharine (Hutchinson), now in 
Allentown ; Peter and Eliza, both deceased ; Lucy 
and .Matilda, both residents ot the city ; Tilghman, 
now chief of police, formerly a popular teacher, 
county superintendent, landlord, and postmaster; 
William H., Clarissa (Massey), and Margaret (Greis- 
baum), the last three deceased. 

John Wagner was also in the war of 1812 I Capt. 
Ruhe's company). He was born here in 1791, and 
died here in 1881. A son of John Wagner now lives 
in the city. 

Of many of those in the list of 1812 not hitherto 
spoken of we can give a few details. The Jacob 
Blumer whose name is given was the father of Wil- 
liam H., Victor, and Alexander Blumer: the first 
named a prominent but unfortunate business man of 
Allentown, now in Nebraska. Jacob Blumer was :< 
man who possessed a great deal of mechanical in- 
genuity ; was a highly-respected citizen, and held 
several offices. The family is still represented here. 

William Boas was another prominent man of the 
time, whose family name is still in existence in the 
city. He came here from Reading and married a 
daughter of Charles Deshler. He was register and re- 
corder, and held other offices of honor. 

Charles Deshler was a large property-owner, a very 
genial gentleman, and was much respected. He lived 
on Market Square, and was for many years a justice 
of the peace. 

The Eckerts were one of the most popular and in- 
fluential families of their time. Andrew moved to 
Pottstown. John Eckert was for many years cashier 
of the Northampton Bank, and was its president when 
he died, in November, 1840. He married Elizabeth 
Worman, and his home was on Seventh Street, be- 
tween Hamilton and Linden. He had a large family, 
of whom John, James, Henry, Owen, Even, and 
Catharine are deceased. Charles Eckert, still a resi- 
dent of Allentown, was in the firm of Pretz, Saeger & 
Co. for thirty vears. Two daughters also reside in 



Tin; CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



li'7 



the city, — Elizabeth (Schwartz) and Rebecca (Mad 

dern). 

The < rangweres were active citizens of high stand- 
ing, who left no descendants here. The two brothers, 
Jacob and Solomon, were in business for man; years, 
the latter engaged in the lumber trade and in 
keeping. In the latter occupation Abraham, a son of 
Jacob, was also long i ngaged. 

Another man who occupied a prominent station 
during the first pan of the century was • leorge ' 1 1 aff, 
who lived where Anawalt's store now is. He was an 
apprentice-boy with Nicholas Mark- in Whitehall at 
the time of the Indian massacre in 1768, and narrowly 
escaped the Gate which many then met. He became 
a captain in the Revolutionary army, and after the 
war wa> a collector of the excise. Resigning that 
office, he became sheriff oi Northampton County in 
178t>. and held the office until 1789. For three years 
he was a member of the Legislature, then holding its 
sessions at Philadelphia, from Dec. 8, 1 7'.'3, to Decem- 
ber, 17%. He lived here many years, and died here- 
in I 335. Like the Gangweres, he left no descendants 
here to perpetuate the name. 

John Hains was a merchant tailor, and had a store 
at the southwest corner of Seventh Street and the 
Square. His oldest son, Reuben, moved to Phila- 
delphia. 

Christian Ginkinger carried the mail once each 
week on horseback between Allentown and Heidel- 
berg. He died here early in the century, leaving 
three sons, William, Thomas, and James. A grand- 
son, Thomas O., is now a resident of the city. 

George Savitz was here some years prior to 1812, 
and kept tavern where the Allen House now is. He, 
was postmaster from 1802 to 1807. He died here 
about 1825. One of his daughters married Dr. J 
Martin. 

The Lehr- were here at least as early as 1795. John 
Lehr was living about that time in a log house which 
stood near where the Philadelphia and Reading Hail- 
road depot now is. He had sixteen children. There 
are many of the family now in the city, of whom 
Daniel Lehr is the oldest. 

James Seagreaves, mentioned in the list, was the 
lather of Charles Seagreaves. who was one of Allen- 
town's foremost citizens, a man of character and large 

property. The name i- still represented in the city. 
John Mohr was a carpenter, and a man of excellent 
repute. His son, John, died here in recenl year-. 

There are grandchildren of the original settler in 
Allentown. but most of those bearing the name are 
of oilier families, which have been represented here 
for fewer years. 

The Eberharda came here in 1810, but for some 
reason are not mentioned in the list of 1812. Benrj 
Eberhard was a son of Philip Eberhard, of Upper 
Milford. He died in Allentown in 1822. His oldest 
son, Michael 1).. who is still living, was horn in 17%, 
and was, therefore fourteen vears old when lie came 



here with his father, lie followed school-teaching in 
his younger years, and was lor a very long period 

organist of /.ion's Reformed Church. His -isier. 

trine, married Dr. Charles I '. Dicl ensbeid. 
Godfrey and Christian Pretz, sons of Philip Pn 
of II 'own-hip. came here in 1815, as d 

also, later, their sister, Margaret, who became the wife 
of Joseph Saeger. Godfrej Pretz died here in 1881, 
and Christian died here in 1*81, after a restful retire- 
ment following a long and exceedingly active busi- 

career. He was away much of the time from 
1815 to 1822, but in the latter year began hi- mer- 
cantile life, which continued until L859. He was 
engaged in various manufacturing projei te, and 

ill almost every movement for public good. 
Jacob and Daniel Saeger, sons of John Nicholas 
I. of North Whitehall, came here in 1815, and 
built the mill which is spoken of al length under the 
head of manufactures. Daniel afterward moved to 
Crawford County and founded Saegertown. Jacob 
died here about 1860. He was the father of Char] 
now deceased ; William, the venerable ex-president 
the Allentown National Bank: Abigail the wife of 
Christian Pretz), now deceased ; Man i Kern , also de- 
ceased; and two other daughters, Mr-. Henry Wein- 
shimer and Mrs. George Kern. Nicholas, a brother 
of Jacob and Daniel, also becami a resident of Allen- 
town. though a i'ew years later than they. His chil- 
dren were Daniel, Joseph (of Pretz, Saeger A: Co. . 
John, and Mary Magdalene, who became the wife of 
Joseph K. Saeger. 

The Martin family was represented in Allentown by 
the brothers Jacob and Charles, both physicians, at 
arly date. Their sons and grandsons have nearly 
all followed the practice of medicine in the town, the 
county, or in neighboring places, and the individual 
members of the family are spoken of at length in the 
chapter devoted to their profession. Two members of 
this family have been elected to the office of mayor. 
as reference to the list of borough and city officers in 
the next chapter will show. 

The year 1*17 i- notable as being that of the arrival 
of two noted members of the bar, Henry King and 
Charles Davis, of whom sketches are elsewhere given. 
The latter was influential in building up the Presby- 
terian Church. 

Nathan Metzgar came here from .North Win 1 
in 1826, and a number of years later became a mer- 
chant, which business he followed until within a few 
years of his death, in 1*77. He was the father of 
Thomas B. Metzgar, Esq. 

R. E. Wright came here in 1828 from Carlisle, and 
has ever -ince been a force in the community. He 
has occupied one of the foremost positions at the bar 
for half a century, is noted as a writer of works on 
law, and has helped to advance almost every measure 
that has been undertaken for the moral or material 
good of the community, while in very many of them 
he has been a leading spirit. 



l-.'s 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Samuel A. Bridges came from Connecticut in 1830, 
and goon !"<>k a prominent place among the people. 
I'm -mIcs his activity in tlie profession of the law, he 
has represented the district several terms in Congress, 
and was instrumental in building n ] • Allentown's iron 
manufacture. 

.Ti ssc M. Line, win' became prominently identified 
with the business of the town, moved here I nun Salis- 
bury in I s:!4. He married Man Louisa, daughter of 
i rodfrey Pretz. 



of Peter ami Mary Barbara (Becker) Haines, and the 
grandson of William George Haines, who settled in 
what is now Upper Macungie township in 1 7 •"> 1 . 
Mr. Haines was elected sheriff in 1859. He is the 
father of J. Frank Haines, editor of the Democrat, and 
of Allen W. Haines. 

Coming down to 1845, we find the active and influ- 
ential men of the town, not heretofore mentioned, to 

he John Albright, Samuel Berger, Charles S. Bush, 
Stephen Barber, Bartholomew Balliet, Rev. S. K. 




Eli J. Saeger, son of Joseph K. Saeger, of North 
Whitehall, came to Allentown in 1834. His lather, 
son of Nicholas Saeger, of North Whitehall, also re- 
moved here in 1837, and shortly afterwards estab- 
lished what is now the Barber Foundry and Machine- 
Slio[is, setting up in the works the first engine used 
in Lehigh County, a small beam-engine made by 
Rush & Muhlenberg, of Philadelphia. Joseph K. 
Saeger was married to Mary Magdalene Saeger. He 
died here in 1855. His children wereSalinda (Sieger), 
now resident in North Whitehall; Abigail, wife of 
Daniel Keck, a resident of Illinois; Eli .1.; Catha- 
rine (Sigman), deceased; Mary (Mohr), of Macun- 
gie ; Hiram, deceased; Leah Anna, wife of Rev. S. 
A. Tobias; and Louisa. 

Concerning Eli J. Saeger we will say that on first 
coming here he clerked for Pretz, Saeger & Co. ; that 
he afterward worked at his father's foundry, helping 
to set up the engine we have mentioned; went into 
the mercantile business in 1840 in partnership with 
John P. Boas, and in 1857 became president of the 
Catasauqua Bank, which position he has ever since 
held. 

Charles Haines came here in 183S. He is the son 



Brobst, John Q. Cole, Jacob Culver, Charles Craig, 
Nathan Dresher, Jacob Dillinger (a>sociate judge, 
and for many years president of the Allentown Na- 
tional Bank), Jacob Erdman, Amos Ettinger, Henry 
Ebner, William Fry (State senator . John G. (loun- 
die, the Ginkingers, Henry Gabriel, John S. Gib- 
bons, Esq. (a prominent member of the Legislature), 
Jesse and Ephraim (Trim, Charles L. Hutter (an edi- 
tor of wonderful influence, politically and otherwise), 
Jacob Hart, Peter Hoffman (at one time sheriff), 
John W. Horubeck (who was for several years in 
Congress), Jacob Heckman, Phaon Jarrett (who was 
a graduate of West Point, a noted civil engineer, and 
prominently identified with a number of railroad 
companies), John J. Krause, Edward Kern, Paul 
Knauss, Solomon Keck, Henry Lawyer (for many 
years a member of Congress), James Lackey, Beuja- 
min Ludwig, E. D. Leisenring (an able editor), the 
Moyer family, Daniel Mcrtz, R. S. McClenachan (of 
flu- academy), John Miller (one of the first circus 
managers in the country I, the Newhards, — Joseph F., 
Charles, and William, — Dr. John Romig, Samuel 
Bunk, Esq., John Rover (editor of the Bulletin), Na- 
than Selfridge (of Selfridge & Wilson), Lewis Smith, 



THE (MTV OF ALLENTOWN. 



120 



John D. Stiles, Esq. since a member of Congress for 
several terms), Jonathan Reichard (merchant, still in 
business), A. G. Beninger (yet engaged in mercantile 

life), Jesse Samuels, James Wilson a member of thi 
Legislature, and father of Tin. mas B., of Selfridge & 
Wilson), Henry Weaver for many years postmaster . 
1 lenry Weinshiraer (now of Newhard & Weinshimer , 
Joseph Weiss (a jeweler, and the leader of all the 
musical societies of his time), Joseph ami William 
Young (who have been identified many years with 
the business of the town), Rev. Joshua Yeager, and 
Rev. Daniel Zeller. Some of these men are still in 
active life here, some have moved away, and many 
have died. The sons of quite a number occupy 
prominent positions in the city to-day. 

A little later than the period of which we have 
written Tilghmarj II. Good — who became colonel of 
the Forty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Infantry in the war for the Union — located in town, 
and a number of years later came < 'liarles W. Cooper, 
one of the foremost promoters of education, William 
H. Ainey, Esaias Rehrig, and others. 

In this connection we speak of a number of other 
citizens whose enterprise and usefulness entitle them 
to the highest praise and warmest gratitude of the 
people. These are the extensive house-builders the 
city builders they might be called — Thomas Mobr, 
Thomas Steckel, Mayberry Weidner, and William F. 
Yeager. These four men have together erected be- 
tween three hundred and fifty and four hundred 
houses, — a sufficient number, were they grouped to- 
gether, to form a town and afford houses to a popula- 
tion of eighteen hundred to two thousand people. 
Mr. Mohr alone has built upwards of one hundred 
and fifty houses, selling them as fast as they were 
completed and buyers presented themselves. Mr. 
Steckel has erected more than fifty houses, as has also 
Mr. Yeager, while Mr. Weidner has completed almost 
a hundred, and is still carrying on the work, which 

greatly redounds to the advantage of the city and to 

people seeking the ownership of houses. 

Crossing the Lehigh and the Jordan.— -Soon 
after the laying out of the public road between Eas- 
ton and Reading, in 1 7-">4, a ferry was established at 
this place. Abraham Rinker until 1776 was the ferry- 
man, but he raised a company in that year and went 
to the war. He was succeeded by Caspar Weavi r, 
who retained the place until 1700, when John Kletor 
io. I ehargi of the ferry and remained until flic build- 
ing of the bridge, in 1812. 

An effort bad been made in 1707 to erect a bridge, 
for which put). use an act of incorporation was passed 
on .March Slst of that year; but the enterprise failed 
for want of funds. It is doubtful if tie' bridge would 
have been built in 1812 if it bad not been for the ex- 
ertions of James Jameson, an enterprising citizen of 
Allentown. The old charter having expired, a new 
one was granted on the 2d of March, 1812. A chain 
bridge was then erected at a cost of fifteen thousand 
9 



dollars, which stood until April 18, 1828, when it was 
set on fire and burned down. Anotlei bridge was 
I reCted, which was carried away by tie- flood of 1841. 

\ iter the destruction of tin- second bridge a project 
was sit on foot to organize a tern company. A meet- 
ing \\:i- held at the house of < a- par Kleekner for this 
purpose on Jan. 28, 1841, at which Mr. Kb 
Israel Trexler, John <iro-s, Charles Kramer, and 
Joseph C. Morgan were elected directors, and Wil- 
liam SaeL r er treasurer. Nothing further appears to 
have been done in tin- u anization, but a 

ferry was established by some individual and carried 
on until December, IM-1, when ll ridge was SO 

far completed as to be passable. 

This bridge was carried away by the flood of June, 
1862. A temporary structure was then erected some 
distance below the site of the present bridge. This, 
although very roughly made, did service from I 362 
until 1867, when the present bridge was completed. 
< in Feb. 23, 1866, the county commissioners with 
their engineer, Dr. Jesse Samuel-, awarded a contract 
for building an iron truss bridge to William Lotbrop, 
of Trenton, X. J., and for building abutments and 
piers to Solomon ISutz. On the same day the com- 
missioners decided to make application to the Legis- 
lature for permission to make a loan of one hundred 
thousand dollars instead of eighty thousand dollars, 
as had been contemplated, for the purpose of paying 
the expenses of construction. The bridge was duly 
completed by the contractors, who made announce- 
ment of the same to the commissioners on Feb. 12, 
1867, when their work was accepted. 

A project to bridge the Jordan at Hamilton Street 
was agitated as early as 1787, and in that or the fol- 
lowing year the Court of Quarter Session- was peti- 
tioned to authorize the measure. A strong remon- 
strance reached the court at its March session in 1788, 
signed by David Deshler, Adam Deshler, George 
Plank, John Knauss, and about fifty others, praying 
that the petition be uot allowed. Among the objec- 
tions was the steepness of the western bank of the 
creek, which would prevent the establishment of a 
ferry there at any time when the bridge might be out 
of repair; and the consideration that the opening of 
a load to the bridge would seriously damage the 
property of Mrs. Elizabeth Allen " without conferring 
any bemlit u hatever upon any other persons." There 
was already a road from Salisbury township to Allen- 
town coming in at Union Street, and there a rude 
bridge was not long afterward built. 

The present -tone bridge over the Jordan at Ham- 
ilton Street was completed in 1837, and was considered 
at that time one of the finest works of the kind in 

Pennsylvania. The e missioners under whom it 

was built were Solomon Grisemere, Martin Ritter, 
atid John Sherer, and the contractor, Daniel Kleckner. 
While the expense was chiefly borne by the county, 
individual liberality assisted the enterprise, for we 
find a record which show- that Christian Pretz, Solo- 



130 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



mon Gangwere, and Selfridge <\ Wilson each contrib- 
uted one hundred dollars, while various oilier- sub- 
scribed .sums from three dollars to thirty dollars, 
making an aggregate of six hundred and seventy dol- 
lars. 

A Disastrous Decade (1840-50)— Flood and 
Fire. — A high flood in 1841, the failure of the North- 
ampton Bank in 1843, and the great fire of 1848 made 
the decade from 1840 to 1850 one of very unusual 
disaster to Allentown, The overwhelming financial 
failure to which allusion is here made will be treated 
of in the history of hanking operations, and we shall 
here present brief accounts of the perils to which the 
people were subjected by fire and flood. 

The high water in the Lehigh, forming what is 
known as the " flood of '41/' reached Allentown on 
January 8th, and began to subside on the 9th. The 
Jordan and the Little Lehigh contributed consider- 
ably to the volume of water and to the damage caused. 
The latter was about three fret higher than at the 
greatest freshet known prior to this time (the flood of 
1839), and the Jordan ran upon the lower or eastern 
end of the stone bridge which spans its usually slug- 
gish stream at Hamilton Street. The Lehigh Bulletin 
of Jan. 23, 1841, contained the following account of 
this flood, which, though brief, is as 'long as any that 
was published by its contemporaries: 

"The freshet in the Big Lehigh was tremendous. The water was 
about twenty feet above low-water mark below the dam, and was about 
three feet above the highest point on the Big Island. Such a flood is not 
recollected by our oldest inhabitants. Our excellent bridge over the 
Big Lehigh and toll-house are gone. Three frame houses of Mr. D. 
Kleckner, between his tavern and the bridge, are gone. The gate- 
keeper's family got away, but saved nothing out of the house. The 
other families saved more or less, but sustained heavy losses. The store- 
houses have been considerably injured at (In- basin, and several of our 
merchants, in not having their goods removed, have met with heavy 
losses. A large quantity of lumber and a number of boats and scows 
were lost. The navigation dam has but little, if any, injury done to it. 
The canal has sustained some injury." 

While the actual damage caused by this flood was 
not so great as that by the flood of 18t_>2, it was, in 
proportion to the total valuation of Allentown prop- 
erty, much heavier. 1 

1 The flood of 1862 was also disastrous to property at Allentown, but 
in proportion to the total wealth of the town probably did not do as 
much damage as that of 1841. This flood reached its greatest height 
here about midnight of June 4th. Its impetuosity aud the great height 
it attained were due not entirely to the heavy rains, but also to the break- 
ing away successively of the immense dams in the upper part of the 
river. The BepuMifciner says, "The Hood rose eighteen inches higher 
at Allentown than that of 1841. The Allentown bridge was borne away 
at midnight (of the 4th), causing a loss estimated at fifty thousand dol- 
lars, and all of the other bridges between Mauch Chunk and Easton 
were destroyed, except the railroad bridges at this place aud Freemans- 
burg. The furnaces and rolling-mills here were much damaged, and 
lumber-owners Buffered much loss, aB did also the inhabitants of the 
lower part of the town in general. The highly cultivated island was 
laid entirely waste. Several dwellings in the lower part ol town were 
rendered tenantless, and one or two were carried entirely away. Seven 
persons lost their lives. Of these, three were of the family of Herman 
Laub (bis wife ami two children) and one was a sou of the lock-tender. 
Tbe wife and child of Anthony Dyer, a canal-boat owner, were also 
among the lost. There were a number of heroic rescues. The loss of or 
damage to property was probably not less than two hundred thousand 
dollars." 



'lite great fire occurred Thursday, June 1, 1848, and 
a full account of it appeared in the Republikaner of 
Tuesday, June 0th, ol' which the following is a trans- 
lation : 

"TEKRIBLE FIRE. 

"35 Dwelling isn lbout 42 Ba&ns and Stables a Peeh to the 

Flamls. LOSS about £200,000, 

"At 4 o'clock List Thursday a fire broke out in our town, which, 
owing to the high wind thru prevailing, spread bo quickly that in the 

■ t »M hour aud a half nearly hall the town was laid in a I 
The tin' originated in the stable of John Eckert, eithei through iucen- 
■ li.iii'* hi iin .' i i iiiiiitvn, :uj'l spread from one stable to 

another bo rapidly and did its work of destruction bo thoroughly, that 
all the buildings on Hamilton Street, running westward); from Market 
Square to Hagenhuch's hotel, excepting Laudenslager & lounger's 
hardware-store, were destroyed. The firemen exerted themselves to 
subdue the Barnes, bul their efforts proved vain, and it seemed as if the 
whole town would be burned down. 

"The loss in property is large, so large that Allentown will hardly 
recover from the stroke iu a decade. The main business portion ol the 
town lies in ashes, It is perhaps unnecessary to saj that ibi> block was 
the most beautiful in town, including a number of three-story brick 
buildings, among them the new Odd-Fellows' Hall. The loss falls so 
much more heavily by reason ut the failure of property -owners to nave 
their dwellings insured. 

"Below follows a list of the sufferers, who for the main part base lost 
their all through this calamity. This list will bo found in the main 
correct, since we sent a man to the spot to obtain a complete list of all 
who have been ruined by the destroying element. 

" North Ward. 

"The large three-story brick hotel on the northwest corner of Market 
Square, the, property <>t Jesse ''inn, and tenanted in part for hotel pur- 
poses by James Trexler, and in part by Messrs. Grim & Reninger and 
Selfridge & Wilson for store purposes, besides a frame store-house and 
five stables. The loss of Mr. Grim is put at $8000; insurance, $5000. 
The store of Grim & Reninger was insured for $6000; loss, $10,000, 
Selfridge & Wilson sutler a total loss. The booksand some of the goods 
in these two stores wore saved. Mr. Trexler, the landlord, lost nearly 
everything, and saved only a little of his furniture. His loss i- 51200, 

"Tbe two-story brick store-house of Yeager & Weidner. A part of the 
stock saved. Loss, $7000; insurance on building, $1000. 

"The two-story brick dwelling-house and jewelry-store of Joseph 
Weiss. Loss, $3450; insurance, $1533. 

"The two-story brick stove and tinware shop of Thomas Giukinger. 
Whole loss, $1800. 

"The double two-story dwelling-house and stable of Daniel Keiper. 
The house was occupied by Keiper and Ephraim Gangwere. A part of 
the household furniture was saved. Loss, $4300, secured to the extent 
of 82 

"The two-story frame dwelling-house of Abraham Newhnni, and bis 
carpenter-shop and barn. This house was occupied by Silas and Abra- 
ham Newhard. Only a little of the furniture was saved. 

"The thr story brick dwelling of Abraham Newhard, occupied by 

Tlmmas Newhard and Stetler & George. Entire loss, $4150; no insur- 
ance. 

"The three-story brick dwelling-house and drug-store of Dr. Danow- 

sky, besides a laboratory and stables; very little saved. Loss, £4.' , 

Bee u red, | 

"The three-story brick dwelling-house and store-stand of Elias Mertz 
(m Mertz & Weaver), and stables. A part of the store-goods saved; 
00; insurance, - 

"Two three-story brick dwellings and outhouses of Mr. Klein, one 
tenanted by Messrs. Huber & Wagner as merchants, tbe other by- 
Messrs. Keiper & Gross, publishers of the Lehigh Patriot and Lehigh Be- 
porter, and booksellers. A portion of Messrs. Hubei A Wagner's stock 
and the business books of Keiper & Gross were saved. The store of the 
former firm was insured for $6000; lose, $10,000. The two buildings 
were insured for $4000, and valued at $6000; the loss to the printing- 
house was $1500. 

" The three-story brick dwelling-house and hardware-store of Edmund 
R. Newhard. A part of the wares were saved. Loss, S'J.">Uu , insurance, 
$1200. 

"The two-story store and dwelling-house aud stable of Mr. Peter 
Newhard. A part of the furniture was saved. Loss, $3500; insurance. 






THE CITY OF ALLKNTi >\\ N. 



131 



[n this building wee tho post-office, the ^ t tin- con- 

tents of which 

vo at 'iy brick dw< I] and shoe -a tore <>f Mr. George 

I En the latter nearly everything ■ rhe building was 
. 

"The two-story brick dwelling, I (eof Mr. Peter 

II ml. : Nothing was saved ex< m | md money. 

■■■■ i ! ' b lai ■ | ■ i grain, is said to 

have been destroyed Loss, $8445; no Insurance. 
" The following also Biifii i ■ Imated m foil 

, barn and contents S500 

bold furniture 



, stable 226 

w Idow Schaffer, stable 500 

Charles Seager, ^ t ;lI »!** 150 

Refon i Church 

Silas Newhard, hous -hold g is 

Edwin Keiper, household goods LOO 

Michael I'lil-r. 'h\ g 1- 2500 

Lg 45 

lli. in.it kft-house 500 

■■ South Ward. 

Frame building 
on the southwest corner -if Market Square was the property of .Mr. 
Joshua Hause I $3864; insurant e, 

lii i, ■ Odd-Fellows 1 Hall, with the store-stock of Messrs. Weiss 

saddler-shop of Charles Keck, and the restaurant of Henry 

:. No insurance. Loss to 6528. 

"The two-story brick dwelling-house, two stables, and the frame-work 

of a bam of Dr. C. H, Mai tin, and all his household goods. Nothing 

■ 206 ; DO ih-in B 

"The two two-story brick dwelltng-housi s, stable, and Bhop of John 

Q, I ■: e, one of the houses occupied by the family of Mr. Brown, the 

toy manufacturer. Mr. Cole had a great deal of willow-ware on hand, 

and Mr. Brown Buffer especially. Estimated Loss of Mr. Cole, 

Mr. Brown's loss is 9550, with no insurance. 

"The two-story brick dwelling-house and Btable of Mr. Joseph I '. 
Ne* hard. Estimated loss, $1700 ; insurance, 3H 00. 

"The two-story brick dwelling-house, tobacco-factory, stable, ma- 
chine-shop, etc., of John F. Rune, as well as a large quantity of tobacco. 
Estimated loss, £4755; insurance, - 1 

ll The two-story brick dwelling-house and stable of Michael Uhler. 

Loss, SHOO, with no insurance. 

■'The two-story brick dwell ing-honse and Btable ol Charles 9 I 
Bides tailoring materials and household furniture. Estimated lot 
a ran ce. 
i two-story brick dwell! Dg-houBe of Catharine Graff and bouse- 
bold furniture. A total Loss, 
"The butcher-shop and barn of Mr. Martin Schwenk. Loss, 8600. 
"The turning-shop of Beuben Kuuffman, with finished work. Esti- 
mati d i ■■ -. -.-". 

' I 'he new two-story brick dwelling-house nf William Scholl, on Allen 
Street, opposite Mr. Rees' hotel. Loss, 5500. 

" The two-sti ry dwelling-house ol Mr. George G I, <>n Allen Street, 

with all itti contents. Loss, 

■ l be frame dwelling- house of Albright &. Woodring, on Allen street, 
with contents. Loss, $300. 

"The following persons besides the foregoing have lost property as 
indicated : 

II. C, Longnecker - 100 

B\ Rune, house furniture 100 

Henry Rune, cash 50 

Reuben Reiss, furniture 250 

I;, u u -ii Strauss, " 150 

Nathan Laudenslager, sundries 150 

Charles Beidler, smithy 60 

Henry Kbnei, stable 75 

Andreas Wind, Btable. 280 

The Ulenl iwn Hose House I i0 

Jam.- Seagreaves, two stables ' 

William Kei n, stable 250 

I't Tilghman II. Martin, barn 975 

Bphraim Grim, stable 

M i B Hunter, " 150 

s Eeiper, " 300 

Richard Levers 55 

John Neiligh, furniture 200 

Sarah Hittel, " 

J >hn \\ If, " 20 

Charles Keck, tailoring g Is 

Wi I— v l chroan, fancy goods 

Henry F. Nagle, tools....... 

i. McGIowd, scaffolding, <-tc 100 

C. L. Lochman, tools 50 



"The itlmated by a , citi- 

zens' meeting. It ran be Been that the above valuations are low, and if 
the full value of in given it would sum i 

tO at 1 made, the lose 

than $M . ,i by Enenrasi 

A meeting of citizens was held the morning 
the (ire to take measures tor the relief of the -■ 
ferers. Hum. Benrj King was president, and J. i». 
Lawall and J. M. Line, secretaries. Committees were 
appointed to ascertain the losses, to prepare an ad- 
- to the country, to succor those in need of imme- 
diate assistance , and bo demolish the tottering walls 
left by tin* fire. Thanks were expressed by resolu- 
tion to all who assisted in preventing the spread of 
the flames, especially the Bethlehem firemen. On 
June 3d a -econd meeting was held, at which a finan- 
cial committee and collectors were appointed to secure 
donations. Thecountry responded liberally in answer 
to the cry of distress that went up from smitten Al- 
lentown, and the report, of the financial committee, 
made Feb. 1, 1849, showed that they had received 
and disbursed $13,497.49. Money was sent from 
various points in Lehigh County, from Philadelphia 
and New York, from Montgomery, Lancaster, Leba- 
non, Northumberland, Northampton, Bucks, (.'luster, 
Carbon, Huntingdon, York, Crawford, Berks, and 
Bedford Counties, from Ohio, from New < Orleans, and 
from Washington. I). C. (through Hon. 8. A. Bridgi 

The fire, greal as was the loss it caused, was a bless- 
ing in disguise for Allen town. In some cases the lots 
in the burnt district sold for more a year or so after 
the fire than they would have brought before it with 
the buildings. The firsl notice that the Republikaner 
contains of rebuilding on the ruins of the fire was 
that of a house erected by Joseph Weiss, which is 
mentioned under date of Oct. 5, 1848. Others began 
at the same time or soon after, the town received ac- 
quisitions of a desirable nature in the arrival of men 
of means, and improvement went rapidly forward. 
The town had had in 1848 a population of 3700, and 
numbered 619 houses, and in 1854, sis years after the 
fire, when a special census was taken to ascertain the 
amount of growth, it was found that the population 
was 5250, and the number of houses 970, — again of 
1550 in population and of 351 in the number of 
houses. The establishment of the iron-works, a short 
time before the fire, had done something towards 
bringing about this result. The building of the rail- 
road was begun in 1855, and materially advanced the 
interests of the town. The population increased to 
><rj;> in i860, more than doubling the -'JToiJ of 1850, 
and then, through the activity caused by the opening 
of many new manufacturing industries and the flush 
times of the war, it increased to 14,448 in 1870. In 
1880 it had a population of 18,063, and m. 
claims 21,000. 



132 



IITSTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN— {Continued). 

Municipal History — Civil List — Improvements — The Water and Fire 
Departments. 

Municipal History. — The corporate history of 
Allentown dates from March 18, 1811, that being the 
time when the act incorporating the borough of 
Northampton (Allentown) was approved by Gov- 
ernor Simon Snyder, after it had passed the Legis- 
lature. There seems to have been a fondness for the 
name of Northampton, and the people while antici- 
pating the erection of a new county (which came to 
pass the following year) evidently enjoyed the idea 
of preserving the name of the old one by applying it 
to the town which they foresaw must be the seat of 
justice of the new. The act of incorporation con- 
tained the following clause prescribing the boun- 
daries : 

..." The town of Northampton shall be and the same is hereby 
erected into a borough, which shall be called the ' Borough of North- 
ampton.' and shall be comprised within the following bounds, to wit: 
Beginning at a post on the northern bank of Little Lehigh Creek, 
thence extending by lands of John Wagner and Abraham Worman, 
and running along the line dividing the town and the outlets, north 
eighteen degrees west, to a stone, the northwestern corner of said town • 
thence along the line dividing the town and outlets, north, seventy-two 
degrees east, to a post on the western bank of Jordan Creek ; thence 
down the said creek, the several courses thereof, to the junction of the 
said Lehigh and Jordan Creeks; thence up the said Lehigh Creek, the 
several courses thereof, to the place of beginning." 

The first election was ordered to be held upon the 
first Monday in May, 1811, at the house of George 
Savitz, which was a small two-story stone tavern, 
which is now incorporated in the Allen House. The 
election was duly held May 6th, and resulted in the 
choice of Peter Ehoads as burgess, a Town Council, 
and other officers, which will be found in a list (con- 
taining also those of the succeeding years down to 
the present) appended to this sketch of Alleutown's 
corporate history. We reserve for separate considera- 
tion the early action of the Council upon the matters 
of street improvement, fire protection, and the build- 
ing of a market-house. 

The corporate name of the borough was changed 
from Northampton to Allentown by authority of Sec- 
tion 20 of an act passed April 16, 1838. The Council 
was by this act increased to ten members. 

The original boundaries were not extended until 
1852. August lid of that year a portion of the town- 
ship of Northampton (a small township which then 
surrounded the town) was added to the borough. 
This tract was bounded on the east by the Lehigh 
River, south by the Little Lehigh, and west by Jordan 
Creek. This ground had been plotted under the name 
of Lehigh Port; dubbed St. Domingo from the fact 
that it was then the residence of quite a number of 
negro families, and was called familiarly "Mingo." 

By an ordinance passed Sept, 14, 1852, Allentown 
was increased westerly by the admission of a small 
part of Northampton township. 



By an act of the Assembly passed April 28, 1853, 
Allentown was divided into three wards, the territory 
between the Lehigh River and Jordan Creek being 
called Lehigh Ward, while the older part of the 
borough was divided into the South and North 
Wards, the former including all west of the Jordan 
and south of Hamilton Street, and the latter all west 
of the Jordan and north of Hamilton Street. 

The Lehigh Ward was changed to the First Ward 
by an act passed March 8, 1859, and at the same time 
the South Ward was divided into the Second and 
Third by making Water and Seventh Streets the 
dividing line, and the North Ward was also divided 
by Seventh Street into the Fourth and Fifth Wards. 

By an ordinance passed March 8, 1860, the First 
Ward was enlarged by admitting to the borough limits 
all the territory north of it, between the Lehigh River 
and Jordan Creek, up to the northern boundary of 
the lands of the Allentown Iron Company. 

The next legislation affecting Allentown was im- 
portant, for it changed the borough into a city. The 
act passed the Assembly March 12, 1867. It was con- 
stituted with six wards. The First was divided into 
First and Sixth, and Lehigh Island was then virtually 
annexed to the former. 

By the act establishing city government the western 
limits were extended two squares west of Tenth Street, 
and an addition of thirty-three perches was made on 
the north, between the extended Ninth and Eleventh 
Streets. A further addition was made on the north 
of ten hundred and forty-six feet, between Eighth 
and Ninth Streets, by ordinance of June 10, 1868, 
and on June 10, 1870, the present limits were estab- 
lished, containing 3.14 square miles, or 2011.27 acres. 

OFFICERS OF THE BOROUGH AND CITY, 1S11 TO 1833. 

1811. — Burgess, Peter Rhoads ; Town Council, George Graff, chairman, 
Jacob Martin, John Miller (tailor), John Keiper, Leonard Nagle ; 
Town Clerk, George Rhoads : High Constable, John F. Ruhe ; Road 
and Street Commissioners, John Mohr, Conrad Huber. 
1S12. — Burgess, Peter Rhoads; Town Council, Jacob Martin, chairman, 
John Mohr, John Miller, John House, John Eckert ; High Consta- 
ble, Frederick Eckert ; Street Commissioners, Peter Honk, Peter 
Newhard. 
(No record for 1813.) 
1814. — Burgess, George Graft ; Town Council, Jacob Martin, chairman, 
John Wagner, Adam Reep, William Eckert, John Knecht; Town 
Clerk, Jacob Blumer; High Constable, John Lelir ; Street Commis- 
sioners, Frederick Kocher, Jacob Burlier. 
(No perfect records of elections in the years from 1S15 to 1830 ap- 
pear, but some of the officers' names have been found in minutes of 
public meetings. In 1816, Jacob Martin was still the chairman of 
the Council, and Jacob Blumer was town clerk. The bitter was con- 
stantly in the office until 1S29. The name of John F. Ruhe appears as 
chairman of Council in 18_!'2, that of Peter Newhard in 1824, Michael 
D. Eberhard in 1820, Philip Sellers in 1827, and John F. Ruhe again 
in 1828-29.) 

1830. — Burgess, John J. Krauss; Town Council, Adam Reep, chairman, 
Adam Seip, Andrew Gangwere, Henry Reichard, Moses Horn ; Town 
Clerk, John F. Ruhe ; High Constable, George Keiper ; Street Com- 
missioners, John Keiper, William Ginkinger. 
1831.— Burgess, John J. Krauss; Town Council, Henry Reichard, chair- 
man, Timothy Geidner, Solomon Gangwere, Benjamin Ludwig, 
Thomas Ginkinger; Town Clerk, John F. Ruhe ; High Constable, 
George Keiper; Street Commissioners, William Ginkinger, John 
Keiper. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



133 



i/ 



1832. — Burgess, John J. Krauss; Town Council, Henry Reichard, Tim- 
othy Qeidner, Solomon Gangwere, Benjamin Ludwig, Thomas 
Ginkinger; High Constable, George Keiper; Street Commissioners, 
John Wagner, .John Keiper, 

1833. — Burgess, John J. Krauss; Town Council, David Heimbach, chair- 
man, George Haberacker, Charles A. GroBB, Martin Scbenck, Peter 
Huber; Town Clerk, J. W. Bornbeck; Eigb Constable, George 
Keiper: Street Coinmissiuner-, Abraham • :.ui w.-i e, I ieui •£? Kei- 
per. 

1834.— Burgess, John J. Krauas ; Town Council, Jacob Stein, chairman, 
George Wetherhold, Abraham IVi1"-i, Charles A. Ruhe, Samuel 
Horn; Town Clerk, J. W. Hornbeck; High Constable, George 
Keiper; Street Commissioners, Abraham Gangwere, John Keiper. 

1835. — Burgess, Jacob Newhard ; Town Council, Charles A. Rube, chair- 
man, Joseph Saeger, John Eckert, Jr., Joseph Weiss, Jacob D. Boaa ; 
Town Clerk, J, W. Hornbeck; High Constable, George Wetherhold ; 
Street Commissioners, John Keiper, II. W. Knipe. 

1836. — Burgess, Jacob Newhard; Town Council, Michael I>. Eberhard, 
chairman, Jacob D. Boas, Solomon Keck, Abraham Binker, Paul 
Knauss; Town Clerk, R. E. Wright. 

1837. — Burgess, Jacob Newhard; Town Council, Michael D. Eberhard, 
Peter Newhard, chairman, John Mohr, John Wagner, Jr., Joseph 
Hartman; Town Clerk, S. A. Bridges; Treasurer, Henry Ebner; 
Engineer, Simon Schweitzer ; Wnod-Corder, Caspar Newhard. 

1S38.— Burgess, John F. Ruhe; Town Council, John J. Krauss, John 
Albright, Henry W. Knipe, Solomon Fatzinger, Charles A. Ruhe, 
George Stein, Joseph Hartman, Joel Krauss, John V. R. Hunter; 
Town Clerk, S. A. Bridges ; High Constable, Jamb Hnkman. 

1839. — Burgess, Samuel Runk; Town Council, John Mohr, chairman, 
George Stein, Joseph Hartman, Daniel Keiper, Henry Reichard, 
Samuel Moyer, Jacob Mover, Andrew Klotz, Bartholomew Balliet; 
Town Clerk, S. A. Bridges; High Constable, Reuben Strauss. 

1S40. — Burgess, Samuel Runk ; Town Council, John Wagner, chairman, 
John Mohr, John Eckert, Joseph Young, John Detweiler, Henry 
Reichard, Jacob Ilagenbuch, Andrew Klotz; Town Clerk, S. A. 
Bridges; Treasurer, Jacob Stein ; Engineer, S. Schweitzer; Street 
Commissioners, George Engleman, Joseph Lehr. 

1841. — Burgess, Charles Seip ; Town Council, John Albright, chairman, 
John Mohr, John Wagner, John Detweiler, Joseph Young, John 
Eckert, John J. Krauss, Joseph Saeger; Town Clerk, S. A. Bridges; 
Treasurer, Jacob Stein; Engineer, S. Schweitzer; Clerk of Market, 
J. F. Newhard ; Wood-Corder, Caspar Newhard. 

1842. — Burgess, ; Town Council, John J. Krauss, chairman, John 

Albright, J. K. Saeger, Joseph Young, William Moll, Stephen Bar- 
ber, Charles Scholl, William Mertz, John Nonnemacher; Town 
Clerk, S. A. Bridges; Treasurer, George Stein; Engineer, P. Jarrett; 
High Constable, Israel Erdmann ; Street t ummissioners, Peter New- 
hard, Jacob ' 

1843.- Burgess, Peter Newhard; Town Council, Joseph Young, John 
Moll, Stephen Barber, Charles Scholl, William Mertz, Joseph 
Kramer, Abraham Gangwere, Michael D. Eberhard, J. D. Boas; 
Town Clerk, JohD F. Ruhe; Treasurer, George Stein; High Con- 
stable, Samuel Moyer; Market-Master, J. F. Newhard ; Engineer, 
Jesse Samuel? ; Street Commissioners, Caspar Keeter, Adam Seip. 

1844. — Burgess, ; Town Council, Joseph Young, chairman, J. D. 

!'■■ .1-, Mi' !'■'■ i l». ri'i'thiii I, .John Moll, Charles Scholl, C 11. Martin, 
Joseph Kramer, Stephen Barber, William II. Mertz, Abraham 
Gangwere; Town Clerk, John F. Ruhe; Treasurer, George Stein; 
High Constable, Samuel Horn. 

1846.— Burgess, R. E. Wright; Town Council, J. D. Boas, president, 
Simon Schweitzer, Charles Saeger, Michael D. Eberhard, Nathan 
Dreaher, Solomon Gross, C. II. Martin, Joseph Kramer, Charles 
Kramer, Abraham Gangwere; Town Clerk, John F. Ruhe; Treas- 
urer, George Stein; High Constable, Samuel Horn. 

184G. — Burgess, Poter Wycoff ; Town Council. Charles Saeger, William 
Edelman, Nathan Dresner, Jonathan Reichard, Jam < 
Solomon Gross, William Fry, Reuben Strouss, Charles Kramer, 
Simon Schweitzer; Town Clerk, John F. Ruhe; Treasure:..'. W. 
Hornbeck ; High Constable, Charles Haines. 

1847.— Burgess, ; Town Council, Peter Newhard, Jacob Hart- 

zell, John Eckert, Bartholomew Balliet, George Keifer, Amos Et- 
tinger, Aaron Troxell, George Wetherhold, C. L. Martin, Bernard 
Rees; Town Clerk, John F. Ruhe; Treasurer, J, W. Hornbeck; 

High Constable, William fcckert ; Engineer, Jesse Samuels. 
1£48. — Burgess, John D. Lawall ; Town Council, Amos Ettingor, Aaron 
Troxell, B. Balliet, John Eckert, B. ReeB, W. II. Blumer, Peter 
Heller, James Hartman, Edward D. Leisenring, Charles Koch ; 



Town Clerk, Eli J. Saeger; Treasurer, J. F. Reichard; High Con- 
stable, Jacob Ebrig; Engim •> , .1- -*<• -un'i'l- 
1849.— Burgess, ; Town Council, W II. Bluni'-r, ''bin le* K.<k, 

E. D. Leisenring, Joseph Hartman, Peter Heller, Paul I 
Charles Eckert, F. E. Samuels, John Nonnemacher, Nathan Dn hei 
Town Clerk, Eli J.Saeger; Treasurer, John Reichard; Hi 

stable, .lac. ib Ebrig. 

1850. — Burgess, ; Town Council, Nathan Dreeher, Paul Knauss, 

F. E. Samuels, Charles Eckert, John Nonnemacher, Ceaac Stahr, 
ThomsB Weaver, Peter Werkel,J. I>. Lawall; Town Clerk, Eli J. 

Saeger : Treasurer, John Reichard ; High Const ible, w illiam Egge. 

1851.— Burgess, ; Town Council, Isaac Stahr, Thomas Weaver, 

John L. Hoffman, IVt.-i Wetkel, J. D. Lawall, Thomas Wi-. 
Thomas Wetzell, Jacob Miller, Josi ph Nonnemacher, Willi in 
Town Clerk, Eli J. Saeger; Treasurer, John Reichard; En 
Elias Mertz ; High Constable, William ' 

1852. — Burgess, William Fry ; Town Council, Jacoh Miller, Joseph Non- 
nemacher, Thomas Wetzell, William J Egge, E, U. Newhard, Peter 
Heller, Owen Saeger, John Diefenderfer, Reuben Reiss, Thorns 
Weiss; Town Clerk, Eli J.Saeger; Treasurer, John Reichard ; High 
i !onstable, William Horn. 

1853.— Burgess, William J. Egge; Town Council, E. R. Newhard, Peter 
Heller, Thomas Weiss, Owen Saeger, John Diefenderfer, Jonathan 
Trexler, W. II. Blumer, Tilghman Statler, Ephraim Grim, Reuben 
Engleman; Town Clerk, Eli J.Saeger; Treasurer, Johu Reichard; 
High Constable, William Horn ; Engineer, Elias Mertz. 

1854.— Burgess, ; Town Council, W. H. Blumer, Tilghman 

Statler, Ephraim Grim, William Hecker, Jonathan Trexler, J. F. 
Newhard, James F. Kline, W. B. Powell, Evan W. Eckert, J. F. 
Kleppinger, John G. Schimpf; Town Clerk, Eli J. Saeger; Treas- 
urer, John Reichard; Engineer, J. D. Lawall. (He resigned, and 

G. A. Aschbach was appointed.] High Constable, William Horn. 1 
1S55. — Burgess, Thomas Mohr; Town Council, John G. Schimpf, Evan 

W. Eckert, J. F. Newhard, W. B. Powell, J. K. Kleppinger, John 
Bomig, James Deitrich, Stephen Keck, Solomon Butz, William 
Maddern; Town Clerk, E. J. Mose; Treasurer, John Reichard; 
Engineer, G. At Aschbach ; High Constable, John L. Hanke. 

1856.— Burgess, William Grim; Town Council, C. L. Martin, Ephraim 
Yohe, Enoch Newhard, David Schwartz, John Rornig, James Diet- 
rich, William Maddern, Solomon But/.. Stephen Keck; Town clerk, 
E. J. Mose ; Treasurer, John Reichard; Engineer, A. G. Aschbach; 
High Constable, John L. Hanke. 

1857. — Burgess, : Town Council, Aaron Renniger, J. A.Kra- 
mer, Joseph Seip. William M ■ 1 1 / . Nathan Gaumer, Thomas Barber, 

Ephraim Yohe, J. F. Newhard, David Schwartz, C. h. Martin, 

Kleckner, Jesse Wasser ; Town Clerk, C. J. Martin ; Treasurer, John 
Reichard; Engineer, G. A. Aschbach. 

185S. — Burgess, Thomas Mohr; Town Council, Jesse Wasser, W. H. 
Gausler, Tilghman Statler, William Maddern, Samuel McHose, 
Benjamin Statler, Aaron Renniger, Nathan Gaumer. Joseph Seip, * 
Thomas Barber, William Mertz; Town Clerk, E.J. Mose; Treas- 
urer, John Reichard; Engineer, G. A. Aschbach. 

1859. — Burgess, George Beisel; Town Council. Samuel McHose, W. II. 
Gausler, Benjamin Statler, Tilghman Statler, Charles W. Eckert, 
J. H. Bush, David Schwartz, William Maddern, Peter Wetkel, Jesse 
Wasser; Town Clerk, E. J. Mose; Treasurer, John Reichard; En- 
gineer, G. A. Aschbach. 

1860. — Burgess, George Beisel ; Town Council, Samuel Engelman, Solo- 
mon Butz, Samuel B. Lewis, O. K. Hoffman, Aaron Ceiter, William 
Kichline, Charles A Eckert, David Schwartz, Peter Weikel, J. H. 
Bush; Town Clerk, E.J. Mose; Treasurer, Johu Reichard; Engi- 
neer, G. A. Aschbach. 

1861. — Burgess, ; Town Council, Charles Mickley, Owen 

Tingling, W. H. Blumer, Samuel Roth, James Roney, 0. K. Hoff- 
man, Aaron Keiler, Samuel B. Lewes, William Kichline. - 
Engleman ; Town Clerk, E.J. Mose; Treasurer, John Reichard. 

1862. — Burgess, ; Town Council, Benjamin Hagenbuch, ' 'buries 

Christ, Peter Weikel, George Erdmati. Charles Wagner, W. H. 
Blumer, Samuel Roth, Owen Singling, Jaa. Roney; Town Clerk, 
E. J. Mose ; Treasure!, John Reichard ; Engineer, G. A. Aschbach. 

1863.— Burgess, W. H. Hoffman : Town Council, J. S. Graffin, J. A. 
Kramer, John I\ Miller. Jes-e A. W'us-er, J. II- Bush, Benjamin 
Hagenbuch, Charles Christ, Peter Weikel, Gee I , Charles 

Wagner; Town Clerk, Thomas B. Metzgar ; Treasurer, John 






1 One policeman, Jacob Ehrig, was also appointed this year. He was 
the first regular police-officer. 



134 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



irdj Engineer, G. A Aschbach ; High Constable, Daniel W. 
i, .in. 

1864. — Burgees, Charles Klin-: Town Council, ; Town Clerk, 

Elisha Forrest; Treasurer, John Reichard; Engineer, 6. A. Asch- 
bach ; High Constable, Daniel W, Lehr, 

Burgess, -; Town Council, R. E. Wright, Daniel Both, 

John Egge, "W. J. Hoxworth, Samuel McHose, John L. Hoffman, 
Daniel Itr.-wn, Joseph Hecker, U.K. Ruhe, Amos Gttioger; Town 
Clerk, Elislia Forrest ; Treasurer, John Reichard; Engineer, Peter 
Weida; High Constable, Jacob M. Ruhe. 

L866, Burgess, William Kern; Town Council, J. L. Hoffman, Russell 
A. Thayer, Henry Stetler, Thomas Steckel, Edward Ruhe, Samuel 
\i . Hose, Joseph Hecker, John Egge, W. J, Hoxworth, Daniel Roth ; 
Town Clerk, Elisha Forrest; High Constable, .T. M. Ruhe. 



JUSTICES OF THE 



1840. 

3841. 

1844. 

1849. 

1850. 
1852. 

1853. 
1854. 



John W. Hornbeck. 
Charles Seip. 
John Kleckner. 1 
James Mallene. 
John F. Ruhe. 
Eli J. Saeger. 
Eli J. Saeger. 
John F. Ruhe. 
Jacob Dillinger. 
John l>. Lawall, 
John F. Hallenbach. 
John F. Ruhe. 



PEACE, 1840-18G7. 

1858. John F. Hal bach. 

1859. Ephraim M ,,.- 
John F. Ruhe. 
Elias Mertz. 

1860. A. K. Wittman. 

1861. Jacob Dillinger. 

1862. E. J. Abele. 
John D. Lawall. 

1863. Lewis F. Schmidt. 
Jesse M Young. 

1864. Elias Mertz. 
I 1865. A. K. "Wittman. 

1866. Henry T. Kleckner. 
ALDERMEN, 1867-80. 



1867 (March 17). Joshua Stabler. 
Edward Beck. 
John Hawkins. 

1869 (Spring). Elias Wertz. 
(Fall). Tilghman Good. 

1870 (Fall). Henry T. Kleckner. 
1872 (Spring). Joshua Stabler. 

Francis Z. Hubner. 
Patrick McCloakoy. 

1874. Tobias Kessler. 

1875. Walter L. Jones. 

1876. Henry S. Kleckner. 
Elias Mertz. 



1876. John H. Hull. 

1877. James Hausman. 
John W. Sepp. 
Philip K. Hartzell. 
Patrick McCloakey. 

1879. U. S. Lei|zunberger. 

1880. Walter L. Jones. 

1881. Henry T. Kleckner. 
E. R. Newhard. 

1882. George Fry. 
John W. Sepp. 
Patrick McCoskey. 
Henry C. Huber. 



i-l" Philip Sellers 

Samuel Ginkinger. 
George Henry. 
Nathan Bortz. 

1841. Same as above, with excep- 
tion of Thomas Kramer for 
Nathan Bortz. 

1842. Philip Sellers. 
Samuel Guckinger. 
Henry Reich ert 
Solomon Heimbach. 

1843. Philip Sellers. 
Samuel Berger. 
R. W. Knipe. 
P. A. Sage. 

1846. Samuel Berger. 
Samuel Hartman. 
Henry W. Knipe. 

1847. Samuel Berger. 
Samuel Hartman. 
Charles Eckert. 
Robert Patterson. 

1848. Samuel Berger. 
Samuel Hartman. 
Edward Stettler. 
A. Loudenberger. 

1849. Same, with exception of Wil- 
liam Jacoby in place of Lou- 
denberger. 



CONSTABLES, 1840-83. 

1850. Samuel Berger. 

William I. Derr. 

1852. Samuel Berger. 

1855. Samuel Berger. 
P. S. Hankey (High). 

1856. Samuel Berger. 
J. S. Hauke (High). 
Samuel Hartman. 
Adam Hecker. 

1857. Samuel Berger. 
Andrew Yingling (High). 
Adam Hecker. 

1858. Edwin Acker (High). 
William Fillman. 
Samuel Berger. 

1859. William Fillman. 

John Y ig. 

Samuel Hartman. 
Joel Rinehard. 
Christian Sailers. 

1860. Same as above, with excep- 
tion of Charles Seip in place 
of Fillman 

1861. William Hiskey. 
John Young. 
Heury Witte. 
Joel Reinhard. 
Christian Sauers. 

1862-63. Same, with exception of 



IMM 



1 still 



1867. 



Adam Hecker in place of 

Hiskey. 

Adam Hecker. 

John Young. 

Samuel Hartman. 

Joel Reinhard. 

i Shristian Sauers* 

J. R. Dimmig. 

William C. Baumeister. 

George Rittor. 

John Hauiman. 

Jonas Smith. 

John Darrohn 

Engelhei t Zunger. 

I reorge Ritter. 

John Hamman. 

David Daubert. 

Hemon Texler. 

1868. John Darrohn. 
George F. Henry. 
Abraham Worman. 

'Samuel Weidenmay. 
David Daubert. 
Charles Fry. 

1869. Same, with exception of last 
tw<>, whose places were filled 
by Stephen Henry and A 
Hallacher. 

1869(Fallj. Hiram Zelluer. 
George F. Henry. 
Abraham Worman. 
Samuel Witmeyer. 
Charles Keinert. 
John Breslin. 

1870 Same, with exception of last 
two, whose places were taken 
byGodfried Barierand Mich- 
ael Harkins. 
Hiram Zellner, 
George P. Henry. 
Abraham Worman. 
Samuel Wittemeyer. 
Godfried Bauer. 
Willoughby Beisel. 
Same, with exception of 
( lharles Rein smith in place 
of Worman, and Hugh Mc- 
Elroy in place of Beisel. 

1875. William Nagel. 
Jacob Heberling. 
E. P. Met/.. 
George M. Schmidt. 
William Reichard. 
Hugh McElroy. 

1876. William Nagle. 
Jacob Heberling. 
Abraham Worman. 



1879. 



1872. 



1873. 



< ;r,,r .■ Weiss. 
William Reichard. 
A. Hartman. 
William Johnson. 
Jonas Smith. 
William Nagle. 
Herman Phillips. 

I • iniel Weaver. 
George Wi i . 
William H. Ginkinger. 

Patrick Seward, 

Soloi i Dillinger. 

.!■ (i i Smith. 

Daniel Weaver, 
John Dazoohn. 
Jacob Heberling. 

Henry W. Stomberger. 
William II. Ginkinger. 
( iharles n . Geary.' 
ii Dillinger. 
Jonas Smith. 

Hiram Zellner. 
Jacob Heberling. 

Daniel Weaver. 

A in 1 1 ew ^ ingling. 

Benneville Geai y. 

Hugh Durnin. 

Solomon Dillinger. 
Jonas Smith. 

Same as preceding year, 

with the exception of Wil- 
liam P. Johnson in place of 

Dillinger. 

Oliver Hiskey. 

Jacob Heberling. 

Daniel Weaver, 

Andrew Yingling. 

Benneville Geary. 

Henry Wetzchad. 

William B. Johnson. 

Jonas Smith. 

George Lilly. 

John Eshenbach. 
Daniel Weaver. 
Bennville Geary. 
Henry Wertz. 
Solomon Dillinger. 
Jonas Smith. 
George H. Lilly. 
John Eshenbach. 
Daniel Weaver. 
Andrew Yingling. 
Benneville Geary. 
Hugh Durnin. 
Jonas KeiBer. 
Jonas Smith. 



iss:i 



1 Northampton. 



1S67. Samuel McHose. 
L869. Tilghman H. Good. 
1873. Theodore C. Yeager.2 
1874 (Feb. 17). Tilghman H. Good 



CITY OFFICERS. 
Mayors. 

I 1876. Edward B. Young. 



1878. Alfred J. Martin. 
1880. E. G. Martin. 
1883. E S. Shinier. 



1807. 



Jonathan 
pointed). 

1875. Jacob A. Bl inner. 



City Treasurers. 
Reichard (ap- i 1878. John Koch, Jr. (present in- 



cumbent). 



City Controllers. 
1875. Reuben S. Shinier. | 1879. Charles K. Heist. 

1877. Charles Banks. 



1881. Walter C. Smith. 



2 Mr. Yeager died in December, 1873, and Hermon Schuon, president 
of Select Council, by virtue of his office became mayor, and served until 
February, 1874. 



THK CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



135 



City Solicitors. 

1874. G ge W. Wilson. 1880 J. M. Ki 

B. Metzgar. 1882. A. 1'. Crilly. 

' C Kline. 

Auditor. 
187*. Henri ■' Hornbeck. 
City Engineer. 
Im'.T. S.D.I 

Illun CONSTABLES. 

Is74. William II. Hilzard. 
Daniel Gift 

I POL] 

1-7- Tilghman Good. 



1866. J» il» H. Ruhe. 

manuel HoffOrd. 
Is71. II. T Kleckner. 



1-7 Daniel Gift. 



Select Ooi s< n. 
i-i- Jacob 8. Diilinger, George Enliii:ni. Benj, Hagenbucb, John I.. 

Hoffman, Jesse M. Line, Alex. McJ o,J hn McNnlty, John Oliver, 

Hem j \ as i'. ;. . Mohr. 

-Beuben Kaufman, Roth, Henry Vandyke, Jeeae M. Line, 

Herman Scbuon, Sheirer, John McLean, Jacob 3. Diilinger, 

Thomas Weaver, John L. Hoffman. Clerk, J. A. Blumer. 

1870. — Jesse M. Line, J hn McLean, John HcNulty, Both, 

ror, II. Schuon, Jesse Weaver, Tlio °i iver, Jos. Young, 

Henry Vandyke, J. I.. II HcKeo, John HcNulty. 

1871. — Herman Scbuon, John I Hoffman, Alex. BfcEee, John Mc- 
Nulty, Jos. Weaver, Jos. Toung, W. II. Aim v. P. Boyle, Martin 

Kemerer, .1 imes W. Wilson, Jesse Wasser, Thos. Mohr. 
1872. -Patrick Boyle, Silas Camp, Abiel Heilman, John Hall, Martin 

Kemerer, Thos. Mohr, Chas Buhe, Herman Schuon, Jesse Wasser, 

Jus. ST. Wilson, W. II. Ainey. 
1873. — Panic B Boyle, W. H. Blumer. Silas I nop. Abiel Heilman, John 

Hull, Al. Kramer, Leh, Quier, Sam Buhe, 

Her. Schuon 

1874.1— Thos. Barber, W. H. Blumer, Patrick Boyle, Leb CI 

r, Saml. Both, Thos. Linenny, B. 17 Don Hartzel, 

i Efowhard, John Nonnemacher, Chas. II Buhe. 
1876. 2 — Josial 3. Kern, John Nonnemacher, John I Staff nian, George 

Hartzel, Patrick Boyle, A. I.. New-hard, Joseph Weave Qi n 

ii ulnich. 
1-7.' -Wayne II lueu, Phaon Albright, Ephraim Grim, Thomas Weavei 

W. R. Steckel, Hugh Crilly, John W. Koons, HeurTj II 8. ip. 
1 — 1 . — II. St Mull, Charles Detweiler, John R. Goasler, R. H. Kram lu- 

gust Weidner, Hugh Crilly, Chas. H. Bacliman, Milton Walt. 

COttXON CoUNi If. 

Barnes, W. II. Butz, Egge, Eph. Grim, Peter Heller, 

Francis C. Huebner, John Kensinger, It. C. Both, II. E. Ruhe, 

* Charles Scholl, Seip, Kerry, Nelson Weiser, James H. Bush, 

Aug. Eeiper, John Nonnemacher, Aaron Benn 

1870.— w. II. H. Butz, Eph. Grftu, Hugh Gallagher, F. Z. Huebner, Lewis 
Kensinger, Reuben Kaufman, John NoDunmacher, Charlei 
W. II. Bona, II. I.. P.uh, B.C. Roth, George Roth, Charlei 
H. F. Seagreavee, Willoughby Trexler i, William L. 

Tohn, A. P. Steckel. 

1871. Butz, Richard Weily, William Eckert, Eph. Grim, George 

I ! \ . <l ..I, >.. irge Haas, Hersh, I. II. Harkins, Augustus 

Keiper, William Kichlin.- George Roth, B. C. Both, A. P. Stecki I, 
Jamee Trainer, ETelson Weiser, James Weis, Peter Quast. 

1872.— No record. 

1873. — L. C. Moore, James Schafer, James Trainer, Reuben Engelmau, 
James F. Butz. Lewis Wolf, Abr. Diefenderfer, John Nonnemacb r, 
W. II. Eckert, Frank Hartman, John J. Lentz, T. static !. Waltei 
L. Joiiccs. Reuben I». Butz, II. A. Santee, Augustus Keiper, John II. 
Harkins, W. R. Trexler. 

1874.— John Beiry, John F. Butz, Phaon I'i. Iil,.l..lni H. Hal 

K Heist, William J. Hox worth, Georg- Kuhl, John J. Lentz, II. A. 

<; ge Seiple, Charles C. Leisenbacb, Hiram Herner, Daniel 

Schwoyer, James Trainer, J. II. Troxel, Perry Nonnemacher, Au- 
H Oilier, Lewis Wolf. 



1 Elected for two years. 

- Reduced to six members, one from eac n ward. 

■ Three years, term expiring April, l-si 



1*77.. Ibbott, I I ' 

rick, Josiah Kern, George Kuhl, Edward HcCue, Edward 
■i n 51 i Meiin-ll. James O'Dc i 
Henry Seip, Reuben Stabler, Tilghman Statler, B. - 

ner.John F.Walkor.i . W.Weber, James W.'fl 
Wolf, Boberl E. Wright, Jamei ' 

1876.— Matthew Ault, Hen I. Fink. G. ciel 

• c, Willi:. iii Kichline, John Lenta, Cbarli 
H. Ludwig, James O'Donnel, Edward Sbantz, Reuben Seiger, Bd- 

v ward Seip, Ellas Stingier, Henry Smith, Bny Ii ler, 

■ bwentzer, Daniel Schwoyer, James W.V Wright, 

Ephraim Grim, Gnchenbach, Deshler. 

1877-78.— H. C. Blecblcy, CI 

man, Joel Gross, Simon Peldman, John Kline, A J. Kleppenger, 
George Knap] enl lohn n, William 

ward null, Conrad Pan. Frank Pfenning, Eli J.S 

i -.i,.,.it/. Daniel Smoyer, William Segfreid, Lewis stc.iiei.acli, 
.„i. i 'el .i - hwenl i Da I Gerbart, Tilghman Statler. 
1 \ Wolf, John s. In. in. B. U Kranss, M. L Kauffman, 
, i, ,;i, I..,, i, . ii Berber, William Kress, Joseph Ruhe, J. 

H. Burger, Abner H. Wind, bl, Tilghman Statler, Sam- 

uel Keller. William Ryan, J. J. Buchmiller, (Joab Kistler, D. L. 
Kistler, Hiram Stern. i Belnhard, Howard Lumley.Eobert 

Steckel, William Schwoyer, Ad Iph Oberdoi ler, William Dutt 

-Glenmore Baker, Philip B i hot, 
Edwin Fink, Benneville B dn, I II Boyer, M - - Plexer, Henry J. 
Schwartz, George G. Blumer, William B. Shaffer, Abner H. Wind, O. 
E. Hoiman, William Dutt, Allen S. Weilor, II. W, Hunaicker, Pat- 
rick i Hello, M irtic O'l a 1. 1 in, Epp, Theodore F. Knat 

Leon Schmoyer, G ge J. Snyder, John U Brey, Henry w. Mohr. 

i — Edgar Lumley, W.O.Bi I Downing, Zephaniah Bern- 

hard, David Sendal, E Iward Snyder, A. H. IV .a-. William II. Kress, 
JamesSherer, Pbaou Delhi, J I. Mitchell George G.Blnmer, Tilgh- 
man Statler, W. B. Lawfer.J icoh Miller, J. 11 Wright,M. II. Griffin, 
John Schlegel.Acli.li.il Oberdorster, H.I Trexler, Daniel Yingst, 
Theodore F. Knauss, William J. liard. 

Early Street Improvement.— Winn the borough 
wa> incorporated the streets presented a very irregular 
appearance. No grade had been established, the road- 
ways were uneven and poorly drained, and sidewalks 
were unknown. One of the first undertakings of the 
Town Council elected in 1811 was the improvement oi 
the streets, and the second ordinance adopted by the 
body,July 15,1811, was a step towards thai end. The 
ordinance was entitle. 1 "An Ordinance to enjoin 
certain duties to be performed by the street commis- 
sioners of the borough of Northampton," and by its 
second section they were "To have all the streets 
and alleys ranged and opened according to the plan 
of the said town, and that all such town Streets and 
alleys which the commissioners think necessary and 
the public good will require shall be by them cleared, 
amended, and repaired, so that the same may be pass- 
able with horses, cattle, and wagons." 

An ordinance passed May 80, 1812, read, "The 
road and street commissioners are hereby notified to 
have the streets and alleys surveyed, regulated, and 
laid out according to the original plan, and to have 
power to remove all articles deemed public nuisances, 
fences, etc." 

It was also ordained and enacted " that in Allen 
and Hamilton Streets twelve feet wide on each side, 
and in all other streets ten feel on each side, shall be 
allowed as a foot-path, which shall be kept clear and 
passable by the owner or possessor of each respective 
lot or lots adjoining said footway." 

In Section 5 of the same ordinance ii was decreed 



136 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



that the road and street commissioners of the bor- 
ough should proceed to employ a surveyor or sur- 
veyors as soon as convenient to lay out the streets 
and alleys, at least before the 15th day of September, 
1812, and the streets so to be laid out were comprised 
within the following bounds, viz. : " Union Street, ex- 
tending from Ann Street to Margaret; John, Hamil- 
ton, Andrew, and Turner Streets, every one of them 
to begin from Ann Street, and to extend to Margaret 
Street, and Ann, James, Allen, William, and Marga- 
ret Streets, to begin from Union, and to extend as far 
as Turner Street, including all such alleys as may 
fall within the above-mentioned limits, provided that 
no lot containing a crop of grain or any other crop 
shall, in consequence of this ordinance, be disturbed, 
nor the fences of such lots removed before such crops 
shall be gathered." 

Ordinance No. 6, passed a little later than the fore- 
going, provided for the opening of William (Sixth) 
Street, " from its intersection with Turner Street to 
the farthest extremity of the plan of the borough." 
Section 2 provided that the commissioners should 
"notify the proprietor immediately, or his agent, so 
that they may remove such wood as may be found 
growing thereon and dispose at their own pleasure 
within twenty days after they are duly notified." 

Notwithstanding the several actions of the Coun- 
cil, but little was done in the way of street improve- 
ments during the first fifteen years of the existence 
of the borough government. On June 4, 18^28, we 
find that the following resolution or ordinance was 
adopted by the Council : 

" Whereas numerous complaints are daily made respecting the state 
of the streets, alleys, gutters, and pavements in the borough, and the 
progress of improvement demands the attention of this Council, he it 
ordaiued and enacted that the four principal streets, and as many of the 
other by-streets as the citizens residing and holding property in such 
streets desire, shall be regulated according to a reasonable plan of de- 
scent from the highest parts of each of them, and that the pavements 
and gutters be laid out to correspond as much as possible with the nat- 
ural rise and descent of the adjoining streets." 

This plan contemplated the taking of the market- 
place as the standard point, and the measurement of 
the respective descents in every street from it. The 
lot-owners were " to set up curbstones and fix gutters 
as the regulators should direct." 

In May, 1832, Simon Sweitzer was appointed chief 
engineer, " to regulate pavements, curbs, gutters, 
streets, etc.," and in the following June he reported 
a plan "for leveling and regulating Market Square 
and Hamilton Street to the Jordan," which was 
favored by the Council and acted upon, though only 
to a limited extent. 

Enoch Lewis made a plan for the systematic 
grading of the streets and conformance of the side- 
walks to the same in 1835, and an ordinance was 
passed by the Council in August of that year obliging 
property-owners to dig down or fill up their sidewalks 
in accordance therewith. From this time on an en- 
gineer was regularly employed, receiving his office at 



first by appointment and afterwards by election, and 
street improvement was carried on quite rapidly and 
effectively. 

Market-Houses. — During the first few years after 
the organization of the borough it does not appear to 
have occurred U> any member of the Council that a 
public market was necessary, and, indeed, the small 
population of the town did not demand one. The 
market prices quoted in the newspapers for a number 
of years were those of Easton, but in 1815 an Allen- 
town market-list was reported, and afterwards regu- 
larly appeared. No provision was made for the es- 
tablishment of a regular market-house until 1817, 
and prior to that time, if there was any market, it 
was an open one, a mere assemblage of vendors. 
Upon the 22d of March, 1817, however, the Legisla- 
ture passed an act authorizing the Council to erect a 
market-house at the intersection of Allen (Seventh) 
and Hamilton Streets, in the public square, and the 
authorities soon carried out the measure they were 
thus empowered to. The structure was a small one, 
and stood about midway between the locations now 
occupied by the Allen and Eagle Hotels. On August 
15th we find that an ordinance was passed prescribing 
rules for the rental of stalls, prohibitions, penalties, 
etc. The market was open at that time on Wednes- 
days and Saturdays from four to nine o'clock a.m. in 
summer, and from six to ten o'clock a.m. in winter. 
In August, 1824, an ordinance was adopted which 
provided that all dealers must submit their weights 
and measures to the clerk of the market, whose duty 
it should be to adjust them. 

In 1832 measures were taken to erect hay-scales on 
the square, near the market-house. They occupied 
that locality for many years, and a frame, in which a 
borough official corded and measured wood, occupied 
contiguous ground. 

The present market-house, on the corner of Linden 
Street and Church Alley, was completed in August, 
1859. It is ninety-one feet long by fifty-one feet 
wide, with entrances at either end and side, and con- 
tains thirty-six stalls. Market-days are Tuesdays, 
Thursdays, and Saturdays. 

The Water-Works. — The construction of water- 
works in Allentown solved a great problem, and 
made possible the development of the village into a 
city. The slow growth prior to 1S28-29 was in a 
large measure due to the great difficulty of securing 
water, because of the elevation of the town. Small 
quantities of water for drinking purposes were ob- 
tained from three or four very deep wells. The ma- 
jority of people had no wells, not being able to sus- 
tain the great cost of digging them to a depth of from 
one hundred to one hundred and twenty feet. Most 
of the water was hauled by teams from the Jordan or 
Little Lehigh and peddled about the town. Some of 
the residents of the borough, seeing very early the im- 
portance of obtaining a good water-supply, not sim- 
ply as a matter of convenience to themselves but as a 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



137 



measure necessary to the prosperity and growth of 
Allentown, took measures to bring about the de- 
sired result. An act of the Legislature authorizing 
the organization of a water company, and prescrib- 
ing limitations of its power, was approved Feb. IS, 
isiii, in which Peter Newhard, Charles H. Martin. 
Peter Snyder, William Boas, and Solomon Gan-u. iv 
were named as commissioners. Section XT. provided 
that if the company did not proceed with the work 
within three years alter the passage of the act, or did 
not complete the same within five years so far as to 
have conveyed the water within the limits of the 
borough, its rights, liberties, and franchises should 
revert to the commonwealth. Section XII. provided 
that it. alter the year 1834, the borough should be 
disposed to purchase the interest of the company, its 
authorities should be permitted to do so, the sum to 
be judged by seven disinterested men. This act was 
not immediately productive of any favorable result. 
The act of 1816 was, however, revived March 25, 
1825 : John J. Krause, Henry Wilson, Abraham 
Newhard, Solomon Gangwere, and Michael Schnei- 
der being appointed commissioners to effect the raising 
of stock and organization of a company. This act pro- 
vided that the borough might purchase the works after 
the year 1S43. Operations were begun under the re- 
vived act by the securing of stock subscriptions at ten 
dollars per share, and by Aug. 28, 1826, good results 
bad been obtained, as the following list of subscribers, 
with the number of shares taken by each, will testify : 



No. of Shares. 

Abraham Worman 10 

Philip Brong 3 

John •' Krause 6 

II. 'in \ Ebnei & I o 10 

■ - Kramer 2 

Charles L. Butter :; 

Daniel Tried 6 

Michael Schu eider, .Ir 5 

-i i. i. Newhard 2 

Bernhart Kr-ese .■> 

Christian I' Beitel 4 

Abi ahaiD New bard 4 

pi ti i Newhard 5 

Daniel Zeller 4 

Jacob Newhard 2 

Jonas Knntz 2 

W ilson 5 

William I-'i > 5 

John Rice. 5 

Peter Hoffmau 3 

i laberacker "> 

John s Gibons 6 

l barles Flutter 2 

Ke< ft ". 

Christian Boobet ."» 

Leonard Nagle 2 

Andrew I rang n ei i 2 

Andrew Klutz 2 

Michael D. Eberhart 5 

John Sps i n i 8 

I 'Mi- Si hnmlt ;. 

Stein 2 

Charles H. Martin 10 

Gangwere a Schaffer 10 

.Tit. ..it Saeger 10 

Walter 0, Livingston 26* 

John Miller 

Fredei l< h Heii email S 

Jaco i Btei n s 

G dfrej And Chi [stian Pretz 10 

John 1». Roney 5 

Nicholas Saeger ,"■ 

Ahraharn Itinker 2 

Henry Weaver 2 

Henry Reichart 

Timothy Geidner 2 

Peter Rhoads :. 

John Eckort 5 



No. of Shares. 

Jacob Statler 5 

John Miller (tailor) 5 

Robert M;i\ Brooks 10 

Marg iret Wilson 10 

Charles I'avia g 

James Hall 2 

Walter C. Livingston 5 

Conrad Kuerr, John Bogart, 
commissioners of Lehigh 

County 50 

Abraham Horn 1 

William Eckert 5 

William Ginklnger 1 

M.11 tin Schwenk..... 2 

Charles A. Gross 2 

John Wilson 3 

Benjamin Ludwig 3 

John Ealer 1 

Charles Seagreaves 2 

Peter Hoffman 2 

Andrew Krausa in 

John w. Jungkurtb 2 

B M 1 

John Smith 1 

John F. Ruhe 2 

Host Horn 1 

Charles Kramer 2 

1 ihn Giltner 2 

Henry Ebner ft Co 20 

Keck a Saeger 5 

Peter Newhard :; 

Jonas Smith 2 

Jonas Knntz I 

Joseph Weiss. 3 

Selfridge & Wilson 6 

John B, Uoser 1 

Frederick II\ noman 5 

Davis 2 

Walter C. Livingston and John 

Rice 1 

Henry King and John Bice.... 20 

J. .tin Straseburger L0 

Joseph Fry 

Andrew Gangwere 3 

' ' .1 poration of borough of 
n 1 thampton, by Juhn J. 

Kranse, burgees 600 

U illiam W. Weaver 4 



The organization was known as the Northampton 
Water Company. The first election was held June4, 
1827, al the house of Michael Schneider, at which 
time and place five managers wen- chosen to serve for 
the ensuing year, viz.: Walter <'. Livingston, John 
Miller (fuller), Peter Eoffman, John Rice, and Charles 
II. Martin. Subsequently Livingston was chosen 
president and John Rice secretary,— a tact which, 
taken in connection with their large ownership of 
stock, as indicated by the List, shows them to have 
been among the foremost men in pushing the water- 
works project to completion. 

The company resolved to use the water from the 
clear and strong-flowing spring near the Little Lehigh, 
in the south part of town, owned by Abraham Wor- 
man. and since called the"Silver Spring," or "Chrys- 
tal Spring," and purchased the site from tin- owner. 
Pumpiug-works were erected where the presenl ones 
are, and a reservoir constructed where those now in 
use are located. The pumping was done by water- 
power, the stream of the Little Lehigh driving a 
breast-wheel which communicated the power to the 
pumps, and answered the purpose very well until the 
growth of the town made more thorough arrange- 
ments necessary. This work was accomplished in 
1828-29, 1 and pipes laid along Hamilton Street to 
Fifth. The number of shares subscribed tor had in 
the mean time been augmented, and in 1829 there were 
one thousand and forty-one, making the stock of the 
company ten thousand four hundred and ten dollars. 
The deed from Abraham Worman to the company 
giving them the right "to enter and dig across his 
premises a trench to the large spring near his dwell- 
ing/' and to u>t- the water from it, was not signed 
until March 19, 1831. On the 30th of April, of the 
same year, Walter C. Livingston deeded to the North- 
ampton Water Company the lot of land "on which 
the reservoir or cistern had previously been con- 
structed," sixty by two hundred and thirty feet, on 
the north side of John Si reel | now Fountain), bounded 
on each side by an alley. Two other lots adjoining 
were sold to the company the same day by other per- 
sons. 

From this time on, for ten or a dozen years, the 
affairs of the company progressed smoothly and satis- 
factorily, though slowly. The pipes were slowly ex- 
tended on Seventh. Sixth, and Fifth Streets as there 
wa> demand for them, hut in other respects very little 
was done in the direction of improving the effective- 
ness of the works. In 1839 the president was Peter 
Newhard, and the secretary John Eckert. In 1841 
the capital stock paid in was sixteen thousand two 
hundred and seventy-one dollars, and the water-rent- 
amounted to one thousand and sixty dollars and forty - 



1 The records of the Northampton W.Lti i year* prior 

to 1841 having been destroy «<], with tin- ex- i-pti.ni ..[ ... 
tin- list i, i original stockholders, it i- exact snd 

statement concei ning the earliest period of tV company's his- 
tory. 



138 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tour rents. About this time it became necessary to 
increase the reservoir capacity of the works, and a 
new cistern was dug. It proved, however, to be in 
poor ground, and leaked so badly that it was of little 
use. In May, 1843, the then secretary of the com- 
pany, A. L. Ruhe, was instructed to bring Charles D. 
Bishop, a civil engineer of Bethlehem, to the ground, 
and to obtain his opinion as to whether it was best to 
attempt the mending of the new or to rebuild the old. 
He gave his opinion in favor of the latter, and it was 
rebuilt at a cost of eight hundred and thirteen dollars. 
A short time prior to 1S30, the town having in- 
n-eased considerably in population, and the company 
having extended its pipes to a largely increased 
number of houses, found that it could not, with the 
facilities it possessed, furnish a sufficient water-sup- 
ply. This occasioned great dissatisfaction to the con- 
sumers and the people generally, and for the next two 
or three years constant complaints were made, and 
various measures resorted to with a view of forcing 
the company to increase its power and afford a con- 
stant and adequate supply of water. The first of 
these coercive steps was a movement to form a new 
company, — a project which was seriously considered 
by only a few people, except as a stimulus to the 
spirit of the old company, although the plan of 
bringing water from the Lehigh Mountain by gravity 
was talked of by some. A charter for the Allentown 
Water Company was granted Jan. 29, 1850, the com- 
missioners named in the act being Jacob Bitz, Charles 
Seagreaves, Jacob Miller, Thomas Weaver, Jesse 
Samuels, John Appel, Peter Troxell, and Henry 
Reichart. The Water Company was not in the best 
of circumstances financially at this time. It had just 
bought (in 1850) the spring property and lands ad- 
joining from Henry King for six thousand three hun- 
dred and fifteen dollars, and although a portion of the 
lands had been resold (to Weaver and Ludwig), it 
was in debt for about one-third of the amount of pur- 
chase, and dividends had not been large or frequent. 
Hence, although the company doubtless saw the ne- 
cessity of making improvements, and was willing and 
even anxious to make them, nothing was immediately 
done. In 1851 it was shown that the number of 
shares issued had been seventeen hundred and nine- 
teen, and that the amount of stock was seventeen 
thousand one hundred and ninety dollars. But the 
works had cost after that time thirty-seven thousand 
nine hundred and seventy-four dollars, or over twenty 
thousand dollars more than the stock amounted to. 
It was proposed that stock should be issued to the 
full amount, and that measure was carried out not 
long after. On April 3, 1852, citizens assembled in a 
public meeting, of which R. E. Wright was president, 
denounced the Northampton Water Company for its 
failure to regularly supply sufficient water, and passed 
resolutions censuring the officers for mismanagement. 
Subsequently a committee, consisting of Jesse Sam- 
uels, John B. Moser, and Charles S. Bush, was ap- 



pointed, with instructions to proceed against the com- 
pany, and to effect a forfeiture of its charter. Just 
what was done by this committee is not at this time 
known. It is sufficient to say that the charter was not 
forfeited, and that under a new board of managers, 
elected May 11, 1X52, and consisting of John Eckert, 
Michael D. Eberhard, Joseph Weaver, and John 
Diefenderfer, steps were taken which resulted in the 
improvement of the works and the removal of dis- 
satisfaction. In September, 1852, two half-lots near 
the reservoir were purchased from Simon Schweitzer 
for four hundred dollars, as a step preliminary to in- 
creasing the capacity of the works. On September 
15th it was moved in the board meeting that, as the 
water-power, forcing pumps, reservoir, etc., were in- 
adequate, a committee be appointed to buy the mills 
on the Little Lehigh, with a view of increasing the 
former. These mills were the property respectively 
of G. C. Von Tagen, of Philadelphia, and A. A. & 
J. D. Wagner. The committee, consisting of Lewis 
Schmidt, Joseph Weaver, Michael D. Eberhard, and 
John Diefenderfer, found that the Von Tagen mill 
could be purchased for ten thousand dollars, and the 
Wagner mill for seven thousand dollars. They re- 
ported in October to the stockholders, who approved 
of the purchase, and it was accordingly made. The 
mills were then let to Joseph Dietrich lor one thou- 
sand and fifty dollars per year, with the special pro- 
viso in the lease that the water was never to be drawn 
off below a line six inches from the top of the dam, 
that sufficient might always be left to run the pump- 
ing machinery of the water-works. In December, 
1852, it was decided to build a new reservoir, thirty- 
six by one hundred feet. A special act of the Legis- 
lature authorizing the company to borrow twenty-five 
thousand dollars for the purpose of carrying out these 
and other measures was passed Jan. 19, 1853. The 
several improvements were accomplished, and the 
enlarged capacity of the works proved generally very 
satisfactory. A new water-wheel and pump were put 
in operation in 1856, and what was called the water- 
house was built about, the same time. 

It was not until 1855 that the name of the organi- 
zation was changed, by special act of the Legislature, 
from the Northampton to the Allentown Water Com- 
pany, although the name of the borough had been 
changed seventeen years before. 

In 1866 the company sold the mill property to 
Henry and Joshua Schnurman, and in the following 
year sold the spring property to Peter Berndt and 
Edwin K. Crader for ten thousand dollars, reserving, 
of course, the right of using the water. 

In 18G9 the water-works passed into the possession 
of the city. The works had been offered by the com- 
pany during the winter of 1868-69, and at the spring 
election, the question being left to the voters, they de- 
cided, by a large majority, that the Councils should 
purchase the property. On April 13th the board of 
managers, in view of the fact that the Councils had 



THE CITY ()!•' ALLENTOWN. 



L39 



been authorized to accept the works of the company 
under the provision of the charter, appointed their 
president, Joseph Weaver, and secretary, \V. II. Blu- 
mer, as a committee to negotiate with a committee 
from Councils. The hitter, a joint committee of 
Seleei and Common Councils, J. I'. Barnes and \ 
M. Kee, conferred with the water c pany's commit- 
tee (in which C. E. Christ had been substituted for 
Joseph Weaver), and they made report thai they had 
agreed upon the following: 

" That the said Water Company agi ee t i pay tbe interest In full "n all 

tstanding bonds up to Jan. 1. 1870, and they have the aai 

extended fur a term of ten years from that date, with Interest payable 

semi-annually on the first flays of July and January : that fhej 

ate the Watet < Company's stock, with the consent of the owners, Into s 

for a favorable term of years, with intei 
April 1. 1870, [■'■' innually. They pay all the debts of the 

Water Company owing or contracted for, In fnel, up to July 1, t 
said water-works, with all it-- rights, titles, privilege! 
purtenances whatsoever belonging th arrange- 

, be i impleted t<> do so, to the city autborities. The city to 

pay all the . spense incurred ii n said water-works from ami 

after July 1st next (1869), and receive all moneys due ' 
that date, except for annual resident water permits, now in the bands 
of the managers of tor Water < - mpany." 

The work-, on becoming the property of the city, 
were placed under the general management of a joint 
committee of Councils, consisting of Jesse M. Line 
and Joseph Weaver, of the Select, and .1. 1'. Barnes, 
William Egge, and F. C. Heebner, of the Common 
branch. Charles E. Christ was made superintendent. 
In 1875 the works were placed in the management of 
a water commission, consisting of .1. W. Grubb, John 
B. Sholl, Peter Brow, and John Stetler. R. A. 
Thayer was superintendent from March 9, 1875, to 
April 7, 1879, when he gave place to the present in- 
cumbent, S. S. Thompson. 

Under the city management the water-works have 
been made more effective and reliable than ever be- 
fore, ami are very justly the pride of the community. 
The supply of water having sometimes run low in 
summer, when the droughts reduced the stream relied 
on for pumping power, it was decided to introduce 
Steam, and that work was accomplished in the winter 
of 1880-81. The engine and attachment- were put in 
by William F. Moser & Co., of this city, tit a cost 
slightly exceeding six thousand dollars. Since this 
improvement was made the works have been ample 
in capacity for the needs of the city, and have given 
perfect satisfaction. The total cost of the work- to 
the present has been, in round figures, one hundred 
and ninety-five thousand dollars. There are now 
twenty-six miles of water-pipes in the city, one hun- 
dred fire-hydrants, and three thousand hydrants for 
families. The two reservoirs hold an aggregate of 
four hundred and ten thousand two hundred and 
forty-one gallons. The pumping machinery has a 
capai ity of nine hundred and twelve gallons per 
minute, or about one million three hundred and 
eleven thousand eight hundred and eighty gallons 
per day of twenty-four hours. The pumps tire not 
run. however, continuously, and steam-power is not 



used except when the stream is in such condition as 

to make it net essary. 

The great spring from which the city is supplied, 

it is estimated, is capable of -applying a city of one 
hundred thousand population. The pipe connecting 

it with the pumping work- delivers one million gal- 
lons daily at the latter, and the volume of the crystal 
(lootl which runs unused front tin- spring into the 

Little Lehigh is sufficient to turn a large overshot 

wheel. The spring is oi f the most beautiful and 

copious in the country, and the water is absolutely 

pure. 

Fire Matters— The First Parade in Allentown 
—The Department under the City Government— 
The first action of the authorities concerning protec- 
tion against fire was an ordinance passed by the Tow rj 
Council July 1">, 1811, directing tin street com- 
missioner to provide fire-ladders for the Borough 
of Northampton," one to be thirty and the other 
twenty feet long ; and the next action of which there 
is any record was an ordinance passed Jan. 2, 1816, 
"to prohibit the misuse of tin -ladders, hooks, and 
other property of the corporation." The tir-t eng 
was purchased in 1820, and an entry in the county 
commissioners' records shows that they paid in that 
year for "fire-engine and buckets" the sum of five 
hundred and twenty-four dollars. The Friendship 
or Northampton Company, which was the first in 
town, was doubtless organized tit that time and took 
charge of the engine. There is no record of the 
Lehigh Hose Company, afterwards an engine com- 
pany, until 1830. A hose-wagon was bought by the 
Council in that year. On May 7, 1836, the Council 
resolved "that a joint committee, to consist of one 
member of the Lehigh Fire Company, one mem- 
ber of the hose company, and one member of the 
Friendship Fire Company, be appointed to procure, 
on the credit of the borough, four hundred feet of 
hose, four axes (two for each engine company), to 
have one goose-neck for the Lehigh Company, and 
to have the engine-house of the Friend-hip < lompany 
repaired as they deem necessary." The committee 
appointed consisted of George Keck, of the Lehigh, 
William Boas, of the Friendship, and Joseph Weiss, 
of the hose company. 

In June, 1837, a petition was presented to the 
Council by " the Northampton Friendship Fire Com- 
pany" praying for a new engine. Although the bor- 
ough records make no exhibit of future action, it is 
probable that the prayer was granted the following 
year, for the county records show that in 1838 tin ap- 
propriation of one hundred dollars was allowed the 
borough of Northampton for purchasing an engine. 
About this time the Humane Company was organized, 
and they received a new engine, doubtless the one 
for which the appropriation was allowed. In the 
Bulletin of Aug. 22, 1838, the officers of the company. 
Joseph F. Newhard, president, and A. P. Rhoads, 
secretary, published a card thanking their fellow- 



140 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



citizens for the kind and flattering reception fchej 
wen- Recorded on the occasion <>!' the introduction of 
their new engine. R. F. Smitli was the secretary of 
the Northampton or Friendship Company at tins 
time, as the Ilnlhiiti files show, and Kli J. Saeger was 
president of the Lehigh in 1840, while Benjamin 
Hagenbuch was vice-president, Ephraim Grim secre- 
tary, and Charles L. Geitner treasurer. 

The tirst firemen's parade in Allentown was made 
upon Aug. 20, 1843, Maj. Strauss acting as chief mar- 
shal. The hose company, the Friendship, the Le- 
high, and the Humane were all out in force. Each 
of the engines was drawn by four horses, and the 
horses and engines were richly decorated with laurel, 
evergreen wreaths, and flowers. After the parade the 
companies indulged in a " cold-water fight" on the 
square, in which nearly all of the men received a 
drenching. The prominent men of the companies 
then included the following : The hose company, 
Joseph Weiss, James Hartman, and Jonathan Rei- 
chard ; the Friendship, F. Samuels, M. S. Young, 
and Thomas Seip ; the Lehigh, J. W. Wilson, E. L. 
Newhard, and Benjamin Hagenbuch ; the Humane, 
Joseph Young, R. Strauss, R. E. Wright, and J. F. 
Newhard. These men served as committees of their 
respective companies in arranging the parade. 

The first hook-and-ladder company was organized 
in 1843, chiefly through the instrumentality of Ben- 
jamin Hagenbuch. 

The old companies have all passed out of existence 
and others have taken their places. The Good Will 
was organized June 27, 1850, and received the eDgine 
formerly owned by the Humane, which in later years 
passed into the possession of the Slatington company. 
Tilghman H. Good was the first president of the 
Good Will. This company obtained the first steamer 
used in the town in 1865, the company paying two 
thousand five hundred dollars and the borough a like 
amount The present one — a Silsby rotary engine — 
was bought in 1876, the company paying eight hun- 
dred dollars of the sum which it cost. The Good 
Will was incorporated in 1868. Its house was built 
by the city in 1870. 

The Columbia, which was the successor of the 
Friendship, was organized Dec. 13, 1853, when Joseph 
F. Newhard was elected president, James W. Wilson 
secretary, and William H. Blumer treasurer. A 
hand-engine and hose-carriage were bought in 1854, 
and the steamer now owned by the company, the 
second in town, on April 7, 1866. The house was 
built in 1854-55, and the third and fourth floors 
have been added since. The steamer, which is a 
first-class Silsby, cost six thousand dollars, of which 
amount the company paid three thousand five hun- 
dred dollars, which was raised by subscription and a 
fair. 

The America Hose Company, which is a descend- 
ant of the Lehigh through the Young America and 
the Eagle, was organized in 1864, James Hausman 



being elected the first president. Its house was built 
in 1X70. 

The Liberty was organized with forty members, 
John \V. Sepp, president, Sept. 20,1869. Its house 
was built two years later, and the steamer purchased 
in the intervening time. 

The Hibernia Hose Company, of the Sixth Ward, 
was organized in 1871, and the Allen Fire-Engine 
Company, of the First Ward, about the same time, 
though it did not receive the fine Amoskeag steamer 
now in its custody until 1882. The Reserve Hook- 
and-Ladder Company came into existence in 1881. 

On Feb. 9, 1870, the various companies were 
brought under the present collective organization as 
a city department. Simon P. Snyder, who had been 
chief under the old organization, was the first under 
the new. W. K. Rube was elected in 1872, and served 
until 1875, making in 1873 the first report to the mayor 
and Councils that was ever compiled for this depart- 
ment. Jacob S. Reninger became chief in 1875, and 
served till 1878, when the present incumbent, John 
P. Dillinger, assumed the duties of the office. The 
Fire Department has been brought to a high degree 
of effectiveness under his management. The depart- 
ment is partly paid and partly volunteer. It consists 
of one chief, seven assistant chiefs, four foremen of 
steamer companies, four assistant foremen of steamer 
companies, two foremen of hose companies, two as- 
sistant foremen of hose companies, one foreman of 
hook-and-ladder company, one assistant foreman of 
hook-and-ladder company, four engineers of steamers, 
four drivers of steamers, five hundred and sixty active 
members. The officers, besides Chief Dillinger, are: 
First Assistant, George F. Missimer, America, No. 2 ; 
Second Assistant, Henry J. Ritter, Good Will, No. 
3 ; Third Assistant, Walter E. Schwartz, Columbia, 
No. 4 ; Fourth Assistant, George J. Kline, Liberty, 
No. 5 ; Fifth Assistant, Dennis D. Shields, Hibernia, 
No. 6; Sixth Assistant, Henry Yhuelon, Allen, No. 
7 ; Seventh Assistant, George F. Reinhard, Rescue, 
No. 8. 

America Hose Company, No. 2, is located in a three- 
story brick building at No. 16 South Sixth Street. 
Two four-wheel hose-carriages, one hundred and two 
members, with the following officers : President, 
Jacob S. Reninger; Secretary, Charles Weisbach; 
Foreman, Henry Wetherhold ; Assistant Foreman, 
Charles Hillegas. 

Good Will Fire Company, No. 3, is now located in a 
three-story brick building at the corner of Eighth and 
Maple Streets. Silsby steamer and a one-horse hose- 
carriage. It has ninety-one members, with the fol- 
lowing officers: President, Arthur G. Dewalt; Secre- 
tary, John P. Dillinger; Foreman, Harry Y'oung ; 
Assistant Foreman, H. F. Longnecker. 

Columbia Fire Company, No. 4, was organized in 
1852, and is located at No. 714 Hamilton Street, in a 
four-story brick building. Silsby steamer and a one- 
horse hose-carriage. Sixty members, with the follow- 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



141 



Log officers: President, Henry J. Stuber; Secretary, 
Franklin J.Straehley ; Foreman, Amandes D. Burger, 
Assistant Foreman, John 1 [offert. 

Liberty Fire Company, No. 5, is located in a two- 
story brick building, No. 718 Chew Street. Silsby 
steamer and a four-wheeled hose-carriage. < >ne hun- 
dred and ten members, with the following officers: 
President, 11. D. Frankinfield; Secretary, George J. 
Kline; Foreman, Henry Hillegas; Firsl A 
Foreman, G 'ge W. Weiss; Second Assistant Fore- 
man, B. II. Baum. 

Hibernia Hose Company, No. 6, is Located in a two- 
story brick building, No. 631 Ridge road. Four- 
wheeled hose-carriage. Sixty-five members, with the 
following officer*: President. Patrick Condon ; Secre- 
tary. John J. Hanlon; Foreman, Hugh McCauley; 

Assistant Foreman. Francis Murray. 

Allen Fire Company, No. 7. is located in a two- 
story brick building, No. 132 Linden Street Amos- 
keag -teamer and a four-wheeled hose-carriage. Sixty 
four member*, with the following officers : President, 

Henry Yhuelon ; Secretary, E. J. Luinley : Foreman, 

James Butz; Assistant Foreman, John F. Gibbons. 

Rescue Hook-and-I, adder Company, No. 8, lias a 
frame building on Hall Street above Hamilton. The 
number of active members is titty; officers: President, 
John D. Uhrich; Secretary, .lames W. trader; Fore- 
man, 0. G. Beisel; Assistant Foreman, Thomas F. 
K nouse. 

The estimated value of property in the fire depart- 
ment is as follows : 

Good Will 812,81 

Columbia 20,622.00 

Liberty 11,8 

Allen 10,895.30 

Bibernia 4,404 

America 6,5 

Rescue 200.00 

Total 886,1 

This does not include horses, harness, nor some of 
the furnishing* of the several houses, as they are owned 
by the companies. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE CITY nl' ALLENTOWN— {Co 

Commercial Matters — Mercantile Beginnings — Bankin. 
ing — The I'rc-ss. 

Mercantile Beginning's. — Turning back to tin be- 
ginning of the century, we will present - 

concerning the early merchant- of Allentown, the 
i first shop-keepers having already been mentioned in 
the preceding chapter. The pioneer among those 
whose place* of business rose to the dignity of 
being called stores was, so far a* record or tradition 
shows, Peter Snyder, who kept a miscellaneous stock 
of goods in a small building where the Allentown 
National Bank now is. He began business some time 



prior to 1795, and continued at lca-1 until 1*1 1 when 

tin building was occupied by the Northampton Bank), 

and probably later, at another location. < reorge < >raff 

was a contemporary of Snyder's, and kept Btore in a 
small red building on the south aide oi Hamilton 
Street, east of Eighth. The most prominent merchant 

from I soo to 1X1", »;i- .lame- Wil*on, who wa* located 

on the southeast corner of the Square and Seventh 
Street, lie «a- succeeded by Selfridge & Wilson, 
who continued business until 1845. Other merchants 

prior to 1820 "ere John 1 laincs, who built a tine stone 

house on the southeast corner of Hamilton and Seventh 
Streets, and occupied it as a store for a number of years; 
Charles Deshler, Spangenberg .V Gangwere, on South 
Seventh Street ; and William Eckert, on the west side 
i if Seventh Street, near In ion. Deshler was succeeded 
by his son-in-law, William Boas. The first hardware 
store was opened bj Peter Newhard, who wa* after- 
wards a member of Congress. The first apothecary 

wa* John Frederick Ruhe. whose Store was opened 
soon after his coming here and prior to 1800. He 
was a native of Germany, but Learned the business of 
compounding drug* in London, at the house of the 
king's apothecary. He was succeeded by Ludwig 

Schmidt. 

Jacob and Daniel Saeger opened a -tore for the hand- 
ling of general merchandise in 1815, opposite the Ger- 
man Reformed Church, on Hamilton Street. They also 
built the brick block at the southeast corner of Ham- 
ilton and Sixth Streets, which they -old to David R. 
King cy. Co. This firm did a very large business, but 
in 1822 sold out to Godfrey and Christian Pretz, by 
whom the 3tore wa* prosperously carried on until the 
death of Godfrey Pretz. The business wa* then con- 
ducted by Pretz, Saeger & Co., Pretz, Kern & Co., 
and Pretz, Guth & Co. until 1850, when Christian 
I 'ret/ retired. Then the firm became li. Guth & Co., 
b\ whom the business was carried on until recently, 
when it passed into the hand* of Weinsheimer & 

Newhard, who can claim -ucee*sor*hip of the oldest 
mercantile house in the city. The olde-t house exist- 
ing as originally constituted, is that of A. G. Reninger 
& Co. (in which the company is Kphraim Grim I. The 
firm ha- passed through a number of changes. Messrs. 
Grim & Reninger formed a partnership in 1843 and 
conducted business without any change in the style Oi 
the linn until 1858, when it became Grim, Reninger 
A Co. In lst'i-j it wa* altered to Reninger & Shinier, 
and in 1866 to F. S. Shimer A: Co. In 1876 it became 
shinier. Reninger >*c Co., and in 1879 wa* changed to 
ii- present style, the old partner- again being united. 
In 1838 the storekeepers of the town dealing in 

foreign merchandise were twenty-three in number, as 
follows: John Wilson, Saeger, Keck A I - ridge 
.v Wilson, Peter Hoffman, Petei Newhard, Peter 
Huber, Peter Biery, Charles a. Ruhe, Joseph Wei*-. 
John .Mull, Jacob I), lioas, Charlc- Ma-*ey. Andrew 
Klotz, Samuel V. R. Hunter, Jacob Si lilaugh, Alex- 
ander Blumer & Co., John Wilson, Edwin W. Hutter, 



142 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



George Stein, Pretz, Saeger & Co., Boas & Stein, 
.John B. Moser. 

In this connection a sketch of the late Christian 
Pretz is eminently proper. It is recorded in the book 
of" Heraldry," found in the public library of Vienna, 
that the family of Pretz, or Bret/, as formerly written, 
had it> origin at Trier, on the Lower Rhine, where 
Fabius Bretius, a Roman general of cavalry, located 
about 224 A.D., having been a native of Capua, in 
Lower Italy. He married Olfa, daughter of a Ger- 
man duke, and died 263 A.D. In the line of descent 
was Daniel Bretz, who died in the year 1681, leaving 
two sons, Felix and Christof, one of whom is the an- 
cestor oi John Philip Pretz, born in Windesheim, 
near Creutnach, on the Rhine, in 1755, who emigrated 
to America and died in 180] in Lancaster, Pa., where 
he is buried, lie married Maria Margaret Saeger, 
and had six children, three of whom — Anna .Margaret, 
Godfrey, and Christian— reached mature years. The 
latter was born in Heidelberg township, Northampton, 
now Lehigh County, April I'll, 1801. Having lost 
his father when a but a few months old, and been de- 
prived of a mother's care soon after, he found a home 
with an uncle, Nicholas Saeger, of Whitehall town- 
ship, with whom he resided until after he had at- 
tained his majority. Desiring to acquire a knowledge 
of the English language, he pursued his studies at 
Easton, Pa., Morristown, N. J., and later in Philadel- 
phia, after which he became a merchant's clerk in the 
latter city. He then removed to Mauch Chunk, as 
an employe of the firm of Messrs. White, Hauto & 
Hazard, pioneers in the coal interests of the vicinity, 
who afterward merged their firm and business into 
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. In 1820, 
Mr. Pretz removed to Allentown, and, in connection 
with his brother, two years later purchased the store 
of David R. King & Co., and became a country trades- 
man. The firm having been dissolved by the death 
of this brother in 1831, he with other partners con- 
tinued the business till 1859. Mr. Pretz was in 1831 
married to Miss Abigail, daughter of Jacob Saeger, 
of Allentown. Their children are Philip S., Alfred 
C, Henry J., William N., John C, Christianna M. 
(wife of Rev. B. M. Schmueker, D.D.), and three who 
died in early life. Mr. Pretz, after a lengthened 
period of industry, in 1859 retired from active busi- 
ness, and devoted his energies to building and the 
development of real estate which he owned, as also to 
milling enterprises in which he had meanwhile be- 
come interested. 

He has been one of the most important factors in 
the growth of Allentown and the advancement of its 
commercial interests, few enterprises of any moment 
having been inaugurated without his aid and encour- 
agement. He has been instrumental in the erection 
of two planing-mills and a stocking-factory, and has 
also been a stockholder in various iron-manufacturing 
establishments in the city. He has been for several 
years a director of the Allentown National Bank. 



Mr. Pretz was among the first to develop the educa- 
tional interests of the city, having, together with 
Henry Weinsheimer, erected the principal buildings 
now embraced in the .Muhlenberg College property. 
He was in his political predilections a Republican, 
having been in early days an old line Whig. As a 
representative of the Anti-Masonic party, he was 
elected and served during the winters of 1831-32 in 
the State Legislature. Other minor offices, such as 
school director, member of the City Council, etc., have 
also been filled by him. Mr. Pretz was a member, 
and one of the organizers, of St. John's English Lu- 
theran Church, which, with two exceptions, was the 
first church of that denomination organized in the 
State. Mr. Pretz died Feb. 28, 1884. 

Other prominent merchants than those we have 
mentioned, with the approximate dates of their act- 
ing, were Britannia Barnes, 1820 to 1830; Peter IIu- 
ber (grain, etc.), 1830 to 1848 : Rupp & Shill'erstein, 
1830 to 1840; Benjamin Ludwig (leather), 1830 to- 
1860; John J. Krause (lumber), 1840 to 1850; Peter 
Hoffman .V Son, 1840 to 1870; Weaver & Trexler, 
1840 to 1870; E. W. Hutter (books), 1830 to 1840; 

Blumer & Leiscnring (books), 1840 to 1855; 

Duncan, 1840 to 1845; Barber & Young (hardware), 
1840 to 1850 ; William G. Ritter (stoves and tinware), 
1840 to 1865; Thomas Ginkinger (stoves and tin- 
ware), from 1845; William Bush (stoves, etc.), 1S50 
to 1870 ; Dr. Danowsky (drugs), 1840 to 1850 ; Klump 
& Weaver (drugs), 1840 to 1870; Saeger & Keck 
(store and mill), 1840 to 1865 ; < 'harles A. Rube, from 
is pi; Henry Schnurman & Co., from 1850 to present; 
Mosser & Son (tanners), from 1850. 

Most of the men now prominent in the mercantile 
business, as W. R. Lawfer & Co., M. J. Kramer 
& Co., A. M. Springer & Co., Bittner. Hunsicker 
Brothers, Guth & Kern, H. Leh & Co., John Bowen 
& Co., Johnston «& Schwartz, A. J. Kleppinger (pro- 
prietors of the Globe Store), and F. Hersh & Son, are 
comparatively new candidates for the patronage of 
the public, having established themselves, as a rule, in 
the last ten to fifteen years. There are a few, however, 
like M. S. Y'oung, A. G. Reninger, Ephraim Grim, 
and Jonathan Reichard, wdio have been in business 
here for long terms of years. 

The Post-Offi.ee. — The Allentown post-office was 
not established until 1802, prior to which time the 
few inhabitants of the village were obliged to get their 
mail matter at Bethlehem. George Savitz was the 
first postmaster, and as he was " mine host" of the 
tavern which has been developed into the Allen 
House, it is altogether probable that the office was 
kept there. He retained the position until April, 1808, 
when Dr. Jacob Martin was appointed his successor 
and entered upon the duties of the office. Since his 
time to the present the following persons have had 
appointments as here indicated: Charles L. Hutter, 
May 4, 1814; George Hauke, Nov. 22, 1820; Henry 
Weaver, Feb. 10, 1824; Edwin W. Hutter, Jan. 1, 





cJ/UJ^C 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



143 



|s:;i; ; Robert K Wright, Jul} 13,1836; Augustus L. 
Ruhe, June !», 1841 ; Roberl E. Wright, Sept. 24, 
L844; Edmund K. Newhard, Nov. 17, 1845; Maria 

E. Hornbeck, Feb. 26, 1849; Tilghman Good (Pres. 
and Senate), March 6, 1862, reappointed I I', and S.) 
.Inly 26, 1866; David K. Diefenderfer (P. and S.), 
April 16, L869, reappointed (P. and S.) March is, 
L873; Robert [redell, Jr. (P. ami S.), -Ian. 8, 1x77, 
reappointed (P. and S.) March -'2, L881. 

Early Taverns and Later-Day Hotels.— Tin firsl 
tavern-keeper in Allentown of whom there is any 
record was George Wolf, who was licensed in 1764. 
In the same year David Deshler kept a beer-shop, 
and there were thus two places where " the droughty 
neebors" might "neebors meet." The next year 
Frederick Shachler was also assessed as a tavern- 
keeper, and the only doctor in the settlement. Gott- 
fried Bolzius had taken Deshler's beer-shop. In 1773, 
Henry Hagenbuch appears to have been first licensed. 
He was the first of a long line of tavern-keepers of 
the same family name who made the Cross Keys 
stand famous, and of whom we shall -peak at greater 
length. In 177(1 there where five taverns kept in the 
village besides Hagenbuch's, the hosts being Nicholas 
Fuchs, Michael Kleehner, Michael Schroeder, George 
Weiss, and Philip Klotz. 

Taverns were then assessed at from six to ten dollars. 
In 1871, Bartholomew Hettel was licensed as an inn- 
keeper, and kept on the southwest corner of Hamil- 
ton and Eighth Streets, — the same propertj which 
was owned in 1812 by Elizabeth Kauffman. In 1782 
the inn-keepers were Nicholas Fox, Henry Gross, 
Widow Krumbaek, Andrew Reel, George Weiss, 
1 Intel, and Hagenbuch. Of these, Fox, Gross, and 
Hagenbuch were keeping public -houses in 1786. 
George Weiss died that year. The new names added 
to the li>t were those of George Miller and Charles 
Deshler. The house kept by Deshler was a small 
building on Water Street, near Lawrence, which was 
kept alter Deshler's term as landlord by Casper Kleeh- 
ner, Frederick Kocber, Thomas Totten, Gideon Fusel- 
man, and, others, under the sign of " The Golden 
Lamb." " Tommy" Totten served a second time as 
the host of this old tavern, and after he vacated the 
house, about 1830, it was occupied as a private dwell- 
ing. 

In 1815 the holders of tavern licenses were John 

F. Ruhe, Casper Kleehner, Abraham (iangwere, 
George Savitz, Abraham Ranker, Jr., John Miller, 
and George Rhoads. George Savitz was probably 
the first landlord at the Allen House stand. The 
original house was a small two-Story stone structure, 
and was built by John Fetter about the beginning of 
the century. Savitz soon became its landlord, and 
kept the house in 1811 when the first borough election 
was held, and in the following year when the first 
court was held there. He w;is succeeded by Daniel 
Kramer in 1818, and after Kramer came a long suc- 
cession of landlords, of whom the principal ones 



were George Haberacker, Charli the 

widow of Daniel Kramer (who married Samuel Gum- 
pert, also ..lie of the keepers of the liousei, David 

Heller, Reuben Moyer, Charles [hrie, David stem, 
William Craig, David Keifer, Reed & Yohe. .1. !•'. 
Newhard, Robert D. & W. C. I>. Eramer 1869 

W. ('. 1'. Kramer alone (1877-78), and Col. I\ H. 
Good, the present proprietor. 

The American House was originally a two-story 
frame house, ami was built by Abraham Gangwere 
before the village was organized as .* borough. The 
early landlords were Jacob Stem, Charles Craig, John 
Gross, Charles Seagreaves, and Jonathan Kolb. Sea- 
greaves was the owner of the house for a Ion-; period, 
and appears to have been carrying it on himself in 
1837, when he advertised that the well-known house 

opposite Pretz, Saeger & < !o.'s store had 1 □ repaired, 

and afforded every convenience for the accommoda- 
tion of citizens and travelers. It was then known as 
"The Northampton Inn." Mr. Seagreaves made the 
chief improvements and enlargements, extending the 
front and adding two stories to its height, and build- 
ing the large brick addition on Sixth Street. For- 
merly the house was adjoined on the east by an alley, 
but that space was inclosed with walls and absorbed 
into the hotel. The later-day landlords of the Amer- 
can have been John Y. Bechtel, who kept the house 
sixteen years; Col. T. H. Good, now of the Allen 
House; Tilghman W. and W. P. C. Kramer (,1867-69) ; 
J. F. Newhard, who has carried it on very success- 
fully from 1870 until April, 1884, when H. A. Hay- 
den, formerly of the United Slates Hotel, Easton, 
took possession. He bids fair to "greet the coming 
and speed the parting guest" for many years. 

The tavern or hotel which enjoyed the greatesl 
patronage at an early day was Hagenbuch's. The 
original house was a stone one, which gave way to the 
larger one of brick known as " The Cross Keys." This 
house, which has been mentioned as one of the ear- 
liest taverns, was first kept by Henry Hagenbuch as 
early as 1773. Jacob Hagenbuch succeeded him, and 
was himself followed by his son of the same name. 
Afterwards the house was kept for many years by his 
-nil--, Benjamin J. and Charles, and since 1872 it has 
been owned by Reuben Gernet. This house hail for 
many years almost a monopoly of the farmers' trade, 
and was exceedingly popular. 

Many of the so-called taverns of earlj times were 
patronized by travelers and the country people very 
sparingly, and were of no note or importance except 
as drinking-houses. Some were, however, eminently 
respectable places, and relied for support about equally 
upon the visits of the "wayfarer and the stranger" 
and the attendance of the convivially inclined. From 
fifty to seventy years ago there were more taverns 
than there are now hotels. As earh as 1S10, George 
Rhoads kept a small frame house where the Penn- 
sylvania Hotel now stands. It was kept by John F. 
Ruhe about 1826, and by various landlords after that 



144 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



time down to lS4. r i, when the- Pennsylvania House 
was built by Adam Miller. Thi> bouse has been 
kept by Thomas Ginkinger, Benry Lieb, Ephraim 
Yohe, Capt. Bart, Samuel Benry, Moses Guth, Hor- 
ace Gangwere, Tigher <$ Benning, and John Cole. 
The building was then occupied as a grocery-store 
for eighl years, and in 187!' was reopened as a hotel 
by the presenl proprietors, Bitner >V Bartman. 

The Lafayette stand was originally known as "The 
Black Horse." The first tavern building was erected 
by John Mull, before the time the borough was in- 
corporated and became the county-seat. It was kept 
in tin' thirties by Daniel Moyer (tailor) and Aaron 
Shifterstein. 

" The Rainbow" was one of the most notable of the 
old-time taverns. It stood upon the southwest corner 
Of Seventh and Linden Streets, and was built by one 
Fuchs about the year 1800. It was a log building, 
small, but a popular resort. Capt. John F. Ruhe 
kept "The Rainbow" both before and after his tour 
of duty in the war of 181:2. Among the other land- 
lords were Jacob Mickley, Michael Schneider, Abra- 
ham Beidelman, Abraham Gangwere (1888), Benry 
Lieb, Michael Rice, and Reuben Moyer. 

"The Hornets' Nest'' was a popular resort for poli- 
ticians early in the century, when it was kept by John 
Miller and John Weil, the latter of whom, some time 
in the twenties, drew a twenty thousand dollar lottery 
prize, which he soon spent. This house, which stood 
on the north easl corner of Seventh and Walnut Streets, 
was probably built before the year 1800, but was not 
occupied for tavern purposes until a dozen or more 
years had elapsed. 

What is now the Mansion House on Union Street, 
at the foot of Seventh, was one of the old-time taverns, 
and was known as "The Spread Eagle." It was kept 
from about 1815 to 1825 by two brothers named Der- 
heimer, and afterwards was a part of the Seagreaves 
estate. 

There was another well-known tavern on Seventh 
Street, where Nudings 1 brewery now is, kept as early as 
1812 by Henry Gross, and still another on the south- 
west corner of Fifth and Linden Streets, built shortly 
alter 181 -I. 

The oldest tavern east of the .Ionian was the Lum- 
berman's House, built about 1817 by Caspar Kleck- 
ner, and kept by him for many years. The old stone 
house is still standing near the western end of the 
Lehigh bridge. In 1833, Kleckner built the hotel 
now known as the Lehigh House, which he kept 
until 1841, when his son-in-law, John G. Schimpf, 
took possession of it, and remained as landlord until 
1858. Following him there were two or three other 
landlords, who remained for short terms, and in 1862 
the house was sold to .lames Allen Trexler, whose son, 
11. A. Trexler, is the present proprietor. 

The house now occupied by Hon. John D. Stiles 
was for man; years a hotel, and quite a popular one, 
especially among the resident and visiting lawyers. 



It was built by John Kvans, Fsi|., lor a private resi- 
dence soon after be came here and was admitted to the 
bar, in 1819. His death occurred within two or three 
years, and then the house was made a hotel, and so 
occupied until 185."}. It was called the Eagle, and its 
landlord was George Habcrackcr. In 1855 it passed 
into the hands of Henry King, and in 1865 became 
the property of John 1). Stiles, who has since then 
occupied it as a dwelling. 

Among the public-houses of a later period than 
most of those we have spoken of was the "Bull's 
Head," on Linden Street, nearly opposite the site of 
the jail, built about 1829 by John Raser. It was 
kept in 1837 by William llinker, and in 1840 by 
Michael Rice. This house was a great drinking 
and gambling place, and noted for its cock-lights and 
entertainments of like nature, as we have already 

intimated many of the old taverns were. 

About 1833, John F. Ruhe kept hotel in the build- 
ing which in recent years, having been enlarged, is 
known as the Third Ward school-house. In the 
same house, in 1843, D. II. Washburn opened a tem- 
perance hotel, advertising in the papers that "his 
object is to furnish a comfortable house for strangers, 
travelers, and boarders, where they need not be dis- 
gusted with the fumes of any intoxicating beverages." 

The present Eagle Hotel occupies ground on which, 
before the great fire of 1848. was another and smaller 
one, known by the same name. Both were built by 
Jesse Grim, the first in 1832. Its landlords were 
Christian Kopp, Jacob H. Ritter, Reuben Strauss, 
Tilghmau Good, George Wetherhold, and James 
Trexler. The fire which destroyed the building, and 
of which an account is given elsewhere, occurred 
while the last-mentioned gentleman was landlord. 
Mr. Grim built in 1848-49 the present Eagle Bouse, 
one of the best hotels in the city. Eli Steekel became 
the first landlord of the new house, and was succeeded 
by James Eshbach. The other keepers of the house 
have been Thomas Lichtenwalner, Henry Baughman, 
Moses Schneck, Valentine Weaver, Sieger & Weaver, 
Sieger & Hottenstein, Levi Bottenstein alone, and 
then the present proprietors, Hottenstein & Sons. 

The Kramer House, on Seventh Street, was built 
in 1871 by William Yohn, who kept it for a short 
time, and was followed by a succession of landlords, 
none of whom remained long in the business. In 
1879 it was taken by the present enterprising pro- 
prietor, W. P. C. Kramer, who had had a long expe- 
rience as landlord in the American Hotel and Allen 
House, as well asat the Fountain House. He changed 
the name of the hotel from the Centennial to the 
Kramer House. 

In addition to the hotels of the city relying upon 
the traveling public for their support is the Fountain 
House at Worman's Spring, or the Crystal Spring, 
from which the city draws its ample supply of pure 
water. Conrad Wurman, in 1782, was assessed a tax 
upon two hundred acres of land, which, presumably, 



THK CITY OF ALLKNTOWN. 



145 



was the tract containing the beautiful spring. Abra- 
ham Worman, hia son, had his dwelling house m-ui 
the Bpring in 1789. In May, 1821, he was licensed to 
keep tavern, and was still in the business in 1881. 
In 1-17 the house at the spring was kept by Edwin 
Keiper. The present hotel, known as the Mansion 
House, was built in 1807 by James Trader and Peter 
Kiirn-. It passed successively into the hands ol the 

lien-holders, — John Hoffman and Mrs. J. Wei r; 

was kept in 1872, 73, 74, 75 by Robert P. & W. P. 
< '. Cramer, and then passed into the possession of its 
present proprietor, Samuel Adams. The Man-ion 
House is a well-appointed hotel, forty by one hun- 
dred and thirty feet, and three stories in height, and 
in summer is well patronized by city people, drawn 
thither by the Charm of the great transparent spring 
pool and the scenery in its \ ieinity. Stephen Hufl'ort 
has had charge of the spring and pool for the past 
twenty years, renting the latter from the Allentown 
Water Company, and has kept the great crystal 
basin and its surroundings in very attractive COD 
dition. 

Banking Institutions— The Northampton Bank. 
— The first financial institution of Allentown, the 

Northampton Bank, produced a marked efl'eet upon 

the community by reason of its disastrous failure after 
nearly thirty years of successful and heavy business. 
This bank was chartered by act of the Legislature, 
Jul.\ II, 1814, and an election of directors followed 
on August 12th, with the choice of the following 
gentlemen, viz.: Peter Dorney, Esq., John Wagner, 
Jacob Blumer, William Eckert, Jacob Stein, (ieorge 
Schaeffer, Andreas Strasburger, John Krause, Peter 
Rboads, Jr., Titer Buch, Stephen Balliet, Jr., and 
George Keck. Peter Rboads, Jr., was elected presi- 
dent, and James A. Linton cashier. The Northamp- 
ton Bank began business almost immediately after its 
organization, with a capital of one hundred and twenty- 
three thousand three hundred and seventy-five dollars. 
The building in which it was opened, and, for that 
matter, remained during its entire existence, was a 
small two-Story stone structure, which stood where 
the Allentown National Bank now is, and which, 
prior to 1814, had been occupied by Peter Snyder, 
who kept a store there. The affairs of the bank were 
prosperous and uneventful until near the last. John 
Eckert, Sr., succeeded Peter Rhoads as president, and 
was the holder of that office when he died, in No- 
vember, 1840. John Rice slice,. eded Eckert. He had 
formerly been cashier as the successor of Linton, and 
when he vacated the latter office it was taken by 
George Keek. The failure of the bank was brought 
on by the bad management of John Rice, who was 
speculative and visionary, and became largely inter- 
ested in outside business projects, — the lumber trade, 
management of lines of mail stages, etc. Largi ad- 
vances had been made, too, to the Lehigh Navigation 
and Coal Company, and to other corporations and 
individuals. The credit of the bank began to fail in 
10 



1842. Strenuous efforts were made to sustain the 
institution. At s special meeting of the board of 
directors, held March 2"., L843, among other mi 
it was resolved thai the bank be closed until the 25th 
of \piil. to maki arrarj entente in the meanwhile to 
secure, so far as practicable, thi interest of note- 
holders, depositors, and thi Hid prepare 
a report to the stockholders. Only a few days prior 
to this time the following statement had been made 
of tie affairs of the bank. 

The statement of the Northampton Bank for March 
L3, 1843, was as follows : 

Dr. 

i 

illation 

CoQttngenl fund 1 

Profll and lose 1 

Discount and interest 61534 

Dividends onpnld '■ 

Amount due othei bank! 2,1 

Amount dui 7i 

\ Bpeciai deposit 10,004 55 



I ! 101. 

S436.424.14 
Cr. 

Hills and notes dlsi ounted Sl. r .2.v 

Judgments and morl 171, 

Stock in Pi i titutions 19,1 

R«al estate 4,000.00 

i:>i- i .-•■- 1 

A ne hi m due by other banks 2,679.20 

Amountof loans to the Btate 12,1 

Ao epl inces 

City drafts In favor of bank 24,1 

ind ■) ! .. ii 7. 

8435,424.14 

The circulation of the bank averaged during a 

period often years $350,000. The circulation stood — 

Jan. is, 1S42 -i 

April 19, 1842 21 

Oi i. I-, 1842 24!i,|iin 

March 13, 1843 i 95,040 

In the same advertisement which contained this 
Statement the bank promised, " at the farthest, to 
resume specie payments on the 3d of July, 184:;." 

On May 3, 1843, a general meeting of the stock- 
holders of the bank was called for June 5th by thirty- 
three of their number, altogether owning one-tenth 
part of the bank's stock. The advertisement set forth 
the objects of the proposed meeting as, "first, to ob- 
tain from the directors an immediate and tho 
investigation of the affairs of the bank; second, to 
obtain the amount of indebtedness and available 
a-sets; third, to obtain a general and particulai 
men I of the affairs of the bank ; fourth, if the present 
condition is found to be such .is lo justify the I 

tatinn that in a reasonable time it may be in a situa- 
tion to resume the regular business of banking, to 
take into consideration the propriety of making every 
effort possible to BUStain the bank ; and, fifth, to inquire 

into the expediency of electing five trustee, t. 

the concerns of the bank, agreeably to the ac( of 

April 1, 1S22, in case the above-mentioned objects 
cannot be obtained." This call was signed by Fred- 
erick A. Martin, < 'harle- Kramer. William H. Blumer, 
M. D. Eberhart, Thomas But/., Joseph Saeger, C. 
I'rctz, Jacob Saeger, Paul Balliet, Henrj (I. Guetter, 



146 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John M. Mieksch, John F. Rauch, Philip H. Gaepp, 
John Oerter, Ernst Lehman, Eberhart Freytag, 
Sebastian Goundic, Jacob Walle, Solomon Keck, 
George Blank, Bernhard Rees, William Eckert. John 
B. Moser, George Schaeffer, John Wagner, Joshua 
Fry, Nicholas Saeger, Christian Berger, Solomon 
Fogel, Thomas Kern, Solomon Gangwere. 

At a meeting of the directors, a committee of 
three, consisting of Philip Mattis, Esq., of Easton, 
and Charles Saeger and Jacob Dillinger, of Allen- 
town, was nominated to investigate the concerns of 
the institution. 

Pursuant to the call, a meeting of the stockholders 
was held June 5th, at the banking-house, and because 
of the large attendance adjourned to the public-house 
of William Craig. Stephen Balliet was elected presi- 
dent, and Augustus L. Ruhe secretary. The inves- 
tigating committee nominated by the directors at 
their meeting was confirmed, and they were instructed 
to employ counsel if necessary, make a thorough ex- 
amination of the affairs of the bank, and report 
within thirty days to "a grand committee of thirteen, 
consisting of Solomon Fogel, William Eckert, Charles 
Kramer, John Wagner, Christian Pretz, Philip H. 
Gaepp, Augustus L. Ruhe, Christian Berger, John 
Lichtenwalter, John F. Rauch, George Blank, John 
Saeger, and Anthony Krauss." 

The investigating committee (in which John F. 
Ruhe had taken the place of Philip Mattis) began 
their work and carried it on diligently and rapidly. 

Prior to this time the bank had made an assign- 
ment to John W. Hornbeck, Esq., Charles Kramer, 
George Keck, George Brobst, and William Blumer. 

The feeling that existed in the community at this 
time may best be illustrated by following the inci- 
dents as they occurred from day to day. The Lehigh 
Bulletin, commenting on the failure of the bank, said, 
" The rottenness of this institution will now be made 
manifest. We have reason to believe that the stock 
is all sunk, and that the note-holders and depositors 
will get little or nothing." On the 14th of June, at 
a meeting held for the purpose of adopting such 
measures as might be necessary to protect the rights 
of the note-holders, the following resolutions, which 
throw considerable light on the progress of affairs and 
the fevered state of public feeling, were adopted : 

"Whereas, the Northampton Bank, . . . altera series of financial 
expedients as numerous, as wild, and as reckless as they were unfitted 
to effect the purpose for which they were intended, has, notwithstanding 
the solemn and oft-repeated assurances of her perfect solvency, made 
by her principal officers and hacked by the publication of statements of 
the most plausible nature, been at length compelled to admit her own 
insolvency and transfer the wreck of her property to assignees for the 
benefit of creditois ; 

"And whereas, the officers of said bank, of ter squandering the greater 
part of her assets by assigning, transferring, and pledging them to sun- 
dry irresponsible persons for the purpose of eking out a few more months 
of a miserable existence already most ruinously prolonged, have dared 
ou the eve of this general assignment and in view of it to prefer a por- 
tion of her note-holders by exchanging theonly valuable port if her 

property remaining in her possession for the Northampton Bank bills 
held by them and their friendB, and thus securing them from loss, while 



others as jtiBtly entitled to the payment uf their claims are left to divide 
nniong themselves the comparatively valueless portion that remains, 
tdl which is in our opinion fraudulent and contrary to the act of Assem- 
bly of 1843, enacted to prevent preferences in deeds of assignment; 

"Am* whereas, the assignees are now by the operation of the law 
above and superior to the power that appointed them, anil wholly be- 
yond their control, subject only to the action of the stockholders in 
joint meeting, and the Court of Common Pleas of the county at its next 
term; therefore 

" Resolved, That the assignees acting as they are for the benefit of all 
the creditors of this ill-omened institution, and able and willing as we 
feel they are to discharge their duty without fear, favor, or affection, be 
and they are hereby requested to treat the recent transfer of the Mauch 
Chunk mortgage loan and other similar transfers as if they never bad 
been made, and adopt such legal measures as will bring the mattei be- 
fore the proper tribunal in order that the right of the directors to make 
such transfer . . . may be legally investigated. 

"Resolved, That the stockholders, in wdiose integrity we have ever 
had unbounded confidence, be requested to withhold their approbation 
from this assignment until it is ascertained beyond a doubt that the 
assignees in carrying it into effect will adopt such measures as are ne- 
cessary to test the legality of these obnoxious transfers." 

Public opinion became every day more incensed 
against John Rice, the president of the ruined bank, 
for his reported nefarious, and certainly unwise and 
unfortunate, administration of its affairs. He with- 
drew from assisting the committee of investigation, 
refusing to give up certain papers belonging to the 
institution, and on the 4th of July left town. The 
assignees, thinking that all was not right, sent the 
sheriff after him, who overtook him at Coopersbur". 
He entered into bail in the sum of ten thousand dol- 
lars for his appearance at the next term of court. A 
week later he was burned in effigy on the public 
square by a crowd of men and boys, so violent had 
become the feeling of the community. 

The committee of thirteen, of whose appointment 
mention has been made, received the report of the in- 
vestigating committee on July 10, 1843, and four days 
later made a statement to the stockholders and the 
public. This report set forth the following facts: 
The deficiency, admitting the assets in value as they 
appeared upon the books of the bank, amounted to 
8263,059.11. " Add to this amount," they say, "such 
assets as are considered worth nothing (but taken in 
the foregoing as good), $68,990.34, and the loss 
amounts to 8322,040.45. Should to this amount the 
probable loss of the mortgage loan be added, . . . 
$G6,500 it would swell the deficiency to $398,549.45. 
To this amount is to be added the item of dividends 
unpaid sell, .85, contingent fund $2419.60, discount 
and interest 81750.72, and profit and loss $847.89, 
amounting together to the enormous deficiency of 
$409,982.51. 

" The committee under these circumstances would 
respectfully recommend to such of the assignees as 
have been approved by the stockholders to pursue 
such a course as will speedily bring the fallen institu- 
tion to a close." 

This report was followed upon July 15th by the 
following resolutions by the directors: 

" WHEREAS, it appears from the report of the committee of investiga- 
tion that John Rice, president of this bank, is a defaulter to a very 
large amount, and considering him the principal cause of bringing still 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



147 



heavier losses on tlie institution, by not onlj neglecting his dut3 while 
r,foi suffering bills discounted i>> lieovei without being protested, 
whereby the Indorserv/as relieved and thedebta lost, but lately while 
president by squandering the lunds of the bank and pledging it- availa- 
ble ns.sct s in the hands of Irresponsible stock Jobbers and brokers with- 
out the assent it knov ledge "t tin- Board; 

"Ami whereas, considering tin' conduct of the said John Bfcefoi 
several yean past in studiously concealing from the Board of Directors 
Hi ■ 1 1 in- condition of tin' bank, while be was deceiving both them, tin' 
stockholders, and the public with garbled statement* mul hilse r i-jh t-N.-ii- 
tations, is unworthy the further confidence "f tin- Board or tin- coui 
i of an injured commnulty ; therefore 

•• Batobed, That John Bice, president "I said Institution, in I he is 

hereby expelled from tin- Board, and thai his official functions as presi- 
dent of this hank immediately > i 
"BesoEved, That tin- proceedings of this meeting be signed b) the 

lentil, and published in all the papers of the B ugh of All. a\ 

" William Eoki b i 
■' frerident pro tern. 

" Aim LHAH N i H n LBD. 
" II i:\iu EbNEB. 
" Peteb Hoffman. 
"Geokoe Blank. 
" Thomas Kfi;n. 
"Thomas B. WILSON. 
"Solomon Foqbl. 
"John Romio. 

" Directors." 

The failure of the hank was severely felt in the 
community, some persons losing all their possessions. 
anil very many heing severely crippled in their busi- 
ness affairs. It was long before the town recovered 
from the depression following the shock. 

Measures that came to Naught.— The first move- 
ment toward the organization of a financial institu- 
tion after the failure of the old Northampton Bank 
was made at a meeting held Jan. 15, 1844, at the 
house of John Gross (the American Hotel), of which 
Christian Pretz was president and Augustus L. Ruhe 
secretary. It was there resolved that a committee of 
seven be appointed who should endeavor to procure 
a bank in Allentown, and the president appointed as 
Mich committee Messrs. Peter Euber, John Wagner, 
William IT. Blumer, Charles S. Bush, Col. George 
Wenner. Dr. C. H. Martin, and Augustus L. Ruhe. 
Auxiliary committees were appointed in each town- 
ship. Petitions were circulated among the people of 
the county, and, after they had been numerously 
signed, presented to the Legislature, which, in April, 
1844, passed an act incorporating the Lehigh County 
Bank. The commissioners named in the act were 
Peter Huber, William H. Blumer, George Wenner, 
Augustus 1.. Ruhe, Jacob Dillinger, John Troxell, 
Stephen Balliet, Jr., George Probst, David Gehman, 
John Wagner, Charles S. Bush, Dr. I . H. Martin, 
Joseph K. Saeger, Peter Breinig, christian Pretz, 
Charles Cramer, James Lackey, ami John Moser, of 
Lehigh County; John D. Bawman, Sr., John Fatzin- 
ger, and John Mears, of Carbon County ; Peter Sie- 
ger, Reuben Haines, and John Brock, of Philadel- 
phia; Peter Laubach and C. A. Luchenbach, of 
Northampton County. Books were opened in Allen- 
town and elsewhere for the purpose of receiving sub- 
scription- to the stock, and a considerable number of 
shares were soon taken. It was specified in the char- 



ter of this bank that the stockholders were to he in- 
dividually liable for the amounts they held, and this 

provision went far toward popularizing the project ol 
the new hank, although it was bitterly opposed in 
some quarters. 

The hank was not regularly organize d Until Met. ',), 

1S44, when John Wagner was elected president. 
Business had scarcely been commenced when the in- 
stitution began to experience some effects of tie hos- 
tility which hail been shown towards it when it was 
in the formative period of its existence. In accord- 
ance with petitions, the Legislature in January, 1845, 
passed an act appointing a commissioner to examine 
into its affairs, which it had been alleged were im- 
properly administered. This commissioner, John D. 

Lawall, took depositions which he presented to the 
Legislature. The particular matter inquired about 
was whether the capital (one hundred thousand dol- 
lars! had actually been paid in, as it was provided it 
should be, and on this point the legislative committee 
to whom the subject was referred seemed to be satis- 
fied. They made a favorable report in April, 1846, 
showing that the law had been fully complied with. 
Much excitement had been caused, however, ami 
prejudice engendered against the institution, and the 
committee in the conclusion of their report suggested 
that the stockholders of the bank should be per- 
mitted to change its location to Mauch Chunk, of 
which place the citizen- had memorialized the Legis- 
lature with great unanimity for its removal. It was, 
however, continued in Allentown, and its affairs were 
moderately prosperous for a short period. On Feb. 
13, 1847, however, a bill to repeal the charter was 
passed by the Legislature, and the bank of course 
suspended business. Moses Y. Beach, of New York, 
was the capitalist of this concern, if it tan he said to 
have had a capitalist. It was alleged that money was 
simply brought from Xew York, counted in the hank. 
and then taken away, and that the institution never 
had the capital which the law required. 

Notice was given in the newspapers, in July, 1850, 
by a numher of subscribers, that they intended making 
application to the m \t Legislature to incorporate the 

" Farmers' and .Mechanics' Bank," at Allentown, 
with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and 
privilege of increasing it to two hundred thousand 
dollars. The signer- ol the notice were Jonathan 
Cook, A. G. Reninger, Thomas B. Wilson, James F. 
Kline, A. A. Wagner, Nathan Dresher, W. II. Powell, 
Joseph Weiss, W. Edelman, Jonathan Kulp, I'. Wv- 
eotf, ( ►wen Saeger. Jesse Shaffer, C. H. Samson, Ste- 
phen Barber, Ephraim Grim, Elias Mertz, Eli Steckel. 
On Jan. 9, 1852, David Laury introduced a bill in the 
Legislature (which was passed the following April 
incorporating the Fanner-' ami Mechanics' Bank, hut 
no such bank was organized here, the project for 
-nine reason falling through. 

In the mean time, in 1851, W. 11. Blumer & Co. had 
established themselves as hankers and broker-. The 



148 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



"Co." consisted of William Kern and Jesse M. Line 
Their place of business was at first under Odd-Fel- 
lows' Hall, and afterwards between the Allentowu 
National Bank and the Allen House. The firm car- 
ried mi business successfully until 1877, when they 
failed. 

The Allentown National Bank. — What is now 
the Allentown National Bank was originally organ- 
ized as a State bauk, under the title of the Allentown 
Bank, Aug. 27, 1855, with a cash capital, paid in, of 
one hundred thousand dollars. The first president 
was Jacob Dillinger, the cashier Charles W. Cooper, 
who still holds that office, and the teller William J. 
1 1 ox worth. The board of directors was constituted as 
follows: Jacob Dillinger, John Appel, Stephen Bar- 
ber, Stephen Graff, Solomon Keck, Charles Kramer, 
Jesse M. Line, Welcome B. Powell, George Probst, 
Aaron G. Eeniuger, Joshua Seiberliug, Hiram J. 
Schantz, and Dr. William Wilson. This bank sur- 
rendered its State charter Aug. 1, 1865, and organized 
the same day as a national bank under the provisions 
of the National Currency Act of 1864, with a capital 
of two hundred thousand dollars. Jacob Dillinger 
had died in November, 1861, and William Saeger 
had been elected president in the same month. He 
was continued in that office when the national bank 
was organized, and Mr. Cooper was retained in the 
position of cashier. Mr. Hoxworth had resigned as 
teller in May, 1864, and his place had been filled by 
Joseph E. Balliet, who was re-elected at the time of 
reorganization, and still holds the place. He has been 
connected with the bank since 1857. The first board of 
directors of the Allentown National Bank consisted of 
William Saeger, Jacob Cornell, Daniel Clader, C. F. 
Dickenshied, John Fogel, Stephen Graff, Boas Haus- 
man, James K. Mosser, Tilghman H. Martin, Chris- 
tian Pretz, John G. Schimpf, Henry Schnurman, and 
Dr. William Wilson. The capital of the bank was 
increased to five hundred thousand dollars in 1870. 
William Saeger, whom we have stated was elected 
president in 1861, held that office until Aug. 1, 1883, 
when he resigned because of advanced years, and was 
succeeded by Esaias Rehrig, who at present holds the 
position. 

This bank began business in the building which 
had been occupied by the old Northampton Bank 
(used as a dwelling-house and for other purposes 
from 1843 to 1855), and in 1871 built its present ele- 
gant and substantial banking-house, upon the same 
ground on which the old one stood. This is a spa- 
cious structure, two stories in height (though with 
but one floor), and is built of brick with Nova Scotia 
stone facings. It is finished within with hard wood, 
is most conveniently and tastefully arranged, and 
contains a massive indestructible vault. The cost of 
the building with ground was not far from forty-six 
thousand dollars. 

Following is a list of the directors of this bank 
from 1855 to 1883: 



John Appel * 
Allen Appel.* 
Phaon Albright.* 
Stephen Balliet.* 
Stephen Barber.* 
William E. Burnet*.* 
Daniel Boyer. ■ 
Solomon Boyer. 
Tilghman H. Boyer. 
James P. Barues. 
John Bortz. 
Samuel A. Brown. 
Charles E. Christ. 
Daniel Clader.* 
Jacob Cornell.* 
Jacob Dillinger.* 
Charles F. Dickenshied.* 
Alfred J. G. Dubbs. 
M. D. Eberhard. 
Enos Erdman. 
John H. Fogel. 
H. H. Fisher. 
Stephen Graft'.* 
Jonas German. 
Benjamin J. Hagenbnch. 
Boas Hausman.* 
John L. Hoffman. 
Mifflin Hannuni. 
W. S. Herbst. 
Solomou L. Keck.* 
Charles Kramer.* 
Andrew S. Keck. 
Jesse M. Line. 
Henry Leli. 



John E. Lentz. 
William R. Lawfer. 
Abr. W. Ler. h. 
Charles H. Martin.'* 
Tilghman II. Martin.* 
E. G. Martin. 
A. J. Martin. 
James K. Mosser. 
W. K. Mosser.* 
Welcome B. Powell. 
George Probst. 
Cbristian Pretz.* 
Henry B. Pearson. 
Aaron G. Reninger. 
Edward Ruhe. 
Werner K. Ruhe. 
Esaias Rehrig. 
Joshua Seiberling. 
Hiram J. Schantz. 
Charles Seagreaves. 
Lewis Schmidt.* 
John G. Schimpf. 
Henry Schnurman.* 
Thomas Steckel. 
William Saeger. 
Alfred G. Saeger. 
E. W. Trexler. 
Jonas Trexler. 
William Wilson.* 
Thomas Weaver.* 
Joseph Weaver.* 
David Weida. 
August Wel-er. 
Robert Yost.* 



Those marked thus (*) are deceased. 

The present officers and working force of the bank 
are Esaias Rehrig, president; Charles W. Cooper, 
cashier; Joseph E. Balliet, teller; Charles M. W. 
Keck, corresponding clerk ; Charles O. Schantz, tel- 
ler's assistant; David B. Sanders, Alfred P. Bach- 
man, individual ledger clerks; John T. Scheirer, 
general ledger clerk ; Frederick H. Lichtenwallner, 
messenger ; George Stuber, janitor and watchman. 

Following are sketches of four of the gentlemen 
most prominent in the history of this institution : 

Hon. Jacob Dillinger, the first president of the 
Allentown Bank (now the Allentown National Bank), 
figured more conspicuously in Lehigh County than 
any other person during the period of his lifetime, 
having occupied creditably more important public 
stations than any other one in it. 

"Judge" Dillinger was a close observer of human 
nature, correct in his habits of life, patriotic in his 
impulses, and firm in his friendship, and these, with 
his practical views and general information on sub- 
jects of public interest, gave him an influence of 
importance, as well as popularity, with the mass of 
his fellow-citizens. He had so endeared himself to 
his " Pennsylvania Dutch" fellow-citizens that he was 
the Knickerbocker among them. His advice on 
almost, every subject was asked, especially in matters 
of law, and it can be said positively that in such mat- 
ters he was a safe counselor. 

He was a genuine lover of liberty, and an enthusi- 
astic Democrat, but independent enough to gain and 
retain the confidence of the opposition parties. He 
had enemies, but always commanded their respect. 




ALUS! 

AILtlKITOWKl, - 




e*>hurt$)eJUi#tf^> 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



149 



Although maintaining an upright walk and a godly 
conversation before the world, he did not connect 
himself with a religious sect until two years before 
his death, when be and his youngest child, a son, 
were admitted, by the rites of confirmation, by Rev. 
Dr. B. M. Schmucker, a member of St. John's Lu- 
theran Church of Allcntown. His wife being a de- 
vout member of the German Reformed Church, the 
rest of the family, through her influence and training, 
were reared, under the auspices of the venerable Rev. 
Father Joseph Dubbs, D.D., in its faith, and were ad- 
mitted and still remain in its church. 

He was a Mason, being early initiated and admitted 
a member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 71, of Philadel- 
phia. 

He was educated in the schools of the county, and 
of Philadelphia, in the English, German, and French 
languages, and was a mathematician of no mean 
order. 

In connection with the many trusts he performed 
in filling important offices, surveying, settling de- 
cedents' estates, etc., his specialty was the mercantile 
trade, being engaged in that business from the time 
he was nineteen years of age until several years 
before his death. 

Judge Dillinger was burn at Dillingersville, Lower 
Milford township, this county, May 27, 1798, and 
died Nov. 3, 1861. He was of German ancestry, his 
great-grandfather coming from Wiirtemberg, Ger- 
many, and settling where Dillingersville now is. 

When he was about seventeen years of age his 
father, with his family, removed to Philadelphia to 
engage in the wholesale dry goods business, where he 
entered a drug-store, and at the age of nineteen years 
his father sent him to Ironton, this county, for the 
purpose of selling out a stock of goods that had been 
furnished by the father to a party there on credit and 
who was not successful and returned the possession of 
the goods. In disposing of the same he showed much 
aptness and skill as a salesman, and so encouraged the 
father that before he had sold the entire stock he es- 
tablished him in business in Balliettsville, this county. 
He subsequently removed to Ruchsville, also in this 
county, Allentown, Hellertown, Northampton Co., 
and again Allentown, respectively, continuing in the 
mercantile business until within a few years before 
his death. 

During the time he lived in Balliettsville, in the 
year 1819, he was elected a member of the House of 
Representatives of this State, being at the time but 
twenty-two years of age and the youngest member of 
the body. He was re-elected three times, it being the 
first instance in the county that a member served four 
successive terms. Having a little experience in civil 
engineering, he was appointed to and accepted, at 
the close of his membership, the office of deputy sur- 
veyor of the county, which was an office of import- 
ance during that time. 

In 1830 he removed to Allentown, having been 



appointed by Governor Wolf clerk of the courts, 
which office he continued to occupy, and lor a time 
that of prothonotary, until 1836. He was a member 
of the Convention of 1837-38 which revised the Con- 
stitution of the State. He was twice elected Democratic 
Presidential elector, casting his vote for Jackson and 
Van Buren, respectively. He was associate judge 
from 1844 for five years, and again from 1851 until he 
resigned to accept the presidency of the Allentown 
Bank. In the year 1850, after his first term of judge- 
ship, he was elected justice of the peace for Allen- 
town, which he resigned to accept his second term of 
judgeship. In 1855 he was made the first president 
of the Allentown Bank, now the Allentown National 
Bank, which position he held until his death, it recog- 
nizing his integrity, prudence, and correct business 
habits, and that much of its prosperity, character, 
and usefulness was owing to him. 

He was again elected to the office of justice of the 
peace in 1861. In 1848 he was nominated to Con- 
gress, to fill the unexpired term of Hon. John W. 
Hornbeck, deceased, who died shortly after he took 
his seat, but declined it on account of delicacy of 
health ; whereupon the late Hon. Samuel A. Bridges 
was nominated and elected. He was the rival candi- 
date for canal commissioner of the Hon. Morris Long- 
; streth. He held the office of burgess of Allentown. 
I He was one of the projectors of the Lehigh County 
Agricultural Society, and to him is due its plan of 
organization. 

In the first organization under the charter of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, recognizing the 
importance of the influence Judge Dillinger brought 
to bear in securing the charter, he was made, as a 
compliment, the first superintendent, and Dr. Jesse 
Samuels, the member of Legislature who was mainly 
instrumental in the passage of the charter of incor- 
poration, its first engineer. 

In 1S31 he became the husband of Salome Schreiber, 

I who was born in Whitehall township, this county, 

Sept. 6, 1805 (who is still living), a daughter of Jacob 

I Shreiber and Eve Catharine, his wife, both of Ger- 

i man ancestry, the father being a resident of White- 

1 hall township, and the mother a daughter of Conrad 

Leisenring, who is also of Whitehall and North 

Whitehall townships, and was an uncle of Hon. John 

Leisenring and A. W. Leisenring, Esq., of Mauch 

Chunk. Their wedded life was blessed with five 

children, two of whom died, a son in infancy and a 

daughter, Margaret E., who intermarried with P. S. 

Pretz, a son of Hon. Christian l'retz, the subject of 

a sketch elsewhere, leaving to survive her a daughter, 

Aline Dillinger Pretz, and a son, Jacob Christian 

l'retz. The living children are, viz. : 

First, "Captain" John P. Dillinger, who was born 
in Allentown, May 3, 1833, was educated at the 
Allentown Academy, and in the year 1850 took charge 
of the office at Allentown of the Philadelphia and 
Wilkesbarre Telegraph Company. In 1852 entered 



150 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUxNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



into partnership with his father and William R. 
Craig in the wholesale liquor business, under the 
firm-name of Dillinger & Craig. Mr. Craig retired 
in 1854, and the business continued under the firm- 
name of J. & J. P. Dillinger. When the father had 
been elected president of the Allentown Bank, the 
father's interest was sold to ex-Sheriff Nathan Weiler, 
and the business carried on under the firm-name of 
Weiler & Dillinger until 1860, when he sold out his 
interest to Mr. Weiler, and entered into partnership 
with Phaon Albright in the tube manufacturing 
business, and continued in the same until 1865, when 
he went in the mercantile business with Phaon Al- 
bright, doing business under the firm-name of John 
P. Dillinger & Co. until 1866, when Mr. Albright 
sold his interest to Huber Brothers, the firm-name 
then being changed to Huber & Dillinger, and so 
continued until 1868, when he sold out his interest to 
the Huber Brothers, and removed to Siegfried's 
Bridge, Northampton Co., and took charge of the 
station of the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad 
Division of the Central Railroad of New Jersey as 
agent and telegraph operator. In 1874 he returned to 
Allentown, and in 1878 was elected chief engineer of 
the Fire Department of Allentown, which position he 
continues to hold. In 1S62, while in the tube manu- 
facturing business, he entered the army as captain of 
Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, returning at the ex- 
piration of his term of enlistment, in 1863. 

Second, Jacob S. Dillinger, attorney-at-law, who 
was born in Allentown April 20, 1841 ; was educated 
at the Allentown Academy and Fort Edward Insti- 
tute, Fort Edward, N. Y. ; entered the law office of 
the late William S. Marx, Esq., in the year 1858, and 
the law department of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania in 1861, and was admitted to the bar of Lehigh 
County April 12, 1862; was cashier of the Allentown 
Savings Institution (a banking institution in the city 
of Allentown up to 1882) from 1866 until he resigned, 
in December, 1869, to accept the office of prothono- 
tary, to which he was elected that fall, and was re- 
elected in the fall of 1872, retiring on the first Mon- 
day of January, 1870, and resuming the practice of 
the law; was secretary of the board of controllers of 
the public schools of Allentown from 1864 for seven 
successive years, and was a member of Select Council 
of Allentown, 1868-69, and the last year its president. 

Third, Dallas Dillinger, who was born Feb. 3, 1844, 
in Allentown, was educated at the Allentown Acad- 
emy and Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, 
N. Y. ; is a machinist by trade, but engaged in the 
mercantile business until the fall of 1880, when he 
accepted the office of recorder of deeds, etc., of Lehigh 
County, to which he was elected, and served three 
years, anil is now the deputy recorder. He served in 
his brother's — Capt. John P. Dillinger, — company 
" D," One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the war. 



Thus can be inferred that the great influence of the 
father was transmitted to his sons, who were and are 
called to positions of trust, and that the father left 
them the proudest legacy of a reputation of a life use- 
fully and profitably spent. 

Judge Dillinger was one of the landmarks of the 
county and the city of Allentown, and always public- 
spirited and enterprising. The history of the growth 
and prosperity of the city is a monument to his 
memory. 

Charles W. Cooper, cashier of the Allentown Na- | 
tional Bank since 1855, is descended from the Coopers 
of Coopersburg, a family of German extraction, the 
grandfather of Charles W. having been William Kup- 
per, born Aug. 24, 1722, who emigrated from the 
Duchy of Nassau, and settled in Bucks County, Pa. 
To Gertrude, his wife, were born a son, Daniel, and a 
daughter, Catharine. The birth of the former oc- 
curred March 31, 1752, at Dillenberg, near Amster- 
dam, Holland, and his emigration with his father in 
1775. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob 
Geary, of Goshenhoppen, Montgomery Co., Pa., and 
had children, — Jacob, Catharine, Catharine (2d), 
John, Peter, William, Elizabeth, Charles, and Daniel. 
Peter, the father of Charles W., was born Sept. 26, 
1790, in Upper Saucon, Lehigh Co., where his life 
was spent. He was the founder of the borough of 
Coopersburg, in which he exercised a considerable 
influence as a man of intelligence, of progressive 
ideas, and much enterprise. He enjoyed the reputa- 
tion of being a remarkably reliable counselor-at-law 
for a layman, was an accurate conveyancer, an ex- 
pert surveyor, and served for a period as deputy sur- 
veyor-general of Pennsylvania. He was an active 
member of the German Reformed Church. He mar- 
ried, on the 9th of July, 1789, Susannah, daughter 
of Daniel and Magdalena Buhacker. Their children 
are Anna Matilda, Milton, Thomas B., and Charles 
W. Mr. Cooper's death occurred May 19, 1837, and 
that of Mrs. Cooper, June 13, 1846. Their son, Charles 
W., was born April 21, 1826, at Coopersburg, Lehigh 
Co. He at an early age became a student of the 
Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, and later pur- 
sued his studies in Philadelphia. Having decided 
upon the law as a profession, he entered the United 
States Law School in Philadelphia, under Professor 
Hoffman, and while in the office of Judge George M. 
Stroud, of the above city, was admitted in May, 1847, 
to practice in the courts of Philadelphia, and in 
August of the same year in the courts of Lehigh 
County. Ill health precluding the active pursuit of 
his profession, Mr. Cooper retired to his farm at 
Coopersburg, and continued employed in the man- 
agement of its varied interests until 1855, when on 
the organization of the Allentown Bank he was 
elected its cashier. He was married on the 4th of 
February, 1851, to Miss Rebecca E., eldest daughter 
of Hon. Jacob Erdman, of Upper Saucon. Their 
children are Franklin Erdman aud Henry Peter. 



152 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



remained for three years thus employed. Removing 
to Freeniansburg he continued in business, and some 
years later made Catasauqua his home. Here he en- 
tered the firm of E. Weiss & Co., and continued this 
business relation from 1852 until 1858, the date of his 
removal to Allentown as deputy prothonotary under 
James Lackey, Esq. After a service of two terms in 
this capacity he was elected prothonotary, and re- 
elected at the expiration of his first term. Before re- 
tiring from official life he aided in the organization of 
the Coplay Cement Company, and engaged in the 
manufacture of hydraulic cement in Allentown, 
having been chosen secretary aud treasurer of the 
company. He was also soon after made president of 
the Starr Slate Company. The exceptional business 
ability of Mr. Rehrig led, in August, 1883, to his 
election as president of the Allentown National Bank, 
which position he now holds, having prior to this 
date been one of its directors. As a Democrat he was 
formerly active in the political field, and, aside from 
his various official positions, held, during the winter 
of 1872-73, that of message clerk of the Senate at 
Harrisburg. His religious convictions are in harmony 
with the tenets of the English Lutheran Church, of 
which he is a member. As an active Mason he is a 
member of Barger Lodge, No. 333, of which he was 
formerly an officer, of Allen Commandery, of Allen 
Chapter, and Allen Council, of which he is presiding 
officer. Mr. Rehrig was married in 1855 to Miss 
Margaret, eldest daughter of James Lackey, of Cata- 
sauqua. 

The First National Bank was organized in 1863, 
and began business in 1864. The stockholders were 
William H. Blumer, Jesse M. Line, William Kern, 
and Nathan Laudenslager. Mr. Blumer was presi- 
dent. Tilghman H. Moyer was the first cashier, and 
Jacob A. Blumer succeeded him in that position. 
This bank was quite prosperous for a number of years, 
but failed in 1877. 

The Allentown Savings Institution, one of the 
oldest and most successfully-managed savings-banks in 
Eastern Pennsylvania, commenced business in the year 
1860. It was organized through the efforts of Hon. Wil- 
liam H. Ainey, under a special charter passed by the 
Legislature during the winter of 1859 and 1860. Mr. 
Ainey became its first president, and Charles S. Bush 
its first cashier. The first board of trustees was com- 
posed of the following : William H. Ainey, Christian 
Pretz, George Probst, Samuel Sell, Nathan Peter, 
Henry B. Hottle, John D. Stiles, Paul Balliet, and Dr. 
B. F. Jacoby. Mr. Bush served as cashier upwards of 
three years, when he resigned to accept the cashiership 
of the Second National Bank. He was succeeded by 
Francis E. Samuels, who served about two years, 
when he resigned and became the cashier of the Sec- 
ond National Bank. Mr. Samuels was succeeded by 
Jacob S. Dillinger, who served about three years, 
when he resigned, after being elected prothonotary 
of Lehigh County. He was succeeded by Reuben 



Stahler, who served in that capacity about eight 
years, when he was elected cashier of the Second 
National Bank to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
death of Mr. Samuels. Mr. Stahler was succeeded by 
B. J. Hagenbuch, who has filled the position to the 
present time. Mr. Ainey continued to serve as presi- 
dent from the organization of the institution to its 
close. The present or last board of trustees com- 
prised the following: William H. Ainey, C. Pretz, 
Martin Kemmerer, Milton Appel, Benjamin J. 
Hagenbuch, George Probst, Charles S. Bush, Reuben 
Stahler, and C. B. Sell. 

The institution was organized, as its title indicates, 
as a savings-bank. It received money on deposit in 
large and small sums, paying interest to the depositors 
of from three to six percent, according to the amount 
and the time of deposit. The institution early enlisted 
the confidence and patronage of the people of the en- 
tire county, and its deposits steadily increased until 
shortly before the panic they had reached about half 
a million dollars. After the failure of William H. 
Blumer & Co. and the First National Bank of Allen- 
town, in 1877, banks in this locality, and especially 
savings-banks, were much distrusted, and as one after 
another failed, this want of confidence was intensified. 

At the time of the failure of Blumer & Co. there 
were seven savings-banks, besides theirs in Allen- 
town, all of which failed except the Allentown Sav- 
ings Institution. There were besides a savings-bank 
at Bethlehem, one at Slatington, two at Fogelsville, 
and one at Macungie, all of which in like manner 
failed, leaving the Allentown Savings Institution 
alone as the only incorporated savings-bank doing 
business. This institution promptly met all its obli- 
gations, retaining the patronage and confidence of its 
customers to a remarkable degree when the circum- 
stances before related are considered. During and 
subsequent to the war its investments were largely in 
government bonds, and from judicious purchases and 
sales it realized large profits. In addition to regular 
semi-annual dividends to the stockholders of from six 
to twelve per cent, per annum, it declared a one hun- 
dred per cent, dividend in 1869, and another in 1875 of 
two hundred per cent, on the original capital. Both of 
these dividends were payable in cash or stock at the 
option of each stockholder, but all preferred and took 
the stock. For reasons mainly personal to its officers 
and stockholders, it was decided to withdraw from 
business, and the affairs of the institution are now 
about closing up. 

The business career of this institution has been one 
of such remarkable success that it is deserving of 
especial mention here. 

After providing for the deposits, most of the re- 
maining assets have been divided directly among the 
stockholders. The present market value of these, to- 
gether with the cash realized from sale of such assets 
as could not be divided, amounts to over eight thou- 
sand dollars to one thousand dollars originally paid in 




bi©@kiid GMin)©[iMiL im\kik iummm®, 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOW \ 



153 



as capital, so that each stockholder, who paid in one 
thousand dollars at the beginning, gets back eight 
thousand dollars, besides the regular semi-annual divi- 
dends. At a linal meeting of the stockholders, held 
Feb. 5, 1883, Mr. Christian Pretz acting as chairman, 
and Professor T. L. Seip as secretary, the following 
was moved and unanimously adopted : 

"Whfkk.as, We, the stockholders of the Allentown Savings Institu- 
tion, have heard w ith pleasure the statement of the very satisfactory con- 
dition oflts affaire and accounts as ascertained by the Auditing Committee 
appointed at the meeting of the stockholders held Jan. 29, 1883, and in- 
asmuch as the business affairs of the institution have been closed, and 
this is our Una] meeting as stockholders ; therefore, be it 

" Retobed, That we deem it but proper and due to the president of the 
institution, the Hon. William H. Ainey, to put on record our high ap- 
preciation of his valuable services in successfully managing its affairs 
from the beginning to the close of its history, covering a time when 
most similar institutions, failed with disastrous losses to their stock- 
holders and the community. 

" Resolved, That we also recognize the efficient services of the efficers 
of the institution, who aided the president from time to time in the 
transaction of its affairs." 

The Second National Bank of Allentown was 
organized in 1863, ami began business in 1864, with a 
paid-in capital of $100,000, which was increased the 
following year to $200,000, and a few years later to 
1300,000. The first officers were' William H. Ainey, 
president, and Charles S. Bush, cashier, and the 
first directors, William H. Ainey, George Probst, 
Benjamin J. Hagenbuch, Samuel Sell, Aaron Bal- 
liet, Edward Kohler. Charles A. Rube, and James 
H. Bush. After serving two years, Charles H. Bush 
resigned the cashiership in 1865 on account of ill 
health, and was succeeded by Francis E. Samuels, 
who continued as cashier until his death, in 1875. 
Reuben Stahler, the present cashier, succeeded Mr. 
Samuels. Mr. Ainey, the first president of the bank, 
is still its official head, having continuously served as 
['resident from its organization until the present time. 
The affairs of the bank have been so satisfactorily 
managed that not a single opposition vote was ever 
offered at any of the annual elections for officers and 
directors. 

in 1877, believing that the business of the bank 
could be mute satisfactorily and profitably conducted 

with *2uo. than with 5=300,000 capital, slOo.imii 

was withdrawn. The Second National is now the 
oldest national bank in Lehigh County. lis char- 
tered privileges under the National Currency Act 
terminated in March, 1883, at which time its corpo- 
rate privileges were renewed and extended for another 
twentj years. Since the organization of the bank 
the directors have met regularly on Monday of each 
week for passing upon the notes offered for discount 
by the customers of the bank. Regular semi-annual 
dividends have been made on the first Monday of 
May and November of each year since 1863. The 
present rate of dividend is eight per cent, per annum. 

It is something remarkable and worthy of mention 
here that the entire losses of the bank for the twenty 
years ending March. 18S3 (the close of its first period 
of corporate life', amounted to less than one-half 



of tin- smallest six months' earnings during that 
period. 

In 1881 a large and beautiful new bank building 
was erected on the southeast corner of Centre Square, 
which, for light, convenience of arrangement, and 
elegance of finish, is surpassed by few, if any, of the 
bank buildings outside of the large cities. It has a 
massive chilled-iron vault, with four heavy chilled- 
iron doors, having combination and time locks, all of 
which must be opened before reaching the money and 
securities of the bank. The chilled iron forming the 
inside lining is of uniform thickness at the ends, sides, 
bottom, and top of the vault, being about three and 
one-half inches of solid iron, cast and chilled, on 
wrought-iron bars, and weighing, with the doors, over 
twenty tons. This would seem to present all the re- 
sistance necessary to prevent the possibility of BU©r 
cessful attack between the hour of closing the bank 
in the evening and opening again the next morning. 
The vault is beautifully and artistically decorated 
with ornamental iron-work finished in bronze and gilt. 

William H. Ainey, lawyer, bank president, and 
ironmaster, was born in Susquehanna County, \ .d. 
1834. His paternal grandfather, William Ainey. was 
of French descent, his ancestors being Huguenots, 
who came to this country and settled in the Mohawk- 
Valley, in Montgomery Co., N. Y. His great-grand- 
mother, Elizabeth Van Deusen, was of German de- 
scent. His maternal grandfather, John Morrison 
Kinnan, was of Irish descent ; his great-grandfather, 
the Rev. John Kinnan, being from the North of Ire- 
land, settled in Orange County, N. Y., about the year 
1767. William Ainey, his grandfather, before men- 
tioned, married Hannah Crawford, of Connecticut, 
and settled a ft'w miles south of Goshen, N. Y. Hen 
bis father, Jacob Ainey, was born a.d. 1802, and in 
the year 1824 married Catharine Kinnan, of Goshen, 
i Grange Co., N. Y. He subsequently removed to Sus- 
quehanna Co., Pa. From the foregoing it will be 
seen that the family is thoroughly American, being of 
French, German, and English origin on the father's 
side and of Scotch-Irish on the mother's. 

Mr. Ainey received his early education in the pub- 
lic schools, supplemented by a preparatory course in 
the Woodruff Academy of his native village. At the 
age of sixteen he entered Harford University, then 
an institution of learning of high standing in North- 
ern Pennsylvania. Here he soon took high rank in 
forensic and other literary achievements, and the 
second year was chosen to the highest office of bis 
literary society, then numbering over one hundred 
active members. He completed his course in ls.">:;. 
and at once entered upon the study of the law under 
the direction of the late Hon. E. B. Ohase, at Mon- 
trose, Pa., teaching a portion of the time in his old 
school, the Woodruff Academy, thus early manifest- 
ing that energetic, self-sustaining, and self-relying 
independence which has characterized bis subsequent 
career. 



154 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



In 1855, about a year after tbe death of bis father, 
brio"- then about twenty years old, he removed to 
Lehigh County, where he was also engaged a portion 
of the time in teaching while pursuing bis legal 
studies. These he completed in the oilier of Hon. 
K. E. Wright, of Allentown, and was admitted to the 
bar in that city Jan. 6, 1857, opening an office there 
soon alter. Hi devoted liimself closely and success- 
fully to tin practice of bi> profession for the next 
tbree years, when be became desirous of opening a 
larger field for bis active temperament than was af- 
forded by the practice of the law in Allentown. 

Accordingly, in I860, he organized the Allentown 
Savings Institution, and was chosen its president. 
The institution opened for business at No. 542 Ham- 
ilton Street, opposite the American Hotel. It pros- 
pered beyond the most sanguine hopes of its friends, 
and two years later a new banking-house was erected 
for it at No. 532 Hamilton Street, to which place he 
also removed his law-office. Here he gave his close 
personal attention to the business of the institution, 
which grew rapidly, enlisting and retaining the confi- 
dence and favor of the public until it was soon re- 
garded as one of the best-managed savings-banks in 
the State. 

In 1862 he bought the Lehigh Regixtn- t and edited 
it in connection with his other business duties. A 
ready, vigorous writer, and a Republican of pro- 
nounced views, the Register, under his charge, was an 
able advocate of progressive doctrines and advanced 
Republican views on all the great questions of that 
day. He was several times chosen to represent his 
district as delegate to the Republican State Conven- 
tions ; was senatorial delegate to, and chairman of 
contested seats in, the convention of 1863, when two 
sets of delegates were each claiming admission from 
several of the Philadelphia districts. He succeeded 
in harmonizing the factions on a basis of future union 
alike satisfactory to both. The following year he 
served on the State Central Committee, and was 
elected one of the executive or managing committee 
of nine to conduct the campaign. 

In 1863-64 the Second National Bank of Allentown 
was organized, and he was elected its president, a 
position he has continuously held ever since, by the 
unanimous vote of the stockholders and directors at 
every annual election for the past twenty years. His 
management of this bank has been conservative, but 
highly successful. In addition to regular dividends 
of eight to twelve per cent, yearly, it has accumulated 
the largest proportionate surplus reserve-fund held by 
any bank in the Lehigh Valley. 

In 1867 be projected and organized the Lehigh Iron 
Company (anthracite blast-furnace), and was chosen 
its president, which position he still holds. The 
same successful management has characterized bis 
control of these large works. He presides over its 
entire affairs, supervising its sales and purchases (to- 
gether amounting to over one hundred thousand dol- 



lars per month when in full operation), directing in a 

genera] way its every -day operations at the works, and 
managing its finances. 

In 1872 he was nominated by the Republican Slate 
Convention, and subsequently elected on tbe Repub- 
lican State ticket as one of the fourteen members of 
the Constitutional Convention of 1872-73 for the 
State at large, a body of men whom posterity will 
regard as having been called from the foremost and 
best men of the commonwealth. It framed our pres- 
ent admirable Constitution, introducing many needed 
and excellent reforms, which have since been copied 
and adopted as part of the fundamental law of other 
States. He was an earnest advocate of reform, and 
one of the most practical and useful members of that 
distinguished body. As one of the many occurring 
instances during the year's session illustrating his re- 
markable readiness and practical ability, mention 
may be made of the following: The Democrats and 
Republicans were in hostile array over Section 5 of 
the Declaration of Rights offered and pending in the 
following form : "Elections shall be free and equal, 
and no power, civil or military, shall at any time 
interfere with the free exercise of the right of suf- 
frage." The Democrats demanded it ; the Republi- 
cans opposed it. The debate had become bitter, and 
party lines were closely drawn. Up to this time 
political measures had been sedulously avoided as 
likely to prove fatal to the work of the Convention, 
but it seemed as if there was no way to avoid it in 
this instance. But at this juncture Mr. Ainey offered 
to amend by striking out " with" and inserting " to 
prevent," so as to read, "No power, civil or military, 
shall interfere to'prevent the free exercise," etc. This 
was immediately accepted by both parties and adopted, 
and a dreaded political division happily avoided. He 
is the author of the proviso giving cities of sufficient 
population separate legislative representation, and 
many other practical and useful reforms, of which 
space will not permit particular mention. 

In 1879 he was elected treasurer of the Coplaj I ion 
Company (anthracite blast furnaces), at Coplay, Pa., 
having at the instance and request of friends who 
were involved by the failure of the Lehigh Valley 
1 ii m Com pany. the former owner, reorganized or rather 
formed a new company from the stockholders and 
creditors of the old company. He is still treasurer 
and one of its board of managers. 

Later the same year (1879) he, in connection with 
George Brooke, president of the First National Bank 
of Reading, and of the E. & G. Brooke Iron Com- 
pany, H. S. Eckert, president of the Farmers' Na- 
tional Bank of Reading, and of the Henry Clay Fur- 
naces, and several other prominent business men, 
obtained control of the extensive pipe works at 
Reading, Pa., and he was elected president of the 
company then organized, and is still its official head. 
Under his direction the establishment was reorganized 
and its operations systematized and perfected until 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



155 



what had previously been a losing business slum be- 
came a paying one. These works employ three hun- 
dred to four hundred men. 1 *i | >>• are made of all 
sizes from three to forty-eight inches diameter. They 
furnished New York city alone season before last over 
Htve miles uf the forty-eight inch size, costing over a 
quarter of a million dollars. 

To the casual observer it is difficult to understand 
how it is possible to direct and successfully manage 
these several great industrial establishments besides 

the bank and his own private affairs. He is greatly 

aided in this by full, accurate weekly and monthly 
reports, giving him a comprehensive knowledge of 
what is chine in every department, and how it is done. 
From these he can see what needs his personal atten- 
tion. 

In I860 he was married to Miss Anna C. Unger, 
eldesi daughter of the late L. P. Unger, artist, of 
Allentown, whose occupation, however, was chiefly 
that of a portrait painter in the South. 

Other Banking Institutions.— About the time the 
Dime Savings-Bank was started, C. M. Runk and 
Henry J. Saeger formed a partnership under wdiich 
they carried on a banking business for several years. 

The Mactingie Savings-Bank was established in 
1867, did a large business for a number of years, but 
made an assignment in 1878. Its president was 
David Schall. William C. Lichtenwallner was the 
first cashier, and was succeeded by John F. Welda. 

The Girard Savings-Bank, of which Phaon Al- 
bright was the president, and H. K. and F. K. Hart- 
zell, successively, the cashiers, was organized in 1868, 
and went into voluntary liquidation in 1877. 

The Franklin Savings-Bank was in existence ten 
years from 1868, making an assignment in 1878. Its 
president was B. H. Miller, and cashier, J. E. Zim- 
merman. 

The Empire Life Insurance and Trust Company, of 
which A. O. Reninger was president and .Morgan F. 
Medlar cashier, began business in 1869 and closed in 
1878. 

T. II. Good and Edward Iiuhe, in partnership, car- 
ried "ii a banking bu-iness during the period that the 
houses already mentioned were flourishing. 

The Kiin Savings-Bank, of which William L. Yolm 
was the proprietor, was established in 1870, and went 
into voluntary liquidation about five years later. 

Manufacturing— First Engine in Lehigh County 
—The Iron Interest. — In connection with the his- 
tory of industrial enterprises in Allentown we note 
the interesting fact that the first engine in the town 
or county was introduced in the year 1837 by Joseph 
K. Saeger. lie came herefrom North Whitehall to 
establish a foundry and machine-shop, and carried on 
sin h an establishment successfully lor about twelve 
year-, when he retired from the business, though he 
continued to reside in Allentown until bis death, in 
1855. His son, Eli J. Saeger, now one of the fore- 
most citizens of Allentown, took an active part in 



setting up the engine, and has ever retained an interest 
in the little piece of machinery. This engine was 
built by Rush & Muhlenberg, of Philadelphia. It i 
still in existence, and having sen ed well lor a number 

of years the purpose for which it was designed, was 

finally relegated to what may be called a subordinate 
position among the ponderous modern engines and 

olber machinery of the Thomas Iron Companj of 
Hokendauqua. This pioneer memento of manufac- 
turing enterprise is, however, not to be lost, for its 
present owners have signified their intention of 
mounting it upon a pedestal and thus making it a 
unique monument which shall perpetuate the inaugu- 
ration of the more advanced mechanical industries in 
Lehigh County. The little engine looks quite quaint, 
particularly because, though very small, it is a beam 
engine. The introduction ol this engine has no close 
connection with the establishment of the extensive 
iron-works of wdiich we shall speak first among the 
manufacturing interests of the city, but we have in- 
troduced it as an interesting isolated fact, and for the 
purpose of calling attention to the great contrast pre- 
sented by the conditions of the town and county in 
1837 and in 1884. 




FIRST ENGINE IN LEHIGH OODNTY. 

The people of Allentown were quite early astir to 
secure the benefits of iron manufacture in their midst. 
A meeting of citizens was held at the hotel of George 
Wetherhold on Jan. 28, 1845, "lor the purpose of 
adopting incisures for forming a company to erect an 
anthracite furnace for the manufacture of iron at or 
near Allentown." .1. W. Hornbeek was elected pre-- 

ident, and s. a. Bridges secretary. A committee of 

five persons was appointed to draft resolutions ex- 
pressive of the >. use of tie- meeting. One of these 
resolutions stated that ii was "considered of vast im- 



156 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



portance to this community that an anthracite fur- 
nace for the manufacture of iron should be estab- 
lished among us," and it was therefore resolved that 
a committee of five should be appointed to solicil 
subscriptions of stock under the general provisions of 
the law of 1880. This committee was duly appointed, 
and consisted of William H. Blumer, William Sae- 
ger, William Edelman, George Probst, and George 
Keck. It was expressed as the opinion of the men 
who drew up the resolutions that a capital of forty 
thousand dollars would be sufficient to carry out the 
project. Nothing whatever resulted from this move- 
ment, but it would doubtless have borne fruit had not 
the object aimed at been reached very speedily by the 
enterprise of others. The latter action was that 
which brought into existence the Allentown Iron- 
Works, one of the most prominent and successful es- 
tablishments of the valley. Samuel Lewis, after- 
wards the superintendent of the works, a native of 
Chester County (born in 1805), was indirectly, but 
none the less surely, the means of bringing into op- 
eration at Allentown this industry. He had been 
reared in the iron trade by his father, had worked 
under that celebrated ironmaster, James Colemans, at 
Elizabeth Furnace, in Lebanon County, and also at 
the Lehigh by the Blue Mountains, and later became 
engaged in the coal trade at Broad Mountain, back of 
Port Carbon, above Pottsville. He had thus become 
not only familiar with iron manufacture, but obtained 
a wide knowledge of the mineral region of Eastern 
Pennsylvania. In 1845 he was employed by Bevan & 
Humphries, a prominent and wealthy shipping firm of 
Philadelphia, who were on the alert for investments, 
to make an examination of the Lehigh Valley with es- 
pecial reference to the location of an anthracite fur- 
nace, for the making of iron with anthracite had by 
this time been demonstrated as entirely safe and suc- 
cessful by the five years' operation of the Crane 
works at Catasauqua. In the winter of 1845-46 he 
reported to Messrs. Bevan & Humphries in favor of 
Allentown as a location for the proposed furnaces, his 
decision being induced by the close proximity of ore- 
beds and the transportation facilities offered by the 
canal. He had not long left the capitalists' office 
when he chanced to meet Benjamin Parry, a noted 
foundryman, and Messrs. Haywood & Snyder, no less 
noted as engine-builders. He told them of the project 
under discussion, advising them to go to Messrs. 
Bevan & Humphries. They were not slow to act 
upon this advice, and before their conference had 
ended Mr. Parry had promised his assistance in build- 
ing the furnaces, and Messrs. Haywood & Snyder had 
received a heavy contract for building engines and 
making other machinery, with a check for five thou- 
sand dollars to bind the bargain. Such was the 
method of the firm when they once decided on a 
course of action. Bevan & Humphries bought on the 
1st of April, 1846, seventy-two acres of land from 
Adam Sterner, paying therefor one hundred dollars an 



acre. The title-papers were received on the 9th of 
April, and on election day in October the company 
produced its first pig-iron. This was very quick work. 
The furnace, to be sure, was small as compared with 
those now in use. It was thirty-five feet in height, 
and had twelve feet bosh or diameter. Furnace No. 2, 
built the following year, was of the same size. To- 
gether they had a capacity of about two hundred and 
fifty tons of iron per week. In 1851 the works were 
sold to a corporation, chartered, with two hundred 
thousand dollars capital, as the Allentown Iron Com- 
pany, and composed of David E. Wilson, Henry 
King, Esq., Christian Pretz, and Samuel Lewis, of 
Allentown, and Joseph Cabot, Nalbro Frazier, Ben- 
jamin W. Frazier, and Charles Cabot, of Philadel- 
phia. Of this company Joseph Cabot, who had been 
associated with Bevan & Humphries, was elected 
president, and held that office until his death, in 
1878, when John Lawler Welsh succeeded him. He 
in turn was succeeded, in 1881, by Mr. Fred. Prime, 
Si-., the present incumbent. After the change in the 
company, Nos. 3 and 4 Furnaces were built in 1853 
and 1854, and No. 5 Furnace in 1872, and Nos. 1 and 
2 enlarged, so that the present capacity of the fur- 
naces is about fifty thousand gross tons pig-iron per 
annum. Nos. 3 and 4 were each fifty-five feet in 
height, with sixteen feet bosh, and No. •"' was sixty- 
five feet in height, with seventeen feet bosh. Samuel 
Lewis, of Allentown, was the superintendent of the 
works from the start until 1878, and to him was very 
largely due their wonderful success, for few furnaces 
in the country have yielded greater returns than have 
these. His successor was Stephen B. Neumoyer, the 
present superintendent. The ores used by the com- 
pany since its inception were obtained, the hematites 
from Berks and Lehigh Counties, and the magnetic 
from New Jersey principally, and the iron made from 
them has always had a high reputation. The works 
when running at full capacity have employed a very 
large number of men, and have been a potent factor 
in Allentown's prosperity. 

The Allentown Rolling-Mill, second in age and 
first in importance among the iron-works of the city, 
dates, as an organized industry, from I860, but it has 
absorbed an establishment five years older, as well as 
two others started soon after its own origin. To begin 
with the institution antedating the rolling-mill we 
will say that, in 1855, Samuel A. Bridges, Nathan 
German, and James W. Wilson bought from Henry 
Nonnemacher eighty-five acres of laud in what is 
now the Sixth Ward, with a view of establishing a 
foundry and laying out a plat of lots as an addition 
to Allentown. Both projects may be described as 
successful. The company laid out streets and sold off 
one hundred thousand dollars worth of lots, and still 
have some left. Their foundry was carried on suc- 
cessfully for a number of years, and finally, Mr. Ger- 
man having retired and Messrs. Thayer and Erdmau 
becoming partners, sold, in 1878, to the Allentown 



Till-: CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



157 



Boiling-Mill Company for our hundred thousand dol- 
lars. This company, as wo have said, was organized in 
18(>0. Benjamin Haywood, ofPottsville, was one of the 
Leading spirits in tin/ enterprise, ami Christian Pn tz, 
Samuel A. Bridges, John D. Stiles, and others, of 
Allentown. were heavy stockholders. The Lehigh 
Boiling-Mill had been started in 1861 by Samuel 
Lewis. Merchant bar-iron was the original product 
Of this mill, but a year after it was established the 
manufacture of railroad-spikes and boiler-rivets — 
the latter made by the Butterworth solid die process 

— was added. Joseph B. Lewis was superintendent 
of the mill from the start until July, 1866, and after 
that time il was carried on under Francis S. Kent 

and Thomas < '. Brainerd, managers. Ii became, in 
1864, tlie property of an incorporated company, con- 
sisting of Samuel Lewis, president; Charles Cabot, 
John Cabot, Edward \V. Etting, Joseph (.'abut, Frank 
S. Kent, and Thomas < '. Brainerd. Through the mis- 
appropriation of funds by a member of the New York 
and Philadelphia firms through whom the product of 
the Lehigh mills was put in the market, the company 
failed and the works were sold at sheriff's sale, being 
bidden in by Henry Schnurman, who leased them for 
one year to Reuben S. Shinier and Thomas J. Saeger. 
These gentlemen carried them on for a time, and they 
then passed into the bands of a receiver, by whom 
they were transferred to the Allentown Rolling-Mill 
Company in 1868. The property is still called by 
this company the Lehigh Mill. The Roberts Iron 
Company was organized in 1862, the principal stock- 
holders being George B. Roberts, Algernon Roberts, 
and Edward Roberts, Sr., of Philadelphia; A. Par- 
dee and George B. Markle, of Hazleton ; William 
Lilley, of Mauch Chunk; Eli J. Saeger and Samuel 
Mel lose, of Allentown. This company built two 
blast-furnaces and operated them until 1871, when 
they were merged with the property of the Allentown 
Rolling-Mill Company. This organization carried 
on business until 1882, when a charter was obtained 
for the Allentown Rolling-Mills, under which the 
pn-, hi corporation succeeded to the property and 
business of the Allentown Rolling-Mill Company. 
The products of the works are pig-metal, iron rails, 
merchant bar-iron, rolled shafting and car-axles, 
rolled beams ami angles, railroad chairs and fish- 
plates, bolts, nuts, rivets, locomotive turn-tables, 
steam-engines and shafting, mill-gearing, blast-fur- 
nace and rolling-mill castings, mining-pumps, etc. 
When in full operation the works give employment 
to twelve hundred men and produce about twenty-five 
thousand ion- of pig-metal and thirty thousand tons 
of rails, merchant iron, and other finished irons per 
annum. The officers of the corporation are: Presi 
deut, A. Pardee, Jr.; Secretary and Treasurer, 11. 
W. Allison; General Superintendent, C. II. Nimson. 
The Lehigh Iron Company "as organized in the 
latter part of 1867. The work- comprise two anthra- 
cite blast-furnaces. The furnace known as No. 1 was 



built in 1868, and that as No. 2 in 1872. No. 1 is six- 
teen by fifty-five feet, and No. 2 seventeen by sixty 
feci. The motive power for running the works con- 

-i-i- of two large condensing engines, both built by I. 

I'. Morris & Co., of Philadelphia, and possessing a 
capacity of about two hundred and fifty horse-powei 
each. Tin- blast is heated by two large modern-built 
hot blast- or ovens to : i temperature of eighl hundred 

to nine hundred degrees Fahrenheit, the pressure of 

the blast required varying from -even to nine pounds 
to the square inch. The enterprise was projected by 

Hon. William H. Ainey, president of the Second Na- 
tional Bank of Allentown. and the business and finan- 
cial management of the concern has been under his 
control and direction from its organization to the 
present time. After Mr. Ainey, Mr. F. J. Hart, a 
wealthy merchant of New Orleans and a former resi- 
dent of Allentown, holds the next largest interest. 
The balance of the stock is held almost entirely 
; in Lehigh County. This i- not the case with the 
other important industrial establishments in Lehigh 
County, they being generally owned by nonresi- 
dents. The first directors of the Lehigh Iron Com- 
pany were William II. Ainey, Asa Balliet, Aaron 
Balliet, Thomas Barber, and Hiram Balliet, three of 
whom are now dead, viz. : Asa 1 !a I Met, Thomas Bar- 
ber, and Hiram Balliet. The present board consists 
of William H. Ainey, Aaron Balliet, Martin Kem- 
rui t cr, Benjamin J. Hagenbuch, and Milton Appel. 
The first-named gentleman is president and treasun c 
of the company. Harrison Bortz is the practical man- 
ager of the immediate operations at the furnaces and 
mines. The product of these furnaces amounts an- 
nually from twenty-two thousand to twenty-five thou- 
sand gross tons of pig metal, mostly No. 1 x, and No. 
2 x, which is sold to the foundries, being in especial 
demand by the hardware and stove manufacturers of 
the Eastern and Middle State-. The company own 
and operate a large number of hematite ore mines in 
Lehigh County, which give employment to between 
two hundred and three hundred men in mining, 
weighing, hauling, and shipping the same by railroad 
to the furnaces. The company also has upon its 
premises, within a stone's throw of its furnaces, large 
deposits or beds of magiiesian Mine-tone. These are 
used in the furnaces for fluxing the ores. The quar- 
ries are very extensive, and when in full operation 
from one hundred to one hundred and lilty tons are 
daily taken out, broken, and delivered in the stock- 
houses for daily consumption. This furnish, 
ployment to upwards of fifty men. There are also 
upwards of one hundred men employed at the fur- 
naces in handling the stock, filling the material, and 
as keepers, helper-, cindcrnien, engineers, carpenters, 

blacksmiths, repairmen, etc. The works are 1 
at Aineyville, on the west bank of the river Lehigh, 
about one-quarter of a mile beyond the southeast 
boundary of the city of Allentown, and near the 
junction of the Lehigh Valley and Fast Penn Rail- 



158 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNT!", PENNSYLVANIA. 



muds. This location furnishes excellent railroad fa- 
cilities for receiving material and shipping the prod- 
uct, its own railroad tracks making direct connec- 
tion with both these roads. It is also connected with 
the Lehigh Canal by an iron railroad bridge over the 
Lehigh l!i\< r, by which the Lehigh and Schuylkill 

Railroad can also be reached for -hipping purposes 
when necessary. In addition to the hematite large 
quantities of magnetic ores are daily used. These arc 
received from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsyl- 
vania. It requires upwards of one hundred tons of 
coal daily to run the two furnaces. The monthly re- 
ceipts and expenditures together aggregate, when in 
full operation, from $75,000 to $100,000, and annually 
from $900,0011 to si ,J()o,000, according to market price 
of product and cost of materials, which varies mate- 
rially from year to year. The company has upwards 
of fifty acres of land immediately about the works, 
and a number of houses which are occupied by its 
workmen. Though the manufacture of pig-iron has 
been generally unprofitable in the Lehigh Valley for 
the past ten years, the Lehigh Iron Company has 
been one of the very few which has earned and de- 
clared dividends to its stockholders. 

Harrison Bortz, lor a long term manager and secre- 
tary of the works, is the descendant of a German 
family who were among the earliest settlers in Berks 
County, Pa., his grandfather having been a native of 
Rockland township, and later a resident of Long 
Swamp township in the same county, where he was 
first a miller, and subsequently a farmer until the 
event of his death. He married Miss Mary Hoffman, 
and had children, — Gideon, Owen, Jonas, William, 
Nathan, Benneville, Edwin, and two daughters, 
Fianna and Caroline. Owen was born in Rockland 
township, Berks Co., and remained at home until he 
had learned the trade of a miller, when he removed 
to Lehigh County, and for seven years conducted a 
mill. He later became a farmer, and is now engaged 
in the coal business at Allentown. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Hannah Wenner, of South White- 
hall township, Lehigh Co., whose children are Har- 
rison, Lewis F., William (deceased), and Mary (Mrs. 
Emerson Scbock). Harrison Bortz was born Nov. 15, 
1844, in South Whitehall, now Whitehall township. 
In early youth he removed to Macungie, and varied 
the time between farm labor and attendance at the 
school of the neighborhood. At the age of fifteen he 
became a pupil of the classical school at Quakertown, 
and later of the Excelsior Normal School at Carvers- 
ville, Pa. He then engaged for a period in teaching, 
and subsequently entered Muhlenberg College. He 
meanwhile joined a corps of engineers, and for a year 
practiced surveying, after which, in 1869, he entered 
the employ of the Lehigh Iron Company as outside 
superintendent. From this position he was succes- 
sively promoted until he became manager and secre- 
tary of the works, having proved by years of service 
his thorough knowledge of the ironmaster's craft, and 



hi- efficiency as an executive officer. Mr. Bortz was 
married Aug. 24, 1867, to Miss Emma II., daughter 
of George 11. and Rebecca Sanders, of South White- 
hall township. Their children are Cassius U.,Ida L., 
Oliver F., and Harrison O. G. Sir. Bortz, while no! 
an active politician, evinces a keen interest in the 
success of the Republican party ; has been live times 
a delegate to State Conventions, and was, in 1n.su, 
delegate to the National Convention. He has been 
for four years chairman of the County Executive 
Committee, and for twelve years school director in a 
district largely Democratic. He is a director of the 
Coopersburg Turnpike Company and the Emaus 
Home Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Bortz 
is a member of the Lutheran Church of Salisbury, 
in which he has been an officer. He is identified 
with the Masonic fraternity, as member of Greeuleaf 
Lodge, and is also a member of the Allen Lodge of 
Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, and Greeuleaf 
Lodge of Knights of Pythias. 

A number of minor manufactories of iron — some of 
them small only by contrast with the great mills 
and furnaces — are carried on, and collectively form 
an important industry. 

The oldest of these houses, dating back to 1837, is 
that of Barber, Keiser & Co. It was started by Jo- 
seph K. Saeger, in the year mentioned, and it was in 
this foundry that he set up the first steam-engine 
used in Lehigh County, mentioned at the beginning 
of this chapter. Mr. Saeger carried on the foundry 
for about a dozen years. In 1853, Thomas Barber, 
the father of one of the present firm, became the prin- 
cipal owner and manager, and while the style of the 
firm has been changed several times, the name of 
Barber has always appeared in it, and some one of 
that family has always been prominent in its control. 
Until 1873 the business of the firm was purely local, 
although quite extensive. They were engaged in 
building blast-furnaces, rolling-mills, and machinery 
for iron mines principally, but Mr. Thomas Barber 
and Edward Sherer, partners in the business for 
many years, were millwrights, and most of the mills 
in this section of country were furnished with their 
gearing and iron work from these shops. During the 
panic of 1873 and the succeeding years, the iron 
business was so terribly depressed in this section that 
they began to seek for a wider market, and during 
the past nine years succeeded in building up a trade 
throughout the United States and Canada. The prin- 
cipal products of the works are turbine water-wheels, 
bark-mills, engines, boilers, mill-gearing, and all other 
work common to such extensive machine-shops. The 
firm, consisting of W. H. Barber and Bernard Keysor, 
with silent partner, employs about eighty men. 

Thomas Barber, the son of William Barber, was 
born in Bath, Northampton Co., in the year 1811. 
His trade was that of a millwright, at which he 
achieved great distinction in his early days, aud was 
known far and wide as a skilled artisan. His services 




^ 



{XA/t*^?^ 



rf&y? 





^f ^ ^etyr^-cyf 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



159 



were constantly in demand, and many of the mills 
in the eastern section of the State were erected under 
his immediate supervision. As early as 1844 he pro- 
ceeded to Como, 111., and built one of the most exten- 
sive mills then in existence in that part of Illinois. 
He left Como for Dayton, a small town in another 
part of the State, and engaged in the milling business 
until the death of his first wife. Subsequently he re- 
moved to Allentown, and was prevented from going 
to Australia by his brother Stephen, who induced 
him to take an interest in the foundry and machine- 
shop then owned by George Probst and others. He 
continued in this business until bis death, havinu 
made bis son, William H. Barber, a partner in the 
business, the firm being known as Barber & Son. Mr. 
Barber was also extensively known as an iron man, 
having been one of the originators of the Boberts, 
Lehigh, and Topton Furnaces, though at the time of 
his decease he was interested in the Lehigh only. 

Mr. Barber was married on the 19th of June, 1834, 
to Mary Ann, daughter of John Romig, Sr., of Allen- 
town, and sister of Dr. John ami the late William J. 
Romig. Their children were William H. and Joseph 
(nt' Allentown), Hannah (Mrs. Harry J. Smith, of 
New Haven, Conn.), and Mattie (of Genesee, 111.). 
Mrs. Barber died Oct. 23, 1852, and be was a second 
time married, on the 2d of February, 1854, to Mrs. 
Mary Eckert, daughter of Jacob and Mary Stein, of 
Allentown, who survives him. The death of Mr. 
Barber occurred on the 6th of August, 1879. 

William Harrison Barber was born in North White- 
hall township July 29, 1843, his parents being Thomas 
and Mary Romig Barber. His father was a mill- 
wright by profession, of more than local reputation 
i as a craftsman of superior talent. In 1844 he moved 
to Illinois, called there to fill a contract for building 
a large mill for parties in Philadelphia, on which trip 
hi- -on accompanied him. There the lad remained 
until ten years of age, when he returned to Allen- 
town, and enjoyed the advantage of superior instruc- 
tion. Before returning from the West he had been 
deprived by death of the counsel and affection of a 
mother, a loss which he deeply realized. After leaving 
school he again returned to Illinois, almost a child in 
years. This was an undertaking of no small daring, 
manifesting a spirit of enterprise and determination 
rare in one of such tender years. Soon after the spirit 
of adventure, deeply rooted in his nature, tempted 
him to seek something more exciting in life, and 
hearing glowing descriptions of hidden fortunes in 
the neighborhood of Pike's Peak, he started for that 
new-found Eldorado, in company with several other 
young spirits. He was then fourteen years of age, a 
tender age, indeed, iu which to venture so far into 
almost unexplored regions without guide or counsel. 
He reached the limits of Nebraska Territory, when 
gome disagreement among himself and companions 
took place, and he left them. Companionless and 
al si moneyless, he engaged to labor on a farm or 



ranche in that isolated district, where he remained 
for about two months, when, tiring of the dull monot- 
ony of such a practical lite, he managed by various 
expedients to get back to Illinois, making (lenesee 
his headquarters. His family and friend-, fearing the 
consequences of this roving disposition, persuaded 
him to return to Pennsylvania. Heal oner agrei 

and started for the old Keystone Slate, at least in ap- 
pearance, but with the mental reservation in the 
promise to do as he pleased. He, however, came to 
Allentown, having grown so much in his absence as 
to pass beyond the recognition of his friends. After 
a brief interval in the foundry owned by his father 
he engaged in teaching at Slatington, and continued 
thus employed until 1860, when an effort was made to 
enlist in the United States marine service. His youth 
proving an obstacle to a naval career, he repaired to 
Camden, N. J., and secured employment in a ma- 
chine-shop, where, young and inexperienced as he 
was, he commanded full wages as a journeyman. 

After another fruitless effort to enter the United 
States service during the late war, he removed to Allen- 
town, and was elected teacher of the public schools in 
the Sixth Ward. He taught for eight months, studying 
himself in the mean time. He then entered the office 
of the late E. J. Moore, Esq., counselor, as a student, 
and read law while teaching. In 1862, still full of 
the fire of patriotism and adventure, he eulisted, 
though under eighteen years of age. He passed muster 
at Camp Curtin, and was detailed as clerk of recruiting 
service of Pennsylvania, under Maj. Dodge. He then 
went with a squad of recruits for the Forty-seventh 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers to South Carolina, 
commanded by Col. T. H. Good. There he was de- 
tailed as clerk of military commissions for that State. 
Having entered the regiment enlisted in originally, 
he was sent with it to garrison Fort Taylor, Key West, 
and the Dry Tortugas. He was afterwards detailed as 
senior clerk of the commissary and quartermaster de- 
partment. This was an important and responsible 
position, as more than a million and a half dollars 
were there invested in military stores. He remained 
about fifteen months, when the regiments were bri- 
gaded, and he was ordered to accompany Gen. Banks 
on his Red River expedition, as a member of Gen. 
McMillen's staff. He took part in the battle- of Sa- 
bine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, and the various ^kir- 
mishes on the route. At the close of this campaign 
the regiment was brought North and placed in Sheri- 
dan's army. He was under fire at Cedar ( reek, and 
one of the eager watchers of Sheridan's famous ride. 
He remained brigadier's clerk until the close of the 
war, and was honorably discharged, after serving for 
two years and eleven months. 

Mr. Barber then returned to Allentown, and applied 
to his father for employment in the shop. At this 
time the factory numbered but sixteen men on its 
labor roll, and its business was entirely local. His 
lather, then at the head of it, was largely interested 



160 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in blast-furnaces, and tired of the management of the 
.shop. Harry at once conceived the idea of enlarging 
the works and extending the business. This was ef- 
fected, and orders multiplied, until it required eighty- 
five to ninety men to do the work. During the panic 
Mr. Barber found it necessary to find additional fields 
for their products. He became acquainted with A. N. 
Wolf, Esq., the inventor of the turbine water-wheel, 
still made by the firm. Considering the invention a 
good one, he secured the right to manufacture them 
on royalty, advertised extensively with mill machinery, 
etc., and succeeded in building up an excellent trade. 
By this time he owned one fourth of the establishment. 
In 1879, his father having died, he purchased the 
works from the heirs, with the patent-rights of the 
turbine-wheels from Mr. Wolf, and became sole pro- 
prietor. He also invented a bark-mill, and with these 
two specialties renewed and redoubled his efforts, and 
built up a trade which now extends to every State in i 
the Union, as well as Nova Scotia, British Columbia, 
Brazil, England, and Germany. 

Mr. Barber was at all times identified with the Re- 
publican party, though latterly he took a less active 
part in politics. He was heartily interested in all 
that pertained to the improvement and prosperity of 
Allentown, few men of his age having contributed 
more to the city's welfare. 

He was married Dec. 28, 1868, to Anne L., daughter 
of Archibald and Amanda Wilson, of Baltimore, Md. 
Their children are Thomas Wilson, George Romig, 
Laura Amanda (deceased), Anna Louisa, Robert 
Archibald, and William Harrison, Jr. The death 
of Mr. Barber occurred July 18, 1883, in his fortieth 
year. 

Joseph Barber is the son of Thomas and Mary Ann 
Romig Barber, and was born in Allentown June 11, 
1838. In 1845 he removed with his lather to Illi- 
nois, where ten years were spent, — five in Whiteside 
County and five in Henry County. During the latter 
period he was employed on the farm and in the mill 
owned by his parent. Returning to Allentown, in 
1855, he entered his father's shop as apprentice to the 
trade of a machinist, but was influenced by circum- 
stances at the expiration of a year to abandon his 
trade and begin a career of independence. He sought 
service for a while on the Lehigh Canal, and later on 
board a schooner plying between New York and 
Providence. He returned again to Allentown in 1858, 
and later finished his trade with his uncle, Levi Bar- j 
her, at Bath, Pa., who was engaged in the manufac- 
ture of agricultural implements. He was, Oct. 6, 
1860, married to Miss Sarah L. Lilly, daughter of 
George and Mary Lilly, to whom were born five chil- 
dren, — William E., Anna M., Minerva L., Edward F., 
and Joseph H. After a brief interval in New Haven, 
Conn., he again became a resident of Allentown, and 
on the 11th of September, 1861, enlisted in the Forty- 
seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was 
discharged July 28, 1864, having served in several 



important engagements. He then resumed his trade, 
both at Allentown and Mauch Chunck. On the death 
of his father Mr. Barber acquired a one- fourth inter- 
est in the business, which was retained for two years 
and then sold to his brother. In June, 1880, he em- 
barked in the tobacco and hardware business, and two 
years later, having sold his stock, returned to the shop 
as superintendent. In August, 1883, in connection 
with John Allen and Charles Collum, under the firm- 
name of Allen, Barber & Collum, he purchased the 
boiler-shop, and now conducts that branch of the 
business. Mr. Barber is in politics a Republican, but 
not an aspirant for office. He is a member of Post 
Yeager, No. 13, of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
as also of the Patriotic Order Sons of America and 
its Commandery. 

William F. Moser is engaged in a line of manufac- 
ture similar to that of the firm just mentioned, — tur- 
bine water-wheels and bark-mills. This manufactory 
was established in 1863 by Neligh & Moser, and since 
that time the firm has undergone four distinct changes, 
at present being under the sole control of Mr. Moser, 
who is a man of about fifty years of age, and a native 
of the county. The works consist of five buildings, 
the machinery is driven by a thirty horse-power en- 
gine, and about forty men are employed. 

The spike-factory now owned by James W. Wilson 
& Son was established about twenty years ago by 
George W. Curtiss & Co. Subsequently the property 
passed into the posession of Nathaniel Tay, a member 
of the original firm, and was by him sold, in June, 
1871, to the present owners. The product of the fac- 
tory consists of railroad and mining spikes, of which 
from five to six tons are made per day. Although a 
market is found for a large part of the output in the 
Lehigh Valley, many orders are received from other 
parts of Pennsylvania, from points in the West, and 
in the Southern States. The works employ about 
fifteen men. 

The first works devoted exclusively and extensively 
to boiler-making were established by Matthew Rhoda 
and John T. Noble in the Hope Rolling-Mill, in the 
spring of 1865. Branch establishments were carried 
on also at Pottsville and Mahanoy. The partnership 
between these gentlemen continued for nearly ten 
years, and Mr. Rhoda was then associated with 
Horace Gross for about one year. Subsequently Mr. 
Rhoda, who became known as the inventor and pat- 
entee of a blow-off device for steam boilers, and sev- 
eral other useful inventions, started the Union Boiler- 
Works in Bethlehem. 

The Union Steam Boiler-Works were established 
in 1869 by their present owners and managers, Messrs. 
Cole & Heilman. The works occupy large buildings 
on Front and Linden Streets, and employ a large 
number of hands. The products of the manufactory 
are locomotive-boilers and tanks, vertical and cylin- 
drical boilers, blast- and steam-pipes, stacks, etc. 

In 1873, II. H. Fisher established himself in his 




J^l/fA /3^^^~~ 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



161 



present business, — tlic iiiauii l:ici un- of ^:is anil water- 
pipes and car-castings, of which there are often pro- 
duced twenty tons daily, the greater par) being taken 

by the Lehigh Car Company of Stem ton. The market 
for -team- and gas-pipes is general. They are shipped 
tu all parts of the I'liiteil Slates, ami even I" SOmi 

foreign countries. The works, which are quite ex- 
tensive, are situated on Jordan Creek, between Ham- 
ilton and Walnut Street-. The machinery is moved 

by a twenty-five horse-power engine. Ninety men 
find employment in this, establishment, under the 
superintendence of Mr. A. s. Shimi 

A foundry and general machine-shop was founded 
in L870, by Nadig $ Wright,on North Fourth Street. 
In I875, Henry Nadig .v Brother Philip) succeeded 
to the ownership, and are still carrying on the estab- 
lishment. They occupy a two-story brick building, 
one hundred by one hundred and thirty feet, and em- 
ploy at least twenty hands. Their specialties are 
engines, with all of their appliances and connections. 

An interesting industry which employs steel rather 
than iron as its material is the cutlery establishment 
of C. F. Wolfertz & Co., on the Ridge mad, estab- 
lished in L862 by the senior member of the present 

firm. He continued alone until 1*7-'!, when the 

firm became Wolfertz & Waldman. The next and 
laM change was in 1879, when it was succeeded by 

Wolfertz & Co., the sons of Mr. W. representing 
the " Co." The history of the enterprise is inter- 
esting. The first motive power was furnished by 
dogs, which turned a large wheel, which in turn pro- 
pelled the other machinery. But this primitive stj le 
of moving machinery was found to be insufficient, 
and as his lmsiness increased Mr. Wolfertz had to 
look for other power. He next tried water-power, 
which for a time answered the requirements, but as 
time moved on, it, too, was found inadequate and too 
irregular. Hi- progress and success compelled him 
to introduce steam and machinery of a more exten- 
sive and improved character, until he found that his 
original premises, though enlarged, were too small to 
modate his business. Accordingly he looked 

about for a location to establish his works, and se- 
cured a site at the corner of Chew Street and Ridge 
road, and at once erected a commodious building, to 
which he removed from his old location on Hamilton 
Street, on May 1, 1881. The dimensions of this es- 
tablishment are as follow-: Entire front, sixty-seven 
feet; main building, ninety-seven feet deep; forging- 
shop, twenty by twenty-four feet ; raw-material room, 

twenty feel square; office and water S, twenty by 

eighty feet; the whole, with the exception of the 
engine-room, being two stories, and constructed of 

brick. More than forty operators, most of whom are 

ts in the working of steel and finishing of fine 

cutlery, are engaged here, while one fifteen horse- 
power engine is required to move the machinery. 
The firm confine- itself to the manufacture of pen 
and pocket cutlery. 
11 



The manufacture of iron railings was begun in this 
city, in 18t!7, by Reuben Soliday, and he has con- 
stantly followed it since, inventing and patenting in 
the mean time a number of orni sntal forms of rail- 
ings and fences. He now manufactures from twenty- 
five to thirty kind-, besides garden ornaments, flower- 
stands, etc. He en ploys about ten hand- at his 
manufactory, corner of Ninth and Walnut Streets. 

George L. Knauss established in L875 a small ma- 
chine- and repair-shop, which he was soon compelled 
to enlarge. In 1878 he took into partnership Lewis 
F. Grammes, the name of the firm then being made 
Knauss t v Co., and so continued until January, 1881, 
when it was changed to Knauss >V Gramme I hej 

employed in I n hands, who, on account of the 

pressure Of demand for their various lines of light 
machinery, were kept at work twelve hours per day. 
Finding that their business was too large for the -bop 
they had been using, they leased astore-room, No. 726 
Hamilton Street, aud a building in the rear, on Maple 
Street, which they provided with such machinery as 
they needed. On Jan. 1, 1883, C. P>. Wannamaker 
was admitted to the firm, and in the following April 
Mr. Knauss retired and was succeeded by C. J. P. 
Bittuer, the firm then becoming Bittner, Grammes iV 
Co., as it now exists. The articles manufactured are 
lathes, knitting machines, cigar box machinery, tower 
clocks, etc. 

The Phoenix Brass- and Iron- Works are the out- 
growth of a small industry established without capital 
by their present proprietor, Edward Gough, in L875. 
The products of these works, located near the Allen- 
town Rolliug-Mill Company's office, are rolling-mill 
machinery, chilled and soft rolls, church bells, and all 
kinds of brass castings. Teu mechanics are employed 
in the works, and an engine of twenty horse-power is 
required to drive the machinery. 

The Lehigh Valley File-Works were started in a 
small way in 1865, by the senior member of the pres- 
ent firm of L. Kilian & Co. From the manufactory 
on N'orth Fifth Street most of the leading iron com- 
panies in the valley are supplied, and files are sent 
also over the entire State. William Gruel and 1 [enry 
Ruerup are also engaged in this industry, having 
commenced since Mr. Kilian's -tart in the business*. 

Among the newer firms engaged in iron manufac- 
ture are Spangler & Schantz, who have a foundry and 
machine-shop at Third and Walnut Streets. The 
works were established by Charles Spangler and II. 
J. Schadt, and Milton P. Schantz became a p 
soon afterward. The firm became Spangler ec 
Schantz, March 1, 1883. The products of the estab- 
lishment they carry on are engines, mill, running and 
hoisting machinery, building castings, etc. 

Silk Manufacture— The Adelaide Mills.— One 

of the mo-t important, though one of the newest, 

manufactures in the city is that of -ilk, carried on in 
the Adelaide Mill-, which are a monument to the en- 
terprise and liberality of Allentown's substantia] men. 



162 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



In the spring of 1880, the Phoenix Manufacturing 
Company of Paterson, N. J., through R. M. Ek- 
ings, real estate agent of that city, advertised in 
the New York papers for a site somewhere in the 
Eastern States suitable for the location of a silk mill. 
This advertisement coming to the notice of the people 
of this city, a correspondence was had, which resulted 
in a visit to the city of Allentown by the parties from 
Paterson, N. J., principally interested in the enter- 
prise, viz., Albert Tilt, president of the Phoenix Manu- 
facturing Company, and Emil Greeff, Philip Galla- 
gher, and R. M. Ekings. The general advantages 
of the city as to labor, competing railroads, cheap 
living, etc., were satisfactorily shown to the visitors, 
and they being very favorably impressed, indicated a 
location (the site upon which the Adelaide Mills now 
stand), and expressed a desire that the citizens of 
Allentown should in some way identify themselves 
with the enterprise. The matter was accordingly 
submitted to the Board of Trade of the city of Allen- 
town, under whose auspices a meeting of citizens was 
called for the purpose of determining upon some 
means whereby the enterprise might receive the 
proper support. When the meeting was held, a com- 
mittee consisting of Messrs. Aaron G. Reninger, H. 
A. Stillwagen, Robert E. Wright, Sr., and W. R. 
Lawfer was appointed to solicit subscriptions from 
citizens for the purchase of the ground selected and 
the erection of buildings suitable for the manufacture 
of silk. The committee at once carried forward the 
work, and with such success that $70,000 was raised 
to pay for the land and necessary buildings. On the 
10th day of July, 1880, another committee, consisting 
of Charles W. Cooper, Aaron G. Reninger, and Mor- 
ris L. Kauffman, was appointed and empowered to 
proceed to Paterson and close the contract with the 
parties there for the erection of buildings and ma- 
chinery for the purpose mentioned. The last two 
gentlemen being unable to serve, Col. T. H. Good 
and D. O. Saylor were appointed in their places, and 
with Mr. Cooper consummated arrangements with the 
Paterson gentlemen. 

The title to the property was vested in Mr. Levi 
Line until such time as the Phoenix Manufacturing 
Company shoulcj demand it, under their agreement. 
After due advertisement and proposals being received, 
Mr. Line awarded the contract for the erection of the 
building to Thomas W. Snyder, receiving the approval 
of the executive committee appointed at a meeting of 
the subscribers, known as the Silk Factory Fund 
Association, which committee consisted of Messrs. 
James K. Moser, David O. Saylor, Col. T. H. Good, 
Aaron G. Reninger, and H. A. Stillwagen. The con- 
tract price was $46,970.66. The erection of the build- 
ings was under the superintendence of Thomas 
Steckel for Levi Line and the subscribers, A. J. 
Derron, Jr., & Co., being the supervising architects. 
During the third week of September, 1880, ground 
was broken for the foundation of the buildings, from 



which time rapid progress was made in the work of 
erection. It becoming apparent to the executive 
committee that the amount subscribed and covered 
by the mortgage of $70,000 would be insufficient for 
the completion of the buildings, efforts were made 
for further subscriptions. Several meetings of all the 
subscribers being held, a second mortgage of $15,000 
was given upon the premises, the bonds secured by 
this mortgage being willingly taken by parties who 
had originally subscribed for the first mortgage bonds, 
and the balance of the cash required was obtained 
from the Allentown National Bank by placing the 
unissued bonds — amounting to $12,000 — as collateral 
security, twenty-four prominent citizens guaranteeing 
payment to the bank. 

Following is a complete list of the subscribers to 
the fund for building the mills: 



EHiger Real Estate Associa- 
tion 

W. W.Kurtz 

Coplav Cemeut Company.... 

A. F. Peters 

Leisenring, Trexler ■'. Co 

Moser A Keck 

A. M. Springer A Co 

H. A. Stillwagen 

A. G. Reniuger & Co 

A. G. Reninger 

31. L. Kauffman 

Col. T. H. Good 

R. E. Wright A Son 

W. R. Lawfer A Co 

W. R. Lawfer 

F. Ilersh A Sons 

Wm. G. Ritter 

John Bowen A Co 

John Bowen 

L. D. Krause 

Bittuer A Hunsieker Bros... 

S. B. Anewalt 

Schnurman, Roth & Co 

J. L. Fair A Co 

D. H. Wannemaker 

Ki] li>' Bros 

J. S Biery 

H. K. Hartzel 

Feldman A Schnurman 

W.R. Steckel 

T. B. Metzger 

E. G. Martin 

Shinier & Laub 

Andrew S. Keck 

Edward Harvey 

Thomas Steckel 

Johnston A Swart/. 

M. S. Young .v Co 

Peter Seibert 

Peter Schultz 

Solomon Boyer 

John E. Lentz A Co 

Wm. Roth 

H. NadigA Bro 

Jacob Grim 

Weinsheimer A Newhard... 

S. AL J Helfrich 

Guth A Kern 

Oscar Meyer 

August Weber 

Reuben Stabler 

Charles D. Martin 

R. II. Kramut 

E. J. Danowsky 

Hersh A Bro 

Win. Berkemeyer. 

Abner H. Wint 

L. A. T. Wartman A Son.... 

Abrm. S. Grim 

Henry Schock 

B. F. Hagenbuch 

Sterner A Kress 

A. J. Kleppinger 

Tilgh. Schadl 

Robert Stack bouse 

Joseph Minnich 

Evan Holben 

A, .1. Brelnig a T. G. Half- 
rich 

Robert Iredell, Jr 

Keller A Bro 



-:,.ih»i 

4.III1H 

1,700 

1,(100 

1,500 

1,400 

700 

600 

1)00 

500 

1,300 

1,400 

1,100 

Slid 

500 
700 
500 

7(111 
.'.mi 
700 
7(1(1 
.",00 
700 

1,(1(1(1 
lion 

1,50(1 
55(1 

1,000 
600 

1,(10(1 

1,300 

1,200 

600 

700 

600 

1,200 

7(1(1 
500 
450 
300 
450 

sou 

300 
250 
200 
300 
300 
200 
200 
260 

•JIM I 

150 
300 
160 

15(1 
150 
100 
150 

mil 

1(!0 

100 

inn 
■200 
250 

"mi 
Hill 
2(1(1 

100 
150 
250 



John Newhard 52(10 

100 
S00 
201) 
100 
100 
100 
100 
Kin 
100 



Straub A Harrar.. 
W. K. Rube 

H. M. Leh 

Milton M. Kline 

J. W. Leith 

Mrs. M. A. G. Guldiu.. 

Joshua Stabler 

Joshua Schnurman 

W. L. Blackmail.. 



Philip E. Bahl 1,800 

Jeremiah Roth 500 

Jacob G. Deshler 700 

D. J. F. Deshler 800 

Charles Detweiler 500 

Christian Hohl 700 

Man us C. L. Kline 200 

H. C. Trexler 760 

J. P.Barnes 400 

Walter P. Huber 600 

W. H. Barber 200 

Valentine Hoffman 400 

II. II. Fisher 1,200 

Conrad Pfaff 400 

Otto Meyer 300 

Frank B. Fogel 250 

Koch A Shankweiler 100 

Yeager A Culbertson 100 

August Weiduer 100 

W.Grossman 200 

Deshler Bros 100 

Zellner Bros ISO 

Cole a Heilman 250 

L. P. Hecker 250 

Wm. F. Hecker Km 

T. 11. Boyer 100 

James B.Smith 100 

Thomas w Snyder In. Km 

Alfred J.Martin 500 

William Saeger 1,200 

! Edward Ruhe 600 

Alfred G.Saeger 1,200 

C. J. Erdman 500 

John Biery 200 

1 Henry T.KIeckner 200 

Thomas T. Martin 200 

Frederick Eberhard 200 

ME. Martin 200 

Eli J. Saeger 200 

Thomas W. Saeger 2un 

E. S. Wertz 200 

Hofford Bros 200 

Samuel Lewis 200 

W iiii.ini is. Schaffer 150 

William A. Ronev 150 

John W. Ochs..... 100 

S. M Keiper 100 

Henry Bitting 150 

James Wise 150 

Bittner A Hartman 100 

Henry Burkhard 100 

C.Frank Haines 1,000 

Charles W. Cooper 1,200 

Josoph Lieberman 500 

I'll is Johnston 200 

D. o. Sayloi 100 

Esuias Rehrig 100 

11. K. Kurtz 300 

B. Jarrett 150 

John fiupp Km 

John R. Schall 100 

S. A. Bridges 500 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



163 



Samuel A. Biitz S;")(«i J. H. Berger 

Fegeley \ l!r-> ">uii Knausa & firunmefl 

Joseph Young 200 Samuel llielil 

Barber, Keyser A Co 200 Deifer & Bro 

John E.Lent! 100 William Welghtman 

William II. Weinshimer 100 Lewis Klump 100 

The handsome brick structure erected through the 
enterprise of the citizens of Allentown is tour stories 
in height, with a basement, and its dimensions are 
two hundred and fifty by fifty feet, with an extension 
on the west side. The Phoenix Manufacturing Com- 
pany of Paterson, N. J., put into this building in the 
fall of 1881 over one hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars worth of machinery. The works were form- 
ally dedicated and opened Nov. 17, 1881, on which 
occasion speeches were made, a fine collation served, 
ami the evening devoted to a social reception. These 
mills, which were named the Adelaide in honor of 
the wife of Albert Tilt, president of the Phcenix 
Manufacturing Company, employ from four to five 
hundred hands, chiefly boys and girls, and their 
annual output is very large. The first, second, and 
third floors are devoted to the spinning of silk, and 
the fourth to weaving. The manufacture of ribbons 
will probably be commenced in the near future. 

Woolen Manufactures. — One of the heaviest in- 
dustries of the city, but a comparatively new one, 
except at one house, is the manufacture of woolen 
goods. The first enterprise in this line was estab- 
lished here in 1850 by Henry Gabriel, who had, 
however, begun in the same business in Macungie 
as early as 1839. His present mill, from which 
seamless hosiery, coverlets, quilts, and yarns, both in 
woolen and cotton, are turned out in large quantities, 
is a three-story brick building, twenty by one hun- 
dred and fifty feet, at the foot of Water Street. Both 
steam- and water power are used, and in the various 
departments about fifty employes are busied. The 
value of the goods manufactured amounts to about 
twenty-five thousand dollars per year. 

The establishment of Shinier, Pretz & Co., on 
Third Street, unlike that just described, is devoted 
entirely to the manufacture of woolen goods. Chris- 
tian Pretz erected the building in 1872, and it was 
immediately occupied by the present firm, which is 
composed of James O. Shinier, Henry and John 
Pretz. For three years they made cassimeres, but in 
1875 they began to manufacture stockings, which, in 
great variety, now form their principal production, 
although they have recently entered upon the manu- 
facture of Jersey cloths. The mill is run by steatn- 
and water-power, contains the most approved ma- 
chinery, and employs about one hundred and forty 
hands. 

In 1S7S, Bittner, Hunsieker Brothers began the 
manufacture of seamless hosiery and knit goods in 
the same building in which their .^tore is located on 
Hamilton Street, and have since carried it on quite 
extensively. Their market is found in Pennsylvania, 
New York, and New Jersey. 

The most recently established house in this line is 



that of Jacob T. Shimer, at Sixth and Walnut Streets. 
This factory was started in April, 1880, The build- 
ing is twenty -two by sixty feet, anil three Stories high. 
More than forty knitting-machines are in operation, 
and about sixty employes, mosl of them experienced 
female operatives, are kept busy in the production of 
seamless and cut hosiery. The greater part of tin- 
goods from this establishment are shipped direct to 
New York and < IhicagO. 

Boots and Shoes. — The manufacture of boots and 

shoes ranks among the most important of the city in 
capital invested and in the number of person- to 
whom it gives employment. The oldest house en- 
gaged in this department of industry, and one of t In- 
largest, is that of H. Leh & Co., Hamilton Street. 
When it was established in 1850 the firm-name stood 
as at present, and it has remained unchanged through 
the period of thirty-three years, although there have 
been several changes in the proprietorship. Mr. Leh, 
however, has always retained his interest. His present 
partner is H. B. Koch. The firm occupies the three 
upper stories of a large four-story building on Hamil- 
ton Street, with a front of seventy-five feet and a 
depth of one hundred and twenty-five feet. They 
employ about one hundred and seventy-five hands, 
and have about sixty machines in use, besides the 
many other mechanical appliances that are common 
to large factories. About five hundred pairs of boots 
and shoes are manufactured per day. 

The firm of John E. Lentz & Co., who do a very 
large business in manufacturing boots and shoes at 
Hamilton and Sixth Streets, is the outgrowth of the 
house formed by William S. Young and Henry Leh 
in 1859. They made a small line of pegged goods. 
John E. Lentz was admitted as a partner in 1866, and 
thefirm was constituted as it now exists in 1871. The 
junior partners, forming the company, are William 
H. Weinsheimer and John Seaboldt, Jr. This com- 
pany manufactures all lines of boots and shoes, — 
ladies', misses', and children's fine and heavy shoes, 
and men's, boys', and youths' heavy and fine wear. 
About one hundred and seventy-five employes are 
' constantly engaged, and sometimes that number is 
augmented. The large three-story building on Ham- 
ilton Street, with another in the rear, on Sixth Street, 
are supplied with the be-t of machinery, and at least 
five hundred pairs of boots and shoes are manufac- 
tured daily. 

W. A. Roney carries on an establishment for the 
manufacture of men's, women's, and children's ma- 
chine-sewed shoes on Hamilton Street, and is the suc- 
cessor of his father, James Roney, who began shoe 
manufacture on a small scale in 1843. He went into 
partnership with his father in IS62. In 1877 the 
house became W. A. Roney & Co., and soon after- 
wards Mr. Honey assumed the sole proprietorship. 
He usually employs about seventy iv-five 

hands. 

L. L. Roney and C. E. Berger formed a partnership 



164 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in the spring of 1879, for the manufacture of infants' 
shoes, which business they now carry on with a force 
of thirty-five employes. 

W. II. Knauss began the manufacture of boot, shoe, 
ami gaiter uppers, on South Seventh Street, in 1876, 
ami in 1S78 removed to his present location on Ham- 
ilton Street, where he has half a dozen hands em- 
ployed on work which is largely taken by the home 
market. Aaron O. Amey has also been engaged iu 
the manufacture of uppers since 1882. 

The Tobacco Interest. — There are in Allentown 
no less than a dozen manufacturers of cigars. Most 
of them, however, carry on small establishments, and 
employ only two or three men, in making cigars for 
their own retail trade. The few large manufactories 
make up one of the heaviest industries, and employ 
in the aggregate not less than five hundred men, 
producing millions of cigars annually. The heavies) 
of these houses is that of Ruhe Brothers (Charles H. 
and Joseph). The business was established in 1854, 
by Charles A. Ruhe & Son (Charles H.), and the 
father retiring in 1862, left it to his two sons, Jo- 
seph having in the mean time entered the firm. Ruhe 
Brothers have two factories, one on Eighth and one 
on Seventh Street, in which they employ about three 
hundred hands, and have had as many as four hun- 
dred. They make from twelve to fifteen million cigars 
per year, many of which are disposed of through a 
branch house in Chicago. 

Charles A. Ruhe, the founder of the house just 
mentioned, was the youngest sou of John F. Ruhe, 
Sr., and his wife, Catherine Maria Henrietta Maekeu- 
rode. He was born Dec. 10, 1704, in Allentown, and 
at an early age apprenticed to a mercantile house in 
Philadelphia. Later he enlisted in the United States 
service during the war of 1812, in company with his 
brother, Capt. John F. Ruhe, Jr., and on being dis- 
charged opened a general merchandise store in Ruchs- 
ville, North Whitehall township. After a business 
experience of some years at this point, he removed to 
Shimersville, Northampton Co., and remained two 
years, when Allentown became his home. While at 
Ruchsville he married, on the 15th of February, 1820, 
Miss Susannah, daughter of Adam and Catherine 
Shirer, whose surviving children, among twelve born 
to them, are Clara, Charles H., Joseph, Annie C, and 
Mary L. Mr. Ruhe engaged in the general grocery 
trade in Allentown, which was continued until 1854, 
when he admitted his son, Charles H., as a partne^ 
under the firm-name of Charles A. Ruhe & Son, and 
the manufacture of cigars was added to the business. 
A few years later his sons, Frederick A. (since de- 
ceased) and Joseph, were taken into the firm. The 
stock of groceries was disposed of in 1862, and the 
senior member the same year retired from active 
commercial life. Politically, Mr. Ruhe was a Whig 
in his early days, and on the formation of the Repub- 
lican party became one of its steadfast adherents, 
though he never sought office as the reward of fidelity 



to the party. He was actively identified with the 
Second National Bank as a director, in which capacity 
he served for many years. His death occurred Jan. 
14, 1879, in his eighty-fifth year. 

His sun Edward entered the United States service 
during the Mexican war, and died at the age of 
twenty-one years. His sons Charles H., Frederick 
A., and Joseph, under the firm-name of Ruhe 
Brothers, established a manufactory of cigars in 1862 
at Allentown. From small beginnings their busi- 
ness gradually increased until about five hundred 
persons were employed, and the establishment be- 
< ame one of the largest, and its proprietors the oldest 
continuous cigar-makers in the State. In 1870, 
Charles H. retired from the firm, and embarking in 
the iron-casting and machine business, remained a 
year and a half thus engaged, when he re-entered the 
old firm, which remained unchanged until the death 
of Frederick A. Ruhe, iu March, 1880. In 18S1 a 
branch house, for the sale of the products of the fac- 
tory, was established in Chicago, 111., which has been 
equally successful, and, in conjunction with the main 
house, controls an extensive trade. Politically, all 
brothers were and are Republicans, participating 
actively in the work of the party. All three have 
been members of the Select Council, Charles H. hav- 
ing, during his period of service, filled for one year 
the office of president of that body. He has also, for 
more than fifteen years, been a member of the School 
Board. He is a director of the Second National 
Bank, of the Allentown and Coopersburg Turnpike 
Company, and the Allentown and Bethlehem Turn- 
pike Company. Frederick A. was a prominent can- 
didate for mayor on the Republican ticket in 1880, 
and defeated by a small majority. The family are 
adherents of the faith of the Reformed Church, the 
brothers being active members of St. John's English 
Reformed Church of Allentown, to which they are 
liberal contributors. 

Zellner Brothers, established in 1860, for a time did 
a large busiuess in manufacturing cigars, but of late 
have devoted their attention principally to dealing iu 
cigars and leaf tobacco. 

The Oak Hall Cigar-Factory, carried on by Weaver 
Brothers (Jacob D. and Milton D.), was established 
by the senior member of the present firm in 1878, and 
the present partnership was formed two years later. 
They employ from one hundred to one hundred and 
fifty skilled workmen, and produce on an average 
two hundred thousand cigars per month, or about two 
and a half millions per year, among which are many 
fine brands. Their trade is principally in the West. 

Feldnian & Schnurman started a cigar-factory in 
1873. The senior partner of this firm became sole 
proprietor in 1881, and now carries on a large busi- 
ness, manufacturing cigars for the jobbing trade, 
principally fine goods, and employing about fifty 
men. Next in importance is doubtless H. L. Allen- 
bach's factory on South Sixth Street. 







&Z^J- 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



1G5 



Mills. — On the Little Lehigh, south of the town, 
David Deshler owned a saw-mill ami a grist-mill as 
early as 1782, and they were carried on by him for many 
years. A second grist-mill was built in this locality, 
but much later than Deshler's. After Deshler's time 
these mills were owned and operated by John Wagner 
and John Wagner & Son. In 1853 they were bought 
by the Allentown Water Company, that additional 
water-power might be secured for pumping water to 
the reservoirs. At the time the purchase was made one 
of the mills was owned by A. A. and J. D. Wagner, 
and the other by G. C. Von Tagen, of Philadelphia. 
The mill bought of the Wagners was built in 1835 
-36. After the purchase both mills were let to Jo- 
seph Dietrich, and after his lease had expired to 
other parties. 

Daniel and Jacob Saeger, in 1814 or 1815, built at 
the east end of the Hamilton Street Jordan bridge 
the large stone structure now known as the City 
Mills. They did a large business here,' and before 
the canal was opened sent a great amount of flour to 
Philadelphia by wagons, and also by Durham boats 
by the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. After the Sae- 
gers, Dr. John Romig and William Roth were suc- 
cessively the owners of this property, and about 1845 
it was bought by Christian Pretz and Henry Wein- 
sheimer, the present owners. The Hanover Mills, 
formerly the Canal Mills, between the Lehigh and 
the canal (from the latter of which they derive their 
power), were built and put in operation by William 
Saeger and Solomon Keck, the same year that the 
canal was opened for navigation, 1828. In 1866 this 
property passed into the hands of Jacob H. and F. 
W. Saeger, who, in 1882, converted the Hanover into 
a merchant roller-mill, with capacity of producing 
seventy-five barrels of flour per day. 

The mill known as Schneider's, on the Little Le- 
high, near the foot of Seventeenth Street, was built 
by Henry Fried, about 1830, and continued in his 
possession for a number of years. It was then bought 
by George Edelman, who added to it a distillery. 
Edward Schneider succeeded Edelman as proprietor, 
but has not operated the mill for some time. 

Planing-mills are carried on by Frederick Butz & 
Co., John G. Schimpf & Co., F. W. Weil & Co., and 
James M. Ritter, the latter running as agent the mill 
at the east end of the Jordan bridge, owned by Pretz, 
Weinsheimer & Co., and built by them for a paint- 
factory in 1858. 

Furniture. — Cabinet-making was carried on by 
Isaac Erdman between 1830 and 1840 ; in 1842 by L. 
Erdman, and after that time by a number of others. 
The small cabinet-shops have nearly all given way to 
large furniture manufactories, in which machinery is 
employed, and which produce large stocks, including 
everything in the house-furnishing line. The largest 
and one of the oldest of these, although it has been in 
operation only a dozen years, is that of C. A. Dorney 
& Co., on Hamilton Street, east of the Jordan bridge. 



The business was established in 1871 by II. Berke- 
meyer and C. A. Dorney, in a small building which 
stood on ground now covered by the large block in 
which is the store now occupied by the company. In 
1873 the styleof thefirm became Berkemeyer, Dorney 
& Co., the silent member being T. B. Faust. A little 
later, Mr. Dorney sold out to Eli Hoffman, and the 
firm-name then became Faust & Co. This firm carried 
on business for about five years, when Mr. Faust was 
killed by an accident, and nine months later Mr. Dor- 
ney again became interested in the factory, and the 
name of the firm was made Dorney, Berkemeyer & Co., 
which was continued until May 21, 1881, when the 
business passed into the hands of the senior partner 
and Edwin H. Stine, under the name of C. A. Dorney 
& Co. They erected on land near their old factory 
and present store a three-story and basement brick 
building one hundred and ten by fifty-five feet, with 
a boiler-house and kiln-drying rooms fifty-five by 
forty feet. Beside this they have very extensive store- 
rooms. They employ not far from one hundred hands. 
H. Berkemeyer, mentioned as a partner at one time in 
the ownership of the old factory, subsequently went 
into business for himself, as did also W. A. Berke- 
meyer. 

F. W. Weil & Co. carry on another extensive furni- 
ture manufactory. The buildings on Linden Street 
were built many years ago by Mr. Weil, and operated 
by the firm of S. Dornblaser & Co. until succeeded 
by Mr. George P. Weil in 1877. Prior to 1879 the 
establishment was not distinctively a furniture fac- 
tory, but in that year, when the present firm was 
organized, the exclusive manufacture of furniture was 
begun. The specialty of this house is parlor suits, for 
which a market is found in New York, Philadelphia, 
and Eastern Pennsylvania. A force of twenty or more 
workmen is employed, and a twenty-four horse-power 
engine is required to drive the machinery. 

Heimbach, Helfrich & Co. began in the furniture 
business in 1862 or the year following. In 1878 the 
establishment passed into the hand of S. & L. J. 
Helfrich, and shortly after the firm became Helfrich, 
Goranflo & Co., who carried on business until suc- 
ceeded by the present proprietors, Helfrich, Weaver 
& Co. This firm has its establishment on Hamilton 
Street. 

Chair manufacturing is carried on by Banks A: 
Mathias, on Hamilton Street, who are the successors 
of one of the oldest firms in the city. The business 
was started about 1830 by Reuben Rice, who after- 
wards associated with himself Reuben Sieger, who 
continued in the industry until 1880, during the latter 
part of the period alone. The present firm was or- 
ganized in the year last mentioned. They occupy 
three buildings — a store, storage-building, and fac- 
tory — and employ eight hands. 

Ladenslager & Babb, who established themselves in 
1876 on Maple Street, also manufacture all kinds of 
wooden-bottomed chairs. 



166 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Schlegel, Ziegenfus & Co. are manufacturers of 
patent rockers, parlor-frames, and marble-top tables, 
at the corner of Front and Hamilton Streets, and 
employ about one hundred operatives and an engine 
of forty horse-power. The factory was established 
with a moderate capital in somewhat cramped accom- 
modations by F>. F. Schlegel in 1877, and he associ- 
ate! with himself Charles Ziegenfust in 1880, and 
took a second partner, Eli J. Schneck, in 1881. The 
building is leased of John G. Schimpf, who built it 
in 1871, and, in company with his son, operated it as 
a planing-mill. 

Edward S. Appel & Co. (Paul S. Winker), began 
business as manufacturers of cottage chamber-furni- 
ture in 1881. They occupy a two-story building on 
Walnut Street, and employ ten or a dozen hands. 

Grossman & Kluenter, although a newly-established 
firm, dating the existence of their works on Union 
Street, near Third, from 1882, have large facilities for 
work, and are capable of turning out as many as one 
hundred parlor furniture suits per week. 

Carriage-Making. — Probably the earliest follower 
of this industry was Charles Scattergood, who adver- 
tised his coach-making establishment on Allen (now 
Seventh) Street in 1820. In the following year the 
shop was carried on by C. & S. Scattergood. Doubt- 
less there were wagon-makers in Allentown prior to 
this time, but it is not likely that any of them aspired 
to carriage- or " coach-making." Joseph Kramer 
began coach-making in 1827, and Peter H. Lehr 
succeeded him in 1844. 

Stephen Barber began coach- and omnibus-making 
in 1830. He had a partner — one Beisel — for a short 
time in 1837-38, but after the latter year continued 
alone until 1842, when Keck & Statler succeeded 
him. This partnership was of only a very brief 
duration, Tilghmau Statler becoming the sole pro- 
prietor and carrying on the works to the present day, 
at Sixth and Linden Streets. He greatly enlarged 
the business, and now occupies a building twenty-six 
by one hundred and fifty-two feet, three stories in 
height, employs about twenty hands, and has a trade 
which reaches thirty thousand dollars a year. 

The works of R. Snyder & Sons, South Sixth 
Street, have been in existence since 1858, at which 
time they were put in operation by Snyder & Hen- 
dricks. The present firm was formed in 1875, and 
since that time has carried on an extensive business 
in making all kinds of carriages. 

Reuben Engleman has manufactured carriages here 
since 1850, and was engaged in the same line else- 
where as early as 1844. Hi' has occupied his present 
location, on South Seventh Street, since 1859. The 
building is a large three-story frame, in which is an 
elevator, on which the largest carriages can be lowered 
in a completed condition from the painting-room to 
the show-room. 

Christ, Peter & Co.'s City Carriage- Works are of 
quite recent establishment, the firm having been or- 



ganized in March, 1881. Their works on South Hall 
Street always contain a line of carriages ready for the 
market, but they manufacture chiefly to order. Wil- 
liam Wolf, on North Seventh Street, and Gackenbach 
& Seislove's, on Church and Linden Streets, also 
make to order. 

Fire-Brick, Etc. — The pioneer house engaged in 
the manufacture of fire-bricks in the Lehigh Valley is 
that of Ritter & Say lor. Their works are extensive, and 
contribute largely to the city's substantial prosperity. 
This industrial enterprise was established in 1854, by 
Messrs. Samuel McHose and O. A. Ritter, under the 
firm-name of McHose & Ritter, who were succeeded 
in 1873 by Messrs. Ritter & Saylor. The senior mem- 
ber of the firm has since died, but the firm-name re- 
mains the same, as the estate of the late O. A. Ritter 
retained its interest in the business up till the time the 
affairs of the estate were settled up, when it was trans- 
ferred to C. T. Ritter, a son of the deceased, whose in- 
terest in the concern is in charge of Mr. Joseph B. 
Lewis. The executive head of the firm is Mr. D. O. 
Saylor, who is also president of the Coplay Cement 
Company. The industry is located on the line of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad, between Front, Chew, and 
Gordon Streets, and the buildings comprising the plant 
cover almost the entire portion of the site mentioned, 
the dimensions of which are two hundred and ten 
feet by two hundred and sixty feet. The works are 
thoroughly equipped with the most modern approved 
machinery, especially adapted to this line of manu- 
facture, and in all other respects are provided with 
every improvement that will tend to facilitate speed 
and perfection of product. An idea of the magnitude 
of the works maybe gathered from the statement that 
the aggregate capacity of the four kilns the industry 
is supplied with foots up one hundred and thirty-four 
thousand bricks, while the capacity of the total annual 
output amounts to the enormous quantity of over three 
million five hundred thousand fire-brick of the nine- 
inch standard, or its equivalent. The clay used is 
from the Woodbridge, N. J., mines, and is brought 
here in boats by way of the Lehigh Canal. The pro- 
duct of the works comprises every description of fire- 
brick for blast-furnaces, rolling-mills, steel-mills, 
foundries, and gas-works, and every conceivable shape 
and size for any purpose where fire-brick is used. A 
full line of regular shapes are constantly on hand, 
and odd shapes, slabs, and tiles for various purposes 
are made to order. Usually about ninety men are 
employed, and motive-power is furnished by an engine 
of fifty horse-power. 

The Industrial Fire-Brick Works, owned by Joseph 
Downing, may properly be called one of the manu- 
facturing industries of the city, though located just 
outside its limits in East Allentown. The works were 
established in 1873 by Downey & Lewis, who were 
succeeded in 1875 by Mr. Joseph Downing, who has 
since conducted them. Several buildings are occu- 
pied, and there are in use two kilns, their capacity 




/(rj^-> ej£A °^lw£i? 



o^*-? 



THE CITY OF ALLKNTOWN. 



167 



being thirty thousand and thirty-three thousand 

brick, respectively. The number of hands employed 
is thirty, and the number of bricks produced average 
one hundred and ten thousand per month. Mr. 1 ><>« d 
ing manufactures brick of all kind, Including tire- 
brick, furnace-blocks, stove-brick, and makes a spe- 
cialty of rolling-mill, blast-furnace, and gas-brick. 
Although having a very large number of brick pat- 
terns on hand and in use. Mr. Downing manufactures 
other patterns of peculiar sizes and shapes to order. 
The clay used is that from the mines at Wbodbridge, 
N. J., and the sand is secured at Lehigh Gap. 

Building Bricks were manufactured at least fifty 
year- ago by John Nonnemacher, Henry Worman, 
and Jacob Egge. John Nonnemacher, son of the 
above-named, began brick-making about the year 
1838, and followed it until very recent years. The 
business is still continued by his sons, who have two 
kilns, one at the foot of Fifth Street and the other at 
Third and Union Streets. The capacity of the two is 
not far from two million bricks per season. William 
J. Egge, son of the early brick-maker, Jacob Egge, is 
one of the present manufacturers in this line, and has 
a partner, — W. P. Huber. They started in business 
about 1877. They employ a number of hands, ope- 
rate two kilns, and produce on the average twelve to 
fifteen thousand bricks per day. S. & W. Roth carry 
on the business quite extensively at the corner of 
Third and Gordon Streets, and on Tenth Street. In 
both together they have employed as many as sixty 
men, and manufactured as many as thirty thousand 
bricks per day, or three and a half million per season. 
The large yard on Third Street was opened in 1S57 by 
Samuel Roth, who conducted the business alone until 
1861, wdien his brother was admitted to partnership. 
Others engaged in this branch of industry are David 
Mastern, on Tenth Street above Liberty; Daniel 
Schmoyer, on Ninth Street ; and C. C. Sensenbach, at 
the foot of Pcnn Street. 

Marble Works. — The first marble cutter mentioned 
in the public prints is Jacob Biebighouse, who had a 
shop in 1842 near the German Lutheran Church. 
There were doubtless others before him in the same 
time and after. The business is now carried on by J. 
M. Romig & Brother, A. W. Schmeyer & Co., E. H. 
Lentz, and W. J. Weiden. J. M. Romig started in 
the business in 1875, and one year later his brother, 
William J., and Oscar J. Keck became associated 
with him. The latter retired in 1879, since which 
time the firm-name has been as at present. This firm 
employs sixteen to eighteen hands. They manufac- 
ture all kinds of monuments, tombstones, and mantels, 
and deal in marble, brown-tone, and granite. A. W. 
Schmeyer & Co. were established a number of years 
ago, but have been operated by the present firm only 
since 1880. They employ ten hands, and produce 
almost everything in the line of monuments and archi- 
tectural work. Walter Losch established himself in 
the business in 1867. 



Tanning. — A tannery was established I >> one 
Mert/. on Water Street aboul fifty years ago, and 
carried on by him for a long period. He was suc- 
ceeded by William Moser, who in turn was followed 

by his son and namesake in 1878. 

The largest tannery in the county is thai of Mosser 

& Keck, located in East Allen town, but practically 

one of the industries of the city, of which the pro- 
prietors, J. K. Moser and Thomas Keek, are both 
natives. The business was established in 1859 by 
Moser, Keek \- Co., which constituted the firm until 
1875, when the present one was organized. Though 
originally founded upon a limited scale, the resources 
of the firm have gradually increased, affording facili- 
ties at the present time for the transaction of a trade 
which extends throughout the country. Two plants 
are owned and operated by the firm, one of which is 
located in East Allentown, and the other at Williams- 
port, Pa. The former is desirably situated on the Le- 
high and Susquehanna Division of the New Jersey 
Central Railroad, and occupies about four acres of 
ground, upon which are extensive buildings, shed- 
dings, etc. The main building is three hundred and 
sixty-six feet long, forty-two feet deep, with two 
wings, forty by fifty each. Forty to fifty men are 
engaged here, and the mechanical appliances, which 
are very complete, .arc operated by an eighty horse- 
power steam-engine and a battery of three boilers. 
The firm manufacture exclusively the Union sole 
leather, using in its tanning about twelve to fifteen 
per cent, of oak and eighty-five per cent, hemlock 
bark. They annually tan about thirty thousand 
hides, and use about seven hundred car-loads of bark 
of ten tons each. Besides the Williamsport tannery, 
which is still larger than the one here, the firm has 
extensive warehouses in New York and Boston. 

Walter J. Grim has been engaged in the currying 
or finishing of leather since 1858, and Jacob Burger 
and Milton Focht have followed the same business 
respectively about seven and five years. 

Breweries.— The brewery conducted by Joseph 
Lieberman, corner Sixth and Union Streets, was 
built about 1845. It comprises several substantial 
buildings, and is known as the Eagle Brewery. Six 
or seven men are employed, a capital of about ten 
thousand dollars is invested (besides that in the build- 
ings), and about seven thousand barrels of beer are 
produced annually. 

Mr. Lieberman, who is the son of Peter and Marta 
Lieberman, was born in Immendingen, Province of 
Baden, on the 21st of March, 1831. His boyhood was 
spent with his parents, habits of industry having been 
inculcated from his earliest years. lie thus rendered 
himself independent in youth by employment as a 
teamster in various parts of the country, ami during 
intervals engaged in general labor. In 1S54, in com- 
pany with his father, mother, their seven children, and 
the grandmother, he emigrated to America, landing in 
New York City. Soon after the family removed to 



168 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Easton, Pa., where Joseph became for one year an 
employe 1 of the Cooper Furnace, at Phillipsburg. 
This period was succeeded by a brief interval as as- 
sistant in a saw-mill, after which he removed to Kan- 
sas, and located in Leavenworth City, in the vicinity 
of which he remained one year. Returning to Penn- 
sylvania, he settled at White Haven, Luzerne Co., en- 
gaging for a while in general labor, and later becoming 
the lessee of a saw-mill. Here he resided for five years, 
and was, in 1857, married to Miss Waldburga Danager, 
of Immendingen. Their children are Mary, John B., 
Frank (deceased), Florentina, Joseph, and Charles. 
In 1860, Mr. Lieberman removed to Warren County, 
N. J., and a year and a half later, to Northampton 
County, where he engaged in farming and lumbering. 
In the fall of 1804, Allentown became his home. 
Here he speedily became identified with the business 
enterprises of the city as a brewer, and as director of 
the Elliger Real-Estate Company. He is also one of 
the directors of the Standard Slate Quarry, of Steins- 
ville, Pa., of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company, 
and was president of the Lehigh County Safe-Deposit 
and Trust Company. He has been largely interested 
in real-estate transactions and active in the erection 
of buildings within the city limits. In 1873, in com- 
pany with his wife and four children, Mr. Lieberman 
made an European tour, and remained ten months 
abroad. In 1881 he found his health greatly bene- 
fited by a similar trip, though limited in time to ten 
weeks. Mr. Lieberman, while voting the Democratic 
ticket, is not active as a politician. The family are 
all devout Catholics and members of the German 
Catholic Church of Allentown. 

The Germania Brewery was established by Benedict 
Nuding in 1878. It is in the rear of the Germania 
Hotel, on Seventh Street, also owned by Mr. Nuding, 
from which it takes its name. The brew-house is 
fifty-one by seventy feet and three stories in height. 
The capacity of the brewery, when running full force, 
is from four thousand to five thousand barrels per 
year, and the demand for the article has kept the pro- 
duction up to the higher figure almost constantly. 

Daniel Wise started a brewery in 1851, which he 
sold in 1859 to his son, James, who carried it on for a 
number of years. 

Miscellaneous Industries. — Besides the various 
establishments which have already been classified 
and briefly described, there are others of importance. 
Among them Wolf & Hamakers' middlings purifier 
works, the Allentown Pottery, soap and candle works, 
etc. Another establishment, which, though not lo- 
cated in the city, had its origin and is now managed 
here, the Allentown Manufacturing Company, de- 
serves and will receive mention in this connection. 

Candles were manufactured here as early as 1839 
by Joseph Broglie. In 1876 the steam soap and 
candle works were established by E. M. Earle. The 
manufactory occupies a large two-story building near 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, and employs 



several hands. About two hundred thousand pounds 
of soap and one hundred thousand pounds of candles 
are produced annually, for which a market is found 
in the Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill coal regions, and 
Central New Jersey. 

The Allentown Manufacturing Company's works 
employed in the production of bone-phosphates and 
ready-mixed oil-paints are at Helfrich's Springs, sev- 
eral miles from thecity, but the office is in this city. 
The company was incorporated in 1877, prior to which 
time the business was carried on by individuals. 

The Allentown Pottery, located on Penn Street, 
near Gordon, was established by Charles Bach, its 
present proprietor, in 1869. Quite a trade has been 
built up in jars, milk-pots, jugs, flower-pots, hang- 
ing-baskets, vases, and other articles of earthenware 
manufactured here. 

Cigar-box manufacture was begun by John M. Ste- 
vens in 1876, who has occupied since 1881 a three- 
story brick building forty feet square. He employs 
steam-power, and gives work to a number of hands, 
producing as many as seventy-five thousand boxes per 
week. 

Paper boxes and paper bags are manufactured by 
H. T. Rose, who employs six hands at his establish- 
ments, started in 1880. R. M. Rex is also engaged in 
this industry. 

Benjamin F. Heinbach has been engaged since 1859 
in the manufacture of burial-caskets and the various 
goods required by undertakers. He employs about 
half a dozen hands. 

A brush manufactory was established by B. Os- 
wald in 1877, and his business has increased so that 
he now occupies a good-sized two-story building, and 
employs twelve or more hands. 

A manufactory of belting is carried on by W. R. 
Hicks. 

Wolf & Hamaker, at their works on South Third 
Street, employ about thirty men in the manufacture 
of their middlings purifier, which was patented in 
1879 and 1880. 

The manufacture of blank-books of all kinds has 
been extensively carried on by Wright & Reiser since 
December, 1882. J. H. Wright began in the business 
in 1876, and his partnership with F. B. Reiser was 
formed six years later. 

The Press of Early Days and the Present— The 
oldest paper in the county is the Vhabhcengige Re- 
publikaner (the "Independent Republican"), estab- 
lished two years prior to the formation of Lehigh 
County by Christian Jacob Hutter, who was also 
the publisher of a German and an English paper at 
the county-seat, — Easton. The first number ap- 
peared on July 27, 1810, the size being seventeen by 
twenty-one inches. It was conducted by Charles L. 
Hutter, a son of the proprietor. The paper always 
has been, and is to-day, Democratic in its politics, 
but in order to explain its peculiar title it is necessary 
to state that at the time it was established the new 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



169 



Democratic party was named the Republican or free 
government party, while the opposition parly showed 
some loyalty to the British government. In his salu 
tatory to the readers of the paper the editor said, — 

" I am a Republican in the strongest sense of the word; I loTe lib- 
erty, my country, .mil its laws, and despise all despotism. I shall act 
independently in all things, hut shall ohey all laws made hy the repre- 
sentatives of the people. All striet partisans I shall follow with a 
watchful eye, for tiny are either men who do not think for themselves j 
or are office-hunters. I shall oppose all men who, under the mask of 
Federalism, promote the interests of the king of England ; and finally, 
I will not take a man for what he pretends to he, but will judge the 
tree by its fruit." 

Charles L. Hutter conducted the paper until July, 
1812, when he became the proprietor, as his father. 
Christian ,1., who was captain of a military company, 
was called into active service in the war between the 
United States and Great Britain. 1 Mr. Hutter re- 
tained the proprietorship of the paper until No- 
vember, 1S20, when George Hanke became the pro- 
prietor of the establishment. He died in February, 
1 824, and the paper was published by his widow until 
June of the same year, when Charles L. Hutter, the 
former proprietor, again assumed control, and con- 
tinued to be its editor and proprietor until his decease, 
which occurred in September, 1830. His brother, 
Edwin W. Hutter (who afterwards became a minister 
of the gospel), then took charge of the paper, and 
continued its publication for a number of years. 

From the time of its establishment until 1834 no 
great improvements were made on the paper; it was 
printed with large type on coarse dark paper. In 
the latter year, however, it was enlarged to twenty- 
one by twenty-eight inches, better paper was used, 
and the general appearance of the paper assumed a 
more modern style. 

In March, 1839, Reuben Bright became the proprie- 
tor, who published the paper until December, 1841, 
when it passed into the hands of James W. Wilson, 
a relative of the Hutter family. In June, 1849, he 
enlarged the paper to twenty-two by thirty-two inches, 
and in January, 1853, to twenty-four by thirty-eight 
inches. Mr. Wilson also made other marked im- 
provements, giving the paper a business-like and 
prosperous appearance. 

In August, 1854, Reuben Bright and Ephraim B. 
Harlacher purchased the establishment. With this 
change the paper passed from the hands of the 
Hutter family, who had, with the exception of a few- 
years, control of it for forty-two years. In January, 
1858, Mr. Bright withdrew from the firm, and B. F. 
Trexler took his place. In June of the same year 
Nelson Weiser entered as a partner, the firm-name 
being Trexler, Harlacher & Weiser. The subscription- 
list of the paper had now assumed such proportions 
that the hand-press, on which it had been printed for 

1 On the 9tb of September, 1814, the editor made the announcement 
that he and two of his employes had enlisted in the military service, 
and w. in |.l leave for the seat of war, in consequence of which the paper 
would only be issued in half-sheets until their return. 



so many years, was too slow to supply the demand, 
and a power-press was substituted in its place. 

In June, 1867, Mr. Trexler withdrew from the firm, 
and Messrs. Harlacher & Weiser continued the pub- 
lication of the paper. In 1869 the paper was en- 
larged to twenty-eight by forty inches, and otherwise 
improved. In March. 1874, .Mr. Weiser withdrew, 
and Mr. Harlacher became the sole proprietor of the 
establishment. In July, 1875, he sold it to Rinn <y 
Schlechter, who arc the present proprietors. In 
March, 1878, the paper was enlarged to thirty by 
forty-five inches, which is its present size. 

The paper had, during the many years of its exist- 
ence, its "ups" and "downs," like other similar un- 
dertakings, but at the present time it is in a mosl 
flourishing condition. Lehigh County being Demo- 
cratic, it is the German official organ. The principles 
as propounded by the founder of the paper are still 
upheld, and the paper is true to its name and its mis- 
sion. Of the former publishers only three are now 
living, viz.: James W. Wilson, Ephraim B. Har- 
lacher, and Benjamin F. Trexler. 

DerFriedens Bote I " Messenger of Peace" i and Lecha 
County Anzeiger was the second paper established in 
Allentown, and was by a little more than two years 
the junior of the Republikaner, it> initial issue being 
made Sept. 28, 1812. The proprietors were Joseph 
Ehrenfried and Henry Ebuer. In politics the Frie- 
dem /.'"/■ was independent, but it was opposed to the 
war which had then opened with Great Britain, and 
hence its name. In September, 1814, Mr. Ehrenfried 
was drafted for service in the war which he had edi- 
torially deprecated, and marched with the militia to 
Marcus Hook. The paper was from that time con- 
ducted by Mr. Ebner alone until June 1, 1821. when 
Frederick G. Riitze became associated with him. under 
the firm-name of Henry Ebner & Co. On Jan. 1, 
1831, the paper was bought by Augustus (initer and 
Alexander A. Blumer, who continued to issue it for 
four years, under the firm-name of Grater & Blumer. 
On Jan. 1, 1834, the firm became Alexander A. & 
W. H. Blumer. The paper, which was originally ami 
up to this time a four-column sheet, eleven by seven- 
teen inches, was now enlarged to five columns, making 
the size of the page fourteen by nineteen inches. The 
publication-oliiee was removed to the building mi 
Hamilton Street, opposite the German Reformed 
Church, and one door below the present office. Vic- 
tor Blumer became associated with his brothers mi 
Jan. 1, 1840. A little over two years later. May 4, 
1842, Alexander A. Blumer died, and the paper was 
then carried on by V. & W. Blumer until .Ian. 1, 1844, 
win n the firm became Blumer A Bush, Victor Blumer 
retaining his interest and Charles S. Bush buying that 
of his brother. In 1S47 they enlarged the sheet to 
six columns. E. D. Lcisenring entered the firm Jan. 
1, 185(1, the style becoming Blumer, Bush \- Leisen- 
ring, and so remaining until Julj I. 1857, when Mr. 
Bush withdrew. The paper was again enlarged, and 



170 



HISTOKY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



on Jan. 1, 1858, Henry A. Rlumer became a partner 
in the house. On July 4, I860, he gave place to Eli 
J. Saeger. Victor Blumer died Aug. 24, I860, and in 
the spring of the following year the firm-name was 
changed to Saeger & Leisenring. On Sept. 6, 1865, 
Mr. Saeger withdrew, and I. F. Walter and J. T. Col- 
ver became associated with the remaining partner, 
under the firm-name ot*E. D. Leisenring & Co. Two 
years later the paper was enlarged to its present size, 
— eight columns, — and in 1870 a new firm was formed, 
under the name of Leisenring, Trexler & Co. Mr. 
B. F. Trexler brought into the house thus formed the 
Welt Bote, the publication of which was continued in 
connection with the Friedens Bute. In September, 
1877, J. T. Colver retired from the firm and W. J. 
Hartzell entered it, but no change in name was made. 
On Feb. 20, 1882, occurred the death of Mr. E. D. 
Leisenring, and then the firm became as at present, 
Trexler & Hartzell. The circulation of the Friedem 
Bote is claimed to be larger than that of any other 
paper in the county. It is a model of German local 
journalism. 

The two other secular German newspapers pub- 
lished by Messrs. Trexler & Hartzell, although much 
less venerable than the Friedens Hole, we will briefly 
treat of in this connection for the reason that both 
were established by Mr. B. F. Trexler. 

The Welt Bote (" Messenger of the World") was first 
issued by him on Nov. 25, 1854, and was printed reg- 
ularly after Jan. 27, 1855. From 1858 to 1868 this 
paper was published in connection with the Republi- 
kaner by the firm of Trexler, Harlacher & Weiser; 
then again by Mr. Trexler alone until 1870, when it 
came under the management of the firm then pub- 
lishing the Friedens Bote. The increase in the circu- 
lation of the Welt /tide has increased, on the average, 
about one thousand copies per year. It is sent into 
almost every State and Territory in the Union, and 
also into Canada and Europe. As its name implies, 
it is a newspaper for the whole world, and it is read 
wherever there are Germans. By the Welt Bote the 
name of Allentown has doubtless been made more 
widely known than by any other means, and it would 
be a serious loss to the place should it be removed to 
Washington or some other larger city, as has been 
sometimes contemplated. The size of the sheet is 
fourteen and one-half by twenty-two and one-half 
inches, and it is well filled with literary matter and 
news of especial interest to the Germans of the United 
States and those of the Fatherland as well. 

The Leelia Bote (the " Lehigh Messenger" ) is a Ger- 
man local tri-weekly journal, started as a daily by 
Mr. Trexler in 1869, under the name of the Staadt und 
Land Bole, and changed to its present name and issue 
in 1877. Like the Friedens Bote and the Welt Bote, 
it is now published by Trexler & Hartzell. 

Benjamin F. Trexler, senior proprietor and editor 
of the three publications of which we have given the 
history, is a descendant of Peter Trexler, a German, 



who emigrated to America in or before the year 1723, 
and settled in what is now Berks County, from 
whence he repaired to Lehigh County as the earliest 
white settler in Macungie. In the direct line of de- 
scent was Ferdinand, a resident of the latter place, 
whose son Benjamin resided in Berks County, and 
married Rachel Wetzel, of the same county. Her 
children were two sons and two daughters. The 
youngest and only survivor, Benjamin F., a native of 
Berks County, was born Feb. 25, 1827, and when but 
a lad removed on the death of his father to Lehigh 
County, where his youth was spent. His educational 
opportunities were limited to the schools of the neigh- 
borhood, after which, at the early age of thirteen, he 
removed to Allentown, with a view to learning the 

[ printer's art in the office of the Friedens Bote. At 
the age of twenty-one he became a partner of Reuben 
Guth in the publication of theLehigh Patriot, a Whig 
journal, which he continued to issue until 1854, when 
for political reasons his connection with this journal 
was severed, and he established the Welt Bote, of 
which he still continues the publisher. He is also 
the projector of a religious monthly entitled the 
Zeichen iler Zeit and a farmer's monthly, the Bauern 
Journal, both of which were later sold. Mr. Trexler, 
in 1858, acquired an interest and became editor of The 
Unabhomgiger Republikaner, which he subsequently 
disposed of, and in 1868 established a German daily 
known as the Staadt und Lund Bote, which is still 
issued, having been merged into a tri-weekly. In 
1870 he acquired an interest in the Friedens Bote, in 
the management of which he actively participates. 
Mr. Trexler was married in 1849 to Miss Diana M. 
Walter, daughter of David Walter, of Allentown. 
Their children are two sons, Herman A. and Julius 
W. In his political predilections Mr. Trexler is a 
Democrat, though maintaining a firm neutrality in 
his publications. While not in the strictest sense a 
politician, he has evinced a keen interest in the 
public questions of the day, and at times participated 
in the active work of a political campaign. He has 
been more especially identified with journalistic 
work, and in that capacity has left his impress upon 
the public mind, as elucidated in the present extract 
from the pen of a brother journalist : " Mr. Trexler 
is a gentleman of whom the English-speaking public 
do not know as much as they should, because his per- 
sonal work and influence are applied almost wholly 
to his fellow-countrymen from Germany, who have 
come to make their homes here. In their religious 
interest he marked out for himself a line of action 
some twenty years ago, and in it he has achieved a 
very useful and eminent success. He undertook to 
counteract the quite general tendency towards in- 
fidelity that prevailed among the foreign Germans in 
America at that time, and addressed them in an edi- 
tion of five hundred copies of a German weekly 
paper called the Welt Bale, which probably started 

i with fewer subscribers than auy other journalistic 




^ j? J^^gt^^ 



172 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



torate of Hanover, on the 25th of November, 1745, 
and emigrated to America in 1790. He was married 
in St. George's Church, London, on the 14th of Au- 
gust, 1777, to Catherine Maria Henrietta Mackenrode. 
His death occurred in Allentown, July 27, 1841. His 
children were four sons and three daughters, of whom 
John F. was born in London, England, on the 1 0th of 
May, 1778, and emigrated with his father to the 
United States. He married Catherine Keiper and 
had twelve children. By marriage to a second wife, 
Elizabeth Kramer, were born eleven children. Among 
the twelve survivors of this progeny is Augustus L., 
born Sept. 23, 1809, in Allentown, where bis life has 
been chiefly spent. After limited advantages of edu- 
cation he, in 1823, entered the office of the Friedens 
Bote as apprentice to the printers' trade. After serv- 
ing an apprenticeship of seven years he removed to 
Philadelphia and found employment in the first 
stereotype foundry in that city, where he remained 
until 1831. On returning to his native city he for 
two years performed the labors of a clerk, and then 
engaged in mercantile pursuits at Mauch Chunk. 
Returning to Allentown at the expiration of a year, 
he embarked in the same business. In 1840 he was 
appointed postmaster under the administration of 
President Harrison, and retained the office nearly 
four years. Mr. Ruhe in 1844 acquired an interest 
in the German Patriot, which he later sold and estab- 
lished the Lehigh Register. After a successful career 
of eight years as publisher, the latter paper was dis- 
posed of, and he embarked in the boot and shoe 
business. In 1859 he returned again to his former 
employment, and purchased the office and equip- 
ments of the Allentown Democrat, taking as a partner 
his son-in-law, C. Frank Haines. This business as- 
sociation was continued for eight years, when the in- 
terest was transferred to his son, Werner K. Ruhe, 
and Mr. Ruhe retired from the firm. He was soon 
after appointed clerk in the office of internal revenue, 
and in 1869 elected clerk of the Orphans' Court, to 
which position he was re-elected in 1872, after which 
he abandoned active business pursuits. He has been 
as a Democrat actively engaged in political contests 
of the day. He is in religion a Lutheran, and mem- 
ber of St. Michael's German Lutheran Church of 
Allentown. Mr. Ruhe was married, in 1832, to De- 
borah Gangewere, of Allentown, and had one child, 
who is deceased. He was again married, in 1835, to 
Adeline Knauss, of Lehigh County, whose children 
are Emma C. (Mrs. C. F. Haines), Werner K., Maria, 
(Mrs. Levi Nickum), Henry M., Josephine (Mrs. J. 
H. Addis), Annie (Mrs. William Dutt), Franklin A., 
and three who are deceased. He was a third time 
married, in 1865, to Harriet Kleckner, of Northamp- 
ton County. 

C. Frank Haines, the present editor of the Demo- 
crat, is a great-grandson of John Wilhelm Haintz, 
who emigrated from Zweibruecken, Bavaria, in 1751, 
and settled in Upper Macuugie, Lehigh Co., where he 



followed his trade of tailor. Having acquired about 
five hundred acres of land, he also engaged in its cul- 
tivation. He married and had among his children a 
son, Peter, who inherited the paternal acres, and was 
during his active life both a merchant and a farmer. 
He married Barbara Becker, and had children, — 
Jacob, Joseph, James, Charles B., William, Jona- 
than, Thomas, Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Trexler), and 
one who died in infancy. Charles B. was born in 
Upper Macungie, and early learned the trade of a 
shoemaker, which he followed in various portions of 
Lehigh County until 1838, when he removed to Al- 
lentown. Here his services were in demand in con- 
nection with his trade until 1859, when he was elected 
sheriff of Lehigh County for one term. He married 
Leah, daughter of Jonathan Schwartz, of Lower Ma- 
cungie township, and had children, — C. Frank, Si- 
mon, Mary (Mrs. William S. Esser), Eliza J., and 
Allen W. C. Frank, the eldest of this number, was 
born on the 24th of January, 1832, in Macungie bor- 
ough, then known as Millerstown, and when a youth 
removed to Trexlertown, where he became a pupil of 
the village school. In 1838 he accompanied his pa- 
rents to Allentown, and there continued his studies 
at both public and private schools. At the age oi 
fourteen he chose as his life-work the printers' art, 
and served a four-years' apprenticeship in the office 
of the Lchigli Register. On acquiring his trade he re- 
mained associated with the paper as compositor until 
April, 1850, when a larger field was opened in Phila- 
delphia, where he remained until 1854. During the 
summer of that year he, in connection with a partner, 
purchased the Register, and, returning to Allentown, 
continued its publication under the firm-name of 
Haines & Diefenderfer. This business association 
was continued until 1S56, when, upon the retirement of 
Mr. Diefenderfer, the firm became Haines & Huber. 
Having disposed of his interest in the paper, in 1859, 
he, with his father-in-law, A. L. Rube, purchased 
the Allentown Democrat, and has continued its publi- 
cation until the present time, W. K. Ruhe having 
in the year 1S65 purchased the interest of his father. 
Mr. Haines, by his ability and judgment, has suc- 
ceeded in making the Democrat one of the most en- 
terprising journals of the Lehigh Valley. Bright, 
able, and apace with current events, it is justly popu- 
lar among the adherents of the party whose princi- 
ples it advocates. 

Mr. Haines, having from the first devoted his atten- 
tion to the interests of his paper, has found little time 
for participation in affairs of a public nature. In re- 
ligion he is a member of St. John's Reformed Church. 
He was married, Dec. 31, 1861, to Emma O, eldest 
daughter of A. L. Ruhe, of Allentown. Their chil- 
dren are two daughters, — Ida R. and Sallie A. 

The Lecha Patriot, a German paper, originally an 
Anti-Masonic and then successively a Whig and Re- 
publican journal, was started in 1827 or 1828 by John 
D. Roney, an English lawyer, who came to Allentown 








x /TO^i/f-6 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



173 



from Bucks County. Alter lit- had conducted itabout 
two years the /'n/riiil passed into the possession of 
Alexander Miller. Subsequently it was owned and 
managed by <■. A. Sage, Reuben Guth, and Edwin 
Keiper. Then followed a long series of changes 
Which it is not necessary to dwell upon in detail. 
John II. Helfrich and Judge Charles Keek were asso- 
ciated in the ownership and management of the paper, 
and William S. Young, Benjamin J. Hagenbueh, 
Tilghman Rhoads, Joseph Young, and Ephraim Moss 
were all identified with it. The last persons who 
were proprietors of the Patriot as a separate and dis- 
tinct property were William H. Ainey, John L. 
Hoffman, and Edward Rube, who sold it in June, 
1872, to Robert Iredell, Jr. He soon merged it with 
the Register, of which we shall now give the history. 

The Lehigh Register was established by Augustus 
L. Rube in October, 1846, anil was carried on by him 
very successfully as a neutral newspaper until 1854. 
In that year lie sold it to C. Frank Haines and David 
K. Diefenderfer. It was by them made a Whig paper, 
and subsequently (in 1856) became a supporter of 
the Republican party. Mr. Diefenderfer soon sold 
his interest to Peter Huber. The paper was then 
published by Haines iv Huber until 1859, when Mr. 
Haines sold his share to John II. Oliver, Esq., an able 
and popular lawyer, who became a candidate for Con- 
gress in 1870. and almost succeeded in overcoming 
the large Democratic majority of the district. Huber 
& Oliver continued in partnership until 1861, after 
which date the latter conducted the paper alone for 
a short period. Subsequently it passed successively 
into t he possession of William H. Ainey, Ephraim 
Moss, and Elisha Forest : from the last named being 
purchased in December, 1868, by Morgan R. Wills 
and Robert Iredell, Jr., proprietors of the Norris- 
fun-,, Herald "»</ Free Press. In the following May 
Mr. Iredell sold his interest in his Norristown news- 
paper property, and assumed the sole proprietorship 
of the Register. As has been before stated, Mr. Ire- 
dell purchased the Patriot in June, 1872. It was 
eondueted by him through the campaign, and in 
December united with the Register, which, thus rein- 
forced, has been prosperously carried ou during the 
succeeding years. Mr. Iredell became connected 

with the Not Free Press in 18G4, and has been 

a newspaper proprietor since the age of twenty years. 
The Registi r, \\ hich is the older of his two Allentown 
newspapers, is a well-edited weekly devoted princi- 
pally to city and country news, and is a typographi- 
cally neat sheet twenty-eight by forty-two inches in 
dimensions, divided into tour pages of eight columns 
each. 

The Chronicle "r"l News is the outcome of three dis- 
tinct journalistic enterprises. Of these the first, chrono- 
lly. was the Daily News, established as a neutral 
journal in 1866, by Peter Correll. It was soon after- 
wards bought by Harlacher A: Weiser, who continued 
.the publication tor a number of years, with Mr. Cor- 



rell as editor, and subsequently w ith T. B. Leisenring, 

E. J. Young, ami T. 1'. Emmene in the same capacity. 

\liir a short interval of suspension the paper was 
sold, in 187-1, to the Daily N< ws Association, composed 

of Adam Wboli \ i t, Eli G. Schwartz, and Werner K. 
Rube. The paper remained under this proprietorship 
and the editorship of Daniel l'>. Wood, now of the 
Easton Free Press, until March lit, 1875, when it - 
sold to Robert Iredell, Jr., proprieto] of the Daily 
Chronicle, with which it was merged. 

The Daily Chronicle hail been stalled by Mr. Ire- 
dell, March '■',, 1870, in response to requests from many 

local leaders of the Republican party, who saw the 
necessity of having a journalistic champion of the 
principles of Republicanism. It was at first a five- 
column sheet, and was sold for leu cents per week, but 
this price was subsequently reduced to six cents per 
week, for the purpose of extending the circulation of 
the paper. This measure proved a wise one, and con- 
siderably enhanced the value of the property. The 
effect of merging the News with the Chronicle, in 
1875, was to increase the circulation to eighteen hun- 
dred copies. The paper was enlarged and the price 
was then raised to ten cents per week. 

In November, 1877, the Daily Herald was purchased 
and merged with the ( 'hronicli and News. This was a 
paper which had been started upon an independent 
platform, in 1873, by a company composed of T. 

F. Emmens, A. C. Brooks, and D. D. Holder, with 
.Mi. Emmens as editor. The Herald soon became 
Democratic in its politics, and Robert E. Wright, Jr., 
Edward Harvey, Esq., J. H. Holmes, and Tinsley 
Jeter became interested in its ownership. Consider- 
able money was sunk in the effort to sustain the Her- 
ald, hut it gradually failed, and would probably have 
soon expired, in spite of frequent financial stimula- 
tion, bad it not been absorbed by the Chroniclt and 
News. 

The last-named journal is now the only Republican 
daily in the valley, and thus has quite a wide field to 
fill. The paper is, and has been, edited with ability, 
and is a strong exponent of Republican politics as 
well as a valuable medium for the dissemination of 
local and general news. There have been connected 
with the paper several locally well known editors, 
among them Thomas T. Emmens, now of the Easton 
Express; Joseph L. Shipley, now of the Springfield 
Union; and D. B. Wood, of the Easton Fret I' 
The present local editor is Frank J. Sherer. 

The first number of the Daily Oil I - was issued 
on Jan. 1, 1878, the paper succeeding the Morning 
Herald. The enterprise was projected by live young 
men, three of whom were practical printers. It 
with indifferent success in the beginning, and was 
kept alive with difficulty, as the young men who had 
launched the enterprise were without capital, and 
were compelled to rely upon their business tacl and 

energies to make it a success. The paper, being 

Democratic in politics, took a leading part in 



174 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



campaigns that followed, and the importance of 
having an outspoken and fearless party daily was at 
once recognized by the prominent Democrats of the 
city and county. On the 10th of May, 1880, the in- 
terest of Robert W. Vogt and Charles M. Kramer in 
the paper was purchased by Cyrus Kuntz and C. J. A. 
Hartman, who, together with Oscar Swartz, are now 
the proprietors of it. Since then the paper has 
steadily gained in circulation and advertising patron- 
age. The (My Item was published as a morning 
paper until after Nov. 24, 1883, when, having ab- 
sorbed the Daily Telegram, it was made an evening 
publication. It is the only Democratic daily in the 
county, and gives a large amount of local and general 
news. 

The Telegram above alluded to was started in June, 
1882, by two sons of the late Edward D. Leisenring, 
the popular German editor. The paper failed to get 
such support as was necessary to put it upon a paying 
basis, and after it had passed under the management 
of three different parties was purchased by the Item 
Printing Association as above recorded. 

The junior journal of Allentown is the Daily < HHc. 
It was started by Samuel Woolever, its present pro- 
prietor, as a weekly, on May 26, 1883. The venture 
was so successful that the paper was soon enlarged 
from three to four columns, and on Dec. 7, 1883, it 
was issued as a five-column daily. The Oritic is 
neutral in politics, and devoted principally to local 
news, and comment upon the same. 

Besides the publications already mentioned, which 
include all of a news and secular character now ex- 
isting, there have been a number of journals of ephem- 
eral life, concerning which we can make only general 
mention. Among them, and probably the earliest, 
was a small German-English paper, printed at the 
Bepublikaner office, by Charles L. Hutter. The Lehigh 
Democrat led a ten weeks' existence in 1843. About 
the same time, or a little later, Elias Keiper published 
for a short period, from the Patriot office, a small Eng- 
lish journal. In later years there was the Evening 
Dispatch, which had a brief career during the later 
part of the decade preceding 1870. This venture in 
daily journalism was made by William J. Grim, 
William J. Weiss, and A. J. Helfrich, but the paper 
had as its final owner Elisha Forest. The Bulletin, 
an afternoon paper, neutral in politics, was published 
by Daniel B. Wood for a few months during 1875. 
Mr. Wood was also, in company with William P. 
Snyder and A. S. Orr, engaged in the publication of 
the Bugle, a Republican campaign paper, in 1877. 

The religious publications of Messrs. Brobst, Diehl 
& Co., both in periodical and book form, deserve 
more than passing mention in a sketch of the Allen- 
town press. The firm was founded by Rev. Samuel 
K. Brobst, who was born in Lynn, Lehigh Co., in 
1S22, and descended from forefathers who came from 
Germany early in the. eighteenth century. When 
fourteen years old he made the journey by stage to 



Washington, Pa., there to learn the trade of tinsmith. 
His inclinations led another way, and after some in- 
terruptions he began preparation for the ministry. 
After completion of studies he was ordained in 1847, 
and received into the Lutheran Synod of Pennsyl- 
vania. Delicate health prevented him from accepting 
a charge, and he assisted other clergymen as supply, 
taking much interest in the establishment of Sunday- 
schools, then a new thing in this section of country. 
This led to the publishing of one or two small Ger- 
man question books or catechisms. In June, 1847, he 
published the first number of a German monthly 
(Der Jugendfreund ) intended for young people par- 
ticularly, then the only paper in German of this char- 
acter in the land. This periodical then intended 
particularly to meet local wants has become the main 
German Lutheran Sunday-school paper of the land, 
and circulates wherever there are German schools. 
In 1853 he issued the first Lutheran Almanac pub- 
lished in America, in German, which still maintains 
its superiority over its many competitors which have 
arisen in later years. Finding that the Jugendfreund 
did not reach some classes of people, Mr. Brobst, in 
1858, began publishing the Lutherische Zeitschrift, a 
semi-monthly Lutheran Church paper, which became 
a weekly in 1866. In 1865 he established an English 
Lutheran Almanac, which was transferred after four 
years to another party in Philadelphia. For nine 
years he published a German missionary paper, and 
during the war for two years a paper for the soldiers 
in the army, which was distributed by the Christian 
Commission by thousands of copies. In 1868 he com- 
menced to publish a more pretentious periodical, 
the Theological Monthly, in German, which he con- 
tinued for six years, but owing to increasing infirmi- 
ties he discontinued it at the end of 1874, as he had the 
missionary paper several years before, confining him- 
self afterwards to his monthly Jugendfreund and 
weekly Zeitschrift with the annual Almanac. During 
these years he published a number of smaller books 
with several of larger compass, intended principally 
for church and school use. As the year 1876 drew to 
a close Rev. Brobst succumbed to his old enemy, con- 
sumption, and died on the 24th of December. 

The business, after the death of Rev. Brobst, was 
taken in hand by Tilghman H. Diehl, who, in 1861, 
entered Mr. Brobst's employ as apprentice to learn 
the printing trade. After serving him as such for 
three years, Diehl took charge of subscription ac- 
counts, etc., and to the limited number of publica- 
tions added some stock from other publishing houses 
in the line of Sunday-school requisites. He thus 
grew up in the business and with it, soon having 
entire control of the business part of the concern. 
In 1872 he was admitted by Mr. Brobst as partner, 
when a new building for the purpose had been com- 
pleted by him, and under his superintendence the 
business was branched out into a local retail hook- 
am! stationery-store, later extended to jobbing and 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN'. 



IT.", 



wholesale trading. The business has continued to 
grow, and three years alter Mr. Brobst's death, Mr. 
Diehl removed to the present more central location at 
732 Hamilton Street (formerly 814), where the entire 
building is now occupied in the business. 

In 1882, .Mr. Diehl associated with him Mr. Samuel 
.J. Brobst, son of the founder, who had been in 
the business since he left school. All the period- 
ical publications have been continued by the present 
owners as they came into their hands alter Mr. 
Brobst's death. In 1879 the Lutheriache Herald, 
owned and published by the New York Lutheran 
Ministerium, was merged with the Lutherische Zeit- 
schrift, the paper receiving the joint title of Herald 
u/,, I Zeilschrifl, giving it a strong impetus and causing 
it rapidly to gain in subscribers ever since. This house 
has also much increased the list of its publications, 
more than doubling the number of books on its lists. 
Several large works have been completed lately. The 
most pretentious publication yet undertaken by it is 
the republishing of the so-called " Halle Reports," in 
German, the original appearing more than a century 
ago and containing the reports of Rev. M. H. Muh- 
lenberg, the founder of the Lutheran Church in Amer- 
ica, which he sent to his superiors in Halle, Germany. 
They are rich in historical matter, civil as well as 
religious. The new edition is in contents more than 
double of the original, much historical matter ex- 
plaining circumstances and localities mentioned being 
added by the editors,— Revs. W. J. Mann, D.D., and 
B. M. Schmucker, D.D. Five numbers, of one hun- 
dred pages each, have thus far appeared, and the com- 
plete work will make at least four times as much more. 
Others of the larger works published are a " Commen- 
tary of St. Mark" in English, an illustrated "BibleHis- 
tory" in German, a "Sunday-School Tune-Book'' in 
German, etc. By virtue of its connections through its 
papers the house has become one of the main job- 
bing-houses for the Lutheran Church, and has always 
enjoyed a sort of semi-official recognition as such. 
Extensive importations of church literature are made 
from Germany. 

The National Educator was established by Rev. Dr. 
A. R. Home, while he was engaged as principal of 
the Bucks County Normal and Classical School, at 
Quakertown, Bucks Co., in April, 1860. The design of 
the paper was originally to supply a long-felt want in 
education among the Pennsylvania Germans, namely, 
to publish an organ for the schools and parents of the 

German secti< I the State specially devoted to their 

interests. The subject of pronunciation, translation, 
and the use of the English language was discussed 
in its columns in such a way as to adapt it to the 
wants of the young acquiring a knowledge of that 
language. Their teachers, too, found in its columns 
suggestions on the best methods of teaching Pennsyl- 
vania German children. The editor, Dr. Home, 
however, removed to Williamsport in lSi;r>, and was 
elected city superintendent of schools, from which 



position he was called, in 1,872, to become the prin- 
cipal of the State Normal School, al Kutztown, in 
Berks County. As his sphere of usefulness and influ- 
ence was thus enlarged, be also extended the field 
of his paper's operations, and made it an educational 
organ, not only for the entire Slate, but also extended 
ils circulation into other Slates, until it has become a 
general educational organ for the entire country. 
Since the editor lias made Allentown his home, in 
1877, he has changed the journal from a monthly to a 
semi-monthly, and by personal canvass, and in con- 
nection with his teachers' institute work in Pennsyl- 
vania and other States, particularly in the far South, 
increased the circulation and influence so that the 
paper now is not only in name, but in reality, a " Na- 
tional Educator." The paper is printed at the office 
of Trexler & Hartzell, in Allentown, but the entire 
editorial and publishing management is in the hands 
of Dr. A. R. Home. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN— (Continued). 

Educational and Religious — The Public SchoolB and Iligher Institu- 
tions — History of the Individual Churches. 

Educational— The Public Schools.— Allentown 
possesses uncommon educational advantages both in 
its public schools 1 and private institutions. It is our 
pin pose to give under this head a full history of the 
development of each class. During the early years 
of the settlement it is probable that instruction was 
given both in the German and English languages, 
the teachers of the former being residents or visitors 
from the older towns of the region, while the pioneers 
of those who gave instruction in the English tongue 
were from the " Irish settlement" (in what is now 
Allen township, Northampton Co.). The first teacher 
whose name has been preserved was one Brown, from 
the Scotch-Irish colony referred to, who taught here 
previous to 1795. He was succeeded by a Mr. 
Thatcher, from the same locality, who taught between 
1795 and 1800. In 1797 he taught, the English lan- 
guage to the children of three families. " It seems to 
be generally acknowledged.'' says Mr. Buehrle, " that 
the Irish settlement was the home of the early teachers 
of Allentown." They were very good instructors of 
the old class, possessing all the well-known character- 
istics of the '' Irish schoolmaster." Among i he earliest 
were John Boyd, David Preston, Charles Weal er, and 

Ellis. Later there were among the pedagogical 

celebrities the Eberhards, father and son, and John 



1 The history of the public schools is principally derived from the 
article by Superintendent R. E. Buehrle, in the Slat. School Report of 
1877, but considerable additional Information 'iit.-i^Nt has 

been incorporated with ins facts. 



176 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Ryan. "The schools," says the writer from whom 
we have just quoted, "were usually kept in rooms 
rented for the purpose in private houses, and the fur- 
niture was of the rudest and most primitive kind. 
There were benches along the wall, with occasionally 
an inclined board for those who wanted to write. 
Probably the first house used exclusively for school 
purposes was /ion's German Reformed Church, con- 
structed of logs, on the rear of the present lot, and 
converted from a church into a school-house in 1773. 
The first school-house, erected as such, was an octagon, 
with steeple and bell, built by James Wilson for 
John Ryan, on Church Street opposite the rear end 
of the lot just mentioned. Both of these have long 
since disappeared." The early schools were of the 
subscription order, continuing usually for a term of 
three months, the parents or guardians paying at the 
rate of fifty cents a month. The teacher had entire 
control of the school, and was responsible to no one. 
" His moral character and professional qualifications 
were subject to no examination, and hence men not 
over temperate, industrious, and moral were some- 
times found in the schoolmaster's chair. Occasionally 
their constitutional indolence or late hours over the 
bottle or the gambling-table affected them so much 
on the following day as to cause them to fall asleep 
in the school-room, when the children left the school 
aud enjoyed their accidental holiday in the open air. 
Among scenes long to be remembered, it is related of 
John Boyd that when he began to teach he under- 
stood no German, while all of his pupils were entirely 
ignorant of English. The course of study embraced 
lessons in reading, writing, and a little ciphering, and 
the text-books were the primer, catechism, Testament, 
and psalter, mostly German, with some English. 
The usual incentives to study were the rod and the 
cowskin." 

More thoughtful and thorough measures for educa- 
tion were undertaken as years passed. More schools 
were taught, and a better class of teachers were en- 
gaged in giving instruction. A school for girls was 
opened in 1813. Night-schools were kept by various 
teachers from 1813 to 1845. Usually they were car- 
ried on by some of the hard-working class of teachers 
who also had day-schools. C. L. Arnold had one in 
1838, aud a number of years prior to that time, in 
which he received pupils at one dollar each per 
month. He taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and 
book-keeping " in the public school near the English 
Presbyterian Church." The teachers had an organi- 
zation as early as 1827, called " The Schoolmaster's 
Synod," the meetings of which were held at " Wor- 
man's Temple," at the Silver (or Crystal) Spring. 
In 1829, Zachariah Anselmus was president, and 
John O. Adams secretary. Some of the churches es- 
tablished parochial schools. The Allentown Acad- 
emy was chartered in 1814, and came into active 
operation in 1827. A ladies' seminary was opened in 
1831, and the Allentown Seminary in 1848. » >i' these 



institutions and the college, which was the outgrowth 
of one of them, we shall give the separate histories 
at length in their proper places. In the mean time, 
to follow the development of the public schools, we 
must return to an earlier period. 

An act passed in 1824 provided for the instruction 
of the children of the poor at the expense of the 
county. In 1828, under the provisions of that act, the 
borough of Northampton (Allentown) and the town- 
ships of Salisbury and Northampton paid 8421.71 
and in 1830 the sum of $270.63, for the education of 
their poor children. In 1833 the borough alone paid 
$434.77. 

The act of 1824 had prepared the people in a great 
degree for the new school law of 1834, and it was ac- 
cepted on its first submission to the people. One of 
the additional means used to influence public opinion 
and secure a favorable result in the election appears 
to have been "a numerously attended and influential 
meeting of the citizens of the borough at the public 
house of George Wetllerhold, Friday evening, Sept. 
12, 1834," at which the following resolutions were 
unanimously adopted: 

"Whereas, We believe that education contributes to ttie happiness 
of man and the welfare of society, and we desire, so far as is in our 
power, to improve the moral conditions of the community, and to per- 
petuate free institutions; therefore, 

"Renohed, That we solemnly believe that an act passed at the late 
session of the Legislature entitled ' an act," etc., if put in force will he 
of advantage to the poor as well as the rich, and we will therefore 
apply all honorable means at the next election to secure the success of 
the system." 

The efforts of the friends of the new law were suc- 
cessful, aud it was adopted in the borough by a vote 
of one hundred and thirty-seven against one. The 
first board of school directors consisted of Jacob 
Mohr, J. S. Gibbons, Esq., George Haberacker, Wil- 
liam Fry, Alexander Taylor, and George Keiper. 

The first public examination and school exercises 
were held Dec. 11, 1838, an announcement being 
made in the papers by Christian Pretz, secretary of 
the board. The forenoon was devoted to the exami- 
nation of the pupils in their respective rooms, and 
in the afternoon all assembled at the German Luth- 
eran Church, where an address on education was de- 
livered by Charles Davis, Esq., president of the 
board. Prior to the opening of the schools, Sept. 2, 
1839, the directors published a card in which they 
said they would "make it their especial duty to see 
to it that on the part of the teachers employed every- 
thing possible is done to promote the moral and spir- 
itual education of the pupils entrusted to them, and 
therefore again ask the active co-operation of the 
parents and guardians, without which the best system 
must fail of attaining its object." The next year a 
" female teacher" was wanted, according to an adver- 
tisement which appeared in one of the newspapers, 
and in 1841 we find that three of the six teachers 
were ladies. 

R. E. Wright, as secretary of the board of school 



TIIK CITI OF ALLBNTOWN. 



177 



directors of the Allentown district, announced, Jan. 
4. 1843, that the following sel of books would be ased 
in the schools: Cobb's New Spelling-Book and Juve- 
nile Readi rs Nbs. 1 and 2 (primary books), the New 
Testament, Frost's History of the United States, 
Mitchell's Geographical Reader, Frost's American 
Speaker Reader . I rost's Grammar, Mitchell's Pri- 
mary School Geography, Keith's Arithmetic, Frost's 
Exercises in Composition, and Cobb's Abridgment of 
Walker's 1 dictionary. 

In the year 1 849 the first public appeal was made 
to the directors to appoint a superintendent of schools. 

Notwithstanding there wen- only ten teachers em- 
ployed, the Lehigh Reg Sept. 14, 1849, said, 
" We would suggest the appointment of a general 
superintendent of the schools. We are far behind the 
progressive spirit of the times in this important matter. 
We have no doubt if the directors would move in the 
matter it would meet the approbation of all the friends 
of public-school education." 

Ai a meeting of the Lehigh County Association of 
Teachers, directors and friends of education, Feb. 23, 
1851, the following resolutions were adopted, which 
irly indicate the then existing need in the public- 
school system : 

" /,'■ loleed, That thp appointment of district superintendents is wisely 
recommended, and that the necessity for them is becoming daily more 
imperative. 

" RrMotrtd. That in the opinion of the association much of the incom- 
petency of teachers, at present so general a cause of complaint, would 
in a great degree lie corrected bjtbe establishment of teachers 1 semi- 
naries under the control of district superintendents." 

When a county superintendent was to be elected, in 
1 354, the Allentown school directors, F. E. Sarin. 
C. II. Martin, Joseph Young. Jonathan Reichard, 
David Menningcr, Jonathan Schwartz, and Nathan 
imer, participated in it. 

In the year 1856 the county superintendent re- 
ported that "among the ten first-class school-houses 
is that of Lehigh Ward in Allentown;" and con- 
tinued, "there are thirteen graded schools, well pro- 
vided with outline maps, globes, orrery, blackboards, 
geometrical blocks, etc., but in the style and arrange- 
ment of the seats and desks, they are not equal to 
in the rural districts. The director- of the bor- 
oughs of Allentown and Catasauqua are the most 
assiduous in their attention to the schools." 

The Allentown High School ibr both sexes was 
established in 1858, under the charge of R. W. Mc- 
ine, " a young gentleman fully competent to the 
task.'' Tbi- vastly increased the influence of the 
educational system. In the same year the first school- 
house built by the board of directors was erected on 
Turner Street, above Eighth, in what was then known 
as the North Ward. Previous to this all the schools 
wen- kept in buildings erected for other purposes, but 
purchased by the board and converted into school- 
houses. The new building at once took rank among 
the best in the county. In 1859, by a vote of six to 
12 



two, a separate high school for each sex was estab- 
lished, and Augustus Armagnac was appointed tea' her 
of the male, and .Mrs. Hannah L. Romigofthe female 
high school. Thus the organization of 
primary, secondary, grammar, and high was com- 
plete, but serious difficulties arose in administering the 

m. There seems to have been no regular time 
for promotions, and hence we find them made in Sep- 

ler and January, and in 1 sUl it was resolved "that 
three of the scholars attending the male grammar 

■ I be examined by the county superintendent, in 
presence of the president, visiting r of said 

school, and the secretary, who should be authorized 
to promote said scholars without reference to the 
board." A closer approach to perfect system was 
made in April, 1861, when ( '. W. Cooper, Esq., offered, 
and the board passed, the following resolution: 

" /;. tolvcd, That a committee of three he appointed for the purpose of 
drafting questions for the different grades, and that the same be pre- 
sented to each scholar in attendance during the hist week of the term, 
and that the admission of scholars into schools shall be governed in 
accordance with such examination. '" 

Among the citizens who interested themselves in the 
public schools of the period of which we have written, 
Charles Davis, Esq., held a prominent place. He was 
appointed as one of the inspectors by the i ourt, and 
afterwards was president of the school board. He 
had an able successor in Jonathan Reichard, Fs.j., who 
had the honor brming the work oi 

grading the public schools and of being chosen the 
fir.^t president of the Teachers' and Directors' Educa- 
tional Association, organized in 1852. Tilghman 
Good, elected county superintendent in 1860, and R. 
W. Mc Alpine, the first teacher of the high school and 
editor of the , Journal, which appeared in 

1858, also deserve to be mentioned. As active friends 
of the public schools at this period, as well as pro- 
moters of higher education, should be mentioned 
such men as Christian Fretz, R. E. Wright. Esq., 
Eli J. Saeger, the late Rev. S. K. Brobst, and C. W. 
Cooper, Esq., to whom may well be applied the term 
veteran school officer, he having served from 1854 to 
1872. with the exception of but a single year, either 
as county superintendent, school director, or control- 
ler, besides being one of the founders of Muhlenberg 
College and of the Seminary, in whose boards of 
trustees he still holds place. 

With the year 1866 began a new era in the educa- 
tional history of Allentown. The various educational 
forces having attained their full development, then 
rapidly assumed their final form. At a special meet- 
ing of the board of directors of the Allentown school 
district, in January, 1866, at which Messrs. E. B. 
Young (president i. C. W.Cooper, T. Good, George 
H. II i. Boas Hausman, H. J. Saeger, and 

J. S. Dillinger were present, was taken the initiatory 
in the unanimous passage of the following reso- 
lution : 



178 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" Beeolved, That, in the opinion of this board, it is deemed policy to 
combine all the wards of this city in one school district. 

" Resolved, That Messrs. Saeger, Dillinger, and Cooper he a committee 
to draft sections covering the suggestions of the board, with power to 
confer with a committee of the town councils." 

The result of this action was the act of 1866, con- 
stituting tlic entire borough (which up to that time 
had comprised two) one school district, under the 
control of a board of controllers elected by the board 
of school directors of each ward, who were elected by 
the people. In the board of controllers was vested 
the right and title to all the property and the entire 
corporate powers of the district, and they were given 
power to establish schools, erect buildings, adopt text- 
books and course of study, with rules and regulations, 
assess and collect taxes, receive and disburse moneys, 
appoint all teachers of grammar and high schools 
and a superintendent, and enter into all contracts and 
agreements on behalf of the district, To the boards 
of school directors of the different sections was re- 
served the power to elect the teachers below the grade 
of grammar, to admit pupils into and to visit the 
schools of their respective sections. These powers 
being regarded as too limited on the part of the direc- 
tors, a supplement passed in 1869 granted them the 
power to participate in the election of city superin- 
tendent, and a further supplement, passed in 1871, 
increased the number of controllers from one to two 
for each section. 

The first duty incumbent on the new board after the 
adoption of a course of study was the erection of a 
new school-house in the Fifth Ward, the initiatory 
steps toward which had been taken by the former 
board of school directors in the purchase of a lot for 
three thousand two hundred and fifty dollars. The 
corner-stone of this structure was laid in May, 1867. 
Although there was considerable opposition mani- 
fested when the character of the building and its pro- 
posed cost became generally known, yet the board, 
united to a man, resolutely continued in its course. 
That accommodations were indispensably necessary 
was conceded by all, but the condition of the schools 
and school-houses was known to few outside of the 
board. So great was the want of room during the 
term of 1867-68 that the boys' high school was kept 
in a meat-shop eighteen by thirty feet, and the girls' 
in the session room of the First Presbyterian Church, 
while from four to six lower grades were provided for 
in Sunday-school rooms and tenement houses rented 
lor school purposes. 

The necessity for providing for regular examina- 
tions soon became apparent to the board, and they, 
therefore, in May, 1867, appointed R. K. Buehrle the 
teacher of the boys' high school, to conduct the exam- 
inations of all the schools in additions to his duties 
as teacher. In February, 1868, he was unanimously 
appointed city superintendent, which office he held 
until 1878, being thrice re-elected, twice unanimously. 
He was as principal ex officio required to devote some 
of his time to giving instruction in the two high 



schools which were combined for that purpose, thus 
realizing the idea aimed at by a resolution of C. W. 
Cooper in the board of directors in 1859, and by the 
Rev. Walker in 1864. 

The first high school commencement was held in 
1869 in the Presbyterian Church, and the first diplo- 
mas were awarded to the class of 1874. The classes 
graduating from 1869 to 1874 subsequently received 
diplomas also. The effect of having regular annual 
examinations, and promoting in accordance with pro- 
ficiency then and there exhibited, was soon seen in 
greater regularity of attendance and better attention 
to study. This was especially the case in the higher 
grades. Teachers, too, were stimulated to greater 
exertion, now that they saw their work was appre- 
ciated. 

Because of the rapid growth of the city from 
eight thousand and thirty-seven in I860 to fourteen 
thousand and sixty-eight in 1870, it was found neces- 
sary to erect a new school-house in the Sixth Ward 
in 1870 and one in the Fourth Ward in 1872 ; while, 
on the other hand, the unsafe condition of those in 
the Second and Third Wards rendered their remod- 
eling necessary, and the same cause also necessitated 
the erection of a new building in the First Ward in 
1874. Further increase iD population made necessary 
the erection of still another house, the one in the 
Eighth Ward, on Ninth Street, which was commenced 
in 1881 and finished in November, 1882, at a cost of 
about seven thousand dollars. This building has four 
rooms, and the plan is such that two more can be 
easily added. 

In May, 1878, G. H. Desh was elected superintend- 
ent in place of Mr. Buehrle, and served until 1881, 
when the present superintendent, L. B. Landis, was 
chosen as his successor. Mr. Landis had formerly 
taught in the Allentowu schools, but had removed 
from town and served for several years as superin- 
tendent of the Hokendaqua schools prior to return- 
ing here and assuming his advanced position. 

The schools are now in a very prosperous condition 
and of a high standard of excellence. They are in per- 
fect harmony and accord with the higher educational 
institutions of the town. The favorable standing of the 
public high school is attested by the fact that its grad- 
uates are admitted to Muhlenberg College on very 
slight examination. The high school, of which the 
superintendent is ex ojfit-io principal, has about one 
hundred and twenty-five pupils, and the total number 
in all of the schools (yearly enrollment.) is about three 
thousand seven hundred. There are for the accom- 
modation of this large number of scholars ten build- 
ings, having an aggregate of sixty-seven rooms. 
Fifty-nine teachers are engaged in the instruction of 
the children. The following is a full and correct list, 
and contains the names of some who have been 
engaged in education here for many years: 

High School. — Superintendent, L. B. Landis ; F. D. 
Raub, Miss A. S. Grammes, Miss Rosa Kessler. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



179 



First Ward Building. — Secondary, W. C. Butz, 
Miss Annie F. Schwartz; Advanced Primary, H. 
Maurice Romig, .Miss Minnie Koons ; Primary, Miss 
Emma Scholl, Miss Hattie Bitterling, Miss Ella 
Rinker, Miss Mary Roth. 

Second Ward Buildings. —Grammar, 15. F. Abbott, 
Miss Lavinia Busse; Secondary, Morris F. Cawley, 
Miss Emma Aschbach : Advanced Primary, Miss A. 
J. Keck, Miss Leah Fiscbel; Primary, Miss Ida 
Hausman, Miss Alice Kichline. 

Third Ward Building. — Secondary, James Webb, 
Miss Ella Gabriel; Advanced Primary, Miss Clara 
Balliet, Miss Maggie Spatz ; Primary. Miss Carrie l'>. 
Kichline, Miss Lizzie Steltz. 

Fourth Ward Building (Chew Street). — Grammar, 
J. W. Rodgers, Miss E. J. Haines; Secondary. H. S. 
Mover, C. H. Rhoads; Advanced Primary, Miss 
Annie Lind, Miss Annie Saeger; Primary, Miss 
Emma Weida. 

Fourth Ward Building (Turner Street). — Secondary, 
Miss Louise Mohr, Miss Emma L. Mills; Advanced 
Primary, Miss L. C. Kerkemeyer, Miss L. C. Weaver; 
Primary. Miss C. C. Christman, Miss L. A. Winters. 

Fifth Ward Building. — Grammar, G. P. Bates, Miss 
L. C. Busse; Secondary, William H.Albright, Miss 
E. Nonnemacher; Advanced Primary, J. A. Conrad, 
Miss Alice Shock, Miss Carrie E. Koons ; Primary, 
Miss Mary A. Daubert, Miss Maggie Sykes, Miss L. 
Virginia Smith, Miss A. E. Young. 

si, f/i Ward Building. — Secondary, James F. Gal- 
lagher, Mi>> F. A. McCafferty : Advanced Primary. 
Miss Emma C. Dunlap, Miss Mary J. McGee; Pri- 
mary, Miss Bridget Gallagher, Miss Rose A. Crillv. 

Eighth Ward Building. — Primary, Miss Sallie Grif- 
fith, Miss Annie Holmay, Miss Ida M. Knauss. 

Following is the rourse of study in the public 
schools, of which every branch prescribed (even 
those marked optional) have been studied since 1867 : 

Primary Schools. — Alphabet, orthography, first, 
second, and third readers, elementary arithmetic, 
drawing and writing on slate, oral instruction, in- 
cluding lessons on form, color, plants, animals, morals, 
and manners. 

Advanced Primary. — Orthography, second, third, 
and fourth readers, penmanship, elementary arithme- 
tic, oral geography, drawing on slate, oral instructions 
(as before), lessons on business forms, letter-writing, 
etc. 

Secondary, First )~<i,-. — Orthography, fourth reader, 
primary geography, arithmetic (mental and written>. 
penmanship, and drawing. 

Second Year. — Orthography, fifth reader, common 
school geography, arithmetic, etc., as above, lessons in 
elementary composition, reviews, abstracts, dictation, 
letters, business forms, etc., oral instruction in forms 
of government, races, exports and imports, morals 
and manners. 

Grammar, First Year. — Fifth reader, orthography, 
geography, penmanship, drawing and arithmetic 



continued , grammar, physiology, history of the 

I hitcl Stutes. 

Second Year. Sixth year, history of the United 
States, zoology, botany, German, and book-keeping 
(optional), orthography, grammar, penmanship, draw- 
in- and arithmetic ' continued), declamation and com- 
position for the entire course. 

High School, First >'<",-. - Reading, grammar, 
arithmetic (continued), algebra, German, general his- 
tory, book-keeping, and Constitution of the United 
States for boys, and chemistry for girls. 

Second Year. — Rhetoric, English literature, geom- 
etry and trigonometry, Latin, Greek (optional for 
girls), German, geology, chemistry for boys, and the 
Constitution of the United States lor girls. 

Third Year. — Rhetoric, Latin, Greek, and German 
(continued), physics, astronomy, physical geography, 
moral philosophy, general review, declamation, and 
composition during the entire course. 

Allentown Academy. — Although it did not come 
into actual existence until 1819, the Allentown 
Academy was chartered by act of the Legislature in 
March, 1814. The important parts of this act were 
as follows : 

Si< tion I. Be ./ /. /, That the] e shall bo and hereby i? established 

in the borough ot Northampton (Allentown j, in Lehigh County, an 
academy or public school for the education "t youth in the English and 
Other languages, in the useful arts, sciences, and literature, by the 
name, style, and title of the Allentown Academy, under the care, direc- 
tion, and government of six trustees, to wit : Peter Rhoads, John Horn, 

John Miller, Taylor, James Wilson, George Keek, Adam Reep, 

and Jacob Martin, which said trustees and successors to be elected, as 
hereinafter mentioned, shall be and hereby are declared to be one body 
politic and corporate in deed and in law, by the name, style, and title 
of " the trustees of the Allentown Academy,*' etc. 

Sec. o. That the sum of S2000 be and the same is hereby granted 
out of any unappropriated money in the treasury of this commonwealth, 
to be paid to the treasurer of the institution, etc., to be applied : S1000 
thereof in the erection "fa building or buildings, etc., and the pur- 
chasing of books, mathematical instruments, and the necessary philo- 
Bophical apparatus, and the remaining sioiiii shall he placed in some 
safe and productive fund or funds, and the income thereof shall lie for- 
ever applied in aid of other measures to compensate a teacher or teach- 
er- in said Academy. 

"Sec. B, That there shall be admitted into said academy, in conse- 
quence of said appropriation, any number of poor children of said 
comity that may at anytime he offered, in order to he pi ivided with 
booksand stationery andtaughl gratis; provided that the nnmbei so 

admitted anil taught -hall at n.i time he greater than four, and that 

: m o aid children so admitted shall continue in said academy to bo 
taught gratis, should others apply, longer than two years; and be ;t 
further provided that before any [.an of the appropriation shall be paid 

.a the order or orders of *ai.l tin. tees, they, or a majority of them. 

shall duly certify that SUhsCrfptlunO to the am. unit .1 -lu.in have I en 

obtaini trad, to be paid for the use ol said Icademy, and that 

tin- t. ustees have proceeded to er cl the building aforesaid." 

The last clause deferred the erection of the academy 

for several years, ami the original trustees appear 
to have done nothing to bring the school into exist- 
ence even at such time as they were empowered to, 
and hence in 1819 the act. which had passed out of 
force, was renewed. The trustees then appointed 
were James Wilson, l>r. Jacob Martin, John J. 
Krause, John Romig, John Fogel, John Siegel, and 
Philip Kleekncr. They immediately addressed them- 



ISO 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



selves to the work. In an address which they pub- 
lished in the newspapers, after reminding the public 
of the act of incorporation and the appropriation of 
two thousand dollars by the State ou condition that 
one thousand dollars should be subscribed by the citi- 
zens, they say, "and yet, notwithstanding the above 
act has been passed now upwards of seven years, said 
condition has never been fufilled. Surely this condi- 
tion of things may continue no longer. In almost 
ever county of the State there are one or more acade- 
mies in which the children of the citizens can be edu- 
cated to moral excellence, and shall Lehigh stand 
alone as a pillar of darkness in the midst of the ra- 
diance of the surrounding light and intellectual re- 
finement? We hope not, and therefore earnestly 
expect that all benevolent enterprising citizens in 
town or county will early avail themselves of the op- 
portunity to call on Dr. Jacob Martin or John J. 
Krause, Esq., and contribute their share towards the 
attainment of an object so extraordinarily desirable 
and so easily to be accomplished." 

The object for which they labored was not realized 
until tour years had passed, when in 1823 the trustees 
made the following announcement, "Since the re- 
quired amount for the erection of the Allentown 
Academy is now subscribed and the undersigned de- 
sire to make preparations this summer yet for its 
erection, the trustees are earnestly requested to meet 
for this purpose at the house of George Haberacker, 
in the borough of Northampton, on Saturday, July 
30. The trustees are Peter Newhard, of Northamp- 
ton ; Daniel Saeger, of North Whitehall ; Daniel 
Eberhard, of Upper Milford ; John Guth, of South 
Whitehall ; H. W. Knipe, of Upper Saucon ; Henry 
Ritter, of Salisbury ; and Philip Wint, of Upper 
Saucon." 

A building was erected at the corner of Walnut 
and Eighth Streets, which is still standing, and in 
1827, Silas H. Hickox, who came from New England, 
took charge of the school. The academy at once se- 
cured a place in the front rank of the schools of the 
town and of the valley, and retained its position for 
many years. Mr. Hickox resigned in 1829 for the 
purpose of devoting himself to the legal profession, 
and was succeeded by W. W. Wertz. After his term 
of service, and prior to 1853, the principals were 
Frederick Maucourt, Charles A. Douglass, R. S. Mc- 
Clenachau, and Robert Chandler. In 1852, Professor 
I. N. Gregory took charge of the school and remained 
as its principal until 1865. He was the most success- 
ful teacher the academy ever had, and during the long 
period he. was at its head the institution enjoyed the 
utmost popularity. Dr. Murphy was engaged as prin- 
cipal in 1867, but remained only a short time, and it 
became apparent that the school had closed its era of 
usefulness. 

Mr. Gregory, under authority of an act of the Leg- 
islature, had put a mortgage on the building for the 
purpose of raising funds for enlarging it, and under 



this mortgage the property was sold by the sheriff in 
1881. By this sale sixteen hundred dollars was real- 
ized over and above the amount of the judgment, and 
this sum was divided equally between Muhlenberg 
College and the Female Seminary. At a meeting of 
the trustees — Eli J. Saeger, August Weidner, George 
P. Weil, R. E. Wright, Henry Gabriel, and Dr. Alfred 
J. Martin — held July 15, 1881, Messrs. Wright and 
Martin were appointed a committee to convey the 
surplus to the two institutions mentioned. This was 
done on condition that each of them should grant one 
perpetual scholarship, of which the benefit should be 
received by such graduates of the public schools as 
the school controllers and directors should see fit to 
present for the favor. This measure having been 
consummated, the trustees of the old Allentown 
Academy resigned siru die. 

Muhlenberg College. 1 — This institution was or- 
ganized in the year 1867 to meet a want long felt by 
many of the pastors and members of the Lutheran 
Church east of the Susquehanna River. Pennsylva- 
nia College, at Gettysburg, where the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania for many years held two professorships, 
failed to meet the wants and develop the educational 
interests of the fifty thousand communicant members 
then already belonging to that Synod, a number that 
has since increased to nearly a hundred thousand. 
The remoteness of Gettysburg from this centre of 
Lutheran population and wealth had from the begin- 
ning been considered by many a serious objection to 
it as a place for the education of their youth, and in 
reality had the cllect of limiting the number of stu- 
dents from this territory to a proportion of one college 
student to every two thousand communicants. It was 
evident that so small an attendance from this region 
would not develop the educational interests of the 
Lutherans of Eastern Pennsylvania, as the necessities 
of the church and the welfare of the community re- 
quired. 

In addition to the disadvantageous location of Penn- 
sylvania College, and of far more weight in urging the 
immediate establishment of a Lutheran institution for 
higher Christian education east of the Susquehanna, 
were the peculiar state of affairs resulting from the 
organization of the General Council of the Lutheran 
Church and the establishment of the Theological Sem- 
inary in Philadelphia by the Synod of Pennsylvania. 
The differences already existing between the ruling ele- 
ments in the institutions at Gettysburg and the Synod 
of Pennsylvania, in spirit, theological trend, and the 
degree of importance given to the German language, 
were increased to such an extent that the Synod was 
constrained to seek elsewhere the education of her 
youth and the preparation of a sufficient number of 
students for the Theological Seminary in Philadel- 
phia. She could not have recourse to any of the col- 
leges then existing in Eastern Pennsylvania, for, how- 

1 By Rev. ProfeEBor Theodore L. Seip, A.M. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



181 



ever excellent they may have been, they were not 
founded to meet the peculiar want- of the Lutheran 
Church and her population. The Synod was, ihere- 
fore, under the necessity of organizing a college 
adapted to her own wants and those of the people 
whom she represented. Muhlenberg College was the 

result. 

I!e tore proceeding with the history of the college 
proper, it will aid to a better understanding of the 
subject to give a brief sketch of the Allentown Sem- 
inary, which became the forerunner of Muhlenberg 
College. 

\- early as the 1st of .May, 1848, the Allentown 
Seminary was opened in Livingstone mansion, under 
the principalship of Rev. ( '. R. Kessler, of the Re- 
formed Church. He had been induced to engage in 
the work chief]} by Rev.S. K. Brobst of the Lutheran 
Church, the originator of the enterprise and its most 
zealous supporter. The building in which the sem- 
inary was at ii r- 1 housed was a large two-story stone 
edifice, now the east wing of Muhlenberg College. 
This mansion, with the beautiful grounds around it. 
had at one time belonged to the Livingstones, rela- 
tives of the Aliens, who were the founders of the 
town. Before the seminary was opened this property 
had passed into the possession of Messrs. Pretz and 
Weinsheimer, members of the Lutheran Church, and 
continued in their ownership until the organization 
of Muhlenberg College, when it was purchased by 
that corporation. 

The object of the institution was sel forth by the 
first principal, Rev. C. R. Kessler, in a letter dated 
March. 1848, to the Jugendfreund, published by Rev. 
S. 1\. Brobst. It reads as follows: " This institution 
i- especially designed for those who desire to prepare 
themselves for the sphere of the teacher. It is, how- 
ever, easily seen that those also can attend the insti- 
tution with advantage who propose studying either 
theology, jurisprudence, or medicine, and wish to pre- 
pare themselves tor one of the higher classes of col- 
lege, and also those who are seeking important ac- 
quisitions in knowledge and a higher culture. This 
institution will offer special advantages to those who 
desire a thorough and practical knowledge of the 
German language. The moral culture of the pupils 
will receive special attention." Bible history, biblical 
antiquities, and Christian morals were enumerated 
among the regular studies. The primary object of 
the school, though of the highest importance, was 
nevertheless not attained, as it was urged in advance 
of the times, so that the Allentown Seminary as a 
normal school, or teachers' seminary, was a failure. 
The attendance during the first term was but eleven, 
only four of whom had come to prepare for teaching. 
The institution, though retaining in view all it had 
• ut to accomplish, was soon announced as a class- 
ical school for boarders and day-scholars. After 
much discouragement and zealous effort on the part 
of the principal and the friends of education by 



whom he was sustained, the interests of the school 
began to advance, and the attendance increased to 
such an extent that it became necessary to furnish 
enlarged accommodations. Accordingly, during the 

summer of 185] a new building, now the west wing 

of Muhlenberg College, was erected. In the year 
1854 the attendance had risen to two hundred and 
two, — one hundred and forty-seven males and fifty- 
five female-. The central building, occupying the 
space between the east and west wings, was then 
erected during th< summer of 1854, and Livingstone 
mansion was raised to three stories, so that the entire 
seminary building presented a front of one hundred 
and thirty feet, and furnished accommodations for 
one hundred boarders. These were the buildings 
which, with the spacious grounds around them, sub- 
sequently passed into the possession of the corpor- 
ation of Muhlenberg College. While the institution 
was in the height of its prosperity, its honored prin- 
cipal and founder was called to rest from hi- labors. 
He died March 4, 1855. 

The institution continued under the name of the 
Allentown Seminary until the year 1864. 

The following gentlemen succeeded Rev. Mr. Eess- 
ler as principal in the order of their name- : Rev. W. 
M. Reynolds, D.D., of the Lutheran Church, Rev. W. 
Philips, A.M., and Rev. W. R. ffofford, A.M., both 
of the Reformed Church. 

In March, 1864, the institution was regularly char- 
tered by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, under "the 
name, style, and title of the Allentown Collegiate In- 
stitute and .Military Academy." Under this charter 
it possessed collegiate powers and privileges. Not- 
withstanding the fact that it had the chartered lights 
of a college, and was nominally under the control of 
a board of trustees, it was in reality merely a private 
school. Rev. M. L. Hofford, of the Presbyterian 
Church, was the only president of the institution 
under the above charter. The last year of his ad- 
ministration brings us to the organization of Muhlen- 
berg College, whose history we now proceed to give. 

From the fact that many of the pastor- ami laymen 
of the Lutheran Church in Allentown and vicinity 
were warm friends and patrons of the institution 
through all the years of its existence, the attention of 
the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, to which they be- 

longed, was repeatedly directed to it, with a view to 
securing it for the Synod. Committee-, who were 
charged with the duty of looking after the educational 
interest- of the church in the institution at Allen- 
town, were appointed by Synod, and reported annually 
from 1860 to 1 St". 7 : and as early as 1 sol; the Sy 1 rec- 
ommended the institution as a preparatory school to 
young men who desired to prepare for the mini-try. 

Many public-spirited citizens of Allentown, anxious 
to secure the benefits of a higher institution of learning 
for their young city, though some of the most active 
were not members of the Lutheran < Shurch, co-operated 
most earnestly and efficiently with the Lutheran | 



182 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tors and laymen in the effort to enlist the interest of the 
Ministerium and to establish a college. The need of 
a training-school for the Theological Seminary which 
the Synod had opened in Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1864, 
encouraged and intensified this effort, so that the agi- 
tation and labors of seven years resulted in the for- 
mation of a joint-stock company for the purchase of 
the property and management of the institution by a 
board of trustees, two-thirds of whom were to be 
elected by the stockholders and one-third by the 
Synod from among such of its members as were 
stockholders. 

The charter was amended to meet the new require- 
ments, and under this amended charter a meeting of 
the stockholders was called by the officers of the 
former organization on Feb. 2, 18(37. and under their 
supervision a new board of trustees was elected, in 
whom were vested all the rights and privileges of the 
former board. The new board consisted of eighteen, 
twelve of whom were elected as the representatives 
of the stockholders, and the remaining six to serve 
until the Synod elected its own trustees. The board 
elected at this meeting of the stockholders were the 
following: Hon. R. E. Wright, president; Rev. E. J. 
Koons, secretary ; Jonathan Reichard, treasurer ; Rev. 
S. K. Brobst, Rev. W. Rath, Rev. J. Yeager, Rev. F. 
J. F. Schantz, C. W. Cooper, M. H. Horn, W. Saeger, 
B. F. Trexler, W. H. Blumer, C. Pretz, E. J. Saeger, 
L. Klump, E. S. Shimer, H. Weinsheimer, Mayor 
Samuel McHose. 

This board took charge of the institution April 4th 
of the same year, and unanimously elected Rev. Pro- 
fessor F. A. Muhlenberg, of Gettysburg, to the presi- 
dency of the college. The friends of the new enter- 
prise were exceedingly encouraged by his final accept- 
ance of the position, after he had at first declined. 
It gave prominence and standing to the college from 
the start. His ripe and accurate scholarship, his long 
and successful experience in teaching for twelve years 
in Franklin College, at Lancaster, and seventeen years 
in Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, his eminent 
personal character, exhibiting the various noble quali- 
ties of an honorable Christian gentleman, his kind 
but firm disposition, and the fact that he was a worthy 
son of noble sires, with a name distinguished in the 
history of our country and church, marked him out 
as the man for the place, capable not only of occupy- 
ing, but also of dignifying, the position. At a meeting 
of the board, held May 21, 18G7, the institution was 
named Muhlenberg College, in honor of Henry Mel- 
choir Muhlenberg, the distinguished pioneer of the 
Lutheran Church in this country, and the great-grand- 
father of the president of the college. It is proper to 
state in this connection that the well-known modesty 
of President Muhlenberg often led him to express to 
the writer of this sketch his deep regret that the col- 
lege had received the name of his family. 

The board of trustees of Muhlenberg College, as 
has been stated, took charge of the institution April 



4, 1867, but continued the course of instruction of the 
Collegiate Institute until the close of the scholastic 
year in June. In addition to the former teachers of 
the Institute, the services of the writer, who had just 
graduated from the Theological Seminary in Phila- 
delphia, and was awaiting his ordination at the meet- 
ing of the Synod in June, were secured to aid the 
teaching force in winding up the affairs of the Col- 
legiate Institute. While engaged in this service, on 
May 21st, he was elected principal of the academic 
department, and also provisional professor of German 
until a regular professor in that department could be 
secured. At the solicitation of President Muhlenberg, 
and by the advice of his former teachers in the Theo- 
logical Seminary, he accepted the position, and has at 
different times, as circumstances required, taught in 
all the departments of the college, being the only 
member of the faculty who has been uninterruptedly 
connected with it from the beginning. 

The Allentown Collegiate Institute and Military 
Academy was formally and finally closed with appro- 
priate exercises in St. John's Lutheran Church, on 
the 27th of June, 1867. 

At the meeting of the Synod at Lebanon, June, 
1867, the following was reported: "The committee 
appointed by Synod in 1860, charged with the duty of 
securing an institution at Allentown for our church, 
has the pleasure of reporting that, with the help of 
God, its labors of seven years have resulted in the at- 
tainment of the chief objects in view in its appoint- 
ment, viz.: to secure the continuation and advance- 
ment of the school established nineteen years ago for 
the promotion of Christian education, to bring this in- 
stitution under the supervision of our church, and to 
raise it to the grade of a full college. Muhlenberg 
College can and will soon be formally opened, with 
very fair prospects of success." At this meeting of 
the Synod six members, constituting one-third of the 
board of trustees, were elected. The first full board 
of trustees of Muhlenberg College, under the amended 
charter, consisted of the following persons: Elected by 
the stockholders, Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D.D., pres- 
ident ex officio ; Rev. E. J. Koons, secretary ; Jonathan 
Reichard, treasurer; Hon. R. E. Wright, Rev. S. K. 
Brobst, M. H. Horn, C. W. Cooper, W. Saeger, W. H. 
Blumer, Rev. W. Rath, Rev. J. Y r eager, C. Pretz, Rev. 
F. J. F. Schantz. Elected by the Synod, Rev. J. A. 
Seiss, D.D., Rev. W. J. Eyer, Rev. G. F. Miller, A. W. 
Potteiger, L. Klump, B. F. Trexler. 

The Synod, at the same meeting, very heartily ap- 
proved the election of Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg as presi- 
dent of the college, and earnestly commended the 
institution to the patronage of the church. 

The board of trustees had in the mean time made 
arrangements for the alteration and enlargement of the 
west wing of the building as a residence for the presi- 
dent, and for the erection of a new building, five 
stories in height and about one hundred feet in length, 
to be joined to the central building, with such changes 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



l-:; 



:i- wen necessary l<i ailajit the whole to the purposes 
of the college. 

Public announcement was made that Muhlenberg 
College, with its four departments, college. 
demic, preparatory, and primary,-- would be opened 
on the 1st of September, 1X67, and that the ceremo- 
nies of the inauguration of the faculty and the laying 
of the corner-stone of the m w building would take 
on the 3d and 1th days of the same month. 

The first meeting of the faculty preliminary to the 
opening of the college was held August 30th. Presi- 
dent Muhlenberg occupied the (hair, and the faculty 

was organized by the election of Professor T, L. Seip 
as secretary. The president stated that, in order to 
give the college classes the requisite number of recita- 
tions, it became necessary to make a change in the ar- 
rangements, and that accordingly Rev. II. X. Etiishad 
been elected professorof German, and in consequence 
of this, Professor Seip had been made assistant pro- 
le--, , r of ( rreek, in addition to the principalship of the 
academic department. An adjourned meeting of the 
faculty was held on Monday, September 2d, at which a 
schedule of hours was adopted, and arrangements were 
completed for the beginning of recitations after the 
ceremonies of inauguration. 

On Tuesday evening, September 3d, the hoard of 
trustees, the faculty-elect, the clergy, the mayor and 
Councils of the city, students, invited guests, and citi- 
zeus formed in procession at St. John's Lutheran 
Church, headed by the Allentown Cornet Band, and 
proceeded to the court-house, where the following ex- 
ercises took place: Music by the band, which per- 
formed by special arrangement " Old Hundred" and 
" Ein Feste Burg;" opening prayer, by Kev. J. W. 
Wood ; the charge to the faculty, by Hon. R. E. 
Wright, the retiring president of the board ; the in- 
augural address, by Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D.D., 
president of the college; address by Rev. G. F. Krotel, 
1 >.!>., president of the Synod of Pennsylvania. On 
the morning of the 4th the procession again formed 
at St. John's Church, and proceeded to St. Paul's 

Lutheran Church, where, alter music by the hand 
and choir, prayer was offered by Rev. Professor J. F. 
Wilkin, of Gettysburg, and addresses were delivered 
by Rev. D. Cans, D.D.. of Norristown, and Rev. J. 
Vogelbach, of Philadelphia. Alter the exercises in 
the church the assembly moved in a procession to the 
college grounds, when the corner-stone of the new 
building was laid by President Muhlenberg, in the 
name of the triune God, prayer was offered by Rev. 
E. Bauer, and the benediction pronounced by Kev. J. 
Yeager. 

The following gentlemen had been elected and were 
inaugurated the lirst faculty of Muhlenberg College: 
Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D.D., president and profi ssor 
of Greek, Mental and Moral Science, and Evidences 
of Christianity ; Rev. E. J. Koons, A.M., vice-presi- 
dent and professor of Mathematics, Astronomy, and 
Physics; Kev. \V. R. Hofford, A.M., professor of 



Latin; Rev. S. Philip-, A.M., professor of Rhetoric, 
Logic, English Literature, and Political Economy; 
Kev. J. F. Falls, professor of History; Rev. II. N. 
Kiis, professor of German; T. C. Yeager. M.l).. pro- 
fessor of Chemistry and Botany; Rev. T. L. Seip, 
A.M., principal of the academic department and 
assistant professor of Greek. 

Recitations in the several departments began Sep- 
tember 4th, with arrangements for a full number of 
hours for all the college il 

A number of students from Pennsylvania College 
had followed Dr. Muhlenberg, and applied for ad 
mission adeundem in Muhlenberg College, so that the 
new college started with the four classes as follows: 
Seniors. 4; Juniors, 2; Sophomores, 6 ; Freshmen, 
13. The academic department catalogued 136 during 
the year. Total, 161. 

Several changes in the faculty soon occurred. Be- 
fore the close of the first month, September. Rev. 
W. R. Hofford, professor of Latin, resigned to devote 
his time to the presidency of the Allentown Female 
College, which had succeeded to the female depart- 
ment of the Allentown Collegiate Institute. The 
duties of the Latin chair were then divided among 
the. other professors. During the next month, Octo- 
ber 29th, Rev. S. Philips accepted a call to Baltimore, 
Md., and resigned the professorship of English, etc. 
Rev. N. S. Strassburger was elected on the same day 
to serve in his place as professor pro tempore. He oc- 
cupied the position until March 31, 18GS, when he 
resigned. Rev. G. F. Miller, A.M., of Pottatown, was 
elected professor of English, etc., Nov. 12, 1867, but 
in April, 1868, finally declined the position. Ar- 
rangements were then made with Rev. M. H. Rich- 
ards to take six recitations a week during the summer 
term. He was subsequently. May 12. 1868, elected 
professor of Latin, and accepted the position June 
16th. During this year the study of geology was 
added to Professor Kooih' department, and physiology 
to that of Dr. Yeager. The tutors who assisted in 
the academic department during the tirr-t year were 
members of the senior class, — Messrs. L. A. Swope, 
\V. II. Rickert, and E. A. Muhlenberg. 

The Euterpean and Sophronian Literary Socie- 
ties were organized soon alter the opening of the 
college, and displayed considerable energy in the col- 
lection of libraries, the famishing of their halls, and 
the promotion of the objects of their organization. 

During the next year the following changes oc- 
curred. Rev. H. N. Riis resigned the professorship 
of German, March 23, 1869, preparatory to his return 
to Germany. Rev. J. P.. Rath, A.M., was elected 
\ 1'iil 9, 1869, and consented t" serve as his successor 
until a professor of German could be secured. This 
was accomplished June 24. 1869, when Btev. 1'. W. A. 
Notz, Ph.D.. was elected German profi ssor. Profes- 
sor Rath then succeeded to the department of His- 
tory, which was resigned August 31st by Rev. J. F. 
Falls. On the same day Rev. E. .1. Koons, vice-pres- 



184 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



pirn i and professor of Mathematics, etc., also resigned, 
alter which the vice-presidency was abolished. The 
instruction in the department of Mathematics was 
divided among the other professors. 

Luther A. Swope, A.I!., pave his entire time lis 
senior tutor, and B. F. Weiduer, a member of the 
Senior Class, was junior tutor during the year ending 
June, LS69. 

The Franklin Society was organized at the begin- 
ning of this college year, and an attempt was made by 
its members to establish a college journal, styled The 
( ',,//, ;/i, hi, several numbers of which appeared, but as 
the effort was premature it failed of success. Since 
then the society has confined its work to the mainte- 
nance of the reading-room. 

At a special meeting of the board of trustees, held 
Oct. 27, 18G9, Professor Davis Garber, A.M., was 
elected to the chair of Mathematics, Astronomy, and 
Physics. He accepted the position and entered upon 
his duties Jan. 4, 1870. 

Rev. J. B. Rath resigned the professorship of His- 
tory, June 26, 1871, when the duties of this depart- 
ment were assigned to the other professors. E. A. 
Muhlenberg, A.B., served as junior tutor during this 
scholastic year in place of R. F. Weidner, who had 
resigned. By action of the trustees, June 26, 1872, 
Professor M. H. Richards was transferred to the pro- 
fessorship of English, Rhetoric, etc., the duties of 
which he had previously performed. At the same 
time Professor T. L. Seip was elected Latin professor, 
and also continued to divide with the president the 
instruction in Greek. Rev. G. F. Miller was elected 
principal of the academic department, and W. A. 
Beates, A.I!., tutor in place of the former tutors, who 
had resigned. 

Professor Notz, having accepted a call to Water- 
town, Wis., resigned the professorship of German, 
Aug. 21, 1872, the duties of which were then assigned 
to Professor .Miller. At the closeof the next scholas- 
tic year, June 20, 1873, Professor T. C. Yeager, M.D., 
resigned the chair of Chemistry, etc. The duties of 
this department were then assumed by the president 
and the professor of Mathematics. At the same time 
Professor Miller was transferred from the academic de- 
partment to the professorship of German, and the 
former department was conducted by two tutors. W. 
A. Beates, A.B., was appointed senior, and G. F. 
Kribbs, A. B., junior tutor. 

The next change occurred April 13, 1S74, when Pro- 
fessor Richards resigned to accept a call to Indian- 
apolis, Ind. The duties of bis department were di- 
vided among the other professors for the rest of the 
scholastic year. Rev. R. F. Weidner, A.M., suc- 
ceeded to the English professorship, and entered upon 
his duties at the beginning of the next term, Septem- 
ber, 1874. At the same time W. M. Herbst, M.D., 
was added to the corps of instructors as professor of 
Botany. M. C. Hcnninger, A.B., now State senator 
from this county, succeeded G. F. Kribbs, A.B., as 



junior tutor, and served until the close of the college 
year, June. 1 S 7 •"> . 

The institution had now reached a crisis in it- his- 
tory. Its financial burden, which from various causes 
had increased from time to time, had become so great 
that many of the best friends of the college despaired 
of its ability to survive. The financial panic of 1873, 
and the complete stagnation in the great iron indus- 
tries of this valley and region, together with the gen- 
eral depression in trade, seriously impaired the pros- 
p. rls of the institution by the reduction of the number 
of its students and the loss in its income. The early 
expectations of its founders in the matter of securing 
endowments had not been realized, though the larger 
part of the endowment fund, and several thousand 
dollars for the current expenses of the college, bad 
been secured through the personal efforts of its presi- 
dent, whose multiplied duties and faithful labors in 
the college were more than sufficient to occupy his 
time. The institution therefore found itself ill pre- 
pared to withstand the financial stress of the times, 
and it became absolutely necessary to secure funds tor 
its relief or go into liquidation. Repeated efforts had 
been made to secure a financial agent outside the 
faculty, but without success. Finally, Jan. 18, 1876, 
the board of trustees elected Professor T. L. Seip to 
act as financial agent, relieving him of the duties of 
his professorship until he should resign the agency. 
He entered upon his new work February, 1876, and 
continued his labors as agent until the close of the 
next college year, in June, 1877. During this time 
he visited such congregations of the Ministerium of 
Pennsylvania as were open to him, and presented the 
wants of the college from the pulpit, and from house 
to house, to individual members of the church and the 
community in which he labored. By the blessing of 
God an interest in the college was soon awakened, 
which encouraged its friends, restored confidence in 
its permanency, and resulted in averting the ruin that 
hail threatened. About thirty-three thousand dollars 
were secured for endowment and current expenses, 
and many who since then became students in the in- 
stitution bad their attention directed to it for the first 
time by this agency. Professor Seip resigned the 
agency in June, 1877, and returned to the more con- 
genial duties of his professorship. During his ab- 
sence the instruction in his department was divided 
among the other professors, aided by Rev. R. Hill, 
who was added to the faculty as assistatd professor of 
Greek. The college and the community suffered a 
serious loss in the resignation of President Muhlen- 
berg, Sept. 11, 1876, who accepted the Greek profes- 
sorship in the University of Pennsylvania, to which 
be had been elected. His resignation took effect at 
the close of the term in December, when he removed 
to Philadelphia to enter upon his duties there with 
the new year. This severance of Dr. Muhlenberg's 
oftieial relations with the college, while in strict obe- 
dience to a conscientious regard for what he believed 



NIK (MTV OK ALLENTOWN. 



185 



in be his duty, was nevertheless deeply regretted by all 
who knew his worth and his self-sacrificing labors in 
behalf of the institution. This regret was expressed 
:ii the time in terms highly complimentary to him, 
both in the public press and in the official resolutions 
of the board of trustees and the faculty . whose honored 
head he had been for nearly ten j ears. 

Rev. B. Sadtler, 1>.I>., who had been very Bucce 
fill in the active ministry of the church and as prin- 
cipal of the Lutherville l i male Seminary, and who 
was at the time a prominent member of the hoard of 
directors of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, 
was elected Dr. Muhlenberg's -nee. ssor < tct. 1 1 . 1 876, 
and entered upon his duties as president January, 
L877. His inauguration was postponed until the 
meeting of tin- Synod, in St. John's Church, Allen- 
town, Ma\ 28, l s 77, when the charge to the president 
was delivered by Rev. J. Fry, I >.!>., of Reading, and 
the inaugural address l>\ the president-elect. Be was 
then inducted into his office by the president of the 
Synod. Rev. C. W. Schaeffer, 1>.1>., in the presence of 
the assembled Synod, the trustees, faculty, and slu- 
di nts of the college, and a large concourse of citi- 
zens. At this meeting of the Synod the full control 
and responsibility for the maintenance of the colli 
were assumed by the Ministerium by her election of 
the entire hoard of trustees. This right had been 
vi -ted in that body by a change in the charter, which 
had been secured forthat purpose bj the stockholders 
prior to the meeting of the Synod. By this chin 

Rev. W. Rath became the president of the board, as 
the president of the faculty was no longer ex officio a 

iiniii l" r of the hoard of trustees. At the beginning 
of this scholastic year Professor Weidner resigned the 
English chair, and Rev. M. II. Richards was elected 
professor of English Oct. 11, 1876, and entered upon 
his duties January. 1N77. At the close of the coll 
year, June, 1 >■ 7 7 , Professor Miller retired, and Rev.B. 
W. Schmauk succeeded as ''acting" professor of 
German. The higher Greek, formerly taught by Dr. 
Muhlenberg, was assigned to Professor Seip, in addi- 
tion to the Latin professorship, on his return from 
the work ot the financial agency, June, 1877. 

At this time the academic department was reorgan- 
ized, with Rev. Professor A. R. Home, A.M.. a- prin- 
cipal, and an adequate corps ol instructors to aid him. 

This change was followed by a large increase in the 
attendance in that department, the number having 
risen from forty-three during the pn\ ious year to one 
hundred and twenty-live for the year ending June, 
1878. 

During the following year, 1878-79, there was no 
change either in the faculty or the organization of 
tin- different departments. Early in June, 1879, the 
gratifying intelligence was received that the late 
Hon. Asa Packer, president of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road Company, the beneficent founder of the Lehigh 
University and St. Luke's Hospital, at Bethlehem, 
had left a bequest of thirty thousand dollars to Muh- 



lenberg College. By subsequent a tion of the hoard, 
this fund was Bet apart for the endowment of the 
" Asa Packer Professorship of the Natural and 
Applied Sciences." At the semi-annual meeting of 
the hoard, held Jan. 20, 1880, Rev. R. Hill ..signed 
as assistant professor of Greek, but at the request of 
the board consented to serve until the end of the 
term. 

The Synod of Pennsylvania, at its meeting in Lan- 
caster, resolved to raise the sum of twenty-five thou- 
sand dollars for the endowment of the " Professorship 
of the German Language and Literature." At th< 

meetings of the hoard of trustees, June -1 and July 
20, 1883, measures were taken to carry this resolu- 
tion into effect, liev. Schmauk having resigned as 
"acting" professor of German, Rev, W. Wackerna- 
gel was elected to this professorship, and was charged 
with the work of securing funds for the endowment 
of his chair. By request of the board, liev. Schmauk 
divided the instruction in German with Prot.-„,i- 
Wackernagel until the opening of the next scholastic 
year, when he assumed the full duties of 
sorship. 

Subsequently an arrangement was made to - 
the salary of the i lerman professor by annual contri- 
butions from congregations until the endowment is 
obtained. At this time, through the liberality of 
Messrs. dames K. Mosser and Thomas Keck, a firm 
well known for its generous and intelligent interest in 
oocl work, Professor Seip was enabled to pre 1 
pare a pleasant surprise for the friends of the college, 
having secured from them during the summer vaca- 
tion a cash endowment ol' twenty thousand dollars 
for the professorship of the Greek Language and Lit- 
erature. This endowment was accepted by the board 
at a special meeting held duly 20, 1880. At the 
-.mi.' meeting Professor Seip resigned the Latin pro- 
fessorship, and was elected " Mosser-Keck Professor 
of the Greek Language and Literature." retaining 
higher Latin in connection with the Greek. 

At the close of the college year in June, 1881, the 
board elected Professor K. F. Smith. Ph.D.. late of 
the University of Pennsylvania, to the Asa Packer 
Professorship of the Natural and Applied Sciences. 
pted and entered upon hi- duties at the open- 
ing of the term in September. Professor Herbs! 
resigned as professor of Botany, and thi- branch was 
assumed by Professor Smith. 

During this year a bequest of two thousand dollars 
was received from the estate of the late I'.. Jonathan 
Deininger, of Reading, for the endowment fund of the 
German professorship. 

At the meeting of the hoard in dune, 1882, Rev. \ 

R. Home, D.D., resigned as principal of the academic 

department. Rev. .1. Kohler, A.M.. -uccceded him as 
principal, and G. T. Ettinger. AI'... who bad been in- 
structor in the ancient languages under I>r. II 
was elected assistant principal. In order to complete 
the record of the academic department weshould add 



186 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



here that in addition to those already mentioned the 
following persona have been instructors in that depart- 
ment at different times : < !. F. I ierrman, \V. L. Black- 
man, W. P. Shanor, Henry Carver, F. R. Flood, J. F. 
Beates, \I. I.. Some, 0. <i. J. Schaadt, Rev. J. M. 
Hantz, E. S. Dieter, and Rev. B. C: Snyder, all, 
except Mr. Shanor, under Dr. Home. 

During the college year, 1882-83, Professor E. F. 
Smith received and accepted a call to Wittenberg 
College, Springfield, Ohio. His resignation was pre- 
sented and accepted with regret June 27, 1883. N. 
Wiley Thomas, Ph.D.. was elected his successor and 
entered upon his duties at the beginning of the pres- 
ent college year, September, 1883. 

During this year the Frauke Missionary Society 
was organized with the object of cultivating the mis- 
sionary spirit among the students and of promoting 
the cause of foreign missions. 

The Muhlenberg Monthly, a college journal, was 
started in June, the first number being furnished by 
the graduating class. It will hereafter be published 
under the auspices of the literary societies. 

The scholastic year, 1883-84, lias thus far been 
attended with but one change, the resignation of J. 
Reichard as treasurer. He served from the begin- 
ning until September of this year, in all over sixteen 
years. Rev. R. Hill was appointed treasurer pro tem- 
pore. The past history of the college shows that the 
faculty has been enlarged as the means have aug- 
mented, so that the professors might devote them- 
selves more especially to their specific departments, 
and furnish increased and improved facilities. 

The faculty, as at present constituted (December, 
1883), are as follows: Rev. Benjamin Sadtler, D.D., 
president and professor of Mental and Moral Science 
ami Evidences of Christianity; Davis Garber, A.M., 
professor of Mathematics, Astronomy, and Meteor- 
ology; Rev. Theodore L. Seip, A.M., Mosser-Keck 
professor of the Greek Language and Literature and 
sei retary of the faculty ; Rev. Matthias H. Richards, 
A.M., professor of the English Language and Liter- 
ature; Rev. William Wackernagel, I>.D., professor 
of the German Language and Literature ; N. Wiley 
Thomas, Ph.D., Asa Packer professor of the Natural 
and Applied Sciences ; Rev. John Kohler, A.M., 
principal of the Academic Department; George T. 
Ettinger, A.M., assistant principal. The duties of 
the Latin professorship are discharged by the other 
professors. 

The board of trustees of the college during the 
sixteen years of its existence has embraced many of 
the most prominent citizens of Allentown, as well as 
active laymen and eminent divines of the Synod of 
Pennsylvania. Its officers have been the following: 

Presidents.— Hon. R. E. Wright, 1867; Rev. F. A. 
Muhlenberg, D.D., 1867-1876; Rev. W. Rath, 1877, 
to the present time. 

Secretaries.— Rev. E.J. Koons, 1867-1869; C. Pretz, 
1869-1874; Rev. J. D.Schindel, 1874, to the present. 



Treasurers. — J. Reichard, 1M!7, to September, 1883; 
Rev. R. Hill, 1883. 

The resources of the college have been gradually 
increased until at the present time its endowment 
amounts to over one hundred and fifteen thousand 
dollars, exclusive of the buildings and property, which 
are equal in value to the amount of the debt now 
resting on the institution. It has thus far received an 
annual appropriation from the Synod of Pennsylvania, 
in addition to the stated contributions of individual 
congregations, for the support of the German professor. 
The institution has three libraries, one belonging to 
the college and one to each of the literary societies, 
besides cabinets of minerals, philosophical apparatus, 
a chemical laboratory, and such other equipments as 
are necessary and useful in a college. The institution 
aims at furnishing a thorough Christian education, 
and embraces in its regular curriculum religious in- 
struction, philosophy, history, literature, the ancient 
classics, as well as modern languages, mathematics, 
the natural and applied sciences, and such other 
branches as are necessary to a complete and well- 
rounded course of liberal instruction. 

The institution has always been jealous of its hon- 
orary degrees, and during its entire history has con- 
ferred the honorary degree of D.D. upon only three 
persons. 

From the foregoing narrative of the changes which 
have taken place year after year, it is evident that 
Muhlenberg College has had its struggles as well as 
its triumphs, perhaps more of the former than the 
latter. But through the very struggles of its infancy 
it has developed strength, and by the work it has 
already accomplished it has demonstrated its right to 
existence. Its graduates are scattered over the States 
and Territories of this broad land, and some are even 
in foreign countries, the majority of them laboring for 
the welfare of their fellow-men in the gospel ministry, 
and the rest for the most part pursuing honorable 
careers in the professions of teaching, law, and medi- 
cine, or in successful business. Very many not grad- 
uates have been helped to a better education than 
they would otherwise have acquired, from the fact that 
the college brought the needed facilities within their 
reach. It has attracted to Allentown annually, as 
speakers before its literary societies, and in other 
capacities, men of national reputation in church and 
State, and some whose names are familiar even beyond 
our own shores, and has thus also aided in the educa- 
tion of the masses of the community for whose benefit 
it was established. 

Muhlenberg College, through the liberality of its 
friends, the efforts of its trustees, and chiefly by the 
self-sacrificing labors of its faculty, has unquestion- 
ably accomplished great good for the church and the 
world. 

The Allentown Female College. — This institution 
was founded in 1X1)7, and is vested with full collegiate 
powers. It is under the general direction of a board 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



1-7 



of trusties anil the auspices of Fast IVnnsyh ania and 
Lehigh < 'lassi - of the Reformed < .'hurch. Ita founders, 
deeply impressed with the importance of providing 
for the higher education of woman, and recognizing 
the great advantages to bederived from such an insti- 
tution, determined to found a school who 
aim should be to make il distinguished for it- re- 
ligious influem e upon the heart, as well as for the 
thorough cultivation of the mind, thus to develop all 
the excellencies of a pure, noble, Christian woman- 
l I. 

The desires and purposes of these advocates of 
higher female education found embodiment and 
recognition in a resolution offered and adopted at a 
special meeting of East Pennsylvania Classis, held in 
/ion's Reformed Church, Allentown, July L2, 1867, 
to establish a female college in Allentown, Pa., to be 
nndei the supervision of the Easl Pennsylvania 
Classis of the Reformed Church. A committee was 
appointed, consisting of Revs. V 8. Strassberger, \V. 
K. Hofford, 1. K. Loos, D. F. Brendle, and Samuel 
Philips, with instructions to effect an organization, 
make all the necessary arrangements for the opening 
of the college, and superintend the educational in- 
terests until further measures should be adopted by 
Classis. At a session of this executive committee, 
July 12, 1867, it was decided upon thai a joint stock 
company should be formed to secure funds for the 
purchase of property and the erection of suitable 
buildings, that the college should be under the man- 
agement of a board of trustees, two-thirds to be mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church, and the organization 
to be known by the name of Lehigh Female' College. 
A course of study embracing all the principal branches 
of a thorough Christian education was adopted; the 
several deparments as at present existing, the primary, 
academic, and collegiate, were constituted, and the 
terms tor tuition fixed. Rev. L. Cort was appointed 
general agent. To enlist the interest of friends of 
education, and tip secure a hearty o. -operation in this 
enterprise, a public inciting was held on Thursday 
evening. July 12, 1867, in /ion's Reformed Church", 
ami addresses were delivered setting forth the advan- 
tages ol the college. — its claims upon businessmen, 
parents, and members of the church. The result was 
the appointment of a business committee, whose duty 
it should be to counsel and co-operate with the ex- 
ecutive committee in commending the college to the 
favorable consideration of the business portion of the 
cm unity. The committee was constituted as fol- 
lows: Charles W. Cooper, Esq., John II. < (liver, Esq., 
Hon. II. ]'.. Wright, Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, Messrs 
G. Renninger, G. P. Weil, Thomas Mohr, .Milton J. 
Kramer, and \V. H. Blummer. To facilitate concert 
of action and to secure greater efficiency t be two com- 
mittees were consolidated under the name of the ex- 
Bcutn c committee. 

Tin first president «as the Rev. Lucian Cort. The 
School organization was effected on the tilth day of 



September. 1867, in the lecture-r i of /ion's Re- 
formed church. The number of pupils on the morn- 
ing of the first daj was eight, which by the end of tin 
w.ck had increased to fifteen. The instructors, in con- 
on with the president, were Revs. W. R. Hofford 
and X. S. Strassberger, Miss M. E. Garrett and Miss 
Ida E. Erdman. 

Si |'t. It!. 18G7. the executive committee appointed 
Rev. W. Hofford to attend to the school work of the 
president for the remainder of the \ ear. with the view 
of enabling Rex . 1.. < lorf to gn > his undivided atten- 
tion to the dutii - as gem ral agent. 

Feeling the want of a more suitable room, a removal 
was soon made from the basement ol the church to 
rooms in Itccker's building, on Hamilton Street, 
above Eighth. This place, however, like the other, 
was Only a temporary shelter. It was desired that tin 
school should be perpetuated, its growing want- satis- 
factorily met, and hence the question arose, Where 
shall it be permanently located ? This question was 
i red by lion. R. E. Wright, Sr.,a liberal-minded 

citizen and warm friend of this educational enterpi 
who, for suitable consideration, offered his beautiful 
grounds on Fourth Street, known a- "Clover Nook," 
which were taken in possession and occupied for 
school purpo-c- in April, 1808. The institution rap- 
idly increased in number, and before the end of the 
first year the accommodations were too limited, and it 
was resolved to build an addition. To provide the 
necessary funds a committee was appointed to dis- 
pose of additional stock. This committee met with 
encouraging success, which was largely owing to the 
influence and work of its chairman. Rev. A. J. I I 
Dubbs. 

The summer session of L868 was closed earlier than 
usual to afford the trustees time to enlarge and extend 
the building. In less than three months the building 
was completed so far as to admit of the opening of 
the school at the usual time. The college was not 
formally opened until November, 1868, when appro- 
priate addresses were delivered by Rev. T. G. Apple, 
D.D., of Lancaster, aud Rev. J. Beck, D.l >.. of Easton. 

Pursuant to a notice given by East Pennsylvania 
Classis, a meeting of the stockholders was held at the 
American Hotel on the evening of the 17th of Feb- 
ruary, 1868. Samuel McHo'se, Esq., was appointed 
chairman, and Dr. E. G. Martin secretary, lion. R. 
E. Wright, Sr., presented a charter, which he had 
prepared by request. It was read and unanimously 
adopted, and ordered to be presented to the court of 
Lehigh County for incorporation under the laws of 
Pennsylvania. The charter was granted by the court 
during the June term of 1868. By this instrument 
the name was changed to the present title, "Allen- 
town Female College." In accordance with the re- 
quirements of the charter, an election was held for 
>ix trustees to represent the stockholders in the board. 
The following gentlemen wen- elected, viz.: Charles 
W. Cooper. Esq., Hon. R. E. Wright,Sr., Hon, Joseph 



188 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Laubach, John II. Oliver, Esq., Dr. E. G. Martin, 
and Aaron Troxell, Esq. 

Il was also officially announced that Rev. A. J. G. 
Dubbs, Rev. \Y. K. Hofl'ord. and Aaron It. Renningcr, 
Esq., were elected members of the board to represent 
East Pennsylvania ('lassis in ber trust of the insti- 
tution. 

The formal organization of the board was effected 
Feb. 21, 1868, by electing Hon. Joseph Laubach presi- 
dent, Rev. A. J. <i. Dubbs vice-president, Dr. E. G. 
Martin secretary, and Mr. Aaron Troxell treasurer. 
The board of trustees now assumed the sole control 
and jurisdiction of the college by the adoption of the 
minutes of the executive committee, in whose charge 
tin- school had hitherto been since its organization. 
The number of trustees was originally nine, but by a 
subsequent act it was increased to eighteen. The fol- 
lowing gentlemen constitute the board at present: 
Hon. Joseph Laubach, president; Rev. A. J. G. 
Dubbs, vice-president ; 'E. G. Martin, M.D., secre- 
tary ; Aaron G. Renuinger, Esq., treasurer ; Hon. R. 
E. Wright, Sr., Charles W. Cooper, Esq., Aaron 
Troxell, Esq., Rev. W. R. Hofford, W. R. Lawfer, 
Esq., Rev. I. K. Loos, J. W. Grubb, Esq., J. R. 
Schall, Esq., Rev. S. G. Wagner, D.D., G. H. Stem, 
Esq., W. H. Deshler. Esq., Rev. T. O. Stem, Samuel A 
Butz, Esq., and Rev. D. F. Brendle. For many years 
have tbe members of the board shown their fidelity to 
the responsible trust committed to them by their lib- 
eral support, unflagging interest, enterprise, and zeal 
in every measure calculated to increase the efficiency 
and promote the welfare of the college. Its steady 
growth and the rank to which it attained among the 
institutions of our country for its higher education of 
woman, for the thoroughness of its organization, and 
discipline and excellence of its training, have been a 
source of satisfaction to the board as well as to its 
many patrons and friends. 

Tbe Rev. Lucian Cort's connection with tbe college as 
its first president was of but short duration. The Rev. 
W. R. Hofford, A.M., was formally elected to the posi- 
tion of president July 27, 1868. On the 22d of June, 
1869, the Rev. S. G. Wagner, D.D., was elected vice- 
president and professor of Mental and Moral Science, 
whose valuable services as an experienced and suc- 
cessful teacher and wise counselor were very generously 
rendered to the college for seven years. The labors 
of a large congregation and shattered health necessi- 
tated bis withdrawal from tbe faculty, but in his ca- 
pacity as a member of the board he has continued as 
a warm friend and earnest worker for the furtherance 
of the interests of the college. During tbe years 1869 
and 1870, J. S. Hess, A.M., who is at present ably 
representing Northampton County in the public coun- 
cils of the State Senate, delivered a course of inter- 
esting and instructive lectures on English literature. 
The Rev. N. S. Strassberger, A.M., carefully dis- 
charged the duties of tbe professorship of German 
Language and Literature for several years. Oilier 



teachers of marked ability and success have held 
positions in tbe various departments from time to 
time, viz. : Mis> M. Lizzie Garrett, Miss Ida C. Erd- 
mai), Miss .Maria Serfass, Miss Caroline E. Marvin, 
Miss Sue C. Lentz. Mis- Sarah Hughes, Mrs. E. 
Appleton, Miss II. Jane Johnston, Mi" Katie M. 
Rothrock, Miss Elda J. Lichtenwallner, Mis> Annie 
Allen, Miss Katie Koch, Miss X. C. Detrick, Miss 
Clara S. McCauley, Mrs. Lavinia Gardner, Miss Mary 
S. Mills, Mis> Caroline E. D. Casper. Miss Katie L. 
Shriner, Professors C. F. Herman. \V. 8. Blackmail, 
and F. X. Braulik. 

The number of pupils enrolled on tbe college reg- 
ister from September, 1867, to June, 1883, is five hun- 
dred and seventy-four; the number of alumna' is 
precisely one hundred. 

Tbe impaired health of President Hofford necessi- 
tated him to seek relief from the burden of responsi- 
bility and the arduous duties of tbe position which 
he bad held for fifteen years, and in accordance with 
the advice of his physician be tendered bis resigna- 
tion, and withdrew from the presidency April 16, 
1883. At the same time the Rev. W. E. Krebs, who 
had been previously elected by the trustees, entered 
upon his duties as president, and was formally in- 
augurated in St. John's Reformed Church of this city 
on tbe evening of the 21st of June, 1883. 

The following comprise the faculty at present : 
Rev. W. E. Krebs, A.M., president, Mental and 
Moral Science; Rev. W. R. Hofford, A.M., Latin 
Language and Literature; Miss Lottie E. Shafer, 
Pmglish Branches; Miss M. Poole, Drawing, Paint- 
ing, and French ; Miss Katie S. Shriner, Music ; Miss 
Ada Krebs, Music; Miss Ida E. Hofl'ord, English 
Branches; Edwin G. Martin, M.D., Attending Phy- 
sician. Tbe trustees are at this writing engaged in 
erecting a large wing to the north side of the build- 
ing in order to be able to meet the growing wants of 
the college. The building committee consists of tbe 
following gentlemen : W. H. Deshler, Esq., S. A. 
Butz, Esq., Rev. W. R. Hofford, John Schall, Esq., 
and J. W. Grubb, Esq. 

Religious History — The Lutheran Churches in 
Allentown. 1 — The history of the Lutheran Church in 
Allentown begins substantially with the history of 
the place itself. Fortunately, that which might easily 
have been lost by the lapse of time, as having taken 
place more than a century ago, has been faithfully 
preserved in various records, and was laboriously 
gathered together and presented in excellent form 
upon the occasion of tbe twenty-fifth anniversary of 
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Congregation by 
Rev. B. M. Schmucker, D.D., at one time pastor of 
this church. From his memorial discourse all the 
statements following have been taken up to 1855, and 
all credit for them are due to him. 

In 1762, Allentown is said to have been laid out 



1 By Professor M. H. Richards. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



189 



bj James Allen, its founder. In the same year the 
Lutherans and Reformed erected a building of logs 

to serve as a church, and probablj also as a scl I- 

house. Thus, no sooner bad they begun to lay the 
foundations of their own bouses, than, though few in 
numbers, they also reared a place of worship to the 

God of their fathers. The continuance of tl r- 

ganization thus formed constitutes St. Paul's Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church of this day, and, whilst the 
con ni history of tl th.r organizations grow- 
ing out of it, may be claimed as its peculiar historical 
record. We will therefore follow il up a- such. 
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 

(Eighth, between Hamilton and Walnut Streets). 
— The first Lutheran pastor was John Joseph Roth, 
Pastor Both had been a Roman Catholic studiosus, 

and was from Siegen, in Germany. Il is not known 
by what authority he came to act as a Lutheran 

pastor, lie was examined subsequently by the Lu- 
theran Ministerium, and upon approval of his doctrine 
{received as a member of that body without any ques- 
tinn as to the validity of Ids ministerial authority. 
Previous to his taking charge al Allentown he had 
made- application for such membership, and was on 
probation as to his character and teachings al that 
time. The results of further experience and fuller 
knowledge Of these being satisfactory, be was re- 
ceived into full membership Oct. 17, 1763, and the 
minute concerning this is the first specific mention of 
the Allentown Church in the Synodical records of the 
Lutheran .Ministerium. Unfortunately, the services 
of Mr. Roth as pastor did not continue long, as he 
Hied and was buried May 13, 17(14, at Upper Saucon 
Church. 

From 17H4, after the death of Pastor Roth, until 
the close of 1769 the four congregations of the charge 
to which Allentown belonged (Upper Milford, Sau- 
con, Allentown, and Indianlield) were vacant and 
dependent on occasional visits from neighboring 
clergymen. 

Toward the close of J TC.t these congregations, with 
the addition of Macungie, obtained the services of 
Rev. Jacob Van Buskerk, who continued for many 
Sears to labor among them. He was born at Hack- 
ensack, N. J., seventeen miles from the city of New 
York. His father, (.'apt. Jacob Van Buskerk, was ■<( 

Hutch descent, and his family of much prominence 
among the Lutherans of that vicinity. Jacob Van 
Bu-kcrk was burn about 17."7. lie studied first for 
four years with bis paster, Rev. John A. Weygandt, 
then at the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, and 
afterwards with Rev. Mr. Schuyler, the Hutch In- 
formed pastor at Hackensack. He "as ordained I let. 
1-, 1763. After serving other charges he removed to 
Macungie in 1 7<::», taking charge of the circle of 
■hurches in which Allentown was included. His 

pastorate.,!' Allentown is believed to have extended 
from that date to 1778. It was during his pastorate 
that a second church of stone was erected in 177l\ 



Mr. Van Buskerk was especially eminent a- a cate- 
chist "i the young. Tin- services of the church were 
conducted in , e with the forms prescribed 

by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, adopted in 1748, 

and Van Buskerk's own manuscript copj of this Lit- 
urgy is iii existence, and at present in the hands of 
the Liturgical Committee of said Synod. It is sub- 
stantially the same as that now contained in the 
"Church Look" used by congregations of that body at 
the present time. Rev. Van Buskerk died in 1801, at 
his residence near the Upper Dublin Church, and i 
buried in the churchyard there. 

After hi- death, owing to the paucity of ministers 
in the Lutheran Church compared to the incessant 

demands made by the flowing in of population from 
abroad, the congregation was unable for some years 
to obtain a regularly-settled pastor. It was united 
first with one circle of churches ami then with an- 
other. It was served a short time by om- pastor, and 
then again by another, or by visitations uncertain and 
infrequent from the neighboring pastors, already over- 
tasked. 

In 1783, John Christian Leps is mentioned in the 
Synodical minutes as pastor al Allentown. It is 
probable that he resided there also. Mr. Leps was a 
native of Denmark, and had resided in the Danish 
We-i India islands. He arrived in Philadelphia in 
177.'!. He was a man of scholarly attainments, was 
associated with I >r. Kunze in educational movements, 
which failed, owing in part to the political disturb- 
ances of those Revolutionary times. He did not re- 
main long at Allentown, since mention is made of his 
being in Virginia before 1787. 

In tin- list of ministers present at tin S\ nod in 1793 
is the name of Joseph Wiehterman among the- li- 
censed candidates, his residence being given as Allen 
township. He had charge of Allentown and the 
church in Hanover township, with one hundred and 
twenty-three communicant members. He left Allen- 
town at this meeting of Synod to go to Frederick, 
Mil., whence he soon departed for West Camp. \. Y. 

In 1793, George Fred. Elliseu, a candidate from 
Germany, was examined and licensed, and received 
charge of Upper Milford, Upper Saucon, Salisbury, 
and Allentown. In 1797 his name no longer appears 
upon the roll, and his license was not renewed. In 
1SIM1, or about that time, John Conrad Jaeger became 
the pastor of the church at Allentown, and with his 
coming began once more a period of regular pastoral 

care and long pastorates, which had been interrupted 

simc the resignation of Van Buskerk in 177>. He 
was born near York, Pa. As a young man of decided 
talent and promise, he attracted the attention of Rev. 
Jacob Goering, who loaned him a Greek grammar and 

urged him to undertake such studies as would prepare 

him for the sacred office. Jaeger was already then a 
married man, and prosecuted his labors in his trade 
as a tobacconist while pressing forward bis studies. 
Subsequently he removed to Philadelphia in order to 



190 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



obtain educational advantages, and in 1792 was li- 
censed as "eatechet" for the congregations at Green- 
wich, N. J., and Williams township, Northampton 
Co., Pa. In 1800 he purchased a farm in Allen (now 
Hanover) township, where he lived until his death, 
Nov. 8. 1832. II. was a man of great activity of 
mind, and a very diligent student. So anxious was 
he to obtain an accurate knowledge of the Hebrew 
language that his house became the frequent stop- 
ping-place of several intelligent Jews, and the even- 
ings of their visits were devoted to the study of 
Hebrew. He prepared his son and another student 
for the ministry, and he wrote out an extended 
treatise on several principal branches of theological 
science tor their use. He died Nov. 8, 1882, and 
was buried at Christ's Church, Hanover township, 
of which he had been pastor about thirty-eight 
years. About 1800. as has been stated, Mr. Jaeger 
became pastor at Allentown. The charge then 
included Hanover (Christ's Church), Dry Lands, 
Frieden's in Saucon, and Allentown. In each of his 
four churches there was Lutheran preaching once in 
four weeks on Sunday morning, and while he was 
pastor there was never any service at night in Allen- 
town. The salary paid to Mr. Jaeger by the Allen- 
town church was one hundred dollars. He retained 
the charge of these four churches until 1881, but his 
son Joshua was licensed to preach in 1827, and as- 
sisted his father in his whole charge until 1831, when 
the father resigned at Allentown and Frieden's, of 
which the son then became pastor. 

Rev. Joshua Jaeger, when elected pastor, settled in 
the town itself, which had received a fresh impulse of 
growth from the improvement of navigation upon the 
Lehigh, and needed more frequent services. He of- 
fered to preach every other Sunday, which proposal 
was accepted, and the salary was increased to one 
hundred ami fifty dollars. After bis father's death, ] 
when he became pastor of the two other churches in 
the charge, these additional services were held in the 
evenings of Sunday. Week-day services were added 
as the town grew, the pastoral labor increased, but 
the salary never rose above one hundred aud seventy- 
five dollars. 

In 1884 a Sunday -school was established by mem- 
bers of the Lutheran and Reformed Congregations. 
In its establishment Mr. Jaeger took a very active 
part, going around from house to house, and urging 
his members to send their children. The school met 
iu the Lutheran Church until the completion of the 
Reformed Church (Zion'.s), in the erection of which a 
room was provided for the school, when, in 1839, the 
school was removed to its new quarters. Its officers 
or most active laborers were from both congregations. 

Joshua Jaeger remained the pastor of St. Paul's 
for twenty-one years. A whole generation grew up 
under his ministrations, lie was respected and be- 
loved, a man confessedly upright, earnest, eloquent, 
and faithful. The causes of his resignation at the 



expiration of that period were external, and lay in the 

growth of the town and the increased use of the 
English language. The former forced upon him the 
choic of resigning his country charges or his town 
congregation, because of the great need of an increased 
Dumber of public services. The latter inclined him to 
abide by his country churches, because of his predi- 
lection for conducting the services in the German 
tongue, in which his training had been and in which 
he had gained pulpit ability. Having reached these 
convictions and conclusions therefore, he presented 
his resignation, April 11, 1852, in order that, follow- 
ing hi- advice, the town congregation might secure 
the service- of a pa-tor trained to the use of English 
and German. 

The result of Kev. Jaeger's resignation was not 
precisely in accordance with the programme mapped 
out, but exceeded it in efficiency. The advice of the 
Synod having been sought led to the selection of two 
pastors, one for the German portion of the congrega- 
tion, the other for the English. Out of this latter 
portion grew, as was intended from the first in the 
advice given, a separate English Church, whose for- 
tunes are to be narrated subsequently. Mr. Jaeger's 
residence still continued to be at Allentown, and his 
stalwart and lofty form is even yet seen upon its 
streets. Although far advanced in years he continues 
to serve his country charge with fidelity and accept- 
ableness, and has outlasted his earlier contemporaries 
in years even as he stood physically above them all 
in stature. There are few men, if any, so well known 
and so widely acquainted as Father Jaeger is after 
the pastoral work of more than half a century ; few 
will be so widely lamented at their departure, or so 
honorably spoken of. 

The removal to Allentown, in 1852, of Rev. Jacob 
Vogelbach, to take charge of the congregations which 
nearly a century before had been connected with Al- 
lentown, enabled the German portion of the congre- 
gation to secure a pastor who for the present could 
preach every other Sunday morning, and even oftener 
at night, the other services being conducted by the pas- 
tor of the English portion. It was hoped, then, that 
when these latter members organized into a separate 
congregation and built their om n church, Mr. Vogel- 
bach would become pastor of St. Paul's alone. This 
juncture was reached in 1854, when St. John's Eng- 
lish Lutheran Church was built, and at this time the 
German portion resolved also to replace the old stone 
edifice by a modern structure of brick. The old 
building was vacated Easter, 1855, and the present 
edifice of Gothic architecture arose upon the site hal- 
lowed by such long and continuous worship of God. 
In February, 1857, Rev. Vogelbach resigned the pas- 
torate and accepted a call to St. James', Philadelphia. 
He was a man of great pulpit power, earnest and 
popular in tone and style. His services were largely 
attended, and his departure very much regretted. He 
died suddenly, in his sixty-eighth year, Nov. 20, 1880, 



THE CITY OF ALL EN TOWN. 



[91 



being at that time pastor emeritus of St. Jam 
Jacob T. Vogelbach received his theological training 
in the Basel Missionary institute, and came to this 
country in 1881. He Berved congregations in Mary- 
land, at Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pa., and in I 
came to Allentown : thence in 1857 to Philadelphia, 
where he continued until May. 1879, as active pastor, 
when mi account of impaired health he laid aside the 
further discharge of bis duties. 

At the departure of Pastor Vogelbach a call was 
extended to Rev. A. T. Geissenhainer, of Trenton, 
N. J., which was finally accepted. Hi- pastorate 
continued only up to August, 1858, when he resigned, 
and Rev. William >'•. Mennig succeeded him. 

Rev. Mennig took charge February, 1859, and con- 
tinued in the pastorate until the spring of 1877. The 
gradual and peaceful growth, almost devoid of inci- 
dent, that had characterized the history of St. Paul's 
was broken during the last seven years of this minis- 
try by serious disturbances resulting in the rupture 
of the congregation 

A narrative of this sort does not assume the judicial 
office, and can only state the facts very briefly. Under 
Rev. Mennig gradually what were known as " New 
Measures" crept into the services and social religious 
observances of the congregation. These estranged a 
portion of the members as much as they were advo- 
cated by the rest. Finally the matter was brought 
to the notice of the Synod, which pronounced posi- 
tively as to the un-Lutheran character of these new 
or Methodistieal measures. So far from being de- 
terred by this, the New Measure party, which had ob- 
tained possession of the organization of the church, 
opened negotiations with another Lutheran Synodical 
body, the East Pennsylvania Synod, and were received 
by it, without reference or objection to these usa 
and practices, in 1872. The other members attempted 
to obtain legal recognition as the true St. Paul's 
Church and possession of the property, but, although 
indorsed by the Synod of Pennsylvania, failed in their 
efforts after litigation expensive to both sides, and of 
benefit to no one except the legal fraternity. Matters 
had hardly been settled when Pastor Mennig resigned. 
He also continues to be a resident of Allentown. and oc- 
casionally even yet preaches, although feeble ami ag( I. 

On the 1st of October, 1S77, another change took 
place in old St. Paul'- which would also have shocked 
or surprised some of its ancient worshipers: it was 
voted to make u.se of the English language in the 
Sunday evening services, which ha- since been con- 
tinuously done. 

Dee. 1, 1877, the present pa-tor. Rev. Charles E. 
Hay, took charge. Since his coming peace and steady, 
quiet growth have been the characteristics of it- 
church life. The debt- have all been paid, various 
shurch activities organized and fostered lor old and 
, young, extravagances repressed, and a healthy old 
age insured for this venerable congregation. The 
present membership is nearly aix hundred ; its Sun- 



day-school numbers over seven hundred, officers and 
scholars. 

St. John's English Evangelical Lutheran Church 

(Fifth, between Hamilton and Walnutj. — We must 
t.ike up the thread of our narrative where we broke 
off in 1852 with the statement that tie English por- 
tion of old St. Paul's were advised to seleet a pa-tor 

for themselves and look forward to a separate estab- 
lishment. Few in numbers, the promise of the future 
rather than the harvest of the present, the problem 

Of how to support such a pa-tor and to build such a 
church was no -light one. Extreme liberality would 
be necessary, extreme activity on the part of the mem- 
ber-hip, and no slight self-denial on the part of the 
nevi pa-tor. Providentially these different conditions 
of the problem were provided for. In October. 1S52, 
Rev. B. M. Schmucker, who had accepted a call at 
a -alary of four hundred dollars, entered upon his 
duties. In his own language, -peaking of the German 
services of Pastor Vogelbach and his own in English, 

" The contrast was very great between the ami 
The English audiences were very small. No English 
had been ever before preached in the church, except 
at a meeting of Synod, or on some such extraordinary 
occasion, nor were there any English services then in 
the Reformed Church. The few English inhabitants 
not of German descent had gathered into a Pre-bv- 
terian and a Methodist congregation, each of which 
had a settled pastor. Slowly indeed but steadily the 
little band increased. A class of catechumens was 
formed at once, and at 1 1{ 58, fifteen were con- 

firmed. Early in 1854 it was determined to take 
measures for the ereetion of a church. A meeting of 
those who took an interest in the matter was held in 
St. Paul's Church, Dr. Charles H. Martin being presi- 
dent, and Augustus E. Kuhe secretary. A building 
committee was appointed, and subscriptions were soon 
begun. The pastor devoted most of his time to the 
work of securing funds, and ultimately nearly nine 

thousand dollars was secured, including the lot on 
which the church and parsonage now stand." The 
location being selected, the contracts were made, the 
foundation built, and the corner-stone was laid .1 
25, 1854. The Lutheran clergymen present were 
Revs. L. W. Heydenreich, C. F. Welden, J. T. Vogel- 
bach, and the pastor, B. M. Schmucker. The article- 
placed in the corner-stone were a statement read at 
the time containing names of national and State 
officers, church council, building committee and 
builders, list of subscribers, order of services, cate- 
chism and Augsburg Confession, church and town 
papi i-. 

The new church was ted Ma\ 6, 1855. In 

the morning the attendiE building 

committee went in procession from the pasi 
di rue to the church, bearing the Bible, service-books, 
and the communion vessels. An especial an ti phonal 
order of consecration hail been prepared tor the occa- 
sion, which included the separate consecration of the 



192 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



all:ir. pulpit, bunks, and vessels. The sermon was de- 
livered by Rev. C. V. Schaeffer. In the afternoon 
Rev. .1. T. Vogelbach preached ; in the evening Rev. 
J. Dnbbs, of the Reformed Church. The services were 
continued on Monday and Tuesday , and on the next 
tun days the District Con lerence met in the new 

church. 

July 16, 1855, the new congregation was formally 
organized. The name and style of St. John's Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church was adopted. The congre- 
gation resolved to unite with the Lutheran Minis- 
teriuin of Pennsylvania, and adopted the constitution 
then prescribed by it. The following officers were 
elected: Deacons, Benjamin 31. Krause, William H. 
Balliet, Tilghman J. Kleppinger, John J. Jarrett ; 
Elders, William Saeger, Ephraim Grim, Christian 
Pretz, and Charles Keck. Fifteen male members were 
present and took part in these proceedings. The 
church was incorporated in February, 1856, and in 
April .a corporate seal was adopted. 

In February, 1856, the purchase of an organ was 
agitated, and soon afterwards a contract was made 
with Henry Knauff, of Philadelphia, to build an organ 
of sixteen stops for the sum of twelve hundred dollars. 
Mr. C. F. Herrman became organist, and has con- 
tinued until now to give eminent distinction to the 
music of St. John's by his superior attainments and 
thorough appreciation of the spirit of our Lutheran 
Church service. 

At the first communion, Nov. 4, 1855, thirty-nine 
persons communed, of whom ten were heads of 
families. 

Rev. B. 31. Schmucker's pastorate continued until 
1862, when be accepted a call to St. John's Church, 
Easton, Pa. Its activity was exercised more especi- 
ally in such labors as are incident to the welfare of a 
new congregation, — the ingathering of members ami 
the raising of means, in both of which directions the 
minutes of the church show a steady progress, as also 
in benevolent contributions and orderly government. 

In October, 1862, an election was held for pastor, 
resulting in the choice of Rev. J. F. Fahs, who was 
accordingly called to take charge, at a salary of five 
hundred dollars and a free residence. Rev. Fahs 
took up his duties in the spring of 1863, and continued 
the effort previously made to liquidate the debtwhieh 
pressed heavily upon the church. We find .accord- 
ingly that in 1864 at a congregational meeting it was 
reported that subscriptions had been obtained cover- 
ing the debt (about eight thousand dollars), and that 
in order to meet current expenses the pew-rents 
should be raised twenty-five percent, and the pastor's 
salary be increased to one thousand dollars, — all of 
which was received with devout thankfulness on the 
part of those present. 

As from the very organization the subject of benefi- 
cence had been kept steadily in view, we find in 1869 
the congregation taking systematic steps towards se- 
curing from every member a proper contribution 



towards the benevolent objects of the church at large. 
This attitude has been maintained by varying 
methods up to the present time, resulting in very 
satisfactory gatherings in proportion to the member- 
ship of the church. During the same year the eon 
gregation SO altered its constitution as to define more 
closely its relationship to the Pennsylvania Synod, in 
iiew of the divergent views arising in the church at 
large, and thus affirmed its union with the new gen- 
eral bodj which had been formed, the General Coun- 
cil, by those Synods which had abandoned the Gen- 
eral Synod. These changes were consummated at a 
congregational meeting held Jan. 5, 1870. During 
the year 1870 the long-agitated projects of enlarging 
the church edifice and of building a parsonage resulted 
in action whereby both were carried into effect. 
During the period of building the congregation wor- 
shiped in the court-house. During this same period 
a new organ was procured, carpets and cushions re- 
newed, and all needed improvements effected in the 
church edifice, all of which resulted in an indebted- 
ness exceeding ten thousand dollars, but recently 
liquidated, the cost of building, organ, and inciden- 
tals having amounted to twenty-two thousand seven 
hundred and twenty-two dollars. 

July 15, 1872, Rev. J. F. Fahs, having received a 
call to Akron, Ohio, tendered his resignation, which 
was accepted, to take place the following October. 
In June, 1873, after various efforts to obtain a pastor 
had resulted in inability to select one who would 
serve, or who was acceptable to all concerned, the 
congregation elected Rev. Reuben Hill, of Roches- 
ter, N. Y. He, however, declined the call, because 
of the duties resting upon him in connection with 
his work. After another season of inability to choose, 
another election was ordered in February, 1874, 
aDd earnest requests made to Rev. Hill to recon- 
sider his refusal. This strenuous effort succeeded, 
and the acceptance followed. Rev. Hill took charge 
of the congregation in the spring of 1874, and is still 
the pastor. The financial storm which subsequently 
swept over the country, the divided condition of the 
congregation, and the debt resting upon the church, 
were all causes which taxed pastoral activity to the 
utmost. During the years, however, which inter- 
vened between his coming and the present, all these 
difficulties have been met and overcome. The debt 
has been paid, and some three thousand dollars in 
addition raised and expended upon the beautifying 
of the church, the membership has been united and 
increased, and the congregation is in a most prosper- 
ous condition. The communicant membership is 
about four hundred and fifty, while a large and 
nourishing Sunday-school of four hundred members 
is connected with the church. St. John's is the ap- 
pointed place of worship for the students of Muhlen- 
berg College, who attend there especially on Sunday 
mornings. 

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Ridge 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



193 



road and Chew Street).— In the year 1858 St. Paul's 
congregation established a mission Sundaj school in 
the rapidly-growing eastern portion of Allentown, 
separated from the older wards of the city by the 

.Ionian and the adjacent meadows. The School was 

conducted bj the older teachers of St. Paul'.- Sunday- 
school, and eventually grew into il rganization ol 

St. Peter's. The first steps taken towards this organ- 
ization »err on Feb. 26, 1866, when a meeting of the 

Lutherans in this section of the cit\ and in llanovi i 
township, across the Lehigh River, was called lor this 
purpose. This meeting was held in the public school 
house 'd' the First Ward. Various Lutheran pastors 
were present,— Revs. Mennig, Brobst, and Fahs con- 
ducting the services and addressing those present. 
These service- in the school-house were continued on 
Tuesday evenings by these pastors until the newly- 
Organized congregation secured regular pastoral ser- 
vices. 

March 13, 1866, the resolution was taken to pur- 
chase building lots and -ettle upon a location at the 
corner where the church now is. Five hundred dol- 
lar- was the sum paid for the property. July 3d of 
the same year the name of the church was decided 
upon and agreed to. 

About this time Rev. K. Sehlenker took charge of 

the congregation in connection with congregation- in 

Oatasauqua and South Bethlehem, but remained in 

this field only about nine months, after which he 

was .ailed to Wilkesbarre. His successor was Rev. 

.1. .1. Zentner, who took charge in July, 1867. The 

following August (29th) it was resolved to build a 

brick edifice for church purposes. In September a 

constitution was adopted for the government of the 

church, and on the 22d the corner-stone of the new 

J building was laid. After the building had been 

roofed in. temporary windows were arranged, and the 

services were held thereupon in this unfinished state 

Jof affairs, the seats, in great part, being but rough 

Boards. April 1, 18G8, Kev. Zentner resigned, and 

(Rev. S. K. Brobst consented to act as his successor. 

JSept. 6, 1868, the church building, which had now 

( 'cen fully completed, was dedicated to the sacred 

ise- of public worship. It was now found that the 

•n-t of building had leached nearly three thou-and 
lollars. Rev. Brobsl remained pastor for nearly nine 
ear-, and under his administration a considerable 
legree of prosperity followed". There was no wealth 
I rely upon, no large population to draw from, and 
io great degree of increase to be expected. A- wages 

Actuated or employment was slack, the effects were 
sit at once, and ofti □ severely. Debt, the usual pen- 

t'.nce of new organizations, pressed upon St. Peter's, 
nd without the fostering care and generous labor- of 

Ifev. Brobsl the lite of St. Peter'- could hardly have 

een prolonged through the diseases of its childhood. 
i During 1869 the pastor presented St. Peter's with a 
March bell, and Mr. Charles Richter gave them a 
'ommunion set. During this year an English mis- 



18 



Sunday-scl 1 received permission to meet in 

the church, which has continued its efforts up to the 
present time, and under thi i fficii at superintendence 
ol Professor Davis Garber, of Muhlenberg College, 

has been largely attended and extremely useful. Its 

sessions are in the morning before the church sen ice. 

In 1870 (January 30th) a Church Beneficial So- 
ciety was established to aid the worthj poor of thi 
congregation. This society is still in a flourishing 
condition, and has done in an unostentatious way 
main deeds of mercy and consolation during its tour- 
teen years of existence. During the same year a pipe- 
organ was procured, and the fi male members of the 
i lunch organized into an association for home mission 
work and general beneficence. In 1875 a house and 
lot were purchased for parsonage purposes, at a cosl of 
one thousand dollars. Dec. 23, 1876, Rev.S. K. Brobst, 
wdio had during all these years, almost from the very 
beginning, cared for the congregation with great de- 
votion and self-denial, passed quietly awa\ from the 
scene of his earthly toils. His career and identifica- 
tion with this church warrant some more extensive 
noting than such an article can give. 

Samuel Kistler Brobst was born of ore of the oldest 
"Pennsylvania Dutch" families, whose ancestor mi- 
grated to America in 1700 or earlier. He was born 
Nov. 16, 1822. From youth upwards of sickly frame, 
consumptive, weak, he was always busy, restless, ac- 
tive, striving to promote the interests of the Lutheran 
Church. His early training was at Cannonslmrg, Pa., 
where he came under the influence of Dr. Brown, of 
Jefferson College, while working at his trade, at the 
Allentown Academy, at .Marshall College, Mercers- 
burg, and at Washington College, Washington, Pa. 
Having decided to study theology and become a 
preacher of God's Word, his attention and interest 
were drawn so largely toward Sunday-school work 
that, especially as his physical condition unfitted him 
for continuous preaching, he gradually was drawn 
into the work of publishing and editing literature and 
periodicals to further this cause. He located at Allen- 
town, Pa., and devoted himself to the people of his 
own BtOCk, and to the advocacy of the teachings of 
the Lutheran Church. In 1847 he published the 
Jugend Rreund, a Sunday-school paper, which reached 
a large circulation: in 1858, a Lutheran Almanac; in 
lsfjS. the /.ttt/iesischt Zeitschrift, a weekly church 
paper; in 1868, a theological monthly, subsequently 
abandoned, lie also was the proprietor of a book- 
storeforthe sale of church literature of all sorts. His 
publications and periodicals were in the < rerman lan- 
guage, to which he himself was devoted, and of which 
he was ever a warm advocate. He was active in 
various church enterprises, into which he entered 
always with great warmth and zeal, frequently pro- 
moting their origin by his own earnestness of purpose 
and warmth of advocacy. He was thus among the 
founders of Muhlenberg College, the Theological Sem- 
inary of the Lutheran Church at Philadelphia, the 



194 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Emigranl Mission :it New York, etc. His powers 
reached far more towards the inceptive impulse in 
these works than the subsequent management and 
guidance. With the powers bestowed upon him he 
endeavored with all fidelity to work while he was able, 
and in whatever direction he found opportunity. St. 
Peter's was the only congregation of which he had 
ever taken charge. It was thus only towards the close 
of his career that he attained the goal for which he 
se( out in early life, and from which his other projects 
of usefulness and his bodily infirmities so long diverted 
him. 

After the death of Rev. Brobst, Rev. G. F. Gardner, 
the present pastor, was elected, and, having been in- 
stalled in May, entered upon his work and residence 
the following July (1877). Already, in the spring of 
1877, it had been resolved to build a two-story brick 
school-house on the lot in the rear of the church 
building. The corner-stone was laid in June, and 
the building dedicated October 7th. October 15th a 
parochial school was opened therein, and the Sunday- 
school services transferred to it. The congregation 
was incorporated March 18,1878; its present mem- 
bership is about two hundred and fifty communicants, 
and its Sunday-school consists of the same number of 
teachers and scholars. During this four hundredth 
year (1883) of Luther's birth, St. Peter's has shown its 
vitality and activity by erecting before its church 
building a Luther monument of white bronze, dedi- 
cated with appropriate ceremonies on Luther's birth- 
day, November 10th. 

St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran Church 
(corner of Ninth and Turner Streets). — At various 
times the need had been felt for the establishment of 
a new congregation in the northwestern part of the 
city ; but various causes hindered any definite pro- 
gress in this direction until the dissensions as to doc- 
trine and church life in old St. Paul's set loose a num- 
ber of persons anxious to find a new church home 
conducted after their wishes and predilections. The 
first formal step towards a new church had already 
been taken Jan. 25, 1875, when at a meeting of the 
Fourth Ward Mission Society the project of building 
a church somewhere in the Fourth Ward was seri- 
ously taken in hand. At this meeting Rev. R. Hill 
presided, and John Nicuin acted as secretary. The 
attendance was made up largely of former members 
of St. Paul's. On February 8th an executive com- 
mittee was appointed, consisting of Rev. Hill, Sam- 
uel J. Brobst, Mrs. Mary Eisenhard, Franklin Sieger, 
J. Sanders, and Edwin Kramlich. Another com- 
mittee was raised to gather in funds. 

From this time on divine services were held by the 
various Lutheran pastors of the city belonging to the 
Pennsylvania Ministerium. After January, 1876, 
these services were conducted in l he chapel of Salem's 
Reformed Church, upon the corner of Chew and 
Eighth Streets. At this time one hundred and twenty- 
three communicants were connected with the new en- 



terprise. In May the resolution carried to secure lots 
upon the corner of Turner and Ninth Streets, organ- 
ize into a congregation, and build a church edifice. 
May 25th i Ascension day) the name of St. Michael 
»:i- selected, and [lie membership was found to be 
one hundred and thirty-three. Officers were elected 
and inducted into office, May 28th, by Rev. W. Rath. 
These officers were: Elders, Abner A. Wind, George 
Ludwig, Samuel Roth ; Deacons, Charles Gehringer, 
Addison Wind, Henry Ludwig, Amandus Kuhns, 
Charles Dresher, and Reuben Lichhenwalner. June 
12, 1876, a building committee was chosen, consisting 
of Edwin Kramlich, Walter J. Grim, and Charles 
Ludwig. In August a charter was obtained, at which 
time the membership had increased to two hundred. 
The ground having been broken for the church edifice 
in July, the corner-stone was laid August 13ih, upon 
which occasion Revs. Groh, Schmauk, Lehman, W. 
Rath, and Muhlenberg officiated, assisted by other 
visiting and resident pastors. The plan of the build- 
ing contemplated a handsome edifice, and was taken 
from that of the Lutheran Churches at Bethlehem, 
Pa. 

Spteinber 2d, Rev. B. W. Schmauk, of Lebanon, 
Pa., was elected pastor, and subsequently accepted 
the call. Meanwhile the work of building and fur- 
nishing went on with commendable vigor and liber- 
ality upon the part of contractors and congregation. 
December 3d the basement was ready for occupancy, 
and was consecrated. May 6, 1877, the church proper 
was consecrated, upon which occasion discourses were 
delivered by Rev. Dr. Mann, Rev. Dr. G. F. Krotel, 
Rev. J. B. Rath, and others. In order that this might 
take place, an especial offer to furnish the main audi- 
ence-room with pews was made by Jesse Grim, at 
whose expense this was accordingly done. About 
this time a large bell, weighing over fourteen hundred 
pounds, was obtained. The cost of the edifice was 
over fourteen thousand dollars, and the price of the 
lot four thousand. 

May 30, 1877, the congregation was formally re- 
ceived into connection with the Evangelical Lutheran 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania. Its subsequent ca- 
reer has been that of steady and quiet increase, of 
activity among old and young towards the liquidation 
of indebtedness, of social organization among its 
younger members for self-improvement and aid in 
church work. The services in church have been en- 
tirely in the German language, while in its schools 
English has been used as well as German. At various 
times lectures have been delivered before the " Young 
People's Society," and various literary and musical 
entertainments given. 

In April, 1883, Rev. B. W. Schmauk, the only pas- 
tor the church had as yet had, received a very pressing 
call to return to the scene of his former labors at Leb- 
anon. This call, after much consideration, he ac- 
cepted, and accordingly resigning charge of St. Mi- 
chael's, June 17, 1883, parted from bis congregation. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



195 



Rev. <!. F. Spieker, of Kutztown, Pa., was subse- 
< I n < ■ 1 1 1 1 \ elected to till the vacancy t In is created. He 

was installed into office October, 1883. It was also 
decided to introduce English services in the evening, 
for the sake of the younger members, about this same 
period. The membership of St. Michael's was re- 
ported in May, 18s:i, at live hundred and fifty com- 
municants, its Sunday-schools as containing five bun- 
dled and eighty teachers and scholars. Thus, while 
the youngest of the Lutheran Churches of Allentown, 
.St. Michael's is by no means the least, but has the 
proportions of an elder sister already. 

Zion's Reformed Church. 1 — The early history of 
this congregation is synchronous with the early 
history of Allentown. From the recorded list of the 
tetter's first settlers we discover that a majority of 
these were of Swiss and Palatinate extraction, and 
therefore either actually or traditionally of the Re- 
formed faith. Be tlii- ih it may, we know that Allen- 
town was founded A.t>. 1702, and that in the same 
rears building of logs was erected for religious and 
school purposes. This first church was doubtless the 
joint property of the Reformed and Lutheran denomi- 
nations. It was situated in the rear of the lot upon 
which Zion's Reformed Church now stands. 

It would appear that for some time previous to and 
after the erection of this log building many of the 
Reformed people in and around Allentown were 
members of the Egypt and Salisbury (originally 
BChmaltzgass i congregation. The Egypt congregation 
had been founded in 1733 by the Rev. J. Henry 
Goetschius, of Zurich, Switzerland, and may properly 
be regarded as the mother of the church in Allentown. 
But it is a well-established fact that the beginning of 
the year 1705 found Zion's Reformed congregation 
fully organized and under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. J. Daniel Gross, D.D. In the " Kirchen Proto- 
Collum," kept by Dr. Gross, the first entry is dated 
Feb. 27, a.ii. 1705, and on the 9th of December fol- 
low ing the annual settlement and examination into 
the finances of the congregation was held. At this 

I meeting, according to the printed account in the 

j hands of the writer, there were present "the pastor, 

'Johannes Daniel Gross, and the elders and deacons, 

Thomas Hunsicker, .1.- b Mohr, Johannes (iriesemcr, 

David Deshler, and Peter Roth." 

Zion's congregation has good reason to feel proud 

| of its first pastor, Rev. J. I laniel < rross i or Gros), D.D. 

I The latter orthography was by him preferred, and 
by it also he is known in literary history. He was 
born in the Palatinate, Germany, a.d. 17M7, And 

(died at Canajoharie, N. Y., May 25, 1812. From 1765 
to 1770 he was pastor of the churches of Allentown, 

I Egypt, Scl, lowers (now L*nion),and Jordan. In 1770 



1 Compiled by the pastor, Rev. Edwin A. Gernant. Sources : Henry's 

•'IU-[..n of Lehigh Comity;" " Records of Zion's Refol I I Inn. Ii 

from Pa.- 1 i irger;" files of the JWedensj "Becol 

!-•■ ii iih and Researches of the Rot. Professor J. Ii. Dubbs, D.D.;" sod 
Bhrbaugh'e "Fatbersof the Reformed Church." 



he took charge of the churches al Saucon and Sj 
field. In 1772-78 he removed to Schoharie, N. v., and 
soon afterwards became pastor of the Reformed • ihurch, 
on Forsyth Street, New York. From L784 to 1795 

he was professor of German in Col bia College, and 

from 1787 to 1795 of moral philosophy in the Bame 
institution. In 1705 he published an octavo volume 
entitled "Natural Principles of Rectitude," which 
was long used as a text-hook in American col 
He himself had been the pupil of the celebrated 
Kern, and sustai 1 the relation of tutor to the dis- 
tinguished and accomplished Rev. Dr. Milledoler. 
He also directed the classical and theological studies 
of the Rev. William Hendel, D.D.,a name well known 
in Reformed history. Dr. Gros was evidently a man 
of more than ordinary culture and attainments. 

In 177o Zion's congregation secured the permission 
of Governor Penn to collect funds for the purpose of 
erecting a new church building, and the following 
year called the Rev. Abraham Blumerto the pastorate. 
tin the 25th of June, 1773, the corner-stone for ibis 
second church was formally laid. From the minutes 
of the congregation it appears that Peter Rhoads was 
treasurer, and that Johannes Griesemer, Nicholas 
Fuchs, Johannes Miller, and Michael Kolb constituted 
the building committee. This second building was 
the exclusive property of the Reformed congregation. 
(The Lutherans probably continued to worship in t lu- 
old. log building until the erection of their own 
church.) Thi- new Reformed Church was of stone, 
and involved an expenditure of about five hundred 
pounds sterling. The largest single contribution was 
fifteen pounds, the smallest two pence. James Preston 
contracted for the masonry, and received for the same 
forty-three pounds and his boarding. The carpentry 
was awarded to Johannes Miller and Jacob Mickley. 
They received one hundred and thirty-seven pounds, 
but were required to board themselves. These facts, 
though trivial in themselves, serve to show the value 
of money in those early days, two years before the 
declaration of independence. 

Rev. Abraham Blunter, the second pastor of Zion's 
Reformed Church, was a man highly respected by the 
ministry, and enjoyed the fullest confidence of his 
people. He was born in Graps, Switzerland, Dec. 25, 
1736, and died on his farm near the Jordan Church, 
Lehigh Co., April 23, 1N22. After thorough training 
in a Latin school, he pursued his studies in the Gym- 
nasium at Basel, and was ordained to the ministry 
on the 8th of June, 1756. From 1757 to 1766 he 
served as chaplain of a Swiss regiment in the Sardin- 
ian Bervice. In 1770 the Synod- of Smith and North 
Holland sent him to Pennsylvania, and from 1771 to 
1S01 lie labored as pastor of the Allentown, Jordan, 
Schlossers, and Egypt congregation-. From 180] to 
the end of his life he lived in comparative retirement, 
old age and tailing strength compelling him to aban- 
don all active ministerial duties. 

Pastor Blurner was a thoroughly cultured gentle- 



196 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



man. His career in Europe made him familial with 
several modern languages. A letter in which he de- 
clined a call to the pastorate of the French Reformed 
Church of Now Yori City is still extant. The pro- 
tocol, or church records, as kept by him arc models 
of scrupulous neatness. During Father Blumer's 
ministry at Allentown occurred the episode concern- 
ing the famous liberty bell and the bells of Christ 
Church, Philadelphia. This is a matter of national 
interest, fully proven, aud deserves far more attention 
than has hitherto been accorded it. 

These bells were the pride of the Philadelphians, 
and upon the approach of the British Ibices in 1777 
it was generally feared that they might be seized and 
transmuted into artillery. Accordingly, one morning 
it was discovered that the bells were missing, and for 
a while it was supposed that they had been buried or 
sunk in the Delaware. But they had been loaded on 
wagons and hauled away. They were finally taken 
to Allentown and hidden under the floor of Zion's 
Reformed Church, the stone building above described, 
and which occupied the site of the present church. 
In the " Bethlehem Diary" the then resident Mora- 
vian bishop records the arrival of the bells at Beth- 
lehem, the fact that there one of the wagons broke 
down, and that after its repairing the truly interesting 
procession pursued its way to Allentown. The bells 
remained in secure concealment beneath the floor of 
Zion's Reformed Church until after the Revolutionary 
war, when they were severally returned to Indepen- 
dence Hall and Christ Church, Philadelphia. 

The descendants of Father Blumer are still numer- 
ous and respectable. Two of them are to-day mem- 
bers of the same church in Allentown over which he 
presided as pastor for a period of thirty years and 
three months. 

In 1801 the Rev. John Gobrecht became the regu- 
larly elected successor of Mr. Blumer. Father Go- 
brecht was a son of the Rev. John Christopher Go- 
brecht, and was born in Lancaster County, Dee. 10, 
1773. He studied under the Rev. Drs. Melsheimer, 
Stoeck, and Hendel,and in the year above mentioned 
took charge of the Allentown, Egypt, Jordan, and 
Union congregations. He is said to have been of a 
peculiarly mild and affectionate disposition, and was 
greatly beloved by all who knew him. "His resi- 
dence was near the Egypt Church, on a farm. He 
was accustomed to spend most of his leisure time in 
Study and meditation." He was twice married, — the 
first time to Hannah Troxe), and alter her death to a 
Widow Hall. He died on the 5th of .March, 1831, in 
North Whitehall township, and is buried at the Egypt 
Church. 

Towards the close of Mr. Gobrecht's ministry he 
was too feeble to attend properly to the wants of the 
Allentown congregation, especially because this was 
the farthest distant from his residence. Accordingly, 
Rev. .John Zuileh became his assistant, preached in 
Zion's Church every fourth Sunday, ami soon became 



very popular. We can easily understand how natu- 
ral it was that subsequently many of the members 
should have wished to retain him as their pastor, 

1'poii the death of Pastor ( lobrecht the lour con- 
gregation- belonging to the charge met aid agreed to 
elect a minister. Four candidates were proposed. 
It was found that Rev. J. S. Dubbs had received a ma- 
jority of all the voles cast in the whole charge, but 
that in Zion's Mr. Zuileh had received the larger 
number. This, unfortunately, led to a division, and 
the friends of Mr. Zuileh organized ;> separate con- 
gregation, and called him to be their pastor. He soon 
withdrew, and was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. J. C. 
Becker, of Northampton County, Pa., who preached in 
Allentown once a month, until 1834 or 1835. Mean- 
while the differences between the two parties had been 
adjusting themselves and gradually disappeared. In 
183o we find the whole congregation reunited and 
under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. J. S. Dubbs, the 
duly elected successor of Mr. Gobrecht. 

Father Dubbs i originally Dubs) was born in Lower 
Milford township, Oct. 16, 1796. Here lived his 
grandfather, who had emigrated from Switzerland, 
and had pun based a tract of land from the Penn 
family. The house in which he was born is still 
standing, and is said to be the oldest brick building 
in Lehigh County. He pursued his theological studies 
mainly under the direction of the Rev. F. L. Herman, 
D.D., who is celebrated as one of the ablest men then 
in the ministry of the Reformed Church. He was 
ordained September, 1823, and until 1831 served as 
the pastor of several churches in Berks County. But 
in the latter year he became, as we have seen, the 
pastor of the Allentown charge and removed to Le- 
high County. 

Meanwhile Allentown had increased in population 
so rapidly that the congregation of Zion's Church 
resolved to put up another and larger building. The 
old stone church was small and uncomfortable, and 
unsuited to the various purposes of so large a con- 
gregation. On the 5th of August, A.r>. 1838, the 
corner-stone of the present brick building was sol- 
emnly laid, and on the 7th and 8th of June, 1840, the 
completed structure was dedicated to tic service of 
the triune God. The plan was designed by Mr. 
John Mohr, and the edifice was in those days consid- 
ered quite a model of neatness ami general adapted- 
ness. 

And now the congregation began to feel the need 
of more frequent services, and Dr. Dubbs began to 
preach in the evening. But the English language 
had come to be extensively used, and to meet this 
additional requirement the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, as' 
his father's assistant, commenced to preach in English 
in Zion's Reformed Church. Still later the Rev. C. 
R. Kessler served in the capacity of English preacher, 
but under the authority of the regular pastor. 

father Dubbs performed a great work. Besides 
serving his charge faithfully, he corresponded exten- 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



197 



sivelv wiih smnc <it' the representative |>eri<nlic:il> of 
the Reformed Church, ami was the author of several 

ii German hymns. In 1856 he was constrained 
by the weight of years to resign the pastorate of the 
Allentown Church, especially as this required more 

attention than he could possibly give to it. His 

resignation was, however, nol accepted, and the diffi- 
culty was temporarily mot by calling the Rev. Joshua 
H. Derr as associate pastor. But this arrangement 
did not prove satisfactory, and resulted, in 1858, in 
the organization of a separate congregation called St. 
John's, and of which Mr. Den became the regular 
pastor. I hi- St John's Church sustained no his- 
torical relation to the present St. John's Reformed 
Church of this city.) The' two rival congregations 
occupied the same church on alternate Sundays until 
1863, when they were peacefully united. 

In September, 1859, the Rev. Joseph H. Dubbs, 
D.D., now professor of History and Archaeology in 
Franklin and Marshall College, became his father's 
assistant in Allentown. In 1860 he was elected the 
pastor of /.ion's Reformed Church, Father Dubbs 
having retired. Professor Dubbs continued in this 
relation until January, 1863, when he resigned. Rev. 
W. S. Strassburger. of Pottstown, Pa., was elected a- 
his successor, and became the pastor of the once more 
united Zion's congregation. 

Under Father Dubbs' supervision /ion's grew most 
wonderfully. In 1831 there were but seventy-five 
members; in 1861 more than twelve hundred. 

The subsequent history of this congregation is too 
recent to require extended notice. During the pas- 
torate of the Rev. N. S. Straasburger Zion's Reformed 
Church experienced the joys of maternity three times, 
and thus only increased her usefulness and renewed 
her youth. St. John's, corner of Sixth and Walnut; 
Salem's, on Chew, above Sixth ; and Christ, on Sec- 
ond, above Hamilton, these all are the daughters of 
the old church on Hamilton Street, and were founded 
in the order of their naming. 

Rev. Mr. Strassburger did good service in the cause of 
the Master. He is an able and earnest preacher, and, 
as a parliamentarian, second to none in the church. 
In March, 1881, he tendered his resignation, which 
nas accepted by the consistory. On the 18th of April, 
■581, the congregation met and elected the present 
pastor, Rev. Edwin A. Gernant, who was then a 
student in the Theological Seminary. He accepted 
| the call, and after his graduation was received :ls a 
licentiate by the Classis of Lehigh. On the 17th of 
July, 1881, Mr. Gernant was ordained to the holy 
mini-try, and installed as pastor of Zion's Reformed 
Church. 

We subjoin the statistics of the congregation as 
(summarized September, 1883; members, 834; un- 
confirmed members, 400; Sunday-school scholars, 
H$0; contributed for benevolence during the Mar, 
pBOG ; contributed for congregational purposes, $2500. 

Joseph S. Dubs, for many years pastor of this 



church, was born Oct. 16, 1 7'. ">, and was the seventh 
child I wle. grew to maturity | of Daniel and Elizabeth 
Dubs.' At an earlj age he felt an earnest di 

prepare for the gospel ministry, but had to ov 

many difficulties before be could achieve his purposi . 

In those days educational facilities were few in ninn 
her, and even these were not always attainable. 

Win attending school for some time in Chester 
County he finally chose as his preceptor Rev. F. I.. 
Herman, D.D., a learned man. who prepared many 
young men for the ministry. For four years he 
was under Dr. Herman's immediate instruction, and 
studied hard to make up for the deficiencies of his 
earlier education. 

Having been licensed to preach in 1822, and or- 
dained in the following year, he became pastor of a 
(d large, consisting of t lie Windsor and Weiss Churches, 
in Berks County. His salary from the whole charge 
amounted to one b unil re. 1 dollars per annum ; but such 
was the cheapness of living that on this small sum he 
was able to live comfortably. 

In 1824 the Eppler Church, and in 1826 the Hain 
Church were ai hied to his charge, of which he remained 
pastor until 1831. It was a laborious field, and, in 
reaching his appointments, he was compelled to cross 
three streams, — the Schuylkill, the Tulpehotjken, and 
the Antelauny. There were in those days no bridges 
over these streams, and he was often compelled to 
cross them, especially in winter, at the danger of his 
life. The adventures which he related might put us, 
of a weaker generation, to shame for our lack of zeal 
and energy. 

In 1831 he accepted a call from the charge in Le- 
high County, consisting of the Reformed Churches of 
Allentown, Egypt, Union, and Jordan. The Allen- 
town Church was in those days the smallest congre- 
gation in the charge, and he consequently took up 
his residence in North Whitehall, at a place which 
was more near the centre of his field. For thirty 
years he remained pastor of the whole charge, assisted 
in Allentown during a few years by his son, Alfred, 
and the Rev. C. R. Kessler. The church in Allen- 
town increased very rapidly with the growth of the 
town, and required an immense amount of labor. 
Se\eral small congregations were also formed out of 
the material of his regular churches, and these re- 
quired his services on Sunday afternoon. These were 
the churches at Rittersville, Cedarville, and after he 
had resigned Allentown) Morgenland, in Lowhill 
township. It was usual with him to preach three 
times on Sunday, and he sometimes preached funeral 
sermons every day in the week. He also found time 
to contribute to the periodicals of his church, and 
was always careful in his preparation for the pulpit. 
A man less abundantly blessed with physical and 
mental health could not have performed all this 
labor. At least six Reformed ministers now find 



1 Fur fketcb of his ancestry, 666 Lower Milfonl township. 



198 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



plenty of work within the limits of the field which he 
attempted to cultivate alone. 

In 186] he resigned the church in Allen town, and 
his younger .-inn b< came his successor, lie continued 

to preach in the other congregations of his charge 
until 1866, when, feeling the approach of the inlirmi- 
tie> of old age, he resigned and removed to Allen- 
town, where he lived in retirement until his death. 
During his whole ministry he kept careful record- of 
all his official acts, of which the following are the 
statistics: Baptisms, 7065; funerals attended, 2778; 
confirmations, 3780; marriages, 2176. He preached 
over eight thousand sermons, and officiated at the cor- 
ner-stone-laying or consecration of sixty-five churches. 
The last service of the latter kind in which he was 
engaged was the solemn opening, on Christmas-day, 
1876, of Salem Reformed Church, Allentowu, of which 
1 1 is eldest son is pastor. 

In 1866, Franklin and Marshall College, in recog- 
nition of his faithful service, conferred upon him the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. Popularly he 
was known as "Father Dubbs," and the latter title 
pleased him best, for there were multitudes who re- 
garded him with almost filial affection. His devotion 
to the minutest details of pastoral duty and his abun- 
dant good will towards all classes of the community 
gained for him an unusual degree of genuine popu- 
larity. 

Father Dubbs was twice married, — the first time, in 
1825, to Susan Getz, a daughter of Nicholas Getz, of 
Berks County; the second time, in 1837, to Mrs. 
Eleanor Murphy, a daughter of David Lercli and his 
wife, Eleanor Jones. 

The first marriage was blessed with three children, 
— one son and two daughters. The son — Rev. Alfred 
J. G. Dubbs — has been pastor of charges in Northamp- 
ton and Lehigh Counties, and is now pastor of Salem 
Reformed Church, Allentowu. The daughters — Louisa 
and Elmira — are respectively married to Messrs. A. 
L. Schreiber, of Coplay, and James O. Shinier, of 
Allentowu. 

By the second marriage there were two sons, of 
whom the younger died in childhood. The other — 
Rev. Joseph Henry Dubbs, D.D., of Lancaster, Pa. — 
has been pastor of Zion's Church, Allentown, Trinity 
Church, Pottstown, and Christ Reformed Church, 
Philadelphia. Since 1875 he has held the position of 
Audenried professor of History and Archaeology in 
Franklin and Marshall College. He is also editor of 
The Guardian. In 1878 he visited Europe, and was 
most cordially received by distant relatives in the 
Fatherland. 

In the present sketch we have no room to trace the 
several branches of the family down to the present 
day. Of late years the family has rather diminished 
than increased, and the last portion of the ancestral 
land in Lower Milford, which had never been held 
by any one not of the name since the days of the red 
men, now, by the lack of male descendants, passes to 



another line. It will be observed that the family, 
whose history we have related, has in this country 
hut rarely -ought Cor office or popular notoriety, pre- 
ferring to perform their duties without attracting un- 
necessary attention. May the present generation imi- 
tate the virtues of their ancestors, ami l.e faithful as 
they were in all the relations .>! life. 

St. John's Reformed Congregation. 1 — To estab- 
lish a congregation of the Reformed faith in this city 
whose services were designed to be conducted ex- 
clusively in the English language was, eighteen or 
twenty years ago, no light matter. It presupposed a 
long course of preparation going before. 

The German language, since the first origin of the 
Reformed Church in this section, has been the prin- 
cipal medium of social and religious intercourse, and 
with hut one or two exceptions all the congregations 
have been exclusively German. The early pioneers 
naturally preferred to worship God in their mother- 
tongue, and they desired their children to do like- 
wise ; hence they regarded the use of English service 
in the church as a dangerous innovation. This preju- 
dice held sway for some time. 

At length, however, the more intelligent and ad- 
vanced members, and especially the young, began to 
show signs of restlessness under the full consciousness 
that their religious wants were not fully met, and 
they resolved upon immediate action. 

This city had been rapidly increasing in popula- 
tion ; the public schools introduced an entire English 
curriculum ; the language came to be more generally 
spoken, and there became apparent a more urgent 
demand for English service in the Reformed Church. 
To his credit be it recorded that Rev. Dr. Joseph S. 
Dubbs, now of sainted memory, showed a disposition, 
during the closing period of his long and laborious 
pastorate of Zion's Reformed Congregation, to meet 
this growing demand for English service to the best 
of his ability, by instructing such of his catechumens 
as preferred it, in that language. 

The first step taken was the introduction of an oc- 
casional English service by the pastors of the mother 
congregation, which was soon afterwards followed by 
a regular evening service in that language. Yet even 
this did not satisfy a pressing' want; it began to be 
generally felt that the organization of an exclusively 
English congregation, and the erection of a suitable 
church building for the same, was absolutely indis- 
pensable, and the only means of keeping the young 
within the church of their fathers. 

Encouraged and stimulated by the judicious coun- 
sel of Rev. W. R. Hofford and Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, 
who actively sympathized with them, a few of the 
more venturesome spirits resolved that they would 
take the initiative without any further delay. 

An earnest petition, setting forth the importance of 
such organization and the desirableness of realizing it 

1 By Kev. Samuel G. Wagner, P.I). 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



199 



al - curly a day as possible, was presented to the con- 
sist mv of /ion's German Reformed Congregation, over 
the signatures of Mr. George Kuhl and C.Lewis Huber. 
The author of this petition was the Rev. W. R. Hof- 

t'ord. We find the following record bearing on this 

pap' i : 

"At a 1 ting of the Consistory of the German 

Reformed Congregation, held June 4, 1865, the above 
petition was laid before it. when it was, on motion, 
</, That the prayers contained therein be 
irranted. By order. Attest, E. J. Knauss, Secretary 
of /.ion's Reformed Consistory, at Allentown, Pa." 

After some few months' delay, caused by certain un- 
expected complications, in obedience to a call in\ iting 
all those favorable to the new enterprise, a meeting was 
held in the lecture-room of the mother-church on the 
evening of Sept, l I. 1865. An organization being ef- 
fected, with .Mr. Tobias Kessler as president and Mr. 
Reuben II. Kranim as secretary, the following reso- 
lution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That 
the members of the Zi on's ("! er man Reformed < ongre- 
gation, of Allentown, Pa., seeing the necessity of 
doing something speedily to maintain and further the 
interests of our church, favor the organization of an 
exclusively English congregation ; and desiring thai 
this may be done peaceably, and that a friendly rela- 
tion may continue to exist between the mother-church 
and her offspring, we deem it prudent that our pa-tor, 
Rev. N . 8. Strassburger, should organize and install 
the members of the consistory, and that, after the or- 
ganization, said congregation be left unrestrained in 
the adoption of such measures as will be thought mosl 
expedient to insure success." A committee was ap- 
pointed at the same time to consult with the influential 
members of the mother-church as to the best method 
Of promoting the contemplated enterprise. At an ad- 
journed meeting, on the evening of Sept, 27. 1865, this 
committee, having reported favorably, was continued 
for a further prosecution of the work. Another com- 
mittee, appointed Nov. 29, 1865, to secure a suitable 
room for the use of this inchoate organization, reported 
at a subsequent meeting, held Dec. G, 1SG">, that tiny 
had succeeded in obtaining the Academy Building. 
Meanwhile, the proper application, as required in such 
cases by the Constitution of the German Reformed 
Church of the United States, being laid before the 
Classis of East Pennsylvania, convened in special 
session in the city of Allentown, on Nov. 26. lXOfi, 
met with favorable action, and authority was given 
to proceed with the organization. 

We accordingly find that on the evening of Dec. 

i 28, I860, these anxious and earnest souls met in the 
Academy Hall, on the corner of Eighth and Walnut 

, Streets, and at once provided for the creation of tin- 
new Sunday-school, to be called the "Sunday-scl I 

of the English Reformed Congregation of Allentown.'' 

I and to form the nucleus of said congregation. The 

' following officers were elected: Superintendent, Mr. 

I T. Kessler; Assistant Superintendent, Mr. R. H. 



K ennui: Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. George Kuhl; 
Librarian, Mr. Levi I'Viistermacher ; Assistant Libra- 
rian, Miss Ellen J. McHose; President of the Asso- 
ciation, Mr. (ii'orge llagenbllch. A committee was 

appointed to draff a constitution and by-laws for the 
government of the Sunday-school Assoi iation, to re- 
port al a meeting held Jan. II. L866, when its work, 
after a few Blight changes, was adopted, and substan- 
tial!} controls the organization to this day. 

An announcement having appeared to that 
in the Daily News of the city, the English Reformed 
Sunday-school convened for the first time in the 
Academy Hall, on Sunday, Jan. 1, 1866, at 1.30 

o'clock p.m., with an encouraging attendance of 
officers, teachers, and pupils. A fortnight after, 
Jan. lo, ],s66, divine -erviee being ended, in order to 
complete the new organization, an election was held 

for church officers, which resulted in the choice of 
two elders, viz.: George Hagenbuch and Tobias Kess- 
ler, and four deacons, viz.: Reuben II. Kranim, 
George Kuhl, John S. Kessler, and < '. Lewis Huber. 
These gentlemen were ordained and installed at a ser- 
vice held in /ion's Reformed Church on the evening 
of Jan. 29, 18C6, by a committee appointed by the 
Classis of East Pennsylvania. They constituted the 

eon>istory for 1K6G-67. being the first consistory of 
the new English Reformed Congregation of Allen- 
town, Pa. 

It now became a question of absorbing interest, Who 
shall be the first pastor of this new enterprise? Ac- 
1 ordingly, at a regular meeting of the consistory, held 
April 2, 1806, it was resolved to present the name of 
Rev. S. Philips, of < 'arlisle, as a candidate to be voted 
for as pastor by such persons as, at a congregational 
meeting to be held for the purpose, on Sunday even- 
ing, April 8, 1866, might be willing to identity them- 
selves permanently with the new interest. This elec- 
tion was held at the appointed time, and resulted in 
the choice of the above-named candidate. A call 
was promptly extended to him, and as promptly ac- 
cepted. He preached his introductory sermon on 
Sunday, May 20, 1866. He was installed by a com- 
mittee of the Classis of East Pennsylvania on June 
26, 1866. The new congregation being still without 
a name, it was agreed at a meeting of the consistory, 
June 20th, that the church shall hereafter be known 
as the "St. John's English Reformed Congregation." 

At the same time the constitution ami by-laws were 
reported by the pastor, which were afterwards unani- 
mously adopted by the congregation on July 1, 1866. 
On July 8th, when the first communion was admin- 
istered, we learn from the record that the congrega- 
tion then numbered one hundred and twenty-four 
members, two of these having been received by con- 
firmation, and the others by certificate and repro- 
fession. 

Being without the necessary church building, the 
consistory met in special session on July 29th of the 
same year, when they appointed the Hon. Samuel 



200 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Mi Hose to negotiate for a suitable lot for a church. 
This resulted in the purchase of the lot or lots on 
which the present church stands, on the corner of 

Sixth and Walnut Streets. .Measures were at once 
adopted to secure the proper corporation, in regard to 
which we find the following record : " The petition to 
incorporate the St. John's Reformed Church of Al- 
lentown, Pa., was presented through Jacob S. Dillin- 
ger, Esq., Feb. 4, L867,and on the same day was filed, 
and was granted April 8, 1867, by the Court of Le- 
high County, Judge J. \V. Maynard, and recorded in 
the recorder's office of the city of A lien town, April 15, 
1867, in the charter-book, volume i. page 100, etc. 
Jonathan Trexler, Recorder." 

The following building committee was appointed: 
Samuel McHose, William Blumer, Thomas Mohr, C. 
B. Haintz, and Thomas Barber. At a congregational 
meeting, after service, Nov. 25, 1806, the following 
persons had been elected to the position of trustees of 
the congregation, viz.: Milton J. Kramer, Levi Line, 
and Thomas Mohr. The next item which we deem 
proper to record is the enlargement of the consistory, 
by the addition of one elder and two deacons, at a 
congregational meeting held in the court-house on 
May 5, 1867, when the following consistory was 
elected for the year 1867-68 : Elders, George Hagen- 
buch, three years; Tobias Kessler, two years; and 
Samuel Engelman, one year. Deacons, George Kuhl j 
and Reuben H. Kramm, three years ; C. Lewis Huber 
and John S. Kessler, two years ; and Lewis P. Hecker 
and Charles H. Ruhe, one year. 

During this time, it is apparent that some changes 
were made, though there is no special record. Acad- 
emy Hall had been abandoned, the court-house having 
been secured for the Sunday services, and Leh's Hall 
for the Wednesday evening service, and the use of the 
main Sunday-school, while the infant school had 
been removed to the third story of Mr. Kuhl's build- 
ing,— Mrs. W. R. Hofford, Miss Anna B. Steckel, and j 
Mr. George Kuhl, having it in charge. 

The building committee had meanwhile gone for- 
ward with its work, and the foundation had been so 
far laid that the time had come for the laying of the 
corner-stone of the new church, which ceremony and 
service accordingly took place in the presence of a large 
congregation in the early fall of the year 1867. We 
much regret that we are without a record of the date 
of this service. We find a singular pause in the his- j 
tory of the congregation. There is a strange blank 
on the record, which reminds one of the blank which 
must have darkened the hearts of the devoted flock 
when, at a meeting held in the Sunday-school hall, 
on Oct. 30, 1867, a communication was received which 
proved to be the resignation of the pastor, Rev. S. 
Philips, to take effect on November 10th, following. 
This resignation was unanimously accepted, and we 
accordingly find that the record of the first pastor of 
this congregation suddenly stops at that date. The 
pastorate of the Rev. S. Philips was a short though 



active one. It began May 20. 1866, and ended Nov. 
10, 1S67. During this brief period of eighteen months 
the following was the result of his labors ; infant bap- 
tisms, 20; adult baptism, 1 ; additions, by confirma- 
tion, 31 ; by certificate, 160 : by reprofession, 39 : total, 
236. Marriages, 11; deaths, .". ; dismissions, 2; Sun- 
day-school teachers, 26; pupils, 183; benevolent con- 
tributions, $150. 

The congregation was thus left without a pastor to 
guide them ; still, they were not without religious ser- 
vices, these being supplied by pastors from abroad. 
Nor did the matter of church improvement stand 
quite still, not at least until the building was under 
roof. Strenuous efforts were made to gather in the 
amounts subscribed, which realized to the committee 
on subscriptions between ten and twelve thousand 
dollars. 

At length at a congregational meeting, held March 
2, 1868, an election for pastor took place, which re- 
sulted in the choice of the present incumbent, the 
Rev. Samuel G. Wagner. 

A constitutional call was tendered and accepted, 
and the present pastorate began June 1, 1868. The 
formal induction or installation took place in the 
court-house in the month of June, which service was 
presided over by a committee of the Classis of East 
Pennsylvania. The introductory sermon was preached 
on July 12, 1868, and the congregation continued to 
hold their services in the court-house until the end of 
the year, when the new church building was ready 
for dedication. 

With the beginning of the new pastorate the work 
on the church building was resumed and actively 
carried forward. The services of dedication took 
place on the first Sunday of the new year, Jan. 3, 
1869. There were three services on that day, the one 
in the afternoon being the children's service, with 
services also on Saturday afternoon and evening 
before, all interesting and well attended. The pastor 
was assisted by the Rev. Dr. J. W. Nevin, of Lan- 
caster; Rev. Dr. D. Gans, Rev. Dr. C. Z. Weiser, 
and Rev. Dr. D. Y. Heisler, all of the Reformed 
Church. The congregation had now occasion to 
congratulate itself on the possession of a neat and 
comfortable church ; and it took courage and went 
forward until to-day it occupies a position of re- 
spectability and influence in the community. 

The consistory at that time was composed of George 
Hagenbuch, Tobias Kessler, and Samuel Engelman, 
elders ; and the following deacons : George Kuhl, R. 
H. Kramm, John S. Kessler, L. P. Hecker, C. H. 
Ruhe, and H. C. Wagner, the last gentleman having 
been elected to fill the vacancy created by the with- 
drawal of C. Lewis Huber from the congregation. 
During the last fifteen years the following additional 
members have faithfully served terms in the consis- 
tory: A. A. Huber, Jacob A. Blumer, William H. 
Deshler, Esq., H. M. Leh, William F. Hecker, John 
E. Lentz, H. A. Stellwagen, Reuben H. Shuman 



THE CITY OF A.LLENTOWN. 



201 



(now residing in Southern Kansas . David R. Kline 
(now of Western Pennsylvania), A. L. Clauser, L. F. 
Knecht, L. II. Lenhart, William H. Diehl, William 
A. Berkemyer, R. D. Butz, and M. J. Meixsell; as 
trustees, Thomas Mohr, Levi Line, Charles W. 
Cooper, St., Tilghman H. Good, Aaron Troxell, 
- muel A. liutz. Esq., Reuben P. Steckel, and Hiram 
M. Leh. The following choristers and organists have 
been in the service of the congregation since its or- 
ganization: S. P. Newhard, J. S. Whitney, J. F. 
Obi, M. 8. Gabriel, F. Wolf, and the present efficient 
organist, Alfred 11. Ettinger. Among the active 
treasurers appear the nam.- of T. H. Good and S. A. 
Butz, Esq., of the board of trustees; and J. A. 
Blumer, II. M. Leh, and II. A. Stellwagen, of the 
consistory. The following have served the congre- 
gation in the capacity of Sunday-school superin- 
tendents: Tobias Eessler, Benjamin Lochman, Lewis 
P. Hecker, Henry ('. Wagner, Milton II. Derr, Reu- 
ben H. Kramm, Edmund ( '. Huber, Daniel Z. Walker, 
.1. Henry Lawyer, Mrs. W. R. Hofford, Mi-s Anna B. 
Shekel. Miss Carrie Guth, and Miss Anna Lind. 
William H. Deshler, Esq., has been for years the 
president of the Sunday School Association; JohnC. 
Nagle has served as secretary ; R. H. Kramm, 1 >r. S. 
S. Apple, and William F. Hecker as treasurers ; and 
Gorge Kuhl, Theodore D. Reninger, and William .1. 
Huber have served for years in the office of librarian ; 
Miss Anna C. Lind, Miss M. Alice Breder, and Miss 
Magirie Sykes have presided at the organ in the infant 
department of the Sunday-school. 

The Sunday-school has had its faithful teachers, 
and God will reward each one for the work of love so 
cheerfully rendered. 

The present pastorate, covering now upwards of 
fifteen years, has been a pleasant one. The following 
record will show its measure of success: Infant bap- 
tisms, 247; addition-, by confirmation, 258; by adult 
baptism, 7; by certificate, 168; by reprofession, 31 : 
total, 464. Marriages, 130; funerals, 221; present 
obership of the congregation, 424 ; Sunday-school 
scholars. :j27 ; main school, 242; infant school, 85; 
teachers and officers, 45. An important event during 
the present pastorate was the purchase, in the sum- 
mer of 1876, of the sweet-voiced organ now in use. 
This was the praiseworthy deed of those active and 
liberal member-, who have always been forward in 
every similar work. The efficient committee through 
whose efforts the means for the purchase of the in-tru- 
lnent were secured, consisted of Messrs. Levi Line, 
Reuben P. Steckel, Alfred H. Ettinger, Jacob A. 
Blumer, and Theodore I'. Reninger. The organ is 
from the celebrated manufactory of Hook ,v Hastings, 
Boston, Ma--. 

This congregation i- without debt. Its expenses 
have been heavy, but generous heart- and willing 
hands have always supplied the necessary mean-. 
The contributions inwards the various objects of 
Christian benevolence have been liberal. 



Salem's Reformed Church.'— The need of a third 
Reformed Church in the city of Allentown was felt 
several years before Salem'- Reformed ' tion 

was organized. TheClassisol East Pennsylvania, at 
a special meeting held at Coplaj mi the 17th day of 
November, 1874, appointed a committee ol three min- 
isters, composed of the Revs. X. S. Strassberger, S. G. 
Wagner, and A. J. G. Dubbs, to consider the feasibility 
of organizing a Reformed Congregation in the north- 
western part of the city. 

\l a special meeting of the Classis, held in St. 
John's Reformed Church in Allentown on the 2d 
day of April. 1875, fhis committee submitted the fol- 
lowing report: 

"Your com mittei reports that efforts were made by 
conferring with the consistory of Zion's Reformed 
Congregation and others, to prepare the way for the 
organization of a Reformed Congregation in the 
Fourth Ward in Allentown, Pa. In two weeks a 
public meeting will be held in the lecture-room of 
said church for the purpose, and all who are in fav>r 
of the enterprise will be invited to attend." 

This report was received by < 'lassis, and the com- 
mittee was continued. 

At the annual meeting of Classis, held at Lenharts- 
ville, Berks Co., Pa., on the 5th day of May, 1875, the 
committee reported the following: 

" We have not yet fully accomplished the object of 
our appointment. Since the report submitted we held 
two public meetings in the lecture-room of Zion's Re- 
formed Church, which were well attended by mem- 
bers of both congregations. The result of these meet- 
ings is, that a Sunday-school shall forthwith be 
organized in the northwestern section of the city by 
a committee consisting of members of both our Re- 
formed Congregations. Public services shall be held 
on Sabbath evenings by the Reformed pastors of Al- 
lentown. A committee is appointed to procure a 
suitable room in which a Sunday-school and the 
public services shall be held. Fifty-two persons have 
signified their willingness to identify themselves with 
the enterprise, providing it is carried out successfully 
and a proper lot is secured for the location of a church. 
The new congregation when organized shall be al- 
lowed to select a lot for itself, and then settle the 
question of location. Each Reformed Congregation 
of Allentown shall appoint a committee of three of 
its members, who shall co-operate in an effort to pro- 
cure funds for building purposes. 

" A beginning has thus been made for the organiza- 
tion of a third Reformed Congregation in the city of 
Allentown, with fair prospects of success, which we 
hope may soon be reached, to the welfare of man. the 
extension ot the Redeemer's kingdom, and the glory 
of God." 

This report was received by Classis, and the Revs. 
W. R. I [offord and .Tared Frit/.inger were added to the 
committee. 



' By Rev. A. J. 0. Dabbs. 



-HI' 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The joint committee, composed of members of 
Zion's and St. John's Congregations, now became 
active, collected some means, and leased a lot of 
ground situated on the corner of Eighth and Chew 
Streets, on which they erected a temporary frame 

chapel, which was dedicated to the service of almighty 

God on the 12th day of September, 1875. It was 
named Salem's Reformed Church of Allentown, Pa. 
A Sunday-school was at once organized, of which 
George \V. Hart/el was elected superintendent. 

The committee of Classis drew up a constitution 
and by-laws forthe govern men I of the congregation 
according to the form recommended by Synod. After 
sixty-four members of different Reformed Congrega- 
tions had presented regular certificates of dismissions 
and bad been received by the committee as members 
of Salem's Reformed Congregation of Allentown, Pa., 
they united in electing two elders and four deacons, 
one treasurer and one trustee. The congregation was 
formally organized on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1875, in the 
chapel, by the ordination and installation of their 
newly-elected elders and deacons. The consistory 
thus elected and installed was composed of the fol- 
lowing-named persons, — viz., Elders, Aaron Butz and 
Elias Troxel ; Deacons, John Bartholomew, James 
Hunsicker, Henry Hilegas, and William B. Schaffer; 
Treasurer. A. L. Newhart ; Trustee, Owen W. Faust. 

Public services, conducted by the Reformed pastors 
residing in Allentown, were held regularly in the 
chapel every Sunday evening since its consecration. 
The Sunday-school, which had been organized and 
conducted by the joint committee of Zion's and St. 
John's Congregations, was now formally turned over, 
and was officered by the members of the new congre- 
gation. 

At a special meeting of Classis held in Salem's Re- 
formed Chapel on the 30th day of November, 1875, the 
committee appointed by Classis reported that its 
work was accomplished, and that Allentown now 
counted a third Reformed Congregation. 

The congregation now became conscious of its wants 
and at once saw the need of a regular pastor to further 
its growth and give it a respectable position among 
the churches of Allentown. 

A call, dated Jan. 3, 187G, was extended to the Rev. 
A. J. G. Dubbs, who was at that time pastor of the 
Salisbury charge, to which he was very much attached, 
and from which he felt loth to sever his connection. 
After being earnestly urged by the ministry of the 
Reformed Church, and due deliberation on his part, 
he accepted the call with the proviso that Salem's Re- 
formed Congregation build a church during the en- 
suing year. This seemed at the time a heavy demand 
on a small and comparatively poor congregation, with 
a debt of four hundred and fifty dollars still resting 
on the chapel standing on leased ground. But en- 
couraged by the advanced step it had made, the most 
influential members aided the consistory and the 
newly-elected pastor in soliciting subscriptions to- 



wards the erection of a more inviting and substantial 
church edifice. By the 1st of April. 1876, when the 
pastor entered formally upon bis duties in the charge, 
they bad secured over thirteen thousand dollars, and 
purchased a lot one hundred and ten. by Beventy-two 
feet, located on the north side of Chew Street, near 
Seventh, and were busily at work in preparing a 
foundation for a new church edifice. The building 

committee elected by the congregation consisted of 

A. .1. (i. Dubbs, Solomon Boyer, Thomas Steckel, 
Elias Lent/. Conrad Pall'. Jesse Marcks, Aaron Butz, 
and Elias Troxel. 

The formal laying of the corner-stone took place 
on Whitsuntide, June 4, 1876. The Rev. Aaron S. 
Leinbach. of Reading, preached the opening sermon 
to a large audience, assisted by the Rev, Joseph S. 
Dubbs, D.D., after which the ceremony of the laying 
of the corner-stone was attended to by the pastor. 
Services were held in the afternoon and evening by 
the Revs. A. B. Kaplin and S. A. Leinbach. 

The dimensions of the ground-work of the build- 
ing are ninety-one by fifty-two feet, and the super- 
structure is built of brick. 

In nine months from the breaking of the ground 
forthe foundation the church was finished, and on 
Sunday the 24th day of December, the day before 
Christmas, it was dedicated to the service of the 
triune God. The entire week in which the dedica- 
tion took place was set apart by the pastor and con- 
gregation for religious worship and thanksgiving. 

On the morning of the dedication the church was 
well filled, and there were present, besides the pastor, 
Revs. Joseph S. Dubbs, D.D., Joseph H. Dubbs, 
D.D., and C. Z. Weiser, D.D. After the opening 
services by the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Dubbs, 
father of the pastor, initiated the solemn service 
in an address, pathetic, apt, earnest, clear, and well 
suited to set the whole audience on the right pitch. 
The Rev. Dr. Weiser now stepped forward on the 
pulpit platform, and formally presented the pulpit 
from Hon. Joseph Leinbach, of Bethlehem ; the read- 
ing-desk from Moses Schneck and family, of Phila- 
delphia; the baptismal font from the catechetical 
class of the congregation ; the altar from the Sunda\ - 
school ; a Bible cushion from Miss Jane Weiler ; a 
reading-desk Bible from the Miller's church of North 
Whitehall ; a German pulpit Bible from Mrs. Hettie 
Pflueger; an English Bible from Solomon Boyer and 
wife, in memory of his father (John Boyer, deceased) ; 
mottoes from the Misses Mark* and Walbert. The 
younger Pastor Dubbs then gave the work of his 
and his people's hands to God. The youngest Pastor 
Dubbs, Professor Joseph H., of Lancaster, but origi- 
nally of this region, and once pastor in Allentown, 
preached the dedicatory sermon in the German 
tongue, taking for his text the xlviii. Psalm, verses 
13 to 15. 

During the afternoon the religious services were 
conducted in the English language by the Rev. Dr. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



203 



Weiser, who preached on the first and second com- 
mandments. 

Daring the evening the Christmas festival of the 
Sunday-school took place. The church was crowded 
to overflowing* and the service- were beautiful and 
impressive. 

(in Christmas 'lay morning the Rev. Abraham 
Bartholomew preached in the German language from 
1 Peter ii 

The afternoon services were conducted by the Rev. 
Joseph II. Dubbs, D.D., brotherof the pastor, who 
preached in the English language from [saiah liv. 11 
13. The Rev. S. A. Leinbacb, of Coplay, preached 
in the evening in the German language from 1 Peter 
ii. 7. The pastors, W. R. HofFord, A. II. Keyser, and 
John Maddern of the Lutheran Church, aided the 
loci during the services of the entire week. 

Salem's Reformed Church now occupies an elevated 
locality, and is beautifully situated on Chew Street, 
in the northwestern part of Allentown. The church 
edifice compares well, as regards beauty and size, 
with any other Protestant Church in the city. Its 
doors and windows are Gothic in form. The steeple 
is high and symmetrical, and standing as it does on 
high ground, the church is a conspicuous landmark to 
all approaching the city from the north and thewest. 
An open grassy space intervene- between it and the 
street on which it fronts. The audience-room, with 
its pulpit, altar, chancel, and pews, is finished with 
hard wood, and has a seating capacity of about eight 
hundred. The ceiling is arched, the walls beautifully 
frescoed, and the floor neatly carpeted. The pews 
are covered with costly cushions donated to the church 
li> .Mr. Jeremiah Roth, a member of the congrega- 
tion. 

The steeple is furnished with a large, sweet-sounding 
bell, weighing over eighteen hundred pounds, cast by 
Edward (laugh of this city, and bears the following 
inscription: " Presented to Salem's Reformed Church 
by Nathan Weilrf.'' who placed it there at his own 
expense. 

Several year- ago two young machinists, K nau-sand 
Grammes, made a very excellent town clock. Jacob 
Deahler at tir-t conceived the idea of having it placed 
in the steeple of the church. After several efforts, which 
failed, it was taken up by Mr. Charles Wanmmaker, 
who succeeded in collecting the necessary amount, 
and the clock was placed in the steeple, where it is 
now an ornament to the church and a convenience to 
the people living within sight. 

The congregation now numbers over the hundred 
members, and has wiped out its entire indebtedness. 

There is a basement under the entire building, 
which is tilted up with pulpit, pews, and organ- tor 
Sunday-school purposes. The Sunday-school num- 
bers six hundred and fifty scholars, and is superin- 
tended by William B. Schafler, assisted by Charles 
Wannemaker, and is in a promising condition for the 
future welfare of the congregation. 



Lfter the c pletion oi the church the older mem- 
bers organized a mite socii ty for the purpose of as- 
sisting to defray the , penses and reducing 

lie debl which \\:i- -till r. -sting on the church. This 

society is still in existence, and has been eminently 

useful to tli- ition in aiding the -ick, the 

I r, and the needy. On the 24th day of Novem- 
ber, L880, the young members, at the suggestion of 
ili. pastor, organized the Young l'- - iciety, 

which lias ever since been very active and useful in 
developing tin social life of the young mi mbers, and 

he- ides have raised through their own efforts the round 
Sum of twenty-four hundred dollars toward tin ■ rei 
Hon of a pipe-Organ, which i> now ordered, and is to 
be placed in a recess made for that purpose to the 
right of the pulpit. The i gregation i- I 

chartered, ami has iu constitution and by-laws, which 

harmonize with the constitution of the Refon 1 

Church of tin- United -int.- and bind- it and its 
pastor to the faith id' the church as laid down in the 
Heidelberg Catechi-ni. 

Christ Reformed Church is situated in East Al- 
lentown, on Second Streel near Hamilton. It was 

built in 1870, and has a seating capacity of four hun- 
dred and fifty. Rev. Jarious Fritzinger was the 
founder of the then Christ Mission, and under his 
supervision it grew until 1880, wdien he was com- 
pelled to resign on account of his health. Rev. W. 
.1. Kershner was then called to tin- pastorship, when 
the church was made self-sustaining and taken out ot 
the Mission Board. It has now a membership of one 
hundred and seventy, with a Sunday-school of two 
hundred and thirty. Sen ice- are regularly conducted 
everj Sunday morning in the German language, and 
the Sunday-school in the afternoon, and evening ser- 
vices in English. Catechetical instruction is given 
once a year, and the holy communion celebrated four 
tune- a year. 

First Presbyterian Church. 1 — The first Presby- 
terian Church in the Lehigh Valley was organized 
in what was called the " Ii'i-h settlement" about the 
time it was founded, in 1728. This colony of Scotch- 
Irish pioneers was then in the bounds of Bucks 
County, but now in Allen township, Northampton 
Co. The first Presbyterian Church at Kaston was an 
Offshoot ot' the " Iri-h settlement church," and the 
Allentown church wa- brought into being and fos- 
tered by these two outposts ot Presbyterianism. The 
early churches of Allentown used the German lan- 
guage exclusively in worship, and it was not until 
the organization of the Sunday-school (which will be 
more particularly spoken of at the close of this 
sketch), in 1820, that the English tongue wa- made 
the medium of religious expression. During the 
early progress of the Sunday-school the English- 
speaking part of the population was occasionally 



' Condensed from a liistnrv of the churcli l.y lb) paltor, Bev. .1. W. 
Wood, D.D., au'l published in pamphlet firm in 1881, 



204 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



supplied by neighboring clergymen, particularly by 
tbe ministers of the Presbyterian Church at the 
"Irish settlement." The first written record of efforts 
to obtain English preaching is in the minutes of a 
public meeting, held for that purpose on tbe 10th of 
April, 1820, of which Peter Rhoads was chairman 
and Charles Davis secretary. At that meeting an in- 
vitation was extended to Rev. Mr. Seidel, of Bethle- 
hem, to preach in the English language in this bor- 
ough, once in two months for the ensuing year, for 
eight dollars for every sermon ; also to the Rev. Mr. 
Rodney, of Easton, to preach once in two months, lor 
ten dollars for every sermon. These arrangements 
were only in part complied with by the parties, as it 
was difficult for the ministers to travel, and also for 
the people to raise the money that was promised. 
Mr. Seidel preached here three times and Mr. Rodney 
twice during the year. In the following three years, 
1821 to 1S24, Rev. Robert Russel, of the Presbyterian 
Church at ''The Settlement," preached quite fre- 
quently on Sunday afternoon, and received whatever 
was taken up by a collection on each occasion. On 
the 17th of October, 1825, a meeting was again held 
to obtain English preaching in the court-house 
(where the Sunday-school was held), and the Rev. 
Samuel Bowman, of the Episcopal Church in Easton, 
was invited " to preach every other Sunday evening 
during the term of one year, if Mr. Bowman will be 
satisfied with the sum subscribed.'' That sum is now 
not known, nor is it known that Mr. Bowman 
preached more than twice under the above invita- 
tion. The Rev. J. A. Hicks, of Easton, preached 
here a few times in 1827. In 1828 matters began to 
assume a more permanent shape. "At a meeting of 
the patrons of English preaching, July 21, 1828, 
Messrs. Samuel Runk and Charles Davis were ap- 
pointed a committee to provide a boarding-place for 
Rev. L. F. Leake during the time that be shall reside 
among us." He was tbe first English-speaking clergy- 
man that resided in Allentown. Mr. Leake was a 
missionary under the " Domestic Missionary Society 
of New Jersey," and preached in Oxford and Har- 
mony, N. J., from April 29, 1818, to Oct. 19, 1825, 
when his relation to Oxford was dissolved. By an 
arrangement with tbe missionary society, Mr. Leake 
was to preach every other Sabbath in Allentown for 
six months, and seventy-five dollars were pledged by 
the people for his support. A most important service 
by Mr. Leake was the encouragement he gave to the 
Sabbath-school. Mr. Leake left in December, 1828. 
He died between May, 1866, and May, 1867. 

E. A. Strale was sent to this place to preach about 
May, 1829, by tbe "Domestic Missionary Society of 
New Jersey." . He interested himself mainly in the 
secular affairs of the project to obtain funds to erect 
a new house of worship, for which he seems to have 
bad some adaptation. There was no church organiza- 
tion using tbe English language while he was here. 
But be busied himself in raising money, and con- 



sequently was much absent from the place. Mean- 
while Mr. Heberton nursed tbe infant enterprise, 
preaching here .very fourth Sabbath. Mr. Strale 
became justly unacceptable to the people, and after 
the dedication of the church, Mr. Heberton advised 
him to leave, and he did. Of the religious influence 
of his excellent wife every one speaks in terms of 
praise. 

The first subscription for a Presbyterian bouse of 
worship is dated August, 1829, and has upon it three 
hundred and thirty dollars, subscribed by twenty 
individuals. The following is a copy of that sub- 
scription : 

"Considering the number of families and individuals resident in the 
borough of Northampton and its vicinity, who are either not at all ac- 
quainted with the German language or not sufficiently so to be in the 
least degree benefited by preaching in that language, and considering 
also that the inducements to the settlement of English families among 
us are annually increasing, it is therefore highly desirable that a house 
of worship be erected within the borough of Northampton in which the 
gospel may be preached and the ordinances of the Christian religion 
administered in the English language on a permanent footing. Moved 
by these considerations, and believing that a majority of the English 
people residing here are attached to or prefer the Presbyterian Church 
and its mode of worship ; believing also that, aided by the kind co-oper- 
ation of friends abroad, among whom the Rev. Mr. Strale is now en- 
gaged in furtherance of this object, and at whose solicitation many have 
contributed, and will yet, we hope, contribute, we shall succeed, with 
the blessing of heaven, in attaining our object, which is the erection of 
a Presbyterian house of worship, in which the services shall be con- 
ducted in the English language: We, the subscribers, severally agree to 
pay the sums of money set opposite to our respective names, towards 
erecting an English Presbyterian house of worship in the borough of 
Northampton, and county of Lehigh, to be paid when demanded of us 
by such person or persons as shall be authorized to demand the same by 
the congregation to be organized for worship in said church : 

"Charles Davis, $30; Samuel Runk, $20; Christian Pretz, S"20; G. 
Pretz, SKI; Abram Iioupt, Jr., SKI; George Yeakel, So ; Edward Wurtz, 
$5, George Wurtz, $15; William Wurtz, $10; Robert May Brooke, $20; 
John Vogel, $5; Thomas Craig, $40; Maria H. Strale, $10; W. C Liv- 
ingstone, $50; Mary C. Livingstone, $50 ; Charles Saeger, $5; John D. 
Roney, $11) ; John More, $5 ; John Rice, $15. Total, $330. 

" Borough of Northampton, August, 1829." 

At a later meeting Mr. Strale reported twelve hun- 
dred and forty dollars subscribed, six hundred and 
fifty-eight dollars of which were collected in the city 
of New York, and deposited there with the firm ol 
Lowell & Holbrook. The first meeting of the sub- 
scribers to elect trustees was held May 21, 1830, when 
Charles Davis, Samuel Runk, F. A. Strale, Silas H. 
Hickox, and John D. Roney were elected. Mr. Runk 
was made the treasurer of the board. On May 31, 
1830, Mrs. Ann P. Greenleaf presented and conveyed 
to tbe trustees lot No. 121, in the borough of North- 
ampton, bounded on the north by the jail, and on the 
west by Margaret Street (now Fifth). On June 4th 
six hundred and fifty-eight dollars were received by 
draft from New York. On June 5, 1830, the ground 
was broken for the foundation, and on Thursday, June 
24th, at two o'clock p.m., the corner-stone was laid. 
Tbe clergy of all the churches in the borough and 
vicinity bad been invited to attend, and the teachers 
and scholars of the several day-schools. A large 
audience assembled, and the clergymen present were 
Revs. Seidel, of Bethlehem ; Heberton, of Bath ; J. 



THE CITY OF A.LLENTOWN. 



205 



Cray, of Eastern ; and F. A. Strale. Each of these 
took part in the exercises, Mr. Gray delivering the 
address. A copy of the paper deposited in the corner- 
stone is preserved, which gives in detail the whole 
proceeding of this most interesting occasion. Wil- 
liam Holdridge, of Rensselaerville, N. Y.. was t In- 
architect, and the house was finished in the lattei 
part of December, 1880. It was dedicated to the 
Triune God on the first Sabbath, the 2d day of .Ian- 
nary, 1831, by appropriate services. Mr. llcbcrton 
preached the sermon from 1 Kings viii. 28th, 29th, 
and 30th verses. 

About the time thai the house was finished Mr. 
Strale's connection with the enterprise ceased. The 
Presbyterian Church had not yet been constituted, 
and the first organization that found a home within 
the walls of the new building was the Sunday-scl I. 

A meeting was soon convened to inaugurate the 
building of the spiritual bouse. The following is a 
copy of the minutes of that assembly : 

" At a meeting of the citizens who have contributed to the erection 
of the English Church, convened the sixteenth day ft February, 1831, 
at tlie office of Mr. Itunk, on motion, Mr. Charles Davis was chosen 
Chairman and Mr. John D. Ronej appointed Secretary, 

" Whereupon, on motion, it was 

"Jfesofaed, That ttie Rev. Mr. Heberton he invited to take charge of [ 
the First English Presbyterian < hnn h mi this borough, ("i tin' term of 
seven years, having it at his option to remain that length of time, or 
not, as he shall think proper; and that Messrs. Riink and I>avis he a 
Committee to call upon the citizens to ascertain how innrh they would 
bo willing to contribute toward the Bnpporl ol Mi Heberton; and to 
forward to Mr. Heberton a copy of the foregoing resolutions, and to 
confer with him generally in relatiou to his call." 

Mr. Heberton immediately accepted this call upon 
a salary of two hundred dollars, and began his labor 
as the fust settled Presbyterian minister in Allentown 
in April 1, 1831. 

(>n Friday, Sept. 30, 1831, the Eev. Alexander 
Heberton and James Kennedy, an elder in the church 
at " The Settlement" in Allen township, convened in 
tin- session-room^ with others, for the purpose of con- 
stituting a Presbyterian Church. Five persons were 
received on examination and profession of faith, and 
three by certificate, and these were constituted a 
church under the title, " The First Presbyterian 
Church in Northampton." The names of these first 
members are as follows: On examination, Mrs. Lydia 
Roney, Mrs. Ellen Davis, Mi-- Sarah Mark-. Miss 
Rachel Engle, and Mr. Charles Davis; on certificate, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Heberton, Miss Catherine 1 >e Berthold, 
Miss Sarah l)e Berthold. 

On Sunday. October 2d, the Lord's Supper was iir-t 
observed in this church. The next day . < Ictobi r 3d, 
the church thus organized convened and elected 
Charles Davis as ruling elder, and at the same time 
he was duly ordained and installed by Mr. Beberton. 
The church was under the care of the Presbytery of 
Newton. 

In the fall and winter of 1832 the first protracted 
meeting in this place was held, and was attended by 
many conversions. It was the first revival in this 



region. Some churches were far from being favorable 

to those revivals at that lime, which are DOW Using 
similar means and receiving like accessions. Mr. 
Heberton received, during his ministry of two and a 
half years here, eighteen members, one of whom, the 

Rev. Andrew Tullv, bei llCCessful minister of 

the gospel. Mr. Heberton left here in August, 1833, 
ami now 1881 resides in Philadelphia. He was the 
father of this church, and is remi inhered with great 
respect bj all who knew him. 

Be was immediately succeeded, on Sept. 1 . 1833, by 
in Rev. Joseph McCool, who was regularly called by 

a i gregational meeting on the 30th of the same 

month. Mr. McCool remained lure until August, 
1835. The subscription for his support, dated Dec. 
10, 1834, amounts to $312.12, to be paid annually. 

During his ministry the first sexton, John Mason, was 
appointed. 

After a short vacancy the pulpit was again supplied 
during the winter of 183"> :',i\ for six months, by the 
Rev. Moses Floyd, and was then for about the same 
length of time without an\ regular occupant. 

On the 9th of October, 1836, at the invitation of 
the congregation, the Rev. Jacob Helfenstein eame, 
as its temporary supply, from the First Free Presby- 
terian Church of New York. His ministry here 
marked an epoch in the history of this church. Dr. 
Helfenstein's preaching was characterized by a clear 
and forcible exhibition of the leading truths of the 
Bible. During Dr. Helfenstein's time infidelity as- 
sumed considerable strength, and frequent meetings 
were held at "Free Hall," but nevertheless many 
person- were added to the Presbyterian and other 
churches. When Dr. Helfenstein returned to his 
former charge, Sept. 3, 1837, an effort was made to 
procure the services of the Rev. Dr. John C. Guldin, 
of the German Reformed body, which were to be 
divided between this church and the Reformed Church 
at Lower Saucon, but the arrangement was not 
effected. Alter Sept. 3, 1837, the church was supplied 
for about two months by Rev. J. M. Rear. In the 
winter of 1837-38, the Rev. Jacob T. Field supplied 
this pulpit. He had been before this a supply of the 
church.- of Stroudsburg and Shawnee, in Monroe 
County. Two persons united with the church while 
he was here, anil he left in the latter part of March, 
1838. He was afterward installed as pastor in Strouds- 
burg and Shawnee, in Monroe County, June L'll, 1 s:;s. 
He died May 17. 1866, and was buried at Shaw 

It was during this year, 1838, that the relations of 
this church were changed from the Presbytery of 
Newton to the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. 
The year 1838 was marked bj other changes. A 

great wave of i lmercial disaster had just rolled over 

the country, embarrassing tin- wisest financiers, and 
this church had its share of the general trouble. Its 
house of worship was inconvenient and unattractive, 
with its audience-room in the second story, and only 
forty by fifty feet in size, while the whole was badly 



l'ih; 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



built. Km- several reasons it was deemed advisable to 

build another. A better locution was selected, ami 

Mm body "i i lie present building was therefore erecti d 
in 1838, and the- old house passed into tin u-e ot the 
school authorities of the town. The corner-stone of 

this second building was laid with appropriate cere 
mony by Charles Davis, Esq., on Saturday. July 28, 
1838, at ten o'clocl \.m. A large audience was pres- 
ent, ami an excellent address delivered by the Rev. 
William Sterling, then of Reading. The trustees then 
were C. Davis, Joseph Gross, Isare Erdman, John 
Rice, and J. Jameson. 

The new house was dedicated to the worship of the 
triune God on Sunday, Dec. 30, 1838. The services 
were conducted by Revs. Robert Adair and John 
L. Grant, D.D., of Philadelphia. The sermon was 
preached by Dr. Grant, and service was continued for 
several days. A bell, weighing two hundred and sixty 
pounds, said to have been used in Spain, was hung in 
the tower, and was used there for eighteen years. It 
was sold in 1856 to the church in Cedarville, where 
until recently it called the people to worship. 

It was near to twelve o'clock on Saturday night 
before the dedication that the ladies succeeded in 
arranging the carpets and other furniture of the new 
church. At that late hour Mr. Rice was anxious and 
undecided as to which side of the house the females 
should occupy, and he consulted Dr. Grant, who re- 
plied, " Let them sit on both sides with their hus- 
bands, brothers, and friends.'' Mr. Rice insisted that 
that would not answer ; it would give rise to scandal, 
was contrary to custom, etc. Dr. Grant insisted that 
the old custom was heathenish, unchristian, and 
finally refused to have anything to do with the dedi- 
cation if the females were seated together only on 
one side of the house. With fear and reluctance Mr. 
Rice yielded, and from that day the custom began to 
pass away, and now it is no more improper for the 
sexes to sit together in church than at their own 
tables at home. 

In April, 1839, the Rev. Robert W. Landis became 
the stated supply of the church, and in June of that 
year the renting of the pews was adopted. Mr. 
Landis continued here three years, and preached 
with much ability and success. Forty-five persons 
were added to the church during the ministry of Mr. 
Landis here. This was the third revival in this 
church. 

In December, 1839, Charles Davis, the only elder 
in this church lor eight years, and its principal sup- 
porter, removed with his family to Reading. His loss 
here was deeply felt, and not less was the loss of the 
wisdom and efficiency of his excellent wife. For 
nearly four months after the removal of Mr. Davis, 
the church was without any ruling elders. On the 
8th of April, 1840, Isare Erdman and James Jame- 
son were elected by the church, and duly ordained 
and installed by the pastor. Mr. Landis left in the 
spring of 1842, and on April 1st of that year the Rev. 



Richard Walker began his work as pastor, and in the 
first twenty months of his services sixty pei -un- 
joined the church. He was regularly installed by 
the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia in May, 1844. 

The financial affairs of the congregation in the 
winter of 1.844-45 were very unpromising. For a 
short linn- in 1845, during the summer, the trustees 
had lost control of the house, and the congri 
met in the Odd-Fellows' Hall for the first time mi 
April (i, 1845, and on July 6th, the same year, re- 
turned to the church. There was a debt On the prop- 
erty of more than six thousand dollars, which Mr. 
Walker was largely instrumental in raising. A nm 
board of trustees was elected June :'.m, 1845, consist- 
ing of John S. Gibbons, Henry King, and Richard 
Walker. Mr. Walker spent some six weeks in Phila- 
delphia and other parts of Pennsylvania and New 
Jersey, in going from church to church and house to 
house collecting funds. 

It became necessary by the removal of Messrs. 
Erdman and Jameson to Reading to elect other 
ruling elders, and accordingly on Oct. 3, 1845, John 
Romig, M.D., William S. Young, and Charles Fckert 
were elected to be ruling elders, and on Sunday, 
November 16th, were duly ordained. These, with the 
pastor, constituted the session for twenty-seven years, 
up to 1872. The ruling elders of this church up to 
that date had all been the spiritual children of this 
church, and with filial love, sincerity, faithfulness, 
wisdom, and prayer they watched and guided her 
religious affairs. 

The Sabbath-school was large and efficient, and a 
demand existed for better and extended accommo- 
dations. Hence, in 1855, the present chapel was built, 
and the recess in the east end of the church made for 
the pulpit, which before had been in the west end 
between the doors. The seats were taken from the 
church and put in the chapel, and new seats were 
put in the church. While these things were being 
done the congregation worshiped in the Methodist 
Church, but occupied the chapel as soon as it was 
completed. On Feb. 4, 1856, a charter of incorpor- 
ation for this church was granted by the court. 
During the following summer, 1856, an extension was 
added to the front of the church, comprising the 
present vestibule, choir, and tower. The old Spanish 
bell was disposed of, as before stated, and one of Mr- 
neely's celebrated bells, of much greater weight, was 
placed in the tower. The walls of the audience-room 
were also elaborately frescoed. Mr. Walker's ministry 
here continued sixteen years and nine months, during 
wdtich one hundred and forty-five members were 
added to the church, and only twenty-five of them 
by certificate. He resigned his pastorate Dec. 16, 

1858. He still resides in Allentown, and preached 
several years at Alburtis, in Lock Ridge Church. 
After a vacancy of two months and a half, the Rev. 
Benjamin Judkins began to preach here on March 6, 

1859. On the 1st of the following May he was in- 



THE CITY ()K ALLENTOWN. 



201 



stalled ms pastor. The Rev. Dr. Brainerd, of Phila- 
delphia, preached the sermon, and Rev. Cornelius 

Earle, ol' Catasauipia, pave the charge t'> the pastor. 

Twenty-sis were added to the church bj profession 
and ten by certificate during his ministry. Hi- pas- 
toral relation was dissolved 'lit. 11. L862, alter a 
e of three and a hall' \ ear-. 

In tie following November, 1862, the Rev. Samuel 
M.i el Ian Gould became the stated Bupply, and 

labored here about si ventei n a ths, leaving in the 

spring of 1864. Tin- 1!< v. William II. Thorne, then 
a licentiate, immediately stieeeeded, and was soon 
after ordained and installed. Mr. Thome's introduc- 
tion of partisan polities in the pulpit greatly dis- 
tracted and rent the church. Several improvements 
were, however, made upon (he property of the con- 
ion. The walls ami fresco-work, having been 
damaged by water, were repainted, and an excellent 
slate roof was laid over the whole church, through 
the liberality of Samuel Lewis, Esq. At .Mr. Thome's 
request the pastoral relation was dissolved by Pres- 
bytery at its meeting in April, 1865. 

On the _:!d ol' April, l.Slio, the present pastor, Rev. 

James W. W I, preached his first sermon in this 

church. He had been pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church in Chester, Orange Co., N. Y.. seventeen 
years, and left that church October 1, 1SG2. Mr. 
Wood was installed as pastor on the evening of Oct. 
25, 1865, by orderof the Fourth Presbytery of Phila- 
delphia. The Rev. Robert Adair presided, preached 
the sermon, and put the constitutional questions. 
Rev. Richard Walker, formerly pastor of the church, 
gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Cornelius 
Earle, of Catasauqua, charged the people. Under 
Mr. Wood's ministry many persons have joined the 
church, and improvements of the house of worship 
have kept apace with the growth of the church spirit- 
ually. 

At a meeting of the church July 17, 1872, an addi- 
tion of four elders was made by election to the session. 
The session had consisted of but two elders since the 
resignation of Dr. John Romig, on the loth of Feb- 
ruary, 1868. This election resulted in the choice of 
Dr. John Romig, James P. Barnes, Peter Smith, and 
Allied J. Breinig. The last three brethren were or- 
dained and the whole four installed on Aug. 1*. 1872. 

An undenominational Sunday-school was begun in 
this place either in 1819 or 1821. That it was in ex- 
istence and operation in the last-named year there is 
indubitable evidence. Mrs. Isabella Mi Keen, of 
Easton, taught a day-school in Allentown in that 
year, and in June visited Easton. The Bachelors' 
Club, in Easton, made the following record of that 
visit: "June 21, 1821. /'/■.< Bono. Mrs. Isabella 
McKeen arrived from Allentown. We are happy to 
hear of the advancement that Allentown is making 
towards civilization. She states that the Sunday- 
school is in the full tide of sui cess." The records of 
the above club were published in the Fret / 



i, in the issue of Jan. 1'.'. 1869, and in other 
numbers. The date of 1821 i- also corroborated bj 
some oi the older people now living. 

Whichever of the two was the exael time, all agree 
that Miss Elizabeth Baum, Of Heading, was the prin- 
cipal mover, assisted bj Mi-. McKeen, and in 1824, 

at least, was joined l.\ < liarle- Davi-. Esq., an ai- 

tomey-at-law, and hi- excellent wife. It was wholly 
undenominational. It was kept in operation foi 
era! years only, from April to ( Ictober, and was there- 
fore reorganized each spring. In a minute left by Mr. 

Davis, in- says of Junel, 1828, "School organized in 
tbe academy: L. F. Leake, minister; teachers, Mr-. 
Davis, Mis- Boas, Mrs Syneman, and Mi-- Byneman. 
Scholars, nim teen." The school was first started in the 
court-house, and from it- meeting in the academy we 

infer that it had no abiding-place nnlil it moved into 
the basement of the Presbyterian Church. It 
new enterprise, and the churches in town were not at 
first prepared to adopt it. 

Immediately after the dedication of the first Pres- 
byterian house of worship, Jan. A. 1881, tin Sunday- 
school occupied the building. This was nine months 
before the organization of the church. Alter that the 
school naturally took the Presbyterian name, and Mr. 
Davis, its superintendent, was elected a ruling elder 
in the church. In March, 1840, for the purpose of 
extending the influence of the school, a constitution 
was adopted in which the name of the school became 
"The Lehigh Sabbath-School Association," but in 1842 
the constitution was altered, and the word " Lehigh'' 
was expunged, and the name became " The Presby- 
terian Sabbath-School Association." and in 185 
word "Association" was dropped. The officer- and 
teachers of this school acted the part of pioneer mis- 
sionaries, and established the first Sabbath-school 
ever held at the Allentown Furnace, in Hanover, in 
Salisbury, and on the Lehigh Mountain. As popu- 
lation and churches increased, these enterprises passed 
into the lianil- of Other denominations. In December, 
1866, the present pastor began to preach once a 
month at Ballietsville, Seven miles to the northwest 
of Allentown. under the auspices ol' tie Ironton 
Mining Company, of which Gen. Robert MacAllistei . 
a member of this church, is the general superintend- 
ent and manager, and a Sunday-school was established 
there subsequently. 

History of the Churches of the Evangelical As- 
sociation in the City of Allentown. 1 — l. Salem's 
< hi i;i ii on Linden Street above Ninth'. — The 6rst 
ministers of this denomination who preached in 
Allentown were Rev. Joseph M. Saylor, who is still 
living and at present a Reading, Pa., and 

Rev. Jacob Riegel, in 1885. Mr. Joshua Fink was 
their first convert ; however, tie in and per- 

secution oi \ sect" was so great that the 

services, which bad been held in a private house, 



1 By Bishop Thomas I 



-us 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



were abandoned, and Fink was compelled to re- 
move to Cedar Creek, tour miles from the city, where 
a society had been gathered, in order to have an op- 
portunity to earn his daily bread. In 1837, Bishop 
John Seybert and Rev. J. Altemose preached on the 
market-place, as they could find room nowhere else. 
Soon afterwards Rev. Charles Hesser, stationed in 
Philadelphia, visited the city and was allowed to 
preach in the Presbyterian Church. Soon afterwards 
Rev. Francis Hoffman, at present stationed in Tre- 
mont, Schuylkill Co., Pa., organized the first society. 
In the spring of 1838 this society commenced the 
erection of a church on the corner of* Ninth and 
Linden Streets. This building is now occupied as a 
private dwelling. This church was dedicated by the 
Revs. Hesser and Hoffman on the 26th of November, 
1838. The congregation was served by various 
pastors down to the year 1856 in connection with 
various country congregations; in that year, however, 
the Annual Conference detached all the country ap- 
pointments, and stationed Rev. John Schell with the 
city congregation. At this time the society numbered 
one hundred and sixty-six members. 

In 1857 the church in which the congregation now 
worships was erected. The corner-stone was laid in 
the spring of that year, and the church was dedicated 
in the fall by Revs. S. Neitz and J. Breidenstein. 
The following clergymen have been stationed in this 
church, in the order mentioned, since 1856 : Rev. 
William Heim, S. G. Rhoads, Thomas Bowman, now 
one of the bishops of the Evangelical Association, 
John Koehl, John Schell for a second term, Moses 
Dissinger, C. H. Baker, Moses Dissinger for a second 
term, Joseph Stoeltzer, C. B. Fliehr, R. M. Lichten- 
wallner, Daniel Yuengst, H. R. Yost, and B. F. 
Bonner, the present pastor. The present member- 
ship is three hundred and seventy-five, and the Sun- 
day-school numbers three hundred and seventy-five 
scholars with a proportionate number of teachers and 
offieers. 

2. Immanuel Chukch (on Turner Street below 
Second). — The first class in what is known as the First 
Ward of Allentown was organized in 1850 with 
eighteen members, William Egge and William Tran- 
sue serving as leaders, however, attending public wor- 
ship in the Salem Church. In 1853 a chapel, thirty- 
six by forty-five, was built, Nathan Yohe, William 
Barr, and Jacob Nagle serving as trustees and build- 
ing committee. The society remained in connection 
with the congregation on Linden Street, being served 
by the same pastors who officiated here in the after- 
noon of every Lord's day. In 1864, however, it was 
detached from the old society and organized into a 
separate congregation. In 1870 the chapel was sold, 
and the present church building erected at a cost of 
eight thousand dollars. For several years the congre- 
gation struggled under the burden of a heavy debt 
which at times seemed too heavy to be successfully 
carried; however, during the term of service of Rev. 



W. K. Wiand, this debt was entirely liquidated. 
Since its organization as a separate society the fol- 
lowing ministers have served as pastor : Revs. Eph- 
raim Ely, Solomon Ely, under whose supervision the 
present church was built, R. M. Lichtenwallner, C. 
II. Baker, D. Z. Kemble, W. K. Wiand, and J. I '. 
Bliem. The present membership is two hundred and 
thirty-two, and the Sunday-school numbers three hun- 
dred and sixty-four. 

3. EBENEZEE CHTJECH (on Turner Street below 
Seventh). — The East Pennsylvania Conference, at its 
annual session in the spring of 1868, located an English 
mission in Allentown, its work in this city heretofore 
being exclusively German. Twenty-one members of 
the Salem Church united with the mission and were 
organized into a society by Rev. S. S. Chubb, who 
had been appointed as pastor. Steps were immedi- 
ately taken to build a church, the following persons 
being appointed as a building committee: Perry 
Wannemacher, M. B. Schaadt, and Henry S. Weaver. 
The church was completed in October of the same 
year and dedicated by Rev. Thomas Bowman. The 
first trustees were M. B. Schaadt, P. Wannemacher, 
H. S. Weaver, George H. Good, and W. F. Christ- 
man. The Sunday-school was organized immediately 
after the church was dedicated on Oct. 18, 1868, and 
P. Wannemacher elected superintendent. The fol- 
lowing clergymen have served as pastors: Revs. S. S. 
Chubb, J. G. Sands, J. N. Metzgar, J. O. Lehr, B. J. 
Smoyer, B. D. Albright, James Bowman, J. A. 
Fegar. 

The present membership is three hundred and five, 
and the Sunday-school numbers four hundred and 
fifty. 

North Allextowx Mission (on Liberty Street 
above Eighth). — The East Pennsylvania Conferenee 
at its annual session, held in the city of Allentown in 
1874, located this mission, and appointed Rev. John 
Shell as its first missionary, and also appointed Revs. 
J. Shell, Joseph M. Savior. C. B. Fliehr, J. O. Lehr, 
and Mr. Owen Swartz, a committee to secure a lot 
and build a church. The location above named was 
selected, and building commenced immediately. The 
corner-stone was laid by Bishop Reuben Yeakel, and 
the church formally dedicated on the 24th of Janu- 
ary, 1875, by Rev. S. Neitz. The Sunday-school was 
organized some time later, Alfred Bernhart being its 
superintendent. Rev. John Shell was reappointed as 
pastor in 1875, but was called from labor to reward 
towards the close of the Conference year. The fol- 
lowing ministers served as pastors in the order named 
since the death of Mr. Shell : Revs. Jesse Laros, B. H. 
Miller, and Joseph Specht. 

Baptist Church.'— Tuesday evening, Sept. 21, 1858, 
John A. Schulte, from the First German Baptist 
Church, New York, Emmanuel G. Gerhard, of the 



1 From a sketch published in tlie minutes of the Reading Baptist 
Association. 1882. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



209 



Tenth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, and Elizabeth 
( '. Evans, of the Second liajit i~t Church, Philadel- 
phia, bearing letters of dismission from their several 
churches, united in fellowship to constitute the Allen 
town Baptist Church. This first meeting "I the in- 
fant church was held in Breinig's Hall, Rev. Dr. 
Cathcart presiding. E. G. Gerhard was chosen clerk, 
the Philadelphia Confession of Faith was adopted, 
and the meeting adjourned. The three persons em- 
barking on this enterprise were natives of Germany, 
England, and America. October 3d, oi the same year, 

Justus Evans, William ,J. Hoxworth, Catharine A. 
Hoxworth, and .Mary Barnes were baptized in Jordan 
Creek, just above Hamilton Street bridge, by Dr. 
Cathcart. The energetic pastor of the Second Bap- 
tist Church, Philadelphia, preached a stirring sermon 
on baptism to a crowded audience in the court-house, 
after which, in large procession, the Baptist company 
leading the way. they marched to the river, singing 
as they went. Thousands were present, lining the ' 
banks of the stream, filling the meadow, crowding 
the old stone bridge, gathered from Allentown and 
all the region round about. A few weeks later Black- 
ford Barnes was received on experience, and Anna D. 
Blemmer by letter. 

Feb. 22, 1859, the new church was formally recog- 
nized by a council held in the Presbyterian Church. 
of which Duncan Dunbar, D.D., was moderator, and 
Rev. Thomas C. Trotter clerk. Dr. Cathcart preached 
the sermon from Luke xix. 3, " Occupy till I come." 
March 8th. Rev. Joseph L. Sagebeer received a 
unanimous call to the pastorate. At the same meet- 
ing E. G. Gerhard and Blackford Barnes were chosen 
deacons, William J. Hoxworth clerk, and Justus 
Evans treasurer. This auspicious organization was 
the result of several co-operating forces, among the | 
chief of which was the Christian zeal of Sister Harts- 
i borne, who was a teacher in Professor Gregory's 
Academy, Mrs. Sarah G. Hawkins, and Mrs. Eliza- 
beth C. Evans. Prayer-meetings had been held from 
house to house among the few English and German 
i Baptist families in the city, and very soon a prosper- 
I ous Bible-school was organized in Baptist Hall, of 
! which William J. Hoxworth became the first super- 
intendent. The now Hon. James S. Biery was one ol 
the early teachers in the school. 

IMr. Sagebeer's pastorate continued from March 8, 
1859, to Feb. 1, 1862. Mr. Sagebeer found a church 
| of nine members — five men and four women — with- 
out a church edifice. They worshiped together in a 
hired house for a period of nearly three years. The 
, breaking out of the civil war seriously interfered 
with the advance of the church at this tune. How- 
ever, important additions were made, and when the 
pastor felt called on to retire from the field, he left 
the church better than he found it. and stronger by 
five more members. The church was then pastorless 
for over a year. 

During the early spring of 1m;:;, r.v. Ceorge I'.al- 
14 



com, an evangelist, was invited to labor with the 
church, and April 27th a call was extended to him to 
the pastorate for one year. It was accepted, with the 
understanding that he, Balcom, should be at liberty 

to make evangelistic' tours as opportunity Bhould offer. 
He found the church with fifteen members, and left 
it. .Inly 1'.), 1864, with thirty-three. Just before his 
resignation, prompted by a gilt of live hundred dol- 
lars from the liberal hand of Deacon William Haw- 
kins, of the Second Baptist Church, Philadelphia, 
and another of one hundred dollars from Hon. S. A. 
Bridges, of Allentown, the church procured a charter, 
and purchased a lot at the corner of Sixth and Chew 
Streets, ninety-eight by one hundred and fifteen feet, 
at a cost of fifteeu hundred and sixty-eight dollars. 
July 4, 1864, Messrs. Evans, Hoxworth, and Roth 
wit-, appointed a building committee, and were au- 
thorized to expend three thousand dollars toward the 
erection of a meeting-house. September 6th the cor- 
ner-stone was laid. October 3d the committee was 
authorized to expend seven thousand dollars on the 
house. Jan. 1, 1865, they were directed to complete 
the basement. All this work was done by a shepherd- 
less flock. Money was raised at home and abroad, — 
Dr. Cathcart's church contributing with special lib- 
erality. During the interim William E. Rees, a licen- 
tiate of the church, supplied the church very ac- 
ceptably, as also during Mr. Balcom's absence on 
evangelistic tours. 

Rev. J. H. Appleton received a call to the pastorate 
Nov. 1, 1865, and continued in office till Nov. 2, 1868. 
During the interim preceding the church had gained 
nine and lost nine, so that Mr. Appleton found a 
church of thirty-three members, just as Mr. Balcom 
had left it. The new pa-tor went actively to work to 
wipe out the debt and to finish the house. He se- 
cured more than two thousand dollars through his 
own personal solicitation, and through members of 
his own family carpeted the audience-rooin and fur- 
nished the pulpit. Nov. 17, 1*67, two year- after his 
settlement, the new church was dedicated, having 
been finished, furnished, and paid for at a cost of 
eleven thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. In 
1866 fourteen were added to the church by baptism, 
and thirteen by letter and experience. At the close 
of the year, eight years after constitution, the church 
numbered fifty-nine members, The first baptistery 
was built Feb. 22, 1S66, on the lot in the rear of the 
church. It did not prove a success, and soon gave 
way to a more substantial all'air under the pulpit plat- 
form in the church. During Mr. A.ppleton's pastor- 
ate the church made manifest advance, and assumed 

a positii f much greater importance. Be left the 

church with forty-seven members, a net increase of 
fourteen. 

Rev. Ebenezer Packwood was elected pastor Dec. 
23, 1868, and entered upon his labors Feb. It. 1869. 
He was an able, earnest, and successful preacher of 
the gospel. During his three years' pastorate twenty- 



210 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



six were baptized into the fellowship of the church. 
Two colonies went oul from the church April 2,1860, 
a company of eight, dismissed by letter, to Turin the 
Bethlehem Baptist Church, and Feb. 7, 1871, a second 
company of seventeen to form the Catasauqua Baptisl 
Church. The first of these shared Mr. Packwood'a 
labors for some time in connection with the Allen- 
town Church. A commodious parsonage was erected 

1869 , costing three thousand dollars. Jan. 31, 1872, 
Mr. Packwood removed to Conshohocken, to accept 
the call of the Baptist Church of that place. The 
church made a uel gain of six during his pastorate, 
and numbered fifty-seven at the time of his removal. 
Hut lor the twenty-five dismissed to form the two new 
neighboring churches, the net gain would have been 
thirty-one. At one time during his pastorate the 
church numbered seventy-six. Mr. Rees again sup- 
plied the church very acceptably during the interim. 
Aug. 28, 1872, a call was extended to J. S. James, 
who had just completed his preparatory studies in 
theology. He accepted the call and entered the field 
October 13th. He was ordained October 29th. The 
New Hampshire Confession of Faith was adopted by 
the church March 17, 1875. In the fall of the same 
year the church entered the Reading Baptist Associa- 
tion. In the summer of 1876 a recess and new bap- 
tistery were added to the house of worship, which, 
with other improvements, cost about seven hundred 
dollars. The whole amount was paid, with some 
three hundred dollars of a floating debt. The house 
was reopened September 10th, Dr. Weston preaching 
the sermon. The following November Rev. H. G. 
DeWitt labored two weeks with the church in special 
meetings. The church was deeply revived, and four- 
teen were baptized. Almost every year since has 
been marked by a considerable increase through bap- 
tism. In the spring of 1879 an effort was made to 
extinguish a debt of some three thousand three hun- 
dred dollars, incurred by the erection of the parsonage 
and in other ways. The effort was continued up to 
September, 1880, when the whole amount was sub- 
scribed. In every year but one since its organization 
the church has had increase. Four young men have 
been sent out from it into the ministry, all of them 
born in foreign lands. Upwards of forty thousand 
dollars have been raised in this field or for it, fifteen 
thousand dollars of which were expended for the 
church lot, edifice, and parsonage, and four hundred 
dollars for missionary purposes. The present pastor, 
Rev. Frank S. Dobbins, took charge of the church 
March 1, 1883, very soon after Mr. James' departure. 
He had served a number of years as a missionary in 
Japan. The present number of members is one hun- 
dred and twenty-one. The Sunday-school has a 
membership of one hundred and twenty-five. The 
value of church property is thirteen thousand five 
hundred dollars. The deacons of the church have 

been Blackford Barnes, March 8, 1859, to June 13, 
1866 ; E. G. Gerhard, March 8, 1859, to June 21, 1860; 



William .1. Bos worth, Sept. 25. 1859, to Dee. 22, 1SS1; 
Justus Evans, June 30, 1863, to Dec. 22, 1881 ; Wil- 
liam Roth, Dec. 22, 1875; A. W. Lee, Dec. 22, 1875; 
II. W. Willenbficber, Dee. 22, is?:,; Q, W. Harrar, 
1 lee. 22, 1881 ; C. R. James, Dec. 22, 1881. The trus- 
1 various times] have been William Hawkins, 
William J. Hoxworth, Justus Evans, William Roth, 
I leorge K. Keeiler, \. W. I.ee, .1. J. Hoxworth, F. D. 
Fried, J. G. Sterner, William S. Haas, William E. 
Bees, William T. Apple, George II. Desh, C. L. Iluber, 

M. F. Cawley, C. W. Hall, William J. Broadbent; 

Bible-school superintendent-. William J. Hoxworth, 
II. W. Willenbiirher, William E. Rees, William S. 
Baas, J. S. James, George H. Desh, William Both ; 
Treasurers, William J. Hoxworth, Justus Evans, Wil- 
liam Roth, H. W. Willenbiicher, A. W. Lee, George 
H. Desh, Charles Spangler; clerks, E. G. Gerhard, 
William J. Hoxworth, George 11. Desh, William J. 
Broadbent. 

Church of the United Brethren in Christ.— This 
church was organized by Rev. D. S. Hoffman in 1864; 
the first class, which was constituted August 26th, 
consisting of three members, viz.: T. J. Schmoyer, 
J. Knerr, and Mary Hoffman. A revival soon added 
forty members. Among these early converts were 
Samuel Marx and family, and Charles Zimmerman 
and wife. The meetings of the congregation were 
held until 1868 in Free Hall, but in that year a house 
of worship was built on Linden Street below Ninth. 
Rev. Mr. Hoffman remained as pastor until 1870, the 
church numbering one hundred and sixty-nine mem- 
bers in six classes wdien he left. Since that time the 
following ministers have served the congregation, viz. : 
Revs. Sand, Shropp, Daugherty, Unger, Mark, Shoop, 
and J. P. Smith, the present pastor. The present 
class-leaders are T. J. Schmoyer, F. J. Butterweck, 
James Bernhard, and J. B. Haas. The trustees are 
J. L. Breinig, T. J. Schmoyer, J. L. Mover, C. A. 
Bachman, and W. C. Sholl. The number of mem- 
bers is one hundred and twenty-one, and the Sunday- 
school has about as many pupils. 

Free Methodist Church.— This church was formed 
Aug. 10, 1867, by Rev. William Parry, the original 
members being Henry D. Spinner, Charles Hart man, 
Anna Johening, and Eliza Shantz. Since its organi- 
zation the following ministers have preached for the 
church : Rev. William Gould, chairman of the dis- 
trict, Rev. William Parry, Rev. M. N. Downing, Rev. 
Thomas Whiffin, Rev. Oluf U. Ketels, Rev. F. Hen- 
drickson, Rev. William Jones, Rev. J. E. Bristol, 
Rev. Thomas L. La Due, Rev. J. Wolf, Rev. D. J. 
Santmier. The present pastor is Rev. W. W. Dickson. 
The Allentown society has formed a part of what is 
called the Allentown and Lehigh Valley Circuit, of 
which the Rev. William Gould is the present travel- 
ing chairman. The society had its meetings for wor- 
ship in a chape] at Eighth and Chew Streets. It 
numbers about twenty members. The church was 
originally organized in 1858 in New York State. Its 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



211 



doctrine, articles, Rnd general rules arc similar to 
those of the Methodist Episcopal < 'hurch. 

The New Church Swedenborgian).' Thechurch 
which ie the Bubjeci of the follow ing Bketch, is founded 
on the acknowledgment of the Lord Jesus Christ as 
the one and only personal i rod of the universe. The 
doctrines di' the church are claimed to have been given 
by the Lord, through heaven, in fulfillment of the 
Apocalyptic vision, in which the city New Jerusalem 
was seen to descend from God out of heaven. (Rev. 
xxi. 2.) The principal doctrines of the church are: 
that Jesus Christ is the only God; that savin- faith 
i- to believe on Him ; that the truly Christian life 
consists in shunning evils as bids against God; that 
the Sacred Scriptures arc divine in every word and 
syllable, and contain a spiritual sense; that then U 
a lite ait' i death, and consequently a spiritual world, 
embracing heaven and hell and the intermediate 
" world of spirits;" and that the Lord has made His 
promised second coming by revealing the doctrines 
of the New Church which are one with the spiritual 
sense of the Word, through His servant, Emanuel 
Swedenborg. 

The first persons known as believers in the doc- 
trine . .1 tin New Church in Allentown were Simon 
Sweitzer and family, who removed from Philadelphia 
to this city about the year 1830. In the course of 
years Frederick Bolilen, J. Brader, Hon. K, I",. Wright, 
Professor I. X. Gregory, E. D. Leisenring, Eli J. Sa- 
ger, Esq., and others swelled the number of believers. 
In the winter of 1868-69 the Rev. A. 0. Brickmann, 
of Baltimore, was invited by Mr. Bohlen to visit 
Allentown, and preached at times in Bohlen's Hall, on 
North Seventh Street, and in the court-house. This 
resulted in the organization of the Allentown Society 

i of the Xew Church on Oct. 20, 1869, with Simon 
Sweitzer, president, John Wunderlich, secretary, and 
Eli J. Sager, Esq., treasurer. 

j In 1870 the Beryjces of Rev. L. H. Tafel, of Phila- 
delphia, were engaged, and he conducted divine 

j worship every fourth Sunday, and organized a Sun- 

' day-school, Bohlen's Hall being the. place of meeting 

\ for both church and Sunday-school. 

In 1873 the Rev. J. E. Bowers, a missionary of the 
New Church, visited the society from time to time. 

At last the Rev. A. 0. Brickmann accepted a call 
as pastor of the society, and under him a new con- 
stitution was adopted. The society joined the Penn- 
sylvania Association. The services', which were at- 
tended by large audiences drawn by the powerful 
preaching of the pastor, were now held in the court- 
, house, and later in the Academy, on the northwest 
corner of Eighth and Walnut Streets, and continued 
under Mr. Brickmann's ministration, at the three 
- mentioned, until February, 1S77. 
After this .Mr. I. V Gregory, a layman, who had 
(moved to Philadelphia, preached once a month, and 



Rev. I- H. I afel and the l;i. Rev. W. 11. Benade, both 

of Philadelphia, also visited the society ami preached. 

Services were then suspended for a ion- time, until, 

on the 1st daj Of -May, L881, the Rt l:. 1. W II. Be- 
nade, presiding minister of the Pennsylvania Associa- 
tion of the New Church, introduced Mr. Eugene J. E. 
Schreck, a theological student at the schools of the 
Academy of the New I hurch. At first he came from 
Philadelphia every two weeks, but later made weekly 

visits, preaching in German and in English, and con- 
ducting the Sunday-school. During his administra- 
tion the society purchased property on South Seventh 
Street, near Onion, and altered the dwelling into a 

house of worship. This was dedicated on Dec. 10, 
1882, by Rt. Rev. W. 11. Benade, ami by Rt. Rev. 
F. W. Tuerk, of Berlin, Canada, and has ever since 
been used by the society. ( >n May 13th of the next 
year the socii ty severed its i nection with the Penn- 
sylvania Association. Upon his ordination into the 
priesthood of the' New Church, in July. IS83, Rev. 
Mr. Schreck accepted a call as minister of the society, 
and is now serving as such. There are from sixty to 
seventy avowed believers Of the New Church faith in 
Allentown, and others in the county. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.-— In the year 1842, 

Rev. John A. Boyle was stationed at Afauch Chunk. 
During his term of service there he visited Allentown 
and found a Methodist family, composed of two sis- 
ters, — Elizabeth and Sarah Mofflee, — who opened 
their house for him for religious service-. I )ci asional 
meetings were held in this place and an adjoining 
house until the year 1843. In the year 1843, Rev. 
Solomon Higgins, presiding elder of North Philadel- 
phia District, Philadelphia Annual Conference of ; he 
Methodist Episcopal Church, sent Rev. Newton Hes- 

ton to take char. i tin little band of Methodists. 

Preaching was immediately established in what was 
then known a- " Free Hall," built in the inten 
infidelity. The organization of the church occurred 
July '.', 1843, and included six persons, F.li 
Mofflee, Sarah Motllee, William Kelly, Eliza Kelly, 
William Ruhe, and Sarah Rube. The society was 
sorely persecuted owing to tin' prejudice existing 
against the use of the English language, the German 
churches deeming the organization of an English 
church an invasion of their rights. The .hurch pros- 
pered, however, and about forty persons wen con- 
verted, and a Sunday-school was instituted and well 
attended. I hiring the year a lot was purchased, and 
drawings made for the erection of a church building. 
The lot on Linden Street was bought from Mr. Chris- 
tian Pretz for the sum oi two hundred dollars. With 
the enterprise fairly under way the pastor reached the 
f his first \ear in the ministry. In the spring 
of 1844, Rev. Newton Heston was returned to this 
field of labor. During this year the church building 
was completed at a cost of about fifteen hundred dol- 



l By BeT. E. J. E. Sctireck. 



« Contributed bT Rev. William P. Howell. 



2V2 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



lars, nl 1 of which was paid with the exception of one 
hundred and fifty dollars. The building was sixty 
by forty feet, with seating room for two hundred and 
seventy persons. The following composed the first 
board of trustees: Samuel S. Richards, James An- 
thony, David Keiper, Samuel Petit, William Kane, 
Jacob Gangwere, and Jacob Deily. The success of 
the enterprise was in a large measure due to the per- 
sonal attention shown by the pastor, who was a party 
to all contracts, collected the money and paid tin- 
hills. In connection with his work in Allentown, the 
pastor visited Catasauqua and organized a Methodist 
society in that place. Rev. Newton Heston, the first 
pastor, was a good preacher, a faithful pastor, a judi- 
cious counselor, a zealous laborer, and was greatly 
beloved, and his work and memory are still lovingly 
cherished by the church ; at the close of his ministry 
here in 1845 there existed a membership of fifty- 
seven. In 1845, when Rev. George Quigley was 
pastor, eight additions were made to the church. In 
1846, Rev. George Quigley and Rev. T. C. Murphy 
were pastors. I>uring this year two appointments were 
added to Allentown, — Deemers and Flatland, — and 
preaching services were held regularly at Catasauqua. 
Rev. W. W. McMichael was pastor in 1847; during 
this year one of the elect sisters of the church died. 
Elizabeth MotHee, whose name stands first on the list 
in the organization of the society, was converted to 
God in early life, and joined the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Bryan's Meeting-House, on Bristol Circuit. 
About the year 1841 she removed with her sister to 
Allentown, and extended the hospitalities of her home 
in the interest of Methodism. After serving the Lord 
for over forty years she died, at the age of sixty-two 
years. In 1847, Rev. J. H. Turner and Rev. William 
H. Burrell were pastors. Bushkill, Bethlehem, and 
Bath were added this year, making a circuit of seven 
appointments. The total membership at Allentown 
was forty-six ; probationers, ten. 

In 1849, Rev. D. R. Thomas and Rev. W. C. Stock- 
ton were pastors. In 1850, Rev. S. G. Hare was pastor. 
At this session of the Conference, Bushkill, Bridgeton, 
Deemers, and Flatland were separated from Allen- 
town and called Quakertown Mission, and Rev. G. W. 
McLaughlin appointed pastor. Bethlehem was con- 
nected with Allentown, and the circuit named Allen- 
town and Bethlehem Mission. In 1851 and 1852, Rev. 
W. H. Brisbane was pastor. On May 9, 1852, a class 
at Bethlehem was organized, consisting of eight mem- 
bers, with Samuel Ritter as leader. In 1853, Rev. 
Samuel Irwin became pastor, During the year Qua- 
kertown Mission was reunited to Allentown and Beth- 
lehem under the title of Allentown Circuit. The 

Fourth Quarterly Conference neon aided the pastor 

as a suitable person to be received into the traveling 
connection. 

Rev. S. Irwin and Rev. J. M. Hinson were pastors 
in 1854. Many were added to the church under their 
ministry. The senior pastor was recommended to the 



Conference for deacon's orders, and Rev. J. M. Hinson 
recommended to be received on trial in the Confer- 
ence. During the year a church was built at Beth- 
lehem. 

Rev. H. A. Ilobbs and Rev. Isaac Thomas were the 
pastors in 1855; Rev. H. A. Hobbs, Rev. J. II. Boyd, 
in 1856; and Rev. H.H. Hickman in 1857. The cir- 
cuit was again divided, Allentown and Catasauqua 
constituting Allentown Mission. 

In 1858-59, when Rev. F. D. Eagan was pastor, a 
commodious house of worship was erected at Cata- 
sauqua. At this time the membership was, — Allen- 
town, 75; Catasauqua, 24; total, 99. Rev. S. G. 
Hare became pastor in 1860, and served through that 
and the following year. 

On May 30, I860, a Sunday-school was organized at 
Allentown Furnace, J. B. Roeder, superintendent, 
with thirty-six scholars. 

Rev. E. T. Kenney was pastor in 1862-63. The 
membership of the church was largely increased 
during his term. At the Conference of 1864, Cata- 
sauqua was separated from Allentown, and each be- 
came stations. In 1864-65, Rev. W. C. Best was pastor. 
Great success attended his labors. The church grew 
in numbers and influence. The church building was 
too small for the growing congregation. The Quar- 
terly Conference appointed a committee of three to 
make the necessary estimate for the erection of a 
suitable house of worship, or the enlargement of the 
old structure. 

In 1866, Rev. Gideon T. Barr was given pastoral 
charge of the church. The committee on increased 
church accommodations recommended the enlarge- 
ment of the building which had been in use. A 
board of trustees was elected for the First Ward, 
Allentown, as a church enterprise was contemplated 
in that part of the city. 

Rev. John F. Crouch was pastor in 1867-69. During 
his term a new era dawned in the history of the 
church. The church was rebuilt during 1868-69, 
and considering the limited means of the society and 
the high prices of the times, it was a wonder that the 
work undertaken was accomplished, leaving only an 
indebtedness of four thousand dollars. Rev. W. 
Swindells became pastor in 1870, and served two 
years. The society continued to increase, and all the 
interests of the church kept in a flourishing con- 
dition. In 1872, Rev. Reuben Owen was the pastor, 
and in 1873-75, Rev. E. F. Pitcher. 

The great financial depression throughout the 
country at this time affected the church. Rev. S. A. 
Heilner became pastor in 1876. Although the hard 
limes continued, the church debt was reduced five 
hundred dollars during his term. In 1878-79, Rev. 
W. L. McDowell was pastor. The financial depres- 
sion continued, but perceptible improvement was 
evident. In 1880-82, Rev. \V. Coffman was pastor. 
During his term, times having materially improved, 
the church debt, amounting to three thousand five 



TIIK (MTV OK AU, KNTMWN 



213 



hundred dollars, was paid. The spiritual inten-t- .,i 
the church also were advanced. 

Rev. William P. Howell, the present pastor, as- 
sumed his duties in 1SNU, Notwithstanding the zeal 
and sacrifice displayed by the church in the preced- 
ing year in freeing the church from debt, the church 
is now making extensive repairs and improvements 
upon the church building, at a cosl of at least sixteen 
hundred dollars, with three-fourths of the amount 
subscribed, and the improvements just begun. The 
improvements will include a room for infant-school 
purposes in the rear of the church, enlargement of 
the lecture-room, frescoing, painting, etc. 

The following were the statistics of the church 
in October, 1883: Members, 182; probationers, 20; 
value of church property, SI 1,000; officers and teachers 
of Sunday-school, 34 ; scholars, 190; benevolent col- 
lections, S277.12; ministerial support I including pas- 
tor's salary, $800, and rent. $204) S1004. 

Grace Episcopal Church.— The Rev. Azariah 
Prior was sent to Allentown by the bishop in 1858, 
and held services till 1861, principally in the court- 
house. Services were maintained till the following- 
year by different clergymen. The Rev. E. N. Potter, 
then in deacon's orders, under appointment from the 
Board of Missions to the charge of Bethlehem and 
Allentown, entered upon his duties at Allentown in 
September, 1862. Services were held in the court- 
house July 6th and l.'jth, and again Sunday afternoon, 
October 5th, and from that date regularly continued. 

The corner-stone of the church was laid by the 
Rt. Rev. William B. Stevens, D.D., assistant bishop, 
April 18, 1865. The church was consecrated by the 
Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, acting for Bishop Stevens, 
July .'!, 1866. Rev. Mr. Potter was the rector until 
April 1, 1867. The Rev. W. R. Gries succeeded to 
the rectorship, and remained in the parish until his 
decease, in the autumn of 1872. For a short period the 
church was served by the Rev. Mr. Mcllvaine. The 
Rev. D. W. C. Byllsby, rector from the autumn of 
1873 to 1S76, was succeeded by Rev. C. S. M. Stewart, 
1S76-77. The Rev. Hugh Roy Scott was rector from 
the spring of 1878 to the end of the same year. Mr. 
Scott died on Christmas. The Rev. O. B. Keith 
officiated as a supply from Dec. 1, 1S78, to June 22, 
1879. 

From the 17th of October, 1879, the Rev. C. R. 
Bonnell was appointed by Bishop Howe missionary 
in charge of this church and the Church of the Me- 
diator. On the 3d of January, 1881, at his own 
request, he was relieved of the care of these parishes. 

The Rev. Ormes B. Keith succeeded Mr. Bonnell. 
March 20, 1881, officiating in Grace Church and the 
Church of the Mediator till July 1, 1883, when he 
resigned. There i< tit present no debt of any kind 
upon the church property. 

Church of the Mediator. Episcopal.— Minion 

work in the Sixth Ward, Allentown, was began in 
1863. The missionary in charge of Bethlehem ami 



Allentown, the Rev, E. N. Potter, undertook this 

work. \ Sunday-scl I was opened, and upon thi 

dinati fMr.C. E.D.Griffiths, he performed clerical 

duty until his removal to Kansas. In L867 and 1868 
the Rev. Joseph Murphy officiated. In the summer 
of 1868 the Rev. Jeremiah Karcher took charge of 
this point as missionary, appointed by tin' Board. 

'I'he cornel-. tone ol the building was laid by the 
Rev. \). N*. Potter, 1 Stilt;, and the church was conse- 
crated Feb. 21, L869. by the Rt. Rev. I'.. Wistar Mor- 
ris Bishop of Oregon. 

Rev. 1'. W. Bartlett succeeded Mr. Karcher in the 
autumn id' 1869, and labored in the- parish till the 
autumn of 1871, when the Rev. C. E. D. Oriffith re- 
sumed the charge of the church, retaining it until 
his resignation in 1878, when the Rev. 11. I,'. Scott 
officiated therein in connection with Grace Church. 

The Rev. O. B. Keith, while supplying Graci 
Church from December, 187S, to June, 1879, also offi- 
ciated at the Church of the Mediator, and the Rev. 
C. R. Bonnell was the missionary in charge of the 
Church of the Mediator at the same time that he held 
the rectorship of Grace Church. 

Roman Catholic Churches.— A very tew Catholics 
were settled in Lehigh County as early as 1769, 
but services, if held among them at all, were only 
at long and irregular intervals. It was probably not 
until after the beginning of the present century that 
these people were attended by priests with anything 
like regularity, and indeed we have no positive infor- 
mation of such visitations prior to 1837. In that and 
the succeeding year the Catholics in this region were 
ministered to by clergymen who came from the 
Church of the Blessed Sacrament, in Churchville, 
Berks Co. They usually said mass at the houses of 
some of the settlers in Whitehall township. Their 
visits were continued until 1852. In that year came 
Rev. Father Gustensuake, from Easton, wdio said mass 
in the First Ward, Allentown, every four weeks. In 
1853 this place was visited regularly by Rev. John 
Fentzer, who said mass in the house of one of the 
parishioners. His successor was the Rev. ' reiger, and 
then came the first resident priest. Rev. Fuboly, in 
1854. Under 'his ministry a small brick church was 
partly built. After a very short time he was called to 
another field, and the Rev. Schroeder took charge of 
tin parish, and finished the church which his prede- 
cessor had commenced. The dedication took place, 
and the first high mass was said on Oct. 25, 1857 
Shortly afterwards Father Schroeder was called to 
Reading, and was succeeded here by Father Cunger, 
who soon gave place to Rev. J. Reiller. About this 
time many industries sprang up in Allentown, which 
led a large number of Catholics to settle here. The con- 
gregation thus being increased, the bishop appointed 
Rev. Michael McOonroe to take charge of the Eng- 
lish portion. Altera few years he WES appointed to 
build a church in Bethlehem, and Rev. Efugh Garvey 
came here as his successor. He was soon followed by 



214 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Rev. E. Pendergast, who laid the foundations of the 
present beautiful church of the Immaculate Concep- 
tion in the year 1873. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
James Fitzmaurice. At this time the manufacturing 
industries of Allentown became seriously prostrated, 
and many members of this congregation, who de- 
pended upon them, so impoverished that they could 
not lend any material aid toward the finishing of the 
church. Building operations wire suspended until 
1881. On the 21st of October came the long-wished- 
for dedication. On this occasion a great concourse of 
people assembled and witnessed the ceremonies. The 
dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rt. Rev. 
Bishop Shanahan, and Rev. M. A. Walsh, Rev. M. 
Mullen, and Rev. James Fitzmaurice participated in 
the services. 

The dedication brought into attendance quite a 
number of the dignitaries and priests of the church, 
among them being Rev. Father Crane, O.S.A. Church, 
Philadelphia; Rev. Father Lane, St. Theresa, Phila- 
delphia ; Rev. Father Brehony, St. John's, Mana- 
yunk ; Rev. Father McFadden and Rev. Father Har- 
vey, of Catasauqua ; Rev. Father McGovern, of South 
Bethlehem, and Rev. Father Maus, of the Church of 
the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Allentown. The church 
is probably the largest and handsomest in the diocese, 
outside of Philadelphia. The present pastor is Rev. 
Patrick Donegan. 

The Church of the Sacred Heart is a German con- 
gregation under the charge, at present, of Rev. John 
B. Maus. The facts of its history are not attainable. 

Young Men's Christian Association. — This so- 
ciety is of quite recent origin, having been organized 
Nov. 15, 1881, at which time it was composed of four- 
teen members. A constitution was adopted November 
22d, and on the same evening, a temporary finance 
committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for 
the purpose of securing rooms and furnishing them. 
On Thanksgiving day, November 24th, the committee 
started out on their work, and not only secured a suffi- 
cient sum of money to carry out the original project, 
but to establish a library of seventy-five volumes in 
addition. At a meeting December 16th, it was decided 
to rent the second story of the building in which was 
L. H. Yeager's china store, No. 20 North Seventh 
Street, the present location of the association. Fol- 
lowing is a list of the first officers, elected Dec. 6, 
1881 : President, F. K. Kern ; First Vice-President, 
Adam Weigner; Second Vice-President, Charles 
Knause ; Executive Secretary, M. P. Schantz; Re- 
cording Secretary, Frank Frederick; Financial Sec- 
retary, J. W. Rodgers ; Treasurer, C. O. Schantz; 
Librarian, John Yingst. The rooms secured by the 
association were soon fitted up, and on Feb. 12, 1882, 
the first public meeting was held, on which occasion 
an address was delivered in German by the Rev. A. J. 
G. Dubbs, of the German Reformed Church, and one 
in English by Bishop Thomas Bowman, of the Evan- 
gelical Association. These. meetings have been kept 



up since, except during the summer months. At cer- 
tain times young men's prayer-meetings are also held, 
and there are regular Sunday afternoon meetings 
which are upon alternate Sundays open to the public, 
and exclusively for members of the association. The 
present officers are: President, F. K. Kern; First 
Vice-President, William J. Frederick; Second Vice- 
President, H. F. Rosenberg; Executive Secretary, 
M. P. Schantz ; Recording Secretary, F. Frederick ; 
Financial Secretary, Benjamin Herbster ; Treasurer, 
Charles Spangler; Librarian, C. H. Rockel. There 
is also a board of managers, which has charge of the 
business matters of the association. One member is 
elected from each church, and the present board is 
constituted as follows : H. F. Rosenberg, Duuker 
Church; Rev. Miles, Primitive Methodist Church; 
B. Thomas, Methodist Episcopal Church ; C. O. 
Schantz, Free Methodist Church ; J. Winter Rodgers, 
Ebenezer Evangelical Church; John Yingst, Salem 
Evangelical Church ; L. S. Jacoby, Linden Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church ; Charles Spangler, Bap- 
tist Church; B. Glakenmeyer, New Church; John 
Crilly, Catholic Church; A. J. Breinig, Presbyterian 
Church; John Romig, Episcopal Church; John Rit- 
ter, Zion's Reformed Church ; Frederick Bechtel, St. 
John's Reformed Church ; C. H. Rockel, Lutheran 

Church of Orefield ; Weller, Lutheran Church 

of Trexlertown ; John Foust, St. John's Lutheran 
Church; Samuel Brobst, St. Michael's Lutheran 
Church ; W. Richards, St. Paul's Lutheran Church. 
The officers of the association are also ex officio mem- 
bers of this board. 

The association has about seventy-five active mem- 
bers and five associate members. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN— (Continued). 

Societies — Musical — Temperance — Secret and Benevolent — The Local 
Military. 

The Lehigh Ssengerbund. 1 — The object of this 
association is to encourage and foster among the popu- 
lation of the city of Allentown, Pa., the spirit of self- 
improvement by cultivation and promotion of German 
vocal music, the establishment of a reading-room, 
library, etc., and to cultivate such sociableness as will 
elevate mind and heart. 

The Lehigh S:engerbund was organized Jan. 25, 
1858, with the following officers and members: Presi- 
dent, Gottlob Volz; Secretary, John Leonhard ; Treas- 
urer, Herman Schuon ; Musical Director, Professor C. 
Hermann; Chr. Weippert, Ferdinand Nick, Chr. 
Volz, Edward Muendler, Henry Kiehn, Bernhard 

1 By Louis Juergens. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



215 



Keiser, B. Schmid, H. O. Clauss, John Muenster, 
Leonhard Saeving, Charles Wentzel, John B. Meyer, 
A. F. Leisner, C. E. Clauss, Charles Gundelwein, 
Herman Kunze, August Hebsacker, Leopold Kern, 
Friedrieh Benkhart, Ferd. Wieser, Lewis Klump, 
John B. Moser, G. A. Aschbach, John G. Schimpf, 
George P. Weil, Henry Kiecherer, William Oherle, 
H. Gabriel, Henry Koenig, Ambros Dietrich, William 
F. Danowsky, B. F. Tre.xler, Amos Ettinger, Joseph 
Nagel, P. Schulz. 

< >n .May 22, 1858, the banner of the society was 
dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The banner 
was presented by Mr. C. B. Zander in a neat speech, 
and the German Singing Society (" Eintracht") of 
Easton, with their banner, were the guests of the Sa?n- 
gerbund. The Saengerbund banner is made of blue 
silk, and bears on one side a lyre, and on the other 
side the name of the society and date of organization 
in golden letters. It was furnished by Mr. Diefen- 
bach, of Philadelphia, for the sum of eighty-two dol- 
lars. Regular meetings of the society were held 
weekly until the outbreak of the civil war. During 
the war the society met only occasionally. A reor- 
ganization of the Siengerbund took place on Jan. (I, 
1866. The following officers were then elected : Presi- 
dent, Dr. C. G. Hirner; Vice President, John B. 
Meyer; Musical Director, Edward Jonke; Secretaries, 
J. M. Gugel and Professor H. They ken; Treasurer, 
Joseph Uhl; Librarian, W. C. Baumeister ; Banner- 
bearers, John Bailer and William Koenig; Trustees, 
Jacob Mueller, Charles Wentzel, and Joseph Goeh- 
ringer. Quite a number of new members were en- 
rolled on the list of membership, and regular business 
was carried on until the close'of the year 1868. In 
July, 1868, the Saengerbund took active part at the 
Singing Festival held at Reading, Pa. In April, 1869, 
another reorganization of the Saengerbund took place, 
and since then no more interruptions occurred in the 
regular business of the society. 

During the twenty-six years of the existence of the 
Lehigh Swngerbund the following-named gentlemen 
have presided as presidents of the society : Gottlob 
Volz. E. Mucndler. Charles Wentzel, Dr. C. G. Hirner, 
Jacob Mueller, John B. Meyer, C. B. Zander. Louis 
Oberle, Louis Klump, John Roder, Friedrieh Schmer- 
ker, Louis Juergens, Paul Winkler, and Charles C. 
Klump, some of whom have served a number of terms 
through re-election. In the same period the following 
gentlemen were connected with the society as musical 
directors; Professor C. Hermann, E. Jonke, Edward 
Clauss, August Kremp, Friedrieh Wullf, John Hol- 
ster, Friedrieh Rickraann, and Woldcmar Grossmann. 
The last-named gentleman served in that capacity 
gratuitously from April, 1874, to July, 1883, and under 
his talented direction the Samgerbund made very 
remarkable progress. 

At the time when Mr. Grossmann became inn-ieal 
director of the Saengerbund the society had its hall 
on the third floor of No. 708 Hamilton Street, but as 



Ibis hall became too small For the wants of the society 
a more spacious locality was sought, and procured in 
<)<inan'> building, No. •">:::: Hamilton Street. The 
large third floor of that building wa- converted into 
a fine-looking hall, f n this hall the society holds its 
balls, singing rehearsals, '(.inert-, and theatres, while 
a smaller room on the second floor is used a- a club- 
room and to hold the business meetings, which are 
held monthly. 

The hall, now called Samger Hall, was formally 
dedicated on Easter Monday. l>7-">, by a concert of 
the Siengerbund, counting at that time a skilled 
chorus of thirty-lour male voices, very ably assisted 
by Mrs. H. F. Russ, of Philadelphia, Professor John 
J. Romig, Professor A. Ettinger, and other home 
talent. In June, 1875, the Siengerbund look part 
in the grand concert of the Centennial Fair, held on 
the Agricultural Fair-Grounds of this city. In June, 
1879, the Saengerbund attended the singer-festival 
held in Scranton, Pa., ami at the prize-singing was 
honored with one of the prizes, — a fine engraving, 
representing the masters of German music. 

In August, 1880, the Sa'iigerbund also attended the 
singer-festival held at Hazleton, Pa., where the 
singers were tendered a very hearty reception and 
handsomely entertained during their stay. Previous 
to the singer-festival in Hazletou, the Hazleton 
M.eimerchor visited Allentown, and was the guest of 
the Lehigh Saengerbund. Jan. 25, 1883, the Sa'nger- 
bund celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. The 
festivities consisted of a concert by the Saengerbund, 
assisted by Miss Elsie Alberts, ol New York City, the 
reading of a short history of the society by the presi- 
dent, a banquet, at which upwards of one hundred 
and thirty guests took part, concluded by a merry 
ball. In July, 1883, Mr. W. Grossmann severed his 
connection with the Saengerbund as musical director, 
his extended business connections requiring all of his 
spare time ; whereupon Mr. Henry Ross was elected 
as musical director. At the annual election of offi- 
cers, held January, 1884, the following officers were 
elected: President, John Kluenter; Vice-President, 
R. Hartenstein ; Secretary, Eugene Friedrieh : Finan- 
cial Secretary, Louis Juergens : Treasurer, Charles C. 
Klump; Librarian, Ed. Martin ; Banner-bearer, Chr. 
Fischer; Trustees, Louis Juergens, Eenry Rueter, 
Herman Phillips, J. Roder, and C. C. Klump. The 
present membership of the society consists of eighteen 
active members (or singers), fifty passive members, 
and six honorary members. 

Temperance. — Reform in temperance began its 
struggles in Allentown in 1842. The first total ab- 
stinence society was organized on February 4th of 
that year, under the name of the Allentown Jeffer- 
sonian Temperance Society. On February 17th a 
constitution was adopted, and the following officers 
elected, viz.: President, George Keek; Vice-Presi- 
dents, Robert Patterson. Adam Y. Honk, and Charles 
H. Snyder ; Secretary, Augustus L. Ruhe. Among 



21 (i 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the first members were E. J. Balliet, < lharles Mentz, J. 

C. Morgan, C. F. Beitel, J. Petit, Samuel L.Geidner, 

D. Washburn, John L. Hoffman, Dr. Charles L. 
Martin, Reuben Kauffman, Charles Eckert,C.S. Mas- 
sey, A. Y. Hank, .1. \V. Rodger, D. Romig, < I. Weaver, 
W. H. Seip, Charles Haines, and Thomas C. Kramer. 
Crowded meetings were held at Free Hall almost 
every night for a long period, and upwards of twelve 
hundred persons signed the pledge to abstain from all 
intoxicating drink. The society, together with mem- 
bers of other organizations from neighboring towns, 
had a grand parade on the 4th of July, 1842, Isare 
Erdman acting as chief marshal. Rev. J. W. Wood, 
in his history of the First Presbyterian Church, 
casually alluded to the effect upon the community of 
the Jefferson ian and succeeding temperance societies 
as follows: "The blessings that grew out of the tem- 
perance movement here have been scattered far and 
wide throughout the Lehigh Valley from Easton to 
Mauch Chunk. Hundreds have been rescued from 
the woes of the drunkard ; some have been started on 
the road to the gospel ministry, where they are suc- 
cessfully laboring. Many families have been restored 
from terrible poverty to comfortable living; some 
twenty dwellings can be pointed to in this city which 
would not have been erected but for the temperance 
reform." 

Since the Jeft'ersonian temperance movement the 
cause has been at various times advanced by other 
societies, of which we make brief mention. 1 Next 
after the JefJersonian, chronologically, came the Wash- 
ington Beneficial Society and Lehigh Division, No. 7, 
Sons of Temperance, which were organized in 1844-46. 
They both remained in existence several years, and 
were quite active in measures of reform. Jordan Union, 
Daughters of Temperance, was chartered Jan. 31, 1847, 
and continued in operation until 1883, when it was 
disbanded. 

Lehigh Section, No. 10, Cadets of Temperance, was 
chartered Feb. 22, 1847. Its membership is com- 
posed of boys between the ages of nine and fourteen. 
Its organization was effected with fourteen charter 
members. Its history is one of persevering labor 
crowned with remarkable success. Hundreds of the 
best and most prosperous citizens point back to their 
boyhood days, when the principles and inspirations 
of total abstinence were instilled into their minds, as 
members of the society. To-day the same principles 
are instilled into the minds of the boys who meet 
at the rooms weekly. The present membership is 
two hundred. The section meets every Wednesday 
eveniug. 

Jordan Division, No. 380, Sons of Temperance, was 
chartered Feb. 23, 1849. Its membership is composed 
of men and women and boys and girls fourteen years 
of age and upwards. Its organization was ell'ected 
with forty-five persons as charter members. This 

1 Acknowledgment is made to Vallie G. Tice for data. 



division has met regularly every Monday evening for 
thirty-four years, and since its organization has en- 
rolled nearly fourteen hundred persons pledged to 
total abstinence. It is widely known all over the 
State, and it has largely contributed to and encour- 
aged the organization of other divisions in this 
county. 

Liberty Union, Daughters of Temperance, was char- 
tered March 15, I860. Its membership is composed 
exclusively of ladies. The society meets every Satur- 
day evening. 

Allentown Lodge, No. 1164, I. O. G. T., was char- 
tered Oct. 5, 1876. Both sexes are admitted to mem- 
bership. The lodge meets every Thursday eveniug. 

The Women's Christian Temperance Union has an 
auxiliary branch in the city, which is very strong in 
membership and active in temperance advocacy, 
holding many public meetings, distributing great 
numbers of tracts, etc. This society works among 
all classes, and has accomplished much good. 

Masonic Bodies. — Barger Lodge, No. 333, F. and 

A. M.. was instituted May 27, 1859. Its charter mem- 
bers were Alfred J. G. Dubbs, Esaias Rehrig, Boas 
Hausman,* 2 John Y. Bechtel,* Nelson Weiser,* 
Charles Kline,* Russell A. Thayer, George Erdman,* 
and Solomon Griesmer. Brothers Dubbs, Rehrig, 
Hansman, Bechtel, Thayer, and Erdman became Past 
Masters by merit. The meetings are held on Friday 
on or before full moon. Its present place of meeting 
is on the fourth floor of A. F. Peter's building, south- 
east corner Seventh and Hamilton Streets. The mem- 
bership numbers upwards of one hundred. The present 
officers are George M. Bertolet, W. M. ; Joseph B. 
Lewis, S. W. ; George H. Hartman, J. W. : Russell A. 
Thayer, Treas. ; and Benjamin F. Abbott, Sec. 

Greenleaf Lodge, No. 561, was organized Nov. 10, 
1882. The first anniversary of the lodge was appro- 
priately observed Nov. 10, 1883. The charter mem- 
bers were Aug. F. Schick, Phaon H. Stettler, Hiram 
H. Fisher, Edward Harvey, William H. Ryan, James 
R. Roney, George J. Snyder, Lewis F. Knecht, Jesse 
Marks, William Allen Lichtenwallner, John D. Stiler, 
J. Frank Wenner, Samuel J. Chubbuck, Lewis F. 
Grammes, and Henry T. Kleckner. The membership 
at present (1883) numbers about thirty. The lodge 
meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. 
Its present officers are Edward Harvey, W. M. ; 
William H. Ryan, S. W. ; James R. Roney, J. W. ; 
Phaon H. Stettler, Treas. ; and Aug. F. Schick, Sec. 

Allen Chapter, No. 203, R. A. M., was constituted 
March 29, 1866. The charter members were Alfred 
J. G. Dubbs, Edwin G. Martin, John II. Fogel, John 

B. Moser* Henry J. Saeger, William B. Fogel, Wil- 
liam C. Lichtenwallner,* Herman Rupp,* Benjamin 
Lochman, Henry S. Clemens, Solomon Griesmer, 
Charles Kline,* Edward B. Young,* George B. Schall. 
John I). Lawall,* Samuel B. Anewalt, Henry F. Mar- 

2 Those marked with an asterisk (*) are deceased. 



THE CITY OF ALL EN TO W.N. 



217 



tin, Nelson Weiser, Christian F. Schultz, and Julius 
Holstein. Its membership numbers upwards of one 
hundred. Ii i- increasing in number, being tin- only 
chapter in the county obtaining its members from 

tlic six lodges in this district. The officers an- Wil- 
liam I-'. Schlechter, M. E. II. I'. ; Augustus F. Schick. 
K.: Erwin J. Balliet, S. ; Russell L Thayer, Treas. ; 
ami Benjamin F. Abbott, Sec. The meetings are held 

mi Moii. lav mi or before lull moon. 

Allen i' mandery, No. 20, K. '1'., was instituted 

June 2::. \.n. I860, A. <). 742. It meetson thesecond 
Thursday of each month. The officers are William 

II. Ryan, Em. Com.; William F. Schlechter, Gen' ; 

Erwin .1. Balliet, ('apt. Genl. ; Russell A. Thayer, 
Treas.; and Aug. F. Schick, Rec. 

Independent Order of Odd-Fellows.— The charter 
of Allen Lodge, No. 71, bears date Feb. 21, 1842. 
The records -how that H. S. Moonhead, ' Tilghman 
Seip,* David Stem, Peter Leisenring, and Daniel J. 
Carey, wen- the petitioners. At the time of institu- 
tion the first above named was chosen N. G., the 
second. V. G. ; the third, Sec.; and the last, Treas. 
Its present place of meeting is on the fourth floor of 
Kramer i: Co.'s building, northwest corner of Sixth 
and Hamilton Streets. The membership consists of 
about two hundred and fifty, and since the date of 
institution upwards of eight huudred persons have 
signed the constitution. Financially it stand- well, 
having securities to the amount of sixteen thousand 
dollars. The officers at present are Harvey E. Diehl, 
N. G. ; Quinter W. Shale,-, V. G. ; Samuel S. Thomp- 
son, Treas. ; Benjamin F. Abbott, Sec. ; and Charles 
K. Wagner, Asst. Sec. The lodge meets on Tuesday 
evening of every week. 

The date of the charter of Lehigh Lodge, No. 83, 
is Feb. 20, 1843. One year the junior of its sister, 
Allen No. 71. The following were the petitioners as 
well as the first officers: William F. Smith, N. G. ; 
William Abbott* V. G. ; Simon Miller,* Sec. ; Joel 
Keck. Asst. Sec, and Alexander J. Clifton,* Treas. 
The membership is about the same as Allen Lodge, 
and includes among its number a P. G. M., in the 
person of Robert E. Wright, Jr. The present officers 
Ire Harry F. Miller, N. G. ; Frank M. Trexler, V. G ; 
F. D. Busse, Sec. ; Henry W. Fluck, Asst. Sec. ; and 
Conrad Paff, Treas. The lodge meetings are held on 
Monday evening of each week. 

Vienna Lodge, No. 847, is a German lodge, doing 
it- work entirely in that language. It was instituted, 
according to its charter, June 18, 1873. The charter 
mem hers as well as its first officers were Charles 
fceimberger, N. G.; H. W. Mohr, V. G.; Daniel S. 

Kline. Sec; Edwin D. Reichenbach,* Asst. Sec. ami 
John (i. Roth, Treas. It meets on Wednesday even- 
ing of each week, in the same room as Allen and 
Lehigh. The present officers are Jonathan Miller, 
N. ( i. ; , V. G. ; Daniel S. Kline, Sec ; Wil- 

1 Those mnrkeil with an asterisk (•) are decease'!. 



loughby Wet/el. \--i. Sec, and Henry W. Mohr, 
Treas. This lodge had many difficulties to contend 
with in the first years of it- existence, but it has 
weathered the storm, and i- now prospering numeri- 
cally and financially. 

Unity Encampment, No. 12,istbe patriarchal branch 
of the order in this place. The minute book shows 
that the encampment held its tii ig Jan. 6, 

184o, and was instituted at that time by Grd. fat. R. 
L. West, although it- charter i- dated July 23, 1844. 
The charter members were William Wertz, < '. P.; 
Robert E. Wright, Sr., II. I'.: Joseph Keiper, S. W.; 
Charles Keck, J. W. ; David St' \mos 

Effingcr,* Treas.; Charles F. Mertz, I. S. ; Amandes 
A. Wagner, 0. S., and Peter Leisenring. The en- 
campment meets on the first and third Thursdays of 
each month. The membership is about one hundred 
and fifty. Its present officers are Thomas F. Cross, 

C. P.; D. G. Gerhardt, H. P.; Silas Mohr, S. W. ; 
A. Lincoln Busse, .1. W. : F. D. Busse, Scribe, and N. 
Laudenslager, Treas. 

Knights of Pythias— Greenleaf Lodge. No. 257, 
of this order, was instituted on the 23d day of May, 
a. n. 1870, by Grand Chancellor John Stotzer, of 
Pennsylvania, with charter members. Working in 
the German language until March 25, A.D. 1872, 
when a number of the members withdrew for the 
purpose of organizing a German lodge, which they 
readily accomplished : from that time Greenleaf has 
worked entirely in the English language. It has paid 
for relief of brothers three thousand eight hundred 
and sixty-five dollars, and for funeral benefits. It 
also has a widows' and orphans' fund which increases 
rapidly, and is to be used to care for the widows and 
orphans of deceased members whenever they are in 
need. The lodge is composed .of one hundred and 
ten members, of whom twenty-two are Past Chancel- 
lors, all in good standing, and an officer of the Grand 
Lodge, in the person of Henry W. Mohr. 

The officers of the lodge for the present term are 
P. C, Samuel Barto ; C. C. James D. Heckman ; 
V. C. William H. Downing; P., Kirt W. DeBelle; 
M. of F., Daniel S. Kline; M. at A., Thomas Kern : 
M. of F... John F. Weiler; K. of R. and S., Jacob D. 
Burger. Trustees, Jacob Wagner, Aaron O. Amey, 
James D. Newhard. Representative t" the Grand 
Lodge. M. at A„ H. W. Mohr (Mr. Mohr was District 

D. G. C. for Lehigh County Iron, L871 to L882 . The 
fund of the lodge is s:;274.!M. 

Donau Lodge. No.347, was instituted Lpril 2, L872, 
in the city of Allentown, Pa., with the following 
officers: P. C, John F. Bohlinger; C. C, Frederick 
Neikam; V. C, Francis Daeufer, M. of F... William 
Crude; M. of F., Martin Schmidt; K. of R. and S., 
Frederick Traub; M. at A., John Fries; I. C. John 
Truckenbrod ; O. G., Leonard Kilian. This lodge is 
working entirely in the German language, and is tin- 
only German lodge of the Order of Knights of Pythias 
in Lehigh County. Bv an act of the < ourt of Com- 



218 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



inon Pleas for this county, the lodge was incorpo- 
rated in November, 1881. During the time of its ex- 
istence it has expended for sick benefits $8074.09, and 
for burials eight hundred dollars, making a total 
amount of relict' of s:;S74.09. The lodge has initialed 
into the order one hundred and eighty-three persons, 
and eighteen members were admitted by card. At 
present the lodge consists of seventy-live members, 
and has a total fund of $1513.85. 

The officers for the present term are as follows: 
P. C, Christian Bohlen ; C. O, William F. Fehler; 
V. C, Julius Buesch ; P., Edwin J. Sell ; M. of E., 
August Weidner ; M. of F., Frederick Traub ; K. of 
R. and S., Lewis E. Juergens; M. at A., Gustav 
Franke; I. G., William F. Woodring; O. G., Sam- 
uel Ruhf; Directors, Francis Daeufer, William H. 
Knauss, Francis Scholz. 

Lehigh Division, No. !•, Uniform Rank K. of P., 
was organized in Pari' Hall on July 8, 1881, by Smith 
D. Cozens, Grand Chancellor of Pennsylvania. The 
following officers were elected: Sir Kt. Com., Henry 
W. Mohr; Sir Kt. Lieut. Com., Lewis Dennis; Sir 
Kt. Herald, Jacob M. Romig; Sir Kt. Rec., Daniel 
S. Kline; Sir Kt. Treas., A. D. Dresher ; Sir Kt. G., 
James D. Newhard ; Sir Kt. Sent., Eugene S. Miller. 
The present officers are: Com., H. W. Mohr; Lt. 
Com., Lewis Dennis ; Herald, Jacob M. Romig ; Rec, 
'John C. Nagle; Treas., Thomas J. Keon ; Guard, 
James D. Newhard ; Sent., James D. Heckman. 

Grand Army of the Republic— Yeager Post, 
No. 13, was originally organized Dec. 10, 1866, and, 
as its number indicates, was one of the first in 
the State. William J. Weiss, Charles Bachman, 
Theodore Buker, Oscar T. Hoffman, Jacob A. Arnold, 
Walter H. Vandyke, William H. Blank, Walter H. 
Seip, Dallas C. Zander, George Hepler, William 
Rhen, Henry C. Wagner, David R. Deifenderfer, 
Peter H. Berndt, Franklin Fatzinger, Charles H. 
Knauss, William Schwartz, John W. Reber, Francis 
Sourwine. 

The post was disbanded, and reorganized under a 
charter bearing date Oct. 24, 1874, with the following 
members: Henry C. Wagner, James B. Hamersly, 
Edward Wilt, Matthias Ault, George De Cell, Philip 
R. Palm, William Schwartz, Joseph Wilt, Franklin 
Fatzinger, Henry Heckler, Allen Helfrich, David 
Deifenderfer, William Baker, Thomas Zeigler, Fred- 
rick Weisbach, Augustus Ritter, Israel Troxell, Har- 
rison Geiger, Jonathan Reiber, Amos Weiss. The 
present officers of the post are : C, Griffith A. 
Scholl ; S. V. C, Andrew Snyder; J. V. C, George 
W. Bagwell; Chap., Reuben Hein ; Q. M., John 
Schroth ; O. M. S., Thomas Laubach ; O. of D., Har- 
rison Kern ; 0. of G., Fred. Wilt; Adjt., J. J. Buck- 
miller; Surg., James Berger ; Sergt.-Major, Charles 
Hcinze. 

E. B. Young Post, No. 87, was organized Oct. 19, 
1877. The charter members were E. B. Young, U. S. 
Litzenberger, D. Murath, J. B. Hamersly, Leonard 



Killian, Jairus Bernhead, Ignatz Gresser, E. L. Ham- 
ersly, Charles A. Harris, H. C. Wagner, H. C. Huber, 
H. T. Bleckley, F. G. W. Fatzinger, Allen Wolf, H. 
A. Schwartz, Lofe Knerr, Lewis Warner, R. Ham- 
ersly, ( ). T. Hoffman, B. F. Frederick, Jeremiah Mur- 
ray, and G. F. Ensheimer. The present officers are : 
C, A. M. Weissc; S. V. C, Charles Miller; J.V.C., 
Reuben Brader; Q. M., H. A. Schwartz; Surg., Sol- 
omon Gildner; Chap., Ignatz Gresser; O. of D.,G. H. 
( rood ; < >. of < >., Charles Issamoyer. 

.lames A. Garfield Camp, No. 6, Sons of Veterans. 
— The camp was instituted on March 17, 1881, by 
Mr. Charles Morrison, Adjutant of the Pennsylvania 
Division, with the following officers and members: 
C, George J. Klein ; First Lieut., W. H. Sleider ; Sec. 
Lieut., S. J. Menninger; Chap., Charles \V. Gorauflo; 
Serg. of the Guard, George Gressor; Color-Sergeant, 
George Mohr; Corporal of the Guard, Charles W. 
Harris; Orderly-Sergeant, Harry F. Miller; Quarter- 
master-Sergeant, W. H. Wolf; Camp Sentinel, Charles 
Tice; Picket Sentinel, Ulysses Horn ; Trustees, John 
Allen, William H. Sleider, and H. B. Frederick. 

The members are William H. Smith, Eugene S. 
Keck, Peter Becker, Allen E. Wolf, Elmer P. Werley, 
Eugene H. C. Keck, Harry Dreisbach, Herbert Tool, 
George W. Fisher, Walter Smith. 

No name for the camp was adopted until the assas- 
sination of President James A. Garfield, when it was 
decided that a more appropriate name than that of 
the illustrious President could not be chosen. His 
name was adopted on Oct. 24, 1881. 

The following are the present officers of the camp : 
Captain, William H. Abbott; First Lieutenant, John 

E. Schuon ; Second Lieutenant, George Mohr ; Chap- 
lain, Benjamin Herbster; Sergeant of the Guard, Ed. 

Reichard; Color-Sergeant, ; Corporal of the 

Guard, William Killian; Orderly-Sergeant, Harry E. 
Newhard; Quartermaster-Sergeant, F. Zimmerman; 
Camp Sentinel, ; Picket Sentinel, O. Lau- 
bach. 

Camp 63, Junior Order Sons of America.— The 
first camp in Lehigh County, located at Allentown, 
was instituted at the Columbia Engine-House on 
Hamilton Street, between Seventh and Hall Streets, 
on the night of June 12, 1860, the installation officers 
being William A. Maize, C. Dunkelberger, and S. 
Parmer, delegated by Camp 1 of Philadelphia, then 
at the head of the order, with the following charter 
members: W. J. Wieder, George Moser, E. C. Huber, 

F. T. Good, Charles Gros, E. G. Scholl, J. A. Blumer, 
A. M. Springer, M. Dunlap, W. N. Smith, Charles H. 
Knauss, James Bieber, T. V. P. Reiss, and H. W. Cole. 
The following officers were duly elected and installed : 
Past President, E. C. Huber; President, W. J. Grim ; 
Vice-President, T. S. P. Reiss ; Master of Forms and 
Ceremonies, A. M. Springer; Conductor, Milton Dun- 
lap ; Recording Secretary, J. A. Blumer; Financial 
Secretary, F. T. Good ; Assistant Recording Secretary, 
H. W. Cole; Treasurer, James Beiber; Inner Guard, 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



219 



W. N. Smith ; I >uter • luard, George F. Moser. The 
weekly dues were then sis cents. The first delegates 
to the fifth session of the State Camp, a1 Pottsville, 
were VV. J. Grim, Luther Mennig, and A. M. Sprinj 
on July 1st. 

Camp moved to third floor of building al pn sent 
637 Hamilton Street in August, I860. A large num- 
ber of tin- members having about this date enlisted in 
tlu- service of the United States, in April, 1861, the 
following resolution was passed, that all such mem- 
bers be exempt from dues and fines, as also commend- 
ing their noble acts. The meetings now instead of 
being weeklj were only held monthly until June 2, 
1862, when the last recorded minutes appear, the 
camp having suspended on account of the enlistment 
of the greatest number of it- members. 

On the night of June 3, 1868, a meeting of young 
mm. all being former members of Camp 63, Junior 
Order Sons of America, was held in the hall of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, the object being to re- 
organize old Camp 63. Charles Knauss was called to 
the chair, W. J. Reichard secretary, and F. G. W. 
Fatzinger assistant secretary, when a committee was 
appointed to procure from \V. J. Weiss, a former 
member, the books and other property of the old 
camp. Through the instructions of < 'ounty President 
Hallowell, of Philadelphia, the old members were 
permitted to reorganize. On June 12, 1868, old Camp 
63 was reorganized by the election of the following 
officers: Past Pres., Charles H. Knauss; Pres., F. G. 
W. Fatzinger; Vice-Pres., A. P. Steckel ; Rec. Sec, 
W. J. Reichard; Asst. Rec. Sec.,"W. K. Ruhe; Treas., 
A. P. Zellner; Fin. Sec, A. P. Rhoads; I. G., T. S. 
P. Reiss ; O. G., George Weiss; C, Charles Jennings. 

On July 31, I s ;:;, a special meeting of the P. O. S. 
of A., at Allen town, was called by the I>i-trict Presi- 
dent, H. B. Yingling, for the purpose of instituting 
Camp 196, the third camp in the city, with the follow- 
ing charter members: A. D. Burger. Asa Keck, John 
Hardigan, Allen Burger, John Sands, George Wieand, 
Milton Strauss, G. W. Johnson, John Ginkinger, 
William Nonenmacher, W. G. Hoffman, Granville 
Bchlauch, Thomas Lewis, John Wieder, Daniel Esch- 
enbach, Lewis Escheubach, John Eckert, Milton S. 
Grim. 

The following officers were elected and installed : 
Past Pres., W. G. Hoffman; Pre-.. A. I). Burger; 
Vice-Pres., John Sands ; M. of F. and C, G. W. John- 
son ; C, Thomas Lewis; Rec Sec, John T. Eckert ; 
Fin. Sec, A. G. Keck ; Treas., William Nonenmacher ; 
I. G., Granville Sehlaueh ; O. G., Daniel Escheubach. 
On March 22, 1877, Camps 196 and 63 deeming it to be 
for the best interests of the order, then laboring under 
the financial depression which affected all interests, to 
consolidate the two camps under the name and title of 
Camp 63. 11. B. Yingling, of said Camp 63, was in 
March, 1X77, authorized to effect such a consolidation, 
if possible, and succeeded in so doing on March 29, 
1877, when Camp 196 held its last meeting, and trans- 



ferred its mi mbership and property over to the new 
rtgime. 

National Camp. — Up to March 5, 1872, the subordi- 
nate camps in the United States worked under their 
respective Stati with a general or supreme 

head for the government of the entire order. Such a 

SSary head being apparently mees-arv. on March 

5, 1872, the following-named delegates, representing 

the several State- named, assembled in the hall of 
Camp 63, P. O. S. of A., at Allentown, and organized 
what is now known as the National Camp of the 
P. < ». S. of A. The names of delegates were as fol- 
lows: New York, James 1!. Kilbourm : I T. 
Case, Francis Weeks, George D. Weeks, R W. S. 
Horn medien, Joseph Monk, Joseph B. Pollock, Jan 
P. Walker, S. N. Lecomte, Henry Quieripel, Jr.. 
Joseph Dixon, John B. Bacon, Joseph Scott, J. M. 
Van Olinda, I leorgi F. I loachman, Dovide Romaine. 

Pennsylvania, Jame- K. Helms, F. E. Stees, H. J. 
Stager, George West Blake, D. Orr Alexander. 1. G. 
Boat, R. H.Rice, M. Alexander. J. Hony James, J. II. 
Hoffer.W.B. Miller. George II. Kreisher, W. B. Hill. 
H. C. Stout, T. H. Garrigheus, II. M. 1 isher, M. 
Graver, and F. G. W. Fatzinger. of Camp 63. 

New Jersey, E. Z. C. Judson. 

Maryland, Joseph W. Miller. 

Delaware, S. H. Quay. 

The following officers were elected: Pres., H. 
J. Stager, Pennsylvania; Vice-I'rcs., E. /.. C. Jud- 
son, New Jersey ; Sec, H. W. Wilkinson, New York; 
Asst. Sec, Lewis H. Quay, Delaware; M. of F. 
and C, James B. Kilbourn, New York; Marshal. 
Joseph H. Miller. Maryland : Sergeant -at Arms, II. C. 
Stout, Pennsylvania. 

Local Military Companies.— The first military 
company in Allentown, of which any record has been 
preserved, was the Lehigh Artillerists. This com- 
pany was organized in 1827, electing William Fry 
captain, and he with other officers was duly commis- 
sioned by Governor Wolf. Three years later, in con- 
sequence of a misunderstanding, Capt. Fry resigned, 
and John F. Ruhe, Jr.. was elected in his place. The 
company existed unchanged for tour years alter that, 
and then, their commissions having expired, many of 
the old members withdrew. Their places, however, 
were taken by new men, and Samuel Gum perl was 
elected captain of the reorganized company. U.S. 
Morehead succeeded Gumperl a< captain, and the 
company was kept in active existence for many years. 

In 1836 the Harrison men in the Artillerist- with- 
drew, and organized the Harrison Guards, with Jacob 
D. Boa- as captain, and Reuben Strauss as tir>t lieu- 
tenant. From this time on there was much rivalry 
between the companies, and in 1810 considerable 
warmth of political feeling, the Guards being uncom- 
promising Whigs and the Artillerists Democrats. 

In later years tin Jordan Artillerists, of which 
W. H. Gausler was captain, and the Allen Infantry. 
of which Thomas Yeager was captain, together with 



220 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the Allen Rides, T. H. Good, captain, were the militia 
companies of the town. 

The Allen Rifles originated in L849. On the 6th 
day of August, in that year, a number of the citizens 
of Allentown met for the purpose of organizing a 
military company, and adopted the name " Lehigh 
Feneihles." This organization remained in a pros- 
perous condition for nearly one year under Capt. 
Hiram Yeager. Subsequently, on the 10th day of 
.Inly, 1850, the " Lehigh Fencibles" having ceased to 
c\ist, another company was formed under the name of 
" Allen Rifles, most of the men who were formerly of 
the " Fencibles" joining, and aiding in the organiza- 
tion, electing Tilghiuan H. Good (now colonel com- 
manding Fourth Regiment, National Guard of Penn- 
sylvania) as captain. John P. Dillinger became captain 
in 1859, but soon after gave place to the former captain, 
T. H. Good. April 13, 1861, two days previous to the call 
of President Lincoln for troops, the citizens of Lehigh 
and Northampton Counties called a public meeting at 
Easton, " to consider the posture of affairs and to take 
measures for the support of the National Government." 
At this meeting the First Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers was formed. The captain of the " Allen 
Rifles" (Col. T. H. Good) was chosen lieutenant-col- 
onel of the regiment, in conjunction with Capt. Samuel 
Yohe, of Easton, as colonel, and Thomas W. Lynn 
as major. The "Allen Rifles," having by this trans- 
action lost their captain, quickly proceeded to form 
themselves into a new company, retaining, however, 
the name "Allen Rifles," and on the 18th of April, 
1861, left for Harrisburg, and were there mustered 
into the service on April 20, 1861, as Company I, 
First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, being in 
all eighty-one men and officers. Having served their 
three months' time they returned to Harrisburg, where 
the men were honorably discharged and mustered out 
of service with the regiment on July 23, 1861. After 
a few weeks out of service the Forty-seventh Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers was formed, with 
Capt. T. H. Good at its head as colonel, and a large 
part of the members of the " Allen Rifles" joined the 
regiment, while the others soon re-enlisted in the 
Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers and other reg- 
iments. All but a few of the men received commis- 
sions during the war, ranking them from lieutenant to 
colonel. After the war was over those still living were 
honorably discharged and returned to their homes, and 
on June 30, 1870, the company was reorganized under 
the old name, T. H. Good as captain ; Andrew C. 
Nagel, first lieutenant; and Charles Mertz, second 
lieutenant. Subsequently, Capt. Good having again 
been promoted to the rank of colonel, First Lieut. 
Andrew C. Nagel was elected captain, and commis- 
sioned Oct. 12, 1874, with Charles Mertz as first lieu- 
tenant, and James R. Roney as second lieutenant. In 
1876, Lieut. Roney was promoted to the rank of major 
and aide-de-camp on Second Division Staff (Gen. Bol- 



to fill the vacancy. When the labor riots broke out 
in 1877 the " Allen Rifles" were stationed at Allen- 
town Fair Grounds, and together with the other com- 
panies of the Fourth were marched through that 
famous cut on the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
road, at Reading, Pa., quelling the rioters successfully. 
They were also stationed in readiness at Harrisburg 
in ease of necessity, and together with Company B of 
the Fourth came back to Allentown in time to prevent 
riot then brewing at that place. On May 5, 1879, 
Capt. Andrew C. Nagel resigned, and on June 19, 
1879, Maj. James R. Roney was elected captain. On 
the 28th day of July, 1880, Lieut. John L. Stiles re- 
signed, and on Sept. 11, 1880, Lieut. Hoffman died. 
On Nov. 26, 18S0, an election was held, when Sergt.- 
Maj. A. J. Reichard was elected first lieutenant, and 
First Sergt. William D. Mickley second lieutenant. 
This company is now in a prosperous condition, and 
has the following officers: James R. Roney, captain ; 
A. J. Reichard, first lieutenant; William D. Mickley, 
second lieutenant; H. A. Weller, first sergeant. 

An attempt was made in 1852 to organize a company 
to be uniformed according to the style of the Revolu- 
tionary soldiers and to be called the Continental 
Guards, but no organization was effected. The 
present Allen Continentals, or Company B, Fourth 
Regiment Pennsylvania National Guards, in which 
this idea regarding uniform has been carried out, was 
organized June 21, 1869, as the Allen Zouaves, C. D. 
Lehr captain, and with about forty-three men, in- 
cluding commissioned officers. The first appearance 
in public beyond the local turnouts was at the annual 
encampment in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, during 
the Centennial, when they appeared in Continental 
uniforms, and were the only company in this distin- 
guishing dress. During the year previous, 1875, they 
had discarded the name of Zouaves and selected that 
of Continentals, at the same time ordering the new 
uniforms that attracted so general attention during 
the Centennial encampment. During the riots of 
1877 the Continentals, as Company B, did good ser- 
vice in protecting property, and were highly com- 
plimented by those in authority. They were among 
the troops that passed through the memorable "deep 
cut" in Reading, and sustained considerable injury at 
the hands of the rioters, twenty-one of the company 
being wounded by the missiles. This company is one 
of the most remarkable in the State, and upon several 
occasions has stood alone in proficiency, being for 
several years the only military organization inspected 
by State authorities that reached the average of one 
hundred, which indicates perfection in all departments. 
This has been maintained year after year, leading the 
crack companies of Philadelphia that have had an or- 
ganization for a much longer period than they. Capt. 
Lehr, the present efficient commanding officer, has 
always held this commission since the starting of the 
company, with the exception of three months, when 
he was elected major of the Fourth Regiment. He 



THE CITY OF ALLBNTOWN. 



221 



is tlie ranking captain in this regiment, and his < • • 1 1 1 - 
mis-ion is No. B in date in the State. The present 
commissioned officers arc: Captain, 8. 1). Lebr; First 
Lieutenant, George B. Both; Second Lieutenant, 
Clinton Engleman. 



CHAPTER XX I. 

THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN— (Coulii /,. 

Miscellaneous Mattere. 

Gas-Works.— Gas was first introduced in the town 
by Dr. William F. Danowsky, w ho erected small works 

on his own lot for household use in 1850. 1 Not long 
after this he was induced to supply a lew merchants 
and others in his immediate neighborhood, and for 
this purpose laid zinc mains along the north side of 
the street in the block in which he resided, Hamilton 
Street, between Seventh and Eighth. His experi- 
ments proved completely successful, and a great 
desire was kindled among the people to have this 
method of lighting generally adopted. The capacity 
of the works was of course small, yet a portion of 
those desiring gas in various parts ot town could 
readily have beeu accommodated if it had not been 
for Dr. Danowsky's inability to meet the heavy ex- 
pense of laying street mains. The novel idea was 
suggested in this emergency that persons desiring the 
use of the gas should provide themselves with gum or 
leather receptacles to be kept in their cellars or other 
convenient places to connect with the house or service 
pipes, and these receptacles were then filled as often 
as they became exhausted from a huge rubber bag, 
which, after being filled at the works, was carted ale nit 
to the residences of consumers. Such was the begin- 
ning of the use of gas as an illuminator in Allentown. 
In the course of a year or so Dr. Danowsky, yield- 
ing to the requests of many citi/ens, erected works 
on a much larger scale than the original ones, on the 
(.Id school lot next to the jail. Zinc mains were laid 
along Hamilton Street to Ninth, and on several other 
prominent streets. The business grew steadily and 
prosperously. In 1S53, Mr. Nathan Laudenslager 
became associated with the originator of the works, 
and soon assumed superintendence of them. Dr. 
Danowsky having numerous applications to erect gas- 
works in other towns, concluded to sell out his in- 
terest here, and to accept the engagements offered 
him elsewhere, which proved to be (juite remunera- 
tive. He found ready purchasers in .Messrs. Blumer, 
Line & Co., who, with Mr. Laudenslager. became the 
sole owners in 1859. Prior to this time, however, 
Danowsky and Laudenslager erected the works on 



1 It may interest some to know that ttie first city in the United States 
lighted with gas was Baltimore, in 1821. I t red in 1822, and 

in 182 I the New York Gas-Light Company was started, although nut in 
operation until 1*J7. 



Jordan Creek, at Fourth and Hamilton Streets, which 
were rendered necessary by the increased consump- 
tion of pis in -lores and dwelling-houses. 

.Mr. Laudenslager remained in partnership with 
Messrs. Blumer, Line & Co. until 1871. when he sold 
to them his half-interest. There were at that time 
about eight miles of iron pipe in use, the zinc Oni 

having been discarded in 1854. The consumption 
reached nearly a million cubic feet per annum, which 
was paid for at the rate of three dollars and fifty cents 
per thousand feet. About tin- time a charter was 
granted for a new company, but no organization was 
made under it, and the only effect was to cause a re- 
duction in the price of gas. In L872 7:; the prest nt 
gas-works, near the depot, were built, and the com- 
pany thus obtained greatly-increased facilities for 
the production of gas. The company had a large 
number of patrons, and did quite a 8U1 cessful busi- 
ness, but at length became very seriously involved in 
other enterprises they were carrying on and failed. 
The works were sold by the sheriff in 1878, and Wil- 
liam W. Kurtz, of the linn id' W . W. Kurtz & Co., 
bankers and brokers of Philadelphia, became the 
purchaser. The business was conducted by him until 
1882, when the works passed into the possession of 
a company, incorporated January 3d of that year, 
under the title of the Allentown 1 ras Company, with 
a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 
The incorporators were William W. Kurtz, William 
B.Kurtz, M. L. Kauffman, Robert Iredell, Jr., C.W. 
Cooper, A. J. Martin, E. S. Martin. William H. Sow- 
den, and H. K. Kurtz. The works are now carried 
on by this company under the following officers, viz. : 
William W. Kurtz, president; H. K. Kurtz, secretary 
and treasurer; William W.Kurtz, William B.Kurtz, 
( '. W. Cooper, Esq., M. L. Kauffman, Esq., and A. J. 
Martin, directors. 

Allentown Passenger Railroad. — The street rail- 
road had its origin in an act of the Legislature passed 
March 21, 1865, incorporating the company for the 
purpose of constructing a street railroad from some 
point on Hamilton Street mar its western end to 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad Depot, with extensions 
to Catasauqua and to the Allentown [ron-Works. 
The former was never constructed, and the main line, 
with the latter-mentioned extension, not until after 
another act had been passed supplementary to the 
fust, ami enlarging the powers of the company. This 
act was approved March 4. 1 S68, and work was com- 
menced soon after. The original corporators were 
John Y. Bechtel, Henry C. Longnecker, John Smy- 
lie, John D. Stiles, Samuel Lewis. William S. Marx. 

William H. Blumer, Jesse M. Line, Christian Pn 

Algernon Roberts. Samuel McHose, David Thomas, 
Samuel A. Bridges, John H. Oliver, James W. Fuller. 
Peter Weikel, William H. Hoffman, Joseph F. New- 
hard, Tilghman W. Kramer, and Allied .1. Martin. 
Ofthese incorporators and stoi ) Samuel Li 

was elected president, and has been continued in that 



222 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



office to tin- present. The work was carried on under 
his direction, and cars commenced running in 1869. 
The capital stock of the company was fixed at one 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars (with power to in- 
crease), and the construction and equipment of the 
road cust nearly one-third of that sum, or more ex- 
actly, about forty-five thousand dollars. The com- 
pany has eighl ears and two omnibuses, and twenty- 
six horses. About inn thousand passengers are carried 
daily, — a number scarcely sufficient to make the road 
profitable. The present officers of the company be- 
sides the president are J. E. Balliet, secretary and 
treasurer, and Russell A. Thayer, secretary. 

Loan and Building Associations.— A large num- 
ber of these valuable organizations have arisen, flour- 
ished, and passed away within the past few years. 
In differing degrees they have all accomplished good. 
All have had the title "loan and building associa- 
tion" except one, the Penn Land and Loan Associa- 
tion. The others which have been in existence in 
Allentown were the Lehigh, Union, Farmers' and 
Mechanics', American, Jordan, Equitable, National, 
Home, Hope, Workingmen's, and Security. Of these 
all but five have wound up their affairs, their respec- 
tive missions being accomplished. The Equitable, 
Home, and Workingmen's are about to pass out of 
existence at this writing, and the Security and the 
Hope are the only ones still in operation. 

The H°pe Saving and Building Association was 
organized in April, 1881, with the following officers, 
who are still in position : President, William Berke- 
meyer; Vice-President, Charles 0. Schantz; Treas- 
urer, C. M. Keck ; Secretary, Elias Mertz. Directors, 
Lewis Wolf, Jr., Joseph A. Ruhe, Levi Butz, J. E. 
Mitchell, Moses Flexer, Samuel J. Brobst, C. A. 
Bachman, F. T. Jobst, J. W. Meisner. The board of 
directors has undergone a change, and is now consti- 
tuted as follows: J. Edgar Mitchell, Solomon S. 
Frederick, Moses Flexer, S. J. Brobst, Levi Butz, C. 
A. Bachman, Lewis Wolf, Jr., Joseph Harting, F. T. 
Jobst. 

The Security Building Association was organized 
Dec. 8, 1882, and its charter secured in the following 
January. The officers elected were President, L. P. 
Hecker; Vice-President, William Roth; Treasurer, 
Joseph Balliet ; Secretary, C. R. James, Esq. Direct- 
ors, H. M. Leh, Augustus Weber, A. W. Lee, H. T. 
Kleckner, and G. W. Harrar. This association was 
organized with a view to actual wholesale building, 
and upon a very sale plan, involving several features 
new in Allentown, though a similar association had 
been in existence in Reading for sonic time previous 
to the organization here. 

The Keystone Mutual Benefit Association.— This 
home life insurance company was chartered by the 
Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania in February, 
1878, and was authorized to transact its business of 
insurance on the mutual plan, and as soon as the 
organization of the association could be effected the 



society began active operations. And, notwithstand- 
ing the fact that the history of the Keystone covers 
a period of years the most disastrous known in the 
history of life insurance, owing to the large number 
of speculative companies that were brought into ex- 
istence by unscrupulous parties, it is gratifying to 
note that this ably-managed institution begins the 
seventh year of its existence with its reputation un- 
tarnished. The association has two plans of insur- 
ance, — the ordinary life and the endowment plan. In 
the ordinary life plan, the applicant, to secure a policy 
of one thousand dollars, is required to pay a premium 
fee of eight dollars; five dollars annually for the 
next succeeding three years, and thereafter two dol- 
lars annually during life, together with mortality 
assessments graded according to age, and ranging from 
fifty-eight cents for the age of twenty-four years and 
under, to three dollars and forty cents for the age of 
sixty-five years. The association does not permit of 
large policies, the highest in this plan being three 
thousand dollars. The endowment plan requires each 
member to pay an admission fee, and annually en- 
dowment premiums, together with mortuary assess- 
ments, graded according to age. The highest policy 
issued in this plan is two thousand dollars in this 
part of the State. The officers of the association are 
Dr. W. H. Hartzell, president; John E. Lentz, vice- 
president; Rev. Dr. A. R. Home, secretary; Elias 
Bittner, treasurer ; John L. Moyer, general superin- 
tendent; and they with the following gentlemen form 
the board of directors: A. M. Schantz, B. D. Keck, 
T. J. Schmoyer, Elias Mertz, Esq., and A. D. Dresner. 
The other officers of the association are Dr. W. H. 
Hartzell, medical adviser; Hon. Edward Harvey, 
solicitor; F. S. Wilt, special agent. The present 
secretary of the Keystone, who is rapidly extending 
the business of the association, was president of the 
company for four years, and is probably as thoroughly 
conversant with the details of life insurance as any 
other insurance man in the country. 

Archaeological Collection.— Quite a remarkable 
and valuable collection of relics of the mound- 
builder and Indian races is owned by Mr. A. F. 
Berlin, who has for many years devoted his leisure 
time to the study of archaeology, with the result of 
attaining not merely local celebrity, but a wide fame 
among those of our country who have studied the 
ancient people of the continent by aid of their scat- 
tered domestic.and art remains in stone and flint and 
pottery-ware. Mr. Berlin's cabinet contains about 
two thousand six hundred specimens, including In- 
dian arrow-heads, knives, fleshers, needles, pipes, 
beads, gorgets, stone axes, rollers, pounders, grinders, 
and scores of other articles of use or ornament which 
belonged either to the Indians or mound-builders. 
Many of these were gathered in the Lehigh Valley, 
and others came from the western part of this State, 
from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missis- 
sippi, and other Southern States, from California, 



THE CITY OF ALLKNTOWN 



223 



Oregon, and other regions of the far West, from 
South America and Europe. The collection, having 

i, ,n made by ;i man thoroughly versed in the Subject 

of archaeology, is one of rare value, and probably has 
ao superior among private cabinets in Eastern Penn 

sylvania. 

Cemeteries. — The Allentown Cemetery Associa- 
tion, which controls the burying-ground adjoining 
tin- Methodist Episcopal Church, on Linden Street, 
had its origin in 1846. The original record states 
that, " Whereas (Rev.) Charles S. German, being the 
owner of three contiguous piei es oi ground situate on 
the north side of Andrew Street, in the borough of 
Allentown, bounded on the south by said Andrew 
Street, on the east, north, and west by public twenty- 
foot alleys, containing in front on said Andrew Street 
one hundred ami sixty feet, and in depth two hundred 

and thirty feet, proposes to sell the said ground for a 
cemetery, divided into lots agreeably to one of two 
certain plans or drafts thereof made and to lie sub- 
mitted to, and adopt* d h\ , a majority of the subscri- 
bers or purchasers, at ten dollars per Int. We, the 
subscribers, therefore agree to pay to the said Charles 
S German, his heirs, executors, or assigns, the sum 
ol nil dollars for each lot." Then followed the names 

of subscribers, as follows: Peter Newhard, E. R. New- 
bard, John I. Smith, Aaron Wint, Abraham New- 
hard, Michael Uhler, Thomas 15. Wilson, Samuel 
Lightcap, Eli S. Beiry, C. Pretz, John tiroes, Charles 
11. Martin, Ephraim Grim, I. W. Hornbeck, Henry 
Weinsheimer, diaries F. Martin, Charles Keck. Silas 
H. Newhard, George Lucas, David Stem, Joseph K. 
Saeger, Peter Koons, ■ Gibbons, John Appel, Sol- 
omon Keek, Moses Keck, Thomas Gangwere, George 
Beisel, Elizabeth Stein, Nathan Dresner, Joel Krauss, 
Elizabeth Keck. Joseph Knau.-s, Jesse Keck, Solomon 
Knause, Tilghman H. Martin, George Keck, Daniel 
Gangwere, Thomas Wickert, W. & B. Craig, Nathan 
Eberhard, Benjamin German, Tilghman Good, Wil- 
liam W. Selfridge, William Fry, Samuel A. Bridges, 
W. J. Hoxworth. 

For some reason the price of lot- was changed from 
ten dollars for one lot to sixteen dollars lor two lots. 
Shortly after the subscription was made, upon March 
9, L846, the persons interested assembled at the house 
of John Gross, and appointed a committee t" draft a 

constitution, which was subsequently adopted. Peter 
Newhard was chosen president, Ephraim Grim treas- 
urer, and John Gross trustee. The first managers 
were Joel Krauss, Christian Pretz, and John Cross. 

The present officers are: President, Jonathan Rei- 
chard ; Secretary and Trustee, J. F. Newhard ; Treas- 
urer, Nathan Laudenslager ; Managers, Tilghman 
Stetler, Thomas Moore, Ephraim Grim, Nathan Lau- 
denslager, and < i. R. Hoffman. 

Union Cemetery, on Tenth Street, was the next 
burial-place set apart and laid out after the one on 
Linden Street, by the Methodist Episcopal church. 
The Union Cemetery Association held its fir.-t 



ing April 28, 1854, and was chartered tin same year. 
The first officers elected were: President, J. 1>. Law- 
all: Secretary, .1. F. Newhard; Treasurer, William 
S, Young; Trustee, Nathan Dresher; Managi 
Lewis Schmidt, Benjamin J. Hagenbuch, and Mifflin 
Hannum. Eleven acres of land, extending from 
Tenth Street nearly to the alley beyond Eleventh, 
and from ('hew to a line half-way between Turner 
and Liberty, was purchased from Jacob Miller and 
Jacob Hagenbuch at two hundred dollars per acre. 

The hits were laid out One rod square, and at first 

w.rc drawn by ticket and sold at six dollars each, 
though a short time afterward- they commanded ten 
dollars, and have now reached a value of eighty to 
one hundred dollars. There are over twelve hundred 
1 ts in the cemetery, all of which have been sold. 
The first person buried in this cemetery was John 
Diefenderfer. In 1855, Charles Saeger became presi- 
dent of the association in place of Mr. La wall, who 
was, however, again chosen to that office in 1- 
The presidents from that time to the present have 
been as follows: 1859, Daniel Bitter: 1865, Joseph 
Young; 1868, William W. Weaver: 1869, William 
H. Blumer; 1871, Nathan Metzgar; 1878, Thomas 
Steckel, who is now in the office. The present secre- 
tary is J. C. Anawalt, and the treasurer C. II. Rube. ■ 

The lots iu the Union I !emi tery having all been sold, 
and the greater part of its available space utilized 
for the burial of the dead, a number of the citizens 
of Allentown purchased from the Penn Mutual Life 
Insurance Company of Philadelphia, at eleven hun- 
dred and fifty dollars per acre, nine acres of land ad- 
joining the Union Cemetery, and extending from 
it to Twelfth Street, and north and south from Chew 
Street to Liberty, which they laid oil' in burial-lots, 
and named the West End Cemetery. This was in 
November, 1882. The association is separate and 
distinct from that which controls the Union Ceme- 
tery. West End contains six hundred lots, each six- 
teen by sixteen feet, of which considerably more than 
a third have been sold. 

The beautiful cemetery about three-quarters of a 
mile distant from the city on the opposite side of the 
Little Lehigh is called Fairview, and is under the 
control of the Fairview Cemetery Association of Al- 
lentown. The petition for incorporation, signed by 

ge Fry, F. M. Kramer, J. J. Stein. William 

Kichline, Charles Eckert, Charles Kline, and R. S. 
Shimer, was presented to the ( lourl of < lommon Pleas, 
Sept. 16, 1870, and the charter granted November 11th 
of the same year. The first officers elected were: 
President, Charles Kline; Secretary. Jacob J. Stein; 
Treasurer, Charles Eckert: Superintendent, Charles 
K. Heist; Board of Managers, Franklin M. Kramer, 
Charles Eckert, Charles Kline, Reuben S. Shimer, 

rge Fry. Jacob . I. Stein, anil William Kichline. 

The land which was to constitute the cemetery, thirty- 
acres in all, was purchased from Charles Eckert, 
William Kichline, and William Pry's estate at five 



2-14 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



hundred dollars per acre, and the work of laying it 
out suitably lor the purpose designed was proceeded 
with in 1871. The plan followed was a very tasteful 
one, and the cemetery soon presented a beautiful ap- 
pearance. An appropriate entrance lodge of stone 
was built on the Eniaus road, and a receiving vault in 
the farther part of the grounds. Large sums of money 
were expended in beautifying this resting-place of the 
dead by the plentiful introduction of trees and shrubs, 
and much care has been bestowed in keeping them iu 
thrifty condition, as well as maintaining neatness in 
the walks and drives, and upon the grass plats. 
About five hundred burials have already been made 
in Fairview. Of the original officers of the associa- 
tion but one (Mr. Eckert) retains place. The present 
list is as follows: President, Ephraim Grim; Vice- 
President, Esaias Rehrig ; Secretary, W. J. Stein ; 
Treasurer, Charles Eckert ; Superintendent, Joseph 
Clauser; Board of Managers, Ephraim Grim, Esaias 
Rehrig, Charles Eckert, Morgan F. Medlar, Andrew 
Mohry, Oscar E. Holman, and Milton Kichline. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JESSE liRIM. 
Gideou Grim, the great-grandfather of Jesse, emi- 
grated from Germany. His son, Henry, who accom- 
panied his father, became a farmer in Macungie, Le- 
high Co. (then a portion of Northampton County). His 
children were five sons and two daughters, of whom 
Jacob, the eldest, was born on the homestead, and 
married Catharine Huddenstein. Their children were 
five sons and two daughters, among whom was Jesse, 
the subject of this biography, born Nov. 5, 1794, in 
Macungie, where not only his boyhood but the greater 
portion of his later life was passed. After a period of 
youth spent at the public school of the neighborhood 
and in New Jersey, he engaged with his father in 
labor on the farm, which subsequently became his by 
inheritance, and which he continued to cultivate until 
his removal to Allentown, in 1847. Here he found a 
field for his energies in the erection of buildings, and 
in the cultivation of land in the suburbs, which was 
later embraced within the city limits. He is still a 
resident of Allentown, and in a vigorous old age 
(being in his ninetieth yean finds active employment 
for his willing bauds. Mr. Grim was married, in 
1818, to Miss Mary Knabb, daughter of Peter Knabb. 
Their children are Ephraim, Jacob, William, Walter 
I., and Deborah (Mrs. William Edelinan). The death 
of Mrs. Grim occurred in June, 1864. Mr. Grim, 
as a relaxation •from the daily routine of labor, in 
early life devoted some attention to the political 
issues of the day. He was, as a representative of the 
Anti-Masonic party, elected to the State Legislature 
in 1833-34, and was also appointed commissioner to 



purchase lands for the county poor-house. He was 
afterwards made director of the poor, which office he 
filled with fidelity and ability. On the formation of 
the Republican party he became one of its active sup- 
porters. Mr. Grim, among his building enterprises, 
erected the Eagle Hotel in Allentown, which was con- 
sumed by fire in 1848, and rebuilt by him. He is in 
his religious convictions a Lutheran, and member of 
St. Michael's German Lutheran Church of Allen 
town. 



THOMAS BUT/.. 
Abiam Butz, the father of Thomas, removed in 1793 
from Long Swamp township, Berks Co., to the town- 
ship of Whitehall, in Lehigh Co., where he purchased 
the land now embraced in a portion of the property 
of the Thomas Iron- Works, at Hokendauqua. Here 
he followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, 
which occurred in December, 1826. He was united in 
marriage to Esther Egner, and had children, — Thomas 
and Anna (Mrs. Peter Mickley). The former, who is 
the subject of this biographical sketch, was born Nov. 
3, 1798, in Long Swamp township, Berks Co., and at 
the early age of five years became a resident of White- 
hall township. Here, during youth, he became famil- 
iar with the routine of a farmer's life, and continued 
thus employed until 1853, when active labor was 
abandoned, and two years later Allentown became 
his home. After a residence of seven years in the 
latter city, Mr. Butz returned to the scenes of his 
early life, and for the succeeding seven years his 
residence was in Whitehall township. Allentown 
again became his home in 1869, where he continued 
to reside until his death, on the 24th of March, 1880, 
in his eighty-second year. His wife still survives, 
and resides in Allentown. Mr. Butz possessed strong 
force of character, great aptitude for business, and a 
matured judgment, which rendered his counsel inval- 
uable. These qualities contributed greatly to his suc- 
cessful career. He was in politics a Republican, 
having formerly been identified with the Whig party, 
though not in an official capacity. He was formerly 
a member of the German Reformed Church of Egypt. 
and later, of the Whitehall Reformed Church. He 
contributed liberally to the erection of the latter, and 
served as treasurer of its building fund. Mr. Butz 
married Maria Elizabeth Beil, of Northampton 
County, and had children, — John Peter (deceased), 
Thomas F., Eliza Ann (Mrs. Daniel Troxell), and 
Elenora L. S. 



JOSHUA STAHLER. 
Nicholas Stabler, the grandfather of the subject of 
this biographical sketch, was born in Upper Mill'ord, 
Lehigh Co. (formerly Northampton County), and 
married to Barbara Baer, whose children were Loh- 
rens. Daniel, Jacob, Elizabeth, and Magdalena. 



/ 



' 




THOMAS BUTZ. 






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<H)0^zM^ ^M l^o^ 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



225 



Lohrens was born April 19, 1779, in Dpper Milford, 
where his life waa spent in the pursuit of his trade of 
carpenter and as :i prosperous farmer. He was also 
for thirty-five years a justice of the peace and sur- 
veyor. IK' was united in marriage to Magdalena 
Reinhard, born Aug. 12, 1789, and had children, 
—Joshua, Reuben, Joel, Dan, Asor, .Mary Mrs. 
Charles Klein), Anna (Mrs. William Reichenbach), 
Sarah .Mrs. Solomon Schantzi, and Zillah (Mrs. Arali 
Ortt). Mr. Stahler died Aug. 15, 1854, in his seventy- 
sixth year, and his wife in her eighty-eighth year. 
The birth of their son, Joshua, occurred on the -'1 of 
October, 1814, in Dillingereville, Upper Milford town- 
ship, on the spo! which had for many years been the 
home of his ancestors. The log school-house of the 
neighborhood afforded him the earliest opportunities 
for education, though a habit of reflection and close 
observation aided largely in fitting him for a success- 
ful career as a business man and a public official. He 
engaged in teaching for a period of eight years, and 
subsequently learned the trade of blacksmith, which 
was followed in the immediate vicinity of his birth- 
place. He was on the 17th of December, 1837, mar- 
ried to Sarah, daughter of David Stahler, of the same 
township, to whom were bom five children, all now- 
deceased. Mr. Stahler pursued his trade for ten years 
with success, after which it was relinquished for the 
less laborious calling of a merchant and landlord, to 
which was also added the occupation of a farmer and 
the profession of a surveyor. He was, as a Democrat, 
in 1S44, elected justice of the peace, and re-elected on 
the expiration of his term. In 1851, on being elected 
register of Lehigh County, Allentown became his 
residence. He was in 1854 elected associate judge 
of the county court, and filled the office for two suc- 
cessive terms. He was then elected alderman of 
Allentown, and re-elected to the same office. Mr. 
Stabler has been identified with the public interests 
of the city of his residence, and a promoter of all 
measures tending to its moral and material progress. 
In religion he was educated in the tenets of the < Ger- 
man Reformed Church. 



DAVID WEIDA. 
I'eter Weida, the grandfather of David, was an 
earl] resident of Berks County, his father having 
emigrated from Germany anil settled in Pennsyl- 
vania. He removed to Lehigh (then Northampton] 
County in 1803, ami married Charlotta Stump, of 
Lancaster City and County, to whom were born chil- 
dren, — John and George. The death of Peter Weida 
occurred Feb. 21, 1837, and thai of ilia wife Jan. 18, 
1835. Their son, John, was born in Berks County, 
and removed with his parent- to Lehigh County, 

where he foil,, wed the pursuits of a farmer and r- 

chant. He married Elizabeth, daughter of David 
Kuhns, whose children were lienjaniin, Maria Mrs. 

Stephen llartmani, David, Anna (Mrs. Benjamin 
16 



Koch, i i, i', ter, Elizabeth (Mrs. W. I\ Boffi 

Solomon, and Sarah I.Mrs. William II. Wetherhold). 
Mr. Weida died March 11, 1864, and bis wife Nov. 9, 
1854. Their son, David, was horn May 4, 1814, in 

Lowhill town-hip. Be enjoyed the advantages of a 
common-school education supplemented bj a brief 

period in New Jersey and at the Allentown Academy, 

and early became an assistant to bis father in his 

daily avocations. Be began commercial operations 
in connection with his brother in 1 -:i- as a mi reliant 
at Weidasville, Lowbill township. This was con- 
tinued for a limited time, the cultivation of a farm 

and the business of a butcher also engaging his 
attention. Saving acquired a competency which 

enabled him to retire, he, in 1858, made Allentown 
his residence. Mr. Weida was, in 1838, married to 
Miss Caroline Krause, daughter of Philip Krause, of 
Saegersville. Their two children are Owen J. and 
Sarah E. I Mrs. Lewis 1). Krause). Mr-. Weida died 
on the 11th of May, 1854, and he was again married 
Sept. l, 1857,. to Mrs. Jonas Haas, daughter of Andrew 
Sheffersteine, whose death occurred March 11, 1877. 
Mr. Weida has been identified with the Allentown 
Bank as director, and during his active career was 
frequently called into service as the administrator of 
estates and to other important offices of trust. He 
was in politics, formerly, a Whig, and later became a 
Republican, lie is a member of the Lutheran Church. 



SOLOMON BOYER. 

Frederick Beyer, or Boyer, emigrated to America 
about the year 1733. He came from the Palatinate; 
was a member of the Reformed Church, and no doubt 

left his native country to seek a h e where he might 

serve God in accordance with the dictates of his own con- 
science. He settled on the banks of the Lehigh River 
a short distance from what is now Rockdale. Here 
he located several hundred acres of land, mostly cov- 
ered with timber and underbrush, and requiring haul 
labortobring ii to a state of cultivation. While work- 
ing in his meadow be was waylaid and shot by an In- 
dian. He was married and had a son, Henry, who, 
after he had grown to manhood, became the pos 
sessor of the homestead. Be was married to Margaret 
Hanky, to whom were boru four sons and three daugh- 
ters. Among his sons was John, born on thi 26th day 
of December, 1781, and baptized on the 2d day of Feb- 
ruary, 17s:>, by the Rev. Vanderschloot, his sponsors 
being John Schlicher and bis wife, Magdali ne. 

Be was married in 1802 to Elizabeth Reber, and 

purchased B farm about three miles north of his native 
home, on which he resided for several years. Having 
-old this, lie purchased land nearer his parents, « here 
be -pent the greater part of bis life, being a farmer 
and dealer in cattle. Alter the Lehigh Canal was 
finished he was also engaged in running boats from 
Mauch Chunk to Philadelphia. 



226 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



After the death of his wife, he resided with his son, 
Solomon, at Rockdale, with whom he removed to 
Allentown in the spring of 1871, and died on the 20th 
of February, 1874. His remains were buried in the 
cemetery belonging to the Onion Church, in North 
Whitehall. Many of his children died young. Those 
who survived were: Elizabeth (married to Daniel 
Woodring, who died February, 1842), Folly (married 
to Abraham Woodring), Solomon, Daniel (who lived 
near the old homestead, and married Salome Klotz), 
George (who moved when young to Western Penn- 
sylvania, where his descendants are now living), 
Elizabeth (married to Abraham Schneider), Maria 
(married to Andreas Walp), and Salome i married to 
Christian Horn). 

Solomon was born Oct. 29, 1810, in Heidelberg 
township. During his boyhood he attended school at 
the Union Church, which required a daily walk of four 
miles. He early sought employment as a boatman on 
the Lehigh and Delaware Canals, and continued thus 
engaged for six successive seasons, after which his 
attention was diverted to the pursuits of a farmer. In 
1842 he purchased the hotel and store at Unionville, 
and managed both for two years, when he resumed 
again the labor of the farm. The same year Mr. 
Boyer erected a hotel and store at Rockdale Station, 
North Whitehall township, where he became landlord, 
merchant, and postmaster. In 1857 he purchased the 
East Penn Furnace, which was sold after an owner- 
ship of six years. After an active business life, ex- 
tending over a period of many years, he sold the prop- 
erty at Rockdale Station and retired to his comfortable 
home in Allentown. Mr. Boyer was married, Oct. 
29, 1843, to Miss Lucy Ann, daughter of John Miller, 
of North Whitehall township, whose birth occurred 
March 11, 1825. Their children are Flora E. (Mrs. 
John Koch, Jr.), Lucinda (Mrs. John H. Beck), 
Anna Maria (Mrs. E. R. Newhard), John P. (married 
to Miss Lvdia Hunsieker), Lewis F. (who in 1874 
spent three months in Europe), William H. (married 
to Miss Mary Herman), Amaudus 0. (married to Miss 
Ella Kerns), James Oliver (deceased), Agnes M., Ida 
R., Lillie O, and Sallie J. 

Amandus O., while superintending the working of 
what is known as the Henninger iron-ore bed, in 
North Whitehall township, was instantly killed by a 
cave-in. He was at the time managing a pumping 
donkey at the bottom of the pit. 

Mr. Boyer, in addition to his furnace interest, was 
for many years engaged in the purchase and sale of 
real estate. He continued these operations on his re- 
moval to Allentown, and also became owner of various 
iron-ore beds, which he still continues to work. 

In October, 1809, Mr. Boyer, his son, John, and his 
son-in-law, John H. Beck, started with several hun- 
dred hands for Texas, where he graded five miles of 
the Memphis, Fl Paso and Pacific Railroad, after 
which he removed to Arkansas, and graded eight miles 
of lie Little Bock and Fort Smith Railroad. 



If is a director of the Allentown National Bank, 
and of the Carbon Manufacturing Company. In pol- 
itics he is a pronounced Democrat, but not ambitious 
for the honors of office. He is actively identified with 
the German Reformed Church as an elder and treas- 
urer of the organization. He was also prominent 
during the period of its erection as a member of the 
building committee. Mrs. Boyer and all the sons and 
daughters are members of the same or other churches. 



WILLIAM II. TAYLOR. 

It is an agreeable task to commemorate an active 
and useful life. If it be a worldly favor to the hand 
that presents the sword of honor to the victor, or the 
decoration to successful merit, it is a quiet but not 
less grateful privilege to be, to the deserving, the 
channel of their remembrance and praise. 

William H. Taylor, the subject of this biography, 
the son of William H. and Mary Ann White Taylor, 
was born on the 23d of January, 1827, at Birmingham, 
England, where his father was a prominent jeweler 
and silversmith. America offering advantages superior 
to the old world, in 1S35 the latter, accompanied by 
his family, removed to this country. 

William H. Taylor received a rudimentary educa- 
tion, and at an early age evincing a talent for mechan- 
ics, was apprenticed at the age of eighteen to Charles 
Dantforth, at Paterson, N. J., with whom he remained 
until the completion of his apprenticeship. Desiring 
a more extended knowledge of mechanics, he spent 
several years visiting the most prominent works, gain- 
ing new ideas, strengthening his mechanical abilities, 
and attaining proficiency in all departments of me- 
chanical labor. 

In 1851 he was married to Catharine G. Deeths, 
daughter of Nicholas and Ann Deeths, of Paterson, 
N. J., to whom were born three children, — Emma G., 
married to Arthur D. Troxell ; Cassie G., married to 
Albert G. Wheeler ; and William H.,all of whom sur- 
vived him. 

In 1852, Mr. Taylor visited California, but returned 
in a short time to assume a responsible position. In 
1865 the failing health of his wife compelled a trip to 
Europe, and while abroad additional mechanical 
knowledge was acquired. On his return, in 1866, he 
assumed an interest in the Watson Manufacturing 
Company, Paterson, N. J. This continued until the 
following year, when he embarked in a new enterprise, 
in which was laid the foundation for his subsequent 
extensive trade in machinery and machinists' supplies. 
His previously acquired knowledge of machinery and 
his natural mechanical genius now came into full ex- 
ercise. Accompanying these was decided capacity for 
business, great energy id' character, and remarkable 
discernment in the prosecution of his enterprises. 

A large portion of his trade emanating from Penn- 
sylvania made it advisable to seek a location more 




jArv^-0r^) 







Jfafi-n^i; ^G&rv#? M -7 






^jZC*^ 







HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I-. M i-- I; a, daughter of Abram Born, of Allen- 
town, io whom were born children, rgi EL, Wil- 
liam &.., Charlea L., Mary, Eliza (Mrs. George Seis- 
. and .Sally i.Mrs. Cli 11 Edwards . .Mr. 
Laudenslager is in politics a Democrat, but has ;i>- 
pired to mi office other than thai of water commis- 
sioner, which In- held for four successive years. II.' 
is a member of the German Reformed Church, as was 
also his uiir, who,,, death occurred June •'!, 1883. 
He is an active Odd-Fellow, member of Allen Lodge, 
No. 71, of I. O. O. F., and of Union Encampment, 
No. L2, of which he has been lor thirty-three years 
tri a-urer. 



i nu uiii b. rot m;. 



Edward B. Young, the grandson of Christian and 
Catherine Young, and the son of Joseph Young and 

his wife, Hannah Blumer, was born in Allcntown on 
the 6th of September, 1830. He was educated at the 
Allentown Seminary, then under the administration of 
Rev. Dr. Kessler, and as a school-boy he was distin- 
guished for his close application tohis studiesand the 
high sense of honor which characterized him through 
life. When between fifteen and sixteen years of age he 
removed to Bellefonte, Centre Co., Pa., and served an 
apprenticeship of nearly three years at watchmaking, 
w inch trade he never followed, having been called home 
to enter the hardware house of Barber, Young & Co. 
He remained with this firm as general clerk and sales- 
man until 1860, when he was admitted as a partner, 
and continued so until his death. As a business man 
he was prompt, energetic, and enterprising. In Feb- 
ruary, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary A. Kuhns, 
daughter of the long-since deceased Peter Kuhns. 
One daughter and two sons are the children of this 
marriage. 

Col. Young's career as a citizen is one reflecting 
honor and credit upon himself and his native city. 
All matters affecting the welfare of the city, State, 
and country had his active support, and all the public 
trusts reposed in him were sacredly guarded. As a 
citizen he was progressive, public-spirited, and liberal, 
lie served the Second Ward of Allentown in Select 
Council, and in various other capacities. Formally 
years he was the treasurer of the Columbia Fire Com- 
pany, ami felt a great interest and pride in the excel- 
lent lire department. In 1862, when the rebels first 
in vailed Pennsylvania, he entered the service with the 
State militia, and in June, 1803, on the second inva- 
sion, enlisted as second lieutenant in Co. H, Twenty- 
seventh Pennsylvania Militia. Ibis regiment was 

Subsequently mustered into the T'nited States service, 
and joined tin' Army of the Potomac al Waynesboro. 
In the engagement at Wrightsville, Lieut. Young 
showed great coolness and bravery. 

Whatever services Col. Young may have rendered 
his fellow-citizens and country, it is as mayor of \i 



lentOWU that he is held in the highest esteem. In the 
spring of 1876, after a stubborn contest, he was elected 

by a majority of sixty-nine. His administration of 

the office demonstrated the wisdom of hi- election. 

As the "Centennial mayor" he gave the city a mu- 
nicipal government which was eminently judicious 
and successful. During the memorable labor riots of 
1^77, Mayor Young displayed those desirable quali- 
ties which great emergencies call forth. By his in- 
flexible will, cool determination, and « ise forethought 
lie saved the city from scenes of violence ami blood- 
shed which marked the suppression of the riots iu 
other cities of the State. He saw the gravity of the 
situation, and saved Allentown from the turbulent 

scenes which might have followed the administration 
of a less determined man. 

Col. Young was a man of more than local reputa- 
tion. I le was one of the prominent men of the Slate. 
He was a member of the Staff of Governors llartranft 
ami llo\t. He represented Lehigh County in the 
Republican State Central Committee, and for a num- 
ber of years was chairman of the Republican County 
Executive Committee. He was a delegate to the Na- 
tional Convention at Cincinnati in 187(i, and fre- 
quently represented the county as delegate at State 
conventions. As a politician he was active and en- 
thusiastic, contributing liberally of his means to the 
successful termination of campaigns. He was one of 
the best workers in the Republican party, free and 
outspoken in his convictions, and commanded the 
respect of his political opponents. 

Col. Young's standing in the Masonic order was 
very exalted. He had Conferred upon him the thirty- 
second degree by the Philadelphia Consistory. He 
was a member of Barger Lodge, Allen Chapter, Allen 
Council, and Allen Commandery, and a past officer 
of each. He was recognized as one of the brightest 
Masons in the State, and exercised great influence in 
the fraternity. 

He was an active member of the Grand Armj of 
the Republic, and one of the originators of Post 87, 
of this city, now E. B. Young Post, of which he was 
the first commander. At the time of his death he was 
quartermaster of the post. He was also an ex-member 
of the Council of Administration of the State Depart- 
ment, Grand Army of the Republic, and represented 
his post at many encampments. 

In the capacity of prison inspector he exercised the 
same excellent qualities that characterized all his 
business and administrative relations, and demon- 
strated the fitness of his appointment. 

He was a supporter and trustee of the Presbyterian 
Church, and ever ready to liberally aid the cause of 
Christianity and morality. 

The death of Col. Young occurred Dec. 30, 1879, 
in his forty- fourth year. 





/ 



<%/ 





Zl//tu7V J l£)ffvyrVOufi~~~y 




M. D. EBERHARD. 



THE CITY OF ALLENTOWN. 



229 



MARTIN KEMMERER. 
.Mi-. Kemmerer is both on t!ie paternal and mater- 
nal side of < rerman descent, the families having been 
very early settlers in the Stair and county. Ili^ 
grandfather, Henry Kemmerer, resided in Salisbury 
township, where he cultivated a farm. His children 
were Jacob, I leorge, John, Adam, I tenry, Martin, and 
three daughters. Martin, the youngesl of these sons, 
married Deborah Walter, and had children, — Maria 
(Mrs. Adam Laudenschlager), Philip, Henry, David, 
Solomon, Martin, and Daniel. M r. Kemmerer removed 
in 1821 to Upper Milford township, where his death 
occurred in 1854. His son, Martin, was horn in Salis- 
bury township, Dee. 28, L818, and at an early age re- 
moved to Upper Milford. Here he enjoyed but 
meagre advantages of education, and until his 
twentieth year found active employment on the (arm 
of his father. He then sought a broader field of ac- 
tivity in the West, and, making Ohio his residence, en- 
gaged for a while in traffic. On returning he was 
married to Miss Sarah, daughter of J. W. Bruner, of 
Upper Milford township, whose children are William 
(deceased), Mary Ann (.Mrs. Jacob M. Backenstoe, of 
Salisbury township), Sarah A. (Mrs. Philip B. Kem- 
merer, of Illinois), Leah ( Mrs. Thomas Leidy, of Berks 
County), and Martin (deceased . In 1842 Mr. Kem- 
merer purchased the homestead farm and engaged for 
twenty-four years in its cultivation and improvement 
and in the business of mining and lumbering, after 
which, in 1867, he removed to Allentown, his present 
residence. Here he is occupied in the purchase and 
sale of real estate on a considerable scale. He is in- 
terested in many of the important business ventures 
of the city, as vice-president and direct or of the Second 
National Bank of Allentown, director of the Lehigh 
Furnace, etc. In politics he is a stanch Republican, 
and in 1845 was in a township largely Democratic 
elected justice of the peace, and served during an ex- 
tended period of twenty years. Other offices of minor 
importance have at various times been held by him. 
Mr. Kemmerer is in his religious faith a Lutheran, 
and member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church of 
Allentown. 



stt'iictor and an organist. This profession he followed 
for many years, anil later embarked in the lumber 
business, which was continued for several years. 

Mr. Eberhard was married, in 1821, to Miss Eliza- 
beth Knepply, daughter of Matthew Knepply, of 
Upper Saucon, Lehigh Co. Their only child is a 
daughter, Maria E., now residing with her fathei 
The death of Mis. Eberhard occurred on the 1st of 
October, 1879. Mr. Eberhard has been, since the 
organization of the party, an active Republican, and 
though not an aspirant lor position, has held several 
minor offices in the city of Allentown. He was for- 
merly a director of the Northampton Bank, and other- 
wise interested in public and business measures. Mr. 
Eberhard is in religion a member ot Zion's German 
Reformed Church, in which he has officiated as elder 
and was for many years treasurer. 



MICHAEL Ii. EBERHARD. 

The Eberhard family are of German descent. The 
grandfather of the subject of this biographical sketch 
was Michael, whose son, Henry, married Miss Anna 
Maria Dubbs, who was the mother of three children. 
Michael D., Jacob, and Catherine (Mrs. Charles F. 
Dickenshied). Michael D. was horn on the 20th of 
September, 179f>, in Upper Milford township, Lehigh 
Co. (then Northampton County), and removed with 
his father in 1810 to Allentown. His earliest advan- 
tages of education were received at a school in the 
vicinity of his home, after which he pursued his studies 
in Philadelphia. He then engaged in teaching, and 
being also proficient in music, became a musical in- 



REV. EDWIN WILSON HUTTER, D.D. 

Edwin Wilson Hutter, who was named for his ma- 
ternal grandfather, James Wilson, was the son of 
Charles L. and Mary Wilson Hutter. He was of 
German ancestry, and born in Allentown, Lehigh 
Co., Pa., Sept, 12, 1813. His grandfather, Christian 
Jacob Hutter, settled in Lancaster before the Revo- 
lution, but later in life removed to Easton, where he 
established the Senlim i newspaper, and where Charles 
L., the father of Edwin W. Hutter, was born. In 
1811, Charles L. Hutter removed to Allentown, and 
continued the publication of the Republikaner, which 
had been started by his father. Upon the death of 
Charles L. Hutter, Edwin W. Hutter returned from 
school at Nazareth, and at the age of sixteen took the 
editorship of his father's papers, — the Independent 
Republikaner and the Lehigh Herald, and at the same 
time assumed a parental relation towards a large 
family of younger brothers and sisters. 

While yet in his minority Mr. Hutter was ap- 
pointed, in 1832, by Governor Wolf, prothonotary of 
Lehigh County, and afterwards, by Amos Kendall, 
postmaster of Allentown. He continued in the latter 
position until 1839, when, under the administration 
of Governor Porter, he accepted a position in the 
Surveyor-General's office at Harrisburg. He was 
next called to the editorship of the Keystone. While 
at Harrisburg he established a German paper, — the 
Pennsylvania Stunt Zeilung, and was elected State 
printer two successive terms. He next became editor 
of the Democratic Union, the organ of that party, and 
at the beginning of Governor Porter's second term 
was appointed deputy secretary under Hon. Anson 
V. Parsons, Secretary of the Commonwealth. At the 
commencement of President 1 'oik's administration 
Mr. Hutter removed to Washington, where he was 

for three years private secretary to Bon. James Bu- 
chanan, then Secretary of State, at the close of which 
he returned to Pennsylvania, and became the editor 



230 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ami proprietor of the Lancaster Intelligencer and Jour- 
nal. During his connection with the Intelligencer he 
delivered a eulogj upon Mr. Polk, which was praised 
for its grace and the ability displayed, and was re- 
published in several newspapers. Before Mr. Mut- 
ter decided to enter the ministry, as an inducement 
to keep lii in in political life, President Polk offered 
him the position of minister to Koine, which he de- 
clined. 

He was married to Miss Elizabeth E. Shindel, 
daughter of Col. Jacob and Elizabeth Shindel, and 
granddaughter of Baron Peter Shindel, of Lebanon, 
Lebanon Co., Fa., though natives of Germany. Their 
children were two sons, — Christian Jacob, who lived 
to be two years and twenty-four days old, and .lames 
Buchanan, whose godfather was James Buchanan, ex- 
President of the United States, who died when three 
years and a half old. On the death of these children 
Mr. Hotter felt impelled to devote the remainder of 
his life to the preaching of the gospel. 

In the summer of 1849 he was urged by the Lutheran 
Board of Publication, at Baltimore, to take charge of 
the Lutheran Book Concern, and to assist in conduct- 
ing the Lutheran Observer,to which he assented, read- 
ing theology, in the intervals, under Rev. Benjamin 
Kurtz. D.D., its senior editor. He was licensed to 
preach by the Synod of Pennsylvania (the mother 
Synod of the Lutheran Church), at Pottsville, June, 
1850, and preached one of his first sermons at Allen- 
town. During the summer he visited Philadelphia, 
and preached two sermons in the old Pine Street 
Presbyterian Church, where he was heard by some of 
the members of St. Matthew's Church, at whose in- 
stance he was invited to preach in the pulpit of the 
latter, which had shortly before become vacated by 
the resignation of Dr. Stork. The discourse was so 
satisfactory to the congregation that on the following 
day they convened a meeting, and extended to Mr. 
Hutter a unanimous call, which he accepted, and 
entered upon his pastoral duties early in September, 
1850, where he continued to labor until his death. 

As a marked evidence of his sincerity it may be 
mentioned that in accepting his first and only call the 
question of salary was a matter of no moment to him. 

Immediately before he accepted the ministry of St. 
Matthew's a colony of some forty families had gone 
out from it, with Rev. Dr. Stork, to Spring Garden 
and Thirteenth Streets, but these vacancies were 
speedily filled, and during Mr. Hutter's ministration 
over eight hundred members were added to the church. 
All the indebtedness was extinguished, and several 
Lutheran churches in the city have grown out of the 
missions originating under his ministrations. 

The numerical growth and financial condition of 
St. Matthew's have been such that at various times in 
its history it has been instrumental, through its mem- 
bers, in originating and establishing other prosperous 
church enterprises. St. Mark's, on Spring Garden 
Street, near Thirteenth ; St. Luke's, on Fourth Street, 



near Thompson ; St. Peter's, on Peed Street, near 
Ninth; Grace Church, Spring Garden and Thirty- 
fifth Streets; and Messiah, Sixteenth and Jefferson 
were severally started and fostered by this 
congregation. Together with the parent church these 
congregations are all in a growing condition. 

In addition to his other labors, Mr. Hutter was one 
of the editors of the Lutheran Observer from 1857 to 
L870, and upon the death of Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, on 
Dec. -t, lsiio, pronounced the eulogj on his life and 
character, at Selinsgrove, Pa. 

Mr. Hutter was much opposed to the dissolution of 
the Union, and equally energetic in his opposition to 
the war, preaching strong and powerful sermons in 
defense of the Union, which were extensively printed 
in the leading papers of the city of Philadelphia and 
throughout the State. But when the conflict seemed 
inevitable, he assumed a decided position as an ad- 
herent of the government and the flag which was so 
dear to his heart. During the most memorable days 
of the struggle he did much to relieve the sick and 
wounded soldiers, laboring upon the battle-field of 
Gettysburg, where, with characteristic kindness, he 
ministered alike to Union and disunion soldiers. 

At the first battle of Bull Run President Lincoln 
telegraphed for Mr. Hutter, who with his wife first 
passed through the Union lines. He enjoyed the 
confidence and respect of the President, who often 
summoned him for consultation. Mr. and Mrs. Hutter 
frequently visited the sick and wounded soldiers in 
the hospitals at Washington, through the Shenandoah 
Valley, and at City Point, distributing money, food, 
and clothing, and doing much by their presence to 
soothe and cheer the sufferers. Mr. Hutter was one 
of the managers of the Refreshment Saloon, which 
fed many thousand soldiers on their way to the battle- 
field. He was one of the originators of the Soldiers' 
Orphan Schools throughout the State, and in frequent 
consultation with Governor Curtin. He was one of 
the founders of the Industrial Home for Blind Women. 
He was a member of the board of trustees of the 
Northern Home for Friendless Children and Soldiers' 
and Sailors' Orphans, and dedicated the first Soldiers' 
Orphan School in America. By order of the board of 
trustees of this institution his bust in marble was 
placed in the large committee-room of the building. 
There is also erected in the large chapel of the Home 
a memorial window, depicting the ascension with the 
inscription, " He being dead yet speaketh." He left 
Lehigh County in 1839, and labored successfully for 
the last twenty-three years of his life in Philadelphia, 
but ever maintained the warmest attachment for the 
county of his birth and the friends of his youth. 

In 1868, Mr. Hutter received the degree of Doctor 
of Divinity from the Pennsylvania College at Gettys- 
burg. In 1871 his health began to fail in conse- 
quence of his severe and too often self-imposed labors 
in his parish. Nothing was too hazardous or trying 
in aid of his church. In the pulpit, in the Sunday- 










&0?r^ /s 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



231 



school, and especially among the poor and intirm.the 
sick ami the dying, as friend and counselor, he was 
ever ready, never thinking of himself or his personal 
comfort. Be was a prodigious worker, and spoke Eng- 
lish ami German with unr inon facility. In society 

lie was agreeable and refined, especially among people 
of learning, lie hail a rich fund of humor, anil his 
short newspaper paragraphs abounded in wit. A deep 
thinker and a close reader, he gave tone ami dignity 
to evi rything he discussed, and all the newspapers he 

conducted weir marked by his stroll": and vigorous 
style 

The death of Dr. llutter occurred Sept. 21, 1873, in 
his sixty-first year. His remains are buried in Laurel 
Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia. 



EDWARD S. SHIMER. 

The pioneer of the Shinier family was Daniel, who 
emigrated from Germany at an early date. Among 
his sons was Adam, whose son Jacob was the great- 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He sett led 
at Shimersville, in Upper Milford township, Lehigh 
Co. Among his sons was John, born on the home- 
stead where he resided. He was by occupation a 
farmer, and also officiated as the justice of his town- 
ship. He married Saily Van Buskirk, and had chil- 
dren, — Jacob B., John B., Charles B., August B., and 
two ilaughters. Charles B. cultivated the homestead 
farm, where his life was spent. He married Anna 
Schantz, of Whitehall township, to whom were born 
children, — eight sous and two daughters. 

The birth of Edward S., the third child, occurred 
at Shimersville, July 13, 1832. He was instructed in 
the rudiments of English at the school near his home, 
and later became a pupil of the seminary at Stewards- 
Kile, X. J. His business career soon after began as 
a clerk at Emaus and Shimersville, a brief period 
having been spent at each place. At the age of sev- 
enteen he removed to Allentown, since that time his 
residence, where be spent three years in the store of 
H. Guth & Co. He next became a clerk for Messrs. 
Grim iV Bellinger, with whom, after a service of five 
years, he was admitted as a partner. At the expira- 
tion of the second year the firm became — by the 
retirement of Mr. Grim — Messrs. Reninger & Shinier, 
and later E. S. Shinier A: Co. 

After a business association embracing a period of 
twenty-eight years, and involving numerous changes, 
he established in 1S7!I a house for the sale of carpets, 
oilcloths, etc., of which he is the present head. Mr. 
Shinier is a man of much energy and determination, 
which, with clearness of judgment and a well-balanced 
mind disciplined by habits of acute observation, have 
been the important levels to lii- success as a business 
man. He is hugely identified with public interests, 
■s trustee of Muhlenberg College [since its establish- 
ment), director of the Millerstown Bank of Macun- 
gie, the Millerstown Iron Company (located at the 



same place), the Allen fire Insurance Company, 
and member of the B Trade of Allentown. 

In politics he i- a Republican, and a- the candidate 
of that party was elected lo the oilier of mayor of 

Allentown in 1884. Mr. Shinier was married, Oct. 
'■'A. is.'i::, to Mi-- Ann Catherine, daughter of Charles 
and Julia Kramer, of Allentown. Their children 
are Alice M. (wife of Dr. J. D. Christman) and Edgar 
C. Mr. and Mrs. Shinnr and their children are mem- 
bers of St. John's Lutheran < 'hiireh of Allentown. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
BOROUGH OF CATASA1 QD v. 

Tins vigorous little Vulcan of the valley has an 
interesting history, albeit it is one which extends 
through scarcely more than twoscore years. It owes 
its origin and growth to the successful solution of the 
long-vexed problem of how to make iron by the use 
of anthracite coal as fuel. The Lehigh Crane Iron 
Company began operations here in 1839, with David 
Thomas as their superintendent. They sought to 
make iron with the fuel which nature had placed 
in vast abundance in the Lehigh region, succeeded in 
a degree equal to their most sanguine hopes, and the 
industry established by the company built up a town 
on this favored spot which had for a hundred years 
been farming land, its owners never anticipating the 
busy scenes to be enacted upon it. 

Catasauqua takes its name from the creek which 
empties into the Lehigh River below it, though this 
appellation must have been originally applied by the 
Indians to some tract of land upon its banks, for it 
means literally "dry ground" or "burnt ground.'' 
It is not improbable that it was a term used to desig- 
nate a spot which the aboriginal inhabitants swept 
with fire in successive years, for the purpose of de- 
stroying the undergrowth that they mjght better 
follow the chase. Such was their custom in many 
localities. However this may have been, we find the 
name first used by the whites to designate the small 
stream which is also marked on some old maps " Mill 
Creek," from the fact that the first mill in the neigh- 
borhood was built upon its bead-waters by Thomas 
Wilson in 1735. The name was originally spelled 
" Catasocque," but it is probable that its proper pro- 
nunciation is better represented by the present or- 
thography. 

I'or a number of years after the settlement of the 
town it was called Crane vi lie, in honor of the Welsh 
ironmaster with whom David Thoma8, the father of 
the works, established here, bad been associated in 
making hi- expei imenta with anthracite coal as a fur- 
nace fuel. It is a fact not commonly known that in 
1 B 15, when the idea of making a change was agitated, 



232 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the name " Sideropolis" was suggested as the 11:1111. of 
the village, and actually used for a brief season. 
This Greek name meant Iron City. Application is 
said to have been made to the Postmaster-General to 
have the post-office name also changed from Crane- 
ville to " Sideropolis," but if such petition was ever 
made it was not granted, and shortly afterwards tin- 
soft and musical Indian appellation was happily 
adopted. 

Origin of Land Title. 1 — The town is situated on a 
portion of a tract of land containing two thousand seven 
hundred and twenty-three aeres, and part of a tract 

often thousand acres. It was described as follows: 
" Beginning at a black oak standing on the east bank 
of the West Branch of the Delaware [the Lehigh is 
always called the West Branch of the Delaware in old 
land warrants | (about two hundred perches in a north- 
erly direction from the northern point of the large 
island in the Lehigh River (at Allentown), thence 
by land of Caspar Wistar east two hundred and two 
perches to a small hickory; thence by vacant land 
north 6° 47' west twelve hundred and eighty-eight 
perches to a post in a line of John Page's other land; 
thence by the same and land of William Allen west 
four hundred and forty-two perches to a Coder stand- 
ing on ye hank of said West Branch (about forty 
perches in a southerly direction from the mouth of 
Hockquandaugoa Creek, at the village of Stemton); 
thence down the West Branch, the several courses 
thereof, to the place of beginning, containing two 
thousand seven hundred and twenty-three acres, being 
part of ten thousand acres devised by William Penn 
unto his daughter Letitia, who afterwards intermar- 
ried with William Aubrey of the city of London." 

The ten thousand acre tract was afterwards trans- 
ferred by William and La'titia Aubrey unto John 
Knight of the Liberty of Westminster, in the county 
of Middlesex. England, by indenture bearing date 4th 
and 5th November, 1724, and conveyed by them to 
John Page of Austin Fryars, London, by indenture 
bearing date 4th and 5th November, 1730. The title 
of the ten thousand acre tract was perfected on the 
8th and 9th of February, 1731, by indenture tripartite 
made between William and Lietitia Aubrey, of the 
first part, John, Thomas, and Richard Penn, of the 
second part, and John Page, of the third part. 

The two thousand seven hundred and twenty-three 
acre tract was surveyed by Nicholas Scull, Oct. 10, 
1736, in pursuance of a warrant dated at London, Oct. 
10, 1731, in order to complete the residue and quantity 
of land conveyed to John Page. 

The patent from the proprietaries of Pennsylvania 
erected the tract into a manor by the name of Chaw- 
ton, and granted to Page and his heirs the power to 
"erect and constitute within the said manor a Court 
Baron," and leave "to have and to hold view of 
Frank Pledges for the consideration of the Peace," 

1 From an article by the late Jacob Fatzinger. 



etc., in consideration of which Page or his heirs was 
to yield and pay to the proprietaries, their " heirs 
and successors, one Red Rose on the 24th of June in 
every year forever hereafter to such person or persons 
as shall be from time to time appointed to receive the 
same." 

John Page, by his will bearing date July 18, 1741, 
devised all his land and estate in Pennsylvania to 
Evan Patterson, of old Broad Street, London, who, 
by letter of attorney dated July 7, 1750, appointed 
William Allen, of the city of Philadelphia, and Wil- 
liam Webb, of the county of Chester, his true and 
lawful attorneys, to bargain, sell, or convey any lands 
in his manor. 

Among the names of the early settlers and pur- 
chasers of this tract are those of Thomas Armstrong, 
Robert Gibson, Robert Clendennin, Joseph Wright, 
John Elliott, Andrew Mann, George Taylor, and 
Nathaniel Taylor. 

The Armstrong tract contained about three hun- 
dred and thirty acres, the greater part of which is 
now owned by Jacob Deily. This was purchased in 
1760 by George Taylor, one of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. 

Robert Gibson's tract contained one hundred and 
ninety-three and a half acres, and included the farm 
afterwards owned by the Fausts. 

That portion of the tract which constitutes the 
Deily farm, adjoining the borough, passed into the 
possession of one Eddy, of Philadelphia, about 1767. 
He sold to George Beisel, who transferred it to 
George Geisinger about 1814, who in turn sold it to 
his son-in-law, Jacob Deily. 

That portion of the tract on which the greater part 
of the town is built appears to have passed into the 
possession of Andrew Hower, and Marks John 
Biddle secured one hundred and ninety acres at 
sheriff's sale in 1795. From him Frederick Biery 
made his first purchase in 1805. Biddle also sold 
some portions of his lands to Zeigler, who sold to 
Biery and Kurtz. Hower retained a small amount 
of land until 1823, when he sold to John Peters. 

Early Residents. — Prior to the establishment of 
the iron-works the locality which was known as 
Biery 's Port was settled in about the same degree as 
the surrounding country, the few residents being 
farmers, with one or two exceptions. There were but 
four families living upon the ground which the town 
now covers, the Bierys, Fausts, Peters, and Breischs, 
and of these one family (the Fausts) were beyond the 
present borough limits. The Deilys lived in the old 
stone house south of the creek, built in 1767, and Mr. 
Kurtz west of town, on the farm where he still 
resides. 

The Bierys — Frederick and Henry — had come to 
the locality early in the present century, and bought 
the stone mill now owned by William Younger, who 
rebuilt it in 1869. Henry Biery soon removed to 
New York, and Frederick remaining, exerted his 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



233 



energy in making many improvements in the neigh- 
borhood. He carried on what was known as Biery's 
Kerry, and in 1824 built a chain bridge, which was 
■wept away by the high water of 1841. It was re- 
built the same year, and in the progress of the work 
1 lanicl Tombler received injuries from which he died, 
this bridge, which was also a chain structure, was 
Destroyed by the flood of 1862, and the present struc- 
ture was then erected. Hebuill astone tavern (still 
Handing and occupied as a private house) in 1826, 
and a stone building of the same material (also re- 
maining) in 1835; also the stone house now occupied 
by James Thomas. Tims a little cluster of buildings 
Iras in existence al the east end of Biery's Bridge 
before the site of Catasauqua had been chosen for 
manufacturing purposes. Frederick Biery was a man 
of ability, industry, and good character. His sons 
were Daniel, Jonas, Solomon, David, and William; 
and his daughters were the wives of N. Snyder. 
Samuel Koehler, and Jacob Beihle. Solomon, whose 
widow (Mary Fredericks) still resides in Catasauqua, 
seems to have inherited his father's energy, and was 
during his whole life an active character. He carried 
on the tavern for many years, and was postmaster. 
Jonas, who was engaged in the lumber trade, is now 
represented in the town by a son. 

John Peters lived at what is now the corner of 
Bridge and Front Streets, and this Spot is still marked 
by his old stone barn. He moved to this location in 
1823 from Heidelberg (where he was born in 1799), 
and bought his small farm of Andrew Hower, at first 
occupying a house which had been built by John 
Zoimdt, and afterwards erected a stone dwelling. He 
followed weaving- for nine years, and was one of the 
first lock-tenders for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company. In 1851 In' moved away, and now resides 
in Allentown with his daughter, .Mrs. Owen Schwartz. 

The Faust family, of which we have made mention, 
had been long -ettled where Walter Faust now lives, 
ju-t north of the borough boundary. The first repre- 
sentative of the family here was John Philip Faust, 
great-grandfather of the present occupant of the prop- 
erty. Jonas, his son, on the death of John Philip, 
[bout 1831, received his lands, and, dying two years 
later, the farm was accepted at its appraised value of 
fifty dollars per acre by his son Paul, who lived upon 
it until his death, in November, 1883. A portion of 
his land was divided and sold in town lots. 

Tin 1 following sketch of Paul Faust was contributed 
by Win. H. Glace, Esq., of Catasauqua, the family so- 
licitor: 

" The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 30, 
1809, and died at the homestead in Allen township, 
Northampton Co., immediately outside of the limits 
of the borough of Catasautjua. on Nov. 12, 18S3, aged 
seventy-four years, one month, and twelve days. 

"As he had spent his whole life on the farm where 
he died, and as all that portion of land comprised be- 
tween Bridge Street, west of the Howertown road, up 



to Swartz's dam, in All. n township, at one time be- 
longed to him or to bis ancestors, with the exception 
of about eleven acre-, which belonged to Henrj 
Breisch and was Bold to the late David Thomas about 
1847, it was thought a brief -ketch of the tit! 
well as of his life would not fail to prove interesting 
to at least some of the older residents of this \ icinity. 

" At the time of his birth and early manhood the 
surrounding country was but thinly settled, his near- 
est neighbors on the south being John Peter- and 
Frederick Biery, the first named living at a point 
near the canal, some twenty feet north of the plank 
walk leading to the canal bridge, the old barn belong- 
ing to his place still standing opposite Bovcr- 
store, while those on the north were Michael Fenster- 

macher and John Swartz ; on the east the Kurtzes, and 

on the opposite side of the river the Miller, Miekley. 
Butz, and Biery families. His great-grandfather, 
Henry Faust, purchased the farm — originally one 
hundred and ninety-three and a half acres— of Robert 
Gibson, a Scotch-Irish settler, who owned two thou- 

- I seven hundred and twenty-three acres in Allen 

township, embracing all that land from a point near 
Bridge Street to Stem ton, west of the Howertow n 

" Prior to the Revolution the lands hereabouts on 
it side of the west branch of the Delaware, as 
then called, was all owned by Scotch-Irish settlers; 
south of Bridge Street to Taylor's land (now Deily's) 
was owned by Jos. Wright ; that east of Howertown 
road, in Hanover township, by Robert Clendennin, 
while that north of Gibson's large tract being owned 
by Andrew Mann. 

"The immense immigration from the Palatinate at 
the invitation of Penn and his agent- in the early 
part of the eighteenth century, as well as the large 
number of Hessians who settled lower down the river 
after the battle of Trenton, began t.. crowd out the 
Irish settlers even at that early day, until now there 
remains but few of the broad acre- of Northampton 
County in the possession of their descendants. 

"Their large farms were cut up in smaller tracts, 
and under the stubborn will, patient plodding, and 
untiring industry, characteristic of the race, trans- 
ferred the wilderness and forest into the rich agricul- 
tural lands of to-day. 

"Among these early settlers was Henry Faust, 
who was born in Albany township, Berks Co., and 
was the son of one of two brothers, Bastian or John 
Faust, who had landed at Philadelphia at an early 
period of I'enn's emigration from the Palatinate, and 
settled in Berks County. He died April 14th, 1795, 
leaving to survive hint a widow and eight children. 
The eldest son, John Philip, the grandfather of Paul 
Faust, accepted the land at the appraisement, which 
was calculated in pounds, shillings, and pence. 

"He built the old stone mansion, still in good con- 
dition, and purchased five acres which was afterward- 
sold to Mr. Kratzer. who sold to John Peter, who, in 
addition to managing his small farm, carried on the 



234 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA. 



business of wesu ing. In addition, John Philip Fausl 
purchased five acres of land from Yarrick Rockel, 
being tlie land now bounded by Third, Pine, and 
Walnut Streets to Howertown road, while about eleven 
acres were sold to the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company to build the dam and canal to supersede the 
floating oi arks of coal down the river. 

'■ Upon his death, July 12, L832, leaving to .■survive 
him a widow and lour children, the eldest of whom, 
Jonas Faust, accepted the land at the appraisement 
at fifty-five dollars per acre, being the upper tract, 
while Elizabeth Knauss, his sister, accepted the 
lower tract of sixty acres, and soon alter sold to John 
Peter, who thus increased his acres to seventy-five, 
and all of which, less some lots sold, passed into the 
possession of the late David Thomas about 1850. 
Jonas Faust died the following year, after acceptance 
of the farm, leaving to survive him a widow and seven 
children, the eldest, Paul Faust, the subject of our 
article, accepted, on Jan. 24, 1834, the land at the 
appraisement of titty dollars per acre. He was at this 
time twenty-four years of age, and took upon himself 
a burden few, at that time of scarcity of money and 
poor markets, would undertake, and a less sturdier 
man would have despaired of retaining the land. 
For, in addition to the recognizances entered into to 
secure his brothers and sisters their share, there were 
those of his father's who had died soon after his 
acceptance of the land, and also three dowers, viz. : 
His great-grandmother, Catharine, widow of Henry 
Faust, who long lived on the place in a small house, 
long afterwards occupied by Jesse Brown, at the lower 
spring, now the site of F. W. Wiut & Co.'s planing- 
mill, but who afterwards remarried to a farmer named 
Huth, and died at an advanced age in Moore town- 
ship, near the Blue Mountain ; the dower of his grand- 
mother, Barbara, who died Oct. 4, 1842, at the resi- 
dence of her daughter, at the stone mansion still 
standing near the entrance of the bridge across the 
Lehigh from Stemton to Coplay ; the dower of his 
mother, who subsequently remarried Henry Breisch, 
and is remembered by the earlier residents, who occu- 
pied the farm of eleven acres and old stone house, 
lately destroyed, at corner of Third and Bridge Streets, 
which was owned and built at an early day by a farmer 
named Gross. 

" The late David Thomas came here in 1839, and 
the town of Catasauqua was commenced, but it was a 
half-mile across the fields from his farm to the works, 
with the Peter's farm between. There was no road 
where Front Street now is ; the road led from the dam 
along the canal west of the house, crossed present 
Front Street wdiere Chapel Street intersects, and was 
laid out at an early day in a direction due east, pass- 
ing where the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church 
stands, and along north side of the Breisch farm-house 
to the HowertOWn road where it intersects with the 
road to Bethlehem, which passes the farm-house of 
Henry Kurtz. 



"Prior to lStitl, Paul Faust had sold a lot to the 
Catholic Church, and a few others south of Chapel 
Street, on Front and Second Streets, which helped him , 
to pay off some of hi> liabilities; lots, however, were 
cheap, and it was not until 1865 that he was fairly out 

of debt. The last dower was paid off in 1870 upon 
the death of his mother, the widow of Henry Breisch, 
who died at Allentown, where .-he had removed with 
her husband at the time of sale of their land to the 
late David Thomas, about 1847, the previous year, at 
an advanced age. 

" By the rapid extension of the town northward, at 
the close of the war, the deceased sold about forty-five 
acres, besides the new canal tract, to the Lehigh Coal 
and Navigation Company for town lots, the greater 
portion lying in Northampton County, and at the 
time of his death bad accumulated considerable 
wealth, his land, prior to the panic of 1873, being 
valued by good judges at seventy-live thousand dol- 
lars. 

" He was the oldest of seven children, the others 
being Joseph Faust, South Whitehall ; Reuben Faust, 
Catasauqua ; David Faust, president Union National 
Bank of Philadelphia ; William Faust, of Allentown, 
lately deceased ; Elizabeth Laub, Kreidersville; and 
Maria Koch, of Allentown. 

" Mr. Faust was married, Jan. 6, 1835, to Amelia 
Brenig, who was born Sept. 7, 1816, in Long Swamp 
township, Berks Co., Pa., and was one of twelve chil- 
dren, having eight sisters and three brothers. She 
was the daughter of George Brenig and Polly Wetzell. 
His widow resides on the homestead, and the five 
children, viz., Amy Borger, at Peru, 111.; Walter, on 
the farm; Jane Koehler, in Easton ; and M. Alice 
and Clara B., with their mother. 

" His form was a familiar one to all the residents 
here, and he possessed strong physical and mental 
characteristics, which, if fortune had smiled more 
kindly upon him in his earlier years, would have 
made him a successful man in any sphere of life he 
might have chosen. Of more than average size, a posi- 
tive man of strong likes and dislikes, his confidence 
was slow to obtain, but wdien once gained it could 
not easily be shaken. His nature was too kind and 
easy, however, for that of a successful financier, and 
he was often imposed upon iu monetary matters bj 
designing, unscrupulous men, as he was loath to im- 
pute dishonesty to any one. He bad strong domestic 
tastes, was retiring in his habits, and his life was a sin- 
gularly pure one, — a man of few words, good judgment, 
and none can say that he was ever heard to speak dis- 
paragingly of or to his fellow-men. Of methodical 
habits, careful in all his transactions, leaving a record 
with his vouchers, and papers carefully kept and filed 
away, slow to make a promise, vet when once made, 
he thought it his conscientious duty to perform it, 
though at great pecuniary sacrifice. 

"All of the original land-owners here when the 
iron-works were first started have now passed away, 




Ctiud, <^La^c^L 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



235 



except John Peters, who resides at Allentown, and 
Henry Kurt/., who, at a good old age, resides upon 
his farm in I [anover tow aship." 

Ilenr\ Breiseh, who was a stone-mason, lived 
where Dr. Daniel Yoder now docs, and owned ten 
BCres of land surrounding his humble home. At the 
time the town was laid out a road extended up the 
hill from the Faust farm-house, past Breiseh's home, 
and onward to the Howertown road. The land on 
the gentle slope, where are now the best residences of 
Batasauqua, was in part tilled and in part rough pas- 
ture land, in many places overgrown with brush and 

tree.-. 

Among the lirst settlers after the establishment of 
the iron-works were the Williams family, the Fullers, 
James Lackey, Samuel Glace, Joshua Hunt, Joseph 
Laubach, Peter Laux, Charles G. Schneller, and Na- 
than Fegley. 

David Williams, father of Thomas (who was killed 
on the railroad in 1872), of David (now superintend- 
ent of the Union Foundry), of John (cashier of the 
Crane Iron-Works), and of Oliver (president of the 
Catasauqua Manufacturing Company), came here in 
1840 from Wales, and took a contract for moulding 
with the Crane Company. His death occurred in 1845. 

James W. Fuller, father of the well-known citizens 
Orange M., James W., Abbott F., and Clinton H., 
came from Freemansburg in 1S42, and died in Cata- 
sauqua thirty years later. He was a contractor and 
merchant. Four brothers of James W. Fuller ( Charles 
D., George W., Abbott, and Orlando) became resi- 
dents of the town, and their father, Chauncy D. Ful- 
ler, also settled here. He was a popular justice, and 
long in office. He died in 1867. Of his sous, only 
one is living,— Orlando, who is located in Bethlehem. 

Samuel Glace, of Luzerne County, who had been 
engaged with the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany as early as 1828, entered the employ of the 
Crane Iron Company in 1842, and settled here in that 
year. He is still living, a hale and well-preserved 
man. William H. Glace, Esq., is his son, and Mrs. 
Dr. Yoder his daughter. 

Joshua Hunt, a native of Chester County, came 
here in 1848, as the book-keeper of the Crane Iron 
t lompany. 

• lames Lackey, a native of Heading, came to Cata- 
sauqua about the time the operations were commenced 
which developed the town, and was the first merchant 
drawn hither 1>\ those operations. The Bierys and a 
man named Neilly had, however, previously kept store 
here. Mr. Lackey hail his stock of goods in a -mall 
frame house at lir>t , ami afterwards in the stone house 
where George Deily now lives. He remained in Cat- 
asauqua until 1858, when, having been elected pro- 
thouotary, he removed to Allentown, where he now 
resides. One of his daughters (Mary Margaret Hur- 
ried Esaias Rehrig, now president of the Allentown 
National Bank, who carried on boat-liuilding and the 
mercantile business in Catasauqua from 1852 to 1858. 



Nathan Fegley came to the promising new town 

soon after Mr. Lackey, and opened a store where ' 'oi 
will .V Bro. now do business. Afterwards he kept a 
temperance hotel, and in addition to his mercantih 

business opened the lirst lumber- ami coal-yard in 
Catasauqua. lie left in 1854, and his store passed 
into the possession of Weaver, Mickley & Co., a firm 
which was composed of V. Weaver, Edwin Mickley, 
Samuel Thomas, and John Thomas. 

In 1847, Joseph Laubach came Inn from Allen 
township, Northampton < Y>., ami opened a slore near 
Biery's Bridge. In 1850 he bought his present prop- 
erty, and two years later opened tin- Eagle House, 
which was the first hotel after that carried on by the 
Bierys. In this connection we will add that the Cat- 
asauqua House, of which Alfred S. Fry is proprietor, 
was built by Jesse Knauss about the same time thai 
Mr. Laubach became a Boniface, and that the present 
American House, of which C. F. Bogh is landlord, 
was built by Solomon Biery in 1856, while the Penn- 
sylvania House, now kept by Mr. Guth, was erected 
about 1857. 

The oldest merchant of the town is now Charles G. 
Schneller, he having started in business in a small 
way on Second Street and Mulberry Alley in 1848, 
and followed mercantile life without intermission 
since. In 1854 he moved to his present location on 
Front Street, where he has sold stoves and hardware 
for thirty years. He is a native of Bethlehem, and 
came to Catasauqua from Bucks County. 

Other early merchants were Getz & Gilbert, who 
established themselves in 1854; Peter Laubach, who 
opened a store shortly afterwards; and Joseph and J- 
W. Schwartz, who began, in 1856, the business which 
is still continued by the sons of the former, — T. J. and 
Prestou F. Schwartz. 

Morgan Emanuel, a native of Wales, was another 
early resident, who did much towards the development 
of the town. He died April 11, 1884, aged nearly 
eighty years. 

The population increased quite rapidly from the 
founding of the town, and in 1853 the following per- 
sons all owned property here : 



George Andrew, tailor. 
John Albright 
Nathan Andreas. 
William Biery, carpenter. 
Solomon Biery. 
Joseph Brown, tailor. 
John Boyer. 
Hugh Bratton, laborer. 
i i i Biery. 
Daniel Biery. 
Jacob Beil. 
Aaron Bart, Carpi 
John Brobst. 
William Bayard. 
Chai lee Becker, minister. 
Washburn Bough, boat-builder. 
Lewlfl Bongb. 

l.iliilnla Biel 

Stephen B 

David IS.'.l.lnii.n, weaver. 



Christian Bough. 

\ a Buchmfer, tailor. 

John Clark. 
Samuel Calvel 
William Cramaey. 
Jacob Christ. 
Charles Deiler. 

Ni.ih l>avi>. 

Daniel Davie. 

Reuben Dltgard. 

George Dell j 

Jacob Deily, wheelwright. 

Frederick Eberhard, conl i 

Morgan Emanuel. 

Samuel Evans. 

John Evan*. 

Pbllip I'enatemacber. 

Paul Faust. 

James W fuller, contractor. 

Nathan Frederick, nnk.-eper. 



236 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Thomas Frederick, meicbant. 

Jacob V. Fogel. 

Ri nit ii Fenstemat ber. 

u. in > i 'enstemacher. 

Nathan Fegley. 

George Foebler. 

Owi ii Frederick, cabinet-maker. 

William Fegley, carpenter. 

Augustus Gilbert. 

Henrj 

, boat i.iiilder. 
William Gress, mercbant and inn- 
keeper. 

Min.'lv. 

Levi Unas. 

Hi in v i [eck, aaddler. 
.Tolm Heck. 
Joabua Hunt. 
William Jones. 

JollU JlilllC^. 

David D. Jones. 

Aaron Koch. 

i iivrn Kinii/. blacksmith. 

Jesse Knuusa, liveryman. 

Wnhiw Kreider. 

John Kooos, blacksmith. 

Anthony K tin pp, mason. 

William Kratzer. 

Reuben Kratzer. 

Henry Kurtz. 

Samuel Koebler. 

James Kerr. 

A. Kromer. 

Joseph Licbtenwallner. 

James Lackey, merchant. 

Widow Leibort. 

Joseph Lanbacb, innkeepei 

S. II. Lnciar, tinsmith. 

John Laubacb. 

Laciar A Co., merchants. 

Jonas Lilly. 

Robert Mclntyre, contractor. 

Widow McAllister. 

John Mclntyre. 

Peter Morey. 

Jacob Miller. 



William McLelland. 

Vi [111 mi U illei , merchant. 

William Minnick. 

.1 lui Ha lull" 

William McLelland (3d). 

William Neigbley, carpenter. 

James Neverns. 

I»;i\ i.l tfeighley. 

in in k w Nagie. 

Samuel I.. Kevaull. 

Samuel Old. 

Reuben Patterson, shoemaker. 

I" ib Kiithmau. mason. 

William Komig. 

' lharles w. Rau, saddler. 

John Roth. 

Samuel Romick. 

Patrick Roney. 

Jacob I. ■■'■tii, Bboemaker. 

Simon Stearns, machinist. 

Jonathan sn\ der, tinsmith. 

Charles G. Schneider, mason. 

Charles Sigley. 

William Stillwagoii. 

Nicholas Snyder. 

Samuel Still 

i in in Scwartz. 

Solomon Swall. 

James Snyder. 

Peter Sheckler. 

George Snyder. 

Joseph Troxell, shoemaker 

David A. Tumbler. 

David Thomas. 

David Thomas, Jr. 

John Thomas. 

Samuel Thomas. 

Maria Troxell. 

Widow Wyman. 

David Williams. 

E. P. Weiss, merchaut. 

Euos Weaver. 

John Wilson. 

Henry Youndt. 

Enoch Youndt. 



Among the tenants at this time were Moses E. Al- 
bright ami William Steckel, merchants; Henry Bush 
and Charles Nolf, innkeep ers ; Benjamin Bush, miller ; 
William Dice, carpenter; Cornelius Earle, minister; 
and Martin Franklin, physician. 

The growth of the place and its closely concentrated 
interests had led many, as early as 1850, to think that 
local government would best subserve the interests of 
the town. 

Incorporated as a Borough. — Application was 
made to the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lehigh 
County for the incorporation of Catasauqua, April :!, 
1851, and on Feb. 1, 185?,, after being submitted to 
the grand jury, the petition was granted and the vil- 
lage was made the incorporated Borough of Catasau- 
qua. The boundaries were as follows: "Beginning 
at a point in the river Lehigh, at low-water mark; 
thence through land of Paul Faust, on the line divid- 
ing the county of Lehigh from the county of North- 
ampton to the public road leading from the bridge to 
Howertown ; thence down the said road in the mid- 
dle thereof to a stone corner between lands of George 
Breinig and Henry Kurtz; thence on the line be- 



I ween the said lands of the said Breinig and Kurtz to 
Catasauqua Creek; thence down said creek the sev- 
eral courses ami distances thereof to its junction with 
the river Lehigh; thence up the said river Lehigh, 
the several distance* and courses thereof at low-water 
mark to the place of beginning." 

The court further directed thai the election of bor- 
ough officers should he held on the third Friday of 
March, at the public-house of Charles Noll', under 
the superintendence of James Lackey as judge, and 
of Nathan Frederick ami James W. Fuller as in- 
spectors. 

The first officers were Burgess, David Thomas; 
Secretary, Owen Rice; Treasurer, Joshua Hunt; 
High Constable, Charles Sigley; Solicitor, Jane- S. 
Reese. 

In consequence of necessary grading, and at places 
heavy excavations, in streets and the building of a 
lock-up the debt of the borough at the end of the 
first fiscal year amounted to three thousand two hun- 
dred dollars, and in consequence of paying land 
damages for the opening of streets, interest, and fur- 
ther grading, the debt on the 1st of April, 1855, 
amounted to four thousand dollars. On the 1st of 
April, 1868, it was five thousand dollars, and from 
that time forward for a number of years the receipts 
were not sufficient to pay the interest and current 
expenses, and there was an annual deficit. The ex- 
pense of building the town hall and purchasing fire 
apparatus, etc., amounted to twenty-two thousand dol- 
lars; and there being an average annual deficit of 
seven hundred dollars, the debt was found in April, 
1874, to be thirty-six thousand six hundred and nine 
dollars. The tax-levy had never amounted to more 
than three thousand eight hundred dollars prior to 
1874, but in that year the triennial assessment showed 
a valuation of more than double the previous assess- 
nients, and thus met a long-felt want, increasing the 
tax-levy so as to pay current expenses. 1 

An act of Assembly to amend the charter of the 
borough was passed March 25, 1861, and other tuts 
were passed from time to time changing the place of 
holding elections. 

A petition praying for the division of the borough 
into two wards, signed by forty-nine citizens, was pre- 
sented to the Court of Quarter Sessions in April, 1876. 
This measure was opposed by a number of citizens, 
but was accomplished, a decree of court being issued 
Jan. 19, 1877, dividing the town into the First and 
Second Wards. 

The town hall was built in 1868, by Fuller & Graf- 
fin, whose proposal therefor was eleven thousand five 
hundred dollars. The ultimate cost was fourteen 
thousand dollars, a number of changes from the 
original plan being made. The building is a hand- 
some two-story brick structure. The lower floor con- 
tains a Council chamber and a large room occupied 

1 Report of Burgess William H. Glace for 1*77. 



BOROUGH OF CATASAlJnl A 



237 



by the Phoenix Fire Company, and the second floor is 
finished as a public hall, which has a fine stage, used 
for dramatic and musical entertainments, lectures, etc. 
The burgesses from 1853 to 1883 have been: 



I David Thomas. 

1854. John 1! • 
i - i lab Brnnoer. 
! i David Thomas. 

l- - ' William Goetz. 
|g60 \ i i ewia. 
l->. i i I .i ihu Williams. 
1870-71. James C Beitel 



John Williams. 
1-71 Ueli bloi II II n, 
1 575. Qeoi ge Bower. 
1876 William II 

1-77 I ■'. W. Whit. 

I Henry IinviB. 
1880-83. Philip SI ran 



The justices of the peace of the borough Oi 
Kauqua from the time of its incorporation to the pres- 
ent ha\ e been as follows : 





Conimi- 






I ;. 1853 


<• D. Fuller 


" 


111. 1855 




.. " 


13.185J 


c |i i nller 


. " 




John 11 Wolf. 


. " 


1... 1862 


II D V 


^ . \ 


11, 1864 


Bunter.... 


.April 


11, 186S 


R. C. II an 


" 


II, 181 i 


1; C Bamereley.. 


" 


B, 1870 






IS. 1S70 



Commissioned. 

w. 11 Glace Oct. 28, 1874 

\. B". Koons March 13, 1875 

i; C Bameraley.... " hi. 1875 

BdwtnGilherl " 19,1877 

Jamee < tout tney.... " 25, 1878 
w illiam .1. Craig... " 27. 1879 

A. K. Koons April I, 1880 

i; I Bamereley... Man 1. 10, 1880 

A I' Koons " '■'■", 1880 

A. N. I luck Ipril C, 1883 



Through tin- liberal and enterprising character of 
its inhabitants the town was provided at an early 
period of its history with gas- and water-works. 

The Flood of 1862. — Catasauqua was the scene <•( 
treat excitement during the flood of June 4th and 5th, 
1862. The water here rose above its usual level from 
twenty-four to twenty-seven feet, and was about four 
and a half feet higher than the flood of 1841. All of 
the bridges, with several small buildings, many thou- 
sand feet of lumber, wagons, fences, etc., were carried 
away. A writer 1 on the flood says, "The engineer 
of the Crane Iron Company stayed in the engine-room, 
and was instrumental in rescuing one or two persons 
from drowning. Many of the boats which were here 
loaded with ore from New Jersey were lost, and witli 
them, the boatmen engaged upon them lost their all. 
A ( n rman family from Newark, N. J., consisting of 
man. wife, and two children, were on their boat at 
farryville when the Hood loosened it. They got to 
shore here, and when we saw them their boat laid a 
complete wreck a little below the town. They had 
escaped from death, but the only earthly possessions 
saved by them were the clothes upon their backs. 
Another family, from Stanhope. X. J., who were run- 
ning an ore-boat, containing all of their goods, lost it. 
They were all knocked off the boat, and their infant 
child, about fourteen months old, drowned; their 
other child was saved. The woman was re-cued by 
some of the hands employed by the Crane Iron Com- 
pany, ami the man found a refuge in the engine-house. 

When morning dawned, so that objects could be seen, 
two men were discovered upon a cinder-bank in the 
mid.-! of the stream ; at another point a man and boy 
in one tree. A tat lor occupied another, while his 



II The author oi the Utile pamphlet called "Incidents of the Freshet 
on the Lehigh River, sixth month 4th and 5th, 1862," for which we are 
t Indebted to Mr. D. T. w illiams, ol ' latas inqua. 



liter occupied one close by, and a small girl was 
holding on to a resting-place at the archway at Biery's 

Bridge. Attempts were made, by making a raft and 
attaching a rope to it, to reach them, but owing to 
the strength of the current that and other me 
failed. J. ho Thomas, the superintendent of the 
Crane Iron Company, collecting a lot of their car- 
penters together, had a flat-bottom boat built for the 
occasion, in the short space of one hour and a half, 
by which means they were all brought safely to shore 
about eight o'clock. 

" In speaking with a resident of this place, be re- 
marked that 'the scene was an awful one; while he, 
with others, stood on the river-bank, through the roar 
of the angry elements they could distinctly hear the 
agonizing cry of men, women, and children, as they 
m re hurried past by the resistless torrent, on boats, 
logs, etc' It was hi at trending to listen, and feel they 
were powerless to help. Had the means been at hand 
the floating masses of boats and lumber on the rush- 
ing waters would not have permitted the efforts with- 
out encountering almost certain destruction. One 
dwelling-house below the town was carried off, and 
farther down, at Wheeler's lock, a house, a barn, and 
several cows and horses were swept away from one 
person, and another lost house, barn, and all their 
contents, with the exception of one horse." 

The Crane Iron-Works. — The interest of the pub- 
lic in the Crane Iron-Works is not limited by their 
importance as an industrial establishment, nor by the 
measure of their influence in building up a thriving 
town, but extends to the broader field in which thej 
are considered as the outgrowth of the first commer- 
cially successful attempt to manufacture iron by the 
use of anthracite coal in America. The story of this 
incalculably valuable manufacturing triumph and of 
the Crane Iron-Works properly begins in the far-off' 
country of Wales, to which the world is indebted for 
a vast deal of its progress in the line of the sterner 
industrial art.-. I >a\ id Thomas, who may be regarded 
as the father of the anthracite iron manufacture of 
America, was born in South Wale-, Nov. 3, 17!t4, and 
entered the iron business in 1812. After working in 
various place- he want, in 1817, to the Yniscedwin 

Work-, Brecknockshire, located on the southern edge 
(dan anthracite coal -basin, — the only one in the island 
of Great Britain. The Yniscedwin Works were the 
only blast-furnaces erected on that bed of coal, the 
others being located where the coal was either bitu- 
mino li-bituiiiinous. The work- he was em- 

ployed in were therefore more interested in the use of 
anthracite as fuel than those in other parts of the 
country, inasmuch as they had to bring their coke to 
be used in smelting iron from ten to fourteen miles bj 
canal. A- early as 1820, Mr. Thomas, with Geoi 
Crane, one-third owner of the Yniscedwin Works, 
began to at with anthracite, burning it in 

small proportions with coke, but not with practical 
success. In 1825 he had a small furnace built twenty- 



238 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



five feet high, with nine feet bosh, which was put in 
blast with coke and increased amounts of anthracite, 

lmt the experiments were nut promising, ami had tn lie 
abandoned. In 18311 the same furnace was made forty- 
6ve feet high, with eleven feet bosh. Attempts were 
again made to discover the secrel of success, and with 
better results than formerly, but still it was so unprof- 
itable that the work was again abandoned. During 
the time that Thomas and Crane were experimenting 
in Wales, similar attempts wire being made in the 
United States with equal unsuccess. In the year 
1825, Josiah White and Erskinc Hazard, both of Phil- 
adelphia, being largely interested in the mining of 
anthracite coal in the then recently-opened Lehigh 
basin, and having successfully used this coal in the 
manufacture of iron wire at their mill near the Falls 
of Schuylkill, erected a small furnace at Mauch 
Chunk, for the purpose of experimenting as to the 
practicability of smelting iron with this coal. Among 
other methods tried was that of passing the blast 
through a room heated as hot as possible with com- 
mon iron stoves. They soon abandoned this furnace 
and erected a new one, in which they used charcoal 
exclusively, thus acknowledging their effort to have 
been a failure, though it contained the unrecognized 
suggestion of the true and afterwards successful 
method. In Wales, David Thomas was still toiling 
on persistently and patiently to discover the mystery. 
A key to unlock it was furnished in 1S34 by Neilson, 
manager of the Glasgow Gas- Works, who discovered 
the use of the hot-blast. Its value was not immedi- 
ately fully appreciated. The pamphlet on the hot- 
blast, issued by Mr. Neilson, was read by David 
Thomas, who had been on the alert and had perused 
all of the treatises on iron manufacture and the com- 
bustion of anthracite which he could find. One even- 
ing, while sitting with Mr. Crane in his library talk- 
ing the matter over, he took the bellows and began to 
blow the anthracite fire in the grate. " You had bet- 
ter not, David," said Mr. Crane; "you will blow it 
out;" and Thomas replied, "If we only had Neilson's 
hot-blast here the anthracite would burn like pine." 
Mr. Crane said, " David, that is an idea." Tn fact, it 
was the origin of the application of the hot-blast in 
making iron with anthracite. In September, 1836, 
Thomas went to work, with (Vane's consent, and built 
ovens for heating the blast. On Feb. 5, 1837, the new 
process was applied. The result was a success in a 
far greater degree than the two men had dared to hope 
after their many disappointments, and from that time 
on there was no difficulty in making iron with anthra- 
cite as fuel. The news of the success was spread over 
the kingdom. The London Mining Journal gave it 
great prominence, and its account appeared in the 
press of the United States. 

In the great anthracite region of Pennsylvania, able 
and enterprising men were in readiness to utilize this 
valuable discovery. In 183S the Lehigh Coal ami 
Navigation Company had ottered to any persons who 



would establish a furnace, la\ out thirty thousand 
dollars, and run successfully on anthracite coal ex- 
elu-ivelv for three months, the valuable water privi- 
leges extending from the Hokendauqua to the Allen- 
town dam. Under the inducement of this offer the 
Lehigh Crane Iron Company, consisting of members 
"of the Coal and Navigation Company, was organized 
the same year, and in the fall of the year Mr. Erskine 
Hazard, one of the leading spirits of the company, 
went to Wales to engage some competent person to 
come to this country in their interest, ami to superin- 
tend the erection of furnaces, lie went to Mr. Crane, 
who recommended David Thomas. Together they 
went to sec him. At first he was reluctant to leave 
his native land, but at last influenced by a liberal 
offer, and the consideration that his sons would have 
better opportunities in America than they could hope 
for in Wales or Great Britian, he consented, and upon 
the night of the last day in the year, concluded an 
agreement of which we here give the text, together 
with that of a supplement made in Philadelphia : 

"Memorandvh of agreement made the thirty-firel day of Decembei 1838 
between Erskine Hazard for the Lehigh Crane Iron Company of the one 
part a>i<l David Thomat of i '•mil' I'lui ../ tit? other purl 
" 1. The said Thomas agrees to remove with his family to the works 
to be established by ttie said company on or near the river Lehigh and 
there to undertake the erection of a blast furnace for the smelting of 
iron with anthracite coal and the working of the said furnace :is Fur- 
nace mauager, also to give his assistance in finding mines of iron ore, 
fire clay, and other materials suitable for carrying on iron works, and 
generally to give hiB best knowledge and BerviceB to the said company 
in the prosecution of the iron business in such manner as will beat pro- 
mote their interests for the term of five years from the time of his ar- 
rival in America, provided the experiment of smelting iron with anthra- 
cite coal should he successful there. 

"2. The said Hazard for the said company agrees to pay the expeuses 
of the said Thomas and his family from his present residence to the 
works above mentioned on the Lehigh and there to furnish him with 
a house and coal for fuel — also to pay him a salary at the rate of Two 
hundred pounds sterling a year from the time of his stipend ceasing in 
hit- present employment until the first furnace on the Lehigh is got into 
blast with anthracite coal and making good iron and after that at the 
rate of two hundred and fifty pounds sterling a year until a Becond fur- 
nace is put into operation successfully when fifty pounds sterling shall 
be added to his annual salary and so fifty pounds sterling per annum 
additional for each additional furnace which may he put into operation 
under his management. 

"3. It is mutually agreed between the parties that shuuld the said 

Thomas (ail of putting a furnace into successful operation with anthra- 
cite coal that in that case the present agreement shall be void and the 

said company shall then pay the said Thomas a sum equivalent to the 
expense of removing himself and family from the Lehigh to their pres- 
ent residence. 

"4. In settling the salary four shillings and six pence sterling are to 
be estimated as equal to one dollar. 

" In witness whe f the said parties have interchangeably set their 

hands and seals the date above written. 

" Erskine Hazard i 

" for Lehigh Crane Iron Company 
"Witness "David Thomas SEAL] 

" Ai,i xAMu-.it Hazard. 

" It is further mutually agreed between the Lehigh Crane Iron Com- 
pany and llavid Thomas the parties to the above written agreement that 
the am' ot the s' 1 Thomas salary per annum shall be ascertained by 
taking the United states Mini price oi value of the English Sovereign 

as the value of the pound sterling — instead of estimating it by the 
\:ili f the dollar as mentioned f tl i|,e 4th article and that the other 

remaining articles in the above written memorandum of agreement 
executed by Erskine Hazard for the Lehigh Crane Iron Company and 





^^-^^^ 




BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



239 



David Thomas be hereby ratified and conflrl 1 as they dow stand 

written. 

"In witness whereoi the President and Secretary ol the dehigh 
Orane iron Company bj ordei of the Board ol - i ind the 

David Thomas have hereunto set tiieli hands and seals at Philadelphia 
the second day of July 183U. 

" DATU) Thomas [SEAL] 

" Iii present t 

"Timothy Awjott.'' 

The organization of the Lchigli Crane Iron Com 
party, prior to Mr. Hazard's going abroad, had heen 
only an informal ono, anil on tin- lnili oi' January, 
1X39, it was perfected. The first meeting of tlie board 
bf directors was held at that time. The board con- 
sisted of Robert Earp, Josiab White, Erskine Hazard, 

T] as Ear]), George Earp, John McAllister, Jr., 

and Nathan Trotter. They organized by electing 
Robert Earp president and treasurer, and John Mc- 
Allister, Jr., secretary. In A pril they entered into 
articles of association, which arc here appended as 
all'ording some idea of the foundation on which this 
stanch old company has arisen and flourished: 

F Articles Ol association of Oie Lent ' tn Iron Company, 
entered into under and pursuant to an act of the Legislature of Pewisyl- 

<• a entitled an act to encourage th I ii, witli Volte t or 

Mineral Ooal, and for other purposes passed June the sixteenth, I 
•ami eight hundred and thivtii-sir. 

" Witness, that the subset ibers, citizens of Pennsylvania, whose mimes 
are hereto affixed have associated themselves, under and pursuant totlie 
art aforesaid in! tlie purpose of making and manufacturing Iron, from 
tho raw material with Coke or mineral Coal, and do certify and declare 
the articles and conditions of their association to be as follows : 

"ARTICLE 1. — Tho name, style or title of the Company, shall be 
' Lehigh Crane Iron Company. 1 

"Article -.— The lands to he purchased by the Company, shall he 
in Northampton, or Lehigh County, or both. 

"Article :'-. — The capital stock of the company shall consist of One 
hundred thousand dollars divided into two thousand shares "t fifty dol- 
lars each, the whole of which has been subscribed for by the subscribers 

hereto in the muni m - of Shal ' - -• I opposite to their respective names. 

" ARTICLE 4. — The sum of twenty-five thousand dollars heing the one- 
fourth per cent, of the whole capital stock, subscribed for, bas been 
actually paid in. 

"Article 5. — The remaining Installments on the stock, already sub- 
scribed for shall he called in in such sums, and at such times and with 
such forfeiture for non-payment thereof as tho Hoard of Directors, may 
prescribe. 

"Article 6. — The Board of Directors shall consist of such a number 

i'f pel ..ii ,i> tlie stockholders, may from time to time prescribe. 

" Article 7. — This company shall he in all things subject to and 
governed by the provisions of the act of Assembly, under which it is 
created and ,-hall have the same, and no other, or greater powers, privi- 
leges, and franchises than at nlei ipoii it by virtue of the said 

act. 

"Philadelphia, April 23, 1838. 

" i-iwi White. 
" Erskine Bazar i>. 
" Thom \> Earp. 
Earp. 

" JOHN Mi \ i I i- i i it, Jr. 

*' Robert Earp. 
; " Theodore Mitchell. 
" V\th \n Trotter.* 1 

Returning to the Welsh iron-worker, we find that 

he sailed lor this country from Liverpool in May, 1839, 
mi the clipper " Etoscius," which made the then un- 
precedented run of twenty-three day-, reaching Nct 
York June 5th. Mr. Thomas brought with him bis 

whole family. — his wile and live children. IVloiv 



SlLlie.l 



leaving England he had had the blowing binery 

and castings lor tic hot-blasi made, and all were 
shipped except the two cylinders, which were too 

■ ' i t Ik batches of the ship. So when the other 
machinery arrived the projectors of the •.■ 

a- badly oil' as if none had been -cut. There w . 
at that time a foundry in the United States large 
enough to cast such cylinders as were needed. There 
wen- -mall on, -at Mlentown ami Bethlehem. The 
company applied to the Allaire Works of New York 
and the Alger of Boston, but neither of them could 
bore a five- foot cylinder without enlarging their works, 
which they were unwilling to do. 1 Mr. Thomas then 
went to Philadelphia to the Southwark Foundry of 
S. V. Merrick and J. H. Towne, who enlarged their 
boring machinery and made the five-foot cylinders 
required. Fire-brick were imported from Wales, there 
then being nunc manufactured in this country, and in 
August, 1839, ground was broken at Craneville (now 
Catasatlqua) for the first furnace. After man, .lilli- 
oulties and discouragements, the furnace was finally 
blown in at five o'clock July 3, 1840. The ore was 
two- thirds hematite to one-third New Jersey magnetic. 
It was blown with two-and-a-half-ineh nozzles, and 
the blast heat was six hundred degrees. The first run 
of iron was made Uie 4th of July, and proved a great 
success. 2 From this time on the manufacture of iron 
by anthracite was successfully conducted at the Crane 
Works, and continuously except for the slight cessa- 
tions common to all manufacturing establishments. 
Furnace No. 1, in which the success of the new dis- 
covery was first fully demonstrated in this country, 
was forty-two feet in height, with twelve feet bosh. 
It was operated by a breast-wheel twelve feel in di- 
ameter and twenty-four feet long, geared by segments 
on its circumference to a spur-wheel on a double 
crank, driving two blowing cylinders, five feet in di- 
ameter, with a six-foot stroke, worked by beams on a 
gallows-frame. The motive power was the water of 
the canal, — the difference between the upper and 
lower levels of lock No. 36. The furnace remained 
in blast until its fires were quenched by the rising 



1 As an indication of the progress made in iron-working in th 

teen years, we will mention that Ericsson in 1865 bad a cylin- 
dei seventeen feet in diameter ■ .,-i and bored for bis hot-aii ship. 

2 Here we say a word in rcgnid b. the claims made for and 1\ other 

. the first manufacturers of iron by anthracite. It is tin.- that 
previous to the completion of the first stack of the Crane Company's 
"nil,- Mr, Thi I' .ii.- for help ami ai 111 im I.\ - 

loan, who was then building the I'l.n i furnace .it Pottaville, ami he 

made several visits there, directing the put tine In of the hearth I 

etc. That furnace was 1 lown in in the fall of Is;,:, ,,, th,. ( .,, 

Mi Tb. i ,:i tl others \i Bre put in blast in th.. 

Schuylkill and North B .but the I'i Brand the tl 

failed to make anthra i SUCCflSSfallj ' , and for 

n remained but a sln.it time In blast. Theii suci 
lather in the nature of a lal : in. oi than a profitable man- 

ufacturing enterpi se, and ii remained foi the Crane, under the man- 
wed soon aftei bj the Glendon Furnaces, 
ii i, 1 1. i William Firmstone, nnd then the Allentown I'm 
s. Lewis, i,. BUcceesfulrj Intn 
in the smelUng of Iron in this ,- try. 



2 lit 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



waters ol thi ood of January, 1841, a pi riod 

of sis months, during which one thousand and eighty- 
eight tons of pig iron were produced. The largest 
output for one week was fifty-two tons. Concerning 
the flood which we bave mentioned, one of the com- 
pany's old books contains the following in David 
Thomas' handwriting: 

i huraday, Januarj 7th (1841 . al nine o'clock In the evening the 

river rose bo thai the hack watel preTented the »l I from turning, at 

hull al n the tow path ol the level aboi - Lex I. 16 \n well e 

it was two i' ■ t oi i Hi'- t>:i hi,-, and was one fool over ' he bottom "f the 
hearth of the turns LI L.20 the watei was at Ite hei at, and thirty- 

four inches in tin- furnace. It was at this height until 1.30 o'clock, when 
tbe river began t,» fall. The waterwheel was muddii I ill over,and 
the water was nine inches over it- top. The dam ami r:tnai hank was 

broken, .-" that When the water fell ill the river il was too low In turn 

the wheel, though every effoi t was made t" Ml up the banks,- hut they 
could i bilged to throw the furnace out on Monday 

the 11th of January. 

" David Thomas. 

" Thom \> S. ITouno." 1 

Furnace No. 1 was blown in again after the freshet, 
.May 18, 1841, and then remained in Must until Aug. 
6, 1842, producing three thousand three hundred and 
sixteen tons of pig-iron. 

A m r\ large chorus of the " I told you so," always 
unpleasant even as a sold, would have heeo heard by 
Mr. Thomas ami the members of the Crane Company 
had they met with failure in tlieii-iindertaking. Mr. 
Thomas had been very generally looked upon as a 
visionary. The remark made by a leading charcoal 
ironmaster, " I will eat all the iron you'll make with 
anthracite," gave expression to the general sentiment 
of the trade at that time. It is needless to say that 
he did not keep his promise, although Mr. Thomas 
sent him word that he had a hearty dinner ready for 
him, cooked in the company's first furnace. 

The success of the Crane Company's work in Fur- 
nace No. 1 led them to immediately enlarge their 
facilities for manufacturing pig-iron, which they did 
1>\ erecting Furnace No. 2, forty-five feet high and 
with fourteen feet bosh. This was blown in Nov. 4, 
1X41', and remained in blast until March 17, 1844, 
making live thousand and thirteen tons of iron. In 
1X42 an additional water-wheel was added of the same 
size a> the first, to which it was geared, and in 1844 an 
additional blowing power was added by the introduc- 
tion of two turbine wheels eight feet in diameter, 
which drove two horizontal cylinders of five feet 
diameter and six feet stroke; the wheels and all ma- 
chinery connected with them being built by Merrick 
A Towne, of Philadelphia. 

The fust load of ore brought to the works was de- 
livered April 30, IS Hi, b\ Henry iloch, who is still 
living and now the owner of the mine from which it 
was dug. This was hematite from Jacob Rice's mine, 
in Hanover township, Lehigh County. Onewasalso 
bronghl during the first year from Nathan Whiteley's 

mine, mar I'.rcinigsville, in Upper Maeungie town- 
ship, and from John kratzer's in South Whitehall. 



1 Young wat. the first elerk employed at the works. 



In 1 s II' the celebrated (ioct/ bed, which is still 
worked, was opened in Hanover township of North- 
ampton County, and the first ore taken from it was 
brought bere. rhe first magnetic ore brought to the 
Crane furnace (in 1840) was from the Moiini Hope 
mine in Morris County, N. J. 

The demands made upon the company exceeding 
their facilities, Furnace No. 3 was erected in I sir,. It, 
was larger than either of the others, its height being 
fifty feet and its bosh eighteen. Ii was blown by two 
cylinders ol five and a half feel diameter and six-foot 
stroke, which were driven bj two beam engines with 
steam cylinders of twenty-sis inches diameter and 
six-foot stroke. In the spring of L849 was begun the 
erection of Furnaces Nos. 4 and 5, each fifty feet high 

and of eighteen feet bosh. The blowing CJ Under- for 
each of these were of nine-foot stroke and seven feet 
diameter, and thej were operated by two beam 
engines, the steam-cylinders of which had a nine- 
foot stroke, while their diameters, originally thirty- 
six inches, were afterwards enlarged to forty-eight. 
In 1867-68, Furnace No. 6, of seventeen feet bosh and 
sixty feet height, was built, and in lS,sn-Sl the first 
furnace constructed, together with Nos. 2 and :',. ware 
razed to the ground, and two modern furnace.-, with 
iron shells and fire-brick stove, , were erected in their 
-lead from plans made by the present superintendent, 
Mr. Joseph Hunt. They are now successfully work- 
ing, and exhibit the advance made in forty years. 
The new No. 1, which replaces the original put in 
blast in 1840, has made in one year twcniv-lwo thou- 
sand two hundred and eighty-one tons of iron, its 
best 'lay's work being one hundred and two tons, or 
nearly twice as much as was made in the best week by 
the old No. 1 during its first blast. During its best 
week the new furnace has produced five hundred and 
forty gross tons, all foundry iron. 

I'niil 1855 the company shipped the products of its 
furnaces by the Lehigh Navigation Company's canal, 
and after that year principally by the railroad then 
completed. Now branch tracks of the railroad run to 
various points about the works, and the company owns 
ten locomotives, which are used in the movement of 
its ores and iron. About three hundred men are em- 
ployed at the works, and a still larger number at the 
ore-beds and limestone quarries, and the pay-roll is 
very large. The buildings, machinery, and all the 
adjuncts of the works have been kept in the best of 
repair, and from time to time improved and extended 
so that they present an appearance unsurpassed by 
any other iron works in the country. It has been the 
aim of the Crane Company to produce the best quality 
of iron and to displace the famous product of Scot- 
land, and ibis design having been constantly adhered 

to the works have seldom been idle, and often pressed 
with orders while other furnaces were out of blast. 
The liberality and enterprise of the company has 
given i latasauqua the benefit of a line system of water- 
works, and an excellent lire steamer, and the steady I 



i:oi;<>n;n of catasaiiiha. 



24 1 



Employment of its large number of men was for years 
almost the sole support of the town and is now the 
largest factor in it- prosperity. The iron-workers here 
arc in better circumstances than in most manufac- 
turing towns, and a large proportion of them have 
exc lingly comfortable and even tasteful homes. 

\< the company's "Hires in Philadelphia ninny 
change-, have taken place since the original organiza- 
wliich we have spoken in the beginning of 
mis article. Theodore Mitchell was elected presi- 
dent, vice Robert Earp, in 1845, and was succeeded 
In George A. Wood in 1868. He resigned in 1878, 
ami the office was then filled by Samuel Dickson, Esq., 
tin- presenl president. The office ol secretary, origin- 
lily filled by John McAllister, was taken by John A. 
McAllister in 1844, and bj Benjamin .1. Lcedom in 
Is is. He was also elected to serve as treasurer some 
fears later. George T. Barnes was elected secretary 
in 1869, and tieasurer in 1876, and now serves in both 
capacities. Frederick R. Backus filled the office of 
treasurer for a Dumber of years subsequent to 1845. 
Tin- board of directors is now constituted as follows: 
Sannu'l Dickson, Charles L. Borie, Henry Winsor, 
Saniui-1 K. Shipley, Fisher Hazard, Robert Lenox 
Kennedy, l.< mnel Coffin, John T. Morris, Charles E. 
Haven, Charles S. Wurts, and Alexander Biddle. 

At the Crane Works in Catasauqua David Thomas 
was superintendent roost of the time from 183!) to 
ix.v>, though his son, Samuel, bad charge during a few 
years of that period. In 1855, when David Thomas 
retired, In- was succeeded by his son John. Joshua 
Hunt, who entered the employment of the company 
in 1843, was assistant superintendent under John 
nomas, and was chosen to fill the office when the 
latter retired, in 1867. He resigned at the close of the 
year 1881, and in recognition of the value of his long 
term of duty was presented by the company with a 
feautiful solid silver tea service, — a fine specimen of 
work. His son, Thomas Hunt, was assistant 
superintendent from 1867 to 1872, when, upon June 
22d, he was so severely injured by a premature explo- 
sion of nitro-glycerine used in clearing out one of the 
furnace* that he died two weeks later. Joseph Hunt, 
a brother of Joshua Hunt, became assistant superin- 
tendent, and, upon the retirement of the latter, I »ec. 
81, 1881, took charge of the works, and a little later 
was made superintendent. David Thomas, after re- 
Bring from the office of superintendent, remained 
with the company as cashier until 18(55, when that 
position was filled bj John Williams, who had en- 
tered the company's employ Nov. 14, 1845. He -till 
retains the position, having been on duty alto 
over thirty-eight years, and as cashier more than 
eighteen years. 

David Thomas was the son of David and Jane 
Thomas, of Tyllwyd Farm, in the parish of Cadox- 
ton-juxta-Neath, in the county of Glamorgan, South 
Wales, lie was one of a family of lour children, one 
son and three daughters, and was horn on the 3d of 
16 



November, 1794. David Thomas, the father, was a 

small fanner, but a highly respectable man ill his 
parish, and, although a Dissenter, he held the office 

• -I chnrch warden f, r some years, and was overseer of 
the i i" of his parish for sixteen years. IF was a 

iistent ami exemplary member of the "Inde- 
pendents i is( 'mini unity at Maesyrhaft 'h a pel. 
v ath, for forty years, and his wife, who survived him 
twenty years, was for sixty years a member of the same 

inization. Both are buried in the bnrying-ground 

attached to the above- n allied place of worship, "l OUUg 

I iav id's religious and moral training was, thi 
the strictest kind, both as regards example and teach- 
ing, and these appear to have clung to him through 

life. Being the only son, his parent- afforded him 
. the best education their means would allow. He ap- 
plied himself with industry and perseverance, out- 
stripping all his school- fellows, and was looked upon 
as having been better educated than the general it; 
farmers' sons. He was of very studious habits, de- 
lighted in books, and in the acquirement of knowl- 
edge and information. The education he received 
enabled him only to acquire the merest elements of 
learning, and the intelligence and knowledge displayed 
by him in after-life, which enabled him to rise to so 
prominent a position, were due entirely to self-cul- 
ture. His thirst for knowledge and improvement had 
awakened an ambitious feeling, which farming opera- 
tions failed to satisfy. He. therefore, sought employ- 
ment at seventeen year- of age at the Neath Abbey 
Iron-Works. F^or five years he worked in the fitting- 
shops and at the blast furnaces, asserting his superi- 
ority and intelligence over his young compeers, by 
whom he was familiarly known as " Dai Tyllwyd," 
Hedisplayed a wonderful aptitude forth, business, and 
gained a vast -tore of experience and knowledge, even 
in that short space of time. In fact, so well did he 
occupy his time and talents that in 1817 he went to the 
Yniscedwyn Iron-Works, in the Swansea Valley, and 
was made general superintendent of the blast turn. 
and of the iron- and coal-mines, .Mr. Thomas re- 
mained at the Yniscedwyn Works in that position 
for nearly twenty-two years, working his furnaces in 
the most successful manner, and continually experi- 
1 menting with anthracite coal as a smelting fuel. AI r. 
Thomas continued his experiments, and ultimately 
succeeded in making anthracite iron by introducing 
a hot-blast into the furnace. He was in 1839 offered 
j an engagement for five years in the United States, 
and soon after his arrival the Crane Iron Company of 
Catasauqua was organized, a furnace was constructed, 
and successfully managed under the supervising eye 

• it Mr. Thomas. To him is undoubtedly and justly 
due the credit of having built the first anthracite blast 
furnace in America, or any other country, which - 
cessfnlly fulfilled the purpose for which it was con- 
structed. 

In Is-"' I the Thomas Iron ( lompany was formed, and 
i the beautiful works at Hokendauqua commenced. In 



242 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1855 be relinquished the superintendence of the Crane 
Iron-Works, and devoted :i portion of his time to the 
development of tin- works at Hokendauqua, which 
bear hi- honored name. In addition to his interest 

in tilt- Crane anil Thomas Iron-Works, Mr. Thomas 
was also a stockholder in the Carbon Iron Company, 
which lias three furnaces at Parry ville, and in the large 
rolling-mills at Catasauqua and Ferndale, of which 
he was the president for many years. A short time 
before his death he withdrew from very active duties, 
remaining, however, a director and a large share- 
holder, and he was besides largely interested in coal 
operations. lie was for many years president of the 
Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, and also a di- 
rector of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He was a 
trustee and executive member of St. Luke's Hospital, 
and a trustee of Lafayette College at Easton. In 
1866 he was a Republican candidate for Congress, but 
declining on principle to take part in the canvass he 
was not successful. Catasauqua is largely indebted to 
him for its growth and progress. With nearly every 
industry in the town he was directly or remotely con- 
nected. As a tribute to his genius, determination, and 
energy, on its incorporation, in 1853, he was chosen its 
first burgess, and continued for years to hold the office. 
He built the Lehigh Fire-Brick Works, which are of 
considerable dimensions, and held the position of di- 
rector of the National Bank of Catasauqua, in which 
he bad a large amount of stock. Mr. Thomas was a 
man of determined purpose, industry, fidelity, and 
thoroughness, of uncommon vitality and activity ; 
although nearly eighty-eight years of age at his death, 
he took nearly to the last a fair share in the active 
management of the vast properties he controlled. 

The kindly interest he manifested in all measures 
for the public good, and his activity in advancing all 
works of moral or material improvement in the com- 
munity in which he dwelt, led to his being by a 
sort of common impulse familiarly called " Father 
Thomas." He did much to encourage sobriety and 
thrift among the workmen he superintended, and 
many of them are indebted to his wise counsel or 
other forms of assistance for the happy homes they 
possess. In his religious convictions Mr. Thomas was 
a Presbyterian. He had no sooner become settled in 
his new home, in 1839, than he erected a small chapel, 
which was followed by the organization of the Pres- 
byterian Church, of which he was made ruling elder, 
an office held continuously by him until his death. 
Mr. Thomas was as patriotic an American as if native 
born. His intense love of his adopted country was 
manifested on proper occasions. During the civil 
war his means and his influence were freely devoted 
to the Union cause, and it was largely through his in- 
strumentality that a company of volunteers was re- 
cruited at Catasauqua. Mr. Thomas was married to 
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John Hopkins, who is 
still living in the ninetieth year of her age. Their 
children are Jane, Gwenny (Mrs. Joshua Hunt, de- 



ceased), Samuel, John, and David (deceased). The 
death of Mr. Thomas occurred June 20, 1882, in the 
eighty-eighth year of his age. At the time of his 
decease he was the oldest American ironmaster in 

length of service, having been continuously associated 
with the iron industries of Wales and Pennsylvania 
since 1812. Through all the years of his activity in 
this country he was regarded as a leading authority on 
all matters pertaining to the trade. By his skill and 
industry he contributed greatly to the building up of 
the iron industries of the country, and will be held in 
grateful remembrance by American iron manufac- 
turers. Among the people of the Lehigh Valley he 
left a notable reputation. Of him it may be truly -aid, 
he went down to the grave "full of riches, full of 
honors, and full of years." 

Samuel Thomas, the son of David and Elizabeth 
Thomas, was born March 13,1827, in Yniscedwyn, 
Brecknockshire, South Wales, and on attaining his 
thirteenth year emigrated with his parents to America. 
He had in his native country acquired the rudiments 
of an English education, and on reaching Pennsyl- 
vania became a pupil at Nazareth Hall in North- 
ampton County, where two and a half years were 
spent in study. On returning home he determined 
to follow' the vocation of his father, and entering the 
blacksmith- and machine-shops of the Crane Iron- 
Works, ■ spent four years in acquiring a thorough 
knowledge of the business. This practical experience 
subsequently proved of inestimable value in the super- 
intendence of the important industries now under his 
control. At the age of nineteen Mr. Thomas took an 
active part in the management of the Crane Iron- 
Works and the development of the mining interests 
of the company. In 1848 he repaired to Morris 
County, N. J., where he was for nine months engaged 
in the erection of a furnace for the Boonton Iron 
Company. This he put in blast and successfully 
started, after which his connection with the Crane 
lion-Works was resumed. Much of the burden and 
responsibility of the business was thrown upon Mr. 
Thomas. He participated actively in the erection of 
two new furnaces, and assisted largely in the develop- 
ment of the extensive mining property of the com- 
pany. On the 1st of March, 1854, the Thomas Iron 
Company was organized and two furnaces erected 
under his immediate superintendence at Hokendauqua, 
of which he became general superintendent. This po- 
sition was filled with signal ability for a period often 
years, when he was elected to his present office of 
president of the company. Mr. Thomas has been as- 
sociated with the Thomas Iron Company, either as 
superintendent or president, tor thirty years, during 
which time its varied properties have been largely de- 
veloped, its products have from their superior quality 
found a ready market, and the business of the com- 
pany established upon a firm basis. 

He has been greatly interested in all schemes for 
the improvement of Catasauqua and Hokendauqua, 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



2)3 



iunl the permanent welfare of their citizens. Meas- 
ures for the conduct of the war met his hearty co- 
operation, and the memory of brave soldiers from 
Catasauqna and vicinity who fell in the conflict was 
perpetuated by an imposing monument made from 
designs approved by Mr. Thomas, a considerable 
portion of the expense having been borne by him. 
Educated in the principles of the Whig party, he later 
became a Republican, though both his tastes and the 
arduous demands of business have prompted him to 
decline all offers of political preferment. He is an 
alder and actively identified with the interests of the 
Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua, and has as- 
lUted in the erection of several church edifices within 
the limits of the county. 

Mr. Thomas was married, in March, 1848, to Miss 
Rebecca, daughter of Jacob Mickley, of South White- 
hall, Lehigh Co. Their children are Gertrude (Mrs. 
Dr. Joseph C. Guernsey, of Philadelphia) and Edwin. 

The Catasauqua Manufacturing Company. — 
This strong and wisely -conducted organization, which 
has done a great deal for the advancement of the 
town, came into existence Feb. 20, 1863, under the 
provisions of a charter incorporating the Northern 
Iron Company. Its authorized capita] was originally 
one hundred thousand dollars (which sum was subse- 
quently increased to one hundred and seventy-live 
thousand dollars, and is now five hundred thousand 
dollars). David Thomas, the veteran iron manufac- 
turer, was the leading spirit of the company and its 
official head, Charles G. Earp was secretary and treas- 
urer, and David Eynon superintendent. The com- 
pany had been organized for the purpose of carrying 
on the manufacture of armor-plate and rails, and 
the other necessary machinery were set up for that 
work. The war ended, however, just as everything 
was in readiness, and, the demand for the intended 
putput being cut off, the company immediately made 
the changes needful for producing tank-, flue-, and 
boiler-plate, and a little later added a sheet-mill. 
Business was carried on with varying success until 
I860, when it became more evenly prosperous. In 
that year William 1'. Hopkins was elected superin- 
tendent, and a change was made in the nature of the 
manufacture, an eighteen-inch bar-iron train and ten- 
inch guide-mill train being added to the plant. The 
iron produced at once met with favor from consumers, 
and from that time the mill has been very successful. 
In 1867, Oliver Williams was elected general manager, 
and John Williams secretary. At that time the out- 
put of the mill amounted to about six thousand tons 
of iron per year. 

In 1864 a rolling-mill had been erected at Ferndale, 
just below Catasauqua, by the East Penn Iron Com- 
pany, under the charter of the Eastern Iron Company, 
and its name subsequently changed to the Lehigh 
Manufacturing Company. In 1868 this mill was 
leased and in 1872 sold to the Catasauqua Manufac- 
turing Company. Edward Edwards was elected 



superintendent in 1868, and has ever since retained 
that position. It is due to him thai il he -aid that 
not only has the mill been successfully managed by 
him, but that the little working community depend- 
ent upon it has largely felt the value of his influence. 
The product of the Ferndale Mill is bar and skelp 
iron, and, like that of the original mill at Catasau- 
qua, it stand- in high favor. Both mills have been 
added to almost even year, until the\ have reached 
a very large capacity, the output in 1882 being over 
thirty-six thousand tons of iron, valued at about two 
million dollars. The company employs about six 
hundred men, and the average monthly pay-roll 
reaches the sum of twenty-eight thousand dollars. 
The substantial character of the company was indi- 
cated during the period of the panic, when the works 
were never shut down, except for brief intervals 
because of strikes. 

David Thomas served as president the greater part 
of the time from 1S63 until 1879, though the office 
was also administered by Samuel and John Thomas, 
his sons, during that long period. On Mr. Thomas' 
resignation in February, 1879, Oliver Williams was 
elected president, and he now holds that position. 
About the same time Henry Davis, who had been 
with the company from the start, was elected treasurer. 

The Union Foundry and Machine Company.— 
These works were established about 1851 by John 
Fritz & Brother, the former now superintendent of 
the Bethlehem Steel Company. They sold to Messrs. 
Mickel & Thomas, and the establishment then passed 
into the hands of David Thomas, who, in 1869, sold to 
the present company, which is composed of David and 
Oliver Williams and William Hopkins. They enlarged 
the works from year to year, and in 1882 found it expe- 
dient to purchase an additional and adjoining plot of 
ground. The company employs about fifty hands 
and a forty horse-power engine. There is but little 
variation in the activity at this foundry, work being 
carried on with few and slight abatements, and it is, 
therefore, a valuable supporter of the town's prosper- 
ity. The company is particularly engaged in the 
manufacture of all kinds of rolling-mill work, and 
has a large patronage extending throughout the 
valley and the surrounding region. A large busi- 
ness is also done in general foundry and machine 
work, for which, as well as its specialties, the com- 
pany has a wide and enviable reputation. 

Davies & Thomas' Foundry.— This establishment 
is one of the important ones of the town, and has been 
, the prime cause of the building of an addition to it, 
known as East Catasauqua. The works owe their ex- 
isti ore to the late Daniel 1 >avies, who was a thoroughly 
practical and a very energetic man. He learned the 
iron trade in Wales, his native land, and for fifteen 
years held a responsible position with the Crane Iron 
i iompany. In 1865, with his son, George Davies, and 
a Mr. Thomas, who was a distant relative of the pres- 
I ent junior proprietor, under the firm-name of Davies, 



244 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Thomas & Co., established in a small way the busi- 
ness which, since very materially enlarged, is now 
curried on by their direct successors under — as it 
happens the original name. In 1868 the Messrs. 
Davies purchased their partner's interior, and the 
business was then carried on prosperously and with- 
out any change of proprietorship until 1876, when 
tin death of Daniel Davies occurred. The work- 
then passed into the possession of the present owners, 
George Davies and his brother-in-law, .lames Thomas, 
a son of Hopkin Thomas, a noted iron-worker and 
tor many years master mechanic of the Crane Iron 
Company. His son appears to have inherited his 
father's genius in mechanics, and has been eminently 
useful in the business which now engages his atten- 
tion. As we have said, the works' of Messrs. Davies 
ec Thomas have been eularged from time to time, 
and they are now among the most extensive ami best 
equipped of their kind in the Lehigh Valley. The 
buildings, which are of hrick and comparatively new, 
comprise a foundry fifty by two hundred and ninety 
feet; machine-shop, fifty by one hundred and twenty 
feet; two other structures, each forty by forty, an 
extensive office, etc. The machine-shop aud some of 
the other buildings are two stories in height. The 
aggregate area of available flooring is thirty-five 
thousand feet. The motive power of the works is 
supplied by live vertical engines, and from one 
hundred and seventy-five to two hundred men are 
given employment in the different departments. 
The buildings constituting East Catasauqua are the 
homes of many of these mechanics. The product of 
the establishment consists of general foundry- aud 
machine-work, vertical and horizontal engines, car- 
castings, and all kinds of furnace, mil), and mine 
appliances. 

The Lehigh Fire-Brick Company (Limited).— 
Among the leading industries of the town is that car- 
ried on by the Lehigh Fire-Brick Company, which 
owe their origin to David Thomas, and their present 
extent and prosperous condition very largely to Joshua 
Hunt. The works were started in 1868 by the late 
David Thomas, the well-known iron manufacturer, 
and Messrs. Oliver Ritter and Samuel McHose. The 
last two gentlemen retiring, Mr. Thomas associated 
with himself in 1873 his sons and son-in-law, Joshua 
Hunt. On Jan. 1, 1883, the property passed into the 
possession of a chartered company. This change was 
scarcely more than nominal, the company consisting 
of Joshua Hunt, John Thomas, and representatives 
of the estate of David Thomas. With every facility 
for shipment by rail or canal that could be desired, 
and a region contiguous in which there exists an 
especial need for their wares, the company does a 
thriving business. The well-known Woodbridge clay 
is used, and lire-bricks are manufactured from it of 
every shape and lor all purposes. — furnaces, ovens, 
arches, linings, jams, boshes, cupolas, etc. The build- 
ings, which are of stone, two stories in height, are 



under one roof, and cover an area of two hundred 
and eight; by one hundred and sixty feet. There 
are also five kilns of large capacity, and the works 
are supplied with the best known apparatus. About 
fifty men have employment here, under the imme- 
diate supervision of Mr. David Hunt. Recently an 
interesting and novel experiment has been tried here 
with success, that of burning bricks with petroleum, 

and it is not improbable that this fuel may be intro- 
duced upon a large scale. 

Joshua Hunt, the chief controller of these work-. 
is of English antecedents, his great-grandfather, Roger 
Hunt, having come from Birmingham, England, to 
America at a date contemporaneous with the estab- 
lishment of the Penn Colony, and settled in Chester 
County, Pa. He married Esther Aston, daughter of 
George and Elizabeth Aston, and had among his sons 
Samuel, grandfather of the subject of this biographi- 
cal sketch, whose birth occurred Nov. 29, 1745. He 
was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of William 
and Mary Beale, to whom were born five sons and 
three daughters. Thomas, of this number, whose 
birth occurred Dec. 19, 1791, married Rachel, daugh- 
ter of William and Elizabeth Evans, of Lancaster 
County, Pa. Their children are Elizabeth (Mrs. 
Aaron Baker), Mary C. (Mrs. Josiah Phillips), and 
Joshua. The latter was born on the 13th of May, 
1820, in Chester County, Pa., his residence during the 
following ten years. Later he, for six years, resided 
in Philadelphia, and during this period was a pupil 
at the Quaker Boarding-School at Westtown, Pa. 
In 1836, Mr. Hunt began an active business career at 
Harrisburg as superintendent of a rolling-mill erected 
by his father in that city. This property having been 
consumed by fire in 1842, he returned to Philadelphia, 
and entered the rolling-mill operated by his father. 
One year later he removed to Catasauqua, and entered 
the office of the Crane Iron-Works, with a view to 
acquiring a knowledge of the operations of an iron 
furnace. 

After a brief interval spent at Poughkeepsie, be 
returned to Catasauqua, and became assistant super- 
intendent of the Crane Iron-Works, in which capacity 
he acted until 1867, when he was tendered the super- 
intendency, and continued in that relation until Jan. 
1, 1882. On severing his connection with the com- 
pany, Mr. Hunt was presented with an elegant testi- 
monial, consisting of an elaborate service of silver, as 
an expression of the value of his services, accom- 
panied with the assurance that during his connection 
with the furnace it had attained a high degree of pros- 
perity. He was at this time, and is still, identified 
with the Lehigh Fire-Brick Company, Limited, as its 
chairman. Having removed to Catasauqua when the 
place was but a mere hamlet, he has been largely 
identified with its development and growth, and fore- 
most in all business schemes which promoted its 
advancement. 

Mr. Hunt was married on the 13th of August, 1844, 





i C^c&- ^////s^ 



~-\ 



J> 




MILTON BERGEK. 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



245 



to Miss G-wenllian, daughter of David and Elizabeth 
Thomas, to whom were born children, — Thomas, Sam- 
uel, John, William, George I"., and Joseph, all de- 
i and Elizabeth (Mrs. Roberl II. Hepburn), 
David, Joshua, Roger, and Gwenllian. Mrs. Hunt 
died Oct. 25, 1875, and be was again married May 4, 
IS*", to Mr>. Hannah L. Mays, daughter of Dr. John 
R>mig. of Allentown. Mr. Hunt i- presidenl of the 
Gatasauqua ' las- Light Company, which lie organized, 
is chairman of the Baker Lime Company, Limited, 
also of the Bryden Forged HorseShoe Company, 
Limited, and has acted as president of the ( latasauqua 
and Fogelsville Railroad. In politics lie was early a 
Whig, and subsequently became a Republican. He 
is a member of the First Presbyterian < 'lunch of 
Catasauqua, in which he has for nearly forty years 
officiated a- elder. 

Planing-Mill. — Quite an extensive planing-mill 
was started about twenty years ago by Schwartz .V; 
yeager. The firm subsequently became Schwartz, 
Yeager & Wint, then Yeager, Wint & Syphers, and, 
in 1873, Wint & Co. Mr. F. W. Wint dying in 1881, 
the business was carried on by the representatives of 
his estate, and O. F. Fatzinger and J. 1'. Wint. The 
firm, which still goes by the name of F. W. Wint & 
Co., employs twenty men, and operates a saw-mill and 
planing-mill, as well as conducting a large business in 
lumber and coal. 

Bryden Forged Horse-Shoe Works.— The newest 
manufacturing institution is that started by the Bry- 
den Horse-Shoe Company, which was organized in 
1882, with a capital of sixty thousand dollars, Joshua 
Hunt being president, Oliver Williams secretary and 
treasurer, and P. F. Greenwood superintendent. The 
company was organized, and erected works for the 
purpose of manufacturing horse-shoes under patents 
issued to George Bryden, of Hartford, Conn. All 
other machine-made shoes are rolled, and the heel and 
toe-caulks arc then welded on by the blacksmith, 
whereas the Bryden shoe is formed complete under 
the blows of a heavy hammer. The works employ 
about thirty men, and have a capacity of from two 
and a half to three tons of horse-shoes per day. 

The Younger Grist-Mill. — There has been a grist- 
mill at this site for at least a century, hut by whom 
the first structure was built is not known. The prop- 
erty was long in possession of the Biery family, and 
since 1855 has been owned by the firm of Younger & 
Berger, and by Mr. William Younger alone. The 
present mill at Biery's bridge is a four-story stone 
structure of most substantial character. The milling 
machinery is of the latest improved variety, and Mr. 
Younger, who since 1871 has been the sole proprietor, 
i- thus enabled to turn out a large amount of the very 
best flour. 

Milton Berger, who was for several years one of the 
proprietors of this mill, was the son of John and Han- 
nah Berger, and born in Upper Saucon township, 
Aug. 11, 1833. Subsequently he removed with bis 



parents to Bethlehem, and was married in 1855 to 
Miss Anna Maria Reich. Their children are Charles 
E. (of the firm of Roney .V Berger, of Alii Ida 

V., and Milton. Mr. Berger was :l second time mar- 
ried, to Miss ( 'aroline Reich, a sister of his first wife, 
whose children are John F. and KobertJ. He sub- 
sequently married Jane A. Lackey, of Allentown, 
who survive- him. Mr: Bergi ime year-' ex- 

perience as a clerk in Bethlehem, in 1856 removed to 
( latasauqua, and, as i of the firm of Berger & 

Younger, conducted an extensive milling business, 
which was continued until hi> death in the thirty- 
ninth year of his age. He was in politics a Repub- 
lican, and held various minor oliices in the borough, 
though not active in the political field nor ambitious 
for official distinction. Both in official and business 
life he evinced exceptional business capacity, was 
honorable in all commercial transactions, and mani- 
fested a rare kindness and generosity when opportu- 
nity occurred for the display of those virtues. He 
was a member of the Reformed Church of Catasau- 
qua, and formerly superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. The death of Mr. Berger occurred Jan. 21, 
1872, in his thirty-ninth year. 

William Younger, present proprietor of the mill 
bearing his name, is a son of Casper Younger, born in 
1790, and an officer in the war of L812, who was a 
native of Bavaria, and having (migrated with his 
parents to America, settled with them in Lehigh 
County. He married Catherine Fink, of Upper 
Saucon, and had children,— Elizabeth, Elias, Edward, 
; Louisa (Mrs. Samuel Eberts), and William. Mr. 
Younger was by trade a carpenter, and followed his 
vocation successfully, both in Philadelphia and in 
the Lehigh Valley. He died in 1869, in his seventy- 
ninth year. His son William was born Nov. 25, 
1825, in Upper Saucon, but when an infant removed 
with his parents to Philadelphia. Here, on reaching 
a suitable age, and after lie had received the rudi- 
ments of an English education, he was apprenticed to 
a silversmith. At the age of eighteen he returned to 
Upper Saucon, and with his uncle, John Berger, en- 
gaged in milling enterprises. At the age of twenty- 
one he returned to Philadelphia, and being inspired 
by a spirit of adventure enlisted in 1S47 in Company 
B, Third United States Dragoons, under Capt. Butler, 
for the Mexican war. The company was principally 
engaged in guarding supply trains ami in occasional 
skirmishing, their camps being successively at Palo 
Alto, Matamoras, and Mier, at the head of the Rio 
Grande. At the expiration of eighteen months of 
service the company was discharged, in July, 1848, at 
Jefferson Barrack-, .Missouri. For a brief interval 
Mr. Younger engaged in the pursuit of his trade, 
but the love of adventure and travel predominating, 
he started in 1850 for California, and returning in 
1852, made a second trip in 1853. During the year 
I 855 be removed to Catasauqua, and deciding to de- 
vote the remainder of his life to business, entered into 



246 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



partnership with Milton Berger in the milling busi- 
ness. His partner having died in 1871, M r. Younger, 
at a later date, purchased the remaining interest, 
which he has since controlled. He has introduced all 
the modern applianees tin- manufacturing an improved 
grade of Hour, and enjoys an extensive and profitable 

trade. 

Mr. Younger was, in 1^57, married to Miss Isabella, 
daughter of Henry Kurtz, of Hanover township, Le- 
high Co. Their children are Amanda L., Emma J. 
(deceased), Grant R. (deceased), William (deceased), 
Henry C, Ada I., Esther A., and Ralph. Mr. 
Younger is a Democrat in politics, though not one of 
the active workers in the party. He is in religion a 
supporter of the German Lutheran Church. 

National Bank of Catasauqua.— This bank was 
organized as a State institution Sept. 9, 1857, with a 
capital stock of one hundred thousand. dollars. Its 
first board of directors were Eli J. Saeger, David 
Thomas, John S. Hoffman, Charles A. Luckenhach, 
Jacob P. Shall, David A. Tombler, Joshua Hunt, 
William Miller, Jonas Biery, James W. Fuller, 
Robert Oberly, Samuel Laubach, and Jacob Fatz- 
inger, Sr. Eli J. Saeger, president ; Melchior H. 
Horn, cashier; John O. Liehtenwallner, teller; and 
James W. Mickly, clerk. Of the original directors 
and officers the following-named directors and officers 
are now deceased: David Thomas, John L. Hoffman, 
Charles A. Luckenbach, William Miller, Jonas Biery, 
James W. Fuller, Robert Oberly, Samuel Laubach, 
Jacob Fatzinger, Sr., John O. Liehtenwallner, and 
James W. Mickly. 

The bank was continued as a State institution until 
July, 1865. Its capital stock was increased during this 
period as follows: in 1860, to $120,000; in 1S64, to 
$180,600; it earned in dividends $71,650,'and car- 
ried to surplus $31,550.55 above expenses and losses 
during this period. It was made a national bank in 
July, 1865, with a capital stock of $180,600, which 
was increased, May, 1868, to $300,000; May, 1873, to 
$400,000; November, 1873, to $500,000. It has earned 
in dividends since its organization as a national bank 
$631,264.67, and increased its surplus to $88,000 above 
expenses, taxes, and losses. 

It owns the banking house and adjoining dwelling, 
which is occupied by the cashier. It is a beautiful 
and substantial building, situated on Front Street; 
its vaults and safes are all modern, and its interior 
arrangements are suhstantial and convenient. 

The following-named persons have served as direc- 
tors of this bank at various periods since its organi- 
zation, those marked with an asterisk (*) being de- 
ceased : 



Joshua Hunt. 

William Miller. 

.Iimas liirny. 

John W. Fuller. 

■Robert ( >herly. 

Samuel Laubach. 

■Jacob Fatzinger, Sr. 
William R. Yeager. 
James T. Borhek. 

John D. Lawall. 
Martin Kenium. 
Charles I). Fuller. 
•Tilghman H. Moyer. 
Samuel Thomas. 
Reuben A. Boyer. 
John Thomas. 
Jacob S. Lawall. 
David O. Savior. 
William Trexler. 
*Franklin B. Martin. 
William J. Craig. 



i lharles Kline. . 
Joseph Laubach. 
*Henry Hummel. 
Ashton C. Borhek. 
Welcome B. Powell. 

Thomas Clendcuiiiii. 

Samuel Straub. 
■John Hunter. 
William Kern. 
"Reuben Bieber. 
Charles Glick. 
Franklin Andreas. 
William D. Snyder. 
John D. Stiles." 
Nathan Laudenslager. 
William Andrews. 
Charles G. Schneller. 
Henry H. Riegel. 
Jacob Fatzinger, Jr. 
Samuel I. Brown. 
Harry G. Stiles. 



E. J. Saeger. 
*Jobn L. Hoffman. 
*Charles A. Luckenbach. 
Jacob P. Schall. 
* David Thomas. 
David A. Tombler. 



-Adam Gemig. 
Franklin P. Mickly. 
J. Allen Kramer. 

I >a\ id Thomas, Jr. 
James Weiler. 
*Theodore H. Green. 



The present officers of the bank are: President, 
Eli J. Saeger; Cashier, Melchior H. Horn ; Assistant 
Cashier, Frank M. Horn ; Teller, John J. Glick ; 
Clerk, Charles R. Horn. 

Melchior H. Horn, cashier of this bank from its 
inception, is the grandson of Abram Horn, who was 
of German descent, and a resident of Philadelphia. 
He held the commission of captain in the war of the 
Revolution, and that of colonel of the First Pennsyl- 
vania Regiment in the war of 1812; his eight sons 
and two sons-in-law also serving in the latter war. 
His son, Abram, was appointed postmaster of Easton 
under Gen. Jackson, and continued under the Presi- 
dency of Martin Van Buren and William Henry 
Harrison. The same office was tilled by other mem- 
bers of the family under Presidents Polk, Pierce, and 
Lincoln. Mr. Horn removed from Philadelphia to 
Easton, where he held the appointment of State sur- 
veyor for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 'He 
married Susan, daughter of Melchior Hay, and had 
children, eight sons and two daughters, of whom Mel- 
chior was born in 1783, at Easton, where he engaged 
extensively in business operations, and was generally- 
known as a successful stage- line proprietor. He mar- 
ried Isabella Traill, and had children, — Sybilla, Ro- 
bina, Robert T., John J., Isabella R., Melchior H., 
Enoch C, Philip H., Sarah, and Maria L. He mar- 
ried, a second time, a Mrs. Stedinger, and had one 
son, William Penn. His son, Melchior H., was bom 
April 9, 1822, in Easton. The first ten years of his 
life were spent in New Jersey, upon a farm to which 
his parents had removed. He then returned to Eas- 
ton, and received instruction for three years at a pri- 
vate school, after which he entered his father's office 
as clerk, and assumed general charge of his stage 
business. He later for four years filled a position of 
clerk in a general store, and at the expiration of this 





'ye^t*sr?#*'t 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



247 



period embarked in the selling of groceries in I 
Three years later he accepted a position aa 
master on the Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania 
('anal, where he was employed until 1852. He then 
resigned to accept the position of teller of the Far- 
mers' and Mechanics 1 Bant of Easton, and in 1857 
was made cashier «>!' the Hank of Catasauqua. He 
was. in 1861, made a member of the staff of Governor 
Cnrtin, and detailed to special service, rendering 
valuable assistance in the organization of the Penn- 
sylvania Reserves, lie was subsequently commis- 
sioned as colonel of the Thirty-eighth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Col. Horn continued to 
do active service in various capacities, filling impor- 
tant and responsible duties, until the close of the con- 
flict, and resuming his labors in connection with the 
bank on his return, where he still acts as cashier. 
He is a Democrat in politics, ami although frequently 
a delegate to State, and suggested in Congressional 
e. inventions for official honors, has declined to fill 
other than local offices. lie i- director and general 
manager of the Blue Vein Slate Company of Slating- 
ton. and otherwise identified with business measures. 
IK i- a Lutheran in his religions views, and member 
of the Lutheran Church of Catasauqua. Col. Horn 
was married, on the 13th of October, 1845, to Matilda 
L., daughter of Jacob Heller. Their children are 
William H., Edward T., Susan 11. -Mrs. M. L. Dreis- 
bach), Frank M., Harry Y., Isabella (deceased), ami 
Charles R. 

Newspapers. — The Catasauqua Herald was the first 
journalistic venture made in the town. It was started 
in 1857 by Peter Kelchner & Fry. In 1860, Arnold 
C. Lewis was the editor, and he succeeded in [jutting 
the paper upon a paying basis, but going into the 
army in the following year he left it in charge of his 
brother, who allowed it to run down. The Journal 
was started soon after the close of the war by Thomas 
Lambert, but its life was short, and it was not until 
1870 that the two papers now in existence were 
started. Of these the Catasauqua Dispatch was started 
by Edmund Randall as a fortnightly advertising 
sheet, under the name of the ('mint,*/ Merchant. This 
name was changed to the Dispatch, July 24, 1871, 
and the paper was then issued as a seven-column 
weekly, which in 1878 was enlarged to its present 
size, — eight columns. It is a sprightly local journal, 
independent in politic-. 

The Y'iUiij lin-nrd was established In its present 
owner and editor, Capt. W. II. Bartholomew, who 
brought out the first issue Aug. 15, 1870. < triginally 
a seven-column sheet, it was soon enlarged to eight 
columns, and about the same time it was made a sup- 
porter of Democratic principles. It is conducted, 
however, a- a live local newspaper rather than a polit- 
ical journal, and every week places before it- readers 
a detailed account of the happening- in town and 
county. 

The Gas-Works were built and put in operation 



by a company chartered April 18, 1856, composed of 

Joseph Laubach, John Thomas, Wlllian Sam- 

uel Glace, John Williams, and Joshua Hunt. The 
officers first elected were Joshua Hunt, preside] 
Joseph Laubach, t reasurer ; John Williams, secretary. 

The works were erected immediately after the organ- 
ization of the company had been effected, and were 
at once appreciated bj the people and liberally pat- 
ronized. They were successful from the -tart. The 
price per thousand (aihie feet of gas was originally 
$4.50 and is now si 1 .;;."). The amount consumed 
annually is about two and a half million feet, which 
i- sufficient to allow manufacture with profit. L'ntil 
1880 the company used bituminous coal for the pro- 
duction of gas. hut since that time have made it by 
the Lowe naphtha process. The gaS-WOrks have '"-' 
to date, for construction and repairs, twenty-four i hoti- 
sand live hundred and twenty-live dollars. The busi- 
ness of the company is now under the charge of 
Joshua Hunt, president, and John Williams, secre- 
tary and treasurer. 

The Water-Works. — For its ample supplj of good 
water Catasauqua i> indebted to the Cram- Iron Com- 
pany. The company originally using water as the 
motive-power for the blast and machinery at its works, 
extended pipes to the houses of several of its leading 
employes, and under an act of the Assembly, ap- 
proved April 24. 1857, a charter was obtained to ex- 
tend the water through the town, which was subse- 
quently done. In 1873 the company at an expense of 
between twenty-five thousand and thirty thousand 
dollars erected new works, which are of incalculable 
value to the town. From an extended account of 
those works in the Catasauqua Dispatch of Feb. 4, 
1874, we take the following: 

" When the Lehigh Crane Iron Company was in- 
duced to build furnaces at this point, the Lehigh Navi- 
gation Company (heeled them the right of water power 
from Swartz's dam to Allentown. The first furnace 
was commenced in 1839, and blast was furnished by 
water-power, a large wdieel being used for that pur- 
pose. To this wheel was attached a pump, to force 
water for use about the furnaces, the tank or reservoir 
being located on top of the works, ami this arrange- 
ment remained in use until after No. 3 was built. No. 
2 was erected in 1841—42, and water was furnished to 
it in a similar manner. But soon after the erection of 
No. .'!, in 1844, these tanks were dispensed with, and 
more extensive improvements commenced. A new 
pumping apparatus was constructed, and four-inch 
pipes laid from the engine-house to Wood Street, up 
Wood to Second, and from thence to a basin, which 
was located at the top of Church Street. Alter years 
of use it was found very difficult to retain water 
in this reservoir, as the limestone formation under- 
neath continually made crevices in the foundation and 
allowed leakage. Unsuccessful attempts to remedy 
this evil were made, and it was decided to erect a 
temporary wooden structure, which has admirably 



248 



HISTORY OF LKllKill COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



answered the purpose fora time. New pipes were laid 
as the town grew. In 1854 a four-inch main was laid 
on Front Street, as Car north as Bridge. In 1856 a 
three-inch main was extended up Second Street as far 

i wherry Alley. The Front Street pipe xi 
eequently extended as far as Pine, then to the rolling- 
mill, and lastly as tar as Puddlers' row. Thus, year 
after year, as demands required, new pipes were laid, 
hnt mine of larger dimensions than lutir inches in 
diameter, die growth of the town and the require- 
- of water for six furnaces taxed the reservoir 
t<> its utmost capacity, ami in case of tire the BUpply 
was qoI equal to the demand. Buildings in portions 
of the town of a greater elevation were unable to ob- 
tain a water supply, and this want, coupled with the 
rapidly-growing hounds of our borough, induced Mr. 
Joshua Hunt, superintendent of the Crane Iron Com- 
pany, to bring the matter before the board of directors 
and asked that an extended improvement he made. 
The officers deliberated upon the necessities of the 
case, and appropriated the sum of twenty-five thousand 
dollars for the new works. Plans were at once com- 
pleted, and proposals solicited for the excavating and 
laying of eight-, ten-, and twelve-inch mains in our 
streets, which contract was awarded to Messrs. George 
W. Smith .V Son, of this place, who immediately com- 
menced work. The pipes used were from the works 
of Messrs. Starr, of Camden, X. J., and our citizens 
are perfectly familiar with their look and capacity, as 
they were visible on our streets for a number of weeks. 
"On Front Street, from Wood to Bridge, an eight- 
inch main supplies the water, while on Second Street, 
from Union to Chapel, a ten-inch pipe was laid. Con- 
oections were made on Union and Chapel Streets with 
the four-inch mains on Front, and ten-inch pipes were 
laid on Bridge Street, from Front to Second, and on 
Walnut to Fourth, where connections are made with 
the twelve-inch supply from the new reservoir. Some 
thirty new fire-plugs were erected at selected points, 
which can be used in case of need. The old four- 
inch mains on Front Street, from Wood to Bridge, 
were removed, and also those on Second, from Church 
to Walnut, but extend from Wood south on Front and 
north from Bridge on Front. Streets not mentioned 
have the old four-inch pipes as formerly, with the ad- 
vantage of a greater head and more abundant supply 
of water. The new reservoir is located on the highest 

point of ground in thi> neighborb 1, and is situated 

on a lot of ground purchased by the company many 
years ago, at Fifth and Walnut Streets, is sixty feet 
square and ten feet deep from the overflow, which, in 
case of necessity, empties the waste water into a deep 
well upon the property. The capacity of the reservoir 
is two hundred thousand gallons, which, allowing 
eighteen gallons per day to a person, would accommo- 
date a city of eleven thousand inhabitants. The con- 
struct! f this reservoir was performed in the mosl 

substantial manner, and has given every satisfaction. 
Excavations for the foundation were made about four 



feel under ground and immense stone- placed in the 
walls. The limestone masonry is four feel in thick- 
ness, and rises to an elevation of twelve feet. Then a 

four-inch space was allowed for concrete, and lastly a 
nine-inch brick wall, securely cemented. The floor 

has a layer of eighteen inches of small -tone securely 
laid, upon which is a four-inch coating of concrete. 
With pipes and reservoir complete, there was need 
of greater pumping capacity, and instructions were 

issued to prepare proper machinery. The engine room 
adjoinining the company's machine-shop is twenty- 
three by twenty-live feet in dimensions, and i tain- 
two forcing-pumps and a beautiful stationary engine. 
The pumps are kept at a very slow motion of ten 
strokes per minute, and have a capacity, at that rate. 
of forcing one hundred and eighty-live thousand gal- 
lons of water per day, and, doubling the stroke, twice 
that quantity, but at the present motion the demands 
of the town are fully mei and tin reservoir kept full. 
Street sprinkling requires a large amount id' water 
<Iii r i ii Li the summer months, but the running of one 
pump was i>iitlicient to insure an abundant quantity. 
The pumps are propelled by the large water-wheel 
underneath, the canal furnishing the power and the 
water required for the town. In case the canal should 
fail to furnish power, or the machinery should break, 
the stationary engine can be attached and the furnace 
furnish steam as the motive power. The engine is of 
eighteen horse-power, and can be used to pump water 
for the town and at the same time propel the ma- 
chinery in the shop adjoining. The engine and 
pumps were manufactured by the company's em- 
ployes, aud all the castings necessary for the water- 
works were turned out at the company's shops. To 
equalize the pressure throughout the borough a high 
stand-pipe has been erected, and is located near No. 6 
Furnace. The water is forced into this pipe, aud flows 
to a corresponding elevation in pipes until it reaches 
the reservoir, into wdiich it flows and remains for use. 
Unequal flow is avoided by the use of the stand-pipe. 
The water from the pumps enter- it. the street-pipes 
are supplied by a steady pressure, and there is less 
strain on the pumps and pipes. The stand-pipe is 
somewhat higher than the overflow of the reservoir, 
being one hundred and thirty feet from its base. It 
i- constructed of heavy plate iron, and is four and one- 
half feet in diameter at the base by thirty-three inches 
at the top. It is surmounted by a conical roof and 
railing, an iron ladder leading from the base to the 
landing above. It has a capacity of about five thou- 
sand gallons of water. To tin' pumps at the works a 
hose attachment can be made. Sections of hose will 
be kept on a reel in the pumping-house, and, in case 
of need, an attachment can readily be made and val- 
uable service rendered. By the attachment of a sec- 
tion of hose to a fire plug on Front Street, a stream 
can be thrown over any house on the street, and Mr. 
David Thomas informs us that he was able to throw a 
stream over his residence by attaching a section to the 



UOKOliCIl OF CATAS MtH \ 



249 



plug in his yard. The i levation of Mr. Thomas' house 
rage of houses on Si cond Street . and 
it demonstrates the i the new works. 

The water furnished is taken from the canal, but only 
ciiicr- thai conduit at the edge of town, at Swartz's 
dam, and may be considered as pure Lehigh v. 
is obtainable. For household purposes, ii is superior 
tu that furnished ARentown, which is of so hard a 
nature ^ i" be unlit for washing ami general uses. 
And as to the supply, it is so abundant that a popula- 
tion of eleven thousand could I" accommodated with- 
out overtaxing the present work-. Therefore we can 
boast that we have one of the best, if not tin best, 
water arrangements of any town in Pennsylvania. 
Our borough has not been involved in debt to secure 
ai blessing. The expenditures made the last 
season exceed thirty thousand dollars, and yet the 
company added to our obligations a- citizens by the 
purchase ol a first-class steamer tor use in case of fire, 
and have i rected a hall to house it which is a credit 
to anv town. Catasauqua is largely indebted to Mr. 
Hunt for the new works, as he urged the matter upon 
tie attention id' the company, and supervised their 
construction. The master mechanic of the company, 
Thomas E. Evans, planned and constructed the pump 
tachinery." 
Religious Matters.— There are several 
tents of population in Catasauqua, and 
as a consequence the number of religious 
denominations is larger than might be ex- 
pected in a town of tie size. The Welsh 
are either Presbyterians, Congregationalists, 
or Baptists. 1 The Germans are Lutherans 
and Catholics, the former denomination 
claiming a majority of them. The older 
native population forms largely the strength 
ol the Lutheran and German Reformed con- 
gregations, while the Evangelical Church is 
principally composed of the descendants of 
those < ■ ermans whose predilections were for 
the former churches. The Scotch are as a 

rule < lid-School Presbyterians, and the Irish 
people are divided between the Presby- 
terian and Catholic Churche8. There arc 
many Swedes in the town, and they are, 
with few exceptions, adherents of the Luth- 
eran faith. 

Historical Sketch of the First Presbyterian 
Church of Catasauqua, Pa.— The First Presbj terian 
church of Catasauqua dates ii- beginning from about 
the time when the Crane Iron Company's works were 
started in this place. In 1889, by invitation of that 
company, Mr. David Thomas, a native of Wales, came 
here to begin the enterprise, out of the successful 
prosecution of which the town of Catasauqua itself 
has grown. 

1 The W.-lsli Baptist! do not at present mnintuin an active organiza- 
tion. 



For the first few months after In- arrival, and mini 

a suitable dwelliog-housi uld in- erected in Cat 

uqua, Mr. Thorn in aRentown, and with 

hi- family worshiped in the Presbyterian Church of 

that place, then under tin can- of the Rev. Robert W. 

I. audi-. 

Mr. Thomas was an ardent friend ol' Sabbath - 

sell. "il-, ami -peed i\ organized one in I 'ala-ainpta. 

T ' todate this school, and also provide a place 

ol worship nearer home, a church edifice was deemed 
necessary. Accordingly a small triangular plot of 

gi id in the rear of the old reservoir, on what is now 

Church Street, was set apart by the company. By the 

liberality of Mr. Thomas this plot was to a 

square, running from Church Street north to Bridge 
Si reel, ami im a-ui i: | o hum lied feet iii width 

by three hundred and fiftj feel in depth. On the 
south end id' this plot, near the reservoir and fronting 
on Church Street, which thus derived its name, the 
first church in Catasauqua was built. 

The corner-stone was laid by the Rev. Mr. Landis 
on the last Sabbath of December, 1839. 'The cere- 
mony took place during a snow -storm, and the con- 
cluding services, owing to the inclemency of the 
weather, were held in Mr. Thomas' new house on 
Front Street (opposite No. 1 Furnace), to which the 




THE OLD CHURCH, 0ATASA1 0,1 

little assembly adjourned. This is the dale of the 
first sermon in the English language ever preached in 
this town, at least so far as is known. 

A little over two months sufficed in which to finish 

the building, ami on the 22d day of March, 1840, it 

was dedicated to the worship of Cod. It was a very 
unpretending whitewashed structure of uuplancd 
boards, set perpendicularly and battened. Its size at 
first was about twenty-live by thirty-live feet, but it 
was afterwards lengthened by the addition of ten or 
twelve feet. The adjacent ground was occupied as a 
graveyard, and continued to be so used until F'airview 



250 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Cemeterj was laid oul on the opposite side of the 
Lehigh River. The bell to call the people together 
a present from Mr. Thomas) was hung in the fork 
n!' an oak-tree, which stood at the south right-hand 
coi uer of the building. 

At or about this time Rev. Mr. Landis organized 
the church, an English Presbyterian, and ordained 
Mr. Thomas as the first elder. It numbered only 
three members, viz.: -Mr. David Thomas; bis wife 
Elizabeth, and his oldest daughter, Jane. All these 
survived until June 20, 1882, a period of forty-two 
years. Then Mr: Thomas was called to his rest, 
greatly beloved and honored. 

A* Mr. Thomas was a Welshman, and his wife and 
children were only slightly acquainted with the Eng- 
lish language (although they very speedily acquired 
a knowledge of it ). and as he was soon to be followed 
by many of his nationality, surprise has been ex- 
pressed that he did not have the church organized 
as a Welsh church. To this his reply always was: 
"English is the language of this country, and I saw 
that the future of my children and of my fellow- 
countrymen was identified with that languagt ; and 
therefore sound wisdom dictated a policy which would 
Attieriami • them as soon as possible." 

This far-sighted policy he always adhered to ; and 
while proud of his Welsh origin, he never to any 
great extent gave pecuniary aid or encouragement to 
the support of separate Welsh organizations. He even 
opposed them as detrimental to the best interests of 
his countrymen. He judged it wiser and better to 
have them at once mingle as much as possible with 
Americans, that they might the sooner become one 
with them. 

By an arrangement with Mr. Thomas, the Rev. Mr. 
Landis ministered to the little church for some time 
after its organization; but in 1841 he discontinued 
his labors in Catasauqua, and the church was for 
a while without regular preaching. During the time 
that Rev. Mr. Landis served the people, but at what 
exact date is not known, Mr. David Williams, Sr., 
was ordained elder, and filled the office with great 
acceptance until his death, Aug. 14, 1845. 

In 1S42, Rev. Richard Walker succeeded Mr. Landis 
as pastor of the Alhntown Church, and preached to 
the Catasauqua people as stated supply, occupying 
the pulpit in the afternoon of every alternate Sabbath. 
This arrangement continued for some years, during 
which Messrs. Joshua Hunt and William J. Romig, 
M.D., were chosen elders and ordained Sept. Hi, 184(1. 

In 185(1 the church, numbering about twenty-five 
members, obtained from the court of Lehigh County 
an act of incorporation, dated December 3d of that 
year, under the style and title of "New School Pres- 
byterian Church of Catasauqua." This was afterwards, 
Feb. 25, 1853, changed to " First Presbyterian Church 
of Catasauqua," it being the first church organized 
and incorporated in the town. 

The church at this time was under the care of the 



Third Presbytery of Philadelphia, and so continued 
until a change of boundary lines brought it within 
the Fourth Presbytery. About the time of its incor- 
poration permission was obtained from the Third 

Presbytery of Philadelphia to have the services of a 
resident minister. Accordingly. Rev. Charles Evans, 
a licentiate of the Presbytery of Wilmington, Del., 
was engaged for six months. At the end of that time 
the Rev. Hugh Carlisle was employed and served as 
stated supply for about one year and a half. While 
here be was elected pastor, but for some reason the 
call was never prosecuted, and he was not installed. 
During his term of service .Messrs. William McClel- 
land ami David Williams were chosen elders and set 
apart as such Dec. 8, 1851. Rev. Andrew Culver oi 
Manayunk, Pa., and Rev. Cornelius Parle, of 1'nion- 
ville. Pa., were present, assisting in a protracted meet- 
ing, and took part in the services of ordination, the 
latter giving the charge to the people. 

In October, 1852, Rev. Cornelius Earle resigned 
his charge in Unionville, Centre Co., Pa., and on the 
14th of the same month removed to Catasauqua, and 
as pastor-elect began his labors in this place. In May, 
1863, he was formally installed as pastor, being the 
first one so installed. On this occasion Rev. Richard 
Walker presided as moderator and put the constitu- 
tional questions; Rev. Ellis I. Richards, D.D., of 
Reading, Pa., preached the sermon; Rev. John Pat- 
ton, D.D., of Philadelphia, gave the charge to the 
pastor, and Rev. Duncan K. Turner, of Neshaminy, 
Pa., gave the charge to the people. 

The congregation continued to occupy the old build- 
ing erected in 1839-40 until increase in numbers and 
wealth called fov a new and better one. Accordingly 
a building committee was appointed, consisting of the 
pastor, Rev. C. Earle, and Messrs. D. Thomas, Joshua 
Hunt, Morgan Emanuel, and William McClelland. 
By an arrangement with Mr. Thomas, the original 
donor, the plot of ground running from Church Street 
to Bridge Street was exchanged for another deemed 
more eligible, situated on the north corner of Second 
and Pine Streets, in size one hundred and eighty by 
one hundred and eighty feet. On this the corner- 
stone of the new church was laid at half-past li\e 
o'clock Saturday afternoon, Sept. 23, 1854, by the 
pastor, Rev. C. Earle; an address was delivered by the 
Rev. Richard Walker, of Allentown, and Rev. Leslie 
Irwin, of Bath, took part in the services. At this 
time the church numbered sixty communicant mem- 
bers, and the Sabbath-school was large and flourish- 
ing. 

The new edifice, still occupied by the First Church, 
is of brick, semi-Gothic in style, the main building 
forty by sixty-three, exclusive of tower and pulpit- 
recess, and has a transept on the south side twenty by 
thirty feet, which forms part of the audience-room, 
and an organ transept on the north side ten by twenty 
feet. In this is a fine organ, the gift of Mr. David 
Thomas, valued at two thousand five hundred dollars. 




PQRST P 

©ATASftiUI®(!M, PA. 



BOROUGH OF t'ATASAUQUA. 



251 



Tin > | ii r<- is about one liunilrcd and fiftj (ft high in- 
cluding the finial. In the tower ia a Sne-toned bell 
of Meneeley's make. 

The building, although completed some time bi 
was not opened for worship until it could be dedicated 
free from debt Delaj a so tooi place thai arrange- 
ments might be made to lighl it with gas. This led 
to the incorporation of the < 'atasauqua < fas ( 'ompany, 
a tart not known to many. So that in a double sense 
the church has given light to the town. 

At length the church was solemnly dedicated to the 
worship of God on Sabbath, the 11th day of May, 
L856. Rev. George Duffield, D.O., preached the dedi- 
catory Minion. Rev. C. Earle offered the dedicatory 
prayer, and Rev. R. Walker took pari in the services. 
In the afternoon Rev. Jacob Becker, of the German 
Reformed ('hutch, preached in the German language. 

The old building was sold for thirty-five dollars, 
subject to removal. The pulpit and pews were placed 

at the disposal ol Rev. « '. Earle, and by him used at 
Hokendauqua, where about this time be organized a 
Presbyterian Church, and to which he ministered for 
thirteen years, and until the church at that place was 
built and the lecture-room had been dedicated, and 
the congregation was large enough and strong enough 
to have a pastor of its own. 
The pews in the new church at Catasauqua were 

distributed by lot among all who desired regular sit- 
tings. The result was very satisfactory to the holders, 
many of whom, surprising as it may seem, drew the 
very pews they had particularly desired. 

Provision was made for the support of the gospel 

by voluntary contributions. This plan was adhered 
to until 1868, when the rent system was adopted. 

As commemorative of the reunion of the Old and 
New School Assemblies of the Presbyterian Church, a 
memorial chapel was built. The corner-stone of this 
was laid by the pastor May 13, 1871, and dedicated 
by him December 10th of the same year. The build- 
ing is of brick, semi -Got hie, and in size is about thirty- 
live by eighty-two. It contains rooms for all church 
purposes, and is used for mid-week services and by 
tin Sabbath-school. The Sabbath-school numbers 
about three bundled members, teacher.-, and scholars. 
Mr. Joshua Hunt served as superintendent for nearly 
thirty-six years. He resigned in 1882, and was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. John Williams, the present incumbent 

( >n the north of the church building, with a space 

of forty feet between the two buildings and fronting 
on Second Street, is one of the most beautiful and con- 
venientl] arranged manses in the State It isof brick, 
and in style corresponds with the other buildings. 
The congregation has always been remarkable for its 
punctuality and promptitude in all things. It is 
claimed for it that during thirty years no regular 
church service has ever been begun two minute- after 
the appointed time. — a fact which deserves mention 
in its history. 

At a meeting of the church Nov. I'o, 1 S74. Messrs. 



Job ii 1 1 udder-, John Williams, and William < ;. Lewis 
Were elected elder-, and they were duly Set apart on 
the following Sabbath. .Nov. 29, 1874. 

Since its organization, in 1839, about six hundred 
and ten persons have been connected with it as com- 
municant members. Of this number five hundred 

and thirty united under its present pa-tor, viz.: three 
hundred and twelve on profession of faith, and two 
; hundred and eighteen b\ Idler- from other chili' 

Through the labor- of its pastor it has been particu- 
larly and directly identified with I ization of 
the churches of Hokendauqua, Lockridge, Ferndale, 
and Bethlehem. It has contributed liberally to every 

Protestant church in town, and its own property is 
free from debt. 

Present pastor, Rev. Cornell us Earle. Former and 
present elders, David Thomas. David Williams, Sr., 
Joshua Hunt, William J. Romig, M.D., William Mi 
Clelland, David William.-. Jr., John Hudders, John 
Williams, and William G. Lewis; Clerk of Session, 

William G. Lewis; Superintendent of Sunday-school, 
John William.-; Organist, Professor James Prescott. 

Rev. Cornelius Earle. — As a sketch of thi 
Presbyterian ( hureh of ( atasauqua, andan engraving 

ot 'tin first and second houses of worship used by that 
congregation appear in this work, it is deemed tilting 
to also present a portrait of their first, and up to this 
time their only settled pa-tor, together with a brief 
biographical notice. 

The clergyman referred to, Rev. < lornelius Earle, 
son of Cornelius and Maria Lent Earle, was born in 
New York City, July 11, 1823. He was the fifth of 
seven children, viz., four sons and three daughters. 
Hisgreat-great-great-grandfather, Edward Earle, came 
from England about 1672, and first appears in the 
official records of the Province of New Jersey as the 
purchaser of the Island of Secaucus (in the Indian 
tongue "Ci-ka-kus") for the sum of two thousand 
Dutch dollars, together with the stock and "8 or in 
negro and Christian servants." The island contained 
about three thousand acres, and in the hi -ton of tl 

days is described as "the bravest Plantation in the 
Province." Ruilt into the wall of the oldest house 
upon the island at the present time is a stone in- 
scribed " Edward E.arle, 1678." It appears to have 
been taken from a house built before the present one. 
The family still preserve the ancestral crest handed 
down from John de Erlegh. 1132, viz., a wounded 
lion, with the motto. " Vulvenitus non victus. lli- 
mother, Maria Lent, was the great-great-granddaugh- 
ter of Baron Resolved Waldron, who came to New 
Amsterdam (now New York i in 1617. in the suite of 
Governor Peter Stuyvesant. He was the Governor's 
private secretary, and served in that capacity for sis- 
teen years consecutively. The family record- -how 
that the title and letters patent were granted by the 
Dutch government to Rudolph Waldron, the head of 
the family, in 1120, and to his son, Baron Richard 
Waldron, by the English government in L156. The 



252 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



crest is a tiger rampant, and the motto, "Nee bene- 
ficii immemor, nee injurise." The old family mansion, 
built by Baron Resolved Waldron, in 1660, on the 
shoro of the East River, near the foot of the present 
Eighty eighth Street, was taken down so recently as 
1870, being two hundred and ten years old. These 
points are referred to here as matters of antiquarian 
interest. 

Coming down to the Bubject of the present sketch, 
Rev. Cornelius Earle was born, as aforesaid, in New 
Xork City. He pursued his preparatory studies in 
the University Grammar School, of which Rev. Cyrus 
.Mason, D.D., wasal that time rector, and Rev. Coi 
nelius II. Edgar, D.D., now of Easton, Pa., and John 
Leekie. of Edinburgh, Scotland, were principal in- 
structors. Rev. George H. Houghton, D.D., now 
rector of the Church of the Transfiguration in New 
York City, was also one of his tutors. 

He entered the Freshmau Class of the University 
of the City of New York in 1841. and was graduated 
as an " Honor Man'' in 1845, having as his part " The 
Philosophical Oration.'' 

Hon. Theodore Freliughuysen, LL.D., was al that 
time chancellor, and Tayler Lewis, LL.D., E. A. John- 
son, LL.D., Rev. C. S. Henry, D.D., John Draper, 
M.D., LL.D., and B. F. Joslin, LL.D., were distin- 
guished professors in that institution. 

In the autumn of the same year he began his theo- 
logical course in the Union Theological Seminary, 
New York City, in which "school of the prophets" 
Rev. Edward Robinson, D.D., Rev. Henry White, 
D.D., Rev. Thomas H. Skinner, D.D., LL.D., and 
Rev. Samuel H. Cox, D.D., LL.D., then taught. 

Mr. Earle was licensed to preach the gospel 1>,\ Hie 
Third Presbytery of New York City in 1848. He 
soon after transferred his relation to the Presbytery of 
Wilmington, Del., in order that he might take charge 
of the church of Unionville, Chester Co., Pa., and 
Kennett Square, then a mission station annexed to it. 
He was installed pastor Dec. 7, 1848. He resigned 
his charge there Oct. 1, 1852, and removed to Cata- 
sauqua, Pa., October 14th, and began his labors there 
as " pastor elect." He was installed pastor over the 
First Church of Catasauqua in May, 1853. 

The congregation at that time worshiped in the 
little frame edifice of which an engraving appears in 
this work. 

The church grew under his ministration, and on the 
23d of September, 18G4, the corner-stone of the new 
house of worship was laid on the corner of Second 
and Pine Streets. This building was dedicated May 
11, 1856. 

To commemorate the reunion of the so-called " Old 
and New School" branches of the Presbyterian 
Church (to the latter of which this church be- 
longed), the corner-stone of a " memorial chapel" was 
laid May 13, 1871, and the edifice duly dedicated on 
Sunday, Dec. 10, 1871. 

In addition to his charge at Catasauqua, Mr. Earle 



originated several church enterprises in neighboring 

towns. Soon after the Thomas Iron Works were 
started at Hokcndauqua, as seven members of his 
church at Catasauqua had removed thither, hi 01 
ganized tic " Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua." 
For a time religious services were held in a barn 
owned by the company ; afterwards, for a little while, 
in the room over the company's office. I la\ ing -> r\ ed 
the little hand for full twelve years under great dis- 
advantages, and wishing to lighten his labors, he se- 
cured the erection of the building now owned and 
used by the Presbyterian Church there. He at the 
same time obtained from the board of directors the 
grant of an additional lot adjoining the church lot, 
"as the site of a parsonage, whenever circumstances 
should call for the erection of one." Having carried 
forward the enterprise until the new chinch was about 
completed, and the lecture-room part of it had been 
dedicated, he announced to the people his intention 
to withdraw, and requested them to secure the ser- 
vices of a pastor to reside among them. This was 
done, and Mr. Earle's connection with them ceased. 

An opportunity soon after this presenting itself to 
start a church at Lockridge (or Alburtis), where a 
furnace was about this time built, and the nucleus of 
a little town formed, the temptation was too great 
to be resisted, and he commenced religious services 
there on Wednesday evenings, using an old school- 
house which was fitted up for the purpose by Mr. Y. 
W. Weaver, superintendent of the works. Having 
invited Rev. Mr. Little to co-operate with him, they 
preached there on alternate Sabbaths, using for their 
transit a small locomotive which the Thomas Iron 
Company generously placed at their disposal, and 
which, as the only available means of reaching the 
place (seventeen miles distant from Catasauqua), 
quietly bore them to and fro. Their Sal 'hath scruples 
in the case were overcome by the consideration that 
it was the only way to cover thirty-four miles of travel 
in the time they had to spare from other duties, and 
involved less real work than the use of horses would 
have done. This arrangement continued for a year 
or more, at the end of which time Rev. Mr. Walker, 
of Allentown, being without a charge, was engaged, 
and both the other clergymen withdrew, not, however, 
until Mr. Earle had obtained from the Thomas Iron 
Company a grant of land for church and cemetery 
purposes, and a liberal contribution of money for the 
infant enterprise. 

Very soon after withdrawing from the Lockridge 
mission, at the suggestion of Mr. David Thomas, Rev. 
Mr. Earle began to hold religious services at Fern- 
dale Fullerton), one mile below Catasauqua, wor- 
shiping at first in a small barn which Mr. Thomas had 
fitted up for the purpose. At that place Mr. Earle 
organized the " Ferndale Presbyterian Church," Oct. 
14, 1871, it being the nineteenth anniversary of his 
coming to Catasauqua. He continued to minister to 
it until stricken down with a long and severe illness. 





<uJ-£^ 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUol \. 



L'53 



After his recovery, feeling that it was too heavy an 
addition to his other pastoral work, he was, at his 
own request, relieved by the Presbytery of Lehigh, 
ami 'Mi his reeoinmeiKhitioii Rev. Mr. Little, who hail 
officiated during Mr. Earle's illness, was given the 
charge of it. 

Several years now passed, when, two or three of 
Mr. Earle's members having removed to Bethlehem, 
he was led to look up the Presbyterians residing there. 
Binding the number sufficient to warrant the organi- 
sation of a Presbyterian I 'hnrch in Bethlehem proper, 
in which there was no church of thai order at the 
time (although one had been organized in South 
Bethlehem |, and having by personal visitation kindled 
their enthusiasm, "The First Presbyterian Church 'of 
Bethlehem" was duly organized November, 1875, by 
a committee appointed for the purpose by the Pres- 
bytery of Lehigh. To consolidate and watch over 
them until a pa-tor could be secured, Mr. Earle acted 
as a volunteer pastor, and preached for them gratu- 
itously every Wednesdaj evening during the winter, 
and withdrew only when the present pastor, Rev. A. 
I). Moore, was ready to take charge of the flock, 
which he did in 1876. 

The several enterprises above named begun by him 
and carried to a point where they could stand alone, 
were not undertaken to "eke out his salary." The 
liberality of his own church in Catasauqua rendered 
that unnecessary. They were undertaken through 
his zeal for a cause dear to his heart, and to which he 
had devoted his life. 

Rev. Mr. Earle was twice married. The first time, 
Nov. 12, 1S49, by Rev. Joseph C. Stiles, D.D., pastor 
of Mercer Street Church, New York City, to Miss 
Maria Louisa Lent, daughter of John A. and Catha- 
rine Van Beuren Lent, all of New York City. This 
most estimable lady died in Catasauqua, Dec IS, 
1856. Two children were born of this marriage, viz. : 
Alletta M. Earle, in Unionville, Pa., Aug. 22, 1851 ; 
died in Catasauqua, Dec. 2*, 1*72; and Edward M. 
Earle, now of Cleveland, Ohio, born in Catasauqua, 
Pa., April 13, 1855. 

After an interval of over three years, Mr. Earle was 
married a second time, April 26, 1860, by Rev. Wil- 
liam Payne, D D., rector of St. George's Church, 
Schenectady, N. Y., to Miss Elizabeth Zullagar, 
daughter of John and Mary Langley Zullagar, all of 
the above-named place. 

The second M rs. Earle, like her predecessor, greatly 
Beloved and deeply lamented, died in Catasauqua, 
April 29, 1872. 

In secular matters Mr. Earle ha- been closely iden- 
tified with several enterprise- of local interest. That 
the new church on Pine Street might he lighted with 
gas, he brought about the organization of the " Cata- 
sauqua! iasCompany," before unthought of, and which 
owes its origin at the time it was formed to Mr. Earle's 
persistence in the purpose not to use the church until 
it could be thus lighted. 



< in the fall of Fort Sumter, ( !ol. M. II. Horn and M r. 
Earle called the first public meeting in Eigh-Scl 
Hall, and Mr. Earle made the first speech and the 

first call for volunteers on that < The buj 

call thus sounded, the First Church and its pa 
-I I together during all the weary StrUg| 

again and again the old church-bell rang out the pi 
of victory, or summoned the friends of the Union to 
fresh efforts in its defense until peace came. 

tin the suggestion of Mr. Sat hat a 

soldier- monument should be erected, Mr. Earle or- 
ganized the " Monument Association," and serve 

its secretary. He drew up the constitution and by- 
laws, named its members, arranged the inscriptions 
and singularly appropriate texts on the four sides of 
the monument ; also the order of exercises on the 
day of dedication, and delivered the historical ora- 
tion. Mai. Calhoun being the orator of the day. 
That neither his name nor that of any civilian mem- 
ber of the committee appears anywhere on the monu- 
ment is due to the decision that "no man's name 
should lie inscribed on the monument unless he had 
been sworn into the service of the I nlted States, and 
had been under the enemy's fire." Hence it is just 
what it purports to be. a "Soldiers' Monument." 

For the past seven or eight years Mr. Earle has 
been the chaplain of the Fourth Regiment National 
Guards of Pennsylvania, commissioned by Governor 
Hoyt. 

His pastorate ha- been a- happy and harmonious 
a- it has been long, and has been blessed with repeated 
revivals. The length of it, and the harmony which 
for more than thirty-one years has prevailed, are the 
more noteworthy when it is borne in mind that during 
that time the town and country have passed through 
labor crises and political crises of the severest kind. 
Moreover, that the church itself is composed of five 
or six different nationalities, and as many denomina- 
tions; and that the rich and the poor, the employer 
and the employed, during all these years, have peace- 
fully worshiped together. 

The official records of the denomination show that 
in the numbers added to its membership, and in the 
amount of money contributed for home support and 
to the benevolent cause of the denomination, the 
First Church is behind few. and in advance of many 

sister churches, if judged by ii- numbers and ability. 
It possesses a valuable property, consistingof church, 
chapel, and manse, beautiful for situation, and beauti- 
ful in themselves. This i- particularly true of the 

manse. When about to build, a definite sum was 
placed at Mr. Earle- disposal, and he was simply 
told to "build to suit yourself, and it will suit us." 
I [e did -■>. and " it i- a house to li\ 

The buildings owe their existence very largely to 
his zeal and foresight, and in the style and arrange- 
ment of them, within and without, they ate monu- 
ments of the largeness of heart of the people, and 
the taste and executive ability and steadfastness of 



25 I 



HISTORY OF LHIIICH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



purpose of the pastor. All things considered, his 
rate maj be claimed to be a fairly successful 

one, : i t i a 1 lor the length of it in these times of change, 

and the results of it, worthy of record in this history 
of the Lehigh Valley. 

Bridge Street Presbyterian Church.— The plant- 
Presbyterianism, so early as ]7oii. in that part 
of Northampton County widely known as the "Irish 
Settlement" (so called from the nationality of its first 
population) led to the organization of the Bridge 
Street Presbyterian Church, Catasauqua. The terri- 
tory occupied by the "Allen Township" or " Settle- 
ment" congregation extended from Bath to the Lehigh 
River, and within these limits the Crane Iron Com- 
pany established its works in lS.'iO. This new and 

great industry at once attracted large numbers of 
workmen and their families from Presbyterian Ulster, 

in the North of Ireland, who naturally looked for 
I'lin-iiau fellowship among the descendants of their 
countrymen, then the thrifty fanners of the rich and 
prosperous "Settlement," The mother church at that 
time had for pastor the Rev. Leslie Irwin, himself a 
native of Ireland, and a graduate of Belfast Royal 
Institution. He was a most faithful and devoted 
minister of the gospel, and from the beginning ex- 
tended his watchful and loving pastoral care to the 
new colony on the Lehigh. At great personal incon- 
venience, and in the most inclement seasons, he 
visited the families from house to house, and once 
every Sabbath preached to them the gospel of the 
kingdom. In compliance with a petition from the 
people, the Presbytery of Newton, in August, 1850, 
organized the church with thirty-two members, and 
ordained James McClelland its first ruling elder. 
Mr. Irwin continued his ministry for a period of fif- 
teen years after its organization, during which time 
he had the satisfaction of seeing the good fruits of 
his labors in the increase of the membership and 
Christian usefulness of the church. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. James Lewers, who labored in word 
and doctrine with great fidelity and encouraging suc- 
cess till stricken down by the hand of death on Aug. 
23, 1868, in the third year of his pastorate. During 
the period of his ministerial services the church en- 
joyed great prosperity. It grew in numbers and in 
grace and in good works, and then erected that sub- 
stantial and costly edifice in which the church wor- 
ships at the present time. In the fall of 1868 the 
Rev. William Fulton was chosen pastor, and soon 
thereafter entered this field of labor. He was an able 
and acceptable minister of the New Testament, and 
under his ministry the church became stronger still 
in numbers and resources and spiritual activity. The 
large debt which encumbered its property was much 
reduced. The financial embarrassments which at 
thai time affected the public industries of Catasau- 
qua, followed b> unhappy divisions which then crept 
in among the people, had a most injurious influence 
on the peace and harmony and prosperity which had 



previously characterized its history. A- a conse- 
quence the church suffered serioush in loss of mem- 
bers and loss of means. Mr. Pulton resigned his 
pastoral charge in October, 1875, and in .May, L876, 
the Rev. I). Harbison, the present pastor, was duly 
installed by the Presbytery of Lehigh. The church, 
though weakened by previous division, is now united 
and growing, ha- recently succeeded in paying off the 
indebtedness which for many years was a heavy and 
oppressive burden, and in the enjoyment of tokens of 
the divine favor, is endeavoring to be faithful to her 
high trust. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— It was in the year 
1845 that the first Methodist sermon was preached in 

< latasauqua. Isaac Larash had built a small frame 
house on what is now known a> Church Street, in 
which two rooms could temporarily be thrown into 
one. Here Newton Heston. then stationed in Allen- 
town, preached the first sermon, (icorge < Juiglcv and 
Thomas Murphy .also preached occasionally while sta- 
tioned at Allentown.as did Samuel Irvine. The con- 
gregation soon became too large for its meetings to be 
held in the house of Mr. Larash, and Mrs. Jeanette 
Frederick and Mrs. Amelia Matchett obtained the 
use of the Second Street school-house. From this 
time on, for several years, there was occasional preach- 
ing at various places by the Revs. A. H. Hobbs, H. H. 
Hickman, and F. D. Eagan. At the time the latter 
preached here there were nine members, among whom 
were Jeanette Frederick, Amelia Matchett, Margaret 
Rogers, and Samuel Steel. It was under Mr. Eagan's 
preaching that the church edifice was built, in L859, 
and dedicated on Christmas day of that year, although 
the upper part was not finished until 1867, when a re- 
dedication took place. The first trustees' meeting was 
held at the house of Joseph Reichert, April 17, 1860, the 
members present being Charles Graffin, Arthur Camp- 
bell, and Joseph Reichert, In November of the same 
year a charter of incorporation was granted. The 
church was supplied by ministers from Allentown and 
elsewhere until 1864, when C. H. Bickley was ap- 
pointed pastor. He served until 1865. Since then 
the succession of pastors has been as follows : 1865, 
II. F. Isett; 1866, S. B. Best; 1869, J. J. Jones ; 1871, 
William P. Howell ; 1874, Jeremiah Pastorfield ; 1876, 

< i. ( ham ; 1879, D. M. Young; 1881, L. B. Hoffman 
(six months) ; 1881, S. 0. Garrison. The church, 
though for several years leading a struggling and 
somewhat feeble existence, is now in excellent condi- 
tion. There is a Sunday-school in connection with 
the church, of which the first meeting was held 
Feb. 25, 1860. It is at present in charge of James 
Thomas. 

Emanuel's German Evangelical Church. — There 
was preaching in Catasauqua by Henry Bucks and 
Noah McLain, of this denomination, in 1848, and the 
same year the first church of this denomination was 
built on the Howertown road, between Union and 
Wood Streets. It was a brick structure about thirty 



BOROUGH OK CATASAUQU \. 



255 



by thirty-eighl feet in dimensions, and cost • ight 
hundred dollars, while the lot cost enough mi 
make the t-nt in- expense nearly one thousand dollars. 
The trustees at the time the church was built were 
Charles G. Schneller, William Neighley, and Henry 
Ymui'lt. The church society had been organized sis 
years prior to the date of building, or in 1842, though 
it hail not reached a very promising condition until 
the date with which we have seen tit to open this brief 
-k.'irh. Tlic original members were Henry Sound) 
and wife, Enoch found! and wife, \bram Sound! 
and wife, Joseph Youndl and wife, Valentine Knoll, 
Matthias Knoll and wife, and Sebastian Knoll. By 

L870 the society bail received so many accessions that 

it- old I Be of worship was no longer adequate for 

its accommodation, and the present structure on the 
corner of Second and Walnut Streets was erected. 
This is a handsome brick church with a wooden dome, 
and is of ample size for the congregation. It cos! 
about ten thousand dollars, and its erection was super- 
intended by William .Michael, David Tumbler, Owen 
Schwartz. ( '. (i. Schneller, and Aaron Klick, who 
were at that time trustees. A lot with a good house 
upon it, which has since been used as a parsonage, 
was purchased in 1874. 

The pastors who have served this congregation 
have been as follows ; Revs. William lies-art, Francis 
.hi, John Kramer, Henry Bucks, and Noah 
Mi Lain. Micheal Singlinger, Samuel Rhoads, Chris- 
tian Hummel, Jacob Gross, Christian Myers, George 
Kneir, Mu-c- Dissenger, George Haines, John Schell, 
Bonn Kmhl, .lames Lchr, C. B. Fleager, George 
Knerr, Jacob Adams. (leonri- Haines. C. Breyogel, 
and i;. Lichtenwallner, the present incumbent. The 
church has now about two hundred members, and a 
flourishing Sunday-school, under the superintendence 
of E. V. Schwartz. 

The German Reformed Church.- We would natu- 
rally expect the Reformed Church represented here, 
surrounded as the town is with numerous churches be- 
Longing to that denomination. Indeed, it would be ex- 
pected that this denomination should be the tir-t one 
on the ground to organize a congregation; but the 
Reformed peopli moving into the town continued 
Bp hold their membership in the congregations from 
which they moved, though that may have been from 
a mile to sis and sometime- more from town; there 
■was therefore uo necessity felt for a congregation 
here until people felt the inconvenience of attending 
service at such a distance. In the mean time the 
gresbyterians, many of Wl I came from gnat dis- 
tances, immediately felt the need of a house for public 
wor-bip. and hence they erected for themselve- a 
chapel in 1839-40, and thus they were the first to 
start church enterprise here. The Reformed people, 
feeling that to attend divine service nearer home 
would afford much comfort and. ease, yet loving the 

church of their father-, they were granted the use 
of the Presbyterian chapel on such days or hours 



when tin' Presbyterians bad no service, and thus they 
worshiped here from line- to < ime until a | 
organization was formed by them under tin minis- 
terial functions of Rev. Cyrus J. Becker, D.D., in 

|s|s. \\", must not omit to notice here that much 
credit is din tn Mr. Nicholas Bailie! in bringing the 
church interest of the Reformed people to such defi 
nit > - shape, lie was a zealous laborer in the cause of 
the Christian religion, and in the 

Reformed < Ihurch. 

Ait.!- an organization was once effected, a move- 
ment was soon set on loot to build a church, but its 
membership being only about one hundred, cove- 
nanted with the Lutheran people, win. started 
the same time under the pastoral char- 
Schindel, and they agreed to buy a lot and build on 
it jointly, hence a union church was built in 1852, on 
a lot bought from Mr. Henry Kurtz, lying mi Hower- 
town road. It was surmounted with a handsome 
steeple and bell. 

In 1868 the Reformed congregation made an over- 
ture to the Lutheran to buy or sill; the Lutherans 
buying out the Reformed, the Ri entoutand 

built lor itself a church on a lot donated by Mr. Jo- 
seph Laubach on corner of Third and Walnut Sirc.is. 
The corner-stone of tin- church was laid in April, 
1869, and it was dedicated in the fall of the same 
year. This congregation was known as the First 
Reformed Church of Catasauqua, Pa. Dissensions 
arose very soon in the congregation, which resulted 
in the resignation of the pastor. Rev. C. Becker, 
and which further resulted in weakening the organi- 
zation to but a small number. In the winter of 1873, 
lle\ . A. P.. Knplin was called by the East Pennsylvania 
Classis to look after the Reformed interest, and he 
ded in effecting a new organization under the 
former title. It soon had a membership of over one 
hundred, but the property being burdened with a 

heavy debt, its growth was retarded, and in 1880 tin 
property was sold by the sheriff, and the organization, 
under the title of First Reformed Church, disbanded ; 
but in April of the same year, at a public meeting 
called for the purpose of organizing a Rci 
Church, a new organization was effected, undei the 
title nt' Salem'- Reformed church oi Catasauqua. 
This new organization bought the property from 
till', and elf'orts were at once put forth to paj 
for the property, and last year (1883) the congrega- 
tion succeeded in paying off all indebtedness. In all 

tin- time there was -mall progress in the increase of 
the membership, and now lss.1 j t . membership 
is about one hundred and eighty. But the debt, 
which had been tin i hie! hindrance, now being paid, 
there is a prospect of a more rapid increase of the 
membership. As has been already observed, the 
pa-tor of tie- first organization was Rev. C. J. 
Pecker. After his death, he was followed be hi- son 
Cyrus, who served the congregation until his resigna- 
tion, in 1870. From this date to 1873 the congrega- 



256 



II1STOKY OF LEIIICII COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



tion was without a regular pastor. In the fall or 
winter of that 5 car Rfev. A. B. rToplin was called, and 
hi served the congregation until 1877, when he was 
called to another field, and the congregation called 
the Rev. J. J. Crist. When the new organization was 
formed, under the title of Salem's Reformed Church, 
he was newly elected, and he has been serving the 
congregation up to this time. 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church.— St. Pauls Luth- 
eran Church, Catasauqua, dates its origin from the 
latter part qf the year 1851. A.bou1 that time Rev. 
Jeremiah Schindel, Lutheran, and Rev. J. C. Becker, 
D.D., Reformed, began to preach to the two respec- 
tive congregations that afterwards erected the St. 
Paul's Union Church. In the beginning of the year 
L852 the two congregations were regularly organized 
and the two clergymen mentioned elected as the first 
regular pastors. The church building was soon com- 
menced, the corner-stone being laid on July 4, 1852, 
and the dedication taking plate on Christmas day of 
the same year. The building committee consisted of 
George Breinig, Solomon Biery, Samuel Koehler, and 
Charles Nolf. This Union Church continued until 
March, 1868, when the Reformed sold out their inter- 
est, and the Lutherans became sole owners id' the 
property. 

The first Lutheran Church council was composed 
of George Breinig and George Frederick, Sr., as 
elders ; Reuben Patterson and Jonathan Snyder, as 
deacons. In 1854, Rev. Jeremiah Schindel resigned, 
and was succeeded by Rev. William Rath, who served 
the congregation until July 7, 1861, when Rev. F. J. F. 
Schantz became pastor, and remained such until Sept. 
30, 1866. From this date until June 1, 1867, the con- 
gregation was supplied by Conference, — Rev. Carl 
Schlenker serving the same in German, and Rev. 
E. J. Koons, in English. From June 1, 1867, Rev. 
J. D. Schindel, a son of the first pastor of the con- 
gregation, assumed charge of the same, and yet serves 
the congregation. 

The organists during this time were the following : 
John S. P. Faust, Edward Broder, John Leonhard, 
Martin Frankcnfield, T. S. P. Steiner (for twelve 
years), Norman C. Shaffer, and the present organist, 
John C. Schafer. 

During these thirty-one years the congregation has 
had a varied experience, but has always shown life 
and growth. In 1863 the building was handsomely 
repaired, and in 1871 a basement was made under it. 
In 1873 the dead buried in the adjoining lot were re- 
moved. In the same year a part of the congregation 
severed their connection, and organized the English 
Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. 

Ever since the organization of the congregation 
both the German and English languages have been 
used in the services. At first the English was used 
occasionally, but at present the two languages stand 
on an equality. The present membership of the con- 
gregation is something over seven hundred, and the 



Sunday-school numbers something over live hundred. 
It has a valuable property and no debts. The present 
church council consists of, — Pastor, J. I). Schindel; 
Elders. Frederick Eberhard and William Wolf; Dea- 
cons, James Seyfried, William F. Koehler, Samui 
Everitt, and Sylvester I'.. llarte ; Trustees, Philip 
Storm and .lames C. Beitel ; Secretary, Samuel .1. 
Koehler ; and Treasurer, Samuel M. Snyder. The 
officers of the Sunday-school are, the pastor of the 
congregation as superintendent ; Samuel J. Koehler 
and Paul C. Brodbeck, assistants ; Tilghman F.Fred- 
erick, secretary ; and Ed\\ in Kleibscheidel and Monroe 
Snyder, librarians. 

The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity.— 
On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1873, the annual congrega- 
tional meeting of St. Paul's Lutheran Church was 
held in their church. At this meeting a resolution 
was adopted reducing the English services in the 
church from rive to four times each month. It was 
the opinion of ten English members that this action 
was not called for by existing circumstances, and as 
the congregation had been growing rapidly by the 
introduction of English preaching in the church, as 
the Sunday-school attached to the church was eon- 
ducted in the English language, and as the children 
of the church were educated entirely in that lan- 
guage, considerable dissatisfaction was manifested on 
the part of those who believed that the church should 
keep up with the demands of the times ; and after 
repeated requests on their part made to the German 
portion of the church to recede from the action taken, 
without effect, a portion of the congregation retired from 
the meeting to discuss the situation. M. H. Horn was 
called to the chair. George Bower, Edwin Schlench. 
and M. H. Horn were appointed a committee to report 
upon the situation at a future meeting to be called by 
the chairman. A meeting was called for Monday 
evening, Jan. 6, 1873, at the residence of M. H. Horn, 
and was largely attended. It was agreed to make one 
more effort to arrange with the German portion of the 
congregation, and endeavor to get them to recede from 
the action taken Jan. 1, 1873. Accordingly, Messrs. 
George Bower, Thomas Frederick, Charles F. Beck, 
Edwin Schlench, and Harry J. Eckensberger wire 
appointed a committee to meet the church council of 

, St. Paul's Church, for the above-named purpose, and 
to report at a meeting to be held Jan. 10, 1873. 

January 10th the committee reported that the 
church council of St. Paul's Church refused to recede 
from the action taken at the meeting of January 1st. 
The meeting then resolved to organize an English 
Lutheran congregation and procure a suitable place 

i for worship. A committee was appointed on organi- 
zation and supplies. Subsequently the German Re- 
formed Church was procured as the place of worship, 
and on Sunday, January 14th. Rev. John Kohler, 
one of the oldest members of the German Evangelical 
Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania, preached 
both morning and evening. The Sunday-school in 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



257 



connection with the church was organized, with about 
eighty children, on the 1 2th of January, with M. II. 
Horn, superintendent ; E. II. Breder, assistant super- 
intendent; Robert A. Lyttle, superintendent ofinfant 
department; Edwin Sehlench, H, J. Echensbei 
char],- I'. Beck.C. I>. Boner, and Thomas W. Fred- 
erick, librarians. On Feb. 10, I s "::, a constitution 
and by-laws were adopted, and the following-named 
persons were elected church officers: Elders, George 
Honor and Thomas Frederick; Deacons, Edwin 
Sehlench, Jacob B. Werley, II. J. Eckensberger, and 
0. Person; Trustees, Charles F. Beck, E. B. Breder; 
Treasurer. M, II. Horn; Secretary, William H. Horn. 
The pulpit was regularly supplied by the following- 
named ministers until a regular pastor was elected: 
Rev. F. A. Muhlenberg, D.l >., Rev. I >. N. Kepner, Rev. 
Edmund Belfour, Rev. Joseph A. Seiss, D.D., Rev. 
Sibolte, Rev. William Frick, Rev. C. J. Cooper, Rev. 
S. A. Ziegenfuss, Rev. I!. Weidner, and Rev. David 
Guissinger. < >n Sunday, May 14, 1878, the first com- 
munion services were held by Rev. Joseph A. Seiss, 
I t.D.,of Philadelphia. The following- named persons 
communed: George Bower, Mrs. A. D. Bower, C. D. 
W. Bower, Myra Bower, Melchior H. Horn, Matilda 
S. Horn. William H. Horn, Frank M. Horn, Thomas 
Frederick, Catharine Frederick, Thomas W. Freder- 
ick, Charles F. Beck, Catharine Beck, Jacob B. Wer- 
ley, Abbie R. Werley, Orantus Pierson, Elizabeth 
I'ierson, Henry J. Eckensberger, Amanda Eckensber- 
ger, Jacob L. Lawall, Anna C. Lawall, E. H. Breder, 
Mary C. Breder, Benjamin B. Lynn, Robert A. Lyt- 
tle, Edwin Sehlench, Mr.-. Sehlench, Mullin Over- 
peck, .Joseph H. Shipe, Emily C. Shipe, George 
Frederick, Effie J. Frederick, Mary Fenstermacher, 
William H. Bender. 

Monday. May 26, 1873, Rev. John R. Plitt was 
unanimously elected pastor of the congregation. Rev. 
Plitt served the congregation until the fall of 1877, 
when he resigned to take charge of a congregation in 
West Philadelphia. From that time until April it, 
1883, the congregation was served by Rev. M. H. Rich- 
ards as a missionary supply, when a Call was unani- 
mously extended to Rev. George W. Landt, of Easton, 
Pa., who was subsequently unanimously elected pastor. 
Soon thereafter he formally took charge of the con- 
gregation and wa9 duly installed pastor; Rev. David 
Gininger, of Easton, and Rev. J. 1). Schindel, of 
St. Paul'- Lutheran Chinch of Catasauqiia. officia- 
ting- 

In the fall of is;::, the corner-stone of the present 
church edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies, 
Rev. J. D. Schindel, Rev. J. R. Plitt, Rev. Dr. Muhlen- 
berg, and other Lutheran clergymen taking part. In 
the spring of 1874, the church building was formally 
dedicated,— Rev. C. P. Krauth, D.D., Rev. F. A. 
Muhlenberg. D.D., Rev. J. D. Schindel, Rev. J. R, 

Plitt, and other clergymen participating. The church 
is fifty by seventy feet in dimensions, built of pressed 
brick, with a large Sunday-school room in the base- 
17 



ment, is of lern style, and one of the heal built 

and handsomest churches in the Lehigh Valley: the 
cosl "i the church and lot was about sixteen thousand 
dollars. It is situated on the northeast corner of 
Bridge and Third Streets. During the year 1876, 
the congregation became considerably embarra 
- msed by the effects of the panic ol 1873, 1*7 i. 1875, 
and 1876, and the church building was finally sold to 
pay debts due thereon; it was purchased by M. II. 
Horn, and subsequently sold by him to the congre- 
gation at the price he paid for it. The congregation 
was chartered by the court of Lehigh County June 
16, 1882, and since the election of Rev. George \Y. 

Sandt, and his taking charge Of the -a inc. new lite has 

been infused, ami considerable growth has already 
shown itself in the addition oi' membership. 

The following-named persons are now the officers 
of the church: Frank M. Horn, Henry J. Hornbeck, 
George Beck, C. D. W. Boner. J. H. Mushlitz, Henry 
J. Eckensberger, E. J. Boyer, and Owen Fatzinger; 
of the first communicants of the congregation the 
following named have since died: Thomas Frederick, 
Catharine Frederick, Orantus I'ierson. A nnaC. Lawall; 
and of the members subsequently joining the church 
the deaths have Keen : Isabella T. Horn and Mrs. 
John Royer. The congregation carries upon its rolls 
about sixty members; the Sunday-School, one hun- 
dred and sixty pupils, ami twenty-four officers and 
teachers. 

The following-named person-, have served as officers 
at various times since its first organization: George 
Boner, Thomas Frederick, Edwin Sehlench, J. B. 
Werley, H.J. Eckensberger, Oratus Pierson, Charles 
F. Beck, E. H. Broder, M. H. Horn. William II. Horn, 
Jacob S. Lawall, M. E. Kreidler, George Frederick, 
TUghman Fenstermacher, Frank J. Grover, Hiram 
Beitelman, J. H. Mushlitz, Joseph H. Shipe, Frank 
M. Horn, C. D. W. Boner, Henry J. Hornbeck, < Iwen 
Fatzinger, E. J. Boyer, and Ceorge F. Beck. 

Bethel Welsh Congregational Church.— On Nov. 
I'r,, I ssl', the Bethel Welsh Congregational Church 
was organized with thirty members, ami Rev. David 
R. Griffith chosen pastor. The members, feeling the 
want of religious services conducted in their native 
language, formed the new congregation, and secured 
the building formerly used by the Welsh Baptist 
Church, on Third Street, above Walnut, for a place 
of worship. They regularly met in that building until 
Dec. 2, 1883, when they dedicated with appropriate 
ceremonies their new church building at Fourth and 
Pine Streets. At ten o'clock a.m. the services were in 
the Welsh language, and Rev. R. S. Jones, of Provi- 
dence, and Rev. D. Todd Jones, of Shenandoah, 
preached. In the afternoon, at two o'clock. English 
services were held, Rev. T. C. Edwards, of Kin 
preaching. \t six p.m., Welsh services were held. 
Revs. R.S.Jones and Edwards preaching. The con- 
gregation has steadily increased in membership until 
ha- swelled to sixty-four communicant mem- 



258 



HISTORY OF LEHTGB COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bers, and I be Sunday -school numbers one hundred and 
eighteen scholars. 

Material aid was afforded the new con i on, and 
they dedicated their new house free of debt. Mrs. 
David Thomas took an earnest interest in the new 
project and was very active in securing her fellow- 
countrymen a place of worship, and her liberality 

aided in a large measure ill placing in their hands the 

much-desired church building. The building com- 
mittee chosen by the congregation were Messrs. Sam- 
uel Thomas, William I'. Hopkins, David D. Thomas, 
and Eev. David R. Griffith, and the building erected 
is a credit to their taste and experience. 

Ground was broken for the new building in May, 
1883, and on Sunday, June 17th, the foundation walls 
were completed and the corner-stone laid with appro- 
priate ceremonies. Rev. D. Todd Jones, of Shenan- 
doah, and Revs. Griffith, Harbison, Garrison, and 
Crist took part in the exercises, and Mrs. Thomas 
laid the stone. 

The plat of ground, ninety by one hundred and 
eleven feet, on which the new church stands, is eligibly 
located at Fourth and Pine Streets. The building was 
partially designed by L. S. Jacoby, architect, of Allen- 
town ; the erection contracted by Mr. Cain Semmels, 
builder, this [dace ; the slating by Mr. T. F. Laubach ; 
the painting and frescoing by Goth Brothers, Bethle- 
hem ; the beaters and gas-fkting by Mr. Henry Sou- 
ders; and other tradesmen furnished materials and 
performed work. The structure is of the Gothic style, 
built of brick, with steep roof, covered with black 
slate, surmounted by a neat open spire, placed in a 
transverse position. The building faces Pine Street, 
is thirty by fifty feet in dimensions, with entrance 
porch ten by ten feet, and a wing extending on 
Fourth Street, sixteen by twenty feet, with entrance 
six by eight feet. 

The Catasauqua School District— Prior to the 
incorporation of Catasauqua as a borough, the district 
was embraced within the Hanover Township School 
District. A mixed school was established at or near 
the corner of the Howertown road, and the road had- 
ing to Bethlehem (now Race Street), on the land of 
Frederick Bierv, and it was called the Biery's Bridge 
School. Later this school was removed to a frame 
building on the land of the Crane Iron Company, 
situated at what is now the corner of Church and 
Bridge Streets. In 1848 a building was erected on 
the corner of Bridge Street and Howertown road by 
the Presbyterian congregation, on land bought from 
John Peters. It was occupied by the two branches of 
the Presbyterian Church until Catasauqua was incor- 
porated into a borough, when it was purchased by the 
school district, and fitted up to accommodate two 
schools of sixty pupils each. In the year 1854 a lot 
was purchased from Jonas Biery, on the corner of 
Second Street and School Alley, on which the dis- 
trict erected a two-story building with two rooms to 
accommodate one hundred and twenty pupils. In 



1859 a lot was purchased from Adrian Barber, on the 
corner of Second and Walnut Streets, on which a 
building with six rooms was erected to accommodate 

three hundred pupils. In 1868 a lot was purchased 
from Jul in 1. Manchett, on Front Street, between Wood 
and Union Streets, and a building was erected thereon 
to accommodate two hundred pupils. 

Theschool buildings are all of brick and of modern 
structure, all finished with modem furniture. All 
have large grounds planted with shade trees, and are 
pleasantly and conveniently located. 

Previous to the year 1858 the records of the district 
were not carefully kept, so that it is not possible to 
give a correct history of the board's doings. April 
2, 1858, Joshua Hunt and M. H. Horn were elected 
members of the board. The former was chosen pres- 
ident, and the latter secretary, and from that day 
regular minutes of the board are on record. The old 
members of the board holding over were Frederick 
Eberhart, John Mclntyre, Charles G. Schneller, and 
William Miller. At that date there were one hun- 
dred and eighty pupils on the school lists. The 
schools were all mixed, and taught by A. W. Kinsy, 
W. H. Barton, Eliza McKee, and Anna Phillips. 

Prior to 1858, David Thomas, Samuel Glace, Oweu 
Schwartz, John Mclntyre, William Miller, Frederick 
Eberhard, and Charles G. Schneller had served as 
school directors. Of this number David Thomas, 
Schwartz, and Miller have since died. April 9, 1858, 
at a regular meeting of the board, on motion of Miller 
and Sebweller, the following resolution was unani- 
mously passed : 

"Besolved, That Joshua Hunt, M. H. Horn, and John Mclntyre be i 
committee to examine all the pupils now attending our schools, andaDy 
others who may apply for admission into our schools, and report to our 
hoard with a view of classifying and grading of the pupils." 

This committee subsequently reported the result of 
their examinations, and recommended the establish- 
ing of one grammar, two secondary, and two primary 
schools. 

May 10, 1858, Charles L. Russel was elected teacher 
of the grammar school; Alonzo W. Kinsy and Wil- 
liam H. Barton, teachers of the secondary schools; 
and Eliza McKee and Anna Phillips, teachers of the 
primary schools. 

Aug. 2, 1858, Mr. Russel having resigned as teacher 
of the grammar school, Mr. R. Clay Hammersly was 
elected to fill the vacancy. This school was regraded 
and classified. The more advanced pupils were assigned 
to Mr. Hammersly and formed the high school ; the 
others were taught by Mr. John Porter and consti- 
tuted the grammar school. An additional school was 
organized of primary scholars and taught by Miss 
Gwenney Leibert. Dec. 16, 1858, John Porter, teacher 
of the grammar school, was superseded by F. Hersch- 
koll, of New York City. June 30, 1858, there were 
300 pupils registered as attending the schools; in 
1859, 325 pupils; in 1860, 365 pupils; in 1861, 408 
pupils; in 1862, 450 pupils; in 1863, 474 pupils. 



BOROUGH OF CATASAUQUA. 



259 



On July 3, 1863, there was no regular meeting of 
the Win!, in consequence of the fad that four of the 
-i\ members, viz., Messrs. Hunt, Miller, Schneller, 
and Horn, had answered thecal] of the President o( 
the United States, and volunteered in Companj B <>t 
the Thirty-eighth Regiment for the defense of the 
State. 

i in Aul'. 22, 1863, the high school was regularly 
established, with R. Clay Ham merely as teacher. 
From that date on the schools have been in a very 
prosperous condition. 

The Beating capacity of the school-ro - in the 

district is 725. Number of pupils in attendance 
March 7. 1884, (378, divided as follows: Gnu high 
school, 15; two intermediate schools, 75; two gram- 
mar, 36; three secondary, 137; two advanced primary 
and four primary, 335; number of teachers employed, 
1 t; term, 1 onths, divided into two sessions. Sal- 
aries, high school, $90 ; intermediate, $70 ; grammar, 
$60; secondary, $40 ; primary, $32 per month. The 
value of the school property is $68,000 ; funded debt 
at four per cent, interest, $15,000. 

Since 1857 the following named persons have served 
as directors of the board (those marked with * are 
now dead ) : 

Frederick Eberhard, six years. 
William .Miller, nine years, and as president three 
year-. 

John Mclntyre, three years. 

Joshua Hunt, six years, and as president three 
years. 

Charles G. Schneller, nine years, and as treasurer 
mx years. 

M. 11. Horn, twenty-four years, and as secretary 
sixteen years, as treasurer three years, as president 

two \. 

Levi Oberholtzer, one year. 
F. F. Geiring, five year-. 
*Charles D. Fuller, three years. 
David A. Tombler, three years. 
*William Getz, two years. 

R. Clay Hammersly, six years, and as treasurer 
three years, as president three years. 

Thomas Frederick, three years. 

Joseph Schwartz, three years. 
John Boyer, three years, as treasurer one year. 
H. D. Yeager, three years. 
*John Hudders, six years, as president six years. 

.Milton Berger, two years. 
A. II. Gilbert, twelve years, as president five years. 
David Davis, ten years, as secretary five years. 
.lames W.Schwartz, .i\ years, as secretary five years. 
Joseph Matchett, two years. 

James C. Beitel, three years, as treasurer two years. 
< '. W. Chapman, eight years, as president two years. 
H. H. Reigel, three years. 
C. J. Keim, three years. 
Samuel J. Koehler, three years. 
*A. T. Eberhard, two years. 



I i i'. id Williams, three years. 

The pre. em l.i, ard is composed of ( '. W. Chapman 

(president., David Davis (secretary), M. II. Horn. 

A. II. Gilbert, David Williams, B. C. Hammi 
David J. Williams, Jr. 

The following-named persons have graduated from 
the high school: 1868, Alletta M. Earle, Frank M. 
Horn; 1869, Sarah Davis, Mary Lewars, Margaret A. 
Depue, Margaret A. Quig; 1870, Amanda . I. Funk, 
Elizabeth Wilson. Sarah Bear, Mary A. Halbach; 
L871, Sarah J. Mclntyre, Rebecca McMonegal, John 
F. Halbach, Alice Janus I Halbach; 1 

Hannah Davis, Ella D. Bowl, Esther Bear, Sarah 

Minnich, Emma Hison, Emma Schneller, Jane Mc- 
Clelland, Charles Brunner, Edward D. Boyer, C. D. 

W. Dower. J. W. s. Souder; 1873, Man Jan 
Hannah McGee, Amanda Bough, Ida M. Harte, 
Elizabeth Morrow, Michael J. Brady ; 1874, Sarah A. 
Kay, Cora C. Creveling, Anna C. Creveling, Delia 
Mealy, Mary McGee, Margaret McClay, Mary M. 
Craig, Lillian A. Harte, Mary A. Hudders, Eliza J. 
Bear, Louise Taylor, Jacob F. Becker, George W. 
Bower, Frank .Mclntyre; 1875, Henry F. Funk, 
Elizabeth Nevins, Martha J. Streahm, Sarah J. Gil- 
lespie, Jane F. Miller, Agnes L. Swartz, Harry T. 
Horn, Jennie Weisley, Matilda Price; 1876, Clara 
L. Bear, Elizabeth M. Souder. Minnie S. Boyer, M. 
Alice Breder, Isabella T. Horn, Edward J. Frederick. 
Roger Hunt, Clifford H. Riegel, George F. Beck, 
George L. Plitt, Austin A. Click, Edward J. Lawall, 
Frank J. Savin, Mark W. Halbach: 1S77, Emma 
Nevins, Mary M. Schneller, Alice Kay, William H. 
Emanuel. William Tretch, Albert J. Hiscon, Frank 
Clark; 1878, Jesse H. Harbinson, Sarah Mcllenry, 
Anna B. Gibson, Margaret A. Nevins, Julia A. M. 
Carson, Gertrude E. Williams, Elizabeth A. Harbison, 
Solon J. Harte, Albert J. Mi-Icy, James Clugston, 
Jr., John A. Funk, William Overton, Jr., Albert A. 
Koons, Samuel A. Campbell ; 1879, Winnie Williams. 
Margaret Gillespie. Edwin O. Mover, Char: B 
Horn, Horace Boyd, Thomas II. Mil. on. Cassius C. 
Andress, Richard Foly, Frank S. Bower; 1880, Ida 
E. Corvin, Nancy McAndless, Maria Thomas, Anna 
M. Funk. Clara E. Schlanch, Margaret A. Funk. 
Hannah E. Stock, James G. Lucy. Charles E. I'rick, 
Franklin P. Frederick, Archibald Harte, William II. 
Laubach. Jr., William J. Snyder, Jr., William A. 
Reigel; 1881, Delia F. Lawall, Emma M. Engler, 
Minnie M. Bower, Cora E. Fherhart. Mattie -Mel letiry. 
Elizabeth Hunter; 1882, William J. Funk, Laura 
M. Hock, Anna M. Craig, Elizabeth Clugston; 1883, 
Laura Bower, Soleri Birtel, Elizabeth Gillespie, 
Winnie Hopkins, I luldah Sehlanch, Agnes William.. 
Anna Fuller, Francis Kopp, Emily Lawall, Elizabeth 
Milson, Elizabeth Williams, David Folan. Senior 
class of 1884, Laura Eberhard, Elsie Mclnl 
Mary App, Sallie Church, Matilda Wolf, Clara ( lamp- 
bell, Anna Lucy, Cora Schual, Elizabeth Bartholo- 
mew, William Dyatt, Abnei Buck, Benjamin Cam].- 



260 



HISTORY - OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bell, William Sieger, < Isbom Snyder, James Troxell, 
David Griffiths, Edward Eohn. 

The following-named persons have been employed 
as teachers at different times since 1 sr. 7 : Alonzo 
W. Kinny, William H. Barton, Charles H. Russell. 
Eliza McKee, Anna Phillips, R. ('. Hiimmersly, 
Gwennej Leibert, John Porter, F. Herschkill, Anna 
Evans, Eliza Hammersly, Reuben Lichtenwallner, 
Mary Ann Davis, Mary Dull'. Naomi Phillips, Mary 
Evans, Rebecca Sigley, Mrs. .lolin Clark, Milton I). 

George, Jennie Corwin, Anna M. Smith, Jennie Click, 
Robert A. Lyttle, A. P. Garler, Kate Y. M. Smith, 
W. H. Halderman, L. C. Wonderly, Bailie Wil- 
son, Walter J. McFarland, Anna McKibbin, Robert 
McClean, Harte Gilbert, B. C. Snyder, J. din Hill, 
E. H. Breder, Charlotte Bear, Martha Wilson, Sarah 
Davis, Rebecca McMonegal, Maggie Quig, Sarah 
Bear, Irene Reich, John Kendh hart, Carrie Wilson, 
C. McMonegal, Amanda Funk, Sallie Mclntyre, 
A. N. Uhlrich, Maggie Depeu, Kate McMonegal, 
William T. Morris, Esther Bear, Alice Hammersly, 
T. F. Frederick, O. B. Pearson, Jennie McClelland, 
J. H. Mushlitz, Hannah Davis, Sarah Kay, Alice 
Kay, Mary Craig, Ellen Johnson, John Depeu, 
Charles H. Bertel, George J. Benner, Sallie McHenry, 
Delia Mealy, T. W. Bevan, J. F. Moyer, I. Frank 
Barr, Paul Hirsh. 

The teachers now employed are T. W. Bevan, high 
school ; J. H. Mushlitz, Kate Y. Smith, intermediate 
schools; J. F. Moyer, I. Frank Barr, grammar 
schools; Sallie J. Mclntyre, Anna M. Smith, Han- 
nah Davis, secondary schools; Alice Kay, Rebecca 
McMonegal, Sarah McHenry, Mary Craig, Martha 
Wilson, Eliza J. Bear, Delia Mealy, primary schools. 

Fairview Cemetery. — On the west side of the 
Lehigh River, opposite the town, and occupying a 
beautiful location, is the Fairview Cemetery, laid out 
and cared for by an association chartered Jan. 1, 
1877, and then consisting of M. H. Horn, David A. 
Tombler, R. Clay Hammersley, R. A. Boyer, John 
Thomas, James W. Schwartz, W. H. Laubach, and 
Orange M. Fuller. The property was owned by 
James W. Fuller, Esq., who set it apart as a burying- 
ground, and sold to the association upon its organiza- 
tion. The cemetery is now kept in excellent con- 
dition, and is one of the most beautiful in the valley. 

In the cemetery is a soldiers' monument, erected in 
L866 bj the people of Catasauqua. 

Masonic Lodges.-— Porter Lodge, No. 284, F. and 
A. M., was originally instituted as No. ].~>2, on Sept. 
5, 1853, and named alter lion. James M. Porter; was 
fully organized June 30, 1854, with the following 
officers, viz.: W. M., Robert Mclntyre; S. W., Levi 
Kraft ; J. W., James McLeary ; Sec, A. II. Gilbert; 
Treas., Charles II. Nolf; S. I)., F. B. Martin; .1. D., 
Charles Allen; S. M. C, William Getz; J. M, ('., 
James Clugston ; Tyler. William Biery. This lodge, 
an offshoot from Easton Lodge, has been the parent 
of four lodges, viz., Lehigh, of Trexlertown, organized 



in April, 1858; Barger, of Allentown, in April, 1859; 
Monoquesy, of Bath, in April, 1861; and Slatington 
Lodge, in April. L861. Porter Lodge, in 1868, fur- 
nished a new hall, its present meeting-place, in Ful- 
ler's Block, at a cost of nearly sixteen hundred dollars. 
From the time of its organization to the present two 
hundred and forty-nine persons have been initiated 
to membership, and the number now on the roll is 
about ninety. 

The Past Masters have been as follows: W. R. 
Houser, Daniel Yoder, M.D., George Bower, B. F. 
Wonderly, H. H. Riegel, M.D., Charles Corwin, 
William II. Ainey, Henry Souder, Henry Davis, 
George Mclntyre, J. P. Griffith, A, F. Koons, F.J. 
Grover, William Williams, J. Fatzinger, Joseph 
Match ett, David Williams, Charles W. Chapman. 

At the present writing the officers of Porter Lodge 
are as follows : Robert E. Williams, W. M. ; John B. 
Davis, S. W. ; Preston E. Stem, J. W. ; Daniel Yoder, 
Treas.; Edmund Randall, Sec; Joseph Matchette, 
Chap.; David H. Thomas, S. I >. ; John W. Hopkins, 
J. D. ; Charles D. W. Bower, Purs. ; Owen F. Fatz- 
inger, J. M. of C. ; Frank B. Keiser, S. M. of C. ; 
Henry Souder, Tyler; Trustees, H. H. Riegel, chair- 
man ; Charles Corwin, James C. Beitel. 

I. 0. 0. F. Lodge and Encampment— Catasauqua 
Lodge, No. 269, 1. O. O. F., was instituted Oct. 6, 1847, 
on which occasion the following officers were elected, 
viz. : N. G., Reuben Seip ; V. G., Aaron Bart; Sec, 
Samuel Colver ; Asst. Sec, David A. Tombler ; Treas., 
Nathan Frederick. Since the beginning four hundred 
and thirty-six members have been initiated into this 
lodge, and it now has ninety-six. The present officers 
are: N. G., Edward Davis; V. G., F. H. Reichel ; 
Sec, A. R. Dieter; Asst. Sec, Robert J. Morris; 
Treas., H. A. Beitleman. 

Fraternity Encampment, No. 156, I. 0. O. F., was 
instituted June 6, 1867, on which occasion the follow- 
ing officers were elected : C. P., George Bower; H. P., 
M. H. Horn; C. W., D. A. Tombler; J. W., Daniel 
Gillespie; Treas., F. M. Eagle; Scribe, A. F. Koons; 

0. S., Phillip Storm ; I. S., Aaron Snyder ; G., Henry 
Souder ; 1st W., William Biery ; 2d W., John Hunter; 
3d W., F. F. Giering; 4th W., Henry Eckensberger; 
1st G. of T., Franklin Bower ; 2d G. of T., James 
Hutchinson ; Trustees, Henry Eckensberger, F. F. 
Giering, William Shoeneberger. 

The present officers are as follows: C. P., W. H. 
Horn; H. P., Edward Edwards; 8. W.. W. II. Scan- 
lin; J. W., Edward Davis; Treas.. F. M.Eagle; Scribe, 
Thomas Jones ; G., J. B. Davis; O. S., J. H. Chrysl ; 

1. S., F. H. Kiechel ; 1st W., Alexander Morrow ; 2d 
W., Joseph Wresley, Jr. ; 3d W., D. P. Tombler, Sr. ; 
4th W., Samuel Everett; 1st G. of T., Frederick C. 
Yeaser; 2d G. of T., David Gillespie; Trustees, Phil- 
lip Storm, William Williams, and Edward Edwards; 
P. C. P.'s, George Power, D. A. Tombler, Thomas 
Jones, Joseph iteiehard, Amandus R. Dieter, William 
Williams, William II. Horn, David Gillespie, Tilgh- 





tri<£j 



HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 



261 



man Fenstermacher, Edward Edwards, I >:ivid G. 
Morris, William H. Griffiths, Daniel Davies, John B. 
Davis, David K. Williams, Franklin H. Dieter. 

Grand Army of the Republic.— Fuller Post, No. 
378, is a recent institution, bul there was a Grand 
Army post of the same name, and known as No. 71, 

in Catasauqua many years ago. It was organized 
Aug. 19, 1867, and disbanded Oct. L5, 1869. The offi 
cers first elected were : P. C, Edward Gilbert ; S. V. C, 
Spencer Tetemer ; J. V. C. William H.Myers; Adjt., 
Aaron McHose ; Q. M., John W. Heberling. The 
post was reorganized April 18, 1872, and again dis- 
banded Oct. 1">. 187f>. The recent organization was 
ell'ected Sept. In, 1883. The name which it bears was 
bestowed in honor of Lieut. George W. Fuller of this 
place. The present officers of the post are: Com., 
Edwin Gilbert; S. V. C, Charles Laramy ; J. V. C, 
Frank H. Wilson; Adjt., Edmund Randall; Q. M., 
Joseph H.Schwab; Chap., Joseph Matchett ; O. D., 
Joseph Wray; O. G., John Matchett. 

By special act of Congress, approved May 15, 1875, 
the government donated to this post for the orna- 
mentation of burial lots in the cemetery lour iron 
cannon and sixteen cannon-balls. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



HOPKIN THOMAS. 
Hopkin Thomas, for many years master-mechanic 
of the Crane Iron Company and one of the oldest 
residents, as also one of the influential citizens of the 
Lehigh Valley in connection with its industrial inter- 
ests, was born at Glamorganshire, South Wales, in 
1793. He remained with his parents on their farm 
until his sixteenth year, when he was apprenticed to 
the Neath Abbey Works, near Neath, South Wales, 
to acquire the trade of a machinist. He early devel- 
oped a fertile brain, and on fulfilling his apprentice- 
ship speedily attained a high position among his 
fellow-workmen. In 1834 be determined to emigrate 
with bis family to America, and on landing in Phila- 
delphia in 1834 obtained employment without diffi- 
culty in the establishment of the Baldwin Locomo- 
tive-Works. He later entered the shops of Garrett & 
Eastwick, from whence he engaged with the Beaver 
Meadow Railroad and Coal Company as master- 
mechanic of their roads and mines. During this 
period his inventive genius was first developed, and 
made invaluable to his employers. In his median- 
ical inventions and appliances be was conceded to be | 
the pioneer of the Lehigh Valley. Through one of 
these inventions anthracite coal was first made avail- 
able for use in locomotives, and in this applicatii f 

coal as fuel he was at least twenty years in advance 
of all others. He invented and successfully used the 
chilled cast-iron car-wheel, as also the most improved 



and successful mine-pumps and machinery of the 
day. In all mechanical matters he was far it 

vancc of bis day, and in the railroad and coal inter- 
ests of the countrj he may with justice be regarded 
as filling the, position of an eminent benefactor. Mr. 
Thomas was peculiarly modest and unassuming in 
bis character, a fact which prevented his attaining 
either distinction or wealth. Content thai the world 
should l>e benefited by the productions of Ids genius, 

he cared little whether they brought him either fame 
Or profit. In his business relations he was upright, in 

his social intercourse true-hearted and faithful, and 

in his home the typical head of a cheerful and bappj 
domestic circle. 

Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Cath- 
erine Richards, of Merthyr-Tydvil, South Wales. 
Their children are William I!., Mary (.Mrs. .lames H. 
McKee), Helen (Mrs. John Thomas), .lane, Kate M. 
(Mrs. James W. Fuller). The death of Mr. Thomas 
occurred on the 12th of May, 1878, at his home in 
Catasauqua, to which place he removed in 1853, on 
being appointed master-mechanic of the Crane Iron- 
Works. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

HANOVER TOWNSHIP. 

Hanover is bounded on the north and east by 
Northampton County, on the south by the Lehigh River 
and Salisbury township, and on the west by Lehigh 
River and Whitehall township and Catasauqua bor- 
ough. It has no streams of consequence within its 
limits. The Lehigh River and Monocacy Creek are 
on the west, south, and east. The Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad runs the entire length and breadth 
of the township along the Lehigh River, ami the Le- 
high Canal extends within its limits from East Allen- 
town to Bethlehem. 

At tin January term of the Court of Quarter Ses- 
sions, in the year 1798, petition was made by a number 
of people living in the lower part of Allen township 
for a new township. The court accepted the petition 
and appointed Samuel Rea, John Barnet, and John 
Horn to view the territory and report to the court as 
to the expediency of a division. The viewers made a 
report at the August session following, which report, 
with the action of the court, is here given: " We all 
three met at the house of Abraham Mensch'e on the 
10th day of April 1798 in Allen township but had no 
time to view the same therefore agreeably to our report 
and your order we all three met at the house aforesaid 
On the 1th day of June 1798 and reviewed the same 
township of Allen and think that there were occation 
of a Divition and have Divided the same, Beginning 
at a stone in the Nazareth township line near t he house 
of John Fogel and thence south sixty-five degrees \\ e&l 



262 



HISTOHY OF LKHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



one hundred and fifty-two perches to a posi and stone 
;it the eaal side of the river Lehi, twenty perches be- 
low Philip Foust's Ferry. A Draft of which return 
was confirmed to wit, August 15, 1798 by consent and 
the Lower pari of the Township which has been Btrucli 
off and named ' Hanover 1 by the < lourt." 

The territory thus set off embraced what is now the 
townships of Hanover, in Lehigh and Northampton 
Counties. This township remained, with its original 
territory, until 1812, when Lehigh < Jounty was erected 
and Hanover township was divided, about two-thirds 
of its territory being formed into Hanover township 
in Lehigh County. 

The firsl assessment-roll of the original Hanover 
township of Northampton County was made in the 
year 1799, and contains the names of one hundred and 
twenty-six freeholders and twenty single freemen. 
The amount of tax to be raised was £222.92. Matthias 
Hummel was the collector. The names here given are 
of those who resided in the portion set off to Lehigh 
County in 1812, and are from the assessment of that 
year prior to the setting off. 

Residents in 1812. — Following is the assessment 
made by the commissioners of Northampton County 
for this township for the year 1812 : 

George Heley. 
"\i n bael Eei wich. 
Aaron Hillman, 
Joseph Daniel, Jr. 
Jacob Hower. 



Joseph Abreclit. 
Jacob Alehouse. 
Jacob Bast. 
Michael Bauer. 
Freder iek Ben 93 
Felix Beissell. 
John Beissell. 
Cbristiau Bectel. 
Henry Bicker. 

Nicholas Bickert. 
Nicholas Brang. 
Hear; Brolder. 
George Brolder. 
.i.i'' ii> Cleder. 
Jai ob Clewell, Sr. 
John Bunding. 
John Clewi II, Sr. 
I lhai let < iolver. 
Jacob ' Solver, 
Isaac Dacker. 
William Daniel. 
Peter Dick. 

Abraham Diffenderfei . 
John Edelman. 
John Ehrhard. 
Peter Ehrett. 
George Ebrig. 
George Evenreider. 
M nil. ni Everhard. 
Anthony I.i is 
Jacob Fatzi nger. 
Henry Pat zi nger. 
Geoi ge I 
Henry Frey. 
Joseph V\i'\ . 
Daniel Gangeware. 
Dav.d Gold. 
Philip Gross. 
Jam.'- Hall. 

John Mall. 

I 'In Mian Hat tinaii. 

Christian Houser. 
I 1. lerli u Heller. 
.)< 1 em lab Heller. 



Jonathan 1 lower. 
John Huber. 
Abraham Huber. 
Geoige Ising. 
Conrad I. Ieager. 
Daniel Iundt. 
George Iundt. 
George Keck. 
John Eeim. 
John Kelchner. 
Michael Kelchner. 
Nicholas Kreamer. 
Peter Kelchner. 
Jacob Keiper. 
John Keiper. 
Ludwig Keiper. 
Joseph Kidd. 
Andrew Kichlin. 
Philip Kleckner. 
John Knauss. 
John Artman. 
George Koch. 
John Keiffer. 
Daniel Klauss. 
George KortJi. 
George Kreidler. 
Jacob Km Iter. 
George Laubach. 
Leonard Laubach. 
John Lehr. 
David Luckenbach. 
Peter Mlnnlch. 
John Neuhard. 
Josi rii Dewald. 
Petei ' Issenbacb. 
Elizabeth Quier. 
Daniel Quier. 
Goorge Quier. 
Jacob Quier. 



■ ■ ■ Reichard. 
Michael Reichai d. 

Henr> B>< 

B icki I, 

John Rock el, 
Daniel Bohn. 
1 1.1 1 tian \ "img. 
Joseph Schen 1 
Frederick Dieffert, 
Conrad Seiple. 
Jacob Seiple 
John Seiple. 
John Sterner, Sr. 

Abraham Sterner. 
Abraham Sterner, Jr. 
John Sterner, Jr. 

Joseph Sterner. 
Philip Strobm. 
Jai ub Stuber. 
Isaiah 'f: 

Henry Vogelman. 
John Walter. 

David Weinland. 
\ n 1] ew Zechner. 
Martin Zechner. 
Abraham Zi^gler. 
Mathias Rigel. 
Abraham Keiper. 
Joseph Ketpei . 
Joseph Quer. 



Frederick Herman. 

John V'lhard. 

Jai "i' Neuhard. 
Joseph I leader. 

Henry Shnyder. 

John Kremser. 

William Licht. 
Henry Shoener. 
Daniel Blim. 

John Aii 

John U '"!'■. 
Pet 1 Bitter. 
Abraham Smith. 
John lii .■ _ le. 
John Cain. 
Jacob Kolb. 
Georg '■ Stei ner. 
Peter Evenreiter. 
John Hei w ig, 
John Fatzinger. 
Joseph Sterner. 
Abraham Kei-sei, Sr. 
Joseph Keisfii 
Dauiel Reigert. 
David Gold. 
1 3aac h llei 
John Erd. 
Joseph Bachman. 
Christian Bitter. 
John Reigle. 



Sketches of Settlers. — The names of many of the 
old settlers are found in the foregoing list, and sketches 
of a few of them are here given : 

Valentine Clader, a native of Pfalz, Germany, 
where he was born, June 17, 1726, emigrated to 
America and settled at Hecktown. He was married 
Dec. 12, 1749, and died Aug. 7, 1775. He had nine 
children, of whom were Adam, Jacob, Mrs. Henry 
Kramer, Mrs. Hatzell, and Mrs. Hatz. Adam was 
killed by the Indians in Sugar Loaf Valley. Jacob 
was a soldier in the Revolution, and married a daugh- 
ter of Sherer, who lived in this section, and be- 
fore 1781 settled on a tract of seventy or eighty acres 
of* land on the east bank of the Lehigh River, where 
now the A lien town Bridge spans that river. He 
owned one-half of the ferry, which was in operation 
till 1812. He left nine children. Abram, who set- 
tled near Freemansburg; a daughter, Polly, married 
Jacob Bast, who lived adjoining. Joseph settled on 
the homestead, and died in 1840, aged sixty- two 
years. He left six sons, John, Levi, Paul, Daniel, 
Josiah, and Owen, who, with the exception of John 
and Daniel, live in the township. Jacob, who first 
settled here, commenced burning lime in 1813, and 
his sons and grandsons are still in the business. 

Jacob Bast emigrated from Germany when five 
years old, with his parents, in 1774. They settled on 
the east side of the Monocacy. His son Jacob mar- 
ried Polly Clader, daughter of Jacob, and settled near 
the Clader farm, on the road to Bethlehem from Al- 
lentown. lie died in 1863, aged eighty-three years. 
His sons were Jacob, Martin, and John. Jacob set- 
tled on the homestead, where heiiow lives, Martin in 
Manheim, Lancaster Co., and John in Saucon town- 
ship. 

Jonathan Ott, a native of Germany, purchased one 



IIWOVER TOWNSHIP 



263 



hundred and fifty-two acres of land before 1800 of 
George Ervenreider, 1 on the Lehigh River, now 
owned by A. & S. Keck. He had three Bons, Owen, 
Tilghman, and < leorge, and one daughter, M re. Frank- 
lin Butz, of Whitehall. Owen settled in Allen town- 
ship, Northampton Co., Tilghman in Allentown, and 
George on the homestead until a few yean ago. He 
now lives with bis son Milton in the- township. 

John Conrad Yeager was born in Little York, Pa., 
in 1768, of German parents. He learned the trade of 
a tobacconist, married, and worked al his trade in his 
native place. He commenced to study for the minis- 
try under the Rev. Mr. < roering, and afterwards went 
to Philadelphia, and studied under Revs. Helmuth, 
hi).. Smith, D.D., and Schaeffer, D.D., one year. 
He then was examined in the Lutheran Synod of 
Pennsylvania, and became a minister. He took 
charge of three congregations in New Jersey lor three 

years. From there he removed to Williams town- 
ship, in Northampton County, and took charge of four 
congregations, to which belonged Friedpnsville con 
gregation, in the year 1793. He Boon after gave 
these up with the exception of Friedensville. In 
1800 he removed t" Hanover township, and took 
charge of Allentown, Shoenersville, and the Dry- 
land, he having preached at Shoenersville several 
years before. He served these four congregations till 
his death, in November, 1832. He lived on the farm 
now owned by .Tames Remely. He had eleven chil- 
dren, — nine sons and two daughters, — all of whom 
wen- bom in New Jersey and Williams township, 
Northampton Co., except Joshua, the youngest son, 
who was born in Hanover, Sept. 23, 1802. Of these, 
George, Henry, Mrs. George Reichert, .Mrs. Conrad 
Ranker, and Joshua Yeager settled in tins county. 

George settled in Hanover township, was a farmer, 
and died at the age of eighty-three years. His son 
William lives at Bingen. Horatio lives at Beth- 
lehem. 

Henry settled at Upper Saucon ; farmi i 
cember, 1882, in his eighty-fourth year. 
Charles and Harmon are farmers, living on and near 
the homestead farm. 

Joshua studied theologj from 1823 to 1827, under 

his father, and at his death became the pastor of the 

four congregations to which his father had ministered 
thirty-eight years. Joshua is serving two of the con- 

tions, si nersville and Friedensville, at the 

present time, making under father and son a U rm ol 
ninety-one year.-. 

John Conrad Yeager, with a large family of chil- 
dren, educated his own children in reading, writing, 
and arithmetic, having an evening - 

The first of the Beitels who came fco this country 
was Henry, who was horn in January, 1711. at N,u- 

dorff, Ober Schlessein. His parents were Catholics, 



died 1 >e- 
His sons 



nreidei died in September, 1825, aged tiny-live yean. 
Ilr i- boriad in Christ churchyard, 



but lie was not inclined to follow in that faith and 
became a Moravian. He married id in 

1711 was sent out by the Moravians as a missionary 
to the Dutch settlement' i, on the north coast 

of South America, when ained till 1745, and 

returned to Germany. About 1755 he emigrated to 
America and came to Bethlehem with tw o sons, t 'hris- 
tian I and David. John, tie m of 

Henry, was l.orn in Pi Germany, Dec. 21, 

1740, before his father went out as a missionary. In 

171"'. w hen John was fil i ild, he wa 

to this country and placed in a Moi hool near 

Frederickstown, Montgomery Co. This school was 
abandoned in 1750, and he was placed at the Moravian 
school at Emaus. where he was two year-, after which 
lie went to Bethlehem and learned the trade of a 
tailor. In 17o-"> he went to Nazareth and settled. 
He was married in February, 1771), and had two 
-on-. Christian Frederick and John; the latter 
led in Nazareth. Christian was horn Jan. s.',, 
1780, and lived at Nazareth and Bethlehem until 
ahoiit 1808-9, when he moved to Hanover township. 
He purchased a small farm north of Rittersville, and 

was soon after appointed justice oi the peace, and in 
1822 was appointed by Governor Wolf prothonotary 
of Lehigh County, and by Governor Ritner in 1837. 
At the time of his first appointment as prothonotary 
he removed to Allentown. wheie he resided till his 
death in 1869, a j ed ninety years. He had eight chil- 
dren, of whom lour are living, viz.: Amelia (Mrs. 
John Matchett), Miss Henrietta Beitel, Maria (Mrs. 
John Yingling), Josiah D. Beitel. 

Charles Colver, a German, settled near Rittersville 
on a farm before 1781. He had son- who. with the 
exception of Jacob, went West. He settled on the 
farm now owned by the Park Association. He mar- 
ried Susanna Miller; they had eleven children, of 
whom are Charles, now living at Shoenersville. eighty 
years of age, Polly (Mrs. Henry Mink;. Samuel at 
Allentown, and Mary (Mrs. Jacob Ba-t i. 

Peter Kelchner was a residenl here when the town- 
ship was erected in 1798. His sons were John, Joseph, 
and Peter. Joseph settled on the homestead where 
his son Moses now resides ; Peter lives at Rittersville. 

Henry Fatzinger was one of the earliesl settlers in 
the township. He did not receive the patent from 
the Penns for his land until Jan. 15, 1790, in which 
shown he purchased one hundred and sixteen 
acres and one hundred and fifteen perches, for which 
he paid at the rate of sixty-five pounds ten shillings 
per one hundred acres. His land was adjoining 
Michael Kelchner. Daniel Elint, Joseph Albright, 
Henry Fogelman, Jacob Sterner, and George Meyer. 

He purchased in 1804 a tract of land adjoining of 

the heirs of Nicholas Steiner. Henry Fatzinger built 

the old log and stone bouse still standing on the farm, 
where he lived till his death in i 886, aged eighty-two 

years. He left sons,- George, John, Adam, Jacob, 
and Henry. 



264 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Adam settled on the homestead and died in March, 
1 SSI l, aged eighty-nine years. He served in the war 
of 181 l'. had passed in married life sixty-seven years, 
and left a family of nine children, of whom Tilgh- 
man and Charles reside on the homestead. George, 
son of Henry, moved to Ohio, John to Salisbury, and 
Jacob tn Allen township, where he died in 1883. 

The Laubach family settled in the township, and 
[lart of them in Northampton County. The records 
of the Christ Church Cemetery show that Anna 
Laubach died in 1848, at the age of seventy-three 
years ; John G. in 1851, aged eighty years ; and John 
in 1869, aged seventy-two years. George Laubach 
lived near the Lehigh, south from AUentown ; his 
grandson, John, now lives on the farm ; Leonard 
lived near the centre of the township ; a son, Thomas, 
lives in AUentown. 

The Kurtz family, east from Catasauqua, derived 
the title to their land from the Penns, from whom 
they received patents. John G. Kurtz died in 1835, 
aged sixty-seven, and Elizabeth died in 1849, aged 
eighty-three years. The Kurtz farm was inherited 
by George Kurtz, whose sons, George and Henry, live 
on the homestead. 

Joseph Dewalt, whose name appears in the assess- 
ment-roll of the township in 1798, died in 1848, aged 
sixty years. The family were numerous, and lived to 
an advanced age, and were buried in Christ church- 
yard. Elizabeth died in 1876, aged eighty-four years ; 
Jonas died in 1877, aged eighty-three years ; Maria C. 
in 1859, aged sixty-four years : Nicholas in 1865, aged 
seventy-five years. 

The family of Quier were living in the township in 
1812, and had been for many years previous. Bar- 
bara Quier was born in 1784, and died in 1845, aged 
sixty-one years. Daniel was born in 1786, and died 
in 1850, aged sixty-four years. Elizabeth, George, 
and Jacob were also of the family. None of the 
name are now in the township. 

The Rekhard family settled first in Williams town- 
ship, Northampton Co. A son, Michael, was born in 
1752; was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and 
after his service he married and purchased one hun- 
dred and fifty acres of land in what is now Hanover 
township, and settled there, and died in 1842, aged 
eighty-five years. He left a large family of children, 
of whom George was the oldest, and settled in the 
township, near Rittersville. Other sons were John, 
Jacob, Daniel, and Michael; the two last settled in 
Whitehall township, others in Hanover. Mrs. Joseph 
Minnich, .Mrs. William Minnich, and Mrs. Daniel 
Quier were daughters. J. Frank Reichard, William 
G. T., Edwin, and Robert Reichard are sons of 
George. 

Henry Vogelman lived adjoining Henry Fatzinger. 
None of the family are in the township. 

The .Sterner family were early settlers along the 
Lehigh River. Among them were Abraham, who 
died in 1S28, aged fifty-three years; Christian, in 



1848, aged seventy-nine years; John, in 1843, aged 
eighty-two years ; and John, in 1S49, aged seventy- 
eight years. Barbara Sterner died in 1839, aged sev- 
enty-eight years. None of the family are now in the 
township. 

John Keim was a settler near the east line of the 
township while Hanover was yet a part of AUen- 
town. He was born in 1754, and died in 1815, aged 
sixty-one years. Many of the family lived to an ad- 
vanced age. Elizabeth, probably his wife, was born 
in 1756, and died in 1839, aged eighty years. 

In 1798 the names of John, Michael, and Peter 
Kelchner appear on the assessment-list of Hanover. 
They were here long prior to that time. Michael 
lived adjoining land of Henry Fatzinger in 1790. 
He died in 1820, aged eighty-one years. Jonathan, 
probably the John mentioned in the assessment-roll, 
died in 1864, aged eighty. The family lived between 
Rittersville and Shoenersville, and Henry, living on 
the farm, is a son of Joseph and descendants. 

The Keiper family, that in 1800 were prominent in 
the township, are still represented there, but are not 
as numerous as in the olden time. Jacob, John, and 
Ludwig Keiper were assessed in 1812. John died in 
1820, aged sixty-seven years. Ludwig died in 1815, 
aged seventy-seven years. Others were Abraham, 
who died in 1828, aged sixty-one years; Catharine, 
in 1818, aged eighty-one years ; Joseph, in 1865, aged 
eighty-six years. 

Joseph Kidd, in 1812, was assessed in the township. 
He lived between Rittersville and Catasauqua, and 
died in 1827, aged seventy-seven. His son Joseph died 
in 1867, aged sixty-eight years. In the old Christ 
churchyard the burials of the family are numerous, 
among whom are Benjamin, who died in 1806, aged 
fifty-three; Catharine, died in 1835, aged seventy 
years; Elizabeth, in 1848, aged forty-seven years; 
Solomon, in 1844, aged forty -eight; Susanna, in 1861, 
aged fifty ; and John, in 1876, aged eighty-three years. 
Descendants of the family live in the township. 

The name of Knauss appears in 1812. Later a John 
Knauss was a windmill maker at Rittersville, and a 
justice of the peace. He died in 1866, aged seventy- 
one years. Sarah Knauss died in 1876, aged seventy- 
seven. Lewis Knauss. of North Whitehall, is a son 
of John Knauss. 

Philip Kleckner was boru Aug. 25, 1761, on the 
Susquehanna River. When a young lad he became 
a teamster in the Revolutionary army. He came to 
Allen township (now Hanover) after the war. In 

March, 1788, he married Elizabeth , who died in 

1839, aged seventy-one years. They lived above Rit- 
tersville, on the farm now owned by Henry Nonne- 
macher. He died on the 14th of January, 1845, aged 
eighty-three years, and left no descendants. 

Jacob and Jonathan Houer settled near Ritters- 
ville about 1780. Charles Houer, who lives on the 
Geisinger farm, near AUentown, is a son of Jacob. 
Jonathan Houer, a son of Jonathan, settled on the 



ii \.\<>\ i:i; township. 



265 



Lehigli in 1835, where lie still lives and is in his 
ninety-second year. He was in the war of 1812. 

Christian Young was a native of Bucks County and 
came to I [anover about 1800, and opened a store east 
from the limekilns, on the road from Allentown to 
Bethlehem. In 1812 he opened the "Black Horse" 
Tavern, which he kept till his removal to Bucks 
County, about 1818. Dr. Samuel Young, of Allen- 
town, was the eldest ot his sons. Joseph and William 
Young, ot Allentown, are his sons. 

Heinrich Brader was an early settler in tie- present 
township ot Hanover, and his brothers, Philip and 
Laurence, in Hanover and Northampton County. 
Heinrich settled on the farm now owned by John 
iWitmur. He had sous, among whom were I >aniel and 
George, who settled on the homestead and near there. 
Their descendants are in different parts ot the county. 

Early Roads. — The first road in the territory now 
Harmver ot which any mention is made was the one 
laid out in 1747 by order of the Court ot Bucks County, 
and extended from Bethlehem to the Gnaden Hutten 
Horavian Mission, north of the Blue Ridge (now the 
site ot Lehighton, Carbon Co.). It was used by the 
mission till its destruction in 1755, and from that time 
to L761 was used as a military road, alter which for 
many years it was practically abandoned. Aboul 
1761 a road was laid out that passed from the Phila- 
delphia road, through Salisbury township, crossed the 
river by a ford on the Geisinger farm near the old 
house, and passed through what later became Ritters- 
ville and Shoenersville, in Hanover township. Later 
another road ran from Rittersville to the Bethlehem 
bridge, and the earlier road was abandoned after 
1825. At the first term of court (held December, 
1812) after the erection of Lehigh County a petition 
ot the inhabitants of the borough of Northampton 
was presented, setting forth "that a public road was 
much needed to commence at a spot fixed by the 
president, managers, and company for erecting a 
bridge over the Lehigh River, to proceed in a straight 
line from thence by the north side of Jacob Claders' 
Bouse to the road leading from the ferry on the 
Lehigh to Bethlehem." Viewers were thereupon 
kpointed, who made a report, which was confirmed. 
this action was the first taken in reference to roads 
in Lehigli County by the courts, and is the route of the 
road now used from East Allentown to Bethlehem. 

Justices of the Peace. — Prior to 1840 the justices 
ha\ ing jurisdiction over this territory were elected in 
distnrt-. and their names will be found in the civil 
list ot the general history. 

Conimisaioti'-'i < SommiMioned. 

H.Tin R. Hillman... April M, 1840 Jobn Osman April IS, 1862 

Samuel Saylor " 14, Ism Otaarlea K reader .. " 11,1865 

Uchael Ritter " 11,1843 LeTi overh.dtzer.... •' 17,1866 

Samuel Sarlur " 15,1846 Thoe. F. Laubach... " 9,1861 

Hi. I. i.l Ritter •' 11,1848 John Osman " 14,1868 

George Frederick " 9,1850 II. W. F. Eberliarcl. " 13,1860 

llcbael Ritter " 13,1852 Henry 0. Moyer.... " 15,1873 

fcbias Sterner " 11, ISM J. B. HottensWIn._lIarch It), 1877 

fcrlo A. Mlkscb " 10,1855 Henry C. Moyer " 25,1878 

Jacob E Uogli '■ 28,1856 Jeded'iab H. Welas.April 9,1881 

Levi i, a Miksch •• Jii.lseo Henry C Moyei " «, Issl 

Edmund P. 1 ice " 10, 1860 



Schools in the Township.— The early schools are 
mentioned in the settlements of Shoenersville, Rit- 
tersville, and Wesl Bethlehem. Of the others nothing 

has been found. Hanover, with Allentown, accepted 
the school law during the same year in which it be- 
came a law (1834 . while the other townships in the 
county rejected it. As soon thereafter as possible 
school-houses were erected in different parts of the 
township. Four were erected along the road between 
Allentown and Rittersville, including the one at that 
settlement. On the 13th of Ocb J, Abram 

Fatzinger sold a lot to the school directors for one 
dollar, for the purposi of erecting thereon a school- 
house, which was BOOH alter built. Another was 
erei ted on the road leading from Rittersville to Beth- 
lehem. Several of these houses are still standing. 

In 1855, Hanover township had 8 school-. 8 teach 
ers, and 384 pupils. The township received lor school 
purposes $1350, and paid out $1560, $162.50 appropri- 
ated from State. Directors were Samuel Breder, presi- 
dent ; C. L. Bush, secretary; Timothy Weiss, tl 
urcr. In 1877, Hanover had 10 schools and 548 
scholars, and, in 1883, 11 schools and 321 pupils; 
West Bethlehem, 5 schools, 316 pupils. 

Shoenersville. — The settlement is situated on the 
line between Hanover township in Lehigh County and 
Hanover township in Northampton County. It con- 
tains a church, school-house, store, post-office, hotel, 
and fifteen or twenty dwellings. It derives its name 
from Adam Shoener, who settled there in 1784. 

Adam Shoener was born in 1763, came to Northamp- 
ton County in 1794, and settled at the place that bears 
his name, — a road at that time passed his house. He 
opened a tavern called the "Blue Ball," which he 
kept till about 1837, when he built a brick house near 
Christ's Church, where he lived till his death, Oct. 28, 
1849, aged eighty-six years. His wife, Catharine, died 
Dec. 26, 1839, aged sixty-five years. They had ten 
children, of whom .Mrs. Nathan Larrach, of Shoeners- 
ville, was the youngest, and the only one living. Of 
the others, Thomas kept the " Blue Ball" three years 
after his lather retired, then moved beyond the Blue 
Blountains, where he died in 1853, aged forty-three 
years. Abram moved into Northampton County, and 
died in 1877, aged seventy- rive years. Hannah lived in 
Shoenersville, and died in 1875, aged seventy year-. 
They are all buried in Christ's churchyard. 

Soon alter 17i>4, Adam Shoener opened the " Blue 
Ball" Tavern, which he kept till 1837. Thomas 
Shoener, his son, kept it for three year-. It was then 
kept by Charles Reinsmith, Nathan Larrach, and 
others. In 1850 Jonas Snyder built the present hotel 
on the other side of the street, and in Northampton 
County, and the " Blue Ball" was discontinued. 

About the year 1825 Samuel Saylor removed from 
Easton to what is now Shoenersville, at that time con- 
taining the "Blue Ball" Tavern, Christ's Church, a 
log school house, and five or six dwelling-houses. 
He erected a double house near the cemetery lot. in 



266 



BISTORT OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



which he resided and opened a store; the latter was 
continued by him til) L855, when his son, David 
Saylor, took the business and remained there till 
L860, when hi I to Allentown, when- he still 

des. A i thai time he sold the store to other par- 
ties, by whom it was conducted for :i short time and 
discontinued. 

Soon after the building <>f the present hotel, in 
a store building was erected on the corner opposite 
the hotel and adjoining the old tavern. \ store was 
opened by Joseph Pierson and John A. Deck, who 
continued several years, when Mr. Deck retired and 
Richard Snyder was interested. Later it passed en- 
tirely into liis hands, and in L864 the property was 

purchased by E. R. Benner, wh >w conducts the 

business 

The Bret postmaster in Shoenersville was Samuel 
Savior; the oilier was kepi at his store. He was suc- 
ceeded by Richard Snyder, who served till Dec. 8, 
1875, when E, R. Benner, the present incumbent, was 
appointed. 

Christ's Church. — This church was organized in 
1780 as a Lutheran and German Reformed Union 
Church by the Rev. John Faust i Lutheran), and the 
Rev. Mr. Gross (German Reformed). At the first 
communion under the Rev. Mr. Faust twenty-four 
took part. Soon alter the organization a small log 
church was erected ai what is now Shoenersville, and 
in which the congregation assembled and worshiped 
until the year 1819, at which time thesociety erected a 
si one church on the site of the present one, laying the 
corner-stone on the loth of May in that year, and dedi- 
cating the edifice on the following Christmas. This 
church edifice answered their needs until 1872, when it 
was torn down, and on the 26th of May in that year 
the corner-stone of the present brick edifice was laid. 
It was completed at a cost of seventeen thousand dol- 
lars. 

The Lutheran pastors who have served the church 
are as here given: Rev. John Faust, from 1780 to 
1792; the 1 lev. George Joseph Wichtermann, 1792 to 
1793; Rev. John Conrad Yeager, from 1793 till his 
death, in 18:',2, a period of thirty-nine years. He was 
succeeded by his son, Joshua, who was called to the 
pastorate and still serves the congregation, making a 
period of service of father and son of ninety-one years. 
The German Reformed Church has been under charge 
of the following pastors : Rev. Mr. Gross, 1780 to 1704, 
fourteen years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. 
Ilotfmeier, who Served six years, and was followed by 
the Rev. Mr. Van Der Sloot, who remained in charge 
till 1811, when the Rev. Charles Christian Becker was 
called to lie pastorate. He remained till his death, 
in 18.58, a period of forty-seven years. His son, the 
Rev. Cyrus Becker, was chosen as his successor, and 
i- still in charge, having Nerved twenty-six years, 
making a servieo of father and son in this congrega- 
tion of seventy-three years. The two congregations 
number between four and five hundred members. 



Schools. —School was first taught in the settlement 

by a Mr. Bibinghous about the year 1800. Be later 
studied theology, and i minister of the Ger- 

man Reformed Church. He was succeeded by Fred'k, 
It was kept in a log house erected for the 
purpose "ii the churchyard lot of Christ's church. 
About 1827 28 the present brick school-house was 
erected, and school was first kept by Owen Leopold. 
lie later studied for the ministry. The Bchool for 

many years was under the charge of the church, hut 
after the thorough establishment of the present school 
system, it was by them given ovei to tl n dors of 

the town-hip schools. 

Cemeteries. — Christ's churchyard has been in use 

the organization of the church in 1780. The 

earliest death record is that of Anna M. Klocknerin, 

who died Dec. 10, lT-S'.k aired twenty- three \ ear-. Very 

many of the early settler- both in Lehigh and North- 
ampton Counties sleep quietly in thi- resting-place. 
\ I m hi t IsGo the question of a new cemetery was agi- 
tated. An association was formed called Shoenersi ille 
Cemetery Association ; two acres of land was pur- 
chased of Samuel Saylor, adjoining the cemeterj of 
Christ's Church; lots were laid out, trees planted, 
and the ground ready for use in January, 1866. Mrs. 
Jacob Reichcrt was the first to lie buried there. The 
grounds are well kept, ami the cemetery bears evi- 
dence of care and attention. 

Rittersville. — The place now known as Rittersville 
derives its name from Michael Ritter, who came from 
Northampton County in 1808, and purchased land at 
this place and settled. A tavern had been kept at 
the place some years when he arrived, lie continued 
it until about 1832, when his son, Charles Rittei took 
charge ami kept it till 1865. J. Frank Reichcrt was 
the landlord from 1869 to 1883. It is now kept by E. 
VV. Gangwere. 

Michael Ritter opened a store about 1825 and kept 

some years, alter which it was kept respeeti\ . 1\ by 
David Knauss, Henry Mover, Milton Ritter. and 
Edwin Ozenboch, who now keeps it. A post-office 
was established early, and Michael Kilter was the 
postmaster. He was succeeded by his son, Charles 
Ritter, who continued till his death, in June. 1883, 
when Edwin Ozenboch was appointed, ami is the 
present incumbent. 

Tie old blacksmith-shop, now in possession of John 

Holler, was built about 1822 by Alshouse. He 

was succeeded by Jacob Keeper, Joseph Paul, and 
others. 

A school house was erected in the settlement about 
1X12, and school was kept there irregularly until 
Hanover accepted the school law in 1835 or 1836. A 
school-house was I hen erected, which served the pur- 
pose until about 1850, when the present two-story 
brick school-house was erected. 

The old cemetery in Rittersville was laid out in 
1842, when the church was erected. The presenjj 
grounds were opened in the spring of 1859. 









II VNOVER TOWNSHIP 



261 



In I -<f,X, .1. Fniiik Ui-icliiTl laid OUl :i I 
near Rittersville, and in L872 the Rittersville Park 

Association wa- organized. The grounds were en- 
larged to sixteen acres, and fitted up al a cost of 
twelve thousand dollars. The grounds are open for 
trotting and pacing in May and August of each year. 

Rittersvilli I oion Church was formed in 1842 from 
members of < Ihi ist's « Ihurch h ho lived in this section 
of the tow nship, and the present brick church was at 
once erected The societj ha - at a tnember- 

ship of about two hundred. The Be v. Joshua Yi 
has been in charge of the Lutheran congregation sini e 
its organization. The pastors who have served the 
German Reformed congregation are as follows: The 
Rev. Joseph Dubbs, Rev. Mr. Brendell, and the 
present pastor, the Rev. Isaac Loos. 

Michael Hitter came from Northampton County in 
1808, settled here, and died in 1854, He had four 
Charles, Thomas. William, and Franklin. 
Charles kept the hotel many years, and was post- 
master from 1832 till his death, in June, 1883, aged 
enty-eight years. Mrs. Walter Huber and Mrs. 
Henry Mover are daughters. Thomas and William 
lived and died in Rittersville. Franklin was a school 
er, and now resides in Whitehall township. 

East Allentown. — In 1828 the land on the west 
side of the river, at the end of the < lhain Bridge, was 
owned h\ Jacoh Clader. The canal of the Lehigh 

Coal and Navigation C pany was nearly completed 

in the locality. There was a stone house, occupied 
by. I. der, on the left of the road leading to 

Bethlehem, and a ham on the right. The toll-house 
was on the first pier of the bridge. In the year men- 
tioned Jacoh Sai ger and George Keek purchased the 
forty-five i Clader, 

which was on both sides of the road. They obtained 
a license, and opened the stone bouse as a hotel. A 
man by the name of Ilaideinan was landlord for a 

few months, and Josiah Rhoads succeeded him. They 

first erected a small frame building for a store, stocked 

Jit with goods, and William Saeger, son of Jacob, took 

charge. They then erected a large stone tavern on the 

right side of the road, which was kept many year-. 

later passed to Nathan Baker, who kept it and sold 

it to the railroad company, who tore it down when 

the Lehigh and Susquehanna road was built. After 

the tavern was removed to the new building the old 

{atone house was used for a dwelling until the railroad 

(Company bought the property, when it. too. was torn 

down. The atone bouse now used for a depot of the 

Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was erected soon 

after 1830, and the store was als< ved into it. In 

1- - er & Keek built the stone and brick grist- 
[ mill on the bank of the canal. Solomon Keck, son 
:0f George, and Charles and William Saeger, sons of 
! Jacob, ran the mill from 1833 to 1837, and then bought 
'the mill, a stone duelling for the miller, and sis acres 
of land adjoining east. The mill now i- owned by 
William Saeger and his sons, Jacob and Thomas. 



In 1850, C. I.. iV A. S. Ci I. opened the lumber-yard 

boating, and ran it until 1854, when the lumber-yard 
. grist-mill, -tore, and a store at White Haven 
were all consolidated into one business, and in 1856 
iin divided ; C. L. & \ S. Keck took the lum- 
ber-yard, William Saeger and -on. Alfred, the -tore 
and mill. 

About this time Thomas Keek. Alfred Saeger, and 

bough) of William : veral 

acres of land and erected the present tannery. It is 

now owned by Mo-ser, Keek i\ Co. 

Lime was burned and -tone was quarried on the 
left side of the road by the Clader- before 1829, and 

-ton.- i- now quarried by Melchior Clader. a - 
John Clader. Saeger & Keek burned lime many 
years. Lime has also been burned many years far- 
ther out on i he Bethlehem mad by John < llader, and 
about ISoO, John Trexler & Son- commenced the 

business, and still continue. 

About 1862 63, Tilghman Dorney put up small 
works, and commenced the manufacture of fire-brick. 

The property passed through several change-, and is 

now iii possession of Joseph Downing, who carries on 
the business. 

West Bethlehem.- 'I'he land on which the village 
of West Bethlehem was located was purchased by the 

Moravians OVI r one hundred years ago, and was part 

of a large tract in their possession. .V mission-house 
was established upon it, in which the Indians lived 
alter the destruction of Gnadenbiitten. It was lo- 
cated where now stand the stables ot Levin J. Kraiise. 
Another mission, called "Xain." was -aid to have 

been on the < leorge I li isingi r farm, which also was a 
part of the Moravian tract. The land opposite Beth- 
lehem, and near the mouth of the Monocacy, i 
uallv fell into possi --ion of Levin J. Kraiise, wdio 

lived there man] years, and followed the occupation 

of a farmer ami butcher. 

In the year 1869, Mr. Erause projected the idea of 
building an iron bridge across the Monocacy, and 
proposed to form a company, offering half of his farm 

to the stockholders. This proposition was accepted, 

a company formed, and the present toll-bridge was 
erected at a cosl of sixty-nine thousand dollars. The 

farm land was laid out into Streets and lots, sales were 
made, and buildings (mostly brick) were soon after 
i ommenc 

A school-house (one-story brick] had been erected 

many years previous, which in later years was en- 
larged. In 1877 there were five school- and two 
hundred and thirty-nine pupils, and the district in 
this year became independent. The school-house 

was enlarged at a COSl of $2738.67. In 1883 there 
were five schools and three hundred and sixteen 

pupils. A new school-house was erected in 18£ 

at a cost of five thousand dollar-. Schools will be 

kept in both the school -houses. The increased fa 

■ are now ample, and will probably be sufficient 

for some years to come. 



•j.;> 



HISTORY OF LKHKMI COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 



\ Sanday-achool house was erected in the village 
in L883-84 by the enterprise ol the theological stu- 
dents ol the Moras ian Church of Bethlehem. 



CHA PTEB XXIV. 

HEIDI LB] RG POM NSHIP. 1 

The territory now comprised in the townships oi 
Heidelberg, Lynn, and Washington was known prior 
to 1752 as Heidelberg District. On the 10th of June 
following the organization of Northampton County 
(which was effected in March of the same year), a pe- 
tition was rec< Lved by the first court, upon which the 
following was indorsed : 

"The petition of a number <»f inhabitants Bottled on the hack parte f 
Heidelberg and Macungie, praying thai they ought to be formed into a 
township, was allowed, and Mr- Scull, Burveyor of the county, to 
measure out the name." 

"A draught ami return of Heidelberg township, under the bead of 
David Schultz, surveyor, was allowed and ordered i" be recorded." 

The first official act in recognition of Heidelberg as 

a township was made at the October term of court in 
1752, when Conrad Blose was appointed constable for 
it. Jacob Bainter, his successor, was appointed Sept. 
16 ; 1755. 

Lynn was set off from Heidelberg the same year 
that the latter was organized, but Heidelberg for 
almost a hundred years comprised in addition to its 
present territory that which is now included in Wash- ! 
ington. 

Division of the Township.— For some time prior 
to 1S47 the project of dividing the township was agi- 
tated among its residents, and in May of that year j 
the following petition was drawn up, circulated, and 
presented to the court : 

"To the honourable the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the 
county of Lehigh^ now composing and holding a Court of General . 
Quarter Session of the Peace In ami for the Baid count; at the May I 

Term, A.D. 1847. 

"The petition of the undersigned citizens of the township of Heidel- 
berg, in Bald COUnty, respectfully sheweth, — 

"That the said township of Heidelberg is uncommonly large for all 
township [mi poses, inasmuch as the supervisors of the public highways 
we find it exactly inconvenient to keep all the roads in repair and to 
attend to various duties, it ie also extremely Inconvenient for the cit- ■ 
izens of said township to attend general and township elections and 
other meetings on account of the great distance. Many of them are 
unable to travel that distance, etc. 

" Your petitioners would therefore praj your honors to appoint three 
competent and respectable men to Inquire Into the expediency of divid- 
ing the said township into two parts, as nearly equal as may ho, to a 
line i-omim i at a point in or rmir the middle of the Blue Moan- 
tain, on the line of East Penn township, Carbon Co. ; thence running 
to some point on the line of or between the townBhip of North White- 
hall and Low Hill, Lehigh Co. And they will pray, etc. 



William Bobei ti 

■ 

William Roberts. 
John Roberts Berlde. 
David Williams (B). 

Jm oh Eti i 

1. 1, oh I Hailer. 

John Remely. 
Daniel Hitter. 
Stephen Kern. 
Dennll tlnnsicker. 

Kern. 
Daniel Remely. 
Daniel Breyfogel. 
Nathan German, Sr. 
Henry Smith, 
Jona i 

i ha en Hunsicker. 
wiiih.lm Kbbert 
Frederii u Leffler, 

Joel Ro 

Nathan Qei man miller). 
i [ah German. 
Henry Clauss. 
William W. Rreus. 
Robert Roberts. 
John s. Williams. 
Rice i 'wens. 
Daniel Acanol. 
Richard Hughes. 
Robert Jones. 
David Peter. 
John Ree. 
Daniel Schleicher. 
Eli as Blttner. 
John Kruw. 
Reuben Peter. 
Daniel Fink, Jr. 
Daniel German. 
Dai id Roes. 
Nathan Weaver. 
John Heil. 
Jacob Holban. 

John Peter. 
Nicholas Kern. 
Daniel Kern. 
John Kreitz. 
Jonas Kern. 
Joseph German. 
John Frederick. 
John Wasmer. 

Charles Dornard. 

Solomon Moyer. 

i (wen German. 

Aura ham Reidy. 

Henry Loeser. 

Adam German, Jr. 

Henry Snyder. 

Andrew Muth. 



Monaues Snyder. 
i, in Lerau. 

Charles Petei 

Casper Shutt. 
John Walls. 

Ksq. 

Daniel Bai get 
John Reppert. 

nvder. 
Reuben Kern. 
Cliarh - i ■■ 
■ 

Elsenhower. 
Williams. 
Iwuu: Moj it. 

K. m Jones. 
B ird T. Jones. 
Griffith Davis, 
1 1 • nrj Parry. 
Henry Fink. 
John io i'i" rt 
Joseph Peter. 
David Kern. 
Henry Stemler. 
John Hitter. 
Wert. 

Gabriel Kern 
i,r\ i Reppert. 
David T. Druckenmlller. 
Christian Riess. 
Samuel Pauley. 
WiUhelm Moyer. 
Frank Father. 
Emanuel Moyer. 
Ears Moyer. 
Abraham Reppert. 

I taniel Panlus, 
Reuben Wert. 
Nicholas Wert. 
Stephen Wert. 

Doblas Wert. 

Abraham Roberto. 
Stephen Rex. 
Jonas Peter. 
Daniel Dornard. 
John Rex. 

< iharlea Newha 
Jonas Peter. 
Daniel Peter. 

Abraham Neff. 
Joseph Blass. 
Jeremiah Leutz. 

J. dm K.it. 

William Leutz, Sr. 

Daniel Newhard. 
Jonas Peter. 
Thomas Peter. 
Levi German. 
William Rbart. 



'* Michael Rehrig. 
Rehrig 



Nathan Hastis. 
Owen Jones. 



1 By Samuel J. Kistler, Ksq. 



" Lehigh County, ss. 

"I, J. D. Lawall, clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Pei 
of Lehigh County, do certify that the foregoing is a correct and ti 
copy of a petition presented to our said court at May session last p 
for the division of Heidelberg township, as the same remains on : 
in said office. Witness my hand and seal of office this first day of S 
temher, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven. 

"J. D. Lawall, Cleric.' 



Jesse Samuels, Benjamin Fogel, and Charles Shi 

mer were appointed by the court as commissioners 
inquire into the expediency of making the request 
division. They reported that on the 16th of Augu 
1847, they met at the house of Charles and 1^ 
Peter, in Heidelberg, and made the division desin 



IIKIPELBKRG TOWNSHIP. 



269 - 



— that i.-, they sel off the township now known as 
Washington, bul then named " Dallas." 

Character of the People. As a rule up to 1840 
there was little mingling with other people, rhose 
having possession of the land conveyed it from one 

heir to another, and thus kepi the land ai g their 

descendants. Schools of the English language were 
scarce. Churches both of the German Reformed and 
Lutheran denominations were found all over the 
county, and were well attended. There was a strict 
adherence to the doctrine of the churches, the pa- 
rents greatly desired having their children trained in 
the precepts of .Christianity. It seems to us now 
an astonishing fact that a man should borrow fr 

five hundred to one thousand dollars of a neighbor, 
the lender taking no note, but merely marking the 
amount, and opposite the time when to return the 
amount or pay the interest thereof, with a piece of 
chalk on one of the house-joists or on the large house 

Block. Thej deemed it a sacred duty when the time 
had expired to pay the interest or amount, according 
to what was agreed upon. It any one tailed to be 
prompt, or tailed entirely to meet his payment, this 
was an extraordinary affair, and such shameful con- 
duct was considered a crime. The old saying, " His 
word is as good as his note." was really true with this 
class of people. For a stranger to settle among them 
was a rare occurrence. Railroads and telegraphs there 
were none. Trade was carried on by wagon- to 
Philadelphia and other market-. Stores had their 
supplies brought all the way from Philadelphia on 
wagons, g distance of eighty miles. Dealers would 
arrange it so as to go to the city two or tour times a 
year. They arranged their time of travel so that they 
were able to reach a hotel when it was time to feed 
their horses. Here the men greeted each other in the 
post friendly manner. They drank their pun- old rye 
whiskey, which they obtained at the hotel at three 
cents g glass with a cigar thrown in, according to the 
general custom. On the arrival at the great markets 
they were earnest, prompt, and shrewd at their busi- 
ness, ami spared no pains in carrying out their duty 
honorably. When the time had arrived for the re- 
turn of the heavy four- and six-horse teams, there was. 
a general excitement. People came from twelve to 
fifteen miles to see the bright calicoes and other wear- 
ing materials. 'Phis made every heart glad and 
kxious to buy. In common with the Pennsylvania 
Germans elsewhere, those of Heidelberg have been a 
bosperous and industrious people. Failures have 
hem scarcely known of among them ; their whole aim 

ha,- been to prosper, and it is well known that they 
have prospered. 

Land Warrants Located in Heidelberg— Fol- 
lowing i- a list of the land warrants located in the old 



tgee history of Wellington township for n fuller account of litis 
■Hon, and also for a description of the emstei n boundar) ol <lie present 

I HeliL-llierj;. 



township of Heidelberg, with the dads of their is-u- 
ance, names of persons to whom granted, and number 

of acres taken up by each. The li-t -how- the names 
of the early settlers, bul the dab I he consid- 

ered .is indicating the year when thej came into the 

country, for, as a rule, the pioneers did not obtain 
their warrants until several years had elapsed from 
the time of their arrival. 

Acres. 

No. i i,.lunc 14,1765 

v. 1822, Andrew Martin, Aug. 26, 1766 104 



S lacobArn It, Noi 12, 1788 

s... 7, I I ;i 

N i»oi i udrew Cllmer, Dec .. ITiiT 2 

\. 161, Henry I I, Aug. 13, 1765 18 

s.. 1493, J u !■ i n pe< It, Ha] 14,17 

So.2f i 1787 1» 

s ,J hi, l.i, ith. o. i 28,1768 16 

No 1 1, I hard I - i. Ocl 30, 174 i 114 

No, 43, Henry Francis, Hay 10, 1748 41 

No it . Henry Frej I i 

No. n.i tin Junel i , >:i 129 

\ ■ ;. Philip Fiddl 1768 36 

No 32, ii.i.i 1 i ml !, Nov. 14, 1768 

S I I n.i.l Fahr. Feb 26, 1766 119 

.. Johannes Feller, ! , 104 

v. 1304, Christopher Fahr, Dei 3,1765 37 

N.i 2457, Peter Frautz, April 3, 1767 34 

i in, I rej , Ha] 18,1768 25 

i v, May 18, 1768 

,,!/. Jr., Villi -e. 1769 123 

No i 97 

No 33, Peter Grawall, i.us 26 174s 179 

No 107, Adam Germon, Not 16,1786 14 

No. 108, Adam Ger Not. 16, 1786 nil 

No. 177. Adam Germon, April I7,17'.'J 16 

\... 178 36 

No. HI M 16 

No 1 Giltner, May 21, 1766 

s., 1429, Frederick Giltner, June 27, 1768 105 

No. 3816, Jacob Goltner, Feb. 1. 1769 77 

No.39 J ph ' ... 1 1 er, ipi il :7. 1769 

v 16, Henry Banner, April 26, 1744 167 

Ni 17. Henrj Hodman, Jan. 26, 1749 

No. 143, Mlcha •■'. , March 30, 1760 

n 12, Michael Hiskey, Aug. 21, 1764 81 

No. 16, John Handwerk, v i 9, 1758 .i7 

No. 1264 Elizabeth Hoffman. Nov. 30, 1765 16 

ft), Nicholas Handwerk, Aug 12,1766 1111 

No.2056 Petei Herger, Nov. 4, 1766 :« 

No B66, Henry Hair, E pt. 30, 1767 

No -11 '■!- Hare, Jan. 2, 1769 29 

No. 89, Martin Koogber, Nov ■=•, 1747 114 

No A rn,May4,1748 149 

No.29 134 

No. ' -, John Kniii/, N.rv. 17, lTtti > 7 

No 2028, Johannes Kunkle, Oct 29, 1768 !>1 

1, Micha, I Kiinkle, Oct. 1'. 17«',u 41 

n, March J7, 17r.9 

No. 84, John Lap, Feb. 1. 1752 58 

No. 105, John Lap, Feb. 4. 17.v> 123 

i, Robert Li 1774 1 

No. 66, Christian Lauahner, April -4, 177:, 77 

No 182, John l.intz. April 17. 17'U 53 

No.38 7, Christian Langenohr, Jan. 30, 1769 55 

No. 69, Jacob Howrer, Dec. IS, 1743 33 

No. 70, J ii Mov, ii Dec 18, 1743 182 

il wrer, Ms] 1 ■ I74j 33 

n ter, March 24, 1749 100 

No.14 ir, Dec. 6, 1749 loo 

No.l Petei Miller, Iprll 6, 17c 

i. Feb. 7. 17-Vj 25 

N... 'JIT. Conrad Harms, Dec, 6, 17.77 ■ 

i. 17-V. 34 

1 c. 14. 17.",:i 171 

, 177;. 

1, Peter Mnsj i 187 18 

No. 1483,1 onrad Ml 

i . Lug 12, 1766 

No. 69 

No , Kay 26, 1746 147 

112 

Ni i 103 

\ 18, 1 Irich Nefe, Vn:. 5, 1766 



No. Jl 7. Dlrich II 

No. 24, Henry 0s« .1,1. Jan. :1. 174'j 63 



I, 1766 

v. B67 Michael Ohl. Sept. 21, 1765 7o 

■,ii. Nov, 12, l"i i 

Henrj Pollnger, 7. 174- 107 

,, Jane 1", 1740 194 

\ 2, 1752 

No. 12, Rudolph Peter, Jan. 28, 177,4 74 



270 



HISTORY. OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



i ■ Painter, Vug. 22, L758 I fO 

i . ■-: 27 

' ; 47 

No. 1 - i Is, Ocl 31, 1763 181 

: Jnhn Roi I, i - 112 

, W llll.Mll li: 

. I Imrles R 10 ■ 

No. 43, Pi ti i i; lI li U m, i ■ 24 

No. 21 i. Mi bn l Ramilii , Ai >, 1763 

i, John Etui kle, Aug 10, 170C 28 

11 Pi te: Rui h, i 24, 1765 38 

No i i 1 ' ■ Jacob Reedy, May 14, 1766 47 

No. 1760, Johu Rumple, Aug. 6, 1766 19 

■ b R< edy, Aug. 7, 1766 I ■ 

■ ■ ,ii. tedy, Sept 24. 1767 

No. 2953, Ueurj Reinhart, Noi 12, 17'>7 &5 

No. 9), Andrew Shltler, June 14, L746 107 

No. 117, Kieuedi k Bneider, Oct. 'J. 1746 44 

No ■ ■■. Well In ii Sholtz, Noi I 1748 M 

No 21 ., Dauiul Sneider, Jan. 24, L749 9S 

No 216, Di I Sm Id. r, Jan. 26, 1749 

No. 241, George Siegler, April 17. 1760 161 

Nm !91, Frederick Si hneider, Pel 6, I i .2 38 

No 29J, Frederick Schneider, Feb B L762 33 

No i0, Lhm rence Simon, Jui 

No. 92, William Silfeers, Kv I I 46 

No. 13, George Lirm. April 17. 1754 1 L8 

No. 21, Frederick Schueider, Nov, 13, L754 6 

No.78,Tectei Seldler, No\ I '■. 1754 224 

No 108, Mi Li h< i) Si idler, No> 6. L76* 34 

No. 109, Melchoir Seidler, Nov. 27, 1758 21 

No I i Frederick Schneider, June 14, 1766 20 

No. 178, Christian Smith, Oct. 21, 1772. 62 

Nu. 1226, Christian Smidt, Nov. ., 1765 38 

No. 1227, Christian Smidt, Nnv. 5, 176 ■ 9" 

No. i <7 '.. limn Smith, Haj 29, 1766 11" 

No. 1574, Henry Smith, May 29, nu; 13 

No. 1749, Frederick Snyder, Aug. 7. 1768 27 

No. 2085, Frederit k Snyder, Nov. II, 1766 44 

No. 2223, Adam Staat, Dec. 22, 1766 55 

No. 2478, Frederii h Snyder, April 8, 1767 62 

No .: 07, Philip L«hr, April is, 17».7 1"><> 

No. 2640, Henry Smith, April 28, 1767 17 

Nu. 63, Jacob Traubespeck, Sept. 16, 1747 197 

No.85, George Welger, March 21, 174:! 51 

No. 89, George Welger, Nov. 28, 174:-; 84 

No. 70, Jacob w eaver, Nov. 2, 1744 171 

No. 66, Philip Waugheman, April 1*. 1747 154 

No. 102. John Weaver, Sept. 21, 1748 103 

No. 112, George Welger, Dec. IS, 174'.' 46 

No. lis, Jacob Weaver, Feb. 19, 1750 23 

No. 20, Simon Wehr, Oct 3, 17511 L61 

No 15, Peter Woodring, Sept. 26, 1758 138 

Nu. 196, Sim. mi Wehr, April 6, 1787 60 

No. 174 ;, i laspei Weaver, Aug. 6, 1766 90 

No. 1754 l u i Wosson, Aug 7, 1766 50 

No. 2793, Simon Wehr, Aug. 15, 1767 25 

No. 4, John YeRger, Aug. _".>, 1758 46 

No. 14, George Ziegler, Sept 30, 1751 86 

Residents in 1781. — The assessment, made by the 
commissioners of Northampton County for Heidel- 
berg township in 1781, shows that there were within 
its then limits the following taxable inhabitants: 

Martin Andrew. Michael Grenewald. 

I 1 , i, , Andrew. Michael Gable. 

Martin Andrew, Jr. Adam Gable. 

Joseph Balliet. Andrew Gultner. 

Henry Byer. John Hunsicker. 

George Blose. Jacob Huneicker. 

Widow Hear. John Hunsicker, Jr. 

Daniel BIobs. Caspar Hunsicker. 

Jacob Broadsteller. David Hess. 

Ulricli Brinket. Andrew Hotz. 

Jacob Bailor. Michael Huffman. 

Tobias Ebert. William Hoffman. 

John Elbert. Henry Huffman. 

Jacob Fryman. Peter Handwork. 

Andrew Fehler. Jacob Handwork. 

Julm Fehler. Jacob Handwork, Jr. 

Henry (Tabor, Julm Handwerk. 

John Fought. .lamb Hart man! 

Henry Binninger. Philip Hammel. 

David Gortner. Martin Barter. 

John Fry. •'■" ob Haueman. 

Jacob Geiger. William Holliog. 

George Gultner. Philip Krausa. 

Widow Gultner. Widow Keck. 

Adam German. Julm Keck. 



William I 
Frederick Kern, 
John B ■ 
Willi un Kern. 

Fam K em merer. 
Bolomon Ki eitz. 
John Kruni, 
('in latian ECrum. 
Adam Kounkle. 
Christ Km Lauchner, 
John Lintz. 
i ntii .1.1 Lintz, Jr. 
John Miller. 
s i< kolas Miller. 
Philip ttertz. 
Petei Meyer. 

' 1 1 i 

l'i i it il Mi dinger. 

Frautz Misstaj ■ 
M [i hael Kissinger. 
E redei ick Bf. Mej er. 

1- ard M illei 

Henry Neil". 
Widow Neff. 
I in. i, Kefl 
Michael OhI. 
Caspar Pel i 
William Peter. 
Jacob Peter. 
Widow Peter. 
John Kocher. 
John Peter. 
Caspar Peter, Jr. 
Simon Reel ig. 
George Reemely. 
Michael Reemaly. 
George Remaly.Jr. 
.Ifilin Rumble. 
John Buchle. 
Conrad Reeder. 
Jai ob Rex. 
William Rex. 
George Rex. 
George Rex. Jr. 

John Ramble. 
Michael Snyder. 
Tobias Wehr. 
John Reinsmith. 
Daniel Meyer. 
Abraham Riedy. 
George Miller. 
Conrad Keck. 
Michael Keck. 
Peter I>e\\ alt. 



William Rex. 
William Rex, Jr. 
John Robert. 
Petei R '-- 

rge Ray. 
Jacob Rledj 
Conrad Riedy. 
Peter S. Rl 

use (supposed 
Rldinghou 
John Reinsmith. 
Georjre RupperL 
i Leidel. 

John Sorbrick. 
Geoi : ■ I i L r er. 

Frederick Sleigh. 
Abraham Shelhamer. 
Ludwig Stein. 
Anthony Shs fi i 
Balzer Snyder. 
Adam Smith. 
John Snyder. 
Christian Smith. 
i Smith. 

Samuel Snyder. 
Conrad Sloeser. 
[saac Swartz. 
George Smittar. 
Simon Wihr. 
Peter Wagner. 
Johu Waaum. 
Leonard Wasum. 

Balzer Wirtli. 
Jacob Weaver. 
John Weaver. 

Martin Mnchter. 
^ t Wall. 
Michael Wehr 
Lawrence Wehr. 
Philip Wehr. 
Henry Serfass. 
Martin Lent/,. 
Ilotzer George. 

Singh Freemen. 

Christian Swabenland. 

Jacob Bare. 
Leonard Balliette. 
Frederick Handwerk. 

William Andreas. 
George Ridinghouse. 
David Wegandt. 
Conrad Reerig. 
Andrew Mourer. 
Stoffel Rex. 



[The amouol of taxes was £364 15s. 3d. The high- 
est assessment was for £8, and was upon Michael Ohl. 
John Miller and Caspar Peter are each assessed £6, 
all others below. J 

Taxable Inhabitants in 1812.— The following 
were the taxable inhabitants of Heidelberg in 1812, 
as shown by the township assessment made by the 
commissioners of Northampton County: 

Daniel Andrew. Daniel Brundstetter. 

John Anthony. John Bahler. 

Jacob Bapt. 



Jacob Bahler, 
Stephen Balliet. 
Jacob Bahr. 
Petei Bahr. 

(.,-,.[ ■_■<■ f '. i. .-. ■ 
Ulrich Benninger. 
i 'in istian BIobs. 
i leorge Bloss, Jr. 



Jacob Blim 
Peter Beissell. 
John Beyer. 
Solomon Bnindstetter. 

Jacob ClausB. 
Jacob Dingier. 
Peter Eberth. 



IIEIDKLIiKKi; TOWNSHIP 



271 



I bert. 
Michael i 

1 Bit. 

nuimd Ely. 

— Fenstermacher. 

Fottlleb frocht. 

■ | mac 
William iVn-termacher. 

I erber. 
Widow Ferber. 
eorge Fi> man. 
Daniel Fink. 
i i-ey 

• rick. 
ohii Fritzlnger. 

Fritzinger. 
focob Frit 
ndrew Fi itxinger. 

■ I 
obD Frant*. 

i : ,ut/. 

bhn Miller, Jr. 
franklin Loyer. 
uini Frederick. 
i hi. 
irmao. 
■ 
Mam German. 
Philip German. 
Andrew Gultner. 

:!ii < iennao. 
n.-t - > <;.-i-itj 
i 

G - Handwerk. 
Michit.l Harter. 
Jacob Hartmau. 
Joseph Huntdcker. 
Hunsicker. 
i John Hunsicker. 
■o q Hunsicker, Jr. 
Ju< I' Hoffiiian. 
W il h mi llufl'iuan. 
ML hael Hoffman. 
Pett-i Hoffman. 
Peti-r Handwerk. 
John Handwerk. 
1 Peter Hamlwerk. 
i Jacob Hamhi. rk. 
1 Henrj Hamlwerk. 

1r Hamlwerk. 

] lennewitze. 

E Horn. 

f k Hausman. 

Peter Hoffman. 

1 lan Hamuien (supposed 

Hausman). 
. George ltoltz Supposed Haats). 
, John Hausman. 

Bhrlstian Ilausmaa. 
' Cliii-tian Haag (Hawk). 

> n Hartman. 

j Henry Helfrich. 
{ Daniel Helfrich. 
1 Joel K 

( Simon Hrtrtman. 
( Andrew Kemmerer. 

John i 
j Henry Kistler. 
J George Kern, Jr. 
] John Krause. 

Chr-.ti.iii Krum. 
( John Krum. 

WjllUm Kern. 
Kern. 



H Bl D. 

; -. ern. 
John Kern 
John Kn 
Jacob K n 
Barnei Kress! er. 
Adam K 1 1 
John Krum. 
Dauiel Kramer. 
I Ihristian Krum. 

phel Kern. 
Kern. 
Philip Kemmerer. 
Jobn K 

Adani Kunkle. 
John Ki> 
Andrew Kunkle. 
Philip Krauae. 

< ge B ■ 

Conrad Kern, 
Daniel Kern. 

Daniel Kern, Jr. 
Frederick Kemmerer. 
Jesse Kern. 
■ 

:. bier. 
Abraham Krerr. 

i "rash. 
Joseph Lauchner. 
Adam Linns (Lentz). 
.i.i :ob Linos i. 
Jacob Lanchner. 
William Linus (Lentz). 
John Meyer. 
Jacob Miller. 

Jobn Miller. 

Oarl Frt-J Moyer. 
Simon Moyer. 

is Measinger (He&semere). 
George Mutliaid. 
Leonard Mllb r. 
Den .lit Hertz, 
Frederick Miller. 
William Moj ei . 
John Mace. 
George Miller. 
Henry Miller. 

Christian >k-ssioger(Messemer). 
John Meyer. 
Bernbard Neff, 

Henry Neff. 
Widow Neff. 
Michael Neff. 
Peter Newbard. 
Jacob Ncese. 
Jobn Peter. 
Daniel Peter. 
Johannes Peter. 
Jacob Peter. 
Thesbold Peter. 
William Peter. 

Peter. 
Caspar Peler, Jr. 

John Peter. Sr. , 

Nicholas Peter. 
George Peter. 
Michael Peter. 
Jacob Peter. 
Henry P 
John Peter. 
Henry Peter, Jr. 
Daniel Roder iRoeder). 
John Rinker. 
Daniel Roth. 
Sitter. 

Abraham Redig (sup. Riedy). 
John Rotest (Retar). 



Balzer tl 
Andrew Raucb. 

d Rex, 

John ].' 

Abrahnm Riedy. 

A.lain Rockel. 
Widow i: 
William Rockel. 
Roth. 

I 
John Rohrlcfa (Iterlcb). 
Ambros Remely. 
Michael Remely. 

i,. tb. 

rich). 
i . i ■ i. ■ 

Ratert. 
Rex, 
Ratort 
John Ri 

Susanna Reedy I Riedy). 
Abraham Roder (Roi d 

■*uyder). 
- ritz. 
Jacob Sbnyder Snyder). 

-■liisler). 
[an Schmidt 
Jacob Schneider (Snyder). 
i Ihrlstian Snyder, 
limldt, 
iel Schmidt. 
Andrew Sensinger. 



I 

3huler. 
her. 
Dai id Shnj der Snyder). 
Henrj mler). 

; 

Petei Sell. 

Simon - Snyder). 

1 

■ 
Saeger. 

Jacob Wehr. 
Michael Wahr. 
Martin Wuchter. 

Jacob \\ 
i rey. 

;.u Wertb. 
w assam. 

Lawrence Wehr. 

Martin Wertb. 

Wahr. 
Laurence Zeller. 

Kei n. 
Peter Pi 

Philip Bretz (Pretz). 
Samuel Leger. 
John Schmidt 
Samuel M 
Daniel KrauBs. 

ii 1 Kressler. 
Laurence Newbard. 



Single Freemen. 

Daniel K i-auss. 
Jobn Housman. 
John Remely. 
H i lliam Rex. 
John Weidman 
Peter Hunsicker. 
Samuel Bolti I 
Peter Krum. 
Jacob Kreasley. 
John W 

M Ichael Hoffman. 
George Sensinger. 

Ill-Ill \ i 



Jacob " iffman. 

John Hare. 

John Rex. 

Jobn Hunsicker, 

i Ihrlstian Sbnj del I Snyder). 

i I,:, Handwerk, 

lli-iii \ Hoffman. 

m [cbael Krum. 

i lei ick Snyder. 

Leonard Reinsmith. 

William Lafavour (Leiavre) 
■ Daniel Hun?' 
[ Adam Peter. 
I Daniel Snyder. 

The amount of tax was $498.02. 

Early Settlers. — The early residents of this town- 
ship are all or nearly all mentioned in the li^t of land 
warrants, and the list of inhabitants in 1781 and 1812. 
Some of them arc treated of at length elsewhere in 
this chapter, as for instance in the parts devoted to 
the history of Saegersville and Germansville, and 
accounts of the Peters and I [andwerk families appear 
in the chapter on Washington township. 

The greater part of the land now owned by Edward 
Neff and Joel Neff, in Beidelberg township, was 
originally by warrant dated June, 1745, granted to 
Andrew Shi tier, and after his death it was conveyed 
by the administrator t<> his only son and heir, Con- 
rad Shitler, who by deed elated Dec. 13, ITdi'. con- 
veyed the same to Jacob Peter,who on Nov. L0, 1764, 
conveyed the same to John Hunsicker. Sr., who by 
deed dated Oct. 26, L787, conveyed the Bame to his 
son, Jacob Hunsicker, who died leaving a widow and 



272 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



seven children, and at an Orphans' Court held at 
Easton, Jan. 11,1797, the said land, then consisting 

of two hundred and sixty acres, was accepted by John 
Eunsicker, eldest sun of Jacob Hunsicker, who by 
his deed dated July 19, 1779, conveyed one hundred 
and thirty-seven and one-quarter acres thereof to 
Bern bard Nell', sonofTJlricb Neff. Said tract did then 
adjoin land of Peter Missemere, Jacob Brandsteteer, 
Adam German, etc. Bernhard Neff had three sons, 
.John, George, and Abraham, Bernhard Neff, by deed 
dated Jan. 23, 1829, conveyed sixty-nine acres thereof 
to his son, George Neff, and the balance thereof to his 
son, John Neff; ahout the year 1845. conveyed his por- 
tion to Abraham Lobach, who still resides on the 
same, and John Neff moved to East Pent) township, 
Carbon Co., close to the Andrew Church, where he 
died and left one son, and only son and heir, who still 
lives on the place; and George Neff, by deed dated 
March 20, 1866, granted and conveyed a portion of 
his land to his son Edward Neff, who still resides on 
the same and of the balance of his land. George 
Neff died intestate on the 26th day of November, 1881, 
and on April 3, 1882, Joel Neff, another son of the 
said George Neff, accepted the same at the appraise- 
ment, and who is still the owner of it, but resides at 
Slatington, where he is an extensive operator in 
quarrying slate, etc. Abraham Neff, the other son of 
Bernhard Neft", in his early days resided here near 
Germansville, but afterwards moved to North White- 
hall township, close to the Union Church, where he 
carried on the undertaking business, and afterwards 
established a carriage factory, and built up the village 
which is named after his name, Neffsville. Edward 
15. Neff, hotel-keeper at Slatington, is one of his 
sons. 

Here is added a copy of a memorandum in the 
handwriting of Richard Peters (whose name is so 
frequently mentioned in the upper township in the 
old papers), which memorandum was found among the 
old papers of George Neff, deceased, as follows, to 
wit: 

"January is 175s Memorandum that Monday, the third day of 
April next is Appointed for an Hearing Between Bernhard Net! aud 
Henry Krie at the Secretaries office upon a Caveat Entered the 6th Sep- 
tember last hvs.ihl Nell against tile acceptance of a Survey made for the 
Nlh i |.', i, , Brance of Truckers Creek now (Jordan Creek) in North- 
ampton County (now Lehigh Co) and the parties are desired to attend 

lingj, , RlCKAttD Pi ii r 

" A true copy from itn original.'' 

A portion of the land now owned by Nathan 
Wuchter was originally by a warrant dated Oct. 25, 
1749, granted to Daniel Burger, of Salisbury town- 
ship. Said tract was mentioned as situated between 
Francis Giltner and John Snyder in Heidelberg tow n 
ship, Bucks Co., and which Daniel Burger, by deed 
dated Aug. 1, 1772, conveyed a portion thereof to 
John Martin Wachter, Si., who conveyed the same to 
his son, Martin Wachter, who conveyed the same to 
his son, William Wachter, wdio conveyed the same lo 
his son, Nathan Wachter, who is still the owner 



thereof. The above-named Martin Wachter was one 
of the Revolutionary soldiers under Washington. 

Among the Peters who had original land here, near 
Saegersville and ( iermansville, was Rudolph Peter, to 
whom seventy-four acres, one hundred and forty 
perches of land was granted by warrant dated Jan. 
28, 1754, which tract is situated north of Saegersville, 
and is now divided up and owned by Edwin Hand- 
work (son of Michael), Owen Hunsicker, Tilghman 
Peter, Lewis K. Peter, John Met/.ger, and David 
Hunsicker. Edin Handwork is the owner of the 
largest portion of the same. 

Jacob Peter, who was the owner of a tract of land 
between Saegersville and Germansville, and said tract 
was originally by warrant dated March 12, 1745, 
granted to him ; it is the same where now Nathan 
Snyder and Jeremiah D. Suy reside. And Philip 
Peter was the owner about the year 1786 of a tract of 
land adjoining Jordan Creek on the west, and west of 
Germansville, where now the Germansville Depot of 
the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad is erected. 

Of the family of Peters who early settled in Heidel- 
berg township were three brothers, — Caspar, Rudolph, 
and Jacob. Caspar settled in what is now Wash- 
ington, and the account of his descendants will be 
found in that township. His son, Caspar, lived in the 
limits of Heidelberg, on the farm now owned by 
Gideon Peters. He built the present house in 1761, 
and placed in the wall a stone with the year marked 
upon it. 

Rudolph Peter settled in Heidelberg, where Henry 
Handwerk now lives. He took out a warrant for 
seventy-four acres of land on the 28th of January, 
1754. Eve Elizabeth, a daughter, became the wife 
of Adam German, who settled at Germansville. It 
is not known who his other children were. He died in 
1813, aged fifty-seven years, and is buried in Heidel- 
berg churchyard. 

Jacob Peter, supposed to be a brother of Rudolph 
and Caspar, took out a warrant for thirty-one acres of 
land on the 12th of March, 1752; nothing is known 
of his descendants. 

In 1781 Caspar Peter, Caspar Peter, Jr., William, 
Jacob, John, and the Widow Peter were assessed on 
real estate, and in 1812, John, Daniel, Johannes, 
Jacob, Theobald, William, Caspar, Sr., Caspar, Jr., 
John, Sr., Nicholas, George, Michael, Jacob, Henry. 
Sr., Henry, Jr., and John Peter, Jr. 

Ii must be born in mind that Heidelberg in 1781 
and 1812 embraced Washington. The line of Caspar 
Peter, one of the three brothers, has been well traced. 
I M I he other brothers, Rudolph and Jacob, but little is 
known of the generation following. Nicholas Peter, 
whose name appears in 1812, hail three sons, — Daniel, 
Elias, and John Jacob (2d). The latter lived where Ins 
M.ii. Joseph, now resides. 

A John Jacob Peters (1st) lived on the farm now 
owned In Aaron Peter. He executed the mason work 
of the county jail at Allentown in 1816. He, married 



HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 



273 



Maria Krum, Bister of Michael. They had Beven chil- 
dren: Jeremiah, i.dam, Polly (Mrs. Dutton), Henry, 
Alumni, Jacob, and Reuben. 

Johannes Hunsicker was the firs) of the family of 
that name known in be in the township. His sun 
Henry married Maria Barbara Hull' in 1786, by wh 
he had three son- and >ix daughters. She died in 
1S02, aired thirty-eight years. 

Peter Hunsicker lived in I7'JI on land adjoining 
Philip Mosser. The Heidelberg churchyard contains 
tablets to Susanna llunsieker. born 1799, died in 1850, 
and Magdalena Hunsicker, horn in 1731. 

John Hunsicker, who was horn in 1755, and died 
in 1836, aged eighty years, and his wife, Catharine 
(Stieger wait), born in 1757, died in 1823, were located 
near the Heidelberg Church, where his son Henry 

lived. He married Susanna , who died in 

1850, and left five children, of whom were Reuben, 

David, and Levi, the last two living on the homestead. 

Joseph Hunsicker, a brother of John, married a 
daughter of Michael Ohl, by whom In 1 had no chil- 
dren, lie married lor his second wife a daughter of 

Krum, and a sister of Christian Krum, by whom 

he had Christian, Jonas, John, Daniel, Reuben, and 
Henry. 

Christian settled on part of the homestead where 
his son Edwin now lives. Jonas settled where Wil- 
liam Addis now lives. John on part of the homestead, 
and resides on the property with his son Levi. Dan- 
iel settled in Washington township. Reuben moved 
to Slatington, where he died, and Harry located in 
Carbon County. 

John Handwerk, on the 0th of November, 1758, j 
took up in Heidelberg township, on a warrant, fifty- 
seven acres of land, and on the 12th of August, 1766, 
Nicholas Handwerk took out on a warrant one hun- 
dred ami ten acres of land. John was born in 1710, 
and died in 1791. In 1781 he was assessed with Peter 
Jacob, St., Peter Jacob, Jr., and among the single 
freemen is given Frederick Handwerk. 

In 1812, Peter John, Peter Jacob, Henry and Philip 
Handwerk are assessed. In the Heidelberg church- 
yard are tablets to Peter Handwerk, born 1744, died 
Johannes Handwerk, born 1742, died 1813; 
Jacob Handwerk, born 1771. died 1826; Catharine 
Handwerk, born 1747, died in 1808. The family in 
the township and Washington are numerous, but like 
many others their records and mei ies are meagre. 

Jacob Kemmerer moved from Saucon township to 
tin- township in tin- early part of his lite, previous to 
17"' I. He was a '.Tea: hunter, and during his life shot 
a va>t number of deer. He also was or acted a- cap- 
tain over a squad of men who went from here across 
the Blue Mountain- to Cnadenhiittcn to bury those 
who had been killed by the Indians. He went to the 

Wyoming Valley to help to protect the whites from 
the horrible slaughter of the Indians. The land upon 
which he lived is now owned by Rev. J. S. Ren- 
ninger. being adjoining land of the tract formerly 
18 



owned by Paul and Leonard stein, now the property 

of Moi asinger. He died al t the year 1825, 

at the age of eighty-eight years. He had a brother 
Fritz, who was a miller in Allentown. 

History of Heidelberg- Church. 1 — Tin township 
of Heidelberg, Lehigh Co., Pa., has had up to this 
time but one church, and this basal a known 

as the Heidelberg church and the congregation as the 
Heidelberg congn ;ation. The church, like most of 
those iii Eastern Pennsylvania, when German immi- 
grants of the Reformed and Lutheran faiths settled 

at the sami : and the same place, was a Union 

Church; thai is. the Reformed and the Lutherans 
held all the church property— such as the build, 
the church lands, the cemetery, etc. — in common, 

and had their divine services alternately in the same 
church building, either congregation entirely free, 
however, to engage in worship according to its own 
faith and teachings unmolested by the other, with 
admission to the members of the other faith as well 
as its own. The necessities of primitive times col- 
lected these divided members of one faith under one 
and the same roof. 

The church stands about one mile easl of Saegers- 
ville, nearly in the centre of the township. The first 
small spring- of the Heidelberg Creek, which Hows 
into the Jordan at Gideon Schmidt's, al the iron 
bridge, take their rise upon the church lands. The 
church, school-house, graveyard, and the lands of the 
congregation lie all together in one small valley, 
hemmed in by the surrounding low hills. 

The first settlement by the congregation was made 
in the year 1735. The number of the first immigrants 
was small, consisting of isolated families who had 
come from Switzerland and Westphalia. Their names 
have been preserved, and show that they were from 
one neighborhood, but the name of the place is, un- 
fortunately, forgotten. The names of the first arrivals 
were Jacob Peter, Casper Peter, and Wilhelm Peter, 
three brothers, but whether their father accompanied 
them cannot be ascertained. Later came Johannes 
Hunsicker, Jacob Mayer. David Gisi, Conrad Wirtz 
(now written Weill, Friederich Xisele, Ullrich Neff, 
Heinrich Hoffman, Peter Miller, Heinrich Roeder, 
i reorg Grum, and Jbrg Schmalz. This first companj 
of settlers formed the foundation of the succeeding 
congregation, and at once staked oil' the land they in- 
tended to use for church and school purposes. I 
called it the Hill of Zion, and laid upon their de- 
scendants the solemn injunction that they should not 
rest until they had obtained lawful possession of the 
same through a warrant. The first immigrai 
through Upper Milford to the Kittatinny Valley, and 
followed the course of the Lehigh to the Blue M 
tains. They traversed all the land lying between the 
Lehigh Hills and the Blue Mountains, and not until 



1 Written in Ihtmihii t.y R*T. William A. Selffxich, and translated bj 
James L. Schaailt, Esq. 



274 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the latter loomed up before their sight, and th<\ s : ,w 
their height, and the hillsides and the valleys below, 
forming the present area of the townships of Heidel- 
berg and Washington, together with the excellent 
water and the fine forests, did they discontinue their 
journey, saying, " Here there are hills, woods, water, 
and roeks: here it is possible to live." 

Between the years 17:!5 and 1740 there also came 
hither Palatines and Wiirtemburgers, and strength- 
ened the colony. Among these there were, on the 
Reformed side, Heinrich Ohl, Jacob Riedy, Michael 
Fritzinger, and others; on the Lutheran side, Ulrich 
Sensinger, Jorch Reeks, Peter Handwerk, Johann 
Krauss, and others. The Lutherans likewise pro- 
vided themselves with a piece of land for church and 
school purposes adjoining the Reformed lands on the 
south. 

The organization of the congregation took place in 
the year 1740. Heinrich Ohl, who had taken up the 
land where Saegersville now stands, and who was the 
richest and most respected man in the settlement, agi- 
tated the matter of building a church, but four years 
passed before the church was constructed. Meetings 
were held, but as no minister could be engaged, the 
work of construction was discontinued. During this 
period the services of a reader from Lynn were ob- 
tained, and be was accustomed to hold services at the 
bouses of the people. The place for assembling was 
at Jacob Daubenspeck's, about one mile south of the 
church lands. There divine service was held for a 
period of five .years. Finally there came a talented 
Lutheran minister, by the name of Jacob Friederich 
Schertlein, who was undoubtedly sent through the 
interposition of Rev. Muhlenberg to this portion of 
the country. 

And now steps were taken to build the first church, 
which was erected in the year 1744 as a log church, 
and was dedicated by Revs. Schertlein and Philip 
Jacob Michael. This first church building stood in 
the northeastern corner of the old graveyard, which 
has for a long time been filled with graves. At the 
same time a school-house was erected. From the very 
beginning the plan of the fathers contemplated the 
holding and enjoyment of these buildings in com- 
mon. For this reason they built the church upon 
the Reformed land, and the school-house upon the 
Lutheran, and when the church was completed and 
dedicated, both branches of the congregation made 
a contract on the 28th of March, 1745, that it should 
he and remain a Union church. The following heads 
of families formed the congregation : Jacob Fried- 
erich Schertlein, the Lutheran minister; Philip J. 
Michael, the Reformed minister. Schertlein was a 
regularly ordained minister of great ability, who soon, 
however, left here and was called elsewhere, either 
to Maryland or Virginia. Michael, of whom we have 
already learned in the history of the Ziegel Church, 
was a reader, who was never ordained, and had ele- 
vated himself to the office of minister. The Reformed 



elders were George Grum and Jc'irg Schmalz; the 
Lutheran, George Recks and Michael Mosser. The 
members were Jacob Mayer, Heinrich Ohl, Ulrich 
Sensinger, George Schmalz (elder), Daniel Burger, 
Nickel Klein, George Grum (elder), David (iisi, 
Michael Fritzinger, (icoige links elder), Leonhard 
Mayer, Heinrich Oswald, Adam Winch, Heinrich 
Hofmann, Ulrich Nell", Andreas Schiissler, Friederich 
Schneider, Jonas Matzinger, Michael Fritzinger, 
Jacob Peter, Caspar Peter, Rudolf Peter, Michael 
Mosser (elder i, Jorg Newhard, Nickel Burger, Michael 
Ruch, Peter Miller, Conrad Wirtz (Wert), Friederich 
Nisele, Jacob Schlung, Hans Ulrich Arndt, Johannes 
Niesele, Heinrich Roeder. The above-named mem- 
bers were the builders of the first church, and paid 
for its construction £18 5s., of which the Reformed 
side contributed £13 18s. 8<L, and the Lutheran £4 
6s. 4d. None of the Lutherans were married. 

Early circumstances were here as elsewhere in the 
congregations of Eastern Pennsylvania. (See the 
history of the Ziegel Church.) The Swiss charac- 
teristics peculiarly predominated in this congregation, 
and have been maintained down to our time. Swiss 
honesty and faithfulness are proverbial in Heidelberg. 
Here it was the custom, when one borrowed money 
from the other, to mark the loan with chalk upon the 
rafters of the house ; and when later promissory notes 
came into use, a dispute having arisen as to who 
should have possession of the note, it was gravely 
decided that the borrower should retain possession of 
the note, so that he could readily see when it was to 
fall due. Their character is straightforward, rugged, 
blunt, and stiff-necked, but at the same time honest, 
true, open, and cordial ; they are ready to render as- 
sistance at any time, are neighborly, and attached to 
each other ; and they hold the church in high esteem, 
reverencing everything sacred. Worldliness and 
avarice have not made among them the same inroads 
as elsewhere. Their lives are simple and economical ; 
they are industrious, and, although the land is of 
poorer quality and less productive here than in the 
townships lying towards the south and east of them, 
yet they always have money; so that it has, during 
these last twenty years, become a saying, that who- 
ever desires to borrow money must go to Heidelberg. 

The Indian massacres, which during the fifties of 
the last century devastated all the settlements across 
the Lehigh, at Gnadenhiitten (now Lehighton) and in 
Lynn, both on the right and left of the Heidelberg 
settlement, passed by this congregation almost with- 
out leaving a trace. Scarcely a single murder took 
place. Nevertheless the members were prepared to 
render each other prompt assistance. Fathers Long- 
enour, Kemmerer, and others went to Gnadenhiitten 
and assisted in burying the murdered, and upon the 
occasion of the Lynn township massacre, when Zeis- 
lof and others were murdered, Father Bachman has- 
tened to their assistance from Miller's Valley, near 
the present Lynnville. Zeislof and some of his 



1 1 KIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 



275 



family were scalped, but were -till alive when Bach- 
man arrived, and he attended to them until death de 
livered them from their agony. liachiuan said it was 

dreadful to see the bl ly, disfigured heads, and to 

hear the sufferers calling for water to allay their thirst. 
The reason for the freedom of the congregation from 
the [ndian troubles lay, besides the providence"! i tod 
possibly in the fact that no Indian village Btood within 
their limits. The nearest village was in Lynn, and 
another was on the other side of the Blue .Mountains, 
in the vicinity of Lehighton, and still another laj 
south ot' the Blue Mountains, across the Lehigh. An 
Indian path, however, led in a straight direction from 
the Lehigh Gap through the present village of Sae- 
gersville over the Schochary Mountain (where a 
spring on land then owned by Christian Miller is still 
known as the Indian spring) to the principal Indian 
path, which ran from the Lehigh Mountains through 
the Indian village in the Ziegel congregation's lands 
to the Blue Mountains. 

The second church was built in the year 1756. The 
first little log church was destroyed by lire. The new 
church was also a log church, hut very much larger 
and better arranged in every respect, being fitted out 
with galleries, aisles, pulpit, and altar. A new school- 
house was also erected at the same time with the 
church. This was placed upon the land of the Re- 
formed congregation, which sold all its right in and 
to the old school-house to the Lutherans for £4 10s., 
and from this time on each portion of the congrega- 
tion had its own school until later years, when the 
old school-house was torn down, and the schools again 
united in one. The new church was dedicated in 
1757, and the old contract, that this building should 
he used in common, was renewed. From 1745 and 
17">7 the number of communicants was more than 
Doubled. However, an increase from Europe partly 
ai nits for this. 

The names of the heads of families wdio built the 
new church are as follows: 



iii I laubenspeck. 
Wilbelm Fenstermacber. 

Jacob Ferber. 
Jacob Hunsicker. 
Conrad Stiller. 



Jacob Frelman. 
Re rig. 

•Mini 

Wilbelm Kern. 
Jobannt a Kern. 



Mi bael Ohl. 
Simon Wihr. 
Johannes Gram. 

I'eter. 

II. inn. !i oh 

Ft i.-.i.-rii h -. hneider. 

.Tubaiine i 
Simon Kreitz. 

Christian >■ lnni.lt. 

■ r.in Gram. 

(J r|lt 

hard. 

Ulricli Naff. 
Lorenz Webr. 
Johannes Keber. 
Phllipp Wehr. 
Johannes Filler. 
Heinrich Ferber. 



Johannes Hunsicker. 
Bernbaid Nt-fl. 
George Bloss. 
Rudolf Peter. 
George Haf. 
Andreas Roder. 
Jobal.'i 

Johannes Fair. 
: Ich Kern. 

f M'ni -i Kiiii.-ty. 

i i Remely. 
Jacob Peter, Jr. 
Johannes Eteber. 
Philip Hammel. 

Ohristof Hoffman. 
Petei - 

Johannes Rockel. 
Johannes Peter. 
Samuel Schneider. 
Heinrich [[oilman. 
Conrad Etiedy. 
Johannes Neflf. 
Daniel Borger. 



Not until L758, the year following the building of 
the second church, did the congregation make efforts 
too]. tain a tee-simple deed and lawful possession of 
their church- and school-lands. To accomplish this 

Michael Ohl, a son of Heinrich Ohl, and Simon 
Wehr were appointed a committee on the Reformed 
-ide to obtain the requisite papers in Philadelphia. 
At the same time the Lutherans acted in the matter. 
The following members of the Reformed Church oh 
gated themselves to furnish the money for the pur- 
chase of the lands, viz.: Jacob Peter, Johannes 
Hunsicker, Johannes Gruni, Rudolph I'eter, George 
Haack, Bernhard Neff, Jacob Riedy, Heinrich Neil", 
and Heinrich ( >hl. Nancy < (hi, an unmarried daugh- 
ter of the last named, bad the church weatherboarded 
at her own expense in later years. 

In the war of independence, this congregation fur- 
nished a number of soldiers, the names of only two of 
whom, unfortunately, have been preserved for his- 
torians, namely, those of Christian Schmidt and 

Krumbach. 

The first church records were, according to the state- 
ment of Father Johannes Hunsicker, who died when 
upward of ninety years of age, and who is the au- 
thority for most of the foregoing information, de- 
stroyed by fire with the first church building. The 
minutes of the Reformed Church record begin in 1764, 
and are still in existence; of the Lutheran, in 1768. 
On the title-page of the latter appear the names of 
Wilbelm Rex, Casper Schnerr, Tobias Ebert, and 
Samuel Miehl as the Lutheran consistory. 

A new cemetery was opened in the year ls:;2. The 
old graveyard was filled to its entire capacity. The 
congregation decided to use the ground to the east of 
the church, and this has been increased in size a num- 
ber of times since. 

In the year 1S4!> the congregation held an election 
to decide the question whether the school- should be 
joined in one, to abrogate the difference in the creeds. 
All the votes but three were cast in favor of uniting 
the schools. At this time Ferdinand Berkemeyer 
taught on the Reformed side, and Joseph Folban on 
the Lutheran. The latter resigned, and Berkemeyer 
was chosen as the common teacher. 

\ centennial festival was held for two day- in the 
year 1845, upon the occasion of the hundredth anni- 
versary of the founding of this congregation. 

The third church was built in the year 1849. On 
the 17th of May in that year the consistory and mem- 
bers of the church assembled for the purpose of adopt- 
ing a constitution, according to which the church 
should be built, and by which the congregations 
should in the future be ruled according to the estab- 
lishment of their fathers. 



276 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The Dew church was placed on the other side of the 
little brook, hardly <>ne hundred paces from the spot 
where the other stood. 

The Ri formed < lonsistory at this time was composed 
of Rev. Johannes Belffrich, the minister, Georgi 
Peter and Michael Peter, elders, and Reuben Peter, 
Daniel Peter, Stephen Bachmann, and Johann Dor- 
ward, deacons. The Lutheran, of Rev. Jeremias 
Schindel, the minister, George Sensinger and I ried 
erich Kraus, elders, and Daniel Ross, Georg Schnei- 
der, Nathan W'uchter, and Nathan German, deacons. 
The building committee consisted of Johannes 
Schmidt, Gottfried Peter, Jacob Klauss, and Philip 
Krauss. 

The number oi those who contributed to thi 
tion of the new church was three hundred and sixty- 
three, all of whom, with some few exceptions, as, lor 
instance, certain willows, were the heads of families. 
What an increase in a hundred years! Especially 
when we reflect that besides these, at least one-fourth 
of the whole number had moved out of the limits of 
this congregation and helped to establish neighbor- 
ing churches, such as the Friedens Church, and those 
at Slatington and Lobarsville. 

The cost of building the new church was $6279.95. 

Scarcely was the church finished when the desire 
arose to possess an organ. The matter had already 
been agitated before this time, but the majority were 
always opposed to the idea. They preferred singing 
without the accompaniment of an organ. Upon the 
election held upon this matter, only sixty-three votes 
were cast in favor of purchasing an organ, while 
fourteen resolute ones were found against it. The 
construction of the organ was intrusted to Charles 
Hanzelman, an organ-builder, who had removed to 
these parts from Philadelphia. The organ was dedi- 
cated in 1853, and was tor those times a perfect work. 

A renovation of the church took place in 1882. The 
entire church was repainted, the interior was frescoed, 
and the pews were made better. In 1883 the organ 
also received a complete repairing at the hands of 
Messrs. Bohler, of Reading. 

A new schoobhouse of brick, with two rooms for 
the schools of the congregation and the State, was 
built in the year 1SS3, by the aid of the church, and 
was dedicated the same year. 

The ministers of the congregation were: upon the 
Reformed side, Peter Miller, the teacher, from Lynn 
township. He was reader, and served before the con- 
struction of the first church, while services were 
still held at the homes of the members. With the 
building of the first church came Philip J. Michael, 
who resided near Dr. Long's church in Maxatawny 
township. He was followed by one Roth, who also 
i d himself without ordination from reader to 
preacher, and then served in the latter capacity here 
anil elsewhere. For some time during the year lTi'.n 
the Reformed part of the congregation must have been 
without an\ minister. The old Swiss reflected that 



it was better to have no preacher than a poor one. 
They petitioned the Coetus (Synod) for help, and 

that body sent them in the years 177(1 and 1771 one of 
their ministers, named Jacob Weymer, who slaved but 
;i short time, however. T he church records still show 
his handwriting. Together with this congregation, 

Rev. Weymer served also those in Lynn the I ben- 
ezcr, formerly also called the Organ Church), Albany, 
Lowhill, and Greenwich township, as the records of 

the Coetus still testify. Rev. Weymer was afterwards 
called to Elizabethtown i llagerstown), Md., where he 
died and was buried in 1790. He was an able, Useful 
man. 

The Rev. Johann Heinrich Helfl'rich took charge of 
this congregation in the year 1772. He had been 
summoned by the Coetus to the Maxatawny (Kutz- 
town) Church. Scarcelj was his arrival known, when 
the Heidelberg and Lowhill congregations turned with 
one voice to him, as the Coetus records show, which 
call was heard and heeded by the Coetus. Helffrich 
was from Mossbach, on the Neckar, in the Palatinate, 
and was sent with his brethren, Helffenstein and 
Gehhard, by the Holland Synod as a missionary to 
America. Rev. Helffrich served this congregation up 
to the time of his death, in 1810. When it became 
known after his death that his son had begun the 
study of theology with him, but that it would still 
take five or six years to prepare him for the ministry, 
Rev. Henry Diefenbach was chosen to serve during 
this interim, and he took charge of the congregation. 
In the year 1816, after he had been examined and 
accepted by the New Holland Synod, Rev. Johannes 
Helffrich began his ministry here, and continued in 
the same until his death, in 1852. His son, Rev. 
William A. Helffrich, was appointed his assistant by 
the Synod in 1845, and served as such until May, 
1852, when he was unanimously chosen to succeed 
his father. He preached in his pulpit till the year 
1879, when his son, Rev. Nevin A. Helffrich, was ap- 
pointed his assistant by the East Pennsylvania Classis. 
The Helffrich family have served this congregation 
for more than one hundred years. 

The Lutheran ministers begin with Jacob Frieder- 
ich Schertlein, who was followed by a reader of the 
name of Freitag, undoubtedly the school-teacher of 
the congregation. The following-named ministers, 
Revs. Schellhard, Lehman, and Schumacher, served 
here, but in what succession cannot be told. The 
Rev. Daniel Lehman was first introduced into the 
ministry in America by the Rev. Busehkerch (Bos- 
kerck), at Macungie. The Rev. Daniel Schumacher 
removed from Beading to Weissenberg about the year 
1750, and served as missionary to nearly all the con- 
gregations in this entire region. He is said to have 
preached in sixteen churches. The Rev. John Georg 
Jung served here, beginning in 1768 ; later he went 
to llagerstown, Md. Revs. During and Wartman 

preached here from the year till 1837. Rev. 

Jeremiah Schindel was chosen pastor in that year,. 



HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 



L'77 



and ministered till the year , when he « a 

ceeded by the Rev. Thomas Steck. The latter was 
[nil., wed by Rev. Renninger. 

The teachers of the congregation were Freitag, 

Thanges Lupp (as the baptismal register give- his 
name), who taught between 1770 and 1780, and Josl 
Heinrich Miiller, wb<> served in the last-named year. 
A certain Ham was also teacher, as also Tallin, 
Fulton, Ferdinand Berkemeyer, and from 18 — to 
18— Jo.l 1'. G.iger. 

Common Schools.— Heidelberg township has ten 
school districts, in each of which there is a good 
Bchool-house. With four exceptions these were built 
in 1855, tin- expense being met with funds bequeathed 
by Frederick Miller. These exceptions are the houses 
in the Hawks, Water Ponds, Central, ami Church 
districts. Following is a list of the districts, with COS! 
of houses, etc. : 



Number. Description. 

1 Mautz Frame 

■j Barton Frame 

:; Qermansville Frame 

4 Saegersville Frame.. 



i .i 
. S800 
. 8(10 



..Church 
..Pleasant Corner.. 

.. c iii - 



..Water PondS~. 



..Brick (18S3) 2000 

.1 run.' BOO 

sun 

Frame..- 800 

..Frame 800 

..Central Brick (1881 2000 

The school directors serving since the free school 
law was accepted have been as follows: 
184s. — Nathan Germon, Casper Haudwerk, Jonas Peter, John Kreasley, 

i u oh IIi'iimii-. r [uvsiil.-iit), ivt'-r Miller (former secretary). 
L849. — Ellas Blttner, John Kressley (secretary), Nathan ITritftinger, 

Peter Miller, Nathan clause (president), Jonas I' ti i 
1850 Lndrew Peter (president), Jacob Harter, Michael Roach, Nathan 

Krum, Elia-s Bittner. 
1851.— Jacoh Bartei sei retary), Ellas Bittner, Mil aae] Ram h, Nathan 
Krum, Frederick Krausi (president , and Joseph Smith. 

Ian Bnnsicker, Nathan Wachter, Michael Ranch, Lorentz 
Heintzleman, John Jacob Peter, Jacob Sorter. 
1863. Abraham Peter, Nathan Clause, John Kressley, Martin Hand- 
werk, Elias M on . Joh n Js ib Petei . 
L854 Nathan Clause, Elias Mautz, Martin Handwerk, Samuel Gehry, 
Andrew Peter, and John Jacob Wahr. 

'• illotn Clause, Andrew lvter, Joseph Ilunsicker, Elias Bittner, 
Eliaf thry. 

Andrew Peter, S ary, Jacob Horter, Elias Blttc 

der, Christian Ilunsicker. 
i Irevi Pet ir, Christian Ilunsicker, Jacob Horter, Klin 
Elias Bittner, and J inas Si i singer. 

■olrew Peter, Jacob Holier, Godfrey Peter, Jonas Sensinger, 
David Smith, Daniel Kranse. 

Andrew Peter. G dfr j Peter, David Smith, Nathan Hoffman, 
Jonas Sensinger, Levi E i 
I860. — Godfrey l'eter, Nathan Hoffman, David Smith, Jonathan Miller, 
Levi K ; Krum. 

Hoffman, Levi KrauBe, Sam I Handwerk, 

i i, J ti han Miller. 

1 -i'i : ' mi ! i lehry, Levi Handwerk, 

Wilson K.c lonathan Milie] 

lan, Samuel Gehry. I 
K. Peter. 

l-i ! Levi B m Elias Snyder, Wilson K. Peter, Levi n 

onian. 

Michael Handwerk, Levi Peter, Wilson K. Peter, 
tan Hoffman, Elias Mautz. 

r. Nathan Hoffman, Elias Mautz, David Wehi 
K. M man. 

]-' I, Li i Peter, Nathan Hoffman, David Wehr, Elias Mautz, Thomas 

K. M ' Gel man. 

1868. Levi i I r, Nathan Hoffman, Elias Mautz, David Well , 
K, Mo. or. Jonas German. 



The following were annually elected: 

M 9, Thomas KM tal aan Gebrj . 

1870. — Aaron Peter and Nathan B 

! Hid Paul Kiiiiii. 

i ary. 
] o i hoe- and A. io oi Peter. 
i ngel. 
1875.— Th as k. Mosei nil Reuben Rauch. 

1876. — Aaron Petol > 

1877.- Phaon Schafferand Wilson German. 

1SK. Mosei anil 1..-V I I 

1879.— Frank Fritzinger and Wilson Kuukel. 

rank Krause and Jacob Frel 
1881. — Phaon w. Mautz and UaurerGel 

\ in .. Robenolt and Levi II Hunsii k.-r. 
1883.— William Metzger ami Lewis K. Peti i 
[884. — Phaon W. Mautz and Imandei Bs 

Roads.— The liist entry in the Northampton County 
records concerning the laving out of a road through 
Heidelberg is under date of March 20, 1770, and reads 
as follows : 

The inhabitants of Heidelberg and Lynn petitioned 
court for a road, "setting forth that divers of the 
petitioners are enclosed with plantations having no 
outlet or road to travel from their Habitations to 
places when they have business (only private Roads 
which may be. stopped at (he pleasure of the owners 
of the lands through which they pass), and suffer 
many inconveniences thereby thai the Petitioners 
humbly conceive that a puhlick Road would be of 
great service to the inhabitant- in general as well as 
to Travelers if laid out in the following manner: to 
Begin in the Great Road leading from Michael Ohl's 
Plantation to Philadelphia, about a quarter of a mile 
from said Ohl's house, thence to or near Barnet Gilt- 
ner's house, thence between Tobias Everith (Eberte) 
and John Everts (Ebertsi Plantation, and from thence 
to John Hartman's Mill, from theme to or near to 
Martin Eilers or Jacob Bachman's, thence to John 
Bear, thence to Michj&g] Beip's place, and into the v 

i Road leading to Philadelphia by Michael 
Meyer's Plantation, praying the Court would be 
pleased to take the same into consideration and grant 
them such relief as in their wisdom shall -eein meet, etc. 

"Whereupon it is considered by the Court and 
ordered that Peter Haas, William Haintz, Daniel 
Knows (or Knouss), Valentine Kromlich, Jacob Mohr, 
and Jacob Gentzer (or Yentzei w and if they 

or anj four ol them see occasion to lay out the said 

road thru' such convenient places as in a 1 to 

the Damage and Inconveniences of the neighborh 1 

. rned, ami least injurious to the settle- 
is, and thai they make return thereof 
to the next court after it is laid out." 

June 19, 177H, the viewers made return to the 
court. " But it not appearing to the Court that all the 
persons appointed had viewed the said Road, there- 
fore the court did .plash the said return and did order 
and appoint Paul P.alliet. Ada - I • Urk- 

bolder, Joseph Showalter, John Shadt, and riacob 
B : to view the road, ami if they see occasion to lay 
out road ami report to the Court." 



278 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



There is nothing in the records to indicate when 
final action was taken in laying out this road. 

Information concerning the laying out nf another 
early road is conveyed by the following extract from 
the records of Lehigh County, which, though it does 

not hear date, must have been re (about the year 

L814: 

" Lehigh County, w, 

{, — *■ — N '-Tin- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the Supen 

seal. J ofthePublli highway ot thetown alps of Heidelberg and 

'- y "* Lowhill in the c ty at i reefing 

"Whereasat the Hai Sesslonsof the court of Quarter Sessions of said 
county, The Viewers appointed to lay out a road from tho old road 
leading to Northampton neai the Houses of Jacob Hardman & ; 
Ferwer, to the great mini leading to Philadelphia near tin- laud of Jacob 
Becker, made their deport In wt court, as follows, viz. 'To 

Hie Honorable the Ju Igeswithin named. We the Persons appointed by 
the within order of court to view and lay out the road therein men- 
tioned, I 1 " Beport. That we have viewed laid out and return for public 
use the following road. Beginning Inapublic road leading from the 
Blue mountain to Northampton. Thence on a line between Peter Fer- 
wer and Jacob Hardman South sixty three Degrees East Bixty three 

perches to a public road leading from Lehigh CajttoKutztown. Theuce 
along the same South fifteen Degrees West twenty four perches to a 
post. Thence through lands of said Jacob Hartman South twelve De- 
gree." Basl thirty two perches Bast of a Hickory. Soutb twenty six de- 
grees Westthirty foui perches South forty nine Degrees East sixty four 
perches to a post East of Jacob Schneider's mill-race. Thence along the 
said race through laud of said Jacob Schneider South thirty one Degrees 
East twenty one perches South forty seven Degrees East twenty one 
perches South seventy one Degrees East twenty three perches to a line 
of John Gressly's land. Thence on the said line South fourteen perches 
to a Gum-tree. Thence crossing Jordan creek on said Gressly's land 
South thirty five Degrees East seventeen perches to a small Hickory. 
Thence through land of Peter Hollenback South fifty one Degrees Weal 
thirty perches to a Hickory South twenty one degrees West twenty one 
perches to a post. Theuce crossing said Jordan creek South fifty three 
degrees East thirteen perches South eight degrees West sixty seven 
perches to a post. Thence through the same and land of Jacob Backer 
south seven degrees East sixty two perches to a small white oak. 
Theuce through said Baker's land Soutb twelve Degrees East fourteen 
perches East of a chesuut. Thence along said Baker's mill-race South 
thirty two 1'egrees East thirty Bix pen lies South forty two Degrees East 
thirty three perches aud South eighty Degrees East eleven perches to a 
public road leading from the Blue mountain to Philadelphia.' Which 
said Report was at the succeeding September Sessions, confirm'd nisi. 
These are therefore to authorize and require you the Said Supervisors 
to make and open the said road according to the courses and distances 
above laid down, according to law, and for so doing this shall he 3 .011 
Sufficient wat rant. 

" By the court, 

"Hent.y Wilson, elk" 

The last half-century was a period prolific of road- 
making in this township. At a court of Quarter 
Sessions held at the borough of Northampton, in 
and for the county of Lehigh, Feb. 2, 1831, a public 
road was ordered to be laid out in Heidelberg town- 
ship, beginning in a public road leading from Easton 
to Orwigsburg, near the house of Caspar Handwerk ; 
thence by hind of the same and land of Henry Kistler, 
Henry Ebert, John German, Michael Smith, Henry 
Hunsicker, crossing the .Jordan Creek in another 
public road leading from the Heidelberg Church to 
Allentown. 

At a Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace of 
Lehigh County, held Feb. 4, 1835, before the Hon. 
Garrick Mallcry president, John Fogel and Jacob 
Stein associate judges, a petition was presented, where- 



upon a jury was appointed to view and lay out the 
following public road leading from a public road lead- 
ing from German's mill in Heidelberg township; 
theuce through land ofSamui 1 1 rerj . John Neff, I leorge 
Xetf, John Hunsicker, Conrad Roeder, John Hand- 
werk, George Handwerk, Abraham Handwerk, .Martin 
Handwerk, Michael Harter, George Sensinger, An- 
dn u Eemmerer, Henry Bloss, Philip Hess, Sr., Philip 
Hess, Jr., Solomon Walter, Philip Hess, Sr., and Ste 
phen Balliet to a public mad leading from Ivutztown 
to Mauch ( 'hunk. 

At a Court of Quarter Sessions held ai Allentown, 
Sept. 6, 1838, a public road was ordered to be laid out 
leading from Henry Bloss to the Blue .Mountain by 
lands of Daniel Roeder to the public road leading from 
Saegersville on land of Daniel Roeder to the Heidel- 
berg Church, which road was confirmed by the court 
and afterward opened. 

A 1 a 1 !ourt of Quarter Sessions held at the borough 
of Northampton the 5th day of September, 1837, a 
public road was ordered to be laid out, beginning in 
a public road leading from German's mill to Mosser's 
mill, on land of Reuben Rauch, Nathan Fritzinger, 
Michael Smith, Henry Hunsicker into a public road 
near the land of Michael Smith. This road was also 
confirmed by the court and opened. 

Sept. 4, 1841, a petition was presented to the court 
of Lehigh County, in response to which a road was 
laid out leading from a road leading from Lowhill to 
New Tripoli in Heidelberg township, on line of the 
lands of Bernhard Kressley, Jacob Kressley, and 
thence through land of Bernhard Kressley, Samuel 
Snyder, Elias Lentz, into the State road leading from 
Kutztown to Mauch Chunk, near the house of Elias 
Lentz, which road was afterward confirmed by the 
court. 

Daniel Saeger, John Saeger, Henry Smith, David 
Koss, and Adam German, jurors, appointed by the 
court April 15, 1856, laid out a public road leading 
from a road leading from Balliet's Furnace to Allen- 
town, in the township of Washington, near the line 
of Heidelberg township, on land of George Rex; 
thence by land of said Rex, Daniel Krauss, and Ste- 
phen Peter to the public road leading from Ivutztown 
via Saegersville to Lehighton, which road was con- 
firmed by the court Aug. 5, 1856. 

Samuel Kistler, Godfrey Peter, Frederick Krauss, 
Adam German, George Vliet, and Thomas Fatzinger, 
jurors, appointed by the court Nov. 15, 1857, laid out 
a public road leading from Pleasant Corner (late 
Holbenville), Heidelberg township, lo New Tripoli, 
on land of Daniel Rex, Abraham Rex, Allen Hoader,' 
Elias Snyder, Michael Roach, George Greenwalt, 
and Benjamin Roach, to a public road leading from 
Germansville to New Tripoli, in the township of 
Heidelberg. This road was confirmed by the court 
May 20, 1859. 

At a Court of Quarter Sessions held at Allentown, 
Nov. 10, 1859, Samuel J. Kistler, Jacob German, 



HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 



279 



Edwin Bauch, Adam German, Daniel Peter, and 
David Knerr, jurors, appointed bj the court, laid out 
the publi i ginning in a public road leading 

from Sai ei wile to New Tripoli in land of Eliaa 
Snyder, Benjamin Bauch, Jacob Smith, Nathan Ger- 
man, Philip German, Elias Clouae, Frederick Spicher, 
Joseph Smith, to land of Beuben Rau< b, to a public 
road leading from Germansville to Mosserville in said 
Heidelberg township. This road was confirmed on 
Nov. 1", 1869, and ordered to be opened. 

\ w len bridge was built in 1866 across the Jordan . 

Creek, on the road leading from Christian Wehr'a 
houses to Caspar llandwerk's, to which the township 

allowed the sum of forty-five dollars, and another 
bridge was built in 1871 across the Jordan Creek in 
the public road leading from Pleasant Corner to New- 
Tripoli, to which the township allowed five thousand 
dollars, the rest of the costs being paid by the neigh- 
bors. 

Noted Localities. — The rock called the Bake i >ven 
is situated on the summit of the Blue Mountain, at 
about the centre of the dividing line between Lehigh 
and Carbon < lounties. It- elevation is about one thou- 
sand five hundred and sixty feet above the level of the 
sea. It has for years been a signal station in the United 
States Coast Survey, and has been of vast ben 
that cause. The Bake Oven has attained great tame 
as a place from which grand views can be had. Those 
who delight in the works of nature can here behold 
a sight that will never be forgotten. The rock has 
been visited by many, not only by those living in the 
vicinity, but by strangers who came from our larger 
cities. 

Soon after the discovery of the Bake Oven it was 
found that about two miles west of the Bake Oven, on 
the summit of the mountain, was another height. 
This point is called the Bear Rocks, and has an ele- 
vation of fifteen hundred feet from the level of the 
-. a. There an three large rocks standing in a row 
and connected by smaller ones piled on top of each 
other. This is the point from which the dividing line 
between Carbon and Schuylkill County starts, and 
thus the counties of Carbon and Schuylkill are upon 
the north and the county of Lehigh on the south 
The townships extend to the summit of the mountain 
as well as the counties, so that the summit forms a 
dividing line between them. The greater portion of 
the Bear Bocks is situated in Lynn township, and the 
remainder in Heidelberg township. Since the dis- 
■ ivery of the Bear Bocks they have become a great 
attraction, and people have been drawn to that point 
by the fame of the wonderful scenery of which this 
eminence commands a view. Looking southwest from 
the rocks the city of Heading can be distinctly seen, 
and the smoke as it pours forth from the stacks of the 
numerous work -hop- is visible to the naked eye. 
Looking over our own county, one can see with the 
naked eye the church bigh obji cts 

in the city of Allentown, which is at a distance of 



about twenn miles, By taking a view of Carbon 
County, right before one, as it seems, appears the re- 
nowned Switch Hack. The Delaware Water Cap ami 
other plai I tourists can be -ecu from 

these rocks. The fertile valleys lying beneath, on 
both side- of the mountain, again broken by small 

hills, and now and then a tract of w 1- presents a 

scene that will always be remembi red. Not unfre- 

ii- i pn on beard from tourists, who 

have bad view- from the Alps, that with the excep- 
tion of the Alps, the Bear Boi tl the grandest 
view they ever saw. Th< e frequently visited 

by parties coming fr a distance, and never was any 

one known to regret a visit. Thej are accessible with- 
out much difficulty, and no one who is interested in 
the wonderful works of nature should miss the grand 
view which they command. 

Mechanical Industries.— About the year 1832, 
Philip Bess, Jr., erected a large rifle-factory at the 
foot of the Blue -Mountain, on the south side, and 
about one-half of a mile west of the old Balliet's 
Furnace, afterwards known as the old Lehigh Fur- 
nace, on the west branch of the road leading across 
the Blue Mountain from Saegersville to Lehight'ii. 
This road is still familiarly known as the Factory road. 
The- factory was supplied with water-power, and a 
very extensive business was done for a number of 
years by Philip Hess, Jr. He employed Solomon 
Walter, Frank Walter, Sr., and others in the vicinity, 
and at the same time Mr. Dehring and others from 
Philadelphia. The factory was long ago abandoned, 
and the property is now owned by Wilson and Peter 
German, who turned the factory into a distillery, 
donas Hess, Solomon lles>, and others in the vicinity 
continued in the gunsmith business for a number of 
years after the factory was abandoned. 

John Jacob Snyder erected a grist-mill on Jordan 
Creek, near the line of Low hill township, in the J ear 
1808. This was the first mill erected in that vicinity, 
and is still standing. It is now owned and occupied 
by Elias Kress 

Township Officers. — Justices of the peace have 
i elected in and for this township sii 
The following persons have served the terms indi- 
cated : 

Commissioned. Comm 

It. x April 14,1840 Samuel J. Kistler. ..April 15, 1862 

JobnSaeger " 14,1840 Joel P. Geiger " 11. 

Bel " 16,1846 Samuel J.Kistler... " 9,1867 

" 16,1846 " " ... " 

Samuel J. Kistler'- " 11,1848 JoelP.Geiger " s, 1870 

JobnSaeger " 9,1850 Samuel J. Kistler.. .March 24, 1874 

Sai 1 J. Kistler... " 

JobnSaeger " 14,1866 San 1 J. Kistler... " 27, 

Jacol wn " 14,1866 Joel 1 igei " 30, 1880 

Samuel J. Kistler... " 13,1868 Samuel J. Kistler... 1--1 

i: Peter " 10, 1860 

Among the early justices of the peace who were 

ointed by the government for the Hi Dis- 

trict we find the names of Henry Geiger, 17b2; John 
Jennings, 1774; Henry Booken, 1774; Bobert la 



1 At this time the townshi] 






-so 



HISTORY OF Li:ilK;H COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1779; Peter Kohler, 1785 j Petei Etboads, one of the 
judges, 1786; Samuel Everitt, 171>8and 1806; Conrad 
German, 1812; Nicholas Saeger, 1817; John Saeger, 
L826; Nicholas Saeger, 1829; Daniel Saeger, 18] '. 
William Fenstermacher, L811 ; Peter Haas, L820 ; 
Peter Snyder, George Rex, John \V< ass, John Weida, 
Jacob Zimmerman. 

The following is a list of the auditors who have 
served from L804 to 1883: 

i Horn, William Peter, and John Rex . 
i ■ William Peter, Philip Holier, and William Konstermachcr. 

—Christian Smith, Philip I W illiam Fenstermacher. 

I bristian Smith, Philip Rebei . and George Kelchner. 
L809, Henry Hunsicker, Jacob Peter, and Michael Hoffman. 
1810. — William Fenstermacher, George Kelchner, and Philip Reber, 
1811, — Christian Smith, Gottfriet Roth, and William Rex. 
1812. Philip Reber, John Ringer, and John Peter. 
1813. — Conrad German, John Ringer, and Joseph Saeger. 
1814. — Henry Peter, Christian Hausmau, and Joseph Saeger. 
1815. — Willi i i Abraham Riedy, Jr., ami Joseph Saeger. 

181G. — Daniel Peter, Abraham Riedy, Jr , ami Joseph Saeger. 
L817. — Christopher Kern, John Peter, and Joseph Saeger. 
1818. — John Ringer, Conrad German, ami Joseph Saeger. 
1819.— Jolt n Saeger, Philip Krauss, and Jacob Schneider,' Jr. 
1820. — Joseph Saeger, Christian Schmidt, ami < Sonrad German. 
1821. — JoBeph Saeger, Philip Krauss, and Abraham Riedy, Jr. 
1S22. — Abraham German, John Wuchter, and Abraham Riedy, Jr. 
1823. — Conrad German and Joseph Saeger. 
1S24. — Conrad German, Joseph Saeger, and Abraham Riedy, Jr. 
1826. — John Saeger, Michael Harter, and Henry Roth, 
1826. — Durs Rudy, Jr., Joseph Saeger, and Henry Roth. 
1827. — Joseph Saeger, William Fenstermacher, and Henry Stemler. 
1828. — William Fenstermacher, Michael Harter, and Henry Roth. 
1829. — Durs Rudy, C, : I! . Abraham Riedy, Jr. 
1830. — John KUhner, John Rex, Joseph Hunsicker, and Abraham 

Riedy, Jr. 
1831. — Durs Rudy, Nicholas Kern, John Saeger, and George Rex, Jr. 
1832. — John Wuchter, John Meyer, and Andrew Kunkel. 
1833. — Conrad German, Jonas Buck, and George Rex, Jr. 
1834. — Peter Miller, Jr , Henry Henritzy, and Jacob D. Kuntz. 

i 15. — Jacob D. Kuiii/., Daniel KUhner, Peter Miller, Jr., ami John 

Saeger. 
1836. — Henry Smith, George Rex, Jr., Jonas Bui k. 

1837. — Durs Rudy, Jonas Buck, Jacob D.Kuntz, and Abraham Riedy, Jr. 
1838-39 . — George Rex, Ferdinand Berkemeyer, and Jacob 1> Kuntz. 

1840.— George Rex, Ferdinand Berkemeyer, and Peter Miller, Jr. 

1841-42. — George Rex, Ferdinand Berkemeyer. 

1843. — George Rex, Ferdinand Berkemeyer, and Peter Miller, Jr, 
Godfrey 1 Peter, Ferdinand Berkemeyer, and Peter Miller, Jr. 

i 16 1:7 J— Godfrey Peter, John Fenstermacher, and Peter Miller, Jr. 

1848.— Stephen Schlosser, John Fenstermnchei , and Peter Miller, Jr. 

1849-50.— Godfrey Peter, John MUlhouse, and Peter Miller, Jr, 

1851.— Levi Kranse, John Mi 11 house, and Peter Miller, Jr. 

18 ■ -Nathan Wuchter and Peter Miller, Jr. 

; I essley, Nathan Kemmerer, and Ruben German. 

1855. — John Kressley, Jacob German, and Levi Peter. 
David Smith, Jacob German, and Levi Peter. 

1857.— David Smith, Stephen Peter, and Levi Peter. 

1858.— David Smith, Stephen Peter, and Owen A. Miller. 

i i Wuchter, Stephen Peter, and Owen A. Miller. 
Owen A Miller, Nathan Wuchter, and Gideon Hum ti 
Stephen Peter, Nathan Wuchter, and Gideon Hun-' I 

1862, Stephen Peter, Levi Hun Bicker, and Gidi on Hun l< Iter, 

1863 64- Stephen Peter, Levi Hunsicker, and Nathan Wuchter. 

i I i Stephen Peter, William F. Smith, and Nathan Wuchter. 
Stephen Peter, William F, Smith, and Nathan Clouso. 

1867.— William V. Smith and Nathan Clouso, 

L86S. — Jonas W. George, William r. Smith, and Nathan Clouse. 

1869.— Jonas W. Gi i i V Smith, and David Huff. 

1870.— William F. Smith and David Huff. 

1871 ■ David Huff. 



i ! en Peter, Phaon W. Montr, and Joseph Banco, 

1874.— William F. Smith, Phaon w. Mont/., and Joseph Ranch 
1875.— William F. Smith, Phaon W. Moutz, and Owen H. Peter. 
■ Owen D. - I □ W U >utx, an i Owen n Petei 

1881 Owon i 1 >-v ler, vt Ilson S Peti r, and Owen li Petei 
1881.— win D. Snyder, Wilson s. Peter, and Jeremiah P I leiger. 
i Reuben H. Sensinger, Wilson S. Peter, and Jeremiah P. Geiger. 

1883— Reuben n. Sensinger and William t. Clause. 

>i PEBVISORS 



- Dec. 6, 1847, Washington township was formed, 



1803. Abraham Riedy. 


J aepta Hunsicker. 


William Peter. 


John Fenstermacher, 


1804. Geoi i 


1836. Jacob Peter. 


John Lentz. 


Henry Kern. 


; i 


1837. John Hand 


Martin Wuchter. 


George Peter. 


1806. Christian Snyder. 


'.:■ til) Remely. 


Henry Hunsicker. 


John Snyder. 


1807. Andrew Gilduer. 


1839. I ieorge Bloss. 


Daniel Reber. 


Michael Wehr. 


1808. Michael Wehr. 


1840. John Bloss. 


John Frederick, 


Peter Miller, 


1809. Joseph Hunsicker. 


1841. John Wasem. 


Jacob Ranibel. 


Adam German. 


1810. John Hunsicker. 


1842. George Reber. 


John Peter. 


William Wuchter. 


1811. Jacob Wehr. 


1843. Jonas Hunsicker. 


Nicholas Kern. 


Jacob Rex. 


1812. Caspei Peter. 


1844. John Reber. 


Godfried Roth. 


Jonas Bloss. 


1813. Christian Kram. 


1845. Frederick Krauss. 


Daniel Boeder. 


Jonas Bloss. 


1814. Christian Hunsicker. 


1846. Jacob Horter. 


Henry Peter. 


George Bloss. 


1S15. Jacob Snyder. 


1847.- Jonas Hoffman. 


Jacob Snyder. 


Benjamin Ranch. 


1816. Christian Smith. 


1848. Christian Hunsicker. 


Michael Wehr, 


Philip Smith. 


1817. George Bloss. 


1849. John Kressley. 


Henry Smith. 


Samuel Gehrey. 


1818. John Peter. 


I860. John Kressley. 


Abraham German. 


i lasper Handwork. 


1819. Peter Miller. 


1851. Daniel Kemmerer. 


George Peter. 


Peter Miller ifaruier). 


1820. Joseph Hunsicker. 


i- ,2 Mil bael Wehr. 


Henry Handwork. 


Elias Moutz. 


1821. Michael Horter. 


1853. I iasper Handwork. 


i Peter. 


Elias Snyder. 


1822. John Saeger. 


Peter Miller (farmei 


' ieorge Rex. 


Martin Handwerk. 


1823. Christian Missemer, 


1855. John Kressley. 


Daniel Kern. 


Houtz. 


1824. John Miller. 


1856. Henry Krnm. 


Jacob Metzger. 


George Hoatz. 


1825. George Kern. 


1857. Stephen Bachman, 


John Handw 


Elias Moutz. 


in Kree lej , 


1858. Nathan Clouse. 


Jacob Snyder. 


Samuel Gehrey. 


1827. Henrj Pi ter. 


1869. Jacob Kn 


Ml bar! Peter. 


Samuel Gehrey. 


1828. Daniel Krauss. 


■ iwen Miller. 


Jacob < House. 


i :i in i Mou i - 


1829. Jonas Buck. 


1861. Elias Houtz. 


Bloss. 


i ieorge Mel 


1830. John Hunsicker. 


18G2. Casper Handwerk. 


< in i-ii.iu Kern. 


.; . 


1831. Henry Henritzy. 


1863. Jacob Hortei , 


1 M 1 1 it in n Wert. 


Nathan Clouse. 


i ■ Christian Snyder. 


1864. Samuel Gehrey. 


i feniel Si i. ■■ ■ 


John Rodei . 


i '■ John Si 


i i ainuel Gehrey. 


i i i [elfrich. 


Jacob Kressley. 


i ■ .i Geoi $e Bloss. 


i laniel Kemm< i 


John Reber, 


Jacob K i ■ ■-■ ley. 



i Dei 6, IS it. Washington township was established. 



HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP 



281 



1867-88. Samuel Qehrey. 
K reaaley. 
: Gehrey. 
Nathan Wuchter. 

than llorter. 
Nathan Wuchter. 
1873-76. • 

Xatluni \\ i 

1-77. s.iiimipI Qehroy. 



i i Nathan Peter. 
1845-47. George Hoatz.< 

1848. .'"Ii" Beber. 

1849. Rent] Smith. 

.. William A 



1877. EliaB 1 

, 1. 1 fl ucbter. 

Nathan Horter. 
I--I Nathan Snj 

Nathan llxrter. 

Nathan Wu< hter. 

Bamnel ' tehrey. 

s nil ,ii w neuter. 

M m Senslnger. 

CONS! U 

I 1858-59. William Adams. 

72. Will, ,ui, 
1873-7 Barri G Snyder. 
1876-8-. Aaron s. 1 



57. Peter Miller < farmer!. 



Barrieonl • 
1884 John A. Bobe I 



The Village of Saegersville ia located near the 
centre of the township, six miles west of Slatington, 
one mile west of Heidelberg Church, and a little over 
one mile east of the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad 
station at Germansville. It has our hundred and 
forty-two inhabitants. Michael Ohl, Sr., was the 
original owner of the place, and had in his possession 
from six to eight hundred acres of land surrounding 
the village site. Tradition lias it that all this land 
Bcarcely yielded enough to support himself and family. 
The same land is now divided between Peter Miller, 
Dr. Aaron S.Miller. Dr. Edward P. Miller, Samuel J. 
Kistler, Wilson K. Peter, Frank G. Snyder, Harrison 
G. Snyder, l'eter Pfeifly, Edwin Hunsicker, Levi 
Hunsicker, William Adams, David G. Haudwerk, 
David Hunsicker, Lewis K. Peter, Thomas K. Moser, 
Tilghman Peter, Owen II. Peter. Aaron S. Lobach, 
Owen D. Snyder, William Fry, Sally Snyder, Ma 
A. Xnill, Gideon II. Peter, David P. Handwerk, Reu- 
ben Kelier. Wilson F. Peter, and others. Any single 
farm of those above mentioned, and they average 
about eighty acres, yields more now than did the en- 
tire amount of land while Michael Old, Sr., had it in 
hi* possession. The tract on which the hotel and 
Store-bouse stands is now owned by Dr. A. S. Mil- 
ler. Following is a brief account of the tract, which 
contains eighty-seven acres and eighty perches. It is 
the same tract which by patent dated the 5th day of 
I lecembt r, 1760, was granted to Michael ( )hl, Sr., who, 
by deed dated Dec. 20, 1785, conveyed it to his son, 
II: .: i ly deed dated April 24, 1805, con- 

d the same to Samuel Ely and Jacob Sweier, who, 

by d I dat,d Jan. 29, 1806, < veyed the same to 

Nicholas Saeger, who, by di 3d day of 

nary. 1807, conveyed the same to his son, .Joseph 
- .it, who, with his wife Margaretta, by deed dated 
May \, Wo. conveyed the same to Peter Miller, his 

in-law, who, with Magdalena, his wife, by deed 
dated April 1, 1874, conveyed the same with other 
land unto his son, 1 >r. Aaron S. .Miller, the present 

ir. All the residue of the land of Michael Ohl, 
Sr., adjoining the above-mentioned tract, was patented 



. 1847. 
Bloes appointed by the court in 1£ letaside. 



ai the same time in the year i;s.,,or in the beginning 
of 1786, and lie conveyed it to hi- Bon, Henry Ohl. 
Michael ( (hi, Sr., owned land besides the above men- 
tioned, which was situated in different localities 
within and out of the township, lie bad s 
son by the name of Michael Ohl, Jr. (who finally 
away), to whom it seems he conveyed his re- 
maining land. Henry Ohl, in April. nveyed 
all his land to Samuel Ely and Jacob Sweier, who 

both then resided in Maxatawny township, Berks 

County, ami were dealer- in land. Immediately 
alter they -eciiied possession of the land they di 

vided it into suitable tracts and sold the same 
ferent parties. Samuel Ely died in the year 1828, at 
his house in Maxatawny town-hip, Berks County, and 
Daniel Woeburger waa administrator of his estate. 

Henry < )hl now having disposed of bis land, a 
with his family to Trumbull County. Ohio, where a 
township was named after him. Michael Ohl died in 
1804, aged seventy-four years, and, with several of the 
Ohl family, is buried here in the Heidelberg Church 
cemetery. Mary Ohl, who was unmarried, gave five 
hundred dollars towards building the old Heidelberg 
Church. She is one of those who are buried there. 
Nmie of the Ohl family or descendants of the family 
are now living in this township, or on this side of the 
Mountains. But some of them are still living 
along Lizard Creek, in Carbon and Schuylkill I 
ties. They are the descendants of Michael Ohl, Jr. 

Michael Ohl, Sr., erected the main portion of the 
house, which is .-till standing and used as a hotel. 
On one of the stones the year 1763 is carved. 

Nicholas Saeger. who was a brother to Jacob and 
Daniel Saeger, of Saegerstown, Crawford Co., and the 
father of Joseph, John, and Daniel Saeger, of New- 
York State, bought the land of Samuel Ely and 
Jacob Sweier in 1806. He sold the part on which 
the hotel and store is erected in 1807 to his son, Jo- 
seph Saeger, and the other part to his son, John Sae- 
ger. Joseph Saeger, after he had lived for a period 

of two years on the premises, commenced to keep the 

hotel and store, and continued in the business until 

,r 1831, "hen he moved to Allentown, and 

ntered in the mercantile business with Chris- 
tian Pretz, under the firm-name of Pretz A: Sai 

Peter Miller in 1 S 8 1 moved into the hotel, and was 
proprietor of the same. He also kept the Ston 
ing Pretz and Sa rtners in the business until 

,r 1840, when they withdrew from the firm, and 
Owen - nine a partner, and the business was 

transacted under the firm-name of Miller & - 
until the year 1846, when ( >"• - ir withdrew 
from the firm, and removed to Allentown. where he 
entered into the hardware business. Then from 1846 

>9, Peter Miller kept the - ne. During 

the time that he was carrying on the hotel an 
his wife, Magdalena. more familiarly known as Polly. 

irrying on the millinery business, and at the 
same time assisted him in the store. In 1851' 



282 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Miller disposed of the store business, but Mill con- 
tinued as proprietor of the hotel. 

Samuel J. Kistler in I 559 became the owner of the 
store; he continued in the business until L870, when 
ild out to Abraham D. Kistler and Wilson K. 
Peter, who, under the firm-name of Kistler A Peter, 
kept the store until the j ear l 873, b hen Abraham D. 
Kistler sold his share, consisting of one-half, to Wil- 
son K. Peter, who continued the store business until 
1878, when he sold out to Berman A. Snyder. Peter 
Miller now being anxious to retire from public life, 
left the hotel in 1875, being succeeded I > y Willoughby 
Missemer, who was the proprietor from 1875 to 1878. 
Herman A. Snyder, alter having obtained the store, 
in L878, also became proprietor of the hotel. He 
continued both in the hotel and store business until 
L881, when he sold both to L. M. Holben, the pres- 
ent proprietor. Peter Miller had been proprietor of 
the hotel lor forty lour years, and bad kept the Store 
for twenty-eight years. 

The first post-office at Saegersville was established 
on Jan. 1, 1829, under John McLean, Postmaster- 
General, who appointed Joseph Saeger as postmaster. 
He served as postmaster until 1831, when Peter Miller 
was appointed, who held the office until the year 1852, 
when it was removed to Germansville, where Nathan 
German was first appointed postmaster, and afterwards 
David Ross held the office until 1862. It was then 
removed to Saegersville, and, in 1862, Dr. E. P. Mil- 
ler was appointed as postmaster, and served until 1867, 
when Abraham D. Kistler was appointed, who held 
the office until 1869, when Sophia R. Miller (now 
Mrs. Dr. W. G. M. Seiple) was appointed postmis- 
tress, and served as such until 1871. Samuel J. Kist- 
ler was appointed postmaster, under Postmaster-Gen- 
eral John A. J. Creswell, on Sept. 25, 1871, and still 
holds the office. 

The general and township elections were held here 
from the first organization of the township, also when 
Heidelberg and Washington were all in one township. 
It has been the election-place since the township was 
divided, with the exception of several years, when the 
elections were held at Holbensville, now called Pleas- 
ant Corner. 

Peculiar Old-Time Politics.— In 1811, when Wil- 
liam Findlay, Democrat, and Joseph Hiester, Feder- 
alist, were nominated as candidates for Governor, 
Findlay defeated Hiester, and was elected. During 
this campaign great confusion ensued among the 
voters of this election district. There were then 
only about sixteen or seventeen Federalist voters in 
the township, the great majority being Democrats. 
The Federalists all changed their politics, becoming 
Democrats, and supporting Findlay for Governor. 
The Democrats changed their politics and supported 
Hiester for Governor. Joseph Saeger and Conrad 
German, Esq., were at the head of Ibis movement. 
John Saeger, Esq., for a time opposed the change, 
but finally yielded. It was not until Hiester and 



findlay were again Dominated for Governor, in 1820. 
In this campaign Hiester (Federalist) defeated I ind- 
lay, and was elected Governor. Judgi Peter Haas 
and his adherents of Lynn town-hip after this cam- 
paign changed their politics and became Democrats. 
Judge Haas, during the campaign, did all that was 
in bis power for the election of Hiester. After the 

eliTii.m of Hiester he disappointed Haas, who there- 
upon became his bitter enemy and a I 'emocrat. The 
Federalists in Heidelberg voted that ticket until Jo- 
seph Ritner, in 1829, was first nominated for Gov- 
ernor and defeated. In 1832 he was again nominated, 

and also defeated. In [835 he was renominated, and 
was elected. He was again a candidate in 1838, but 

was defeated. The voters of this district voted the 
Anti Masonic and afterwards the Whig ticket. In 
is."*, when David K. Porter was elected Governor, de- 
feating Ritner, there were only seventeen Democrats 
in the whole township (including what is now \\ ash- 
ington) who voted for Porter. The following were 
among them, viz.: Henrj Leh, Daniel Hausman, 
Daniel Kiehner, Nicholas Kern. 

After the election of Porter the Democrats held a 
celebration at Allentown, and, sending coaches up to 
Heidelberg, gathered the seventeen Democrats and 
conveyed them to that plaee, where they were to par- 
ticipate in the celebration. It was a joyful occasion 
for them, and the event was long remembered. 

Saegersville was the place where the militia held 
their yearly battalion drill. This was an occurrence 
that was anxiously waited for, and both young and 
old, not only from the immediate neighborhood but 
from far distances, came together to have a day of en- 
joyment. It was to them what the agricultural fairs 
are at the present, and the attraction seemed to be as 
great. 

Saegersville, instead of having now but two or three 
mails per week as it had of old, has daily two mails by 
railroad, and besides an overland route to Macungie, 
going to and fro every alternate day. In July, 1880, 
the Lehigh Telegraph Company erected its lines 
through the village, and placed instruments in the 
office of S. J. Kistler. Thus communication is afforded 
by telegraph to all parts. 

The first English school in the township was held 
in this place in about the year 1823. Judge David 
Laury and Mrs. Peter Miller went to school to- 
gether here. The teachers were John Brown (one- 
armed) and William Lester, a Quaker, who came 
from Germantown. The house in which the school 
was held was a one-story log house, which stood until 
a few years ago. 

Tanneries. — The first tannery in Saegersville was 
erected by Henry Drunibower, wdio bad bought some 
land here from Samuel Ely and Jacob Sweier on Oct. 
24, 1805. He carried on the business until about the 
year L812, when he sold out to Abraham Roeder. 
Afterwards be moved to Mosser's tannery (the place 
at which it was situated is now called Mosserville). 



heipellkkg TOWNSHIP. 



283 



Then- he lived bill for a short time, when one of bis 
children drowned. After that he removed to Quaker- 
town, the place from whence he had come. Abraham 
Roeder continui 'I to carry on the tanning business at 
this place until after his death, when 1. mail 

Roeder, Jr., continued until about the year 1850. 
After that Stephen M. Kistler carried on the busim 9S 
until 1853, when Stephen M. Kistler and Godfrey 
lVter entered into partnership, and commenced to 
carry on the business in the new tannery which God- 
frey Peti r bad erected, on the north ride of the road 
(the old tannery was standing on tbe south side of 
the road, where the old dwelling-bouse of the late 
Koeder's family i- . Stephen M. Kistler and Godfrey 
Peter continued in business until June, 1856, when 
Stephen M. Kistler sold his interest in the firm to 
Godfrey Peter, and moved to Millport, Carbon Co. 
The business was continued by Godfrey Peter until 
April, I860, and from then on under the linn-name of 
Godfrey lVter cc Son. until April, 1864, when Godfrey 
Peter sold his interest to hi- son, Owen 11. Peter, 
and to Thomas K. Moser, business being now trans- 
acted under the firm-name of Peter iV Moser, who 
have been possessors of the same up to the present 

time. ( (wen 11. Peter became tin- owner of the build- 
ing and ground in 1861. 

Carriage-Factories. — The first carriage-factory 
was started here in 1847 by Christian Greiner, who 
continued the manufacturing of carriages for several 
years, when he moved to Turbotville, Northumber- 
land Co., Pa. He was succeeded by Phaon Lemmel, 
who carried on an extensive business until about the 
year 1874, when he disposed of his stock to William 
S. Godshall, and afterwards moved to Slatington. 

W. S. Godshall continued in the business lor sev- 
eral years, when he moved away from the pl.i 
Pfeifly ix Miller are carrying on the business at the 
present. 

Deibertsville is situated about two miles east "i 
Saegersville. on one of the roads leading from Saegers- 
ville to Allentown. The place was owned by John 
Krause (the father of Frederick Krause, deceased) 
about ten years ago. |Vi, r Butz resided on the place 
alter him. and lie was succeeded by Henry Roth, who 
kept a hotel, lie was succeeded by J. Peter Miller, 
who also continued the hotel business until the year 
1842, when he sold out to Daniel Deibert, who »;i- 
tie owner ol tie- property until his death, which 
occurred in the year 1881; during this time he con- 
ducted the business himself, with the exception of 

the last few year-, « lien it was under the supervision 
of William Metzger, who became the owner, in 1882, 
of the hotel, store, and land, hut sold it the same 
year to Harrison German. During the last two years 
the hotel was kept by B. F. Eiaenhard. The -tore 
business was commenced there in 1848 by Levi 
Krause. who first kept the store in the next room in 
the building in which the hotel is now kept. 1 It- 
soon afterward- erected a store-house, which still 



remains, standing opposite the hotel her 

-ide of tin- road, continued tin- bit eral 

year-, when he wa- succeeded by David Huff, Wil- 
liam Bicker, and Jeremiah I' I who wa- again 
eeded bj [saac S. Dietrich, who is the present 

proprietor of tin store, who took possession in April, 

Germansville is situated in Heidelberg township, 
mile west of Saegersville, on the Schuylkill and 
Lehigh Railroad, seven miles wesl "f slatington, 
thirty-five miles east of Beading, Pa., and three miles 
south of Mi. Blue Mountain. The Jordan < reek 
tin- place. The original owner of the 
land on which Germansville is situated was Adam 

I rerman, Sr., to whom two hundred and fifty aei, - of 
land was granted on June 30, 1712. and again one 
hundred and one acres and one hundred and forty-four 
ii land on Nov. 16, 1786. 
Adam German, Sr.. had seven son- and three 
daughters, to wit : Philip German, Conrad German, 
Abraham German, Adam German, Jr., Henry Ger- 
man. Jacob German. John German, Susanna (who 
Was married to John Jacob SiA.ler Kva married 
to Henry Peter), and Catharine (married to Abra- 
haiu Riedy). Philip German, who-, wife's nam 
Eva, became the owner of tin- mill property. He 
died iii 1819, being the father of Adam < lerman mil- 
ler . who died in 1840, Michael German, Nathan Ger- 
man, and Philip German. Conrad German held the 
office of justice of the peace in this township until 
the year 1833, when he moved to Adams township, 
Seneca Co., Ohio. Abraham < rerman. Adam ( rerman, 
Henry Herman, and Jacob German all died and were 
buried here. Adam German. Jr., was the father of 
Adam German, who is therefore the third of the same 
name. He was extensively known as a man of sound 
judgment and excellent business abilities. He died 
on Nov. 8, 1881. 

Adam German, Sr., was the great-grandfather of 
Rev. J. P. German, of Berwick, Pa. 

Henry German was the father of Nathan German, 
ex-recorder of Allentown (deceased , Owen German, 
Henry German, late register, and the grandfather of 
Henry J. German, Esq., of Allentown, Pa. 

Jacob German, who died Maj 1. 187!', was a ro- 
table and useful man in the community. He held 
the office of justice of the peace in the town-hip from 
1857 to 1862, and was the father of Jonas, Reuben, 
Enos, and Levi < lerman. 

John German moved with bis brother. Conrad < ler- 
man, to Adam- township. .Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1 i 
Henry Peter, who was married to Eva German, was 
the father of John H. Peter, ex-commissioner, who 
di.d Nov. 13, 1881. 

Abraham Riedy, who was married to Catharine 
German, was the father of Professor Owen Riedy, 
now of tie - Louisiana, and the grandfather 

of Wilson P. Riedy, of Heidell 

Germansville was, previous to 184:.', known as Ger- 






284 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



man's Mill. The mill seems to have been erected by 
Adam German, Sr, Afterwards it was owned by 
rhili|i German, Sr., who in 1814 added the dwelling 
part to the mill. His son, Adam German (miller), 
who died about the year l.s40, made some additions 
to the mill, and erected a dwelling-house, i">-i saw- 
mill, and a WOOl-carding machine. Alter the death 
of Adam German (miller), Nathan German became 

the owner of the null, and lie sold it to Philip 1 lieffen- 

derfer, who again so hi the same to Enos German, who 

is the present owner. The present mill-dam and race 
was built in the year 1809. 

The building in which the hotel and store is kept 
was built in 1842 by Nathan German, late of Allen- 
town (deceased), who was the first one who kept the 
store and hotel in the place. Afterwards S. K. M. 
Kepner carried on the store for sometime, and David 
Ross the hotel. 

A post-office was located at Germansville from 
about 1852 to 1862. 

Philip German lor a short time was the owner of 
the property, and he sold the same to Peter Miller, 
who owned it until 186G, during which time O. H. 
Miller and others carried on the store and hotel busi- 
ness. Peter Miller afterwards sold the property to 
Jonas W. George and William G. Grosscup, who, 
under the firm-name of George & Grosscup, carried 
on the store and hotel business for a number of 
years, but several years ago dissolved partnership, 
Jonas W. ( Jeorge retaining the hotel, and William G. 
Grosscup accepting the store. Both still continue in 
their respective businesses 

W. G. Grosscnp's ancestors were among the first 
settlers of Berks County. His great-grandfather, 
Paul Grosscup, was a member of the Constitutional 
Convention of 1790, which met at Philadelphia on 
Nov. 24, 1789, and closed Feb. 5, 1790. The other 
delegates were Joseph lleister, Christian Lauer, 
Baltzer Gehr, and Abraham Lincoln, who was the 
grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln. 

Henry German, Sr., in 1835, sold his tract of land, 
on which now a part of the village is situated, to 
Samuel Gehry, Sr., who in 1835 moved with his fam- 
ily from Hereford, Berks Co., to this place ; and after- 
wards sold his land to his son, Samuel Gehry, Jr., 
wdio with his son, -Nathan Gehry, are the present 
owners of the remainder of the land. 

Or. W. K. Kistler, a nephew of Stephen Kistler 
(deceased), of Saunersville, moved to this place in the 
spring of 1871. He is .me of the most prominent 
men of the village, and has an extensive practice. 

The making of bricks has been carried on in the 

place for a number of years, and is still cou'tinued. 

A large ice-house was erected in 1847 by Daniel & 

German, close to the mill-dam and railroad 

Ig, in \\ Inch iee is stored for the city market. 

'fie' Schuylkill and I, .-high Railroad yearly con- 
veys large quantities of lime to the station. Since 
instruction of the railroad, making easy the ob- 



taining of lime, there has been a wonderful improve- 
ment of the land in this vicinity. 
Germansville i- the place in which ex-Sheriff 

Smith, late of Allentown deceased!, during his 
i year- resided and started in business. Both 
the first and second house in which he lived in the 
village are still standing, lie lir.-t carried on the 
blackmith business, and afterwards connected the 
tinsmith and stove business to his former business. 

John Heil is now residing where Henry Smith last 
resided when here, in L879. 

Edwin W. Snyder erected an agricultural machine- 
shop in Germansville, and is making machim -. 

There was a hotel kepi in the old log weather- 
hoarded dwelling-house situated a short distance 
south of this place, and now owned by Reuben Ger- 
man. The hotel was first kept by Abraham Riedy, 
Sr. (who in one of the deeds from his father, Jacob 
Riedy, was named Abraham Riedy), who had kept a 
store in connection with the hotel, and who, it ap- 
pears, was the first store-keeper in that part of the 
old township which is now Heidelberg. He was then 
succeeded in the hotel business by his son, Abraham 
Riedy, Jr., wdio kept the hotel for some time, when 
he was succeeded by Mr. Newhard and George Muth- 
hard, who in turn were succeeded by Conrad German, 
who disposed of it to Jacob German, wdio kept it for 
a while as a hotel, and then discontinued the business. 

After the closing of this hotel another one was 
started a short distance above the old hotel, in a stone 
house, built about the year 1820, now owned by Enos 
German. Peter Wuchter, wdio was a son-in-law of 
Conrad German, was the proprietor until it was aban- 
doned in 1833, when Peter Wuchter, Henry Kistler, 
and his son John, with the rest of his family of Hei- 
delberg township, and Michael Kistler, Sr., with his 
family, of Lynn township, moved with Conrad Ger- 
man to Adams township, Seneca Co., Ohio. Henry 
Kistler, while here, was the owner of the land on 
which Caspar Handwerk and his son, i hven, are now 
residing. Michael Kistler owned that on which Jo- 
seph Krause is now living. Michael Kistler, Sr., was 
the father of Michael Kistler, Jr., and John Kistler. 

Either the first or second store in Heidelberg town- 
ship was kept by John Mien, about half a mile west 
of i ri i uiansvillc, on land now owned by the heirs of 
Solomon Mayer, deceased. The store must have been 

started about se\ent\ -live years ago. There was an- 
other store kepi at about the same time by Philip 
Pretz, about three-quarters ol a mile southeast from 
Saegersville, on the land which is now owned by Wil- 
son F. Peter. The tract at that time consisted of 
ninety-lour acres one hundred and twenty-nine 
perches, adjoining the lauds on the west of John 

Yeager and John Ebert, now ow 1 by William 

Krause; on the north by lands of the late Michael 
Old, now Dr. E. P. Miller, and Peter Snyder, de- 
ceased; on the east by land of the late Jacob Dau- 

penspeck, now Joseph Kunkel's, and William F. 





C^/^ 




-4? c^fcv 



HEIDELBERG TOWNSHIP. 



285 



Miller's ; and on the south by land of the late Francis 
Giltner and Jacob Weaver, noti Jacob Kerns, 

I i "in the deed of David Hess, dated April 15, 1794, 
ear in which he granted this land to Phi i] 
Pretz, we infer thai in that year he started the store 
33, and held the same until 1802, when he went to 
ster, n iiii'li was I ben the -■ State govern- 

ment, for the purpose of patenting lands, and while 
there he bi < died, and, on account of the 

renience at that time of moving the dead, was 
buried there, His widow, Magdalena, with two sons, 
\ and Christian, and daughter Margaret, held 
the old homestead until May 2, 1826, when Godfrey 
and Christian conveyed their interest to .f ■ «>«■] .h 
r, who with Margaret, his wife, a daughter <>f 
Philip Pre!/, by deed dated Feb. 3, 1832, conveyed it 
to Jacob Steekel, who willed t he same to his daughter 
Rachel, who became the wife of Dr, Benrj Scball, 
who conveyed it to her son, Dr. John !>. Scball, Aug. 
28, L848, who conveyed it to Nathan Peter, who, on 
March 29. 1870, conveyed the same to Francis Wilson 
Peter, a brother of Professor Moses Peter. 

Pleasant Corner is situated about one and one- 
quarter miles southwest from Saegersville and about 
two miles south of the Schuylkill and Lehigh Kail- 
road, a branch of the Philadelphia and Reading, on 
Jordan Creek. The land upon which the village 
stands was taken up in 1744 by John Rice, but was 
afterwards granted, in 1748, to Michael Doderer, who 
sold it to Conrad Doderer in 1763, and in 1765 he 
conveyed it to John Hartman. 

In 17b.",, Michael Evert obtained a certain portion 
of the land, which be conveyed to his two sons, John 
and Tobias (he also had another son, Philip, wdio re- 
sided in Lynn township). John Evert conveyed it 
again to his son Conrad, who conveyed it to his son 
Daniel. A part of this land is now owned by Stephen 
Sherley. 

In 1851, Henry German started the first store and 
hotel in the place, and was the proprietor of the same 
until 1855, when he moved to Weissenberg township. 
William Roth succeeded him in the store and hotel 
business, and kept the same for about two years, when 

he was succeeded by Owen Hunsicker and Elias Bitt- 

ner. Business was transacted under that firm until 
ith of Owen Hunsicker, when Peter Bittner 
became a partner. Some time afterwards Elias Bitt- 
ner disconnected himself from the firm and moved to 
Allentown. John H. Hallenbach succeeded him, and 
became a partner with Peter Bittner. This firm car- 
ried mi an extensive business, and se are ago 
s"M i. nt to David A. Bittner, who is now the proprie- 
tor of both the hotel and 31 

The elections were held there for several years, from 
1853 to 1854, when the voting-place »as removed to 
ersville. 

The original name of the place was I lolbensville, 
and it was SO called until the day on which Owen Hun- 
sicker moved there, which was about six vears alter 



ime ,,f | [olbensville was b pon it. Its 

name »as then changed to Pleasant < lorner by Daniel 
il Lehighton, and Abraham Peter, of this town- 
ship, which caused a good deal of Ci 

• lac, .li Holben erected a foundry about tie 

1850, in which .-.n extensive business was done. Me 

al~o was the owner of the old grist-mill, which was 
built by John Ever! in aln.ui the year 1789, which 

still remain-, and is used as a mill. The hotel and 

i by him in the year 1851. His 

former place of residence had been in Lynn town- 
ship until about 1840, when he moved to Pli 
Corner, where he remained until be wa- i 
sheriff, when lie moved to Allentown. 

Joseph Ranch, in 1875, erected a large factory, in 
which carriage-wheels, etc., are made. This is quite 
a valuable industry for the village. 

The village i- nicely situated, and contains a num- 
ber of nice residences. Rev. G. A. Struntz, oi 
ton, lived there for a short time. This is the place in 

which Professor Oliver Holben, now of New York, 
and Hon. Evan Holben, of Allentown. spenl 
young days. It. is also the birthplace of Professor 
II. .1. Stcttler, of Slatington, Pa. 

The first post-office was established lure in 1873, 
under the name of Jordan Post-office, and Lewis 
Bittner was appointed post ma -ter, and still ser 
such. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



SAMt Kb .1. KISTLEB. 

Samuel J. Kistler, of Saegersville, Lehigh Co., is 
of German descent. His great-grandfather, < 
Kistler, was among a number of Palatinates or Swiss 
who, during the interval between 1735 and 174"', re- 
moved from Falkner Swamp and Goschenhoppen 
mow Montgomery County to Lynn township, and 
nity of what is now called Jerusalem 
Church, and was formerly Allemangel Church. He 
had six sons and three daughters, — George, Jacob, 
John, Samuel, Philip, Michael, Barbara, Dorotea, 
and Elizabeth. 

Samuel Kistler, the grandfather of Samuel .1. Ki-(. 
ler, was born Sept. 20, 17." I, and died April 24. 1822. 
His first wife, Mary Elizabeth Ladich, was the mother 

of three children,— Barbara, Jacob S., and Samuel. 
Jacob S. Kistler. the father of Samuel J. Kistler, was 
born Oct. .",, 1781, and died < let. 7, 1849. B 
second wife, Catharine Brobst, he had the following 

children: John S., Michael. Christian, Daniel S., 
David, Jesse, Charles, Levi, Maria Elizabeth, Catha- 
rine, Salome, and Magdalena. 

JacobS. Kistler. tie :i oi Samuel Kistler, 

and the father of the subject of this sketch, was first 
married to a daughti C ol William .1. Carl, whose two 
sous \\< Hid Jacob. 



286 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



His second wife was Catharine, and his third wife 
Anna Barbara, daughters of Henry Baush. The 
former had no children. The third wife, Anna Bar- 
bara, who «;b born June 25, 17'.io, and died Nov. 19, 
1867, had the following-named children: Nathan, 
Stephen, David .1.. Reuben, Jonas J., Charles, Sa- 
lome, .Mary. Lydia, < !atharine, Anna Fenah, 1 telenah, 
Elizabeth, and Samuel J. Kistler. The latter was 
horn Nov. 24, 1819, in Lynn township, Lehigh Co., 

about three-quarters of a mile west of Lynnville. 
His father, a tanner by occupation, had two large 
farms in Kis tier's Valley. 

Hi spent his early life with his parents on the 
farm, and received his education at the common 
schools at Lynnville. Alter attaining the age of 
twenty, he moved to Jacksonville, and served as 
clerk in the store of John Hermany, who soon after- 
wards established another store in Lizard Creek Val- 
ley, West Penn township, Schuylkill Co., which was 
managed- by the now Hon. Z. H. Long, of Lehighton, 
Pa., and at times given in charge of Samuel J. Kist- 
ler. Hon. Daniel H. Creitz was at that time also em- 
ployed by Mr. Hermany, and the three, after having 
completed their work, spent the time in study. 
Samuel .1. Kistler, becoming desirous of acquiring 
further education, left Jacksonville in the fall of 
1841, and, with Henry Rodly (a New York huckster), 
rode in a heavy four-horse huckster-wagon to Bound 
Brook, N. J., no railroad having at that time been 
constructed between Easton and Bound Brook, the 
latter being the termiuus of the railroad. 

He attended the academy for one winter, and in the 
spring of 1842 returned to Lehigh County, entering 
the employ of Miller & Saeger, at Saegersville, as 
clerk. He served as such until the spring of 1844, 
and then removed to Bloomsburg, Columbia Co., Pa., 
where he became clerk in the store of Elias Wertman, 
aiel remained two years. During the latter part of 
this period the store was removed to Rohrsburg, Co- 
Lumbia Co., Mr. Kistler remaining with him until the 
spring of 1846, when he again returned to Saegersville, 
Pa., Miller & Saeger having dissolved partnership, 
and Peter Miller becoming the proprietor of the 
store, under whom he served as clerk until 1859, 
and then became sole proprietor, continuing thus 
until 1S70. 

In 1848 he was elected justice of the peace, and, 
with the exception of several short intervals, has since 
that date held the office. The intervals occurred 
during his period of service in the State Legislature 
ami while under the appointment as associate judge. 
During the entire time from 1*48, in connection with 
his business, he was actively employed as justiee of 
the peace, and served under appointments of the 
court as auditor, surveyor, executor, administrator in 
settling estates, etc. He was also identified with the 
general business of the county. In 1854 he was 
elected to the ollice of county auditor, and served as 
such for the term of three years. In 1859 he was 



elected from Lehigh and Carbon Counties to the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania, serving during the term 
of I860. 

Ili~ lirst Presidential vote was cast for Henrj Clay, 

at i;ioom>hurg, in 1*44. He was frequently elected 
as a delegate to the State conventions, and was at the 
convention held in Chicago in 1860. which nominated 

Abraham Lincoln lor President. He was also at the 

convention in Philadelphia when (Jen. Grant was 

nominated for his second term. Mr. Kistler has been 
treasurer of the school board of Heidelberg township 
since the introduction of the free-school system, and 
assisted in the organization of the schools of the town- 
ship while meeting great opposition. 

He is one of the original directors of the Fanners' 
Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Pennsyl- 
vania, and also one of the original directors of the 
National Bank of Slatington, Pa., as also president of 
the Saegersville Slate-Quarrying and Manufacturing 
Company. 

He was married to Matilda Miller, a daughter of 
the before-mentioned Peter Miller, in 1849, to whom 
were born a daughter — Mary Magdalena — and a son, 
— Samuel J. Kistler, Jr. He is a Lutheran, and a 
member of the Heidelberg Church, near Saegersville. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

LoVVHILL TOWNSHIP.' 

Lowim.L, the smallest of the townships of Lehigh 
County, is bounded on the north by Heidelberg and 
Lynn, on the west by Weissenberg, on the south by 
Upper Macungie and South Whitehall, and on the 
east by North Whitehall. 

Jordan Creek enters the township on the north, and 
flows in an exceedingly tortuous course to Weidas- 
ville, and thence flows northeasterly along the foot of 
a range of hills out of the township, which, however, 
it enters farther south. It furnishes power for a num- 
ber of mills, and Lyon Creek, which empties into the 
Jordan above Weidasville, turns the wheels of at least 
one. 

The soil of this township is well adapted to the 
raising of wheat, rye, corn, oats, and potatoes, of 
which rye and potatoes are the principal crops. Along 
the creeks the land is very fertile, while upon the hills 
it is not so good. The township is hilly and abounds 
in springs, which arc an important source of the 
streams we have mentioned. 

The township contains six school-houses and a 
half-interest in one in Heidelberg, two churches, four 
post-offices, live hotels, one tannery, six grist-mills, 
two saw-mills, ami three stores. The people are chiefly 
engaged in farming. 

1 Acknowledgments to E. H. Knerr, Esq., for assistance in gathering 
material. 



LOWHILL TOWNSHU 



287 



Organization of Township.— Tin- Quartei 
gions ( '"Hit of Northampton County, al a session held 
the 18th day of December, 1753, passed the following, 
which is mi record, and is the act that erected Low- 
hill into a township : 

"The petition of Peter Her that a large tract of 
land bounded on the east by Whitehall township, on 
the south l'\ Weissenberg and Macungie townships, 
and by Heidelberg township on the north, may be 
formed into a township be allowed." 

There is no record of the bestowal of the name, bul 
from this time forward Lowhill is recognized as a 
township. " Peter Terr or Dei" was appointed con 
stable of Lowhill township Sept. 16, L755. 

land-Warrants.— The following persons took tip 

land in Lowhill upon warrants dated as here in- 
dicated: 

I i 

Michael Aver, Feb 9,1750 ;l >- 

Pi ter Boll, Aug. 15, 1760 38 

\,,i. inlini Bermirhoff, April 22, 1762 63 

Peter Boll, Feb », 1775 - 

Martin Buchman, March 20, 1767 12 

Martin Buchman, Sept. 28, 1768 

John Bear, Maj 19, 1767 54 

Adam Cline, March 28, 1751 217 

John Correll, April 26, 1761 61 

John Correll, Nov. 26,1764 16 

Petal Derr, Feb 7,1747 5] 

Peter Doutface, Sept 26, 1747 127 

Mil hael Kiel. it. Not. 21, 1786 28 

Andrew Eshbacb, June 17, 1766 68 

Martin Bighler, March 18,1767 67 

Maitin Bighler, Man b 18, 1767. 31 

Andrew Eshbacb, April 28, 1767 42 

George Guenhart, June 3, 1767 44 

Martin Eutert, lug.31,1767 2v! 

b Froch, Oct. 9, 1752 16 

ll.in v Fuerbacb, Oct 23,1753 91 

Pi it Fmntz, March 11, 1789 12 

Phirip Feuetermacher, May 12, 1767 50 

Benrj Bouser, Oct. 25, 1741 125 

Christian BoBman, Ma'rch 17, 1786 4i 

John Bartman, Feb. 24, 1789 6 

Jacob Horner, March 23, 1767 ■•■ 16 

John Bartman, Sept, 28, 1768 2 

Michael Kimball, Nov. 21, 174.', 189 

Philip Kerger, Jan. 17, I7J4. U 

i Kint, April 14, 1757 98 

John Klotz, Feb. 1. 177.", 30 

Benrj Krellon, k.prll 10, 1766. t< 

i Klotz, March 16, 1767 69 

Klotz, Ni I 1". 17C7 19 

Michael Homer, March 23, 1707 79 

Petal n.j.i. i , March 30, 1768 

George oil win.-, Nov. -J.17.> 59 

.lulu, Conrad Redd, Hay 25, 171 ; 90 

Jacob Riffle, June :;, 1746 134 

■ i llin Robenholder, April 11, 1749 

Andrew Bees, No\ 15, 1750 58 

David Riffle, .inn 8, 1 7 ".-J 64 

i i i. Row, Oct. 21, 1766 58 

Zachary Satler, Man I, 6, 1749 B0 

Benrj Shedd.Maj 9, 1753 57 

John Christian Stahl, Nov. 28, 1753 148 

Petei Si II. Oi t. 1. 1766 40 

Andrew Sendell, Oct 21, 1766 II 

Andrew Slicer, Nov. 10, 1767 I 

ird Vogdeas, Nov. 4, 174.'. I 6 

John WoUsburter, April 27, 174S 88 

il Weimer, June 7, 1768 12 

i If these names, only those of Philip Fenstermachei 

Peter Frantz. Christian Hoffman, John Hartnian. 
John KlotZ, .Alii hael Mosser. Jacob Row, and Peter 
Sell appear on the assessment-roll of 1781, which 
would indicate that all of the others who had taken 
out warrants were non-residents at that time. Fol- 
lowing is the roll: 

Taxable Residents in 1781.— According to the as- 
sessment for Lowhill made by the commissioners of 
Northampton County iii 1781, the following persons 

Wei,- then property-owners : 



Pi i. : Bohl 

a I'.uil in. 

I'm : Hi:ill 

\ 11 bolae I'.h 

; Boppenmeyor. 
1 lonrad Biebel 
Andrew Dobber. 
Die 

1 1 ,rnor. 
si, . pin 1 Eillcr. 

John 1 bar. 

.1. .1 I i ii-s. 

Philip 1 

1 1 Fry. 

1 1 ants. 
Jacob 1 1 
John I,* 
I', 1 1 1 'ues. 
Adam Geiss. 
Simon George. 
John George. 
George George. 
Jnst 1.1'urge. 

nee George. 
II. in > George. 
Jacob Heilman. 

Miiiirr. 
' 'liristinn Hoffman. 
John Itartmun. 
Henry llartman. 
Peter Hartroan. 
Peter Heiltuan. 



chi 1st Ian Bellman. 
\i [chael Decber. 



John Klotz, 

bam Knerr. 
nadler. 

Iliniv Knigolo. 

Klotz, 
p, 1. ■ i 

i 1 ge B r. Hies. 

Stotle Keep 

Peter Knodler. 
Widow I- 1 

Ml, li.,. 1,1 

TnlilllM M0 ' 

Pun] Paulas. 

b Rowe, Jr. 
George Row e, 
Matthias Riffle. 
r .. , Rish. 

. Stern. 
Qeoi 

Andrew San 
Paul Shoemaker. 
Peter Sell. 
George Snyder. 
Ludwig Smith. 
Widow Smith. 
, as] ,1 I Ii"lna8. 
Ail. mi Tlioniaa. 
Martin Wn, liter. 
John Wuchter. 
Andrew Knerr. 

1' renieii. 

Jacob Shoemaker. 



Abram Knerr and Michael Mosser are each assessed 
six pounds, the highest in the township, and all 
others are assessed three pounds and below. The 
total amount of tax was £207 18s. *,/. ( i.orge KrouS 
was collector. 

Early Settlements. — The name that appears in 
connection with the earliest warrant for land in Low- 
hill township is that of John Conrad Redd, in 1743. 
He is followed respectively by Henrj Eouser, 1744; 
Michael Kimball and Richard Vogdeas, 17 15; Jacob 
Riffle, 174o ; Peter Kerr and Peter Doutface, 17 17; 
John Wolfshuster, 1748 ; Maudlin Pobenholder and 
Zachary Seller, 1749; Andrew Pees, Michael Aver, 
and Peter Ball, 1750; Adam ('line and John Cowell, 
1751 ; David Riffle, Valentine BermishotT, Jacob 
Froch, 1752; Henry Shedd, John Christian Stohl, 
Henry Fucrboch, 1758; Philip Kerger, 1754; George 
Kint, 1757; George Oldwine, 1758. 

Of these names, none appear in the assessment-roll 
ni' 1781. A Mathias Riffle appears in that year, but 
does not occur in the assessment of 1812, Peter Ball 
, i, nt a warrant lor land in 1775. The land owned 

i,\ If in v Fuerboch was sold to John Horner, of New 
Jersey, who later sold to George Krouss, bj whose 
descendants it is still owned. Peter Derr, who pre- 
sented the petition to court for the erection of the 
hip, and who was l! ie ill 1755, had 

two Bons, Peter ami t Ihristian, who were in the town- 
ship from 1812 t.> 1825, but whose names do ai 
pear in the assessment of PS12. They lived on the 



288 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



farm Daniel Miller now owns. From 1758 till 1764 
there arc no entries of warrants. In that year John 
Cowell took oul a warrant for fifteen acres. Michael 
took oul a warrant in March, 1767, for seventy- 
nine acres of land, but previous to that time, March 
12. 1760, In- purchased a carl of a large tract of land 
which had been warranted to John Deter Bauman, 

which warrant hears dale May 23, 17">1 (his name is 
not in the list of warrantees!. This property later 
came into possession of Peter Klein, whose son, Jacob, 
settled upon ii about 1-S06. 

Michael Mosser erected a mill on the property he 
took out by warrant soon alter its purchase in 1767. 
It was on the other side of the creek from what is 
known as the Hollenbuch Mill, which was erected by 
Michael Mosser about the year 1800. This mill was 
in possession of the Mossers until 1845, when John 
Hollenbuch, a son-in-law of Philip Mosser, became 
owner, by whom it was held till 1858, when it came 
into possession of Moses Hollenbuch, the present pro- 
prietor. 

In 1781, Michael and Tobias Mosser were owners of 
property, and in 1812, Michael, Tobias, Abraham, and 
Philip Mosser were owners of real estate. 

John Hartman took out a warrant for land at what 
is now Bittner's Corners in 1768 and in 1789. Soon 
after the latter purchase Andreas Bittner, a native of 
Germany, purchased the property of John Hartman, 
having previously purchased land adjoining. Here 
several of his children were born, but about 1800 he 
moved to Weissenberg, where he died. His children 
were John, Andreas, Jacob, Peter, Henry, Benjamin, 
and Daniel. Marie (Mrs. David Wille), Lydia (Mrs. 
Sebastian Wille), and Katrina (Mrs. Joseph Wille). 
Tiny all settled in Lowhill and Weissenberg. Jacob 
was born in Lowhill in 1790, and when he arrived at 
years of maturity settled upon the land bis father pur- 
chased many years before. He bought the old Jacob 
Beeker Mill, and carried it on till about 1863, when 
he went to Pleasant Corners, in Heidelberg township, 
and lived with a son, and died about the year 1873, 
aged eighty-three years. The mill property came into 
possession of his son, Jacob Bittner, by whom it is 
still held. Daniel Bittner, the youngest son of An- 
dreas, came to Lowhill in 1836, and worked at the 
mill with his brother for a time, and about 184"> 
started a store at Lyon Valley, and soon after a tavern 
in connection with it. Daniel Bittner is now the pro- 
prietor of the Pennsylvania House at Allentown. 

Abraham Knerr, the ancestor of the Knerrs of 
Lowhill, was born in the year 1714 (but where is not 
known), probably in Germany. He came to Lowhill 
between the years 1748 and 1750, and took up a tract 
of land at the Jordan Creek, about three hundred 
acres. He had two sons, John and Andrew. To his 
son, John, he gave a trad of land in Weissenberg (near 
where Claussville now is, and at present owned by 
Levi Knerr), and to his son Andrew he gave the tract 
at the .Jordan (part of it was conveyed to him on May 



18, 1784). He died April 21, 1703, at the age of sev- 
enty-nine years. He lived in wedlock fifty-tWO years. 
Andrew married Catharine Elizabeth Schall, and 
hail thirteen children, of whom lour died young. 
Among those who came to maturity were Abraham, 
born Jan. 16, 1783 (married to < nil rude Smith), who 
ile hotel at Claussville between the years 1810 
and IS20, and later the hotel at 1 lyneniansville, in 

Wei— enberg. < 'at har'me, born Dec. 23, 1784, married 

Paul Kramlich, and settled in Ohio. Andrew, born 
February, 1 7>7, married Elizabeth Kocher, and 
bought a part of the old home-stead from his father 
on Aug. 17, 1816. and another tract on May 13, 1822, 
in all about one hundred and fifty acres. He lived 
all his life in Lowhill, and died in June, 1865, at the 
i ;e of seventy-eight years; his wife died four years 
before, and both were buried at the Union Church 
Cemetery. Anna Maria, bom Feb. 10, 1796, married 
Jacob Brobst. Two daughters are living, one a widow, 
Matilda Ilomig, liviugat Allentown with her children 
and grandchildren and her sister Abbey, the wife of 
Levi Knerr, merchant, at Claussville. Elizabeth, born 
Aug. 27, 1798, married Peter Kuhns, of Lowhill. In 
the early time of Allentown they kept a hotel at the 
corner of Tenth and Hamilton Streets. Her only 
daughter, Mrs. Mary Young, widow of the late Col. 
E. B. Young (who was at one time mayor of the city 
of Allentown), is living at Allentown with her chil- 
dren. Salome, born Aug. 21, 1800, married George 
Braveber, who left early for Union County, Pa., where 
her descendants are living. David, born Sept. 29, 
1803, married Sarah Horn. He took the original old 
home wdiere the ancestor, Abraham, first settled, and 
held the same until bis death, which occurred in De- 
cember, 1864, at the age of sixty-one years. His 
widow is still living at Allentown. Elias, born April 
1, 1806, intermarried to a Miss Peiffer, went to Crawford 
County, Pa., where he died. His descendants are still 
living there. Andrew Knerr, Jr., of the third gener- 
ation, who bought a part of the original tract, had 
nine children, who came to maturity. Polly, married 
to Charles Bacbman, lived in Washington township, 
this county, where her husband conducted a tannery. 
In the year 1866 they left for Wisconsin, where they 
are still living. Amos left when young for New York 
State, and thence went to Kalamazoo, Mich., of which 
place he was one of the early settlers. He was mar- 
ried there, and died there in 1883. Jonas married 
Susan Muehlbaus (a daughter of the late John 
Henry Muehlbaus, who came from Hessen, Ger- 
many, and taught German schools in different 
parts of the county during the period of the German 
schools). Jonas and his wife are still living. At his 
father's death he bought a tract of twenty-two acres 
from the old tract, which adjoined his other land. 
Owen, who first married Susan Geddes, a native of 
Union County, still living in the township with his 
second wife, Mary Hart man, a descendant of the old 
Hartman family of Lowhill. Aaron, who married 



LOWHILL TOWNSHIP. 



289 



Mary Hoffman, living at Allentown. Stephen, who 
lefl for Kalamazoo, Mich., where In settled and re- 
mained during his life; died about seven years ago. 
Mary, married to Moses Heilman, is living at Allen- 
town. Amelia, who married Alfred B. Mailman, died 
1868. Alvin, the youngest, is living in Monroe 
t lounty, Pa. 

< )t David Knerr's family,- Sarah married John Hol- 
lenbach, and lived in Lowhill till after the death of 
her husband, which occurred in the beginning of the 
sevenths, when she was married to Frank Herber, at 
present living in Weissenberg. Moses, married to 

Amanda Clause (a daughter of Daniel Clauss, after 
whom Claussville was named), is living, and the 

owner of the old original 1 testead, of which he 

came in possession at his father's death, making a 

continuous possession to the Knerrs from one gem I I 
tion to the other for about one hundred and thirty- 
four years. Hiram, married to Leanna Roeder, is 
living at Washington township. Joseph, married to 
a Miss Ouier, is at present a widower, living at Allen- 
town. Carolina, married to Jon. Kemerer, went to 
Iowa, where she died. Amanda married Lewis Peter, 
and died about fifteen years ago. David Franklin. 
married to Helen Wetherhohl, is living at Allentown. 
John Andrew, married to Sarah Wetherhohl, sister of 
the above, is in Allentown. Louisa, married to James 
.Major, is also living at Allentown. David, the above, 
and his wife, Sarah, had thirteen children, .lonas 

Knerr, son of Andrew, has three children, — one daugh- 
ter and two sons. Catharine, married to J. B. Heller, 
wdio died 181J4, lives at Allentown. WilloUghby, mar- 
ried to Martha Schlicker, lives in this township. E. 
Henry, married to Isabella S. Diehl, is living at 
Weidasville, holding the office of justice of the peace 
of Lowhill township. 

Owen Knerr's children are Samuel, living in San 
Francisco, Cal. ; William, living in Dakota Terri- 
tory; James, married to Amelia Wanamaker, living 
at Krcidersville, Northampton County; Elizabeth, 
married to Byron Rupert, living in Monroe County ; 
Ada, married to Willoughby Miller, living at Allen- 
town; Asa, married to Laura Knauss, in North White 
Hall township; Milton J., in Dakota Territory; 
Albert Eugene, in Paw Paw, Mich.; and Mary J., 
Calvin, Emily, and Ida, who, being young, still reside 
in the township. 

Michael Deiber, the ancestor of the Deibers of 
Lehigh County, emigrated from Sweden to America 
and settled in North Whitehall, in what is known as 
DeibePs Male, some time prior to 17S(!, in which year 
he obtained a warrant. Among his children hi- son 
Michael came with him from the mother-country, and 
when he came to maturity he removed to Low hill, and 
by warrant took a whole section of land lying at the 
Jordan, part of which is now in North Whitehall, 
lie had four -on-, — Michael, Daniel, John, Jonathan, 
— and one daughter. 

Michael married Salome Newhard, Daniel married 
19 



Mi - Buchman, John married as his firsl wif Miss 

Knauss, and as his sei I, Miss Moyer, Jonathan 

married Miss Dreisbach, Catharine married Philipp 
Peter. Michael had three Bona,— Dennis, Reuben, 

and Solomon,— and one daughter, who died young. 
Me and hi- brothers took the old tract and divided it, 
Michael taking that part lying on the -outh side of 
the Jordan and John keeping the homestead, and 
Daniel and Jonathan taking the rest. At his death 
his two Mius, Dennis and Reuben, came in possession, 

Reuben taking his father's house and part of the land, 

and Dennis the other part. Reuben is still living and 

owns part of the original section; the rest of the land 
is divided up into small lots, on which the village of 
Ruhtown stands. 

Jacob Klotz, the ancestor of the Klotzs of Lowhill, 
emigrated from Germany with his wife, who was born 
in Dteloch. Me took out a warrant for a tract of 
land in Lowhill in March of 1767, and another in 
November of the same year, lying between the site 
of the Morgenlander Church and the Jordan (now 
owned by Owen Kncrr). They had two sous, John 
and Caspar. John married Franconia K rouse, and 
took out a warrant for thirty acres of land in Lowhill 
in February, 1775. In 1781, John and Caspar Klotz 
were each assessed on land in Lowhill township. 

John had five sons — John, George, Jacob, Christian, 
and Daniel, the latter being twins — and fourdaughi 
— Barbara, Polly, Catharine, and Maria. 

John, Jacob, Christian, and Daniel all settled in 
Mahoning township, Carbon Co., where they died. 
The Hon. Robert Klotz. of Mauch Chunk, is a son of 
Christian, and has the baptismal record of his father 
and other records of the family. George kept the old 
homestead. 

John took that part lying near where now the 
Morgenlander Church stands, and erected a building 
thereon, but later moved to East l'enn township, now 
Mahoning, Carbon Co. About the year l,Si'."> 
the father and grandfather of the Klotzs, of Lowhill, 
opened a hotel at the old stand, which he kept till a 
lew years before his death, when he sold his property 
to his .-ons, Jes-e and (ieorge. Me had nine sons, — 
Abraham, who died at the age of sixteen; Andrew, 
married to Catharine Semmcl ; (ieorge. by his first 
marriage, to a Mi-s Haas, and by his second, to a Mrs. 
Sell, a born Dormoyer ; Stephen, to .India Weeder; 

Joel, by first marriage, to a Miss Hausman, and by 
bi- second, to a Mrs. Kern ; Peter, to a Miss Lowrey; 
Jesse, to Lucinda Smith ; David, who died single ; and 
William; also two daughters, — Sallie, married to 
Jacob Miller; and Elizabeth, to Elias Stettler. An- 
drew lived in the township until his death, which 
occurred about seven years ago; his wife died a few 
years before. They are both buried at tin- Morgen- 
lander Church. They had eight children who came 
to maturity, of whom Reuben and Solomon are still 
living in the township, and the others in different 
parts of the county. 






290 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



George had three son.- and four daughters. He 
owned a pari of the old tract, and at his death his 
youngest son, George, came in possession and is still 
the owner of it. He died about twelve years ago, 
and was buried at the Morgenlander Church. His 
other son, Prank, owned a farm near the old home- 
stead (where he (lied about seven years ago), and it 
is still in possession of t he heirs. His daughters are 
living at Allen town. 

Stephen and his wit'e are living in the township. 

Jesse, who had the old homestead, sold it to one of 
George's sons, Frank, in the year 1869 and moved to 
Allentown, where he is still living with his wife and 
one son. His two daughters are also living at Allen- 
town, and one son in Northampton County and the I 
other in Iowa. 

Joel owned a farm on the road leading from Clauss- 
ville to Fogelsville, where he kept for a long time a 
hotel, and where, in early times, Balzer Fritz and, 
later, Andrew Shiferstine kept store and hotel. He 
had six sons and four daughters. One of the sons 
died young. Of the living, Meno is in the township, 
Jeremiah keeps a hotel at < Juthsville, Thompson is in 
Iowa, Richard is a miller at Cedar Creek, and Frank 
(also a miller) in Ohio; Maria was married to Edwin I 
Heberly, at Seigersville ; Sallie, to John George, at 
Weissenberg; Matilda, to T. D. Frev, prothouotary, 
at Allentown ; and Louisa, to Frank Good, at Seigers- 
ville, who died one year ago. She died a few years 
before, and both are buried at the Morgenlander 
Church. His second wife is living at Allentown. 
William left when young for Iowa, where he is still 
living. Sallie, married to Jacob Miller, is still living 
at Allentown. Elizabeth, married to Elias Stettler, 
is also living at Allentown. 

The land of which the Shoemachers came in posses- 
sion was first surveyed on a warrant dated Nov. 4, 
1745 (containing one hundred and fifty acres, lying 
near the Jordan, in the upper part of the township), 
to one Raynard Vogdeas, who, on the 21st of May, 
1746, conveyed the land to John Johnston, who 
assigned all his right to the said warrant and land to 
Joseph Johnston on May 10, 1789, who, on the 2d 
of July, 1789, assigned the same to Paul Schu- 
macher, the ancestors of the Schumachers of Low- 
hill. Among his children Jacob remained in the 
township, and his father by deed confirmed the said 
warrant to him on Dec. 26, 1789. He (Jacob) had 
three sons, one of whom died young, and John and 
Peter still living, the former at the age of ninety 
years (he being the oldest inhabitant of Lowhill), 
and Peter, living at Allentown, aged eighty; Eliza- 
beth married a Becker, Catharine married John Hol- 
ben, Eve died young; Lydia, who married Dan 
Hollenbach, is still living. John had five sons — 
John, Peter, Benjamin, John, and Daniel — and 
three daughters, — Caroline, Fyenna, and Sallie. 
John, Benjamin, Daniel, and Sallie are still inhab- 
itants of the township. Peter had three sons — Solo- 



mon and Jacob, and one died young — and two 
daughters. His son Solomon is living in the town- 
ship, and Jacob is in Indiana. 

Jacob (to whom Paul conveyed his land on Dec. 26, 
1789) granted the same to bis sons, John and Pi fcer, 
on Dec. 7, 1833. 

John sold his pari to his sons, Benjamin and Daniel, 
and Peter, on the 21st of April, 1868, sold his tract 
(fifty-three acres) to his son, Jacoh, who, on March 
2, 1880, sold it to Daniel (a son of John), who, on 
the 27th of June, 1882, sold it to his sister, Sallie. 

Peter Klein, a native of Germany, settled in Weis- 
senberg, adjoining the family of ( him. About 1800 
he purchased a tract of larel of Michael Mosser, which 
was warranted by John Deter Bouman. His son, Lo- 
rentz, moved upon this land, stayed a few years, and 
returned home. John Jacob Klein, a younger brother, 
married Susanna, a daughter of Peter Gross, of White- 
ball township, and settled upon this farm about the 
year 1806. lie lived upon it all his days, and died 
there. I lis sons were Jonathan, Charles, Joseph, 
Samuel, David, and Solomon. Jonathan and Samuel 
settled near Laury's Station, where they died. Charles 
settled in Weissenberg, on the homestead of his grand- 
father. Joseph settled in the upper part of the town- 
ship, and rebuilt the old Fenstermaeher mill in 1848. 
He lived at the place seventeen years, and then moved 
to Allentown, where he now resides. David settled 
on the homestead, and remained there ten years, and 
moved to North Whitehall, where he now lives. Sol- 
omon lived upon the homestead, and about 1873 built 
the present mill, now owned by James Schlicker. He 
later moved to Hokendauqua, and now resides in Al- 
lentown. Of the daughters, Polly became the wife of 
the Hon. David Laury, of Laury's Station. She died 
in 1878 ; Sarah (Mrs. James Newhard) now resides in 
North Whitehall ; Catharine (Mrs. Reuben Newhard | 
resided in the same township till after the death of 
her husband, when she removed to Allentown, where 
she now resides ; Hetty (Mrs. Daniel Nagle) moved 
to Ohio; Hannah (Mrs. Ephraim T. Long) settled in 
Egypt, Whitehall township; Maria (Mrs. Charles 
Deshler) died in 1870; Susanna (Mrs. Josiab Shirer) 
settled in North Whitehall. 

George Knauss purchased the land now owned by 
his grandson, Reuben Knauss, before 1781, of James 
Horner, who purchased it of the warrantee, Henry 
Fuerbach. He had three sons, — Andrew-, Jacob, and 
John. Andrew settled on the homestead, where his 
son, Reuben, now resides. Jacob removed to Lynn 
township, and John to Weissenberg. 

Peter Koehn,a resident of the township before 1781, 
lived above Bittner's Corners. Elias Koehn, now in 
the township, is a descendant. 

Philip Fenstermaeher, in May, 1767, warranted 
sixty-seven acres, and later purchased other land. 
He lived here until his death, which occurred before 
1812. He left two sons — Jacob and John — and three 
daughters, — Mrs. Jonathan Klotz, Mrs. John George, 



LOWHILL TOWNSHIP. 



291 



and .Mrs. Hunt/. Klutz and Hunt/ Bettled beyond 
the Blue Mountains, and George in Heidelberg. Jacob 
settled on the homestead, and also owned the mill 
which was built by liis lather, Philip. lie died Feb. 
II, L829, aged fifty-four years, and left sons, — Jonas, 
Charles, and Elias, — and daughters, Judith (Mrs. 
Jonas K lein , Polly (Mrs. Solomon Ziegler), and Mrs. 
Peter Troxell, of Reading. Jonas and diaries are 
farmers in the township, Elias and Mrs. Jonas Klein 
reside in Allentown, Mrs. Ziegler settled at the mill 
property, which came into possession of her husband. 
In 1848, Joseph Klein purchased the mill and rebuilt 
and enlarged it. It now belongs to William Frey. 
Martin Buchman took OUl a warrant for forty-two 

acres of land March 20, 1767, and for thirty-one acres 
Sept. 28, 1768. His name does not appear among the 
property-owners in 1781 , but Andrew and Jacob Buch- 
man were then in possession of his lands. In 1812, 
Andrew. Peter, and John were assessed. Andrew set- 
tled on land now owned by Solomon Baas. Be had 
two sons,— Peter and Andrew. Peter settled on the 
homestead: his sons, Peter and Levi, live in Allen- 
town : Andrew located on land north of the home- 
stead. 

Jacob Zimmerman, the first of the name in Lowhill, 
was born in Upper Macungie. His wife Kathrina 
(Knoppenberger) was also a native of Upper Macungie. 
The parents of Jacob were George Wendel Zimmer- 
man and Elizabeth Ziegler. His lather, who was a 
native of Germany, emigrated to this locality, married 
and settled in Upper .Macungie, and died Oct. 5, 1823, 
aged seventy-eight years. His wife also died at the 
same time, and they were buried in one grave. Jacob, 
one of his sons, came to Lowhill in !Sn9, and settled 
on land now in possession of Reuben, a great-grand- 
son. His children were. — Jacob, born April 4, 1799; 
Jonathan, Charles, Solomon, Julia (Mrs. Stephen 
Blois . Lvdia (Mrs. Peter Miller), and Pollj (.Mrs. 
Daniel Bittner). Jacob married Elizabeth, a daughter 
of Valentine Werlcy. He was a surveyor by profes- 
sion, and was appointed justice of the peace in Jan- 
uary, 1832, and served till his death, April 30, 1883. 
He kept the hotel and store at Lyon Valley many 
years. His son Edwin now lives in Allentown. 

Jonathan, brother of Jacob, settled on the home- 
stead, and died there. His son, Reuben, now occupies 
the farm. Julia (Mrs. Stephen Blois) settled in Wash- 
ington township. Charles was a carpenter, resided in 
Allentown. and died in 1871. Solomon and hi- si-ter 
Lydia Mrs. Peter Miller reside in Heidelberg. Polly 
Mr-. Daniel Bitnei resides in Allentown. Mrs. Diehl 
and Mrs. Sherer, sisters of the first Jacob, settled in 
Lowhill township, where tiny have descendants. 

In 1781 there were assessed Simon, John, George, 
• lost, Lawrence, and Henry, of the family of I I 
In 1812, Andrew George and Christiana George (a 
widow i were the only ones whose names appeared. 
Jacob George, born in 1795, married the daughter of 
Jacob W lriiiL'. ami in 1821", became the landlord of 



the" Leather Corner Post" tavern, which be kepi until 
his death in 1878, at the age of eighty-seven year.-. 
His wife still survives him. John George married a 

daughter of Philip Fenstermachi . ttled in 

I [eidelberg. 

John 1 1 art man, who took upland in 1768 and in 
1789, was al-o here in 1801, and lived on Jordan ( 'reek, 
as in that year, February 13th, the com . of 

Northampton County met at his house and made an 
it with John and Henry Hartman to built a 
bridge across Jordan Creek, near the house of John 
Hartman, in consideration of five hundred and ninety- 
four dollars ami eighty-nine cents. The bridge was 
completed Jan. 11, 1803. In 1812, Christian, Ja 
Henry, and John Hartman were owners of real estate. 

Leonard Kiev, a native of Germany, settled, prior 
to 1781, on the farm now owned by Peter Frey. his 
j great-grandson. He had sons, — John, Peter, and Mi- 
chael. John was here until after 1812, but eventually 
emigrated to the West. Peter Frey had four sons, — 
Joseph, Michael, Nathan, and Peter. Joseph si ttled 
at Kutztown, where he now is, and the other three re- 
mained in Lowhill. Michael died a number of years 
since. 

Peter Weida came from Perk- County in 1808, and 
settled on one hundred and seventy acre- of land 
about two miles north of Weidasville, where he lived 
until his death in 1S87, aged seventy-six year-. In 
1811 he bought the land on which Weidasville was 
afterwards built. He had two -oris, John and George, 
the latter of whom lived on the old homestead farm, 
at the place now owned by Nathan Shiver, and died 

there many years ago. He left a family, but n if 

its members are now in the township. John Weida 
married, in 1807, Elizabeth, daughter of I >avid Kunt/, 
an old settler of the township. They settled in 1818, 
or thereabouts, at what is now Weidasville. and there 
John Weida died in 1864, at the age of seventy-seven. 
He was for many years a justice of the peace, arid was 
also elected to the General Assembly. Hi- children 
were Benjamin, Abigail, David, Anna. Pet. r. Saloma, 
and Solomon. Benjamin settled on the homestead, 
and now keeps store there. Abigail (Mrs. Joseph 
Stein) settled in Weissenberg. David is now in Allen- 
town. Anna (Mrs. Benjamin Kocher) is in North 
Whitehall. Peter was a farmer many years, and now 
lives in Allentown. Saloma Mrs. William \\ 
hull and Solomon settled in Reading. 

Andrew Shifferstine, a step-son of Balzer Fritz, 
lived about two miles southwest of Weidasville. He 
was a justice of the peace and kept tavern. He had 
a large family. His daughter, Eliza <Mrs. Daniel 
Kneiri, settled near Weidasville, and died then in 
1877. John settled at White Haven. Nathan now- 
live- at Tamaqua. Maria (Mrs. David Weida dud 
Manh 11, 1877, three days after her sister, Mr-. 
Knerr. Aaron removed to New Orleans Mary died 
single. Mrs. Kphraim Yohe, Mrs. Owen Ruhe, Mrs. 
Joseph Goekle, and Mrs. Wagner were also daughters. 



292 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Nicholas Slough, a settler of Upper Macungie, had 
a SOD, Joseph, who about 1830 moved to what is now 
Clauasville and opened a store there. He now lives 
there, but is not in business, having sold the store to 
Levi Knerr. Two of bis sons, P. J. Slough and W. 
C. J. Slough, became homoeopathic physicians, and are 
located respectively at Allentown and Emaus. Evan, 
a son of Nicholas Slough, also became a homoeopathic 
physician, and is now in South Easton. Another son, 
Lucas, died in Allentown in 1882. Two daughters, 
Mrs. John Shifferstine and Mrs. Solomon Brainard, 
reside in Upper Macungie. 

Residents in 1812.— The following were the taxable 
inhabitants of Lowhill township in the year 1812: 

Jacob Knauss. 



Henry Acker. 
Andrew Bnchman, 
John Bucbmau. 
Andrew Bittner. 
John Bitl oei 
Michael Diebert, Sr. 
Michael Diebert, Jr, 
< ihristian Delong. 
Daniel Dieber. 
Solomon Delong. 
Adam Diehl. 
Solomon Diehl. 
Sebastian Ettel. 
Michael Eberts. 
Jobn Eberts. 
Conrad Eberts. 
Balzer Fritz. 
Jacob Feustermacher. 
Peter Frey. 
Michael Frey. 
George Folk. 
Peter Frey, Jr. 
Andrew George. 
Christina George (widow). 
Henry Haas, Esq, 
George Haas. 
Frederick Holben, 
Christian Holben. 

< In itstian Haupt. 
Jacob Hausman. 
Christian HauBman. 
Peter Hollenbach. 

Hollenbach. 
i 'hii>(i;iii Hartman. 
Jacob Hartman. 
Henry Hartman. 
Jacob Haaf. 
George Heilman. 
Tobias Heilman. 
Jacob Heilman. 
George Haaf. 
Nicholas Hemniger. 
I lonrad Jacob] . 
Adam Knauss. 
Conrad Knerr. 
Andrew Knerr, 
David Kuntz. 
Simon Kocher. 
I tespei KJotz. 
A tnh._w Knerr. 
.' icob Kline. 



George Klotz. 
Andrew Andrew. 
Jacob L< issa, 
John Lepig. 
. Jacob Mnthard. 
John Mutbard. 
Philip Mosser. 
Solomon Hottenstine. 
Michael Moaer. 
Abraham Sloser. 
Tobias Moser. 
Nicholas Ocher. 
Martin Oertal. 
John Peter, Sr. 
John Peter, Jr. 
George R;iu, Sr. 
Andrew Rupp. 
John Ran. 
George Ran, Jr. 
Jacob Resh. 
Christian Smidt. 
Andrew Shnable. 
Christian Seager. 
John Smidt, Sr. 
Daniel Seigfried. 
Henry Smidt. 
John Sherer. 
Andrew Shifferstine. 
John Stern. 
Michael Stern. 
Jacob Shoemaker. 
Nicholas Seibert. 
Jobn Smith, Jr. 
John Weaver. 
Peter Weida. 
John Weida. 
Emanuel Wetzell. 
Jacob Zimmerman. 
Jacob Beaker. 
Peter Buchman. 
» lonrad Bellman. 
Adam Bear. 
Abraham Knerr. 
George Kuntz. 
Andrew Knerr. 
John Hartman. 

Jacob Sherry. 
i lonrad Smith. 
■ • Seibert. 
Abraham Smidt. 



Single Freemen. 



Adam Frey. 
Petei Freis. 
John Kuntz, 
Mai lin Serpert 
Amount of tax, $170.55. 



Jacob Ocher. 
Jacob )ii 
.in'-.. i Hausman. 
John Deibert. 



Moser's (now Hollenbach's) Mill.— John Deter 
Bowman, by warrant dated May 23, 1751, came in 
possession of a large tract of land, part of which 
Michael Mosser purchased on May 12, 1760. The 
Mossers were the first millers in the township. They 
i>\\ ned the mill where the Klines lived {now Schlech- 
er's), before the Klines came in possession of it, and 
then bought the above tract, on which, about 1760, a 
mill was erected — not on the site now occupied by 
Hollenbach's mill, but on the other side of the creek. 
The present mill was built about the year 1800. The 
mill, or mills, were in possession by the Mossera until 
the year 1845, when John Hollenbach, a son-in-law 
of Philip Mosser (he, Mosser, being of the third gen- 
eration), oame in possession, who held the same until 
1858, when it came in possession of his son, the pres- 
ent owner, Moses Hollenbach. Thus the mills were 
owned by this family from one generation to the <>fh>r 
fur about one hundred and twenty years. 

Early Store. — It is believed by some that Balzer 
Fritz kept the first store in Lowhill, on the road lead- 
ing from Claussville to Fogelsville, at the place where 
Andrew Shiferstine kept a hotel, and which was later 
kept by Joel Klotz. 

Shiferstine was at one time a justice of the peace. 

The Lowhill Church. 1 — The church building 
stands near the northwestern boundary of Lowhill 
township, Lehigh Co., Pa. The congregation dwell 
within a district which is bounded on the north by 
Heidelberg, and touches on the south the limits of 
the Ziegel congregation, and on the east those of the 
Morgenland (formerly the Jordan) congregation. 
The church takes its name from the township. The 
Jordan, which meanders from Heidelberg through 
this township, flows through a hilly country, made 
uncommonly fertile by the numerous little brooks 
springing out of the many narrow valleys. The sur- 
face of the entire township is divided into hills and 
small valleys, full of springs and brooks of the 
clearest water, hence the name of Lowhill. 

These very springs of pure water, flowing through 
fertile meadows, and the hills well covered with 
forests, attracted the first settlers to this spot. When 
nowadays one wanders through this region, and sees 
the beautiful new houses placed upon the hills or by 
the side of the road, and asks where did the old house 
stand, he is invariably answered, " Down below there, 
by the spring in the meadow/' 

For the history of the settlement, see the history of 
Weissenberg Church. 

The Lowhill congregation properly dates its begin- 
ning from that of the Weissenberg. The very mem- 
bers who originally formed this congregation assisted 
in founding the Weissenberg Church, and were of the 
principal communicants there. A controversy which 
broke out between the Lutheran and Reformed mem- 
bers of the Weissenberg Church caused the latter to 

» Bj Rev. W. A. Helffrich, 



LOWHILL TOWNSHIP. 



293 



leave that church and originate the Lowhill congre- 
gation. 

The organization was effected at a meeting of the 
members held on the -7th of January, L769, at which 

a constitution and rules for the construction of a 
church building were signed. Jacob Bachman, Jr., 
presented a tract of land, about three acres thirty 
square rods in extent, for the site of the church and 
for the burial-place. The lawful deed for this he 
presented on the day before named to the Assembly. 
The land lies about half a mile east of the Weissen- 
berg Church, upon a beautiful elevation, where the 
third church now stands, and from which its bell 
sends its peals through the valleys below. 

The names subscribed to the constitution then 
adopted are as follows : Jacob Bachman, Jr., Jost 
Georg, Nicolaus Mannebach, Andreas Eschbach, 
Johaun Hartman, Johannes Georg, Peter Weiss, 
Georg Georg, Engel Thomas. Jacob Bachman, Sr., 
Nicolaus Bachman, Christoph Knor, Heinrich 
Kempfer, Peter Koeher, Paul Bachmann, Johaun 
Simon Georg. 

At the meeting above referred to a subscription- 
list was also begun for the purpose of defraying the 
expenses of building the church. In addition to the 
above names the following, who afterwards joined 
this church, also contributed towards it> construc- 
tion: Sylvester Holben, Wilhelm Holben, Elizabeth 
Reichel (widow), Bernhard Schneider, J. W. Schnei- 
der, Peter Bahl, Abraham Knur, Lorenz Bachmann, 
Friederich Schneiter, Heinrich Ohl (Heidelberg), 
Michael Deybert, Johann Tiessluss, Cathariua Kemp- 
fer, Philipp Ennes, Christian lieiss, Johannes Rein- 
schmidt, Wilhelm Stumpf, Nicolaus Koeher, Michael 
Probst, Sr. 

The total of the above contributions was £37 13s. 6rf. ; 
additional contributions at a meeting held after the 
church was completed, £1 16». ; total cost, £39 9s. 6(/. 

The church was built during the progress of the 
summer, and was dedicated on the 3d of September, 
1769, by Rev. Philipp J. Michael. It was built of 
logs, but is -aid to have been more carefully finished 
than other churches of that neighborhood which had 
been constructed earlier. Upon the dedication, Hein- 
rich Ohl, of Heidelberg, presented to the new congre- 
gation a black altar-cloth ; Mrs. Heinrich Kempfer, 
a white one (in those days, indeed, they were called 
table-cloths, because a table was made to serve for 
the altar) ; Nicolaus Mannebach, two smaller cloths : 
Elizabeth Reichel, the widow of Johannes Reichel, a 
communion service; and Nicolaus Mannebach, with 
Abraham Knor, a baptismal service. 

The following members soon joined the congrega- 
tion (they were mostly emigrants): Johann Adam 
Geiss, Jacob Bar, Wilhelm Schmetton, Jacob Musser- 
genug, George A. Guthekunst, Adam Dries, Jacob 
Harner. Esq., Georg Falk, Philipp Fenstermacher, 
Mathias Schlimann, Nicolaus Impody, as well as 
others. 



About 177H, Dr. Johannes Yambert resided in this 
community. He had several children baptized here. 
He soon disappeared from the neighborhood, not find- 
ing employment sufficient to stave off hunger, for the 
hardy Constitutions of the old German settlers required 
but a good strong dram-soup (Trammsuppe) lor the 
speedy cure id' their simple ailments. At the time of 
the discovery of coffee, Dr. Yambert found occasion 

to go to Philadelphia, and then- bought some beans of 
the new vegetable, and brought them home with him 
to Lynn township. Madame Yambert did not know 
what to do with the coffee or how to prepare it for tin- 
table, neither did the doctor, for he had entirely for- 
gotten to ask for instruction on this point. Hut a> the 
coffee had been dearly paid for they resolved to pie- 
pare it in some way, and at length decided on cooking 
it with other vegetables. So the coffee was put into a 
boiler along with a dainty morsel of bacon, ami bung 
over the fire. But the beans would not become soli 
like other beans, nor could the dish be reconciled to 
their appetites, and the doctor came to the conclusion 
that it was food fit only for hogs. 

Soon the congregation recognized the necessity of 
a school-house. They did not like to send their chil- 
dren to the distant Weissenberg school. It was t here- 
fore resolved to erect a school-house. But for this 
purpose more land was needed, and Jacob Bachman, 
who owned all the land surrounding the church, in 
part sold and in part gave the congregation seventeen 
acres additional, so that the church and school lands 
now comprised twenty-two acres eighteen square rods. 
This was done on the 19th of March, 1786. The 
school-house was built and a teacher appointed, who, 
as everywhere else, in consideration for the use and 
occupation of the land, led the singing in divine ser- 
vice. For leading the singing at funerals, and for 
teaching school, he was paid. 

At the founding of the church, while Rev. Michael 
now and then preached in an irregular sort of fashion 
without having received a formal call, no baptismal 
register was kept. This was not begun till 177L', 
when Rev. Johann Heinrich Helffrich was called to 
serve the congregation, and by him the prior' baptisms 
were entered. From that year on the register was 
regularly kept until the time of Rev. Johannes Helf- 
frich, who kept private memoranda, for thecusto f 

having children baptized at home arose at that time, 
and they were not then entered upon the church 
register; and from that time on Rev. Helffrich anil 
lii- successors began keeping their own private rec- 
ords, in which they entered notes of all their minis- 
terial work, such as births, deaths, marriages, and 

confirmations, in the most careful manner. 

In comparison with Macungie the land in Lowhill 
is very poor. The first settler- mainly raised buck- 
wheat, corn, and rye. The meadow- in the valleys 
they used tor pasturing their cattle, to the rais 
which they devoted themselves. Sheep they kept in 
numbers, and wherever there was a fertile spot of 



204 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ground they raised flax. With the arrival of winter 
the spinning-wheels hummed and buzzed in every 
lupine, and the flax and the wool were hardly all spun 
by spring. Ii was a joy to see the boxes and chests 

full of linens and woolen blankets. Every one wore 
home-made clothes, which were warm and strong. 
The spinning-wheel prepared the way for another oc- 
cupation, that of weaving, with which many of the 
people supported themselves, for generally everj 
sixth or seventh house contained a loom, in which the 
busy shuttle was plied from early morn until late at 
night. Even if the land was barren the people were 
industrious and more saving than elsewhere, — often- 
times too much so, — ami so the Lowhill and all the 
Gravel settlers, even if not rich, were prosperous. 

The second church was built in the year 1798. The 
old building had become too small. The old contests, 
too, were closed, since many of the young men had 
married maidens from Weissenberg of the Lutheran 
faith, and these desired to go to church and join the 
communion of their faith, so nothing was easier than 
the transition by which the purely Reformed Lowhill 
Church was changed into a Union Church. A new- 
constitution was agreed upon, the church and all 
her possessions made common, and then the work of 
building was begun. On the 28th of May, 1798, the 
cornerstone was laid, with services conducted by 
Rev. Johann Heinricb Helfi'rich, the Reformed min- 
ister, assisted by Rev. Hermann Jacob Schellhardt, 
who was chosen the first Lutheran pastor of the church. 
In the fall of the same year the same pastors dedi- 
cated the completed structure. The church was built 
of logs, but artistically finished after the manner of 
those times. A neat pulpit and altar stood at one of 
the longer sides, and galleries spanned the other three. 
Later the building was weatherboarded. 

The consistory, and the first Lutheran consistory 
who signed the constitution, were composed of the 
following members: Rev. Johann Heinrich Helffrich, 
Reformed minister; Rev. Hermann Jacob Schell- 
hardt, Lutheran minister ; Jacob Harner, Esq., Lu- 
theran deacon ; Nicolaus Imbotty, Lutheran deacon; 
Philipp Fenstermacher, Reformed deacon ; Lorenz 
Georg, Reformed deacon. 

The building committee consisted of Heinrich 
Hartmann and Christian Schmidt from the Reformed 
side, and Johannes Klotz and Conrad Lai from the 
Lutheran side. 

Between 1850 and I860 a new organ was placed in 
the church. It was constructed by Charles Hanzel- 
man, who arrived in this region about that time, at 
Rev. Johannes Helffrich's house, in Weissenberg. 

The third church was built in the year 1858, and 
was placid on the very site which bad been occupied 
by the old church. It is constructed of brick, is 
crowned with bell-tower with bell, and is finished in 
modern style. The corner-stone was laid on the 13th 
of May, 1858, and I be services were conducted by the 
Lutheran pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Schindel, and by the 



Reformed pastor, Lev. William A. Helffrich. A 
wicked, unchristian affair took place on this day. oc- 
casioned by the sutlers, who were carrying on their 
trade here, as they did at many other places, on fes- 
tival days. This Caused both of the pastors to resolve 
never thereafter to lend their presence at any festival 
gathering- where the congregation should not lie will- 
ing l>\ resolution to forbid the coming of the sutlers. 

In this wise it occurred: It had for many years 
previous become a custom here in Eastern Pennsj I- 
vania for sutlers or hucksters, often to the number of 
twenty or more, to come to the church festivals, where 
many people congregated, and there range their 
wagons in a circle around the church, to erect booths, 
and to sell nuts, candy, cakes, beer, and even whiskey. 
The proverb says, where the carcass lies there the 
vultures will be found: and by means of these huck- 
sters a rough element was attracted, who turned the 
day into an occasion more similar to a wild debauch 
than a decent, Christian festival. Thousands of vis- 
itors came from near and far, and were present at 
these customary festivals, such as corner-stone lay- 
ings, dedicatory services, and, later, the Centennial 
anniversaries; and so, owing to these hucksters, many 
of the people were employing the holy Sabbath-day 
in trading, drinking, eating, or in walking through 
the woods about the church, engaged in laughing or 
frivolous conversation. During divine service they 
swarmed through the neighboring woods, while the 
church within was without worshipers, or the rough 
rabble ran noisily in and out, disturbing the services. 
Many of the most earnest church members were op- 
posed to this disorder, and it was resolved that corner- 
stone laying in Lowhill should mark its overthrow. 
The pastors laid the matter before the consistory, and 
that body resolved that at the coming dedication no 
sutler should be permitted to be present. This reso- 
lution was not executed without considerable strife : 
even members of the church took sides with the sut- 
lers. With the dedication-day came also the huck- 
sters, in spite of notices published in the newspapers, 
and erected their tents. But during the progress of 
the ceremonies several members, who were of the 
same mind with their pastors, induced the sutlers, by 
threats of prosecution, to strike their tents and leave. 
The fight against them extended from here to other 
churches; and for several years past the disorder has 
entirely disappeared, although not without a desperate 
resistance. 

The 20th and 21st days of November were first ap- 
pointed for the dedicatory services, which were to be 
led by Revs. Jeremiah Schindel and William A. 
Helffrich, but for various reasons the services were 
postponed till the following spring. On the 24th and 
25th of April, 1859, they took place, sermons being 
delivered by Revs. Joshua Derr, Thomas Steck, and 
William A. Helffrich. 

The organ was repaired during the fall of the same 
year, and rededicated on the 25th day of September, 



LOW HILL TOWNSHIP. 



295 



1859. Revs. Thomas Steck and William A. HellTricli 
preached. 

On the 10th of November, 1865, it was resolved t" 
build a nrw school-house, and an election was hold to 
choose a building committee. A roomy brick bouse 
was erected during the next summer and dedicated on 

tbr 7th of < let nber, L866, by the pastors of the ehurch. 

A handsome bequest of tun thousand two hundred 
and sixty-one dollars was left the congregation in 
is; t by John Holben, a venerable member of the 
church, upon condition that the interest derived from 
the same should be annually paid as salary to the 
pastors of the church. He died on the 19th of March, 
1874. Had he foreseen that the pastors would in 
future receive less pay than before this bequest, 
through decrease in membership, he would hardly 

have ordered it so. 

The Reformed ministers of the church were, — 1. 
Philipp J. Michael, from 1769 to 1772. 

2. Johannes Heinrich Helffrich, from 1772 to 1810. 

3. Eeinrich Diefenbach, from L810 to 1816. 

4. Johannes Helffrich, from 1816 to 1852. 

5. William A. Helffrich, assistant from 1845 to 
1852, and pastor from 1852 to 1867. 

6. E. J. Fogel, from 1867 to 1877. 

7. N. J. Bachman, from L877. 

The Lutheran ministers were, — 1. Hermann Jacob 
Schellhardt, 1798. 

2. G. F. Obenhausen. 

3. Friederich Geissenhainer. 

4. Georg Wartmann and J. Daring. 

5. Jeremiah Schindel, from 1837 to 1858. 

6. Thomas Steck, from 1859 to 1866. 

7. J. S. Beminger, from 1867 to 1878. 

3. Milton .1. Kramlich, from 1878 to 1884. 

The Morgenland Church. 1 — This church stands 
upon an elevation in the southeastern corner of Low- 
hill township, Lehigh Co., a spot known long ago as 
the '' Leather-Corner Post," surrounded on all sides 
by small valleys, through which the Jordan Hows at 
a distance of a mile from the ehurch. 

The church has from its beginning been a Union 
Church. Reformed and Lutherans, divided and inde- 
pendent in faith and teachings, have yet equal and 
common right to all the church lands, church build- 
ings, and the churchyard, and make free, undisturbed 
use of them together. 

The organization of the church is of recent date. 
Members of the Lowhill, Union, Jordan, Ziegel, and 
1 ogelsville congregations united, selecting this spot 
upon which to erect a house of worship, which Bhould 
be nearer their homes and more convenient for them 
and their families. 

On the lib of April. 1857, a meeting was held for 
the purpose of selecting a site for a ehurch and ceme- 
tery, which resulted in the selection of a piece of 
ground owned by Daniel Seehler for the location of 



1 By Kev. Win. A Helffrich. 



the church building, and of an adjoining tract, owned 
by Jacob Georg and Reuben Crauss, for a graveyard. 

The title to these tracts was afterwards secured 
through proper deeds. 

Another meeting was held on the 13th of April 
following, at which it was resolved to begin the erec- 
tion of a building without delay, and to organize the 

eongregatii.n bj electing a consistory. This election 
resulted as follows: On the Reformed side : for elders, 
Jonas Mertz. Solomon Hamm ; for deacons, Franklin 
l'i itziuger, Gideon Haul, Daniel Seehler, Levi Haas; 
for trustee, Solomon Diehl. < in the Lutheran side: 
for elders, John Weida, Daniel Claus; for di 
Benjamin Weida, George Klotz, Reuben Deibert, 
Peter Ertel ; for trustee, David Heilman ; for treas- 
urer. Reuben Krauss. 

At the same time the following were chosen as a 
building committee : By the Reformed, Simon P. Mim- 
nich, Jonathan Diehl ; by the Lutherans, Jesse Klotz, 
Michael Deibert. The work of construction was im- 
mediately begun, and proceeded SO rapidly that by 
id of August of that year (1857) everything 
was prepared lor the laying of the corner-stone. 
This was done on that day, with services held by Ri \ -. 
J. S. Dubs and William A. Helffrich, who were in- 
vited for that purpose. 

i In the 31st of August, 1858, the dedicatory services 
were held, Revs. Joseph S. Dubs, Jeremiah Schindel, 
and William Rath leading. The ehurch is of brick, 
and is constructed in modern style, and provided with 
every necessary convenience. 

The congregation also provided itself with an organ, 
which was dedicated in 1870, the pastors, Revs. Fogel 
and Leopold, preaching. 

By 1871, the old graveyard was well filled up, and 
a piece of ground on the opposite side of the street 
was laid out in regular lots for a cemetery. It was 
dedicated in 1871 by Revs. Fogel and Leopold. 

The Reformed ministers of the congregation thus 
far have been: 1 Joseph S. Dubs, who was chosen 
the first pastor in 1857; (2) Joseph H. Dubs, who 

served from to 1867; (3) E. J. Fogel, chosen in 

1867. 

The Lutheran ministers have been: 1 Jeremiah 

Schindel, from 1857 to ; 2) William Rath; (3) 

Owen I. lupoid. 

Schools. — The Lowhill church was built in 1769, 
and soon after a school was established. A I ii iii! seventy 
years ago Jacob David, Jr., taught this school. \lb r 
him were Jacob Hart, John Benner, Israel Benner, Sr. 

The township of Lowhill paid nothing toward the 
education of the poor until the year 1833, when 
only was paid; in 1834, $0.82; 1835, J9.70; L836, 
$15.45; 1837,$35.17; 1838,$41.32; 1839, $83.43. At 
an early day Lowhill bad no schools but those which 
belonged to the Weissenberg I'Mrict. 

Old Taverns. — Probably the oldest tavern in the 
township i- that known as the " Leather-Corner Post," 
which was built before the Revolution, and kept by 



296 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Ludwig Smith from that lime for several years, and 
in 1780 bj Christian Nesber. He was succeeded by 

Moses Coyne, who also opened a store at the tavern in 
1806. Jacob Woodring was the landlord during the 
war of 1812, and kept the tavern till 182G, when Jacob 
George, who married his daughter, succeeded him, 
and continued until 1878. The old house stood until 
1861, when the present one was built. It is now kept 
by John P. Bear. The record of licenses for 1786 
shows that in that year Christian Nesber and George 
Wright were licensed to keep tavern. In 1815, John 
Adam Shaffer, Jacob Woodring, and George Folk 
were licensed, they having kept earlier, and, later, 
Conrad Bobst and Baltzer Fritz received licenses. The 
latter is said to have kept the first store in the town- 
ship. He lived on the road leading from Claussville 
to Fogelsville, at the place where Andrew Shifferstine 
later kept a hotel, and, still later, George Klotz, who 
died there in 1856. The tavern at Claussville was 
erected about 1800 by Daniel Schumaker, and kept by 
him for a time. Later, and to the year 1830, it was 
kept by one Brough, Abraham Knerr, Knoppenberger, 
Moses Cain, and Wolf, as tenants. 

An Early Road. — On the meeting of the first court 
of Lehigh County, held Dec. 21, 1S12, a petition was 
presented from the inhabitants of Lowhill and Weis- 
senberg for a road " to lead from the house of Chris- 
tian Hartman, in Lowhill township, through the land 
of George Row, to the house of John Bittner ; thence 
to the house of George Shoemacher; thence to the 
house of Nicholas Werley, in Weissenberg township; 
thence coming in the great road leading from Heidel- 
berg township, in said county, to Philadelphia." The 
court appointed Peter Gross, Henry Haas, Henry 
Good, Peter Kern, John Sieger, and Peter Snyder as 
viewers. They reported at the February term of 
court, 1813, that they had viewed the proposed route, 
and had laid out a road as suggested. The report was 
not acted upon until the May term, when, on the 4th 
of that month, it was confirmed. 

Justices of the Peace. — Prior to 1840 the justices 
having jurisdiction over this territory were elected in 
districts, and their names will be found in the civil 
list of the general history. Those elected since 1840 
are as follows : 





Commissioned. 

April 14, 1841) 
'• 14,1840 
" 1 
.. " 16, 1845 


Charles A. Wuth.. 
Jjicob Zimmerman 
Daniel II. Miller 
Jacob Zimmerman 
Daniel II. Miller 

Jacob Zimmei 

Daniel H.Miller 
Jacob Zimmerman 
10. 11. Knerr 


i lommissioned. 
.April is, 1862 
. " 11,1865 




" 

. " 8, 1870 


Jacob Zimmerman 


.. " 14, 1846 

" 9, I860 

.. " 9,1860 

.. " l 
■i i 

" 14, 1887 

.. " lo, lstio 


" 9,1872 
■March 13, 1875 


Jacob Zimmerman 
Petei Weida 


19, 1877 
. " 30, 1880 
ipril 19, 1882 
. " 6 1883 


Jaciii Zimmei man 


1M. C. Hollenbeck. 


.Aug. 20, 1883 



Weidasville. — The land on which this village is 
located was warranted to John Giinbul, who sold to 
Nicholas Gower, who, on the 19th of April, 1765, sold 
to John George Smith, who, September 27th, the same 
year, conveyed it to John Zerfass, and Feb. 22, 1769, it 
passed to Jacob Homer. On the 12th of April, 1804, it 



came into possession of Abraham and Andrew Homer, 
sons of Jacob. Andrew sold his interest to Abraham 
Feb. 23, 1805, who, on the 22d of March, 1810, sold 
to Caspar Schmick. May 26th of the next year Peter 
Weida became the purchaser of this tract of over two 
hundred acres. It has been in possession of the 
Weidas from that time to the present. In the year 
1830 a store was opened by John Weida and his son, 
Benjamin. The latter remained in the store till 186 1. 
having his brother David as partner for a few years, 
and later his son, John F. In the latter part of the 
year 1864, John F. purchased the entire interest, and 
continued until 1868, when Daniel Kuhns became 
associated with him. In the fall of 1869, Weida sold 
his interest to Jacob Peter, from which time the busi- 
ness has been continued under the name of Kuhns & 
Peter. 

In 1863 a post-office was established, and John F. 
Weida was appointed postmaster. He was succeeded 
in I860 by Daniel Kuhns, who is the present post- 
master. The grist- and saw-mill were built in 1840. 
The village contains a grist- and saw-mill, store ami 
post-otfice, and five dwellings. 

Lyon Valley. — This settlement is in the valley of 
Lyon Creek, a branch of the Jordan. In the year 
1845, Daniel Bittner came to this locality and opened 
a tavern, and soon after a store in the same building. 
Jacob Zimmerman, after about a year, became asso- 
ciated with him. They continued together six or 
eight years, when Bittner sold his interest to Zimmer- 
man, who carried on the store, until 1860, when it was 
sold to Dinkey it Mosser, who, in 1866, sold to Tilgh- 
man Frey. In 1872, Mr. Zimmerman sold the hotel 
interest to Mr. Frey, who carried them both on until 
1879, when he conveyed them to C. W. Haas & 
Brother, who are still in possession. Mr. Zimmerman 
was justice of the peace for many years, and while 
living here had his office in the hotel. 

A post-office was established at Lyon Valley in 
1857, and Jacob Zimmerman was appointed post- 
master, and served until 1868, when Albert Dinkey 
succeeded him. On the 1st of October of that year 
Tilghnian Frey was appointed, and served until March, 
1882, when Elias Hensinger, the present postmaster, 
became the incumbent. 

Claussville. — In the year 1800, Daniel Schumacher 
built a tavern here, which was kept by various land- 
lords until 1830. In that year John Shifferstine and 
Joseph Slough took the tavern, and also opened a 
store. They kept the tavern till 1834, and were suc- 
ceeded by Daniel Clauss, who remained until 1851, 
when the place was taken by Martin Seibert. In 
1856 his son, Jonas, became the landlord, and con- 
tinued till 1861, when Jonathan Haas, the present 
landlord, came into possession. Mr. Shifferstine and 
Slough kept store for many years. In 1844 a new 
store and dwelling-house was erected opposite the 
hotel, which was occupied by Levi Knerr, who has 
continued to the present time, with the exception of 



LYNN TOWNSHIP. 



297 



a t'f\v years, when it was kept by Joseph Slough and 
Joseph Eiseohart. In tin- year 1S.'!0 a post-office was 
established, and John Shifferstine was appointed 
postmaster. The village contains a hotel, post-office, 
store, school-house, shoe-shop, and blacksmith-shop. 
"Leather-Corner Post" is the somewhat odd 
name applied to a tavern -stand in this township. Its 
origin is involved in obscurity, but doubtless it arose 
from some trivial circumstance. A tavern w: 
here during the Revolution by Ludwig Smith, and 
later by Moses Coyne (who also opened a store about 
I sot; i. by Jacob Woodring about 1815, and by Conrad 
and Christian Tiobst. In 1S26, Jacob George, son-in- 
law of Woodring, became landlord, ami greeted the 
few guests who came this way until his death in 1878, 
being a Boniface for a period of fifty-two years. His 
widow is still living, aged eighty-four, or three years 
younger than her husband was at the time of his 
death. The present hotel at the " Leather-Corner 
Post" was built in 1861. It is kept by John P. Bear. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



LYNX TOWNSHIP.' 



A REGION of country lying in this township and in 
the township of Albany in Berks County, adjoining, 
■was from the earliest settlement designated as " Alle- 
mangel,'' and further for judicial purposes called " ad- 
jaeents," or "back parts of Macungie," and "The 
Heidelberg District." In March, 1752, Northampton 
County was erected; in June following Heidelberg 
township was organized, and at the October term of 
court, in the same year, a petition was presented ask- 
ing lor a new township to be taken from the west 
part of Heidelberg. An order was granted by the 
court, and viewers were appointed, who laid out the 
territory and reported their action at the June term 
of court, 1753, when it was confirmed. In this con- 
nection we quote the following, which appears on the 
records under date of June 9, 1753 : 

"The Petition of Sundry inhabitants lying under 
the blue mountains, between Heidelberg and the 
County line, to be laid out into a Township was al 
lowed, and Edward or Nicholas Scull are appointed 
Survivor to be Employed to Survey and make return 
of the same." 

The report stated that there " was laid out a Certain 
trot of Land. Beginning at a post at a Corner of 
Heidelberu township and from thence Extending by 
the same north twenty (20) degrees west, 1280 perches 
and by vacant land 290 perches to Ye blue mountains 
(hence along the mountains south sixty-five (65 de- 
grees west 518 perches, south thirty (80) degrees west 
t'.o perches, South titty (50) degrees west 302 perches 

1 By Samuel .1. Kistler, Esq. 



and south sixty-seven (67) degrees west 1578 perches 
to the County line. Thence by the same line South 

Kast |S l"i I. 2200 perches tO a stone in said line 

them e bj Weissenberg town-hip north East i X 45 E) 
1640 perches to Ye place of beginning Containing 
ah' 20.000 acres which said described Tract of land is 
laid out and included for a township Called Linn 
Township." 

At the September court following the confirmation 
of the township Charles Folk was appointed consta- 
ble, and on the 1 6th of September, I 755, ' h orge Bri- 
ner was appointed to the same office. 

Many people < ttled in the limits of Lynn township 
several years before warrants were taken out for the 
land, and the dates given below : are not reliable data 
as to the time of settlement, as in many other parts 
of the country. 

The names as found are here given, with the dates 
and number of acres: 

Acres. 

Valentine Barontbeisel, March 'I, 1711 L56 

Michael John Bomgardoer, Feb. 16, 17411 109 

Valentiue Barontbeisel, Oct L6, 1750 54 

Henry Brenigh, Jan. 1", 1753 64 

Peter Belsel, Si pt. '., 1754 25 

Jacob Billman, Sept. 1. 177j 40 

Martin Brobst, Jan. 7, 1790.. -» 

Michael Buck, Not. 14, 1785 04 

Peter Bulldon (Baldaul |, Sept. 24, 17t;6 4:'. 

Jacob Billman, Dec. 27, 1766 50 

Jncob Barr, Nov. 4. 17C7 121 

Peter BeiBel, Aug 24. 1768 3G 

Henry Bredich, Ipril 6, 1769 

Adam Clause, April 3, 1767 136 

i itz), Dei 19, 1768 154 

Gottlieb I '-in ut (Gottlieb Donat), Aug. 24, 176 ; 95 

John Everitt, May 4, 1769 66 

I 'i i, Mil In, 17-i 42 

Philip linos, April 12, 17GK 25 

Philip Eberth, May 4, 1768 44 

Thomas Eyeritt, Mnrch is, 1769 36 

Gabri.'i I ■ agher, Oi ;. 2=., 171s 

John Flugb, Dec 12, 171" 5S 

Samuel Frees, Oct --. 1752 60 

Daniel BieBter, April 25, 1744 112 

Georj;i' Hi ii'., March 6, 1749 50 

Zachariah Seller, May 11, 1769 

Christian Henry, June 22, 1769 78 

Abraham Kerper, Jan.24, 1741 200 

Oct. 30,1744 21 

Henrv Knul/.ninii, Sept 2. 17411 , 160 

July I'.'. 1754 7'J 

Jacob Kistler, April So, 1866 126 

John Kistlei 42 

Henrv King. June 14, 1769 146 

Evan 1 g, Feb. 8, 1744 

Jacob Leeaer, Oct 14, 174a 115 

Peter Lilt/., Sept 13, 17' V 59 

Michael Miller, lug 11 1747 

Simon Moser, Di 174* 

Christian Miller, April 20, 174:i 1 

March 23,1760 73 

Frederick Michael, Aug 4, 1750 70 

Adam Miller, Aug.5,1752 Hit 

U lune 8 1764..... 54 

Simon Moser, 8o» 19,1766 33 

Jacob SI nut/ MuutZ), Dec In. 17(10 48 

Da 10, 1766 39 

Conrad Muntz (Montz). Di 49 

Christian Miller, April 7, 1 707 

Larance Miller, Oct. 19, 1767 44 

lief, April 1, 1747 

«-Gi D 19,1761 75 

Heart, Feb. 8, 1769 56 

ild, June 9. 1752 1*J9 

Daniel Oswald, April 27, 1768 75 

m ij 1 1. a > iu 

Davi.l Tillman, Oi t. 4. 1738 

Adam Potts, Man b 13,1746 

Hli bael Poke, Hay 11, 174* 

Henrv Pedneek, May 3, 1749 115 

Godfried Pealzle, Ipril 10,1767 131 

Mathias Rl I- Ipril 15, I7in 

Baltzer Redenl 29,1748 124 

Henry Bubrecnt, Not. 12,1768 70 

17117 300 

Charles Ste.nl.. Sept. 5, 174- 

Heury Sunday, March 6, 1760 ISO 



298 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 







Acres. 


Peter Sbeefly. 


Abraham Shellhamer. 


Andrew Seacbler (Sechler), May 30, 1785 


40 


Michael Stein. 


Philip Shellhamer. 






107 

112 


Stoffle Sunday. 


Bernard Snyder. 






109 


Charles Shuck. 


Henry Snyder. 


Gabriel Vogel, June 8, 1764 




:;t 


Widow of John Stein. 


Daniel Snyder. 


Sebastian Verner, Sept. 8, 1758.... 
Martin w ydsell, Sept. 29, 1741.... 




125 

168 


Frederick Sechler. 


Samuel Everett. 


Philip w ertman, Dec 1 




197 


George Shuck. 


Daniel Stambach. 


" " An-. 8, L750 




123 


Martin Shuck. 


Christian Shuman. 


Henry Wetherstine (called Winderstein). Nov. 12, 
1773 


10 
17 


George Snyder. 

Michael Sliiekly. 


Philip Shoi K 


George \\ Itzell, Dec. 28, L767 - .. 




Jacob Steitly. 


Henry Weidersti called Wintherstein), Feb, 1, 1768 


86 


Andrew Sechler. 


Jacob Wertinan. 


Michael Wertman, April 27, 1768. 




42 
66 


John Smith. 


Mai tin Wertman. 


< ieorge Huns Zimmerman, Aug. 2 


1751 


22 


Mathias Sehitz. 
Daniel Straub. 


Michael Wertman. 
Widow Weitzel. 


The names given below are 


taken from the assess- 


Charles Straub. 


John Weiss. 


ment-roll made by the commissioners of Northampton 


Andrew Straub. 


Jacob Wannamacher. 


County, Dec. 27, 1781 : 






Philip Sittler. 


Jacob Wannamacher, Jr. 






Ehrhard Seieloff. 


Philip Wannamacher. 


Philip Authony. 


Christian Haas. 




Henry Snyder. 


Caspar Wannamacher. 


Adam Arend. 


Leonard Haas. 




Widow Stambach. 


Jubu Weisser. 


John Anthony. 


Henry Kram. 




^ Frederick Souder. 


William Yett. 


Philip Breiner. 


Andrew Kunkle. 




Adam Stabler. 




Philip Bower. 


Adam Krok. 








John Breiner. 


Christian Kock, 




Sing 


e Freeing, i. 


Michael Buck. 


Jacob Kiintz. 




John Hermany. 


Paul Anthony. 


John Bear. 


John Kuntz. 




Daniel Shtiman. 


Henry Fink. 


Martin Baily. 


Michael Kuntz, 




Leonard Bock. 


Philip Opt. 


Abraham Baity. 


John Kistler. 




Charles Bock. 


George Bnprecht, 


Lorance Biichmaii. 


Michael Kistler. 




John Baldauff. 


Deater Hauselmau. 


Paul Bachman. 


Jacob Kistler. 




Philip Baldauff. 


Andrew Hauselmau. 


Frederick Breyner. 
Conrad Bylman. 


Samuel Kistler. 
Philip Kistler. 




Of these, the largest ta 


x-payers were Philip Mosser, 


George Breish. 


George Kistler (Dietrich Mill, 


who was assessed for ten 


pounds; Thomas Everitt for 


Henry BautZ. 


over two miles from Kutz- 


eight pounds; George Hermany, Jacob Manss, Mar- 


Martin Bear. 
Widow Bear. 


town). 
Henry King. 




tin Probst, John Swatz, 


Bernard Snyder, each seven 


Casper Baldauf. 


Frederick Lyser. 




pounds; John Breiner, Conrad Bylman, Geo. Breish, 


Adam Clause. 


John Lyser. 




Paul Hertzog, Frederick Lyserbad, Michael Stein, 


Adam Critis. 
Wilhelm J. i irl. 


Peter Leitz. 
John Lyby. 




each for six pounds; all 


others for lesser amounts. 


Melcboir Derr. 


John Lorah . 




The following names 


are copied from the assess- 


Matbias DeLong. 


Christian Luft'. 




ment-roll inade by the commissioner of Northampton 


John Dietrich. 
John DeLong. 


Jacob Mauss. 
Christian Miller. 




County for the year A.D. 


1812: 


Thomas Everett. 


Simon Mosser. 




Paul Anthony. 


Henry Creitz. 


Philip Ebert. 


Philip Mosser. 




Daniel Arndt. 


Henry Carl (estate). 


Bastian Edel. 


Berghard Mosser. 




John Arndt. 


Adam Clause. 


George Eckroth. 


Andrew Meyer. 




Valentine Brobst. 


Samuel liillinau. 


Stone Eckroth. 


Eagle Meyer. 




Jacob Bachman. 


(ieorge Castord. 


George Ehris. 


William Meyer. 




Sebastian Benningboff. 


John Crash. 


Michael Fenstermaechr. 


Gail Meyer. 




John Benningboff. 


Martin Crone. 


Bernhard Fallweiler. 


Andrew Miller. 




Mathias Brobst. 


George Crone. 


Philip FtiBselmau. 


Jacob M iller. 




John Brobst. 


Martin IX.not. 


George Folck. 


Martin Metzger. 




Michael Brobst, Sr. 


John Fogel, Esq. 


Joseph Gorber. 


Conrad Nun. 




George Breiner. 


Job Delong. 


Peter Gift. 


John Moyer. 




Jncob Baush. 


George Dreine (Treiner). 


Henry Gissler. 


John Moyer, Jr. 




Daniel Bachman. 


Henry Drumbower. 


1 lonrad Hollebach . 


Daniel Moyer. 




Frederick Frey. 


John Everitt (estate). 


Christian Henry. 


Peter Notstein. 




William Kistler. 


John Everitt, 


< feoi ge HauBelman, 


Daniel Oswald, 




Martin Bear. 


Peter Everitt (weaver). 


Zachariah Haller, 


Jacob Oswald. 




Philip Baldauf. 


Tobias Ebert. 


Zachariah Haller, Jr. 


Anthony Opp. 




George Bihl. 


Philip Ebert. 


Henry Haller. 


Philip Pub!. 




Catharine Baldauf. 


Peter Ebei i. 


Christian llaller. 


Margereth Pugh. 




Godfrey Brobst. 


Peter Eheroth. 


Dewalt Houck, Jr. 


Matthias Probst (Matthias). 


John Baush. 


John Eberoth. 


George Herms nj . 


George Probst. 




Jacob Bear. 


Ferdinand Fullweiler, 


John Heil. 


Martin Probst. 




George Breisch (estate). 


Daniel Fullweiler. 


Jacob Hans. 


Philip Probst. 




Abraham Belchley. 


Henry Fusselman. 


William Holby. 


Peter Rerdeuower. 




Michael Brobst, 


Ehrhard Fusselman. 


Paul Hertzog. 


Jacob Ilex. 




James Brier, 


Michael Fenstermacher. 


I ».iriii l Ham. 


Jacob Beegle. 




Christian Beary. 


Jacob Fenstermacher. 


George Hollenbach. 


Henry Ruprecht. 




Jacob Benfield. 


Frederick Fry. 


John Herman. 


Henry Kiehea. 




John Bear. 


Philip Fenstermacher. 


Jacob Heinbach. 


Danti i Reiss, 




Michael Croll. 


Jacob Frederolf (Fetherolf). 


Dewalt Hanck, 


Henry Steigerwalt 




John Carl. 


Jacob Frey. 


George, Heilman. 


Ccorge Sausley. 




Widow Carl. 


Christian Fink. 


George Heilman, Jr. 


John Swutz. 




Jacob Behley. 


Widow Frey. 



LYNN TOWNSHIP. 



299 



Andrew I travel 

John Sefberllng. 

Daniel Greenwald. 

Philip Haiiiiiuj. 

Nicholas Hurtman. 
i Hartman. 

Adam Harry. 

Jesse Hermany. 

Peter n unslcker. 

Jacob HolbeD. 

Deaterich Hunsicker. 

Widow Hausruan. 

Ja< od Baas. 

George Hiirnmn. 

Jacob Haas, Jr. 

John Heil. 

Lewis Herring, 

Nicholas Hollenbach. 

Christian Holben. 

Samuel Ely. 

Daniel Ilolleubach. 

Samuel .lenser. 

i Seen ge Jenaer, 

Philip Jaxheimer. 

Jacob Klingaman. 

Jacob King (Koenig), 

Henry Krnm. 

John Kistler. 

Samue] Kistler. 

Jacob Euntz, 

Philip Kistler. 

J;iiuli Ki-tlcr. 
' John Kistler, Jr. 

Ferdinand Kistler. 

Peter Kasuner (Kerschner). 

Georyt- Krumm. 

Michael Kistler. 

Jacob Kistler. 
1 Samuel Kistler. 
I Pet.r Kunkle. 

Philip Kerachner. 

Conrad Kerschner. 

Jacob Kerschner. 

I ' mr.nl Kt-rsi liri'-i 

i Chri**tiau KUngeman. 

M ichael Klingiimen. 
| Michael Kistler. 

Frederick Andrew Lei by. 

Jacob Lutz. 

Daniel Leeser. 

I I rick Lutz. 

Jacob Leiber. 

Christian Lutz. 

II. Ml v I, lit/. 

John Lutz. 
Peter Lutz. 
1 i , Jr. 

< ■ i | 1 och . 

Z.n-li.i i i i h Long. 
Abraham Long. 
Conrad Lutz. 

Andrew Miller. 

Pet i Mill'T. 

Jacuh Mauce (Mautz). 

Henry Maitce (Mautz). 

Philip Mauce (Mautz). 

p is [d U 

Borgart .M"- > 

Abraham Merkch I Bferkel ). 

M yer. 
Ml. hael Mosser. 

.i i • b '■! 

- P- I ■! Miller. 

Andrew Miller, Jr. 
J- In, Miller. 
1' m Miller. 
„ Abraham Miller. 



Henry M 

Philip M 

■■ i ■ 

John Neifi N< 
John Mi 
Petei Neil N< 
John Notestein. 
Daniel l (s« aid. 
.i.ii ■ 1. 1 iswald. 
Jacob < Iswald, Jr. 
John < Iswald. 

John Oswald, Jr. 

Anthony l (pp. 
Conrad < Ipp. 
William Peter. 
John Rubrecbt. 

Laurence ReitZ, 

John Reitz. 

George RauBh (supposed Baush). 

Rubrecbt 
Henry Rubrochl. 

I-u;i. lioinick. 
John Sensinger. 
Andrew Strait b. 
George Sherry. 
John Sittler. 
.1 i ob Shneider. 
Henry Shneider. 
John Stein. 

John Snyder Shneider). 

Peter Shneider. 

John Steirwold (Steigerwalt). 

Jacob Smith. 

Henry Steirwold (Stelgerwalt). 

Nicholas Schleicher. 

Jacob Serhler. 
Jacob Schneider. 
Conrad Stump. 
Valentine Sell. 
Andrew Sechler. 
John Sechler. 

Jacob Schollhard (Schellhart). 

Henry Schackter. 

Frederick Sechler. 

George Sittler. 

DanielSaegeri late Crawford Co.). 

Andrew Straiib. 

Andrew Sechler, Jr. 

John Stroub. 

Henry Strottb. 

.I.m. ..I > i.,.liiard (Schellhart). 

George Shnyder. 

William Shuyeder (Snyder). 

Henry Smith. 

Melchior Schwab. 

Conrad Hartman. 

Henry ScbitZ. 

John Schaller. 
Sondal. 

Andrew Steirwold. 
John Shnyder. 
Samuel Shneider, 

John Seiherling. 
George Sentee, Jr. 
Peter Shnyder 

Frederick SheotTer. 
Joseph Sechler, 
Christian Shnyder. 
: 

George Sohallhamer. 
George Wonnenuu I 
Jacob Wart man. 
Philip Wartman. 
Philip Wannemacber. 
Daniel Wannemacher. 

JaOth \V:uiri'Mii;l«h.T, Jr. 

Jacob Wanneniacher, Sr. 



i [enrj \\ eavei . 
II. nty Weaver, Jr. 

Andrew W'ertniaii. 

John Ettttei 

Benighoff. 
Jacob Bachman. 

Henr] Loag. 
Charles Loag. 
Henry Koenig. 
Philip Brobflt. 
Michael B I I 
John B I 

Jacob Rubrechf. 
Henry ETulIweiler. 
John Hoffman. 



John Weiss. 
John Weiss, Jr. 
i 'hrfstian Wert. 
• laspei Wannemachei . 

. u annemacher. 

Christian Kuntz. 
Thomas Everitt, 
Benry H 

Abraham IToDStei machei 
John Miller. 
John Keneterm i 
John Shnyder. 
John Miller. 

Jacob w saver, 

Andrew Hartzell. 
Peter Shnyder. 
Jacob Meyer. 
Jacob Mosser. 

It is very difficult to gather reliable data concern- 
ing the early families who settled in the township, as 
their descendants in many cases know but little of 
them, except that the land they inherited came i'rom 
some remote ancestor. Effort has been made to secure 
records of a few of the first settlers, with the result 
here given. 

George Hermany emigrated from Europe in the 
year 1736, when but seventeen years of age, with 
his uncle, who settled in Kutztown, where George 
remained until 1749. On the 6th of March in that 
year, he took out a warrant for fifty acres of land, a 
part of the tract now owned by his grandsons. To 
this tract he later added by purchase. He lived on the 
farm till his death, and Left two sons, — George and 
Philip. George emigrated to Ohio, and died there; 
Philip settled on the homestead, married Catherine 
Stiegerwalt, lived to an advanced age, and died about 
1837, leaving a family of five sons, — John, Samuel, 
Daniel, George, and Isaac. John settled in Jackson- 
ville, kept the hotel, store, and post-office, and died 
in 1863. Samuel married Salome, the daughter of 
Christian Wannemacher, and settled on the home- 
stead, where he lived all his days, and died in 1808, 
aged sixty-three years, leaving tour sons, of whom 
Charles became a civil engineer, and resides in St. 
Louis. Edwin, Lewis, Samuel, and Amanda reside on 
the homestead farm, which is one of the finest in the 
county. Edwin is actively engaged in the interest of 
the schools in the township. Lewis was captain in a 
Carbon County regiment in the hist war. Daniel, sod 
of Philip, settled at Lockport, V Y. George emi- 
grated to Ohio. Isaac located in Hamberg, Berks 
County. Of the daughters of Philip, Rebecca mar 
ried the Rev. John Zulichj Magdalena became Mrs. 
Jacob Lieby ; Catharine married Jonathan Smith, of 
Albany, Berks Co. ; and Molly, Mrs. Henry Long. 

Peter Hunsicker came to the township from Heidel- 
berg after 1781, and located on land adjoining Philip 
Mosser. He was a farmer, and had one son, Peter, 
who died in 1883, aged ninety years. He lefl several 
children, of whom Reuben and Paul reside in Heidel- 
berg, and Joseph resides in tin- township. John l>. 
Kistler re-ides on the old Hunsicker farm. 



300 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Of the Fetterolf family were four brothers, — Jacob, 
Peter, Philip, and John. Jacob lived below Jackson- 
ville, where his family still reside. Peter resided in 
the Kistler Valley near the Berks County line. Philip 
lived on the (arm now owned by Daniel K. Fetterolf, 
of Allentown. John was a miller, and settled in 

Kistler's Valley, al Fetterolfsville, in Berks County. 

Among the very first settlers of Lynn township was 
John lleil, Sr., w ho was the owner of a tract of land 
on the south side of Kistler's Valley. The tract is 
now owned by the heirs of David J. Kistler, deceased. 
John Heil, Sr., sold his land to his son, John Heil, 
Jr.. and John Heil, Jr., bad two sons, — David and 
John. John remained unmarried, and David, who 
wa> married, finally became the owner of the whole 
tract, and in his lifetime sold the same to the above- 
named present owners. David bad sons and daugh- 
ters, who are all scattered in different directions 
except his son, John Heil, who is residing with his 
family in Germansville, Heidelberg township. The 
family all the way down was a religious family, and 
the first John Heil belonged to the Moravian denom- 
ination, who had first settled here and who had a 
church here before any other denomination had suc- 
ceeded that far, and is buried in the Moravian grave- 
yard, on land of Jonas J. Kistler, in Kistler's Valley. 

On the 24th of September, 1766, Peter Baldauff 
took out a warrant for forty-three acres of land. One 
Caspar Baldauff is assessed in 1781, and in 1798 Philip 
Baldauff lived adjoining land of Philip Mosscr, and 
in 1812 Philip and Catharine Baldauff were assessed. 
The family died out without leaving heirs, and by 
authority of law Governor Shuuk conveyed the prop- 
erty by deed to Michael Lauchnor on the 29th day of 
July, 1846. It now belongs to his sons, James and 
William F. Lauchnor. On the place is a station of the 
Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad. A store was kept 
there by Peter Miller from 1851 to 1855. 

In the assessment-roll of 1781 occur the names of 
Martin, Matthias, George and Philip Probst. The 
name later was changed to Brobst. In 1786 Martin 
Brobst was licensed by the court of Northampton 
County to keep a tavern. It appears that four years 
later, Jan. 7, 1790, he took out a warrant for eighty-four 
acres of land. His name does not appear in the assess- 
ment-roll of 1812, when the following members of the 
family were assessed, — Michael Brobst, Sr., Michael 
Brobst, Jr., Valentine Matthias, John F., and Godfrey. 
In 1815 John F. Brobst was licensed to keep a tavern 
and lived near Steinsville. Jacob F. Brobst was a son 
of John F., and in 1822 married Lydia, a daughter 
of Philip Kistler; they had three sons, of w hum Sam- 
uel K. Brobst was the eldest. He was born Nov. 16, 
1822, attended the Washington College, Kutztown 
Adademy, Marshall College, and later Washington 
College, where he gave instructions in German. In 
IS45 he was appointed agent of the Sunday-school 
Union and to establish German Sunday-schools. In 
May, 1847, he was licensed as a Lutheran minister in 



the Zion's Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, and in 

L850 was ordained in Pottsville. For a number of 
years he acted as missionary and supply for different 
congregations. From 1 s 13 to his death, Dec. 23, 1876, 
lie was connected with the publishing house at Allen- 
town, and had charge of the St. Peter's Church in that 
city for several years. 

.Marcus, Jacob, .Sr., and Philip Wanucmacher were 
cousins who settled in Lynn township at an early day. 
Marcus located on land around and including L\ im- 
port. He lived in a house that stood by the spring 
near where the depot at Lynnport stands. His name 
does not occur in the assessment of 1781. The names 
of Jacob, Sr., Jacob, Jr., Philip and Caspar appear. 
Jacob Wannemaeher, Sr., lived near Lynnport. He 
built the grist-mill now owned by Joel Snyder. He 
died about 1829 and left Jacob, Daniel and Christian, 
and a daughter who married Jacob Wetherold. Jacob 
settled on part of the tract of his father. He was at 
one time commissioner of the county. His family 
are scattered. 

Christian settled at Steinville. His sou, Charles, 
was for several years a merchant in Philadelphia, and 
now resides in Boston. 

Philip Wannemaeher resided on part of the tract, 
and where Edwin Hermany now resides. He died 
about 1829, and at the time of his death was the 
wealthiest man in the township. Catharine, his only 
child, married Joseph Sechler, and settled on the 
homestead. 

Caspar settled on part of the original tract, now 
owned by Daniel Wannemaeher, his son. He died 
about 1845, and left three sons and five daughters, — 
Joseph, Daniel, and Jesse. 

Of the daughters, Catharine married David Fol- 
weiler, and settled in Lynnport. Maria married 
Abraham Leidy, who also settled at Lynnport. Susan 
became the wife of Reuben Fetherolf, and she now 
lives at the old Jacob Fetherolf place. 

Michael Fenstermacher resided near Lynnville. 
He was a resident there many years previous to 1781, 
and built an oil-mill on the creek, which was later 
changed to a grist-mill. He also started a store in his 
dwelling-house. It is related of him that for many 
years his doors were without locks, bolts, or bars. He 
was urged to fasten his doors, and finally consented. 
The next week after he had bolted and barred 
his store it was broken into and some of his goods 
taken. He was living in 1812, and his sons, Jacob 
and Philip, were also owners of land at that time. 
His other sons were Abraham, Daniel, and Peter. 
Daniel, a grandson of Michael, now resides on the old 
homestead. 

The land known as the Holben farm and mill prop- 
erty, on Switzer Check, was originally warranted by 

Caspar Wicser, and by him sold to Kuntz, and 

in 1750 came into possession of Sylvester Holben. He 
left Germany with his brother, John, and his wife. 
On the voyage John was taken sick, made his will in 



LYNN TOWNSHIP. 



301 



favor of his brother, with the provision tli:it Solomon 
ghould marry his wife. John died, and was buried La 
the sea. Solomon carried oul the provisions of the 

will, married the widow, and settled on the Switzer 
Creek. He had two sons, Gideon and Jacob. The 
former moved to Lowhill. where his descendants now- 
live. Jacob settled on the old tract, hiiilt a grist-mill 
about half a mile up from the present one, and in L813 
erected the present stone mill. He had three sons, — 
Jacob, Andrew, and David. The latter settled on the 
homestead, and died in IK8J, Icavinu the property to 
a Son, Dr. M. .1. Holen. of Slatingtnn, and a daugh- 
ter. Jacob settled at Pleasant Corner, and died there. 
Hon. Evan Holben, of Allen town, and Professor 
Oliver Holben, of New York, are sons of Jacob. 
Andrew settled at Weissenberg, and died in 1883, 
aged eighty-two years. 

Among the earl] land warrants appear the names 
of John Everett, with the date of May 4, 1759, and 
[Thomas Everett, in April, 17t>;>. It is not known 
■whether these men settled in the township or not. 
There are families of the name residing in the town- 
ship. Samuel Everett, whose name has not been as- 
sociated with the others above mentioned, married a 
daughter of Philip Mosser. Although his name is 
not found at Easton in the list of justices of the 
peace of this district, it appears attached to many of 
the deeds as the justice taking the acknowledgments. 
He resided on a farm near the Jacksonville Church, 
and where for many years Jacob Oswald, son of John, 
resided. Michael Everett, a son of Samuel, settled at 
Lynnport, and kept the hotel and a store several years, 
and moved to Philadelphia, where he was a merchant. 
I ithcr sons of Samuel removed to Ohio. 

Jacob, Samuel, and John Everett, not of the line 
"i Samuel Everett, Esq., were living in the township 
fifty years ago, and their descendants now reside here. 

Andrew Miller was born near Lynuville, some time 
between 1730 and 1740; he married Magdalena Sie- 
berling, and settled on the farm now owned \>\ Nathan 
Baelmian. He had three children, — John, Maria, and 
Catharine. .Maria was the wife of John D. Heintzel- 
inan, and Catharine became the wife of Samuel Kist- 
ler. John was born in 171m ; served in the war of 
11812; married Maria Bex, and settled on the home- 
stead. Uedied in lS:jo,and left six children. — Reuben, 
John, Stephen. Catharine. Mary, and Sarah, lien ben, 
John, and Catharine are residents in the township. 

( reorsri Kistler was among a number of Palatinates, 
or Swiss, who, it appears, moved, between 1735 and 

174o, from Falknei Swamp and I roshenhoppen I present 
Montgomery County) up to Lynn township, and set- 
tled down in the vicinity of what is DOW called the 

Jerusalem Church, formerly called Allemangel Church, 

which section of the country was then called " Alle- 
mangel." He was elder of the Allemangel Church 
about 1755 to 1768. The names of his children were 
George Kistler, Jr., who afterwards lived near Kutz- 
town : Jacob Kistler, John Kistler, Samuel Kistler, 



Philip Kistler, and Michael Kistler. Barbara was 
married, first, to a Brobst, and afterwards to Michael 
Mosser, of Lowhill. Dorotea was married to Michael 

Ueinhart, and Elizabeth to a Keller, near Hamburg, 

Pa. 

Samuel Kistler was born I 1754, and died 

April 24, 1822, at the old homestead, where Daniel 

1!. Kistler now lives, and is buried at the -aid .Inn 

salem Church, who, with his first wife, Mary Eliza- 
beth Lad i eh, daughter of Jacob Ladich, who was born 
Nov. l'l\ L761,in Greenwich township, Berks Co., had 

three children, — I'.arbara, who was married to Henry 
Sunday, who died, and is buried at the Dunkels 
Church, near Klincsville; Jacob S. Kistler, who was 
born Oct. 5, 1781, and died Oct. 7, 1849, and is buried 
at the Jerusalem Church; and Samuel Kistler, who 
was born Aug. 12, 1785, and died Sept. 18, 18(i'2, and 
is buried at the Hbcnezcr Church at New Tripoli. 
And with his second wife, Catharine Brobst, he bad 
the following-named children, to wit: John S. Kistler, 
who died, and is buried at the Jerusalem Church; 
Michael Kistler, who moved to Ohio, where he 
Christian Kistler, wdio died, and is buried at the 
Ebenezer Church at New Tripoli ; Daniel S. Kistler, 
who died in West 1'eun, Schuylkill Co., and is buried 
there; David Kistler, who is still alive, and is re- 
siding in West l'enn township, Schuylkill Co.; Jesse 
Kistler had moved to Ohio and died there; Charles 
Kistler had also moved to the State of Ohio, in the 
neighborhood of Warren, and is still living; Levi 
Kistler, who was the youngest son and child, was 
born July 8,1811, and died Feb. 9, 1884, and is buried 
at the Jacob's Church at Jacksonville, in Lynn town- 
ship. Maria Elizabeth Kistler was married to Jacob 
Snyder, who moved to Ohio and died there; Cath- 
erine was married to George Weida, and died at an 
early age in Lowhill township; Salome was married 
to Jacob Mosser (the tannerj, and died at Allentown; 
and Magdalena was married to Solomon Mosser, who 
died, and was buried at the Jerusalem or Lynuville 
Church. The above-named Samuel Kistler was the 
owner of large tracts of lands. He had at the time of 
his death, in ISl'l', a tract of five hundred and ninety -six 
acres one hundred and ten perches of land, all adjoin- 
ing, in Kistler's Valley. Besides that he owned a tract 

of land near .New Tripoli, on which he had built an ex- 
pensive stone grist-mill, saw-mill, etc., and had also 
owned the tract on which now Parry Kistler re- 
sides, where he first started out. lie was favorably 
known as a leading man in the upper part of the 
county. 

Jacob S. Kistler was born in Lynn township, at the 

place where now Parry Kistler resides; was a tanner 

upation, and had two farms in Kistler's Valley, 

which together contained nearly four hundred acres 

of land. He held the office of the peace, 

and served otherwise iii the affairs of the township. 

He was first married to a daughter of Wilhelin J.Carl, 
with whom he had two sons, — John, who was born 



3112 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Aug. 21, 1802, and who died Jan. 27, 1862; and 
Jacob, who died in or about the year 1836. Are both 
buried at the Jerusalem Church. His second wife 
was Catharine, and his third wife Anna Barbara, 
daughters of Henry Bausch. Jacob S. Kistler had 
no children by the second wife, and the following are 
by the third wife. She was born June 25, 1790, and 
died Nov. 19, 1867. Nathan Kistler was born April 6, 
1811, and died Sept. 11, 1878; Stephen Kistler, born 
Dec. 26, 1817, died March 13, 1874; David J. Kistler, 
born Jan. 1, 1826, died Oct. 15, 1880 (all buried at the 
Jerusalem Church) ; Reuben Kistler, born March 8, 
1816, is still alive, and is residiug at Louisville, Ky. ; 
Jonas J. Kistler and Charles Kistler are both living, 
and reside in Kistler's Valley, Lynn township; 
Salome, who was born Feb. 17, 1810, and married to 
John Hermany, died Jan. 27, 1851, and is buried at 
the Jacob's Church at Jacksonville ; Mary, who was 
born Oct. 4, 1812, and who was married to Elias 
Wertman, died Sept. 21, 1875, near Yates City, 111., 
is buried at French Grove, Peoria Co., 111. ; Lydia, 
who was married to Daniel Long, died Aug. 9, 1854, 
aged thirty-tour years, at Ringgold, Schuylkill Co., 
and is buried there ; Catharine, who is living yet, and 
who is now the widow of Reuben Buck, resides near 
Jacksonville, Pa., and Elizabeth at Saegersville, Pa.; 
Anna Fenah is married to Charles Lenhart, and re- 
sides near the Corner Church, in Albany township, 
Berks Co. ; and Helenah, who was the second wife of 
Daniel Long (deceased), is now a widow, and resides 
near Atchison, Kan., and Samuel J. Kistler at Saegers- 
ville, Pa. 

Philip, son of George, settled on the Billman land, 
in Kistler Valley, and died there. He left nine chil- 
dren — Jacob, John, Ferdinand, Philip, Jonathan, 
Barbara, Maria, Catharine, and Elizabeth. Jacob 
located where the Kistler tannery now is, and died 
there, leaving a large family. He married Marie 
Bear. Mrs. Philip Fetherolf is a daughter. 

John, known as the hatter, married Sally Markle, 
settled nn the Billman place, where his father had 
lived. He learned the trade of a hatter, and carried 
on the business. He left two sons — Benjamin, of 
Allentown, and David, of Iowa — and three daugh- 
ters. Judith became the wife of Jacob Kistler. 
Ferdinand moved beyond the mountains, and had 
two sons,— Adam and Isaac. Philip settled near 
Orangeville, Columbia Co.; Jonathan in Schuylkill 
County. Barbara married Jacob Wannemacher, and 
settled near Lynnport, in Lynn township. Maria 
married Tobias Wehr; settled beyond the Blue 
Mountains; later married Jacob Fetterolf. Catha- 
rine became the wife of Daniel Wannemacher; set- 
tled near Lynnport. Elizabeth married Peter Green- 
walt, and lived in Lynn township. 

Michael Kistler, son of George, removed to Ohio 
from Lynn township. He had seven children, — John, 
Michael, Joseph, Nathan, Monroe, Salome, and Judith. 
These all remained in Ohio. 



Jacob, son of George, settled at the old home- 
stead. He had eight children, — Philip, Jacob, 
Daniel, Michael, Solomon, Catharine, Magdalena. 

Philip settled in Kistler Valley. He married 
Maria Freece. Rev. Samuel K. Brobst is a grandson. 

Jacob lived at Le van's Tannery. He left Louisa 
(Mrs. Elias Hartman), Polly (Mrs. Joseph Sechler), of 
Indiana. 

Daniel settled near Catawissa. 

Michael was the tanner in Kistler Valley, and lived 
there many years, carrying on the business. His son 
Stephen was born here, and learned the trade with 
his father, and later went to Catawissa seven years; 
returned home, worked the tannery with his father, 
and after a few years he went to Lehighton, where he 
was in 1841. There ten years, and moved to Tan- 
nersville, Monroe Co., and purchased a tannery prop- 
erty. From this time he enlarged his business, build- 
ing and buying tanneries at Stroudsburg, Great Bend, 
Bartonsville, Fennersville, etc., and established a head- 
quarters in New York. His sons later became inter- 
ested with him. He died in 1880, at Stroudsburg. 
The business is conducted under the same name. 

Other sons were Parry, Jacob, Joel. 

Dr. Willoughby K. Kistler, of Germansville, is a 
son of Jacob. 

Solomon Kistler, son of Jacob, moved to Ohio. 

Catharine married Jacob Baily, and also emigrated 
to Ohio. 

Magdalena married Jacob Bear, and lived at Jere- 
miah Fusselman's, in Lynn township. 

Henry Baush, who came at the age of eighteen 
years from Germany, by the way of Amsterdam, to 
this country, and who was married to Anna Margaret 
Greenwalt, a daughter of Jacob Greenwalt, Sr., set- 
tled east of Peter Miller, on Switzer Creek, and had 
the following-named children : Jacob Baush, Henry 
Baush, John Baush (Henry and John had moved to 
Columbia County, and died there), George Baush, 
Maria Baush, who was married to Peter Snyder, and 
settled near Bath ; Anna Elizabeth married Henry 
Snyder, and afterwards to a Mr. Gray, and both died 
near Bath, Pa. ; Dora was married to Nicholas Bach- 
man, Catharine and Anna Barbara to said Jacob 
S. Kistler. 

Jacob Baush settled on the homestead ; had one 
daughter, who married, remained at home, and died 
there. Henry and John moved to Columbia County, 
Pa. George married Peter Miller's sister, and settled 
on homestead. His sons, Joseph and Stephen, live on 
the place, and David, another son, lives near. 

In 1781, Laurence and Paul Bachman were assessed 
on property in the township. Nicholas also was of 
the family. The tract on which they settled is partly 
owned by Owen Elwyn, near Switzer Creek. 

Paul's sons were David, Daniel, and Nicholas. 
They mostly emigrated to Ohio. 

The sons of Nicholas were Paul, Peter, Nicholas, 
Daniel, Jacob, and Jonathan. They settled for a 



LYNN TOWNS II IP. 



303 



time on the land of their father, and later Paul and ; 
Peter emigrated to Ohio. Nicholas lived and died 
on the homestead, as did also his son John, whose 
sons, Levi and .Jonas, now reside on the farm. 

Daniel, son of Nicholas, settled near Lynnville, 
whrie he died. His sons, Jonas, Peter, and Nathan, 
reside in the township. Jacob and Jonathan, sons of 
Nicholas, after a i'cw years of mature life on the home 
farm, settled in Mahoning township. Carbon Co., Pa. 

Bernardt Folweiler emigrated to this county fr 

Switzerland, as one of the early settlers, and before 
17S1 purchased about one hundred acres of land, now 
owned by Edwin Schitz. He left two sons, Ferdi- 
nand and Daniel, and Susan (Mrs. John Brobst), 
She became a widow, married a man by the name of 
Taylor, moved to Ohio, and died there. 

Ferdinand settled on the farm of the father. Ee 
was born Feb. 17, 1765, died April 1, 1844, aged 
seventy-nine years. He was a captain in the State 
militia, and at the time of the Whiskey Insurrection 
he called his men together and urged them to go with 
him ; they refused, and he went to Lancaster, and 
went on without them. The agitation at the time 
was intense, and public opinion was quite equally 
divided. Upon the return, Ferdinand and his 
brothers were antagonistic in politics, Federalist and 
Democrat, and always remained so. 

He had a large family of children, — Daniel, Henry, 

Ferdinand, Jonas, Israel, Anna, Maria (Mrs. 

Grover), Catharine (Mrs. Eckerode), Magdalena 
(Mrs. Daniel Brobst), Susanna (Mrs. Henry Brobst), 
Leah (Mrs. Eckerode), Rachel (Mrs. Adam Lynn). 
The daughters all emigrated to Ohio. 

Daniel moved to Schuylkill County, and Henry, 
Ferdinand, Jonas, and Israel settled in this township 
and died here. 

Daniel, son of Bernardt Folweiler, was born Oct. 2, 
1769, died Feb. 14, 1847, aged seventy-seven years. 
He married Marie Dorothea Leazer, daughter of 
Frederick Leazer, and settled on the land of his 
father-in-law below Jacksonville. He died there 
and left children, — Daniel, born 1793, died Dec. 23, 
1878, aged eighty-three; John, now living at eighty- 
five years on the old Leazer farm ; David, born 1807, 
now living at Lynnport, aged seventy-seven years ; 
Jesse, living in the township at seventy-two years of 
age; Magdalena, born Jan. 26, 1792, married Henry 
Lutz, and is still living in the township with her 
daughter, Mrs. Jeremiah Fusselman; Elizabeth, born 
1802, married Henry Creitz, and now lives at Jack- 
sonville; Maria, born 1789, died July 20, 1865 (she 
married John Folk ; they moved to Ohio, where he i- 
living at the age of ninety years) ; Esther, born 1809, 
married Adam Kresslcy, lived in the township, she 
died about twenty-five years ago. 

Daniel, the eldest, lived on the old Leazer farm 
and died there. His family are scattered. Two of 
his sons, Charles and Levi, live in Tamaqua; Jesse, 
'.eldest, lives in Lynn township, at Steinville. 



David Folweiler, Esq., of Lynnport, has in his pos- 
session a deed lor land that was located on the A 11c- 
mangel Creek, a branch of the Schuylkill, and sold 
to Joseph Gibson in 1750. The acknowledgment 

was made before Benj in Franklin, one of the 

justices of the peace of the city of Philadelphia. 

On the 14th of October, 1749, Jacob Leazer took 
out a warrant for one hundred and fifteen acres of 
land. In 1781, Frederick Lea/er owned a tract of 
land now owned by his descendants. He was in the 

Revolution, and was engaged as a i ister, having 

his own team. He hauled lie hell from Independ- 
ence Hall, in Philadelphia, to Lancaster, when the 
British were threatening the city. The hubs of two 
of the wheels are in possession of Jesse Folweiler, a 

descendant, who resides near Jacksonville. Frederick 
Leazer had three children, — Daniel, who served in the 
war of 1812, ami resided on the homestead; Anna 
Maria, who married the Rev. Miller; and Maria 
Dorothea, who became the wife of Daniel Folweiler. 
Mrs. Folweiler used to relate that she could remem- 
ber when the Indians had their tents near her father's 
house, where she used to play with the Indian chil- 
dren. 

The families of Daniel Leazer and Daniel Fol- 
weiler were numerous, and the Leazer tract is still in 
their possession. 

In the Kistler Valley, Jacob Bill man took up a war- 
rant for land in 1766 and 1772, having lived there 
several years earlier. The story is current in the town- 
ship that in the early times the Indians were in the 
habit of coming over the Blue Mountains and selling 
their baskets from house to house. The Billmans at 
one time set the dogs upon them. Some time after 
that the Billman family were aroused in the night by 
the Indians, and the whole family, with the exception 
of Mr. Billman, were murdered. No one else in the 
neighborhood was molested. They then crossed the 
mountains. John Kistler, the hatter, settled upon 
the tract which came to him from his father, Philip. 
The farm is now owned by Deitrich. 

The land at the mill and tannery of Mosserville 
was first warranted by John Much, Aug. 13, 1746, 
and was in two tracts, — one of forty-three acres, the 
other of thirty-nine. On the 2d of May, 1763, one of 
these tracts was sold to Philip Mosser, who also 
bought the other tract six years later, April 27, 1769, 
Philip Mosser came from ( loshenhoppen when a 
young man, and settled at this [dace, and from time 
to time added to his lands'. 

A Sebastian Mosser took out a warrant for land in 
1750. Whether this was a brother of Philip i- nol 
known. It was surveyed to Philip in 1810. 

The sons of Philip Mosser were John, Philip, 
Jacob, and David. With the exception of David, 
the sons all removed to Centre County, in this State, 
where they now pass by the name of Musser. 

A daughter id' Philip Muster married Michael 
Ohl, Jr., of Heidelberg, and settled in Schuylkill 



304 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



County, where he owned a large tract of land, and 
was extensively engaged in milling. 

David Mosser married Catharine Oswald, of the 
township. They Bettled here permanently; on the 
25th of April. 1798, David buying the farm of his 
father, who lived with them till his death, in 1817. 
Philip Mosser had built a log grist-mill on the Attel- 
lana (or Maiden) Creek, which in 1*17 was rebuilt 
by David. This mill, with additions and repairs, is 
still in use. David Mosser died in 1832, aged sixty- 
five years. His wife survived him, and died in 1857, 
aged eighty-one years. In February, 1838, the prop- 
erty was divided, .John taking the tannery and Joseph 
the grist- and saw-mill. 

Mrs. Mosser used to relate to her children that she 
remembered when (in 1794) two companies of New 
Jersey soldiers, on their return from the western 
part of the State, where they had been to assist in 
putting down the Whiskey Insurrection, tired and 
hungry, encamped on the farms of Philip Mosser, 
Jacob Oswald, and Peter Hunsicker. The ovens at 
these farm-houses were brought into requisition, and 
Mrs. Mosser was actively engaged in baking for the 
soldiers, who stood around anxiously waiting for the 
bread to bake. After their hunger was appeased and 
they were rested, they went on their way. 

David and Catharine Mosser had eleven children, 
of whom were John, Jacob, Elizabeth (Mrs. Christian 
Kistler), William, Magdalena (Mrs. Daniel Kistler), 
Lydia (Mrs. William Kaul), Joseph, Catharine (Mrs. 
Joshua Sieberling), Esther (Mrs. Stephen Kistler), 
Sally (Mrs. James Sieberling), and David O. Mosser. 

John was a farmer, and carried on a tannery that 
bad been established in a small way previously. He 
conducted for this region an extensive business. 
David J. and John, his sons, continued the tannery. 
They also have a store at the tannery. John, the 
father, died in 1857. A post-office was established at 
the place in 1865. 

Jacob was a tanner, worked here a few years, mar- 
ried Salome Kistler, moved to Trexlertown, and es- 
tablished a tannery at that place. Later he moved to 
Allentown and purchased a tannery on the Little Le- 
high, which is now conducted by his grandson, William 
Mosser. James K. Mosser, a son of Jacob, established 
with others the tannery at East Allentown, ami also 
one at Williamsport. Charles, another son of Jacob, 
came into possession of the tannery in Trexlertown, 
which he still owns. 

William was a miller, and moved to near Steins- 
ville in Berks County. 

Joseph settled on the home-place, and still resides 
upon it. His sons are William F. Mosser, of Allen- 
town, and Lewis F., who conducts the farm and mill. 

David 0. was ten years of age when his father died. 
He studied medicine in New York, and after gradua- 
tion settled in Breinigsvillc, where he died in 1861, 
aged thirty-nine years. 

Berkhardt Mosser, a cousin of Philip Mosser, who 



came to the township in 1709, settled about tin- same 
time on the farm now owned by Jacob Mosser, Jr., 
his great-grandson. He started a store at the place in 
1784, which was continued by his son, Jacob. 

George Philip Wertman came from Berks County 
to this township, and on the loth of December, 1749, 
took out on a warrant one hundred and ninety-seven 
acres of land, and on the 8th of August, 17o0, took up 
one hundred and twenty-three acres. These tracts 
were where Daniel Wertman, his great-grandson, now 
lives, near the foot of the Blue Mountain. He had 
sons, of whom Michael took up forty-two acres, April 
27,1768. Other sons were George Philip, John Mar- 
tin, Jacob, and Simon. George Philip went to Nova 
Scotia in 1799. John Martin and Simon moved to 
Schuylkill County. Jacob married and settled on the 
homestead farm. He died in 1819 and left four sons, 
— Andrew, Philip, Jacob, and Daniel, — and five 
daughters. Jacob and Daniel moved to Northum- 
berland County. Andrew and Philip kept the home- 
stead. Daniel, the son of Andrew, occupies a part. 
The family of Philip are scattered from the home- 
stead. The farm is now owned by Joseph and Henry 
Weber, sons of Jonathan. 

The Kreutz (or Creitz) family emigrated from Nas- 
sau to Switzerland about 1680, and, in 1735, John 
Adam Creitz emigrated to this country with his fam- 
ily, and settled in that part of Allemangel that lies in 
Albany, Berks Co., where now Jeremiah Behly re- 
sides. He died there, and left children, of whom 
were John Adam, Christian, Samuel, and Daniel. 
The sons, with the exception of John Adam, emi- 
grated to the West. John Adam Creitz, Sr., took up 
a tract of land of one hundred and fifty-four acres, 
near Lynnport, now owned by John Braucher, on the 
19th day of December, 1768. On this tract John 
Adam Creitz, Jr., settled. He married a daughter 
of Ritter, an early settler. He died in 1812, and 
left six children, of whom Henry, Isaac, and Samuel 
settled in the township. Henry married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Daniel Folweiler, and located on the 
farm where William Lory resides, near Jacksonville. 
Daniel H. Creitz, living in Shochora Valley, is a son. 
He was justice of the peace from 1860-68, a member 
of the Legislature iu the term of 1868-69-70. He was 
actively interested in the introduction of the railroad 
through the township. He resides on the old Baer 
farm, which is now well stocked with choice fruit. 
Henry F., a son of Henry, is in the regular army, 
stationed at Fort Clark, Texas. William F., another 
son, is in Portland, Oregon. Lewis F. and Samuel F. 
are iu Iowa. Isaac, a son of John Adam, and brother 
of Henry, settled in Jacksonville, and died in Ta- 
maqua. Samuel, also a son of John Adam, settled at 
Wannemacher, and died in 1833. 

George Custard, a German, came to the township 
after 1781, and purchased land now owned by Peter 
Bachman. He was horn April 25, 1750, and died 
May 11, 1813. His wife, Anna Maria, died in 1841, 



LYNN TOWNSHIP. 



305 



aged eighty-one years. They had no children, and 
half of their property was left to the Evangelical 
Association, of which they were members. Services 
were held at their house. 

On the 19th of June. 17f>2, George Oswald took oul 
a warrant tor one hundred and ninety-nine acres of 

land in the territory that soon after beca Lynn 

township. One Daniel Oswald, on the 27th of April, 
L768, took up seventy-live acres, and on May 11, 176"!), 
one-hundred and forty-two acres, in the township. 

In 17S1 the names of Daniel and Jacob Oswald 
appear in the assessment-roll. In 1812, Daniel Jacob, 
Sr., Daniel, Jr., John, Sr., and John, Jr., appear. 
Jacob Oswald, Sr., lived on the farm now owned by 
Lewis F. Wertman. He was an assessor in 1798, when 
the Fries rebellion was at its height, and in the trial 
was called as a witness. lie had two .mis Daniel 
and Jacob : both settled in the township. The family 
is still represented. 

Of the daughters Anna Maria married Fred- 

crici. They settled in Columbia County, ami raised 
a family of children, who, after their parents' death, 
returned to this county. 

The other daughter became the wife of John Neft". 

John Weiss, who was a prominent man in the 
township and a member of the Legislature from 
Northampton County before Lehigh was erected, is 
said to have been brought to the township by some 
unknown family, and left here to the care of the 
people. The date is not known. He came into pos- 
session of land before 1781, and lived on the farm 
now owned by Owen Weida. He left three sons, 
Henry, John, and Daniel, and two daughters, who 
became Mrs. Conrad Opp and Mrs. Jacob llolben. 

Christian Miller emigrated to this country from 
Switzerland, and came to this township partly by the 
Warrior's Path, which crossed the Lehigh River at 
Slatington. On the 20th of April, 1749, be took up 
a tract of land of thirty-one acres; March 23, 1750, 
seventy-two acres; and April 7, 17ii7, one hundred 
and five acres : and. later, other tracts. He was born 
June 25, 1706, and died July 14, 1785, aged seventy- 
nine years. He had two sous, — Andrew, who died in 
is 17, aged seventy-three years, and Christian; the 
latter was born in 1741, married Maria But/.. He died 
in 1778, aged thirty -seven years, and left John, 
Christian, Daniel, and Peter. John first settled at 
the old place and later moved over the Blue Mount- 
ains. Christian settled at Schwartz Dam on the 
Lehigh River. Daniel emigrated to the West. Petei 
was horn Jan. 19, 1772, married Maria Magdalena 
Bachman in March, 1793, and settled on the home- 
stead farm, where he conducted and commenced the 
manufacture of the tall clocks that are so well and 
widely known throughout this county. He died Aug. 
22, 1855, aged eighty-three years, and left three sons, 
— Jonas, George, and Peter. Jonas married Salome, 
daughter of Jacob Baush, and settled on part of the 
old tract and died there. His descendants arc in the 
20 



county. George also settled on part of the tract and 
lefl descendants. Peter also settled on part of the 
tract. His daughter became the wife of Samuel J. 
K'istler, Est]., of Heidelberg, with whom he now 
resides. 

On the 11th of October, 1765, Ji b Snyder took 

up a tract of one hundred and twelve acres of land, 
and in 1781 Henry and Daniel Snyder were assessed 
im real estate. In 1812, the names of Peter, Henry, 
Jacob, John, George, William, and Samuel Snyder 
were on the assessment roll. The family are still in 
the township. 

Rex's Mill. — This was probably the earliest mill 
in Lehigh County, north and west of the Lehigh 
.Mountains. It was situated on Switzer Creek, in 
Lynn township, near the boundary line of Weissen- 
berg, the dam being in Weissenberg. It was about a 
quarter of a mile below where Greenwald's mill now 
is. Rex's mill was built of logs, ami was already an 
old mill that had probably stood lor half a century in 
1790 when Greenwald's mill was built. In 1790 and 
thereabout, Rex's mill was doing a large business, 
and Mr. Greenwald asked .Mr. Rex to sell it to him, 
but the latter refused, and then Mr. Greenwald built 
a mill just above it. Hex's mill was used to make 
flour and chaff; also for hulling millet, which was at 
that time much used for pap, being considered an 
extra dish ; and for breaking and cleaning hemp, and 
for bruising hemp-seed. The place wdiere the mill 
was is still visible, although it has been torn down 
for many years. Such a place has its history, but 
who can trace it? When the sturdy farmers came 
from five, ten, to fifteen miles to mill, having a bag 
of grain on a horse, and sitting on top of it, often 
passing through woods for miles, without roads, but 
only paths, with Indians and wild beasts lurking 
about on each side. 

JUSTICES OF Tilt: PEACE 





uenced. 
April 14, 1M<< 

11, is III 

1 

15, 1846 
" 

".i 

In, i. ... 

I,, i 
" 10,1860 
" e 


Commenced. 
David Follv/eiler ...April it, 1869 
Daniel u Creitz.... " 1 

Alvin F. Creitz " 1 1 1868 


Peter Snyder 


David Follweiler... " 

Alvin"P. Creitz " 16 1873 


David IToHweiler, 


w II Ham r Kraun March 1 :, 1st:. 


William M. BUstler 

w ill i M. Kistler 


William F. Krause. 



Schools. — The history of the Lutheran and ( lerman 
Ri formed Churches id' the township includes the ac- 
count of the early educational institutions. The first 
action of the people of the township, except in con- 
nection with the churches, was at what in 1812 was 
called Saegersville, later New Tripoli. A society 
was formed in that year for the erection of an Eng- 
lish school-house, in which all instruction was to be 
in English. Daniel Saeger was the most influential 
in the movement. The school-house was built on 



1 I'ri.tr In ls4o the justices having jnrlsdlctioD over this territory were 
elected in diatrict, una their nume.n will be (band in the civil list of the 
general history. 



306 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



what later in the town plot were lots 70-71, each 
sixty-six feet wide on Decatur Street, and one hun- 
dred and seventy-seven and a half feet deep. It was 
called the Saegersville English school-house, and 
school was regularly kept there from that time till the 
township accepted the school law. A copy of the 
rules and regulations is here given : 

" Rules and Regulations of Saegersville English School Society. 
At in Election held at t lie House of George Try lie, Innkeeper, on (lie 
twenty-seventh Day of March, a.i>. IMl', Jacob Hosser & Daniel Sanger, 
Esq., were Duly Elected a committee to establish Rules and Regulations, 
as follows, to «it: 

"1st. That there shal 1 be five Trustees and One Treasurer Chosen an- 
nually by ballot, and the Elections to be held on the second Saturday 
of April at the School-Koom, and the said Trustees and tbe successors 
shall ]<•■ elected in manner and form as is hereinafter Described, to have 
the name & title ' Saegersville English School Society.' 

w 2d. That the said Trustees, after each annual election, shall elect 
from among their own members a President and Secretary, and in all 
cases Two-Thirds of the Trustees shall constitute a quorum to transact 
any business. 

" 3d, That all elections to be held in Pursuance of this Rule Shall be 
conducted by two members of the society, who shall be appointed in- 
spectors at the same time & Place where the Trustees are to be elected 
as af 'ordered by tbe Electors then assembled, and the inspectors so 
chosen shall appoint one suitable person as a clerk. 

"4th. That the Secretary of the Society shall make out and furnish 
the Inspectors of every election with a fair, true, and correct list of all 
members of the said Society & the number of shares set opposite their 
Respective names. 

"5th. That in all elections to be held in pursuance of these Rules, 
every person of the age of twenty-one years who has subscribed for any 
number of shares in Said Stock of Said society, shall be entitled to a 
vote for each and every Respective Share. 

"6th. That in case any vacancy happens by Death, resignation, re- 
moval, or otherwise, a majority of the Tins tees assembled shall appoint 
special election for supplying such vacancies, and every special election 
shall be held and Conducted as is directed for the annual Election, and 
the Persons so legally chosen shall hold said office for the remainder of 
the time in whose place he was elected. 

u 7th. That it shall be the Duty of the Trustees yearly and every 
year to gel a School-Master who is by them judged competent for Busi- 
ness, and agree with him for his salary for Three months, to commence 
from the first day of December, or as near that time as conveniently 
may be, and defray the said salary. Each subscriber of the said Eng- 
lish School Society shall pay quarterly the sum of two Dollars, and every 
month if not amounts to a quarter the sum of eighty cents, and every 
non-subscriber shall pay quarterly the sum of three Dollars, & every 
month if not amounts to a quarter, the sum of one Dollar & twenty 
cents; and if it should happen that it would not be money enough to 
pay said salary, and no money in the Treasury, then every Subscriber 
Shall pay his proportionable part according to the number of shares 
subscribed, ,V if money left, then to remain in the Treasury for any use 
the said Trustees shall direct. 

"8th. That after the said quarterly school is expired, and any number 
of said subscribers is Desirous of having School for any time before tbe 
then next quarterly school, they shall apply to the Trustees, who shall 
grant them Leave for any time for getting a School-Master competent 
for Business to have a school at said School-house at the expense of the 
Company applying for said school. 

"9th. That in case the Teacher or employees should think themselves 
aggrieved, they are to make known their complaint to anyone of the 
Trustees, who can at any lime call a meeting of tbe Board of Directors 
in :iil cases. 

"loth. That the Trustees take particular Notice that Sufficiency of 
wood be provided for the stove during the quarterly school mentioned 
in the 7th article, for the comfort of the Teacher and Scholars, 

"11th. That tbe said Trustees & their successors shall be impowered 
to keep the school-house & appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belong- 
ing, all in good order and Ki-pair, and to Draw the Money from tbe 
Treasury of said society found to defray the expenses of all warrants or 
orders on the Treasury which shall be signed by the President of the 
Society. 
"12th. That the present Trustees and their Successors Bhall permit 



and suffer all Persons of Lawful age who shall offer to subscribe in their 

own name or the name of any other person who shall Duly authorize 
the same for any number of Shares in tbe Stock of said Society, and the 
Shares in Saul Stock shall be Ten Dollars each, and that each and every 
subscriber shall have and to hold the several and respective shares for 
which subscribed foi themselves, their Heirs, or Assigns, & the warrants 
or titles for said shares or Share shall be signed by the President of Said 
Society. 

" 13th, That a boob to be kept by the Trustees and their proceedings 
i ecoi fled (herein. 

" In witness whereof we, the said Committee, have hereunto set our 
hands the twentyetb Day of August, in the Year of our Lord oue 
Thousand Eight Hundred and Twelve. 

"Jacob Moser. 
" Dan. Saf,<;er." 

A paper was circulated, a copy of which is here 

given : 

" We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do promise to pay to the 
managers or trustees of the Saegersville English School Society the sum 
of Ten Dollars for every share of stock in 6aid society or company I 
opposite to our respective names, in such manner and proportion, and at 
such time as shall be determined by tbe Trustees of the said society, 
and tbe said sums of money to be applied for the use of the aforesaid 
English school, as witness our hand this 20th day of August, a.d. 1812. 

Names of Number 

Subscribers. of Shares. 

Jacob Moser 2 $20 

Daniel Saeger 2 20 

Ilenrv Mantz. 2 20 

George Tryne 2 20 

Burckhardt Moser 2 20 

Christian Holben 2 20 

John Kishler 2 20 

John S.ttler 2 20 

George Sittler 2 20 

David Moser 2 20 

Samuel Ely, Jr 2 20" 

On the 2d of April, 1813, an election was held at 
the school- house, and the following persons were 
elected trustees: David Mosser, George Sittler, John 
Sittler, George Tryne, and Henry Mantz. These 
trustees chose George Tryne president, and Henry 
Mantz secretary. 

From the old minutes from which the above facts 
arc derived it is learned that the school-house cost 
£85 3s. 5}d 

Teachers were employed, and the school was well 
conducted until 1838. Robert M. Blair was the last 
of the teachers under the old system. 

This school-house at New Tripoli (Saegersville 
English school-house) was occupied until the town- 
ship accepted the school law in 1838. At that time 
there were in the township three hundred and 
seventy-five persons liable to taxation for school pur- 
poses ; $242.78 was received from the State for schools. 
Jesse Hermany was chosen president of the board of 
school directors, J. S. Kistler secretary, and Daniel 
Brobst treasurer. Slowly under the new law schools 
began to be kept, log and frame houses were erected. 
In 1855 there were thirteen in the township, and 
there were six hundred and four pupils. 

There are at present (1884) fifteen schools in the 
township, as follows : 

Jacksonville. — At this place was erected about 1839- 
40 a log house, which was used until the present brick 
house was erected about 1856. 

Federal. — The present house, the first at the place, 
was built of brick in I860. 



LYNN TOWNSHIP. 



307 



I'minot. — The present house, built of stone, was 
erected about 1S45. 

Sleinville. — About 1862 a school was started in a 
room rented in Odd-Fellows' Hall, which is still 

Used. 

New IHpoli. — The old Saegersville school-house 
was in use by the board of directors from 1838 till 
1857, when the present two-story brick edifice was 
erected. 

other douses are at Lieby's, Fen.stermacher's, Sny- 
der's, Baush's, Lynnville, Weaver's, two at Lynnport, 
Camp's, Kistler's, and Jacob Kistler's. 

New Tripoli. — The land on which this village is 
located was prior to 1811 part of the farm of Henry 
Mantz, who, on the 29th of July, in that year, sold 
the water-privilege of the Antalaunee Creek to Daniel 
Saeger. He built the stone grist-mill soon after, and 
a stone house in which he kept a store. In 1812 a few 
people had gathered near there, and the place took the 
name of Saegersville, and in 1812 a society was formed 
to erect a school-house in which the English language 
and English studies should be taught. A full account 
of the school will be found in the history of the 
schools of the township. 

Soon after the establishment of the school, Daniel 
Saeger, who was a brother of Nicholas and Jacob 
Saeger, late of Allentown (deceased), moved to Allen- 
town, and he and Jacob then built the flour-mill, now 
of Pretz, Weinsheimer & Co. He soon afterward sold 
the same to Dr. John Romig's father. After that 
Daniel Saeger lived on the farm where the Allentown 
Furnace is situated, and afterward bought a farm on 
Cedar Creek, near the Lehigh Poor-House. After he 
had resided there several years, he then (about 1822 1 
moved to Crawford County, Pa., to the place now 
called Saegerstown, which town he laid out and 
named. In 1836 he was a member of the Constitu- 
ti'inal Convention, and soon after he had returned 
from said convention he died. 

Daniel Saeger sold the mill property and store to 
Samuel Ely, Jr., on the 11th of March, 1813. He was 
a miller, and kept the mill, store, and tavern. The 
tavern has a stone in its wall with "1771" engraved 
upon it. In 1816, Samuel Ely, Jr., proprietor of the 
place, engaged James Price, surveyor, to lay out lots, 
streets, and alleys, which was done in July, 1816, and 
named " New Tripoli,'' in honor of the success of the 
United States navy at Tripoli, and on the 28th of July 
the lots were offered for public sale at the house of 
Samuel Ely, Jr. The first one was bought by Peter 
Haas, No. 31, for twenty-one dollars, fronting on 
Wayne Street. 

The streets and alleys running north and south 
were named Washington Street. Apple Alley, Frank- 
lin Street, Mantz Street, Butchers' Alley, Madison 
Street, Market Alley, and Water Street. The streets 
and alleys running east and west were called Pump- 
kin Street, Egg Alley, Bridge Street, Farmers' Alley, 
Jefferson Street, Brewers' Alley, Perry Street, Jack- 



son Alley, Wayne Street, Cherry Alley, .Market Street, 
Hucksters' Alley, Decatur Street, Merchant Street, 
and Drovers' Alley, from No. 1 to 284 regularly- 
numbered lots are laid out. 

The following is a list of names of men who bought 
lots at New Tripoli in 1X16-17 : 

Peter Haas, Nos. 31, 42, 13, 64, 65, 81, 82. 

Christian Kuntz, No. 115. 

Jacob Fenstermacher, Nos. 10, 14, 61, 62, 72-77. 

Abraham Smith, Nos. 39, 10, 80, 87. 

John Straub, Jr., Nos. 31, 67, 68. 

John Schoenberger,#Jo. 88 

Henry Weaver, Nos. 89, 90, 91. 

Jacob Schmeck, Nos. 10, 13. 

Philip Everett, No. 86. 

Isaac Miller, No. 85. 

Henry Rubrecht, Nos. 83, 129, K0. 

John Schmeck, Nos. 11, 12. 

Andrew Kunkel, No. 20. 

Andrew Straub, Nos. 66, 125, 126. 

George Lock, Nos. 29, 30. 

Henry Meyer, No. 103. 

John Settler, No. 102. 

Michael Krum, No. 116. 

John Kresley, No. 131. 

Solomon Kistler, Nos. 118, 119. 

Abraham Miller, No. 63. 

Jaeob Linn, Nos. 13::, 134. 

John Reitz, Nos. 127, 128. 

Daniel Marburger, No. 115. 

George Tryne, No. 48. 

Daniel Shaeffer, No. 16. 

Christian Biery, Nos. 7, 8, 15-18. 

William Wuchter, No. 132. 

John Bier, No. 9. 

John Mantz, No. 69. 

Henry Falmer, of Bucks County, Nos. 32-38. 

Adam Heckman, No. 43. 

Diedrich Hiesler, Nos. 44-47. 

Daniel O'Daniel, Nos. 17, 122. 

Andrew Krause, No. 49. 

Andrew Shifferstine, No. 50. 

Samuel Marx, No. 21. 

Daniel Koch. Nos. 18, 109. 

[saac Frober, No. 37. 

1 bury Rossman, of Berks County, Nos. 19, 36, 39-42, 
til. 62, 63, 67,68, 73, 74, 79, 80. 

Solomon Hartman, Nos. 14, 12.", 124. 

Samuel Ely, Nos. 4-6, 64. 

Conrad Hartman, No. 78. 

Jacob Moyer, Nos. II, 1 ■>. 

John Kistler, No. 54. 

Daniel Kern, Nos. 100, 101. 

.Morris Aneona. No. 66. 

Jacob Hillegas, No. 157. 

Maria Hiller, Nos. 120, 121. 

Jacob Grim, No. 22. 

John Derr, No. 70. 

Conrad German, Nos. 52, 105. 



308 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Daniel Dorward, Nos. 104, 167. 

John Mohr, Nos. 58, 59, 99. 

At the time of this sale Samuel Ely, Jr., kept the 
hotel, and Daniel Saeger the store. He (Saeger) soon 
after moved to Allentown, and Peter Haas moved 
from Lynnville to New Tripoli, and purchased the 
store. In the year 1819, Samuel Camp, who had 
married Esther Tryne, daughter of George Tryne, 
came to town and entered the store of Peter Haas, 
and in a few years became a partner. Later, tin- in- 
terest of Mr. Haas was purchased by Mr. Camp, who 
carried on a prosperous busine* many years, anil sold 
the store to his son Edwin, who continued the busi- 
ness till 1866, when he sold to James & W. P. Krum, 
who carried on the business for a year, when W. P. 
Krum sold to James Krum, who continued till April, 
1868, when he sold to Jonas German, in whose pos- 
session the store and hotel now are, he having built a 
new store and hotel building at the corner of Madison 
and Decatur Streets. 

The post-office was established at New Tripoli in 
1823, and Samuel Camp was the postmaster, and re- 
mained many years. He was succeeded by Silas 
Camp and Edwin Camp, and in 1866, James Krum 
was appointed, and served till 1869, when Jonas Ger- 
man became postmaster, and served till 1872. W. F. 
Krause succeeded to the position, and served ten 
years, and in 1882, Elias K. Giltner, the present in- 
cumbent, was appointed. 

Samuel Camp, who came to the place in 1819, mar- 
ried Esther, the daughter of George Tryne, who lived 
mar here. Mr. Camp was a member of Legislature 
in 1862. His son, Silas, was recorder of Lehigh 
County from 1868 to 1874, and now resides in Allen- 
town. Edwin, who was in business in New Tripoli 
for several years, resides in Tannersville. Franklin, 
another son, resides in New Tripoli. 

The mill property was owned by Mr. Ely from 
1813 to Dec. 12, 1820, when it was conveyed to Henry 
Weber, who, in September of the next year, sold it 
to Jacob Grim. He continued the business till his 
death, in 1833, when it was sold by his executor to 
Jonathan Shoemaker, Feb. 26, 1834. It passed, in 
1838, to George Blank, in 1839 to George Blook, in 
1843 to Thomas Tryne. The property is now owned 
by Reuben Sherman, having been purchased of Joseph 
Ricker in 1867. 

W. H. Krause, in 1858, came to New Tripoli, and 
entered the store of Samuel Camp, and later became 
landlord, merchant, postmaster, and justice of the 
peace. He is now engaged in grain, coal, and lum- 
ber, and also interested in slate-quarries near the 
village. 

The Ebenezer Church.'— This church is also known 
by the name of the Lynn Township Church, and in 
earlier times was called the " Orgel Kirche," or 
" Organ Church," being the only church in that 



region which had an organ. The church stands at 
New Tripoli, in Lynn tow T uship. The limits of the 
congregation extended to the Blue Mountains on the 
north, to the limits of the Heidelberg congregation 
on the east, to those of the Jacksonville on the west, 
and to those of the Weissenberg on the south. The 
jurisdiction of the church comprises a territory lying 
between the Blue Mountains and the Sehochary 
Mountain, three or four miles in width, with low 
hills and short valleys, from which the Antalaunee, 
and, more toward the east, the west branch of the 
Jordan arise. The church has always been a " union" 
church, although it takes its origin properly from 
the Reformed. 

The settlement was made by a portion of the Alle- 
niangel colony ; tt.was the northern, as the Weissen- 
berg settlement was the eastern, limit of that colony. 
While Kistler's Valley was settled properly by Alle- 
maugel immigrants, principally of the Lutheran faith, 
those of the Reformed Church settled here more par- 
ticularly. The slopes of the Schochary were occupied 
before Kistler's Valley was settled. The earliest 
pioneers were Christian Weber, Georg Ludwig Schiit, 
Heinrich Oswald, Philipp Gabriel Fogel (Vogel) 
with his two sons, Conrath and Johannes, the latter 
of whom moved back with the remainder of the 
family and founded Fogelsville ; Valentine Schnider, 
Jacob Lynn, and others, all of whom came hereabout 
1735. They were all Palatines, Swiss, and Huguenots. 
Soon others followed, and moved farther into the 
valley, and quickly took possession of the good tracts, 
especially those along the sides of the Antalaunee, 
where there were excellent woods and fine meadows 
inviting the settlers. The following heads of families 
generally pass for the first settlers, but of these many 
came later, and some may even belong to the succeed- 
ing generation : 

Peter Scholl. Philipp Mosser. 

Peter Beisel. Philipp Wertmann. 

Malhias Schiit/,. Philipp Antoni. 

Wilhelm Mayer. Martin Schuck. 

Heinrich Widerstein. Dietrich Sittler. 

Bernhard Schneider. Melchior DUer. 

Aaron Hartell. Jacoli Mauz. 

Jacoh Hoffman. Joseph Holder. 

Jacoh Lynn. Erhard Zeisloff. 

Christian Mullet Jacob Griinewald. 

Joseph Gerber. Michael Fenstermacher. 



Johannes Schmidt. 
Burkbard Mosser. 
Michael Buck. 
Michael Hattinger. 
Peter Kirsehtier. 
Stephen Gross. 

A ttialiarn Schellhamme] . 

Philipp Schnin 

Martin Grentler. 
Sylvester Holben. 
M ichael Habbes. 
Adam Brentz. 
Georg Brenner. 



Jacoh Oswald. 
Heinrich Hauss. 
Conrath Billmann. 
Johann Adam Kressly. 
AndreaB Straub. 
Thomas Eveiitt. 
Heinrich Kiiliig. 
Georg Kietler. 
Abraham Offenbach. 
Adam Arudt. 
Jacoh Donatt. 
Friederich Hess. 



I By the Rev. W. A. Helffrich, 



The foundation of the congregation dates from about 
the year 1740. Where the road from Lynnville to the 
Blue Mountain crosses the Antalaunee there stands, 



LYNN TOWNSHIP. 



:;n9 



8 couple of hundred paces on the other side of the 
creek and on this side of Kistler's mill, an old weath- 
erboarded log house, in which for many years Peter 
Snyder, Esq., of Lynn, resided. This old house wit- 
nessed the origin and beginning of the Ebenezer 
Church. About the beginning of the decade between 
1740 and 1750 it was the residence of Peter Scholl, 
one of the prominent and most active of the founders 
of the church. The settlement contained ai that time 
a very talented teacher by the name of Andrew 
Steiger, who kept the winter school. In response to 
the' solicitations of his neighbors he held the first 
divine service, with reading of sermons, prayer, and 
praise. The house in which Peter Scholl lived being 
the most appropriate for the purpose in the vicinity, 
these services were held in it until after the church 
building was erected. It was also the place of 
refuge in the time of the Indian troubles for the 
neighbors when threatened with danger. The walls 
under the weatherboarding, as we were informed by 
Squire Snyder, are pierced with loophole- for protec- 
tion of those within. It was at the same time a store, 
which was kept by Scholl, who transported the ne- 
cessaries of life from Philadelphia and sold them to 
his neighbors. 

About the year 1745 the neighborhood agreed to 
build a church. The construction languished, how- 
ever, for fifteen years. All that was done was the ex- 
tending of invitations to Revs. Philipp J. Michael 
and Melchior Muhlenberg to preach and to found 
the church. Both of these pastors preached here 
once, and then apparently delivered the further 
charge of the congregation to the schoolmaster. 

In 17(30 the congregation purchased from Jacob 
Hoffman the piece of ground which still forms its 
church ami school lands. It lie.- near Scholl's house, 
above referred to. The brethren who accomplished 
the purchase were : Peter Scholl, Bernhard Schneider, 
Aaron Hartel, Jacob Hoffmann, Peter Beisel, Hein- 
rich Widerstein, Philipp Wertmann, Philipp Mosser, 
Dietrich Sittler, Martin Schuck, Jacob Lynn, and 
Jacob Oswald. 

In the year 1761 the building was erected. The 
building had been planned as early as 1750, hut the 
Indians, who had a village in the vicinity, becori 
troublesome and burning down more than one-half of 
the dwellings of the settlers, the construction was 
postponed from year to year until they believed them- 
selves safe from further attacks of the savages. The 
building here, as everywhere else, was of logs ; there 

was neither Mooring nor any side-boarding. An ordi- 
nary table served for the altar, the pulpit was con- 
structed of rough boards, and a small organ (from 
which the church became known as the Orgel Kirche, 
or Organ Church) stood on one side. Where thi^ came 
from or who brought it there DO one can tell. Bi ■■ 
Michael, and one of Rev. Muhlenberg's assistants — 
undoubtedly Rev. Schellhardt — dedicated the church. 
No community suffered more during the Indian 



wars than this one. They occupied the extreme 
bound8 of the settlement- of the whites, and before 
the Indians could attack those farther in they must 
first overcome these. Here, therefore, the massacres 
and the burnings began. Right through the middle 
of the settlements ran one of the principal Indian 
path-, leading to the southern regions. Conflagra- 
tions were a common occurrence in Lynn, and fre- 
quently the entire population fled to the settlement 
lying farther south. Upon the southern slope of the 
Schochary Mountain, above Lynnville, in a small 
hollow on the left hand side of the present road, 
dwelt the Zeisloff family, wdto were overtaken in 
their flight by the Indians, ami butchered without 
mercy. And yet nearly all the settlers returned and 
erected their log houses again, and strove anew to 
maintain possession of the ground. The old fathers 
used to relate that every night they would place the 
loaded guns and their well-sharpened axes within easy 
reach from their bed, not knowing when they might 
be attacked by the savages. 

There are few communities which have remained so 
entirely secluded from public intercourse during the 
whole of the last century down to the middle of the 
present as this one of Lynn. This accounts also for 
the preservation of the ancient customs and ways in 
their primitive simplicity. It accounts, likewise, for 
their want of advance or development. This is the 
case in worldly as well as church ly affairs. Even now 
along the sides of the Blue Mountains can be found 
dwellings whose construction dates back to the earliest 
times. The ground naturally is more suited to agri- 
culture than farther south, .and that upon the Weissen- 
berg and Lowhill hills; but the conveyance of lime 
to Lynn used to be a difficult matter, and so frequently 
remained undone, and the crops, consequently, became 
poorer than in the country farther south. But since 
the construction of the Berks County Railroad an un- 
usually rapid advance has been made; the harvests 
testify to the use of lime, and new residences and 
immense Swiss barns have everywhere been erected; 
and the people enjoy prosperity and wealth. Espe- 
cially is this the case since the slate quarries of Lynn 
have been bringing their excellent products to the 
notice of the public markets. 

The church records begin with the year 17ti4. The 
old writings concerning the first church are entirely 
wanting; and many family histories, containing 
lunts of the first settlements and their early cir- 
cumstances, were destroyed by fire during the Indian 
wars. 

Between 1790 and 1800 the congregation owned a 
parsonage in common with the Jacobs' and the 
Bethel congregation^. 

The community early erected a school-house, and 
for the most part had able preachers. 

The Second Church was built in the year 1798. A 

m bad almost entirely destroyed the old building. 

The organ, too, lay in ruins land, bj the way, did not) 



310 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



reappear in the following building). A new building 
was a necessity, and the work of construction was 
willingly undertaken. The consistory resolved to 
erect a two-story church upon the site of the old. 
In the course of the year it was constructed. This 
church was also built of logs, but had galleries and 
all the conveniences of those times. The dedica- 
tory services were held by Rev. Johannes Roth, the 
Reformed minister, and Daniel Lehmann, the Lu- 
theran. 

Concerning the construction of the Third Church, 
there are complete records ;it hand. The congrega- 
tion adopted a new constitution, founded upon the 
former contracts made between the Reformed and 
Lutheran members, under which constitution they 
resolved to maintain the church — a union one — as it 
had been originated by their fathers. This constitu- 
tion answers its purposes better than that of any of 
the neighboring churches. The corner stone was laid 
on the 16th of May, 1824, and the services of the day 
were conducted by the pastors of the church, Revs. 
Johannes Helffrich and Daring and Wartman, as- 
sisted by Rev. Johann Gobrecht, of Whitehall, and 
Conrath Yaeger, of Hanover, who were present by 
invitation. The teacher of the school at this time 
was Jacob Salem. 

The members subscribed towards the building the 
sum of $2433.53 ; the cost of erecting the church was 
$2425.04. The church was dedicated in the fall of 
the same year. The building still stands, firm and 
sound. It is of stone, and is more beautifully fin- 
ished, and provided with more conveniences than any 
other in the neighborhood. 

The consistory at the time of building the Third 
Church were as follows : On the Reformed side, 
Philipp Ebert, elder ; Jacob Oswald, trustee ; Daniel 
Oswald, Abraham Fenstermacher, Peter Mayer, Jo- 
hann Miller, deacons ; Philipp Ebert, and Jacob Fen- 
stermacher, building committee. On the Lutheran 
side : Jacob Mosser, elder ; David Mosser, trustee ; 
George Trein, Heinrich Straub, Jacob Kistler, George 
Bausch, deacons ; Jacob Mosser and George Trein, 
building committee. The work of George Fusselman, 
the carpenter, and of Peter Neff, the mason, puts to 
shame that of many of the artisans of the present 
day. 

A new organ was built under contract by Charles 
Heinzelman during the summer of 1850. It was 
dedicated on Saturday and Sunday, the 19th and 20th 
days of October, with services conducted by Revs. 
Johannes Helffrich, William A. Helffrich, J. S. Dubs, 
and Jeremiah Schindel. The Lutheran pastor, Rev. 
Zacharias Peter Oberfeld, was drowned on the 2d of 
September preceding in the great flood at Tamaqua, 
where he lived. The teacher at the time was Fred- 
erick Schmidt. 

Some years after the building of the organ, in 1853, 
a new Swiss barn was erected upon the church lands, 

Frederick Schmidt, who had served the congrega- 



tion well and faithfully as a schoolmaster and organist 
for many years, had also brought the church lands 
— which had always lain neglected — by his industry 
to a fine state of cultivation. The old barn being 
about to fall into ruin, and there being no room for 
storing the products of the soil, the new barn was put 
up. Schmidt was a man in every sense of the word ; 
he was not only a well-educated school-teacher from 
Germany, devoting himself with his whole heart to 
his calling, but was also faithful and honest without 
wavering. 

The old school-house which was first occupied by 
Jacob Salem, another capable teacher, was of stone, 
and stood several feet farther within the meadow 
than the present one. It had one story, with a hall 
running through the middle. On the left was the 
school-room, on the right a room used as a living 
and sleeping-room, and another small room used as 
a kitchen. The children slept in the loft where the 
snow was often blown in, and lay in heaps upon 
their beds in the morning. But the old ways have 
disappeared even here. The congregation built a 
new dwelling-house recently appropriate to the times. 
Here the old teacher, worn out by his manifold labors, 
spent with his spouse, a worthy German matron, and 
surrounded by their children, the declining years of 
his life in peace. Friederich Schmidt died in April, 
1876, and was interred on the 27th of the month, 
with services held by Revs. William A. Helffrich 
and H. S. Fegeley, the pastors of the church, in the 
cemetery of the congregation, whither his wife had 
already a short time before preceded him. His son, 
Theodore, became his successor. 

At the same time with this house a two story brick 
school-house, with two rooms — one for the school, the 
other for the congregation — was also erected. 

The old God's-acre had been filled and enlarged, 
and filled again, and a cemetery was therefore laid 
out upon a regular plan and interments begun. 

The Reformed preachers of the church were : 

1. Philipp Jacob Michael. He was elected in 1760, 
and preached till 1770. Before his time there was a 
reader here by the name of Andreas Steiger, who 
also remained for some time after Rev. Michael came, 
but must soon afterwards have died or moved away. 
There is also mention made of a certain Peter Miller, 
likewise a reader, who came about this time to Heidel- 
berg and the surrounding country, and is yet spoken 
of in Lynn. Rev. Michael is the same minister who 
preached in the Ziegel Church. 

2. Peter Miller, formerly a reader, was afterwards 
accepted as pastor. He did not serve for a long time. 
He died here, and his remains rest in the old ceme- 
tery. 

3. Heinrich Hentzel, commonly called Herzel, who 
was also only a reader, but preached in several of the 
churches of this neighborhood. How long he labored 
here cannot now be told. 

4. Johannes Roth, also a man who, without being 



LYNN TOWNSHIP. 



311 



educated, elevated himself to the ministry, and was 
accepted as minister by the congregation, because no 
other was to be bail. Both Hentzel and Roth bad 
made application to the Synod for ordination, but 
were both rejected on account of their unfitness. 
None of these four were ordained, nor did they ac- 
knowledge any higher churehly authority. They 
undertook the office like a trade. The worthiest of 
the four was Michael ; but he was not fully qualified 
for the ministry. Roth lies buried at Jacob's Church. 
He was buried beneath the altar, but it is said the 
new church docs not occupy the same location as the 
old. 

5. J. Friederich van der Slat, a minister belonging 
to the old Synod, was called by the congregation, but 
be preached only occasionally. Yet with this the con- 
gregation were well satisfied : they would sooner have 
none than incompetent preachers. 

6. Johann Heinrich Helfl'rich, who served from 
1804 to 1810, when be died. He brought the congre- 
gation into subjection to the Synod. 

7. Heinrich Diefenbach, from 1810 to 1816. 

8. Johannes Helffrich, from 1845 to L852. He had 
his son, William A. Helffrich, as assistant. 

9. William A. Helffrich, from 1815 to 1867. 

10. E. J. Fogel in t lie last-named year was appointed 
his assistant, who, however, served the congregation 
alone till 1874, from which year till 1879, Rev. Wil- 
liam A. Helffrich again served as the pastor. 

11. Nevin A. Helffrich was in the latter year ap- 
pointed bis assistant. 

The Lutheran ministers were f 1 ) Melehior Muhlen- 
berg, and bis assistants preached occasionally; (2) 
Hermann Jacob Scbellhardt; (3) Daniel Lehman; 
t Friederich Gaisenheimer; (5) Johannes Knoske; 
(6) G. F. J. Yeager; (7) Daring and Wartmann ; (8) 
Jeremias Schindel ; (9) Peter Z. Oberfeld ; ( 10) August 
Bauer; (111 W. Siegelin; (12) Owen Leopold; (13) 
S. B. Klein ; 1 14) Zuber; (15) H. S. Fegeley. 

Steinsville.' — The land on which Steinsville was 
originally located was granted to Michael Stein by 
warrant about the year 1756. After the Steins, J. L. 
Brobst possessed the hotel and store until the year 
1878, when it was conveyed to Dr. J. D. Graver. It 
is occupied by Joseph Rose. 

Steinsville at present includes the property of 
Jacob Miller, which was by warrant granted to him 
about the year 1760, conveyed to Philip Wanne- 
macher in 1701, and in 1812 to Christian Wanne- 
rnacher, who began to improve the same in 1825. He 
built a grist-mill at the Antalaunee stream, which 
with the farm was conveyed to bis son, Daniel Wan- 
nemacber, in 1840, who rebuilt the mill in 1866. Iti 
1874 the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad was cut 
through the property, and the Steinsville depot was 
located upon it. Soon after that year a hotel was 
built near the depot by Benjamin Swan, a stone 



r.v in .i n i 



building erected by William ETusselman, -team saw- 
mill by Jerry Clingman, and a foundry by Klotz & 
Billig, and a marble-yard by Milton Kergner. In 

1878 the Wannemacher farm was conveyed to Dr. 
D. S. Shade, and the mill property to Wellington B. 
Griessamer, and in 1.SS1 Henneville Lutz became the 
owner of the mill ami occupies it at present. 

The village of Steinsville i> situated in the north- 
western part of the county, one mile south from the 
foot of the Blue Mountains, and one-fourth of a mile 
north of the Antalaunee Creek, on the Schuylkill and 
Lehigh Railroad. It was founded by John Stein in 
1810, a son of Michael Stein, who emigrated to this 
country from Germany. The Stein family consisted 
of eight -on- and one (laughter. The father being a 
man of industry, decided to provide homes for bis 
children in the West, and traveled as early as 1825 | ( , 
the Scioto, at Circleville, Pickaway Co.. Ohio, and 
secured land for all his children, anil afterwards 
one by one, from the oldest to the youngest, all 
moved to their Western homes, and finally the father, 
after the decease of his wife, followed his children as 
late as 1847. Dr. Joseph Soliday came to Steinsville, 
footing his way from Sumneytown, Pa., in 1826, and 
settled down to practice medicine. After being in 
practice several years, he became wedded to the 
daughter of John Stein. He was engaged in con- 
tinuous practice until 1856, when he removed to Cir- 
cleville, Ohio, with his family, consisting of lour sous 
and one daughter. Two of his sons are physicians. 
and two practice dentistry. In the year 1818 a young 
German Reformed minister, Rev. John Zulick, came 
on foot from Philadelphia, and began to preach not 
only at Steinsville but also to congregations across 
the Blue Mountains, in Albany, Berks Co., and Jack- 
sonville. He was fond of travel on horseback, and 
followed his calling in that style until he died in 
1874. He was married to Rebecca Hermany, a 
daughter of Philip Hermany, of Jacksonville, and 
was blessed with seven daughters and one son, John, 
who was prepared in 1S55 to take upon himself bis 
father's labors, when he was taken with consumption 
and died. The homes of both the clergyman and 
doctor are at present in the same state as they left 
them, the former being occupied at present by two of 
bis daughters. The hotel and store building, built 
by John Stein in 1832, is a spacious brick structure. 
The carriage-factory is operated by its founders, Ely 
& Waidelich. It was established in 1852. Dr. 1'. S. 
Shade was the successor to Dr. Soliday in 1856, and 
is at present following bis practice, in connection 
with his partner, whom he took in with himself in 
1870, viz., Dr. J. D. Graver. In 1860 several people 
of Steinsville and vicinity obtained a charter and 
organized The Steinsville Hall Association for re- 
ligious, society, ami educational purposes, and in L861 
erected a fine brick building, where from that time to 
the present tin Independent Order of Odd-Fello 
have helil their lodge meetings. Religious services 



312 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



are held, and a good school is open for children and 
the more advanced scholars. In the fall of 1881 a 
few men in the village and surrounding country 
started a creamery to manufacture butter and chi 
which has proved a success and is highly appreciated. 
The country immediately surrounding Steinsville is 
productive and healthy. Slate was first discovered 
here by three brothers, — John, Michael, and Samuel 
K. Lutz, — sons of Samuel J. Lutz, in 1851, and quar- 
ries were opened and first operated by Foulk, Daniel. 
and William Roberts. No especial interest was mani- 
fested in the slate industry until in the year 1869 a 
storm uprooted a willow-tree on lands of Samuel F. 
Lutz, which unearthed a slate-bed that was after- 
wards quarried and is now owned and operated ex- 
tensively by George W. Griessamer. In 1874 the 
Berks and Lehigh Quarry was opened by Mosser, 
Krumm & Roberts, and is at present operated by 
Lutz & Keever. In 1876 the Centennial was opened 
on lands of Charles Foust. In 1880 the Standard 
was opened by a foreign party on the same tract, and 
in 1882 the Quaker City Quarries on lands of Wil- 
loughby and Charles Lutz. 

The Steinsville post-office was established in 1858. 

Jacksonville. — The land on which this hamlet is 
located was in 1781 owned by Daniel Hamm, who 
resided where William Long now lives. He gave 
the laud for the church aud churchyard. It lies on 
a ridge of land north from the Antalaunee Creek, iu 
the direction of the Blue Mountains, and on the line 
of the Berks County Railroad. The first house was 
built there about 1820 by Martin Baer, and was later 
purchased by John Hermany, who made additions to 
the house, and opened a hotel and store. A post-office 
was established about 1845, with Zachariah Long as 
postmaster. His successors have been John Oswald 
and Jacob Oswald, John Hermany, E. F. Lutz, and 
the present incumbent, John Fohveiler. The hotel 
and store is now conducted by E. F. Lutz. The store 
was tor a time owned by Uriah Long. 

Jacob's Church. 1 — This church stands in Jackson- 
ville, Lynn township. It is a Union Church, held in 
common by the members of the Reformed and of the 
Lutheran faith, as is generally the case iu churches 
in Eastern Pennsylvania. The first settlement of 
this region took place about the same time as that of 
Allemangcl. The same throng of settlers which came 
from Oley and Goshenhoppen, and originated the Zie- 
gel, Allemangel,Weissenberg, and Ebenezer Churches, 
also caused the beginning of this congregation. The 
beautiful tracts of land bordering on the Antalaunee 
attracted these wanderers, and soon the valleys and 
hills were dotted with their small log huts. These set- 
tlements were made between 1730 and 1740. 

Among the first settlers were the following fami- 
lies: Vol lweiler, Oswalds, Wannemacher, Corell, Lutz, 
Tittell, Hamm, Koenig, Probst, Franz, Mosser, Baer, 

i Bj Rev. \\ A. Helffrfch. 



Nungesser, Sechler, Everett, Friess, Stumpf, Miller, 
De Long, Krietz, Klingemann, Fussellman, Reitz, 
Straub, .Knos, Wietzel, Lanenberger, Gerhard, Wit- 
terstein, Hess, Billman, and others. 

About the year 1750 the first church was built, and 
with it a school-house. The dedication of this little 
log church, which stood on the spot now occupied 
by the third church, was held by the Revs. Philip J. 
Michael and H. J. Schellhardt, who were also chosen 
the first pastors. 

No church records were kept in the early times. 
It was only about the year 1774 that the first church 
book was kept, and the first baptismal records were 
entered by the Rev. Conrad Steiner, Jr., who at that 
time was the minister here. Probably a church book 
was kept before that year, but was no doubt destroyed 
by fire during the Indian troubles. The want of these 
records leaves us very much in doubt as to the early 
history of this congregation. 

The second church building was erected about the 
year 1808. The corner-stone was laid, and the church 
dedicated according to the customs of both faiths. 
At the same time a constitution was adopted, which 
was changed and extended in the year 1854. 

The third building was constructed in the year 
1864. It is of brick, surmounted with a tower and 
bell, and is a beautiful building, suitable to these 
times. 

In the course of time the old log school-house was 
remodeled in the year 1780, and in later years, after 
the construction of the new church, a new school- 
house of brick was erected. This was dedicated on 
the 9th and 10th days of October, 1858. 

The members of the Reformed faith of this church 
owned in earlier times a parsonage in conjunction 
with three other congregations. About the year 
1812 this house with the surrounding land was sold. 

The Reformed ministers were Rev. Philip J. Mi- 
chael, followed by the Rev. Peter Miller, who was 
the regular preacher of the Ebenezer Church. Heiu- 
rich Hertzel (Hentzel) also preached here for a time. 

Then came Roth. None of these preachers 

had been admitted to ordination. The congregation 
could not obtain the services of any minister from the 
Synod, and the congregation preferred having these 
rather than none. Johannes Roth was followed by 
Rev. Conrad Steiner, Jr., who was a preacher from 
the Synod, and served here from 1774 up to the close 
of 1777. He began the church records, which are 
still in existence. Rev. C. Steiner was called by sev- 
eral other congregations, and Peter Roth was again 
elected because the Synod would not send a minister. 
In the beginning of the present century Henry Dief- 
fenbach came to this church, being sent by the Synod. 
He was followed, about the year 1816, by the Rev. 
John Zulich, and served till some time later. Rev. 
J. M. Bach man became his successor, and he is the 
present pastor. 

The Lutheran ministers were Rev. Herman J. 



LYNX TOWNSHIP. 



313 



Schellhardt, Daniel Lehmann, Frederick Geissen- 

hainer, Johannes Knoske, G. F. J. Yaeger, Flias B. 
Kramlich, Owen Leopold, F. Zuber, S. S. Klein, H. 
S. Fegley. 

Lynnville. — The first person to build on the site of 
Lynnville was Valentine Stull, in the year 1806. He 
opened a store, which he carried on for many years. 
He had no children, but adopted a nephew of his wife, 
named Peter Haas, who carried on the business alter 
hi- uncle's decline. He (Haas) was elected to the 
Legislature several terms, also served as associate 
judge for some years. John Sieberling built a house 
in 1807, and opened it to the public. He was the 
landlord aud proprietor of the Lynnville Hotel lip 
to April, 1846, when his son James became possessor 
by purchase. The post-office at Lynnville was estab- 
lished in July, 1820, and John Sieberling made post- 
master. He continued as such up to his death in I De- 
cember, 1875. He died at the age of ninety-two years. 
and served as postmaster fifty-five years. Solomon W. 
Bachman is the present postmaster. 

The hotel is now the property of Dr. F. C. Si< bei 
ling. 

The village at present contains a hotel, school-house, 
post-office, store, harness and blacksmith-shops, and 
six dwellings. 

The elections of the township were held at this place 
for many years till 1879. At what is known as Green- 
wait's, on the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad, a store 
was opened about 1850, and kept for a short time by 
Henry Nell. 

St. Peter's Church. 1 — This church stands upon an 
elevation along the Sieberlingsville road, south of 
Lynnville, and is in Lynn township. This is also a 
Union Church for Lutherans and Reformed. The 
church was founded in the year 1857, members of the 
Weissenberg, Lowhill, Lynntown, and Jerusalem 
communions uniting in forming a new congregation 
here. 

The corner-stone was laid on the 30th of August, 
1857, on which occasion appropriate services were 
held by Rev. W. A. Helffrich, the Reformed min- 
ister, and Rev. Siegli, the Lutheran minister. 

On Whit-Sunday the 23d and Whit-Monday the 
24th days of May, 1858, the building was dedicated to 
the service of < rod. Sermons were preached by Revs. 
J. Derr, Jeremiah Schindel, and William A. Helffrich. 

Lynnport. — .Manns Wannemacher was the orig- 
inal owner of the land on which Lynnport is situated. 
He lived in a house that Stood near the railroad depot 
by the spring. Michael Everett, about the year 1814, 
erected a part of what is now the hotel, in which he 
lived, and opened a store for the use of the people 
roundabout. Levi Kistler, Feb. 8, 1843, opened a 
tavern in the building. David and William Kistler 
kept the store at the time. Lewis H. Oswald, the 
present proprietor, came to the place in April, 1- 



' By Rev. W. A. Helffrich. 



and keeps hotel and -lore and post-office, the latter 
having been established under l,e\ i Kistler. In addi- 
tion to the hotel, pi and store, there are two 
school-houses, depot of Schuylkill and Lehigh Rail- 
road, a slate quarry, and about forty dwellings. 

Slate quarries were opened near Lynnport first about 
1844, by James M. Porter, McDowell, and Da 
Jones, and the same who opened Slatington. David 
Folweiler was the superintendent. They have been 
worked more or less from that time. 

A mantel factory was started by Anthony l)onnon, 
of Philadelphia, in 1860, and continued by Henry F. 
Martin. It is carried on by Jesse B. Keim, of Phila- 
delphia. 

Laurel Hill Mantel Factory was established in 1880 
by Alvin F. Creitz, Moses K. Jacob, and Charles K. 
Henry, who sold to Potter & McHose, who are now 
running it. 

Stein's Corner is situated in the southeast corner 
of the township. The land on which it is located 
was formerly owned by the Grims. About 1855 
Simon Lcntz erected a hotel and was the landlord 
from that time till 1865. 

About 1875 a post-office was established with Joshua 
Weida as postmaster, who kept it till his death, when 
he was succeeded by William Seaman, wdio retained 
the position till 1884, when William Stein, the present 
postmaster, was appointed. 

About 1874 William Stein opened a store, and now 
has charge of the hotel, store, and post-office. 

Oswaldsville, now called Raber's Coiners, was 
started about 1860, at which time Jonas Oswald, who 
owned a farm at the locality, built a hotel and store, 
which were kept by him for five or six years. A post- 
office was also established at the place and kept by 
him till 1866, when it was removed to Mosserville. 

New Slatedale contains twelve or fifteen dwell- 
ings and a hotel kept by Joseph L. Lutz. The place 
was started by the opening of slate quarries about 
1854 by Daniel Faulk. Quarries are now worked by 
Lutz & Keever, and Griesemer & Brothers. 

ReitZ.— At the store of Samuel Reitz, nearly in the 
centre of the township, the elections of the township 
have been held since 1879. Prior to that time they 
were held at Lynnville. The old stone house at this 
place was built by Andrew Straub, Jr., in 1817, his 
father, Andrew Straub, Sr., having taken up niuety- 
two acres of land at that place on the 22d of March. 
1800, and transferred it to his son, Andrew, on the 23d 
of May the same year. It later passed to John Ulrieh. 
who in 1849 erected a -tore and kept it for many year-. 
In 1862 Jonas Reitz purchased the property now- 
owned by his son, Samuel. 

An Old Graveyard.— In Kistler's Valley, in Lynn 
township, on the farm of Mr. Jonas J. Kistler (being 
the same farm which was formerly owned by the late 
Rev. Samuel K. Brobst, deceased, grandfather of Philip 
Kistler, deceased^ and Father Jacob Brob«t. deceased . 
exist- a graves aid established by the Moravians overa 



314 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



hundred years ago. The sacred spot is well preserved. 
The first congregation brought into existence in those 
parts was formed by Moravian missionaries from 
Bethlehem, and was called the Allemangel Mora- 
vian Church. Later, Rev. Muhlenberg established 
a church in the same vicinity, and called it the Alle- 
m angel Lutheran Church, now known as Jerusalem. 
The old Moravians' burial-ground is numerously 
dotted with clayed mounds, underneath which repose 
members of the ancient brotherhood from that section. 
Among them a preacher by the name of Wirs or 
Wirz. 

In the old burial-ground at Miller's, near the Baush 
school-house, many old tablets are standing. Some 
of the names and dates are here given: 

Christian Miller, Sr., born June 25, 1706; died July 14, 1785, age sev- 
enty-nine yenr?, nineteen duys. 

Christian Miller, Jr., born Jan. 6, 1741; died Oct. 9, 1778, age thirty- 
seven years, nine months, and three days. 

Maria Elizabeth Hansin, born ^pril 10,1809; died Sept. 18, 1820, age 
eleven years, five months, eight days. 

Anna Elizabeth Miller, 'lied Dec. 16, 1830, age seventy-three years, 
one month, four days. 

Andrea* Miller, died 1817, age seventy-eighl years, three months. 

Salome Miller, wife of Jonas Wilier, daughter of Jacob Bausch, born 
May 20, 1802, nge twenty-five years, i\ m< otbs, fourteen days. 

William F. Miller, sen of Stephen Miller, born June 21, 1854, age 
eight months, twelve days. 

Mary Knbns, wife of John Kuhns, died April 2, 1843, age forty-seven 
years, nine mouths, fifteen days, 

Mary Cathilla, daughter of John Kunhs, died Sept. IS, 1838, age six- 
teen years, eight months, tweuty-eight day-. 

Apolona Ettinger, daughter of Peter Miller, died May 29, 1843, age 
thirty-one years, ten months, threi 

Peter Miller, Sr., bom Jan. 1 "J, 1772, age eighty-three years, seven 
months, three days. 

Maria Magdalena Miller, wife of Peter Miller, born Oct. 20, L770, age 
ninety-three years, seven months, six days. 

David Miller, born Dec. 30, 1829, age twenty-nine years, four days. 

George Miller, born Feb. 10, 1798, age sixty-seven years, three months, 
twenty-five days. 

Maria M. Miller, wife of (ieorge, born Jan. 1, 1805, age sixty-nine 
years, eight months, six day-. 

Anna Maria Custard, wile of George Custard, horn April 15, 1760, age 
eighty-one years, nine months, ten days. 

George Custard, born April 25, 1750, age sixty-three years, sixteen 
days. 

John Kuhns, died Sept. 20, 183U, age forty years, nine days. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP. 1 

Tin; settlement of the territory now known as Upper 
and Lower Macungie township, was commenced about 
the year 1730. Macungie (Mauck-Kuntshy) is an In- 
dian name, and signifies the "eating-place of bears." 
When food became scarce along the mountains, the 
bears would come into the valley for it; hence the 
name. The land was overgrown with scrub-oak, and 
was supposed to be worthless by most of the early 
immigrants, and, as a consequence, many crossed the 

i By Rev. M. J. Kramlich. 






Lehigh Mountain, thence followed an Indian trail in 
the western part of the county to the territory along 
the Blue or Kittatinny Mountain, where they settled. 
As the country they had loft was similar to that in 
the upper end of the county, it was natural for them 
to seel their homes in a land of like character. A 
few, however, settled early in the Macungie Valley, 
which became by the industry of these German set- 
tin-^, the most fertile in Eastern Pennsylvania. The 
surface is generally level, although in some places 
rugged and somewhat broken. 

The first steps towards the formation of a township 
were taken in January, 1742. On Jan. 28, 1742, the 
territory was surveyed by Edward Scull, and contained 
twenty-nine thousand four hundred and forty acres 
of land. A petition was presented to the court of 
Bucks County, signed by Jeremiah Trexler (Drechs- 
ler), Peter Trexler, Henry Sheath, John Eckel, Fred- 
erick Rowey, Peter Walbert, Jr., Philip Schmidt 
(Smies), Joseph Albright (Albrecht), Jacob Wagner, 
Melchior Schmidt, George Steininger, Jacob Moyer 
(Meyer), George Plain, Adam Koch, Casper Moyer, 
Kayde Grim, and Adam Braus, in which they com- 
plained that "they had lived here these many years 
without having a township laid out."' This petition 
was presented to court June 16, 1743, and the territory 
as surveyed erected into a township. In 1743 it con- 
tained six hundred and fifty inhabitants, — more than 
any other district beyond the Lehigh Mountain. The 
fact that the first road from Philadelphia, through the 
territory that now constitutes Montgomery County, 
and through Upper Milford to Jeremiah Trexler's 
tavern, at Trexlertown, was made in 1732, as the 
colonial records show, proves also that the population 
had increased to such an extent that they could press- 
ingly demand a public road to Goshenhoppen, since 
the government was not too ready to open roads un- 
less urgent necessity demanded them. It is a well- 
authenticated fact that the first white inhabitants of 
Macungie township were Jeremiah Trexler and chil- 
dren, who came from Oley, Berks Co., as early as 
1719. and settled at a place on Spring Creek, known 
asSchwart's farm, near Trexlertown. Many of the 
titles to the land along the Little Lehigh Creek, 
which flows into the Lehigh River at Allentown, 
show that this section was one of the earliest settled, 
on account of the water facilities and the fertility of 
the soil, 

Millerstown, now Macungie, became the centre 
around which many emigrants from Wurtemberg and 
French Protestants settled, whose descendants became 
German, and to-day number among the most prosper- 
ous and honored citizens. These brave pioneers came 
to this new country surrounded by unspeakable diffi- 
culties, and made it one of the loveliest spots on earth. 
They had suffered untold misery under the tyranny 
of Europe, and sought here civil and religious liberty 
and equality. 

They had to "earn their bread by the sweat of their 



UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP. 



315 



brows," and tlie present generation can form no cor- 
rect idea of the difficulties they had to encounter and 
the many hardships they were obliged to endure. 
Nor was the education of their children neglected. 
Many brought their teachers witli them, and they -au- 
to it that theirchildren were properly i ducated. The 
German A, B, C book, the Psalter, and the Testa- 
ment, among others, were their text-books. They 
were God-fearing men and women, and made an early 
effort i" establish churches wherever practicable, in 
which they could worship God according to the dic- 
tates of their consciences. 

Early Roads. — The first public road in the town- 
ship from Trexlertown to Goshenhoppen, as already 
mentioned, was laid out in 1732. In .March, 1749, a 
petition was presented to the court of Bucks County 
for "a new road from Wiester's plantation (farm) to 
the place called Jourdan (Jordan), and to Guth's 
mill, thence to the great road called Maconschy 
(Macungie) road." This petition was signed by Peter 
r Drexler , John L ichtenwullner, Heinrich Steininger, 
Jacob Schlanch, Lorenz Schadt, Bernhardt Schmidt, 
Frederick Romich, Heinrich Drexler, Peter Haas, 
and others. The road from Easton to Reading, pass- 
ing along Trexlertown, was not laid out until 1753. 
( )n March 22, 1757, a petition, signed by the inhabit- 
ants of the township and many others, was presented 
to the court of Northampton County, setting forth the 
difficulties they labor under for want of a road from 
" the county line on or near the land now or late of 
Jobst Henry in Macungie aforesaid, and from thence 
the highest and best way to Easton." The court ap- 
pointed as commissioners George Knauss, Lewis 
Klotz, Thomas Armstrong, Jeremiah Trexler, Mel- 
chior Schmidt, and Frederick Romich, to view and 
layout the same. The report of the commissioners 
was submitted to the court, and confirmed June 2, 
1757. 

Constables. — The first constable of whom there is 
any record was John Brandenburg, appointed in 1737. 
Joseph Olbert was appointed constable by the Court 
of Quarter Sessions, held at Easton, in October, L752. 
Adam Braus was appointed Sept. 16, 1755. 

Licenses Granted. — There is no record of a license 
granted to Jeremiah Trexler, who kepi a tavern at 
Trexlertown as early as 1732. Conrad Culp applied 
for a tavern license in 1737, and John Trexler in 1737, 
which appear to be the first licenses granted by the 
Bucks County court. John Bieber received a license 
in September, 1758. At the June session of the 
Northampton County court, in 1759, licenses were 
granted to the following: Michael Henninger, Philip 
Hemel, George Strother, and Samuel Depue; in 1760 
to George Guth and Michael Henninger; in June, 
1786, to Jeremiah Trexler, lVn r Haas, Philip Knauss, 
Joseph Savitz, Henry Schweyer, Christian Hartman, 
At the May term, in 1815, of the Lehigh County court, 
licenses were granted to George Christman, George 
Miller, and Jonathan Diehl, of Millerstown. About 



the year 1818 the court issued I tin, 

< reorge Miller, Peter Wolf, Henry Keck, Peter Hi 
Charles Trexler. and William Haines. 
Description ofthe Present Township. ^Macungie 

township was divided into Upper and Lower Macun- 
gie Maj 3, 1832. The township of Upper Macungie, 
under this division, is bounded on the northeast by 
South Whitehall, on the southi asl bj Lower Macun- 
gie, on the north and northwest by Lowhill and \\ i 
senberg, and on the southwest by Berks County. It 
has an area of twenty-four and one-half square miles, 
or fifteen thousand six hundred and eight] acn -. It 
is densely populated. In 1840 it had a population of 
one thousand seven hundred and sixt\ -nine, and since 
then it has increased to three thousand and twenty- 
three (188o 

The surface is generally level, and the soil is mostly 
limestone, with the exception of a small strip in the 
northern and western portion, which is of slate forma- 
tion. In the eastern part is Chapparal Ridge, which, 
however, is fast losing its character under tin- influ- 
ence of the progressive spirit of its inhabitants. Haas' 
Hill, in the southeastern part, is the highest elevation 
in the township. The soil is carefully cultivated and 
is very productive. Wheat, rye, corn, and oats are 
the staple productions. Iron ore is found in large 
quantities in the vicinity of Breinigsville, Fogelsville, 
and Trexlertown. It is of the different kinds, such as 
rock, pipe, black and red sheen. The Crane and the 
Thomas Iron Companies control most of the lea 
TheCatasauquaand Fogelsville Railroad runs through 
the township, with the Farmington Branch, from 
Trexlertown to Farmington, and the Crane Branch, 
built in 1883, from the main road, starting at a point 
about a mile above Trexlertown. ami extending a dis- 
tance of about three miles to Lichtenwallner & Laros' 
ore-beds. The branches were built chiefly for the 
purpose of conveying the ore to the main mad, and 
thence to the furnaces at Catasauqua and Hokendau- 
qua. 

Numerous creeks drain the land. Among the 
most important is Macungie Creek, which starts 
among the hills in the vicinity of Ziegel's Church, 
flqws in a southeasterly direction toward Trexlertown, 
where it empties into Spring Creek, which flows into 
the Little Lehigh near the Iron Bridge in Lower Ma- 
cungie. The northern portion of the township is 
drained by Haas' Creek, which empties into the Jor- 
dan. Cedar or Schantz's Spring, the source of Cedar 
Creek, is in the southeastern part of the township, 
and "is remarkable for its MretiL'tli and uniformity as 
to quantity of water." Cedar Spring furnishes abund- 
ant power for the mills erected along the stream. This 
spring received its name from the cedar-trees that had 
overgrown the hills surrounding it, which, however, 
have all disappeared. There are three grist-mills, 
two saw-mills, and a tannery in this township. The 
population in 1S80 was three thousand and twenty- 
three. 



316 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



11 -TM ES OF THE PEACE.' 

is-1". David Si hall. I 6 Solomon Fogel. 

Willougliby i i I John Albright. 

5i ball. 1869- i 

tVilloughby Fogel. 1874. Robert H. Fogal. 

D «vi.i Scball. Herman Rupp, 

w illoughbj Fogel 1877. William I'. Roth. 

1855. David Scball. [878. \ D I 

Will.. i. 1879. Robert II Fogel 

1857. William I Lichtenwallner. 1880. William F. Rotb. 

1860. John Albright 1881. Robert B. Spinner. 

1861. Solomon I Peter R. Bear. 
1SC5. Henry Stine, 

Early Settlements. — It is difficult to ascertain the 

mimes of those who lirst took possession of the land, 
as many of the old deeds cannot be found and the 
present owners are unable to furnish data. The 
earliest grant of land of which there appears to be 
any record is that of George Moltz, who received a 
warrant dated Feb. 15, 1734, for seventy acres. 

A warrant, dated Aug. 23, 1735, for a certain tract 
of land situated near Maxatawny, containing two 
hundred acres, with the usual allowance of six acres 
for roads, was granted to Stephen Starlan ; but not 
having complied with the conditions therein specified, 
upon application a warrant for the same tract, dated 
March 14, 1742, was granted to George Haan. John 
Lich ten wall ner, the ancestor of the Lichtenwallners, 
took possession of the tract of two hundred acres, to 
whom a patent of confirmation was issued, dated 
May 4, 1752, for the consideration of thirty-one 
pounds. This tract, together with three other con- 
tiguous tracts, containing in all four hundred and 
thirteen acres and three-quarters, John Lichteuwall- 
ner, the elder, granted unto his son, John, by deed 
dated March 15, 1765, who died intestate in 1796, 
and left real estate amounting to nine hundred and 
fifty-two acres, valued at five thousand and ninety 
pounds, which was equally divided among his ten 
children, — John, George, Peter, Christopher, Jacob, 
Catharine (married to Mathias Leibelsberger), Ann, 
Mary (married to George Schaeffer), Barbara (married 
to Philip Leibelsberger), Margaret, and Magdalena. 

John accepted the two farms lying about half a 
mile west of Fogelsville. Upon his death they passed 
into the hands of his son, John, who bequeathed them 
to his two sons, John H. and William C. Lichten- 
wallner. The homestead of the Lichtenwallner family 
is now in the possession of Peter R. Bear, Esq. Upon 
the death of "William C. Lichtenwallner, his farm 
passed into the hands of his widow and children. 

Mover's land at Fogelsville was among the earliest 
seitled. On Aug. 23, 1735, a warrant was issued to 
John Michael Koontz lor one hundred and fifty acres, 
and surveyed Sept. 6, 173(3; but failing to comply 
with the conditions thereof, "sold and assigned his 
right, if any he had, to Abraham Yeakle, of Macongy," 
who had it surveyed by Edward Scull, Sept. 7, 1736. 



Prloi to 1840 the justices haying jurisdiction over this territory were 
eli . i. .1 in districts, and then- names will be found in the civil lint of the 
i] .il history. 



Yeakle entered upon it and improved it, and sold 
it to Han- Jacob Meyer (Mover), May 10, 1737. 

Another tract of land containing forty-nine acres and 
eighty-lour perches, in pursuance of a warrant dated 
<)ei. 12, 1738, was surveyed to Hans Jacob Meyer, 
Nov. 14, 1739. These two trails Meyer occupied as 
..ne plantation or farm, which he granted to his eldest 
son, Nicholas, by deed dated June 22, 1761. In 1783 
Nicholas Meyer died, and it now became the prop- 
erty of his son, Jacob. Solomon and Daniel Moyer 
inherited the farm from Jacob, their uncle, and since 
the death of Solomon it is in the possession of Daniel 
Mover. Jacob Moyer died in 1852, and is buried in 
a private lot on the farm. 

The farm now in the possession of Levi Kramlich, 
known as Keek's farm, containing one hundred and 
forty-three acres, was warranted April 30, 1740, to 
Balthazer Yeakle. Conrad Keck received a patent 
for it Feb. 21, 1812. Upon his death it passed iuto 
the hands of his son, John, who died in 1X47, when 
his oldest son, Ephraim, purchased the property, and 
sold it the same year to Joseph Miller. 

Richard Hockley, a merchant of Philadelphia, re- 
ceived a warrant dated Feb. 8, 1742, for a tract of 
land containing four hundred acres, situated near 
Fogelsville, now the property of the Mohrs. This 
tract was sold by Richard Hockley to Richard John- 
son, of Germantown, Jan. 11, 1743. William Morry, 
of Upper Saucon, purchased the laud of Johnson in 
1749. After Morn's death his sons, Jacob and Wil- 
liam, became the owners. On Dec. 29, 1760, Herman 
Mohr, the ancestor of the Mohrs, purchased the four- 
hundrcd-acre tract for five hundred and fifty pounds. 
Nicholas and Herman, sons of Herman Mohr, received 
the estate upon the death of their father in 1778, ex- 
cept twenty acres, which he had given to his son, 
John. Herman Mohr had uitie sons, — Nicholas. Her- 
man, Frederick, John, Jacob, Henry, Peter, William, 
and Christopher. Before any division was made of 
the property Nicholas died, and his undivided half 
was bought by his brother, Henry, for fifteen hundred 
pounds. The descendants of Mohr are still in pos- 
session of the property. 

\inong the most prominent men of Upper Macun- 
gic are the Fogels. Philip)) Gabriel Fogel is the 
ancestor of the Fogel family. In 1731 the ship 
"Samuel," with one hundred and seven emigrants, 
landed at, Philadelphia. Among these is found, iu 
the colonial records, the name of Philipp F. Fogel; 
but it should be Philipp Gabriel. The spelling of 
these old German names was terribly mutilated in 
English by the officers at Philadelphia, and so it seems 
Frederick was substituted tor Gabriel. The subject 
of this sketch came from the province llanau, in 
Churhesse, and is one of the first Reformed families 
that settled in Lehigh County. His children were 
born in Germany, and all grown when they and their 
parents emigrated to America. The family lived a 
few years in Bucks County, and migrated with others 



UPPER MACUNG1E TOWNSHIP. 



::r 



in 1784 or 1735, to the territory now included in 
Albany and Lynn townships. Thej settled at the 
Schochary Mountain, near Lynnville. Here they 
owned about five hundred acres of land. The father 
died here, and was buried in the cemetery of the 
Klu'in '.ci ' . 'Imreli, at New Tripoli, of which he was 
one of the founders, lie had four children, — Conrad, 
Johann, Jacob, and a daughter, who was married to 
one Weber, whose descendants still live on a part of 
the original tract of land. Jacob moved to Philadel- 
phia, and later to one of the Southern States. 

I lonrad Fogel was the oldest son of Philip]! Gabriel, 
and brought his family from Europe. He had two 
sons — Johannes and Philipp — and daughters. His 
brother Johannes married Conrad's willow. After 
the death of Conrad, about the time of the Indian 
wars, Johannes Fogel, with his family, moved to Ma- 
cungie. Near the ilia] e oi Fogi Isville a new effort 
was made ami a permanent home established. Here 
he bought several farms from the Schwenkfelders. 
Possession of the land around Fogelsville had been 
taken by these people many years previous. Johannes 
Fogel left three sons — Jacob, Conrad, Heinrich— and 
daughters. The old home remained in possession of 
Conrad's descendants, ami was last owned by Judge 

Willoughby Fogel, and upon his death became the 
property of Jonas Mover. Philipp, the youngest son 
of Conrad, received a tract of land near Breinigsville. 

Johannes Fogel, the oldest son of Conrad, inherited 
the farm now in possession of Hon. John H. Fogel. i 
He was married to Rosina Schaed. They had three 
SOUS- John, Jacob, and Benjamin — and four daugh- 
ters. Their home was noted for its hospitality, and 
the poor were always welcome. John Fogel died 
when he was about sixty years of age, and was buried 
in the cemetery of the Trexlertovvn Church, of which 
he was one of the founders. His son, Jacob, became 
the owner of the farm near Bath, Northampton Co., 
and Benjamin received the farms at Fogelsville. 

Judge John Fogel was born Aug. 12, 1774, and was 
the son of John Fogel. His father was anxious that 
one of his sons should learn the art of dyeing. John 
learned the trade, but this sphere was too narrow for 
him. He sought a larger field. Assisted by bis 
father, he built the hotel in 1798, and founded Fogels- 
ville. He worked at his trade, kept hotel and a store. 
He also superintended his farm, and continued to 
prosper. Later he erected a dwelling on the prop- 
erty, now in the possession of Levi Kramlich, in 
which he resided many years. He served a- justice 
of the peace, and as associate judge of the Lehigh 
County courts, and discharged bis duties with fidelity. 
He was married to Catharine Stealer, and had two 
children, — Solomon Fogel and a daughter, Sal lie, 
married to Jacob Schantz. He died Sept. 7, 1838. 
His remains lie buried in the cemetery of the 
Fogelsville Church, of which he was an active and 
consistent member. 

Solomon Fogel, Esq., was the only son of Judge 



John Fogel, and was bom Feb. II. 1801. Fogelsville 

at thai time had no educational advantages to offer. 

schools in those day- weri pi ially poor 

among the German settlements. Instruction was 

given mostly i: liage. Nothin. 

mained for those people who wanted their children 
educated in English except to send them away from 
home. Solomon was sent to school at Philadelphia, 
where he remained five years. He was especially 

fond of mathematics, and b.i I ne a 

surveyor, but his father overruled his son's inclina- 
tion, and induced him to learn the business of a 
merchant. After returning from school he entered 
as clerk one of the stores at Allentown. During this 
time he and some other young men made an effort to 
establish the lir-t Sunday-school in Lehigh County. 

The churches were averse to what they deemed an 

innovation, but they succeeded in securing the court- 
bouse for the purpose. Here they met several Sun- 
days, but the court-house was also closed to them. 
The Sunday-school was something new, and declared 
a "nuisance." In 182o he was married to Anna 
Stabler, of Upper Milford. He soon entered upon an 
active business career, and opened a general store in 
the building now in the possession of Jonathan Gross, 
which commanded a large trade all over the sur- 
rounding country. Although he was successful at 
first, his inclination led him to other pursuits, lb- 
inherited several farms from his father, but in farm- 
ing he found no pleasure. He was appointed county 
surveyor by the Governor, and afterwards elected to 
the office for successive years. Often prevailed upon 
to give his name for the office of justice of the peace, 
he refused on account of a partial loss of his sense of 
hearing. He yielded, however, at last, was elected 
and commissioned April 30, 1861, re-elected to the 
office in 1866, and held it until his death, which oc- 
curred on Aug. 22, 1868. He died at the age of 
sixty-seven years, six months, and eleven days. He 
had two sons— Rev. E. J. Fogel and I.lewllyn J. 
Fogel — and daughters. His sou, Rev. E. J. Fogel, 
pastor of the Jordan charge, occupies the homestead, 
and hi> widow, now in the seventy-eighth year of her 
age, resides with her youngest daughter, in the house 
adjoining. 

Solomon Fogel was a man of an enterprising spirit. 
lie was one of the fir-t to lake an active part in the 
public work- and enterprises of the county, and bis 
influence was always directed to promote the welfare 
of bis fellow-men. For many years he was a director 
of the old Allentown Bank. He was one of the origi- 
natorsof the Lehigh County almshouse. The public- 
school system found in him one of its earliest and 

strongest advocates. In every enterprise which was 
calculated to benefit the people at large he took an 
active interest. He beaded the 1 i — r of subscribers for 
the construction of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and 
tok special interest in the building of the Catasauqua 
and Fogelsville Railroad, which brought the iron- 



318 



HISTORY OF LKIIICII COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



mines in the township into the market, and made this 
territory one of the richest in the State. This same 
spirit led him to establish new enterprises on his own 
behalf. A steam-mill and foundry, which he erei 
at Fogelsville, was premature and proved unprofit- 
able. This active and noble spirit was manifested no 
It's- in his church relations. The progress of the 
church enlisted his warmest interest. Be was liberal, 
and contributed largely of his means to the different 
objects of the church. When St. John's Church was 
built, in 1835, he was elected treasurer, and made 

himself personally responsible for the payment ot the 
indebtedness arising therefrom. Through his efforts 
an act was passed by the Legislature, Feb. 24, I860, 
incorporating the Fogelsville Male and Female Acad- 
emy, but lor want of proper patronage this school did 

not go into operation. He died as he had lived, in 
the full assurance of a blessed immortality. 

(icii. Benjamin Fogel was born Nov. 8, 1791, at the 
old homestead near Fogelsville. He was married to 
Anna Trexler. They had three sons — William B., 
Willoughby, and John II.— and daughters. He car- 
ried on farming successfully for many years, and re- 
tired to private life in L847, after he had accumulated 
a large fortune. He owned three large farms and 
other property, which, upon his death, passed into 
the hands of his children. He held many positions 
of trust, the duties of which he discharged faithfully. 
Popular among all classes, he wielded a large influ- 
ence in the affairs of the township and county in 
which he lived. Hon. John H. Fogel, his son, who 
was born Oct. 30, 1825, was an officer on the staff of 
Gen. Robert S. Brown, with the rank of major, and 
represented the people of Lehigh County in the Leg- 
islature of Pennsylvania from 1866-69, and so great 
was his popularity that he was again elected to the 
Legislature in 1875 and 1876. He was also instru- 
mental in securiug the charter for a national bank at 
Kutztown, and served as its president for eight years. 
He discharged his duties with fidelity. 

Gen. Benjamin Fogel died March 8, 1869, after a 
few days' illness, at the advanced age of seventy-eight 
years and four months. The Allentown Democrat, in 
an obituary notice, sums up his life and character in 
the following words: " He was a plain, unassuming, 
and exceedingly worthy man, held highly in esteem 
for his correct moral deportment, amiability of dispo- 
sition, honesty of intention, kindness of heart, ever 
ready in the hour of danger and need to administer 
to the wants of his fellow-man, and of sterling integ- 
rity. He served the citizens of Lehigh County as a 
member of the Suae Legislature for three years, and 
also was elected to the office of coroner in 1824, in both 
of which positions his predominant, characteristics as 
a man of honesty, good sense, and unostentatious sin- 
cerity ol thought and purpose, were clearly exempli- 
fied. During his early life lie took an active interest 
and was conspicuously connected with the militia or- 
ganization of our county, and for a term of years held 



the position of brigadier-general. Mr. Fogel was one 
oi the old standards of Democracy, a long-tried and 
valuable friend of the party, entertaining for it warm 
attachment, and always a firm and unflinching worker 
in the cause, believing that the principles of the party 

iest calculated to preserve and Ides, our common 
country. As a companion, he was social, entertaining. 
and instructive." He was one of the founders of St. 
John'- Reformed Church, of which be was a consist- 
ent member. His widow survives him and is ninety 
J ears of age. 

Willoughby Fogel was a son of Gen. Benjamin 
Fogel. lie was born Feb. 20, 1815, at Fogelsville, 
\\ here he alwaj - resided. Be was married to Maria, 
daughter of Rev. C. G. Herman. They had five chil- 
dren Achilles J., Robert II., Dr. Solon C. B., Jo- 
sephine, and Dora. Judge i'ogrl died in 1872, and 
his wife in 1883. Dr. Fogel occupies the old home- 
Stead and enjoy- a large practice. In 1840, Judge 

Fogel was commissioned justice of the peace of l/pper 
Macungie, and served in this capacity continuously 
until 1856, when he was elected associate judge of 
Lehigh County. We take the following extract from 
an obituary notice of him, published in the Lehigh 
Register, of Allentown, a i\'\\ days after his death: 
"So great was his popularity that lie had the honor 
of are-election in 1861, and performed the duties of 
his office with eminent satisfaction until the fall of 
1866, when Hon. James Fry was elected his successor. 
Judge Fogel filled various other positions of trust. 
He was secretary of the Lehigh County Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company, notary public for three years, 
and president of the Lehigh Grain, Coal, and Lumber 
Company. He was one of the originators of the Ma- 
cungie Loan and Building Association, and when any 
good project claimed the attention of the citizens of 
the village that bore his name, he was ever foremost 
in lending his influence and means to prosper it. He 
was a surveyor and scrivener, and such was the gen- 
eral confidence reposed in him that he was intrusted 
with settling up large numbers of estates and private 
accounts. He was a lifelong Democrat, but his lib- 
erality in politics was very marked, so much SO that 
he enjoyed the esteem of men of both parties. Tin- 
community suiters an irreparable loss by his sudden 
death, and the county loses one of its most prominent 
and honored citizens," 

Egidius Grim purchased between seven ami eight 
hundred acres of land in the western part of the 
township, in the vicinity of Ziegel's Church. A 
patent deed from the proprietaries of Pennsylvania 
for three hundred and fifty acres is dated Feb. 14, 
174.".. This tract was bequeathed by Grim, in 1760, 
to his two sons, Jacob and Heinrich, — the former re- 
ceiving two-thirds .and the latter one-third of the 
tract. In 1793, Heinrich Grim left to his son, Jacob 
(father of Sem Grim), wdio lived at Allentown, a tract 
"containing two hundred and sixty acres and thirty- 
two perches, together with all the buildings," which 



UPPER MACUNGIK TOWNSHIP. 



319 



was value. 1 at thai time at eight hundred and fifty 
pounds. 

Johann Georg Guth, in L748, purchased a ti 
land 'tun or three square miles] along Cedar Greek, 
and erected upon the creek three water powers in 
such a way that they did not interfere with one 
another. Thej have so remained to this day. He 
buill the old mansion about a mile above Scbantz's 
mill, which was torn down in 1868, whi i ded. 

He also erected a mill at the spring, and granted 
water-rights until 17br>. when he sold the mill- 
property and sixty acres of land to his son, Johann 
Georg Guth, Jr., bul reserved certain water-rights. 
In 1786 it came into the possession oi Philip Bortz, 
ther with twelve acres of land and watei power. 
Jacob Schantz, who afterwards became the owner of 
the property, came to this country when quite a 
young man as one of the Redemptioners, and was 
-old In I'eler Kohler, ol' Egypt, lor his passage. 
Having a knowledge of milling, be was placed with 
Philip BortZ. Alter he had served his time he con- 
tinued to work for Bortz, and was married to Ilia 
daughter. In l~)vS lie eanie into possession of the 
mill, two trails of land, and the log dwelling (two 
hundred feet in Length), in which he kept hotel. 
Battalions were held here many years. Schantz re- 
luiill the mill, and also erected the stone dwelling- 
house, which is still standing. He had three son-, 
Jacob, Titer, ami John, -and live daughters. All 

settled in the neighborhood of the old home, and 
most of the descendants are still residing in the 
county. In ISIS the property passed into the hands 
of Jacob Schantz, dr., wdio built the present mill-race. 
Hiram J. Schantz, his son, became the owner of the 
property in 1844, erected the present mill in 18.30, 
and has since carried on milling with success. Jacob 
Schantz, Jr., was the father of Rev. F. J. F. Schantz, 
a well-known" and distinguished Lutheran clergyman, 
who is pastor of a Lutheran Church at Myerstown, 

Pa. 

Jacob Schwartz received a warrant dated Feb. 28, 
1768, for a tract of laud near Trexlertown, containing 

one hundred and fifty acres. His son, Isaac, pur- 
chased the property in 17'J2. Jacob, son of Isaac 
Schwartz, came into possession of the farm upon bis 
father's death, When Jacob Schwartz died th< 

erty passed into the hands of his son, Henry, who 
it to ( leorge S. Albright, the present owner. 
The grist-mill known as Albright's, below I n 
town, on Spring Creek, was one of the first in the 
town-hip. The people around Fogei-villo took their 
grain to this mill on horseback before any road- were 
laid out above Trexlertown. The grist-mill, saw-mill, 

and twenty-three acres of land were sold Feb. 23, 
1815, by Jacob Albright, to Nicholas Kramer for 
eighteen thousand dollar-. Jacob Schantz purchased 

'the property of Eremer the same year for twenty 
thousand dollar-. Twelve years later, in 1827, Henry 

Mohr, Sr., bought it for four thousand one hundred 



and ten dollars. It is now iii the possession of < leorge 
S. Albright. 

George Rupp, the ancestor of the Rupps, came 
from Germany at an early date, ami settled on land 
near Ruppsville. He was married to Ursula, daugh- 

E Johann Hi -inrieli von PettersholtZ. The old 

I'amih Bible, now in the po session of Louis Rupp, 
one oi the descendants, contains the name of Herman 
Rupp, a son of George, who was born in Macungie, 
\m , , I, hi. ami was married to Barbara, daughter 
of Michael Biery. Herman Rupp had om in Jacob, 
who was born July 13, 1787. Jacob was married to 

Poll) Fogel, and had three sons, -Herman, Benjamin, 

and Tilghmau, — and three dail i dlie, married 

to J ihn Gibbons, a lawyer; Mary, married to David 
Schall ; Eliza, married to Victor Blumer. The elder 
Rupp owned about four hundred acres of land in the 
vicinity of Ruppsville. The old home of Jacob Rupp 

is now in the possession of Joseph C. Hupp, wdio was 

elected to the office of recorder of deeds for Lehigh 
County, at the November eli ction in 1883. 

George Ludwig Breini lants are 
among the most prosperous and estei med in the town- 
ship, came from Germany, and purchased the farm at 
Breinigsville, now in the possession of Dr. Belden. 
lie was born Jan. 81, 1733, and died May 12, 1812, 
aged seventy-nine years and twelve days. His wife's 
name was Christiana, born July 8, 1734, died Oct. 31, 
1Mb, aged eighty-two years, three month-, and twen- 
ty-three days. their remains are buried in the cem- 
of the Lehigh Church. They had three sons, — 
ge Peter, Jacob, - and daughter.-. 

Upon the death of his father George received the 
old homestead, and engaged iii farming. He was 
born June 7, 1764, and died April 20, 1823, aged 
fifty-eight years, ten months, and thirteen day-. He 

was married to Anna Elizabeth Egner, who died in 

I eighty-one year-. 
George Breinig had three sons and one daughter. 
(leorge (who moved to Hanover township), Benjamin 
(who settled in Whitehall i. Jesse I who died at Brein- 
igsville . Jesse Breinig had two daughter-. One 
died young, and the other became the wife of Dr. 
David Mosser, whose two surviving children reside 

in ( )hio. Jacob, Bon of < leorge Ludw ig Breinig, came 
into the possession of two m tabling about two 

huiid nil acres, now the property of Jacob and Charles 

Breinig. He was born May 27. L767, and died March 
16, 1823, aged fifty -five J eats, nine months, and seven- 
teen days, lie was married to Barbara, daughter of 

John Butz, who died Dec. 10, 1857, aged eighty-two 

en mouths, and twenty days. There were 
tour sons and three daughters born to them, — John, 
William, Jonathan, Jacob, Elizabeth (married to 
Nathan Grim), Hettie (married to Jacob Shimer, of 
Williams town-hip, Northampton Co. . Polly (be- 
came the wife of Solomon Fog el . Jacob, the oldest 
son of Jacob Breinig, resides near Breinigsville, and 
eighty year- of age. 1 1 is son. William, lives with him. 



320 



history of lehicii cointv. Pennsylvania. 



Peter, theyoun of George Ludwig Breinig, 

became the owner of a farm containing about one hun- 
dred and t. s, which is now the property of 

J. L. Butz. He built the tavern in Breinigsville, and 

Carried on the hotel business for s c years. Hi was 

born Feb. 22, 1771. In 17'.»2 be was married to Mag- 
dalena Egner. They had four aona, Pi ter, Jacob, 
Isaac, and David, and daughters. Jacob and Isaac 
moved to Allentown. Their descendants reside there 
still. David was a physician, and moved to New 
York, w.here be died. Peter is the father of Thomas 
(.'.and Dr. P. B. Breinig, of Bethlehem. The elder 
Peter Breinig died Dec. 8, 1827, aged fifty-sis years, 
nine months, and sixteen days, and lies buried at the 
h Church. 

George Schall, the ancestor of the Seball family, 
came from the Palatinate, in Germany, in 1748, and 
settled in Earl township. Berks Co. lie was born in 
1735. His father's name was Tobias. In 1757 he was 
married to Catharine Newhar, of Whitehall town- 
ship. There-were two sons born to them — Tobias ami 
George — and daughters, who all livid and died in 
Berks County. 

Tobias Schall was born Dee. 1"., 1771. and died 
April Id, 1849. He was married to Elizabeth Eyster, 
Feb. 13, 1796. They had two sons and four daugh- 
ters, — David, Daniel, Catharine (married to Henry 

Landis), Maria (married to Kerst), Elizabeth 

[married to Isaar Yoder; died in 1834), and Lydia 
(married to Nicholas Hunter; upon Hunter's death, 
became the second wife of Isaac Yoder). Daniel died 
in 1810, when he was about three years old. 

David, son of Tobias Schall, was born April 20, 
1799. He came to Macungie from Oley, in 1822, and 
settled at Trexlertown. Here he kept store in an old 
log building which stood on the site where Dr. II. 
Herbst's residence now stands. He also kept hotel, 
and continued in business for about twenty years, in 
which he was very successful. He purchased two 
tracts of land of Jeremiah Trexler and Michael Sny- 
der, containing in all about two hundred acres. He 
was married to Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob Rupp. 
They had four sons and four daughters, — William 
i who died in childhood), John R. (who resides at 
Allentown), James (who lives at Bethlehem), and 
George (a lawyer, who died in 1875). Their daugh- 
ters are Caroline (married to Hiram J. Schantz), Eliza 
(married to Moses Albright, who resides at Leaven- 
worth, Kan.), Mary A. (married to Dr. F. K. Spang, 
of Dover, Del.), Ellenora Barbara (wife of Dr. W. 
Herbst). 

David Schall died Nov. 15, 1882, aged eighty-three 
years, six months, and twenty-live days. His widow 
survives him. He was very popular among all classes, 
and was noted for his kindness of heart and sterling 
integrity. lie held the office of justice of peace for 
twenty years, besides many other positions of trust. 
His remains repose in the cemetery of the Trexler- 
town Church, of which he was a consistent fhember. 



Wilhclm lleint/ (Haines) came from Cemiany in 
1751, when be was about eighteen year- of age, and 
settled near Trexlertown, where he soon purchased 

about iv... bundred acres of fmd, a e of which was 

lately in the possession of Benjamin Haines, now the 
property of Jonas Lichtenwallner. lie was married 
to Barbara Wink. Then were six -on- and two 
daughters born to them, — William, Jacob, George, 
John, Peter, Adam, Sarah (married to John Koch), 

and Maria i man i. d I lee lit el. and, upon his death. 

bee i be " ife of Erdel ). 

The land now in the possession of Benneville and 
Gideon Yoder was also tin' property of Wilhelm 
Haines. The old Trexlertown Hotel, of which Wil- 
liam II. Y'oder is proprietor, Haines also owned. It 
was built by Jeremiah Trexler. and enlarged by Ben- 
jamin Haines. The elder Haines (Wilhelm) also 
purchased two farms, one containing one hundred and 
thirty acres and the other about one hundred acres, 
which passed into the hands of his children, now the 
property of Jacob Steininger and Eli Lichtenwallner. 
Wilhelm Haines was one of the building committee 
of the Trexlertown Church, the corner-stone id' which 
was laid in 1784. Here his remains lie buried. 

William, the oldest son of Wilhelm Haines, was 
married to a daughter of Dewalt Bieber. They had 
four sons — Benjamin, Jacob, John, Solomon — and 
two daughters — Elizabeth and Julia. The parents 
lived and died at Trexlertown. Benjamin kept the old 
hotel ; John also lived at Trexlertown, where he died ; 
Jacob moved to Flourtown, Montgomery Co.; and 
Solomon moved to Jonestown, Lebanon Co., where 
he practiced medicine. Elizabeth was married to 
Lucas Trexler. 

Jacob, the second son of Wilhelm Haines, was 
married to Maria Schmidt. Their children were 
William, Jacob, John, Benjamin, Christiana (who 
became the wife of Frederick Kline), Anna (married 
to Philip Haffner), Rebecca (married to Oliver Sny- 
der), Sallie (married to Solomon Kuder), and Polly 
(who remained single). Jacob became the owner of 
the farm lately in the possession of his son, Benja- 
min, near Trexlertown. John and Jacob lived and 
died at Trexlertown. William at one time kept hotel. 
Benjamin, the only surviving son, lives retired at the 
homestead. George, the son of Wilhelm Haines, re- 
ceived the property known as Haines' farm, at Haines' 
Tavern. He was married to a daughter of one 
Schwartz. They bad two sons — John and Isaac — 
and daughters. John died young, and Isaac became 
the owner of his father's farm. He carried on farm- 
ing for many years, and later kept hotel. His remains 
lie buried in the Trexlertown Cemetery. His widow 
survives him. John, son of Wilhelm Haines, received 
from his father the property in Allentown on which 
A. M. Springer & Co.'s store now stands. He himself 
kept store here, and was quite successful. He was 
married to Elizabeth Keiper. They had two sons — 
Joseph and Reuben — and one daughter,— Rebecca. 



UPPEB MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP 



321 



Reuben moved to Philadelphia, where he died. 
Joseph came into possession of his father's estate at 
Ailentown, which, upon his death, passed into tlie 
hands of his daughters, Annie and Hannah. 

\ i l:i in was the youngest son of Wilhelm Haines. 
He owned the property now in thi ion of John 

Huff, near Trexlertown. He was married to Maj la 
lena Laros. Their children were Reuben, John, 
Lucas, lit in y. Augustus, William, and Sarah, married 
to Nathan Peter, of Heidelberg. A'lam Haines 
moved to Cherryville, Northampton Co., where he 
died. His son, Reuben, was married to Sarah, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Faber. He practiced medicine at Kutz- 
town, served in the Mexican war, and -non died 

upon his return home. 

Peter Haines, <•<» of Wilhelm Haines, was born 
Aug. 29, 1765. He purchased a tract of six acres and 

thirty perches of land near Trexlertown, in 1798, 
from his lather t'or tour dollars, where he tirst lived. 

lie was married to Maria Barbara, daughter of Gott- 
lieb Becker, March 25, L799. Hi- died Oct. 
aged sixty-four years, one month, and six days. His 

wile died Sept. 6, 1859, aged eighty-two year- and 
nine months. Their children were Jacob, Josi ph, 
James, Elizabeth, Charles, William, Jonathan, and 
Thomas, who died in infancy. Jacob, the oldest of 
the Haines family now living, was born .Tan. 15, 1800. 
He i- married to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Sieg- 
fried. They had three children, — Joseph, < lharles, and 
Sallie. His -on, Joseph, resides with his aged parents 
Oil the homestead, situated midway between Fogels 
ville and Breinigsville. Charles and Sallie have died. 
Of the other sons of l'eter Haines, Joseph moved to 
Ohio, and died there in 1880. Jonathan lived mar 
the Lehigh Gap, where he died and was buried, 
.lames resides at Macungie. Charles and William 
live at Ailentown. I diaries was sheriff-of Lehigh 

County from 1859 to 1862. and is the father of Allen 
W. and ( '. Frank Haines, editor of the Ailentown 
/>■ mocrat. 

Daniel Schnioyer purchased a tract of land contain- 
ing 'wo hundred and nine acres and three perches, 
which is now in the possession of his grandchildren. 
The deed is dated May 1. 179S, and given bj Caspar 
Wistar Haines and Catharine Haines, of German- 
town. This was a part of a tract containing nine 
hundred and fifty acres which Caspar Wistar, of Ger- 
mantown, had patented Sept. 1, 17^'.', and left to his 
daughter, Margaret Haines, and in 1793 left by her 
last will and testament to her four children, — Caspar 
Wistar Haines, Catharine Haines, Josiah Haines, and 
Reuben Maine-. This farm is situated about a mile 
northeast of Breinigs\ ille, and is among the best in 
the township. It is not known whether Hie Haines 
of I ;. nnantown were related to those in Upper Ma- 

fcungie, or not. 

Hon. Herman Rupp was the son of Jacob Rupp, 
whose grandfather came from Germany. He was born 
in Upper Macungie, near Ruppsville, where George 
21 



Rupp, the ancestor of the Rupps, had settled. Her- 
Rupp was popular among all classes, and was 
I to till various positions 'if trust. He 

brigadier-general of the militia of Pennsylvania from 

18 19 to 1859. The I/' D at, in an oliit- 

Uarj notice of him, published a few days after Mr. 

Rupp's death, contained the following: "lie was 
man of many friends and widely known. He was 
Universally esteemed for his kind and generous dispo- 
sition and line social qualities, lie was a man win. 
formed strong tie- of friendship, and was very popular 
among all classes of people. . . . He was a fanner by 
occupation, and ow I "■ f the finest plantations 

in his township. He was a public-spirited citizen, 

and ever took a deep interest in polities. An anient 
Democrat bj profession, he always followed the for- 
tunes of hi-- party, and on several occasions shared its 
honors. He was elected to the Lower House of the 
Legislature for the sessions of 1855 56 57, and per- 
formed his duties with and to the entire satisfaction 

of his constituents. Besides the above be frequently 
held other positions of honor and responsibility, at 
the time of his death being one of the justices of his 
township. Hi' was often called upon to take charge 
of important trusts, and frequently appointed by the 
court to ser\ c a- road-viewer and in similar capacities, 
in which his sound judgment was called into requisi- 
tion. He maintained a high social position, and from 
his habits of industry and general demeanor so built 
himself up in the esteem of the people as to create a 
high respect for his character as an intelligent and 
honest man and valuable citizen." He died Aug. 8, 
1877, and brought his age to about sixty years. His 
son, Joseph C. Rupp, is the present recorder of deeds 
for Lehigh County. 

Rev. Dr. William A. Helffrich, 1 one of the most 
widely-known ministers id' the Reformed Church, 
was born Aug. 20, 1827, in Weissenberg township, Le- 
high Co., Pa. His parents wen Rev. John HelllVich 
and Salome, daughter of Jacob Schantz, of Cedar 
Creek. From his fourth to the eighth year he was 
sent to the parochial school at the Ziegel's church, 
which was taught at that time bj a German teacher 
named Allenborn, who was a thoroughly-educated 
man. When he was eight years of age, hi- lather en- 
gaged private teachers for his two sons, and from this 
date instruction was given according to strict Euro 
pean methods. At this time Dr. Woesselheft and Dr. 
Hering, two German physicians of great learning, 
came to America, and endeavored to establish homoe- 
opathy in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Helff- 
rich secured some of Dr. Woesselheft's classmates as 
private tutors in his family. Leiehcnhelm was one of 

these. Keiehenhelm accepted the position of private 
tutor in Heltl'rieh's family, and became the preceptor 



1 The readers of thf* work are Indebted t" Dr. HelOHcfa f->r the vorj 
full sketches of the following cbnrchee: Zlegel, Weleaanberg, LowbUl, 
Morgenlaml, New Tri|K.li, Lynnvllle, JiicksonTille, Heidelberg, Lehigh, 
and Allemnngel. 



322 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of his .-mis. His successors were Flotto, tiriebler, 
Dr. Lebmus, and Oberfeld, all men of a classical 
education. Belffricb established an academy al his 
nberg. Flotto became the 6rs( prin- 
cipal, ami the course of instruction was similar to 

that of the German colleges. Ai g the students 

were Helffrich'8 sons, a son of Dr. Hering, Dr. Det- 
weiler's son, Eev. Yeager's sen, Schmidt, and others. 
It was a rare opportunity in those days thai was here 
afforded to receive a thorough training in the Latin 
and Greet languages and the sciences as they were 
taught in the German universities. Dr. Helffrich 

began the study of Latin gnu ar when he was eight 

years old. At the age of nine he commenced the 
study of Greek. For a period of leu years lie was 
compelled to study the languages ami the sciences, 
and his teachers governed and taught according to 
monarchical instead of republican rules, as Dr. 
Helffrich expresses himself. 

In 1845, when he was not yet eighteen years of age, 
he, with five other candidates of theology, was exam- 
ined by a committee of the East Pennsylvania Classis, 
and ordained as assistant to his father. In the fall of 
the same year he moved to Beading, where he spent 
about two years. During this time he supplied the 
Ephrata, Tamaqua, and Mahanoy Valley congrega- 
tions, and often preached in the charge of his father. 
While residing at Heading he suffered from typhoid 
fever, which shattered his health so much that he was 
obliged to resigD his charges. He then made a trip 
to the West, and returned after some months much 
improved in health. From 1848 to 1852, Dr. Helf- 
frich assisted his aged father, who died in 1852. Upon 
the death of his father he was unanimously elected 
pastor of his father's charge, which consisted of the 
following congregations: Ziegel, Longswamp, Hei- 
delberg, Lynn, Lowhill, and Weissenberg. It is the 
same charge of which his grandfather, Johann Hein- 
rich Helffrich, was pastor from the year 1772. Helf- 
frich began his work in earnestness, waged a steady 
warfare against all abuses of former days and against 
a mere nominal Christianity. Undisturbed peace 
seldom reigned in the whole charge, and often the 
waves of the warfare rolled high, yet the congrega- 
tions stood by him through all these struggles. On 
the 1st of August, 1852, he was married to Amanda 
H. Fogel, daughter of Solomon Fogel, Esq., of Fogels- 
ville, and iii the spring of 1853 moved to Fogelsville, 
where he purchased a property and established for 
himself a pleasant home. Endowed with unusual 
talents, he pursued his studies amidst the arduous 
labors of a large charge, ami in 1870 the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Divinitj was conferred upon him 
by Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio. Rev. L. K. 
Derr, of Reading, and Rev. E. J. Fogel studied the- 
ology with him. After Rev. Fogel was examined 
and licensed by the Easl Pennsylvania Classis In- I" 
came Helffrich's assistant. The following congrega- 
tions were added to his charge, \i/.., Lynnville, Mertz- 



town, Lehigh, and Frieden's, the last of which in- 
cluded Slatington. Upon the resignation of Rev. Dr. 
Dubbs, in 1866, Rev. Fogel received a call from the 

.Ionian charge, and Dr. Helffrich again confined him- 
self to hi- original charge, retaining, however, Lehigh 
Church of those that had been added. Dr. Helffrich 
is a gifted pulpit orator, and, possessed of a strong 
will, he leads his congregations with him in thought, 
and seldom fails in his plans. Although in poor 
health for many years, he accomplished an immense 
amount of work. He not only preached twice each 
Sunday, hut often during the winter months held two 
evening services in the week, officiated at many funer- 
als, and spent much time in visiting the sick. He has 
always been a close student, and devoted much time 
to the study of works on current literature and theol- 
ogy. He is the author of several works, — a small 
book containing skeletons for funeral sermon-, and a 
large work entitled " Das Reich Gottes auf Erdcn," 
consisting of sermonson the Epistles, — and has several 
volumes of manuscript ready for the press. His lit- 
erary productions were well received. Among the 
many notices of his latest work, we take the follow- 
ing from The Guardian, a monthly published at Phila- 
delphia: "This splendid volume contains the best 
fruits of Dr. Helffrich's ministry. For many years 
the author has been recognized as one of our best 
German preachers, and the publication of a selection 
of his sermons was therefore eminently desirable. 
We have only room to say that his discourses appear 
to us to be thoroughly logical, as well as evangelical, 
and that in rhetorical style and finish they are equal 
to the best issues of the European press. The typo- 
graphical execution is excellent, and the volume is 
equally creditable to author and publisher." 

During his ministry he baptized 4053 children, con- 
firmed 2309, married about 1000 couples, and officiated 
at 1542 funerals. His charge contributed $13,546 for 
benevolent purposes, and furnished twenty-one young 
men who are now in the active ministry. He resides 
at Fogelsville, and devotes most of his time to literary 
work. His son, Rev. Nevin W. A. Helffrich, attends 
to the pastoral duties of his charge, under the super- 
vision of his father. 

Land Warrants. — Following is a list of the land 
warrants in this township: 

Acres. 

Casper Blyler, April 29, 1746 180 

Conrad Bean, Aug. 16, 1756 46 

John Baar, Jan. '■'■, 1771 7:i 

Jacob Eagner, May s, 1760 I 

Andrew Eisenhart, Dec, 9, 1767 --7 

Andrew Eisenbart, Jan. 17, 1769 112 

George Free, March 1,17-15 169 

Nicholas Free, \"- 30, 1746 

Christian Gorr, March 1,1744 103 

Ohrietian Qorr.Jan. 17, 1746 7u 

.1 b Hoenberger, Sept. I'.', 1714 I 

George Hoffman, Jan. 6, 17.5:) J7 

Adam Beberljr, Jan. '.", 1788 116 

teom .-.hi. i, ttarch 7,1766 27 

John Jarrott, Ocl 6,176 1 16 

Edward Jarrett, April 12, 1771 90 

Sac Collei . Jr., Feb 20, 174.5 67 

Jacob Koller.J] . Feb.20, 1745 50 

Philip Kebler, 151.. 28, 1754 i 

George Kebler, June 4, 1754 154 

George Kerr, May 2, 1770 44 



UPPER MACUNGIK TOWiNSHI I". 



323 



Acrea. 
'i 1 

Mayn«s Julj 1-. IT ■" 

i Miiln, Feb. 28, 1769 :t<> 

] 1 1 - t 1 r > Noblocll, AiiL r . 6, 176u 

John A ■ ■ 1 : 1 ; 

John Bels, April 25, 1750 M 

Rupp, March 25, 1786 145 

War i, 1 ; it 121 

kntbony Riasell, June 7, 1753 126 

il k, Sepl 1. 1745 77 

Shoemaker, Not. 18, 1746 

Jacob Strong, Aug. 1", 1762 78 

kee, April 11, 1763 33 

icb Seitz, June 15, 1767 20 

Philip Sli Br.SepI 1 

Martin Speiglo, Not. 11, 1767 48 

Petei IV \ er, Aug. 16, 1749 96 

1 nit Tippeodewer, Aug. 22, 1754 200 

Ja Wagoner, Nov. 23, 1762 39 

Matthias Weaver, Dee 10, 1792 7 

Jacob Witchner, Nov. 16, 1767 19 

Assessment made by the commissioners of North- 
ampton County at Easton, Dec. 27, 17*1, of the town- 
ship n( Macungie: 

John Albrecht. N icb ilaa I 

\ -k'-r. Peter Hammel. 

Jacob r. .-kirk. William Haintz. 

Conrad Bry. Jacob Herman. 

Adam Peter Haas. 

Henrj B George Fetzer. 

Jacob P. Bare. John Haas. 

John i Adam Heberly. 

Widow Bare. Henry Haas. 

Henry Brobst. Simon II- in. 

Jacob Hue. John Heinly. 

George Braus. John Heinly, Jr. 

Adam Braus. Peter Haff. 

1 rge Breinig. John Held. 

Adam Bortz. Henry Heisland, 

Peter Butz. George Heniuger. 

John Butz. Q trge Hepler. 

Michael Berry. Leonard Heuchel. 

Bini Berry. Michael Hisgy. 

Peter Cl ick. Nicholas Hun. 

Conrad Crack. Herman Hartman. 

John Diws. Michael Yiesly. 

Bastaiu Druckemiller, Edward Jarret. 

Gottfrey Dieffendorfer. EBaac Jarret. 

John Dieffendorfer. Daniel Hughes. 

Jacob Dan tier. Cornelius Huj 

Widow Danckles. Daniel Bloowse. 

Adam Dish. Daniel Knowse t Jr. 

John Dubler. Henry Koch. 

Martin Dormeyer. Georg<- Korr. 

Martin Dul. Lawrence Keenly. 

Dutt Jacob Kechel. 

Dewalt Dus*. Peter h- 

Andrew Eisenhard. Valentine Koiser. 

Adam Epler. Henry Krim. 
Henry Kigner. b Kiini, Jr. 

Christian Fisher. John Kline. 

Thomas Flexer. Nicholas Kline. 

Thomas Former. Michael Kanie. 

Peter Fuchs. Jacob tti 

John i Henry Knappenberger. 

Fink. Peter Kieeer, Jr. 

e Fetterman. i !oni a I B nap] enberger. 

in Qunewold. Andrew Roller. 

aber. Duwald Kuotz.Jr, 

Deetei Gaumer. Duwald Kuntz. 

Henrj Gaumer. 1 .,■ mard Koon. 
imer. er Keinert. 

Michael Keinert 

t '.i-iui. i Grenemeyer. Nicholas K I 

il Groninger. Isaac Klotz. , 

Henry Geiss. Barthol Kuntz. 
George Keepler. 

John Gaumer. Jacoh 1 
Petei Gar] Kuntz. 



Lav rence Kern. 
M ichael Kuntz. 
Abraham Klotz. 
Ludwlg Larrosh. 
' ■ roeb. 
John Llchtenwallner. 
George l.itz II 

1 ■ 
Rudolph ] 

Nicl i I 

Matthias Ludwlg. 
John Muth. 

. . ■■■] 
Leonard Miller. 
, Peter Miller. 
Valentine Miller. 
Jacob Hertz. 
John Merckle. 
Stofle Merckle. 
Herman Moor. 
Jacob Meyei 
John Moor. 
I.,. i. Moor. 
Hem j Mi oi 
Nicholas Meyer. 
Jai b Mej er. 
Christian Miller. 
Andrew Miller. 

Nicholas Miller. 
Peter Mattein. 
Henry Mat tern. 
Ludwig Meekelly. 
John Morser. 
Burghard Bleinert. 
Frederick Mabus, 
George Morgan. 
Lawrence Miller. 
Conrad Meitzler. 

Henry Romlg. 
Jacob Romig. 

John Komig. 
Frederick Romig, Jr. 
George Rup, 
Christian Ruth. 
Frederick Komig. 
Philip Rutt. 
Matthias Riffle. 
George Reiss. 
Daniel Reisb. 
George Rishel. 
Frederick Rup. 
Leonard Rishel. 
Adam G. Seip. 
John Smith. 



John Finch. 

John Hi 

i van. 

Mil hae! 

Matthias Gaumer. 
Henry Muyler. 

1 

I 

U i [obach. 

■ 

Herman G 



I 

Smith, 
Balzer Smith. 
Adam ■ 

Met hloi Smith. 
Jeremiah Smith. 
Daniel Smyer. 
Philip sin 
Michael Smeyer. 
Jai ob Smeyer. 
Peter Smej er. 
Dewalt Shutt. 
Adam Smith. 
Leonard Blaugh, 
George Sie 
Joseph Slaugh. 

3walb. 
Henry Stettler. 
i . i- Steinlnger. 
Jacob Shankwald. 
\ alentlne Shaffer. 

Lei Shaffer. 
George Shaffer. 
Jacob Swarlz. 
Philip Swart/.. 

Jacob Stephen. 
Phibp Stein metz. 
Adam Stephen. 
Peter Slosser. 

William Smith. 
Michael Sterner. 
Peter Trexler. 
Peter Trexler, Jr. 
John Trexler.' 
John Trexler, Jr. 
Jeremiah Trexler. 

Peter Trexler. 
Daniel Torney. 
John Torney. 
John w stzel. 
I ran o Warmhessel. 
Matthias Weatgo. 
- Jacob Wagner, 
bert 
Philip Walter. 
Christian WeaTer. 
Matthias Wi 
i ib WeaTer. 
John Wertz. 
Philip Ziegler. 
George Zimmerman. 

Reuben Haintz. 
Andrew Fitzger. 
Jacob Bleawl. 

Single Fr>ern> n. 

Melt hloi Riffle. 
Nicholas Swabenfa 

John Koll.-r. 

Philip Jacob Bare. 

I' 11' nna.li. 

Peter Moore 
s icbols Meyer. 
iter. 
John I 
■ 
Henry Finch. 



Reuben Baintz was assessed at £40; Henry Stettler 
and Peter Troxler each £10; 1 teeter Gowman, Michael 
Shaffer, John Lichtenwalder, each £9; Frederick 
£8; John Albrecht, Adam Epler, Matthias 
Riffle, Nicholas .Mayer, John Wetzel, and John 
Trexler, Jr.. each £7; Jacob Swart/. Matthias 
■ ,Daniel Torney, William Haintz, John Fogle , 



324 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



[saac Jarret, Peter Kiesser, Henry Moor, Herman 
Moor, Leonard Moor, and Adam Smith, each : 
others ar< Lmounts. 

Assessment made by the commissioners of North- 
ampton for the township of Macungie for the year 

A.l». I 



Widow Albrecht 
Jacob Albrecht. 
Cbristopber indrav 

\ ndrew. 

Brobst. 
( leorge Brnus. 

a Ilutz. 

John Butz, 
Peter Butz. 
John Butz, Sr, 
Nicholas Becher. 

Bai ger. 
I 1 i ietian Burger. 
Chi [stiari Bartz. 
Jacob Bartz. 
Henry Bartz. 
Jacob Bai i/. 
Henry Bartz, Sr. 
John Bartz. 
Peter Breclit. 
Michael Bastian, Jr. 
\i ,, :.:■ i Bastian, Sr. 
David Browu. 
George Breinard. 
Jacob Breinig. 
Peter Breinig. 
Michael Brush. 
George Breinig. 
Melchior Bare. 
George Boch. 
Peter BHder. 
Daniel Bastian. 

Henry Breisb. 

Daniel Bamer. 

Henry Boger. 

John Bieber. 

Henry Bartz, Jr. 

Micbael Billeg. 

Henry Christman. 

George Christman. 

Jacob Cbristman. 

Thomas Crag. 

John ClauBS. 

Frederick Cradikartz. 

Christian D;mekle. 

Jacoti Dauekle. 

George Dauekle. 

Peter Dormoyer. 

Henry Deiffendorfer. 

Jacob Deiffendorfer. 

Philip Deiffendorfer. 
Jonathan Deiffendorfer. 

John Dressier. 
Jonathan Dible. 
John I'unner. 
Jacob Donuer. 
Jacob Detiler. 
David Deshler. 
Jacob l>tinuer. 
Rev. Jacob Dechand, 
Jacob Dilill. 
Rev. I. Casper Dill. 
Widow Desh. 

John Kissenhard. 
Daniel Eii-senhard. 
Andrew Gissenhard. 
Bear} Egmer. 

Christian Edingor. 
Andrew Edingor. 



i i bard. 
Philip Erlew ine. 
Jobs i'"- le 
Herman Feringer. 

Daniel. 
Petei Fegole. 
David Fegele 
Joseph l''" '/.. 
Abraham Fink. 
Christian Fink. 
John Frauenfeld, 
John Fogle, Sr. 
Solomon Fogle. 
Jacob Flexer. 
.1 ,ii a i lei net. 
Daniel Gebhard. 

.I..- ib I rl irnm. 

Frederick Gaumer, 
Hem \ Grimm. 
Matthias Gaumer. 
Henry Gaumer. 

Adam Gaumer. 
Dealer Gaumer. 
George Garr. 
Laurence Garr. 
Abraham Gehhard. 
Peter Grammer. 
Henry Grammer. 
Charles Gachenbach, Sr. 
Nicholas Geiss. 
Charles Gachenbach. Jr. 
Peter Geisa. 
Peter Haas. 
John Haas. 
William Hiues. 
Peter Mains. 
Ja< b llains. 
Adam Hains. 
George Hains 
'Henry Hittle. 
Jonathan Hainan. 
John Huber, Sr. 
John Huber, Jr. 

Job D Holder. 

Jacob Beverly. 

Michael Hiskey, Jr. 

Michael Hiskey, Sr. 

Philip Haas. 

Gabriel Harge. 

Henry Hartzell. 

John Heinley, 

Daniel Haaf. 

John Haaf. 

George Haas. 

Henry Haas, Jr. 

Jinny Haas, Sr. 

Peter Haas, Jr. 

Isaac Haas. 

Jacob Haas. 

Joseph Hiimman. 

John Held. 

Rev. Henry Byman. 

John Hiskey. 

Daniol .lulis. 

John Jerret. 

Henry Jacohy. 

George Jacoby. 

George Jaxheimer. 

Samuel Jeager. 



' . ioby. 
I 

Hem j 3 
Mi, i, k i Ja< oby, 
Henry Knappenbergcr, Sr. 
Andrew Roller. 
Henry Klein. 
John Keiper, Jr. 
Andrew Klotz. 
Valentine Keneley . 
M icbael Keinaid. 
Valentine Ki ■ 
Widow Kehler. 

Kei n. 
Widow Knedler. 
Henry Koch. 
John Keisser, 
Benry Koch, Si 
John Km.1i. 
George K [in. 
Philip Knauss. 

Daniel KOI D 
Philip Kims. 
Jacob Runs. 
Philip Knii- 
Heury Keck. 
George Huns. 
John Kutter. 
Nicholas Keisser. 
John Raul. 
Daniel Karr. 
Jacob Klein. 
Peter Peter. 
(.em ■_■(■ Keiiimerer. 
Micbael Kim. 
Abraham Kichlay. 

Michael Kerr. 

Henry Kerr. 

Dewald Ktins. 

Benjamin Knauss. 

Daniel Knauss. 

Conrad Keck. 

Henry Keck. 

George Krauss. 

Nicholas Kreamer. 

Philip Kuappenberger. 

Henry Kuappenberger, Jr. 

John Lichtenwallner, 

Jacob Lichtenwallner. 

George Lichtenwallner. 

John Leinbacb. 

Joseph Loras. 

Philip Lauer. 

George Laudenslayer. 

Nicholas Litzenberger. 

Adam Litzenberger 

Henry Long. 

Henry Ludwig. 

Isaac Loros. 

Peter Loros. 
Henry Loros. 

Nicholas Lnros. 

Lewis Loros. 

Joseph Loros. 

George Lessig. 

Philip Mover. 

Jacob Merchall. 

.Widow Miller. 
Christian Merchall. 
Philip Mertz, 
Nicholas Muth. 
Conrad Mertz. 
- Jacob Miller. 
John Masteller. 
John Meckley. 
Philip Mellig. 
Henry Mertz, 



Daniel Heyer. 
Heyer. 

George Milh'r. 
Solomon Mohr. 
John M 

I i ■ 
.)... h Harks. 
Henrj M iltzler. 
Benry Mattern. 

■ ..-.? ■ ;.- Mittern. 

Barman Mobr, Sr. 
Barman Uohr, Jr. 
Henry Uohr. 
Benry Mink. 
John Mohr. 
Daniel Meyer. 
Conrad Ueitzler, Sr. 

('onnul Meitzler, Jr. 
Andrew Miller. 

Nicholas Miller. 
Ludwig Meckley. 
Nicholas U Inch, 

Jacob Mohr. 
Barman Mohr. 
Benry Merti 
Peter Mohi 
Benjamin Mill. 
John Nerper. 
George Nettz. 
Peter Neidlinger. 
Conrad Neumier. 
Christian Nerffer. 
Jacob Neuman. 
Philip Ruth 
Jacob Romich. 
Peter Romich. 
Benry Romich. 
Leonard Romich. 
Jacob Romich. 
Jacob Rothrock. 
Abraham Romich. 
John Romich. 
Jacob Iteiss. 
Andrew Reiss, 
Henry Roth. 
George Rupp. 
Daniel ReiBh. 
Peter Reddler. 
Daniel Uuch. 
George Relsa. 
Herman Rupp. 
Jacob Rupp. 
Henry Shedler. 
George Steininger. 
George Steininger, Jr. 
Peter Sheriff. 
John Sheffler. 
John Smith. Sr. 

Benjamin Smith. 

Jonas Smith. 

MeMiior Smith. 

John Smith, Jr. 

Jacob Shankweiler. 

Darnel Shankweiler. 

Solomon Soider. 

Philip Smeyer. 

Abraham Smeyer. 

Daniel Smeyer. 

Philip Smeyer. 

Jacob Smeyer. 

Peter Smeyer, Sr. 

Jiicuh Shefler. 

Samuel Seeger. 

Christopher Stedler. 

Henry Stedler. 
Dauiel Stedler. 
Jacob Stephen. 



int.i; m \rrv,iK TOWNSHIP. 



325 



Solomon Swnrtz. 
Jonathan Btephan, 
George SI. 
Jaoou Shuller. 

her. 
Isaac Swart/.. 
Abraham Swartx. 
John Schnerr. 
Daniel Stelnlnger, 

iel Sheaflai . 
Solomon Smi'jer, 
Jacob Shoemaker. 
Jonathan Swart/. 

on Sheaffor. 

Jac b Smith. 
George Swaxtz. 
1 Swartx. 
Peter Seip. 
s i i olaa Slangh. 
Mtclmcl Shnyder, >r. 
Michael Shnyder, Jr. 

Panii'l Slinviler. 
Frederick Stephen, 
John Stephen. 
Abraham Server. 
George Sbifferd. 
Adam Shipmaster. 

- haub. 
Daniel Swartz. 
Reuben Trexler. 
Charles Trsxler. 
Jeremiah Trexler. 
Peter Trexlei 
Jonathan Trexler. 
\ler. 



Chriatiau Andreas. 
George Brims*. 
Jacob Branaa. 

Nicholas Batter. 

J.i ■:■ i '■■: fendorfer. 
Andrew* Eisenhard. 
Andrew Eisenhard. 
David Grim. 
Henry Gaumer. 
George Greeuemier. 
Peter Haaa 
Benjamin II. tines. 

1 1 nber. 
Adam li 

Philip Barm 

Adam II- 

Conrad Keck. 
Andrew Enedlei , 

Qodler. 
I 

Henry Cans. 
George Knns. 
Michael Kern, 
Nil holae Kern. 
George I 
Benjamin Smith. 

btenwalder. 
berger. 
Frederick Leinbacb. 
George Lad wig. 
John Mobr, 

Bfohr, 
John bfechley. 



1 
Van Bnskh k. 
p Welxell. 
Zachartah Wagener. 
M .i i i.i. i u estgo. 

Hen 

Lndwlg Weidner. 
John Wetxell. 

Petei W ■ 

John Weiandt. 
Jacob Woodring. 
1 ■ 

Joseph W estgo. 
John fl etsell. 
John Waok. 
i Wei 

Philip Westgo. 
Jacob Wichert. 
Solomon Westgo. 
Casper w paver. 
Henry Walwert. 
Jost. w eigandt. 
Jacob Wagner. 
John Willonor. 
John Weitman. 
_George Wagener. 
Peter Wert/. 
John Wert/., Sr. 
John Wertz, Jr. 
Peter Wolf, Jr. 
Peter Woir,8r. 

Henry Wolf. 
Philip Ziegler. 
John Yeingline. 

Single Fr, 

Daniel Mechlay. 
Henry Meitzler. 
Henry Mi rtz. 
John Mutb. 
Jacob Mej ei . 
William Mohr. 
Michael M<.sser. 
— Andrew Stiller. 
• teorge Miller. 

itban Miller. 
Daniel Miller. 
Nicholas Miller. 
Jacob Nerfer. 
Peter N 

John Bomich. 

Jonathan Romicb. 
Daniel Slaogh. 

Leonai 

John Shoener. 
Stephen. 

m Shnyder. 
Jacob Steininger. 
Daniel Traxsell. 
Adam '■■ 

tnon WoWert. 
Jost Weigandt, 
Solomon WIebart, 

than Wolf. 
George Zimn 
George Dunkel. 
Jacol' i 
Daniel Barr. 

Benben Kent-ley. 



Iron-Ore Mines. — There are valuable iron-ore 
mines in the township. The ore is of different kinds, 
—pipe, rock, shell, black and red sheen. At Trex- 



lertown ii is so highly charged with sulphuret of iron 

e used for the manufacture of copperas. 
m< d Fogel was among the first to discover and mint- 
ore, on his land near Fogelsville. The supply, how- 
ever, was BOOD I shausted, and work discontinued. 
About twenty years later, in 1807. the Cram* Iron 
Company opened an ore-bed at the same place, on 
land then in the possession of Kramlich and Lich- 
tenwallner. This was operated for about ten years. 
but since has been lying idle. Ore was mined early 
on the land of Joseph Miller, bur on accounl of the 
depth of the ore from the surface work was suspi 
Some years later the Thomas Iron Company secured 
on the land of Henry Stim . They opened a 
mine, which yielded well for many years, hut became 
exhausted in 1881. There are extensive iron-ore 
mines on land of Charles Mosser, Dr. \. C. B 
Mrs. John Singmaster, the Crane Iron < lompany, 
Jesse S. Laros, Eli and Jacob Lichtenwallner, John 

Hcinly. and Shies Levan. 

Villages.— There are a number of villages in the 
township, the largest of which ar« Trexlertown, 
Fogelsville, Breinigsvillej and Chapman's. Trexler- 
town, a post-village, eight miles from Allentown, on 
the road to Kutztown, was founded by the Trexlers. 
It is regarded as the oldest town in the valley. It 
contains a Lutheran and Reformed Church, two 
schools, three hotels, two stores, a .Masonic hall, and 
a grain, coal, and lumber depot It is situated on the 
CatasaLKjua and Fogelsville Railroad, in the midst of 
a fertile farming and mining district. The population 
in 1880 was three hundred and eighty-two. 

Dr. Pulte practiced medicine at Trexlertown many 
years ago, removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and founded 
a homoeopathic medical college. He died there in 
1883. Dr. W. 8. Herbsl resides at Trexlertown, and 
has a large practice. 

Fogelsville was named after Judge John Fogel, 
who built the old hotel in 1798, which was the first 
building in the place. This building was torn down 
i id on the same site a large and commo- 

dious briek tavern was erected by Kistler & Lenhart. 
Judge Fogel carried on the trade of dyeing, 
kept hotel, and also a small store. The present 
owners purchased it of R. Frank Stine. Most of the 
old landmarks have disappeared. The old 
building in which Solomon and Willoughby Fogel 
kepi ill standing, but of late years has been 

' much remodeled. The town contains some very fine 
residences, two taverns, two churches, an Odd-Fel- 
lows' hall, three schools, a carriage-factory, a grain, 
coal, and lumber depot, and a brick-yard. A lime- 
stone-quarry is situated here, which furnishes all the 
stones used for building purposes, and supplies the 
surrounding country with lime. It at one time had 
two savings-banks, which, however, < losed during the 
panic of 1873. It has a post-office, and is the town- 
ship seal where all elections are held. In 1880 it had 
a population of three hundred and eighty -three. 



326 



HISTOKY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I ii.it- are four physicians in this place, viz. : Dr. H. 
J. Haberacker, Dr. S. C. B. Fogel, and Dre. John A. 
II. and C. E. Helflrich. 

Breinigsville. a neat post-village, is located on a 
branch of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad. 
Ii has a United Brethren Church, two -rim, , is. two 
a grain, coal, ami lumber depot, and a carriage- 
manufactory. The iron-ore mines in the vicinity 

furnish employment t' my men. Georgi Breinig, 

after whom it is named, settled on a tract of hmd con- 
taining "lie hundred and twenty-three ai res in 17S'.>. 
This property is now in the possession of Charles 
Breinig. Dr. X. Ritter resides at Breinigsville, where 
he practices his profession. 

Chapman's, a small village, on the Catasauqua ami 

I ille Railroad, seven miles from Allenlown. was 

named after Charles W. Chapman, superintendent of 

the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad. It has a 
post-office named Litzenberg, one store, a tavern, a 
grain, coal, and lumber depot, and some line private 
residences. Dr. A. P. Fetherolf practices medicine 
here. Ruppsville, Krocksville, Haafsville, and New- 
town are smaller villages, and have no post-offices. 

Early Schools.— One of the earliest schools in the 
township was taught in the building known as the 
Sand Hill school -house, situated in the eastern part 
of the township, near the line of South Whitehall, 
on the Allentown and Fogelsville road. Jacob Bach- 
art and Maria, his wife, gave one acre and sixty-three 
perches of land for school purposes, for the considera- 
tion of five shillings, by deed dated Sept. 27, 1806, to 
Jacob Woodring, David Brown, and Christopher 
Mohr, of Whitehall, and John Meyers, of Macungie, 
" trustees for and in behalf of such contributions as 
may hereafter be contributed towards building or 
erecting a school-house on the hereafter granted lot 
or piece of land." This building is still standing, 
and is now the property of Jonathan Litzenberger, 
who paid five hundred dollars for it. Among the 
teachers who taught here were Dawes Rudy, Nathan 

Snyder, John Lenhart, Eberwein, John Beck, 

Jacob Graul, William Woodring, John Wint, Solo 
moir Brobst, and Charles Unbescheiden. School was 
taught here until about 1845. It has become noto- 
rious as a place where "spooks" have often been 
seen, and to this day many dread to pass it by night. 

A log school-house stood upon the land of Samuel 
Kuhns, about a mile east of Fogelsville, on the Allen- 
town road. This was known as Keek's school. School 
was taught here until the public schools were com- 
menced, when it was changed to a dwelling. It was 
torn down a few years ago. Amos Morris taught 
school here in 1835. 

Another log school-house was erected on Mover's 

land, half a mile above Fogelsville. Samuel Wagner 
was one of the teachers, and taught here during the 
years of 1828 and 1829. 

Andrew Miller donated between three and four 
acres of land for school purposes. On this tract is 



erected wdiat is known as M iller's school-house. The 
old school-house, which was a log building, has been 

changed into a dwelling-house. It is rented, and the 

income thereof is annually expended tor school other 

than that provided for by the school board. 

Sol on i on Fogel granted one acre of land, on which 
was erected a double building at Fogelsville. This 
building was the first school-house in these parts that 
was supplied with steeple and bell. It was built in 

1838 bySt. John's Lutheran ami Reformed Churches. 
When the public-school system was accepted in \ < \-. 

at a meeting held bj the members of St. John's 
< 'lunch, " it was unanimously decided that the school- 
house should be used for a free school, and given up 
to the directors of the free schools of Upper Macun- 
gie without rent." It was used lor school purposes 
until 1867, when J. II. Straub became the owner, wdio 
changed it into a dwelling. John H. Liehtenwallner, 
William C. Liehtenwallner, Mrs. Emma Fogel Innis, 
G. H. B. Reifl", Samuel P. Reber, and Dr. E. 0. M. 
Haberacker were among the teachers. 

A double school-house of stone was built at 
Trexlertown about the same time the church was 
erected. It was owned by the church. In one room 
school was taught, and in the other part of the build- 
ing the teacher lived. George Desh was one of the 
teachers, and resided in the building. In 18S2 it was 
torn down, and a new building erected on the old site 
for the use of the janitor of the church. 

For the year 1833 the township paid for the edu- 
cation of the poor, under the act of March 29, 1824, 
$8.27; 1834, $23.80; 1835, $76.18; 1836, $57.25; 
1837, $83.92 ; 1838, $73.17 ; 1839, $130.80. 

Public Schools. — The common-school law. which 
was passed in 1834, was at first regarded with disfavor. 
There was great opposition to paying tax for school 
purposes. The system was not at once accepted, but 
through the efforts of Solomon Fogel, David Schall, 
Solomon Kuder, and others, the people voted in favor 
of accepting it, with the understanding that in a year 
or so, if they felt so disposed, they could have the old 
system re-established. The school board levied a tax, 
but did not at once venture to collect it. With the 
money they received from the State a number of 
houses were erected. After the schools were in oper- 
ation under the new system, they grew in favor with 
tin- people from year to year, until there are now 
hardly any to be found who openly oppose them. The 
public-school system was accepted by the township in 
1842. The following were the officers of the first 
school hoard: David Schall, president; John Lieh- 
tenwallner, secretary; and Solomon Fogel, treasurer. 
Before the office of the county superintendent had 
been created, Dr. H. J. Haberacker conducted the 
examinations of teachers for the township. 

In 1856 the district had eleven schools and live 
hundred and ninety pupils enrolled. The teachers re- 
ceived a salary of twenty-five dollars per month. Su- 
perintendent II. H. Schwartz, in his report of 1860, 



DPPEB MACDNGIE TOWNSHIP. 



327 



says, " Upper Macungie has efficient directors, and 
their schools have been filled with able teachers, who, 
in accordance with the wish of the board, organized 
last (all a Teachers' Association, and mi 
every two weeks." The salarj of the teachers in I860 
was twenty-eight dollars per month, which was the 
highest paid by any district iii the county outsidi of 
Catasauqua and Allentown. The report of 1868 con 
tains the following: "The bnilding erected in the 
thriving village of Fogelsville was built according to 
a plan suggested by the Hon. .1. P. Wickersham, at 
the Teachers' Institute held al |ua, in No- 

vember, L866. Ft is bul just to observe that the citi- 
zens contributed about thirteen hundred dollars to- 
ward- the erection of this building, and it is the only 
one in the county furnished with Uhlinger's patent 

acl l-desks, also furnished by the citizens." All the 

school-houses are substantial brick buildings. The 
schools arc siippli.-d with lull sets of outline maps, 
and a wall map of Pennsylvania. The present 
board is composed of the following: President 
miah Grammes; Secretary, Professor F. H. Kuder; 
Treasurer, Daniel Schmoyer, Dr. S. C. B. I 
Horace J. Koch, and Frank Kuhns. In 1867 68 the 
teachers received a salary of forty dollars per month; 

in 1888 34 the average -alary was thirty-three and s 
half dollars. The report of the school year of 1882- 

S.'i shows seven hundred and thirty-six pupils and 
nineteen teachers. Total receipts for school purposes, 
$4380.81; valuation of school property. $14,000. 

An independent district was formed in the town- 
ship by act of Legislature in about 1860. It is known 
BS (. rim's Independent District. It has one school, 
with fifty-six pupils enrolled. Salary of teacher, 
forty-two dollars per month. 

Trexlertown Church. 1 — Although the Rev. Mi- 
chael Schlatter, the missionary who sailed from Hol- 
land in 1746, mentions in his journal that he visited 
the Trexlertown congregation on the 25th of June, 
1747, and although he mentions that on the 29th of 
January, 1749, he received letters from this congre- 
gation to come and administer the communion to the 
members, and Rev. Philip Boehm took it upon himsel f 
at the earnest solicitation of Rev. Schlatter to do this 
work, yet notwithstanding this we find that only on 
the 26th of May. 1784, did they begin to build a 
church edifice, which to this day is still standing and 
in good condition, — a building forty by sixty 

-ioiis. in the corner-stone, which was laid with 

appropriate religious Services, were put the four kinds 

of old grains, wheat, rye, oats, and buckwheat, the 
creed- of both the Reformed and Lutheran denomi- 
nations, a bottle' of wine, and the constitution of the 
church. In order that — because the church was to be 
union, for the religious services of two den.. mi nations 
— neither congregation might take the advantage over 
the other, and neither one be censured, the above- 



i By Bev. T. N 



mentioned articles were deposited in th. one 

by twelve small children. In order to the name. . 

which congregation should always be mentioned first, 
lots and the name Reformed was always to 

be mentioned first. The name then would be The 
I;, formed and Lutheran Church of Trexlertown. The 

i hurch was dedicated to the service of Almighty God 

on the 17th of April, 1785, Rev. John II. Belffricb | Re- 
formed) and Rev. Caspai Diehl Lutheran officiating 

at this time. The first church ni.liiej and in 

liti.in. 'Ii oial of the church was 

l on Whitsuntide, 1884. The church has 

been repaired ai different time, ami modernized, and 

in 1879 a Steeple "as erected, and a bell weighing 

ii hundred pounds put in, at an expense of four- 
hundred dollars. The janitor's hou ging 
t.. tin- church property, was also rebuilt, at a cost of 
hundred dollars. II" re i- in addition to thl 

burial-grounds a cemetery, purchased later on, and 

cut up into family burial-plots for the burial of the 
.lead. The congregations, numerically and financially, 
are strong. The pastors who served the Reformed 

portion of the church are as follows: John II. II 

frich, 1784 1810; Jacob William Dechant, 1811 
Daniel Zellers. L815 57; A. J. G. Dubbs, 1857 76; 

Thomas X. Leber, 1876 to present time. The pa-tors 
who served the Lutheran congregation are as fol- 
lows: Caspar Diehl, 1784-1806; Henry Anasta 
Geissenhainer, April 15, 1806-14; George Wertmen 
and J. Doering, 1M4-37; Jeremiah Shindel, 1837-59; 
E. B. Kramlieh. 1859-84. 

St. John's Lutheran and Reformed Church, at 
Fogelsville, was organized by members of the Trex- 
lertown and Ziegel Churches. Jacob Moyer and 
Judge John Fogel donated one and a half acres of 
land upon which to erect a church and for burial pur- 

poses. At a meeting held Oct. 4, 1834, il was decided 

to build a Union Lutheran and Reformed Church, 
and Henry Mohr and Jacob Mover, Reformed, John 
Lichtenwallner and Daniel Schlanch, Lutheran, were 
elected a building committee, and Solomon Fo 
treasurer. Benjamin Fogel, John Keck, Peter Mus- 
-elnian. and Jonathan Mohr were appointed to solicit 
subscriptions. The corner-stone was laid on Whit- 
suntide, in 1835, on which occasion Lev. John Helf- 
frich preached, and the church was dedicated in the 
fall of the same year. An election tor pa-tors ■ 
field Nov. 15, 1835, which resulted in the choice of 

Rev. C. ' i. Herman, Reformed, and Rev. Isaac Roel- 

ler, Lutheran. Rev. C. < ''. Herman continued pa-tor 
of the Reform. u until 1862, when 

son, Rev. A. J. Herman, succeeded him. who is the 
present pastor. Rev. Isaac Roel 1 er resigned as pastor 

of the Lutheran congregation Jan. 13, 1850, and was 

by Rev. J. Schindel. Rev. E. II, M. Sell 
followed Schindel, and Rev. ' '. Leopold became the 
pastor in 1861. In 1-7 1 the Lutheran congregation, 

with their pastor, withdrew from the old church and 
built St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, a 



328 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ol which follows. A few Lutherans, however, 
remained in the old church, organized, and called 
Rev. W. ( i. Mennig as their pastor, who is assisted by 
Rev. C. I'.. Hay. The first consistory of the Reformed 
congregation was composed ol the following: Elder, 
Mover; Deacons, Joseph Pry, Jonathan Mohr, 
[saac 1 1 an-, and Henry Rauch. The vestry of the 
Lutheran congregation consisted of Ldam Lit: 
ger, elder; and Samuel Fetherholf, John Lichten- 
wallner, Daniel Kuntz, and Henry Stealer, deacons. 
A Sunday-school is connected with t lie church, of 
which A. W. Held is superintendent. 

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.— A 
mi -I ting of the members of St. John's Lutheran con- 
gregation, hitherto worshiping in the old Union 
Church, was held Dec. 1 1, 1872, to take such action 
in reference to the building of a new church as to 
them seemed proper. The object of the meeting was 
expressed in the following words: "Whereas the 
house of worship built by our forefathers, and in 
which they were accustomed t'> assemble themselves 
for the purpose of worshiping their God, has become 
more or less dilapidated, and is no longer meeting our 
wants, and believing it to be due to the memory of 
our lathers that we should nol suffer any dilapidation 
Of that which they have reared for us, but, on the 
Contrary, to profit by their example and continue the 
work by them commenced, and believing that the 
time has arrived in which a new and appropriate 
house of worship could be built by taking proper 
action, therefore a preliminary meeting of some of the 
Lutheran members was held in ordet to devise means 
by which such a result might be obtained." 

Encouraged by liberal subscriptions from the mem- 
bers, a building committee was appointed consisting 
of John H Lichtenwallner, Joseph Miller, Samuel 
K uli us, Moses Rabenold, and Adam Stettler. In 
order to avoid dissatisfaction an election was held, 
Feb. 8, is?:'., lor the purpose of ascertaining whether 
the Lutheran members of St. John's Union Church 
were in favor of dissolving the relation hitherto ex- 
isting between them and the Reformed congregation, 
which resulted in favor of a separation by a large 
majority, only lour dissenting. The building com- 
mittee took immediate steps to prosecute the work, 
and on May 24, 1874, the corner-stone was laid. 
Service- were conducted in the old church, in which 
Revs. S. K. Brobst, Professor G. F. .Miller, M. J. 
Kramlich, and < ». Leopold, the pastor, participated'. 
'I'lie church was dedicated July I, 1875, on which 

occasion Kevs. William Rath, J. 1 >. Schindel, M.J. 

Kramlich, and 0. Leopold took part in the services. 
It i- a brick building, sevi nty feel in length and forty 
in width, with a basement for Sunday-school purposes, 
and was erected al a cosl of about thirteen thousand 
dollars. The church lias a Sunday-school, ol' which 
0. E. Mank is superintendent. Rev. O. Leopold is 
the presenl pastor. The officers of the church arc 
the following: Elders, Jonathan Gaumer and Moses 



Rabenold; Deacons, William Kehm, Levi Kuhns, 
(diver Walter, and Solomon Gaumer; Treasurer, 
Samuel Kuhns; and Trustee, Benry Stine, 

\ I ni tec] Brethren Church was built at Breinigs- 
villc in 1N7<>, and belongs to the Lehigh mission. 
Revs. B. K. Keck, J. Lowry.W. B.Uhler, and II. B. 
Bpayd have been the pastors since the organization. 

Lodges. — A lodge known as Macungie Lodge, No. 
281, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized al Fogelsville in 1847. 
The following were the charter members: John 1*. 
Miller, Nathan Weiler, Ephraim Troxell, Jacob Gack- 
enbach, Sr., Herman Rupp, Petei Hendricks, Jacob 
Gackcnbach, Jr., John P. Seibert, and Jonathan 
Steininger. The meetings were held in the ball 
above the old store until I860, when the " Hall Asso- 
ciation" erected a large hall, in which the lodge has 
since held its meetings. The presenl membership is 
oue hundred and four. 

A Masonic lodge was instituted by the Grand 
Lodgeof Pennsylvania in the Masonic Hall at Trex- 
lertown, on Friday, Nov. 26, 1858. After the reading 
of the warrant granted by the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania, the lodge was named Lehigh Lodge, No. 326. 
The first officers were Benjamin Rupp, W. M. ; John 
H. Lichtenwallner, S. W. ; John H. Fogel, I. D. ; 
Herman Rupp, S. D. ; William C. Lichtenwallner, 
J. D. ; William Herbst, See. ; David Schall, Treas. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

LOWER MACTJNGIE TOWNSHIP. 1 

Till', territory now embraced in the two townships 
of Upper and Lower Macungie was formerly one 
township, known as Macungie. They were separated 
on the 3d day of May, A.I). 1832. 

Lower Macungie is bounded on the northwest by 
Upper Macungie, on the northeast by Salisbury 
(Salzburg), on tin- southeast by Upper Milford, on 
the southwest by Berks County. 

It was at one time almost completely covered with 
scrub-oak and abounded in deer, but is now well 
cleared and improved, and the people devote them- 
selves principally to agricultural pursuits as their 
siiresi dependence lor support and profit. 

The township is unsurpassed lor fertility of soil, 
beauty of landscape, and improvements of various 
kinds. Wherever the traveller turns his eye lie sees 
substantial, neat houses, huge barns, line churches, 

and beautiful orchards, lis general appearance indi- 
cates prosperity and plenty. 

Within a few years previous to the " financial crash" 

of 1874 some \ cry rich anil valuable deposits of hema- 
tite iron-ore were uncovered in this township, and 
it seemed at one time as if almost everybody who 

' By B. K. Lichtenwallner, Esq. 




J) 

-1 






p. 
© 
g 
a 



1 g 



S3 



9 



© 

a 

M 
5= 



LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP 



329 



owned a tract of land, however small, bad been 
seized with the mining fever. Leases were made, 
shafts sunk, and the "hidden treasure" sought for 
everywhere. < )re-w ashei ies and smoke-stacks seemed 

to spring up throughout the township likemusl 

in a bot-bed, while the fires from the chimneys of two 
furnaces and a foundry, erected within the conl 
tlif township, tit up the night with their lurid flames. 
Although many beautiful farms were laid waste, the 
owners thereof reaped a rich harvest in the shape of 
royalties, and considered themselves amply compen- 
sated for the unsightly paps made iu their land in con- 
sequence of mining the ore. That section of the town- 
ship known as " the Flats," situate mar East Texas, 
was singularly productive in this respect, and as the 
ore was mainly what is termed "top-ore," the land in 
that vicinity was soon reduced to a barren waste, as it 
now remains. 

On account of the depressed condition of the iron 
trade during 1874 many of the mines, however, were 
stopped, owing to the low price offered for ore, and 
to-day comparatively few of them are to be seen in 
operation. 

The principal streams are the Little Lehigh River 
and Swabia Creek, both of which fertilize the land 
and furnish the water-power for the different mills 
situate upon their hanks. 

The East Penn branch of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad, connecting at Alburtis with the 
Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, traverses the 
entire length of the township, and affords ample pas- 
-. ager and freight accommodations. 

There are two pig-iron furnaces situate in the town- 
ship. Lockridge Furnace, near the village of Alburtis, 
was built in 1867 and 1868 by the Lockridge Iron 
Company, with Samuel Thomas as president, and J. 
T, Knight, secretary and treasurer. In 1868 it was 
sold to the Thomas Iron Company. It has two stacks, 
employs a large number of men, and produces the 
best of iron. The first superintendent was V. W. 
Weaver, who was succeeded in 18?;! by his son, Wil- 
liam M. Weaver. The present superintendent is 
David H. Thomas. 

The Millerstown Iron Company built a furnace of 
a single .staek close to the borough of Macungie, along 
tin' line of the Beading Railroad, in ls74. The 
company, however, met with reverses, and in 1879 
it was sold by the sheriff. On Dec. 31, 1879, it was 
inized under the name of "The Macungie 
Iron Company," since which time 1; 1, under 

the successful management <>f the following officers, 
viz.: President, .1. T. Audenried ; Superintendent, 
William M. Wes 

Among the industries of the township worthy of 
particular mention are the " Excelsior Roller-Mills," 
situate about one mile west of the village of Alburtis, 
operated by the firm "f Bute Bros. & Licbtenwallner. 

The firm is composed of Allen and John I'.utz, BOns 
of Stephen Butz, and F. S. Licbtenwallner, their 



: in-law, a son ol Levi Licbtenwallner. They 

run oight and day b) water- and steam-power, and 

turn out one hundred barrels of very excellent flour 
every twenty-four hours. They introduced the 
" roller" system during last summer, and are meeting 
with success far beyond their brightest anticip: 
They are young men "i energy, pluck, and excellent 
business capacity, and are being rewarded with de- 
served prosperity. 

The following is a lis! of justices of the peace of 
the township of Lower Macungie from tie- year 1840, 
together with tin- data of their commissions : 



1840. Jo- , 

Vr B 

1850. Harrison Miller. 

Jonas Faust 
1- , u altei e. Briber. 

Harrison Miller. 
IS - Horatio H 

Geort:'- Qertzel. 

• irge M. Hertzcl. 

William Levao. 



Uohr. 

1868. 11. T. Ilcrlz..-. 

D LDiel Mohr. 

1-7 n 1 Bertzog. 
1874. Daniel U 
I-7-. II. T. 11. rlzog. 
1879. Gc«r;r- Welly. 
M. I'. Henninger. 

phen Acker. 
' .iii-l Mohl 



For the organization of old Macungie town-hip 

and its early history, see history of Upper Macungie. 

Lower Macungie paid out for the education of the 

children of poor families as follows. 1.1 wit: 1833, 

|5L48| : L834, s^s.o:!; 1835, $38.12; 1836, $82.24; 
1837, S107.05; 1838, $137.23; 1839, si 14.27; 1843, 
$194.66, besides a quota of $24.99, jointly paid by this 
and Upper Milford township. 

Schools. — The schools of this township are in a 
very prosperous condition. The law of 1834 was 
after much contention adopted in the year 1849, at 
which time the school hoard was under the following 
organization : Jacob Wenner, president ; James 
W'eilcr, secretary ; and George Ludwig, treasurer. 

The township is divided into the following districts, 
not, however, including Macungie borough: No. 1, 
Bastian's; No. 2, Wescoesville ; No. :;. Barteell's; 
No. 4, Kiechel's; No. 5, Riegel's ; No. 6, Ritter's; 
No. 7, Centreville secondary ; No. 8, < ■ ntreville pri- 
mary; NO. it, East Texas secondary; No. 10, East 
Texas primary; No. 11, Danner's; No. 1 l'. Schmoyer'e; 
No. 13, Lehigh Church; No. 14, Bute's; No. 1:,. Al- 
burtis high school; No. L6, Alburtis grammar; No. 
17. Alburtis secondary; No. 18, Alburtis primary; 
No. 19, Saul's 1 Hensingersville) ; No. 20. No- ; No. 
21, Desch's; No. 22, Fogel's. The present 
hoard consists of the following members, to wit : 
Reuben Danner, president ; Edwin Bickel, secretary ; 
Aaron K'uhns, treasurer ; Jonas Laiicr, frank Stephen. 
and Levi Lich ten wall ner. 1 

Early Settlements.— One of the tii within 

the present limits of this township was M 

Shatter, who took up by warrant a large tract of land 
lying west of Millerstown, a portion of which is now 



l For early history of Lower Macungie township, lee history ->f 
1 tpper Miii-ui . 






330 



HISTORY OF LHHICII COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



within the western limits of the borough of Macung ie. 
We find that upon the 27th day of August, L889, one 
hundred and ninety Palatines came to America by 
the Bhip "Betsy," Richard Buden commander. 
Among these was George Friederich Schaffer, the 
father of Michael. Michael Shaffer built a massive 
Btone dwelling upon the site of the present brick 
building now occupied by .lames Shaffer, his great- 
grandson, lie anil his wil'e there lived In a ripe old 
urrounded by their children and grandchildren. 
His wile died at the age of ninety-eight. 

His sen. Jacob, was married and lived with his 
parents mi the above- mentioned farm. He was twenty- 
six years of age at the time of " Fries' Rebellion," 
1798, and took an active part in the opposition to the 
" house tax," maintaining that the said tax was illegal. 
When the government officers came to Millerstown 

he hurried home, saddled his horse, filled his saddle- 
bags with provisions, and Med to South Mountain, 
which was not inhabited at that time. Soon after 
his flight the soldiers surrounded his bouse and made 
violent demonstrations, demanding his surrender. 
When they were informed thai he was not ahout they 
became furious, and entered the house to make a 
thorough search. They went into the bedrooms and 
ran their sabres through the bedclothes, to satisfy 
themselves that he was not concealed therein. The 
ouly room of the house that they did not enter was 
one in which Jacob's young wife was at that very time 
giving birth to a child. When they failed to find 
him in the house they went into the barn, where they 
stuck their sabres into the hay and straw in the vain 
endeavor to ferret out his hiding-place. They now 
caught the boy who was employed upon the farm, 
whom they tried to persuade to disclose his master's 
whereabouts. He persisted that he did not know. 
They thinking, however, that he knew, procured a 
rope, one end of which was passed around his neck, 
while, the other end was thrown over a rafter in the 
barn. They now proceeded to pull him off his feet, 
letting him down again before life was extinct. They 
kept this up for some time, but as bis answer was in- 
variably the same they finally gave him his freedom, 
and, after feeding their horses from the provender 
they found in the barn, they took their departure. 

Alter remaining in the mountains for several days, 
Jacob found his provisions giving out, and not daring 
to return home, he went to Trexlertown, to the hotel 
linn kept by William Haines, now occupied by Wil- 
liam Yoder. Here they tried to persuade him to re- 
main, but he, fearing lest some one might have seen 
him enter the house, got a bag of provisions and left; 
and fortunate it was for him that he did so, for in a 
short time after his departure the hotel was sur- 
rounded by the soldiers, who were eager for his cap- 
ture. Jacob that same night rode to Maxatawny, 
where he remained with his uncle, Jacob Hawk, 
until the danger had subsided, when he returned to 
bis family and his friends. George Shaffer, a brother 



of Jacob, lived in the old stone house at Macungie 
where Mrs. Schul/.e and her daughter now reside. 
David, another brother, was taken prisoner during 
" Fries' Rebellion," and died while held by the Tories 
:il \oi i i-towti. II,' had also been a resilient of Mil- 
lerstown, where he left a wife and two children. His 
widowwas afterwards married to a man named Miller, 
residing at the same place, and lived to be a very old 
woman. Many of Macungie's old citizens remember 
her under the name of "Cranny .Miller.'' 

Jacob Shaffer was a colonel in the war of 1812. 

He died in L831, at the age of fifty-nine. He had a 
family of eight children, — four sons and four daugh- 
ters. His son, George, was a retired farmer, who died 
on \pril 23, 18.81, at the age of sevenl \ --even years. 
One id' George's daughters i- married to David L. 
I'.arner, an ex-commissioner of the county, and resides 

on I Ie b-Omi -lead, a short distance west of Macungie. 

His other daughter i- married to Meno Weiler, and 

resides at Heading. 

John, another son, bought the farm of his father, 
Jacob, whereon he resided until the time of his death, 
on .Ian. 16, 1882, at the age of seventy-t wo years. He 
was married to Hannah Trexler, who survives him. 

His son, James, has since bought the homestead, 
where he now resides, with a family of six children. 
He is treasurer of the borough of Macungie and a 
member of council. 

Jacob, a son of John Shaffer, is married, and lives 
at Fleetwood, where he is station-agent for the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad. 

Willoughby is a bachelor, residing with his mother 
at Macungie, while Anna, the only daughter of John, 
is married to Dr. S. R. Rittenhouse, of Reading. 

Charles Shaffer, a son of Jacob, Sr., litis attained a 
ripe old age, and lives with his family in this town- 
ship. 

Jacob's daughter, Elizabeth, was married to John 
Lichtenwallner, of Fogelsville. She is now a widow, 
close to eighty, and resides at Allentown. In the 
same city also resides her sister, Lydia, also a widow, 
who has been twice married. Her first husband 
was Jonathan Iieiber, her second, William Good. 

Frederick Romig, the first of the family who settled 
in Macungie, came here in 17o2, and bought a tract 
of land adjoining the Lehigh Church. He built a 
saw-mill on a branch of Saucon Creek, where now is 
Geissenger's mill. His sons, Frederick, Adam, Jacob, 

John, Henry, and Joseph, stly located near their 

father, and the locality was known as the Romig set- 
tlement. Adam inherited the paternal home-lead. 
and lived and died then-. His son. John, born iu 
L769, also settled on the homestead farm, and in 1817 
sold it and moved to Allentown, where he purchased 
theSaeger Mill, at the east end of the Jordan Bridge. 
Drs. John and William Romig, of Allentown, were 
his sons. ' 



1 Seo chapter on the medical profession. 



LOW Kit MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP. 



331 



Adam Desh came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and 
Bettled upon a large trad of land situate along South 
Mountain, about two mile- south of the borough of 
Macuogie. He obtained his land upon a patent from 
the commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 23d daj 
of September, A..D. 1788. In 1793 he bought an 
adjoining tract of one hundred and seventy-nine 
acres from Conrad Haas and Hannah, his wife. He 
and his wife, Gertrude, had a fa mil) of sis children : 
two sons Jacob and Philip— and four daughters, — 
Catherine [who married Melcher Baer, -their son, 
Henry Baer, i- a heart} old man of eighty-three 
year-, an. I n I Macn ngie >. Elizabeth 'married 

to John Stahl |, Mary who was married to < hri-tian 

Reiner) .and Sallie (who was married to Frederick 
Gaumer). Philip was taken prisoner by the Tories in 
ind died while thej held him a prisoner at Nor- 
ristown. Jacob was married to Elizabeth Bauer, and 
lived upon the homestead. 
Ou the 20th day of February, a.d. 1796, Adam 

Desh and his wile deeded the homestead, with one 

hundred and fifteen acres and twenty- four perches of 
land, to their son, Jacob, " for and in consideration 
of the yearly living, maintenance, alimentary nourish- 
ment, sustentation, and preservation of them the 
said Adam Desh and Gertrude, his wife, during each 
and both their natural lifetime, as also of the sum of 
seven hundred and twenty-two pounds and ten shill- 
ings in specie." 

Jacob and his wife, Elizabeth, the latter of whom 
died May, 18.53, at the age of eighty- four years, had 
seven children, -George, Daniel, John, Jacob, Charles, 
Maria, and Catherine. Jacob reared a family of eight 
children, prominent among whom is William Desh, j 
the pastor of the German Baptist Church of Macungie, 
who resides at Centreville. 

George Desh, a prominent citizen of Macungie bor- 
ough, is a first cousin of the reverend gentleman. 

Daniel, who was married to Elizabeth Ruth, owned 
and lived upon the homestead. His widow, aged 
seventy-eight, still resides there with two of her sons 
and her daughter, none of whom i- married. 

Among the pioneers of this township is enrolled 
l'eter Butz, wdio, with his wife and son John, came into 
this country from Germany in the year 1752. He first 
settled on the hill-side of Philadelphia County, now- 
known as Longs warn p township, Berks Co. In the 
month of February, L761, he bought a farm of two 
hundred and twelve acres, located in this town-hip 
Lower Macungie), from Catherine, widow of Joseph 
Albrecht, and moved thereon with his family. This 
farm is situated in what is now known as "Butz'a 

Gass," and a great many of Peter Butz'a descendants 

there and in the immediate vicinity to the 
present daj . 1'' ter Butz was horn Jan. 19, 1718, and 
dieil March 18, 1780, when he was buried at Long- 
Swamp ( 'lunch. 

He left three -on,. — Samuel, l'eter, and John. 
Samuel settled in Long- warn p. I'.ci ks Co., while Teter 



moved to Cedar Creek, Lehigh Co. bis 

dl cendants now reside. John was married to a M 

Miller, and at his father's death 1 ;_- 1 1 1 the home- 
stead, whereon In- settled and lived until hi- death. 
Jan. 7, 1sl'7, at tin lie ami his 

will' reared a family of eight children — 

John, Abraham, Peter, and Jonathan and four 
daughters, Bevy (married to Jacob Breinig), Eliza- 
beth married to Nathan Grim), Catharine (married 

lo Solomon l-'ogd . and Hetty (married to a man 

named shimcr . Jonathan ws ied to Elizabeth, 

daughter of Jonathan Ilunkel, and settled near his 
lather's h e, where he engaged in farming and raised 

a large family of children. 

Abraham was married to a daughter of Henrj 
Egner, and settled at Hokendauqua. He had one 

daughter, married to l'eter Mickley, and bod 

Thomas, who ri ied at All. a town, possessi d 

a large estate and leaving a family of four children, 

an i; whom is T. Frank Butz, a wealthy tanner of 

Whitehall, whose biography appear- in this book. 

John and Peter each became possessed of on 
of the homestead, were married to sifters, the daugh- 
ters of Daniel Schmoyer, and engaged in farming. 
John had two sons — Reuben and James — and four 
daughters, two of whom were successively married to 
George Ludw ig, 

Peter and his wife, Elizabeth, both lived to a ripe 

old age. and had a family of nine children, live sons 
— Frank, Aaron, William, l'eter, and Stephen — and 
four daughters, one of whom i- the widow of Nathan 
Weiler, and resides in the city of Allentown. l'eter 
Butz died in 1847, at the age of sixty-four years, be- 
queathing to his son Stephen the homestead. Stephen 
lived thereon with hi- family until 1^77. when he 

moved upon the mill property by him bought fi 

the assignee of George Ludwig. He carried on tin 
milling business until 1881, when he retired, turning 
over the property to his two sons, Allen and John. 
and his son-in-law, F. S. Liehtenwallner. Stephen is 
now seventy-five years of age. 

Phillip Lauer settled upon a tract of fortj 
acres of land which he bought April lo. A.D. 1S10, 
from Nicholas Klein. This was a part of a farm of 
one hundred and eighty acre- which was surveyed 
and warranted to spi c Blylor, on the 29th day of 
April, 1746. It lies one mih east of the village of 
Alhurtis, and is now occupied by his grandson, Jonas 
Lauer. May 28, 1827, Phillip obtained a patent 
thereof from tin commonwealth upon giving an in- 
denture of mortgage thereon for the sum of sill 

He was a tailor by trade, and was married to Eliz- 
abeth Wieand, of Montgomery County, by whom he 

had twelve children rge, Catherine, Peter, Ja© 

Samuel, Henry, Daniel, Joseph, Judith, Jonas, Na- 
than, and Sarah. Jonas now resides in ( >hio, Jo-eph 
at Philadelphia, and Nathan in Mercer County, this 

State. Sarah lives in Berks County, and is married to 
Ephraim Geary. 



332 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Daniel bought the homestead from liis rather, 
and in August, 1841, he moved thereon. He was 
married to Sarah Schwartz, a 'laughter of Daniel 
Schwartz, of Upper Milford. He was for a term 
of eight years road supervisor of his township, and 
M-rveii a term of three years as county commis- 
sioner. He was a prominent member of Lehigh 
Church, where he held from time to time various 
offices, lie died .March \2, 1878, at the age of sev- 
enty-two. lie had a i'aiiiil\ r of four children, — Eliza, 
married to George Desh, of Macungie ; Caroline, mar- 
ried to Michael Miller, ofTopton; Franklin, who re 
sides with his family in Iowa; and Jonas, who lives 
on the homestead, which he bought from his father in 
1875. The wife of Daniel is a hearty old woman of 
enty-five years, and lives with her son Jonas on 
the homestead. Her father, Daniel Schwartz, took 
an active part in the opposition to the " house-tax" 
in 1789. He was taken prisoner and was tried at 
Easton, but was acquitted. 

The original Christman came from Wiirtemberg, 
Germany, and settled near Sigmund's Furnace, close 
to the line of Berks County, where Phillip Christman 
was born. It is related that while Phillip's father was 
out in the field on a wagon loaded with hay, he met 
with an accident by which he lost his life. The horse 
coming to a gutter refused to cross, when, standing on 
the loaded wagon, he urged him with a hay-fork 
which he held in his hand. This caused the horse to 
take a sudden spring forward, and he was thrown 
from the wagon upon the fork, one of the prongs of 
which pierced his heart, resulting in his almost in- 
stant death. After this accident Phillip's mother was 
married to Francis Wesco, and moved to the house 
where the widow of the late John Backensto now re- 
sides, a short distance north of the borough of 
Macungie. 

Phillip Christman was married and had nine chil- 
dren, six sons and three daughters. His son, John 
Henry, was bom Feb. 3, 1777, in the house now 
owned by William Shaffer, of Allentown, and occu- 
pied by Adam Miller, and situate upon the mountain 
road leading from Macungie to Alburtis. When 
John Henry was lour weeks of age his father moved 
with his family upon a farm in Berks County. When 
John was a young man he went to Montgomery 
County, where he became a miller. Soon alter he 
got married and moved to a mill in Berks Counts , 
near Sigmund's Furnace. 

I. .Her he moved upon :i farm situate on the line of 

the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, in the town- 
ship of Lower .Macungie, midway between Macungie 
and Alburtis. His son, Jonas, lived upon this farm 
Until recently, when it was sold b\ the sheriff. 

John Henry Christman reared a family of twelve 
children, seven sons and five daughters, — Jacob, 
Henry, Jonas, Daniel, Nathan, Samuel, Fphniini, 
Polly, Susan, Rebecca, Sarah, and Lydia. 

Ephraim is residing at Macungie. Jonas, although 



at one time the possessor of a fine farm, has lost all, 
and now occupies, with his wife and son, a small 
tract of land in Lower Macungie. 

Ephraim and his wife, as well as Jonas anil his 
wife, are well advanced in years, and are well pre- 
served. 

Daniel, a son of John Henry Christman, settled on 
the hum now owned by Nathan (iehman, where he 
died April, 18oo, at the ageof forty-five. Bis widow, 
aged seventy-three, now resides with her daughter, 
Mrs. Edwin Haines, at Macungie. Benneville, one 
of her sons, is the constable of Macungie, where he is 
also engaged in the icecream business. Daniel, an- 
other son, has a shoe-store in Macungie. 

Rev. Jacob Van Buakirk, a Hollander, with his 
family settled upon a tract of land which he purchased 
from Peter Miller on the 19th day of November, 
1784. This tract had been warranted on the 23d of 
July, the same year, and contained one hundred and 
fifty acres, less so much of it as had been cut up into 
lots upon which the village of Millerstown had been 
laid out. It was the same ground which is now occu- 
pied by that portion of the borough of Macungie 
lying east of Church Street. He lived in a house 
which stood at the corner of Main Street and the 
road leading to the village of Centreville. His wife's 
maiden name was Hollenbach, with whom he lived 
until his death, when he was buried at North Wales, 
Pa. His wife was a sister to the great-grandmother 
of ex-Governor Hartranft, and is buried at the Lehigh 
Church, this township. 

Rev. Van Buskirk preached at the said Lehigh 
Church, at Germantown, and at the Trappe, visiting 
his congregations upon horseback. He paid a number 
of visits to the camp of Washington during the Rev- 
olutionary war. He built, and for a long time opera- 
ted, the tannery, situate in Macungie, which is now 
owned by his great-grandson, James Singmaster. He 
was an ardent supporter of Adams' administration, 
and in 1 798, during the excitement of what was known 
as " Erie's Rebellion," his life was attempted. While 
sitting in his house, surrounded by his family, a bullet 
was sent crashing through the window, hut he luckily 
escaped injury. His family numbered three sons and 
four daughters. 

His son George moved to Pottstown, where he 
practiced medicine. Jacob was an old bachelor, who, 
when a young man, went to York State, where for 
many years he kept a hotel and accumulated consid- 
erable property. When he died his estate was left to 
go to ruin, and was never settled up nor taken posses- 
sion id' by any of his relatives. John, a third son, 
settled in Virginia, where he owned a large plantation 
and a large number of slaves. Later, however, In- 
sold out and moved to Market Street, Philadelphia, 
while he kept one of the principal hotels of the city, 
lie \ias married to a Miss Eckert, from Berks County, 
and had two sons, one a lawyer, atone time Secretary 
of State of Maryland, where he committed suicide. 



LOWEB MACDNGIB TOWNSHIP. 



:;:;:: 



John ia buried upon the ce terj oi Solomon's Lu- 
theran and Reformed Church in Macungie. 

Lydia, a daughter of Rev. Van Buakirk, was first 
married to Adam Singmaster, of Millerstown, and 

after his death to Daniel G I, of I pper Milford. 

Another of the minister's daughters was married to 
John Shimer, living at Shunereville. Charles S 
Shimer, proprietor oi the Keystone Bouse, Macungie, 
and E. S. Shimer, the preseul mayor of the citj of 
Allentown, are among her grandchildren. 

I' inenl among the representative families of 

this township an- the descendants of Adam Sing- 
master, who, when a young man, came from Bi 
County to Millerstown, where he obtained employ- 
ment in the tanner; of tin- Rev. Jacob Van Buskirk, 
whose daughter Lydia lie afterwards married. On 
tin' 19th day of September, 1749, the ship " Patience," 
Hugh Steel, captain, brought to this country two hun- 
dred and seventy passengers from the Duchy of Wiir- 
temberg. Among these was one John Adam Zang- 
meister, who settled in Bucks County, ami is supposed 
to have been the father of the subject of tins sketch. 

After the death of Rev. Van r!uskirk, Adam Sing- 
master bought his farm, May 27. 1810, containing one 
hundred ami four acres ami one hundred anil twenty- 
nine perches, for the sum of two thousand five hun- 
dred and ninety-five pounds. Resettled thereon and 
reared a family of seven sons — John, Jacob, Reu- 
ben, Samuel, Henry, William, and Charles — and one 
liter. — Sarah, who is the widow of William .Miller, 
and resides at Allentown, at the age of eighty-three. 

Adam Singmaster was one of the grand jurors of 
the first Court of General Quarter Sessions of the 
peace held at the borough of Northampton, for the 
county of Lehigh, Nov. 80, 1818. This court met at 
the house of George Savitz, and adjourned from there 
to meet in the upper story of the count\ prison, pre- 
pared by the commissioners for holding the courts 
of the county of Lehigh until the court-house was 
erected. He died July "28, 1820. 

Jacob, a -on of Adam Singmaster, became one of 
the pioneers of the tanning business. He started out 
in Juniata County, where he built for himself a large 
tannery. He was the founder of Tannersville, in 
-Monroe County, where he built two large steam tan- 
neries. He also built one at Stroudsburg, where he 
died an old bachelor in 1879, being a millionaire. 

Henry at one time was in the employ of his brother 
Jacob, and is at present living at Stroudsburg, upon 
a property formerly owned by Jacob. He has a wife, 
but no children. 

Samuel is living in Iowa, where he and his sons 
are engaged in stock-raising and importing horses 
from France, lie own- a great deal of land, some of 
which he purchased directly from the Indians. He 
is about seventy -two years of age, and has a wife and 
five children. 

William was one of the earliest settlers of Missouri, 
where he owned considerable land. During the gold 



excitement he joined it company of bi bors, 

who with their ox-team- crossed the Rocky Moun- 
tain- into California, where they engaged in gold- 
diggin 

\ tew months after his arrival there he died a 
bachelor, and wa- buried wl mento t'ityis 

now -ituate. Charles and Reuben also lived in Mis 
Bouri. 

John wa- the only one of the brothers who re- 
mained at home. After his lather'- death he lie. 
upon the old homestead, where he engaged J,, farm- 
ing and tanning until he d i, 1*77. at the 

age His widow ha- reached the agt 

eighty-two, ami -till resides in the old stone farm- 
house in Macungie borough. 

John Siugmaster raised a family of five children, 
three sons and two daughters, the latter of whom 
have both died. One had been married to Col. 
William Trexler, of Longswamp, Berks Co., the 
i to Thomas Breinig, residing at Breinigsville, 
Upper Macungie. His son- tire Alexander, a well- 
to-do farmer, at one time a commissioner of the 
county. He is married and has a family of three 
children. James is in the tanning as well as in 
the grain, coal, and lumber business at Macungie, 
al-o connected with the Macungie iron Company. 
lie is married and has two children, one a daughter, 
married to William M. Weaver, the superintendent 
of the Macungie Iron Company; the other a son, 
Rev. J. A. Singmaster. Two of his recently 

died, Howard and Walter, the latter of whom was at 
the time of his death postmaster of Macungie, presi- 
dent of the Lehigh Telegraph Company, of which he 
was one of the originators, and was also connected in 
business with his father. The third son of John Sing- 
nia-ter, Edwin, is a bachelor, possessed of considerable 
means, is engaged in no business, and resides with his 
mother. The three sons reside in Macungie, the old 
homestead being owned by Alexander. 

Macungie Borough. — This ancient borough, sit- 
uate tit the loot of South Mountain, nine and a half 

miles south of Allentown, on the East Penn branch 
of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, was first 

known under the name of Millerstown, which name 
it received from Peter Miller, who founded it in the 
year 1776. The land forming its site was conve 
by Lewis Larose unto the said Peter Miller by a 
certain writing, dated the 13th day of November, in 

the year of our Lord I77ti. IVter Miller, at that time, 
resided in what was then known as Upper Hanover 
township, in the county of Montgomery, and Stat- 
Pennsylvania. By the writing above referred to, Mr. 
Miller became poss r-.d of one hundred and fifty a. 
of land, upon a part of which he at once proceeded to 
lay out the village, by himself named Millerstown. 
He, thereupon, sold twenty-three lots in forty-six 
parts, each lot containing two acres of land, and In ■in- 
subject to ground rent. 

i in the second da] of February, a.i>. 17sl>. Mr. Mil- 



334 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I er sold the balance of the one hundred and fifty acres 
of land. a> well as the revenues arising <>ui of the 
ground-rents of the said lots, to Bartholomew Hoover, 
who obtained a patent upon the same from i be I Ion 
orable Superior Executive Council of the State of 
Pennsylvania, dated the 23d day of July, 1784. In 
November of the same year, said Bartholomew Hoover 

and Mary, his wifi veil this entire tract to 

Peter .Miller. 

I lie firsl hotel in Millerstown was an old block- 
bouse, standing where the "Keystone House" now 
stands, and was kept by Leonard Schlanch. 

The firel Store was kept b\ (leorge <!ocr, in an old 

block-house, located where the beautiful dwelling 
owned by James Singmaster, and occupied by his son, 
Rev. .1. A. Singina-ter, has lately heen erected. 

The lir.st Bchool was held in the building now occu- 
pied by Jonas Gerhard as a carriage factory. It is 
related that lightning struck a liberty pole, standing 
in front of the building, during school hours, which 
so frightened the teacher, Lippert by name, that he 
dropped his rod and hook, fell down on his knees, 
and commenced to pray. All the inhabitants of 
I pper and Lower Milford, as well as those of Upper 
and Lower Macungie, cast their votes at the general 
elections at the old inn above mentioned, and the in- 
habitants of old Macungie township continued to do 
so until the division of the township, in 1832, into 
Upper and Lower Macungie. Large battalions were 
held at Millerstown for many years, when the sol- 
diery paraded the streets, and dancing was freely in- 
dulged by the country lads and lasses. The last one 
was held in 1856, at which time the Breinigsville and 
Millerstown brass bands furnished the music. 

At the April term of the Court of Quarter Sessions 
of Lehigh County, 1857, application was made by cer- 
tain freeholders, inhabitants of the village of Millers- 
town, for a charter of incorporation. The applica- 
tion was submitted to the grand jury, who reported 
favorably thereon, but upon a remonstrance being 
filed an examiner was appointed by the court. After 
the taking of depositions the examiner reported in 
favor of the incorporation, and thereupon the court 
dismissed the exceptions, and on the 13th day of No- 
vember, 1857, decreed "that the said village of Mil 
lerstown be incorporated into a borough iii conformity 
with the prayer of the petitioners; thai the corporate 
style and title thereof shall he the borough of Millers- 
town," giving the boundaries in detail. K was further 

provided that the firsl election should he held on 

Saturday the 26th of December, 1857, between the 
hours of eight o'clock l.m. and Seven o'clock p.m., at 
the public-house of Charles II. Knauss in said bor- 
ough; that John Mattern should act as judge, and 
Aaron Erdmanand John Shiffert as inspectors of said 
election; ami that Andrew Neumoyer, constable of 
Lower Macungie, should give proper notice of the 
holding of said election. At the time designated the 
following named officers were elected, viz.: Justices 



■ if the Peace, Harrison Miller and .1. Peter Haas; 
Singmaster; Council, S. K. Ritten- 

i: .1. Peter Haas, Peter J. Wei ler, Solomon Old, 
Solomon • lorr. 

The following is a list of the justices of the pi ace 
since the incorporation of the borough and the dates 
of their commissions : 



Miller. 

Haas. 

I860. Harrison Miller. 

L863. llwn % Nenmej i r. 

1865. Harrison Miller 

1869 James ' ihristman. 

! -Tn Levi Srn. .\ er. 



i anes Christman. 
1 1 -mi iyer. 
1877. Oliver J. KnailBS (app oi 
Is7v oliv.-r J. Knauss. 

1879 .1. 1\ U ShiHerl appointed). 

1880 Zll. M. Brobsl 
1.0 -i Knauss. 



On the Hull day of March, L858, an act was passed 

by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, making the bor- 
ough of Millerstown a separate election district. 

At a general Court of Quarter Sessions held at Al- 
lentown, Sept. ti, 1875, a petition was presented by 
one hundred and thirty inhabitants of the borough of 
.Millerstown, setting forth among other things that a 
post-office was located in their borough named " Ma- 
cungie." that a post-office was also located at Millers- 
town, in the county of Perry, same State, named 
Millerstown ; that the railroad station at said borough 
was named "Millerstown," and that in consequence 
thereof letters and merchandise addressed "Millers- 
town," were often miscarried, occasioning much in- 
convenience and delay; therefore praying thai the 
name of their borough be changed to the "Borough 
of Macungie." 

The matter was presented to the consideration of 
the grand jury, who recommended that the change be 
made as prayed for, which recommendation was con- 
firmed by the court on the 8th day of November, A..D. 
1875. 

The present officers of the borough are as follows, 
to wit : 

Burgess, Charles Bieber; Council, William Wal- 
bert ; Secretary, John L. Reinhard ; President. James 
F. Shaffer; Treasurer, James Neumoyer, William 
I laities, Al. Diehl ; Justices of the Peace, 0. J. Knaus>, 
Tilghman M. Brobst ; Assessor, John Rents; School 
Directors, William J. Hox worth, Henry Neumoyer, 
J. D. Erdman, James Haines, Jr., John Neumoyer, 
William Wimmet. 

The borough now contains five churches, a post- 
olfice, railroad depot (the East Penn branch of the 
Philadelphia and Reading), express and telegraph 
offices, school-house, Odd-Pillows' hall, steam roller- 
mills, tannery, two grain-, lumber-, and coal-yards, 
two hardware-stores, two saddler-shops, three stores, 
two drug-stores, two milliner-shops, cigar manufac- 
tory , organ and sewing-machine shop, tinsmith, three 
tailor-Shops, lour hotels, four restaurants, three car- 
riage lai lories, one shoe-store, two shoe-hops, two 
livery stables, a bank, foundry, saw-mill, two butcher- 
shops, brick-yard, furniture-store, barber-shop, black- 
siiiilhery, six physicians, one dentist, and one lawyer. 






LOWKi: MACUNGIB TOW NSHIP. 






The population of the borough by the census o 
was bbi en hundred and one. 

I be roller-mill of Fritch Brothers & Bogle, situate 
in this borough, the Gnesl and most - ; 

ful flouring-mills in the State, and in fac( is hardly 
anywhi ed. Starting with a small capital but 

a few years ago, this linn, consisting of Dr. D. D. 
Fritch, .Nathan Fritch, and Harry Bogle, have am 
ceeded in establishing their busim as upon a firm and 
prosperous basis, They convert daily from eight 

h Ired to nine hundred bushels of wheal into the 

very best quality of flour, foi which they 6nd a ready 

market throughout the entire State. Farmers oe 

to this mill from a radius ol fifteen and twenty miles, 
exchanging their grain for flour. Dr. Fritchif 
mechanic, of remarkable business tact and energy, and 
superintends the minutest details of the running of 
tins mill. During 1883 he superintended the intro- 
duction of the roller system upon his own plans, and 
without the aid of a skilled machinist, and did it so 
successfully that the running of the mill was stopped 
for only two week-. The mill is a fine three-story 
brick structure with a spacious grain elevator attached, 
and is connected by a Biding with the main track of 
the Reading Railroad. 

The Lehigh Telegraph Company.— The Macungie 
and East Texas Telegraph Company, of which the 
Lehigh Telegraph Company is the successor, was 
organized at Macungie (where it has its main office) 
on the 13th day of September, in the year 1876. The j 
following were elected as the first board of managers: 
Walter V. Singmaster, president; 1. 11. Kalb, vice- 
president; .1. 1 ». Kidman, treasurer; A. M. liuttcr- 
weck, secretary ; < •. Neunioyer. general manager ; and 
B F. I belli, superintendent. 

Two and one-half miles was the entire length of 
the line then owned by the company, extending from 
Macungie to the village of East Texas. The Ibllow- 
ear the line was extended northward to the city 
ol Ulentown, and southward to Kraussdale. The 
success of the enterprise was now apparent; applica- 
tions for the extension of the line came pouring in 
from the neighboring towns and villages; hence it 
became necessary, in order to make the institution a 

permanent success, to procure a new charier, more 
extended iii its privilege-, as the original charter was 
too limited. 

In the spring of 1878 a new charter was pro 

changing the name to that of the Lehigh Telegraph 

Company, with privileges for extending lines to all 
parts of the commonwealth. The extension of lines 
was now rapidly pushed, and offices established at 

ng, Norristown, Boyertown, Quakertown, 
town, Slatington, Mauch ('hunk. Philadelphia, and 
lnii rmediate points. Afterwards, bj an arran 
with the " American I nion," messages were sent over 
this line to all parts of the world. 

From the verj outset the company has bi 

dividends regularly, averaging from five to eight per 



cent, per annum. In September, 1882, its president, 
Waller F, Singmaster, died, and the followi 
ization was effected, to wit : Pn J D. Erd 

man ; Vice-President, I. Y. Krau - I rea urer, John 
Rems ; Secretary, K. M.S. Beaver; Solicitor, E, R. 
Lichtenwallner, Esq. 
Fries' Rebellion, or the House Tax War.— This 

borough is remarkable as one of the place- distin- 

d for its opposition to the i of a direct 

tax. known as the house tax,' by the Federal govern- 
ment in 1 798 99, " i reckens /.* >>• n." 

I hose opposi d to ihis tax were wont to meet in the 
upper chamber of a certain house situate in this town, 
prominent among whom was one John Fries, of Lower 
Milford, who was afterwards tried at Easton, I 

convicted, and sentenced to be hung; but was 
subsequently pardoned by John Adam-. To quell 
this insurrection, troops, in obedience to Adams' in- 
struction, were raised in Lancaster County. 

Several companies marched from Lancaster April 

I, 1799, one of which, coming by way of Reading, 
arrived at Miller-tow n. a- il was then called, and en- 
camped in Shaffer's woods adjoining the town. A 
number of citizens, spotted by those in sympathy with 
the government, ware here taken prisoners and re- 
moved to Bethlehem. Alter an attempt had there 
been made by Henry Jarrett, captain of the Light 
Horse brigade, to release them, thej were removed to 

the city of Philadelphia. On the breaking out of the 
yellow fever they were again removed to Nurri-tow n. 
where tiny were imprisoned until B change in the 
control of the government was eli'ected, when they 
were all set tree. David Shaffer, a resident of this 
town, died in prison at Norristown, leaving a wife and 
two children. Michael Schinoycr. St., died at the same 

time while prisoner at Norristown. His son, Michael. 

now resides a short distance south of Macungie. 

The Borough Schools.— No regular school-house 
was built in this borough until the year 1840. Pre- 
vioii- to that time schools Were held in private houses 
and shops. An old log house standing where Aaron 

Erdman's store now stands, a i -storj frame bouse, 

situate on Peter Weiler's lot, the old stone bouse now 
occupied by Mrs. Shulze, and donas Gerhard's car- 
riage-factory were all used at various times for this 
purpose. The teachers during this time were paid 
directly by the patrons, and such as were unable to 
I by the township authorities, who 
paid tluir children's tuition. 

In 1840 the lirst regular school-house was I milt, on 

wdiat i- ii. \x called School Alley. The building was 
of stone, and still -land-, having been recent! 
I into a dwelling by J. !•'. M. Shiffert. 

ran parallel through the entire length of 
the room, raised one above the other, with an aisle 

along the walls. - - alter the erection of 

this building the Common-school law was accepted by 
the district, and it then became a free school, under 
the supervision of Lower tfacungie township. 



336 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Some of the teachers of this scl I « ere I he fol- 
lowing: Howl, Crout, Gibbons, Nash, Harrison, Mil- 
Samuel Lorash, Miss Ruther, Wagoner, SIki.1t, 
Hoxworth, Fair, Joseph Nicholson w lio n as the first 
English-speaking teacher in the district), Charles 
maker, James Christman, Annie K. Rems, Emily 
Hoyt, and Henry Neumeyer. The terms were from 
four to five months' duration. 

Macungie Institute. — In th ai 1856 a number 

of the citizens of the town and tin- immediate vicin- 
ity, realizing the insufficiency of the then existing 
schools, and desiring to provide for their children a 
more liberal education, determined upon the estab- 
lishment of what was afterwards known as the Ma- 
cungie Institute. A company was organized with a 
capital of thirteen hundred dollars. The same year 
a half-acre lot of ground, situate at the extreme east- 
ern end of Main Street, in said town, was purchased 
from Joseph Wesco for the sum of fifty dollars, and 
a substantial, well-built, two-story brick building- 
erected thereon, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars. 
After being well supplied with charts, maps, globes, 
and other material, the school was opened on the 17th 
day of November, 1S56, with sixteen scholars in at- 
tendance. In less than three months this number 
was increased to thirty-five, while in 1857 the attend- 
ance swelled to eighty-five. O. S. Fell was the prin- 
cipal, with Miss Mary A. McGee as his assistant, and 
Dr. S. R. Rittenhouse lecturer on hygiene. 

The course of instruction embraced the common 
branches of an English education. Physical geogra- 
phy, natural philosophy, algebra, and mensuration 
were among the branches taught, while a literary 
society was formed for mutual improvement. In 1860, 
however, it was found that the income of the school 
was not sufficient to meet the current expenses, and 
having already contracted a debt of seven hundred 
dollars, the building was rented to the public school 
board of Macungie for three months, and in the year 
1862 the entire property was sold to the said school 
board at a figure barely covering the above-stated in- 
debtedness. Some of the most prominent professional 
and business men of this borough were among its 
pupils. The school directors at that time were the 
following: James Singmaster, Joseph Bortz, Edwin 
Haines, A. W. Jacoby, Wayne Bitting, and J. Peter 
Haas. 

In 1871 the number of scholars became so large 
that an addition was built to the school-house, and 
another school was formed, making a total of three 
schools or departments, — " grammar," " secondary," 
and " primary." 

These schools have been taught since 1862 by the 
following teachers, to wit: James Van Buskirk, Viola 
J. Hartshorn, A. H. Berlin, Charles Swenk, M. J. 
Kramlich, Eugene Bieber, T. F. Emmens, Frank W. 
Siegfried, James S. Biery (now an ex-Congressman, 
practicing law at Allentown), William Muhlenberg, 
Samuel C. Lee, George Heffner, R. S. Hittle, S. W. 



Witnian, K. J. Delong, Hoyt Wightman, of the 
grammar school; and Annie R. Rems, Oliver Neil 
moyer, Hannah Thomas, Alice Newhard, Emma 
Shoemaker, Lizzie Edmunds, Miss Ida Baughman, 
and John Rems, of the secondary and primary scho 

Ih. present teachers are the following : Alvin Rupp, 
the grammar; Miss Ada M. Donelly, the secondary; 
and Miss Fannie M. Ihrie, the primary. 

The following is a list of the school directors of the 
borough since 1870, with the dates of their election : 



1870 w. is. Erdman, M.D. 
P. B.Bems. 

E. Mull,. 

.1. Shaffer. 

.1 Miller. 

J. F. M. Sl.itT.it. 
1871. Dr. Tlioum- Strosser. 
IS73. A. Lingmaster. 

G. F. Egner. 

1875. M. D. Lichtenwalliier. 
James Il.iines. 

1876. Dr. H. M. Schell. 
1S7S. Henry Neumoyer. 



I .'•. w S. Walbert. 

W. V. Singmaster. 

A. K. Deeb, 
1881. in .1. n. Erdman. 

i'i Thomae 

W. J. Hoxworth. 
1SS2. Hem \ v u.noyer. 

William Wimmer. 
18s:; ,T;u!ii** 1 1 . . ..'•.-. 

John N.'utiioyer. 
1884. Dr. .1. D. Erdman. 

Dr. Ih. mill straeser. 



Solomon's Reformed and Lutheran Church. 1 — In 
1841, John Shiffert, Solomon Wescoe, and others con- 
ceived the idea of building a church for worship of 
Almighty God. Solomon Wescoe donated for the 
purpose on Church Street, which derived its name 
from this fact, one-half acre of land, on which was 
erected a plain, substantial stone edifice jointly by 
Lutheran and Reformed Church members. This 
church was altered and modernized in 1870, and 
again in 1881 it was repainted and put into a fitting 
condition for the purpose for which erected. 

The churchyard was used for burial purposes until 
1869, when an acre of land was bought from Eli 
Lichtenwalliier, for five hundred dollars, which was 
,cut up into family burial plots, and in which now 
the dead members of the congregation are buried. 
The pastors serviug the congregation are as follows on 
both Reformed and Lutheran sides. Reformed pas- 
tors : Samuel Hess, from tall of 1843 to 1845; Henry 
Bassler, from October, 1845, to May, 1848 ; John S. 
Kepler, D.D., 1848 to 1850; J. B. Poerner, May 19, 
1850, to May 30, 1852; Daniel Zellers, March 28, 
1853, to March 16, 1857 ; A. J. G. Dubbs, Oct. 3, 1857, 
to May 15, 1876 ; Thomas N. Reber, May 15, 1876, to 
present date. Lutheran pastors: Benjamin German, 
1841-48 ; William German, 1848-51 ; Jeremiah Schin- 
del, 1851-56; Joshua Yeager, 1856-67; Alfred D. 
Croll, 1867-68; William Rath, 1868 to present time. 

It might add interest to the historical sketch of this 
congregation to know that a defection took place in 
1867 under the pastorate of Rev. Alfred D. Croll. He 
changed his ecclesiastical relation from one to the 
other Synod of the Lutheran Church, going over from 
the old to what is termed the New School Lutherans, 
and drawing on both congregations, Reformed and 
Lutheran, he had erected under his guidance what is 



By Rev. Thomas N. Reber. 



LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP. 



■: 7 



now St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Macungie. 
The matter ended in a lawsuit in which the reverend 
gentleman was allowed to continue to preach through 
and to end of year, notwithstanding the doors having 
been barred against his entrance. 

It would leave this sketch unfinished if we would 
not say that because Solomon Wescoe donated the 
land the church was named alter him. — Solomon's 
Church. He lies buried in the burial-ground of the 
church. The congregations have during this time 
sustained and upheld the largest Sunday-school in the 
country surrounding, averaging two hundred and 
tiolars. The congregation is numeri- 
cally and financially weak, yet it is an example' for 
liberality for all the surrounding country Congn 
tinns. 

St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church. — 
Rev. Alfred D. Croll was the Lutheran minister of 
Solomon's Lutheran and Reformed Church at Macun- 
gie until the year 1868. At that time he left the 
ministerium of Pennsylvania of the General Council. 
and joined the East Pennsylvania ( la-sis Synod of 
the General Synod. This action created a great deal 
of dissatisfaction on the part of many of the mem- 
bers, insomuch that they locked the church door 
upon him. His adherents broke open the church 
and took possession. Great excitement and a long 
lawsuit were the consequence-. Rev. Croll main- 
tained that he had been elected to serve a year, and 
that he could not be turned out until the year was up. 
This point was decided in his favor, and he accord- 
ingly preached to the end of his term. Immediately 
thereafter he and his adherents, numbering about 
one hundred, left the old church and set about pro- 
curing a house of their own. A lot of ground situate 
alongside of the Macungie Institute propertj on East 
.Main Street was donated by James Singmaster, and 
in 1869 the present brick structure was erected 
thereon at a cost of six thousand five hundred dol- 
lars, all of which was raised by subscription. The 
building committee consisted of James Singmaster, 
John Mattern, and Samuel Meyer. 

Rev. Croll preached in this church for four years. 
until his death. June 19, 187M, and was succeeded by 
Rev. W. J. Cutter, a German, who had served ten 
years as a missionary in India. After him came, in 
the order named, Revs. E. Daren (1878-79), D. E. 
Read (1880), William H. Lewers (1881), and William 
G. Mennig (supply for several months). In Novem- 
ber, 1882, Rev. J. Alden Singmaster, the present 
pastor, was installed, and now supplies the pulpit 
regularly. 

In 1881 the church was broken into during the 
night, and a number of articles stolen therefrom. 
The corner-stone of the church was broken out and 
rifled of its contents during the same night. The 
thief was soon after caught, tried, and convicted, and 
i- at present in the Pa-tern Penitentiary of Pennsyl- 
vania serving out a term of ten years. The present 
22 



bership of the church i eventy. The 

Sabbath-school numbers about one hundred memb 
\1. 1 liehl is the present superintendent. 

German Baptist Church.— In the ye >me 

differences and difficulties arose among the members 
of Solomon's Lutheran and Reformed Church of this 
borough. In consequence thereof about eighteen of 
it- members left the church, started the Herman Bap- 
ti-t Church, and held prayer-meetings in private 
houses. 

On the 20th day of February, \.t>. 1853, Manasses 
of I pper Milford township, for ami in consid- 
eration of the sum of twenty dollars, deeded one- 
quarter of an acre of ground, situate a half-square 
above the old church on ( 'hureh Street, to John Back- 
ensto and Joseph WIeaud, trustees of the Baptist 
Church, and in the same year a small stone house of 
worship was built thereon at a cost of six hundred 
dollars. William Desh was elected elder and preacher, 
with Henry Desh and William Mobr a- deacons. 
Later these two deacon- preached in this church and 
also elsewhere throughout the county. 

In 1868 the old house was torn down, and the pres- 
ent brick church erected on its site. This is a two- 
story structure, the Sunday-school being held in the 
basement. The congregation perform the old rite of 
" feet- washing," and generally perform their baptis- 
mal ceremonies in a small creek running through the 
farm of Nathan Gehman, one of its members, who 
has fitted up a small dam close to his house, situate a 
half-mile from the church, especially for this purpose. 
William Desh, who resides at Centreville, still 
preaches regularly for this congregation, which has 
at present a membership of about fifty. Al. Desh is 
the superintendent of its Sunday-school. 

Lea Street Baptist Church.— About the year 1873 
a faction of the German Baptist Church led by Aaron 
Erdman favored the joining of the Conference of the 
German Baptist Church of America. This action 
was opposed by a majority of its members, and led to 
considerable discussion. The Erdman faction were 
also in favor of dropping the rite of feet-washing. 
These controversies gave rise to difficulties among its 
members, which apparently could not lie adjusted. 
In the year above stated, therefore, Aaron Erdman, 
with about a dozen other mem i be old church, 

and at once built a new two-story frame house of wor- 
ship on Lea Street, which is now often referred to as 
Erdman's church. The pastors of this church have 
been Revs. Longer, Henry Desh, and Lewy, the last 
of whom is a converted Jew. For the past two years 
they have had no regular supply. The Sabbath- 
school i- held in the basement, and numbers about 
one hundred members. Squire T. M. Brohsl has been 
its superintendent for a good many years. The mem- 
bership of the church is about twenty-five at present. 

The Evangelical Association <Jf Macungie. — 
Upwards of thirty-five years ago this religious sect 
was organized, and held its meetings in a frame house, 



338 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



at thai time known under the name of " Free Hall," 

situate mi the south side and at the western end of 

Main Street. 

About forty years ago a temperance movement was 
Organized in the town, Inn no place could lie procured 

in which to hold meetings. Thereupon a stock com- 
pany was formed, money was subscribed, and a build- 
ing lone and a half story frame] was erected upon a 

loi of ground owned by George Miller. This building 
was called " Free Hall," and was intended to supply 
a long-felt want, meetings of various kinds being held 
therein. In a few years, however, debts were con- 
tracted thereon, and the property was sold by the 
sheriff to George Miller. About this time the Evan- 
gelical Association was founded, and, having no place 
in which to hold its meetings, Mr. Miller, who was 
one of its original members, erected a rough pulpit 
and placed a number of benches in the hall aforesaid, 
and gave the free use thereof to the association, he 
also paying for all light and fuel. The association 
used this hall for its services and worship until Dec. 
81, 1870, when, a few months before his death, Mr. 
Miller donated the property to them and to their suc- 
cessors forever. Their membership at this time num- 
bered about twenty-live, and they immediately pro- 
ceeded to repaint and refit the building, dedicating it 
in July of the next year. It is a frame building of 
respectable proportions, and has an inviting appear- 
ance. The congregation has not increased in member- 
ship, but has maintained regular services. Though 
weak in numbers, it has some very active and faithful 
workers. 

This congregation, together with others at Wescoes- 
ville, Cedarville, and East Texas, forms what is known 
as the Lehigh Circuit of the Allentown District. 

The pulpit was supplied prior to I860 by the Revs. 
Adams, Hess, Fehr, Worman, Ziegenfuss, Seyfrit, 
Wieand, Smoyer, Kembel, Liehteuwallner, and Dis- 
singer; since that time the following have preached 
here in the order named : Revs. S. Ely, F. Seagrist, J. 
Wenner, C. Baker, E. Bute, and A. W. Warfel, the 
last of whom officiates at present. 

An excellently managed Sunday-school of one hun- 
dred and thirty members is presided over by Miss 
Annie R. Rents, who has been its efficient and faithful 
superintendent for many years. 

Societies and Orders.— Friendly Lodge, No. 85, 
I. 0. ol 0. I'\, was chartered June 19, 1843, and the 
first meeting held July 25, 1843, with the following 
charter members: Benjamin Rupp, N.G.; G. P. Brey- 
;, V. G. ; Herman Etupp, Sec. ; H. Miller, Treas. ; 
Benneville Yoder, P. 11. Kaiser, Charles llittle, Peter 
Mertz, Henry Groff, John Mattern, George Wert/,, 
Daniel Verke, and Aaron Butterweck. ll has at 
present sixty-eight members. The officers are as fol- 
lows: Frank obi, \. G. ; T. D. Koons, V. G.; Sec, 
Fiank B. Wcsco; William Wolbert, Treas. Meetings 
arc held in Odd-Fellows' I [all. 

Wnungie Lodge, No. 75, K. of I'., the first lodge 



of this order in the county, was chartered June 3, 
A.M. 18<)8. On the same day the first meeting was 
held, with the following charter members: F. B. 
Wcsco, V. P.; Julius Holstein, W. C; George F. 
Knauss, V. C.j M. II. Miller, K. S. ; M. D. Liehteu- 
wallner, F, S. ; Herman Phillips, B. ; E. S. Marstellar, 
G. ; Amos Parker, I. S. ; and James Haines. O. S. 
The present membership is forty-two, and the officers 
for 1884 are Henry A. Christman, S. P. C. ; Charles 
Bauer, C. C. ; Reuben F. Mover, A'. C. ; Daniel Christ- 
man, Pr. ; Charles Meyer, K. of R. and S. ; William 
G. Walbert, M. of E. ; George F. Knauss, M. of F. ; 
C. 0. Fogel, M. at A.; William Dankel, J. G. ; Her- 
man Kramer, O. G. ; Representative to ( irand Lodge, 
Charles Meyer; Trustees, Charles Meyer, John L. 
Reinhard, and Reuben F. Meyer. Meetings are held 
at Odd-Fellows' Ball. 

"TheMacungie Beneficial Association" was char- 
tered March 5, 1884, with forty charter members. The 
following are its officers: President, J. D. Erdman; 
Vice-President, Charles H. Moll; Secretary, O. P. 
Knauss; Treasurer, John Rems; Trustees, Ellis R. 
Liehteuwallner, Horace F. Neumoyer, and William 
H. Klotz ; J., Herman Kramer. Meet in Odd-Fel- 
lows' Hall. 

" The Macungie Dramatic Association" was organ- 
ized in December, 1881, with the following member- 
ship : Ellis R. Liehteuwallner, president and stage 
manager; Charles H. Moll, business manager; O. J. 
Knauss, treas. ; Hoyt Wightman, sec. ; Frank S. Oh], 
stage artist; Ida Meyer, Cornelia H. Shinier, Annie 
C. Schulze, Annie E. Hertzog, Ada M. Donnelly, 
Minnie Shinier, George B. Walbert, Louis S.-Klotz, 
O. P. Knauss, John Radler, Charles Stahler, Herbert 
Shiffert, A. B. Mensch, Kebl Markley, and George 
Wimmer. The meetings are held in Meyer's Hall. 

Centreville. — This village lies very close to the 
borough of Macungie, and is often referred to as East 
Millerstown or East Macungie. Its history is identi- 
cal with that of Macungie, wdiere all its mail matter 
is directed, as it has no post-office of its own. The 
oldest house in the town is its only hotel, which was 
kept by George Gorr, at which time Andy Mohr lived 
in a house on the corner of the street across the waj . 
Its oldest and fondest associations cluster about its 
school property, which was donated by John Wetzel 
and wife to certain trustees and their successors by 
their indenture dated Aug. 21, 1790. As this is an 
instrument fraught with more than ordinary interest, 
it is hereto appended in full: 

"This Indenture, made the twenty-first day of August, in thi yeai oi 
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety, and m tin- American 
Independence the Fourteenth, Between John Wetzel, <if ttaoungie 

township, in Hi" county of Northampton and Comn wealth of Penn- 

m tvania, Require, and Jane, Ms wife, of n i part, and Daniel G i, 

ol i ppei Milford township, in the -;ii<l county <■( Northampton, and 
[saac Jarrett, of the Baid township of Macungie, both trustees, of the 
other part, 

" Witnessetb, that the Baid John Wetzel and Jane, his wife, for mid 
in consideration of the sum of Twenty Shillings in Specie, to them in 
hand well and truly paid by them, tlit- snii] I'ani.i i. I ami Ismie Jar- 



LOW Kit MAlil.XtilK TOWNSHIP. 



339 



rett,at and before the ensealing and deliver bereof,the receipt wh i 
they do hereby acknowledge, and then of acquit and forever disi b 
the Bald Dan ii I m Jarrett, their I minis- 

rrators, and assigns, and successor or successors, by to 
grante.l, bai gained, sold, released, and confirmed, and by thi 
do grant, bargain, sell, release, and confirm unto loet 

i rett, as trustee?, to their hoi is and assigns, theii 
ces8or "r successors, to and for the Bole purpose of baildln 
and holding i common and unite. 1 Lutheran and Reformed house of 
schooling, and t'> keep the instructions fur the youth, Ac., thi rein. All 
that certain lot, piece, 01 par el of ground situate, lying, and being in 
the said township of Uacungie, Beginning at astone corner, in 
of land of Edward Jarrett ; thence by the same North fifty-eight per hi - 
to a white oak sapling; thence by the said John Wetzel's land,and 
partly id, South thirty-six degrees and a half, East twenty- 

two perches and a half to a stone, South twenty-five degrees, let Sev 

I. perches to a stone, ami South forty t thirty-two 

perches, to the place of Beginning, Containing three icre m 

and nineteen perches of land, and tin I six per cent, for 

roads, etc. It he i rig a part of a certain tract of land of alien t sixty-three 

, which the Honorable, the Supreme Executive Council, of the 
said Commonwealth, by patent of the fourteenth da] of June, a.i.. 1783, 
under the hand of His Excellency John Dickenson, Esquire, President 
of the said Supreme Executive Council, and the great seal ol tie- sold 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, fur the considerat men- 

tioned, granted, and confirmed onto the said John Wetzel in fie, under 
tin- reservation >.f the fifth part of all gold and silver ore for the use of 
the said Commonwealth, to be delivered at thi b cleat of all 

charges. 

•' As in and by the said recited patent, enrolled in the Rolls offices at 
Philadelphia, in patent book No, -'. page 39, more at large ^^- : 3 1 i] | 

"Together also with, all and singular, the buildings and improve- 
ments, ways, woods, waters, water-courses, rights, liberties, privil 
hereditaments, and appurtenances whatsoever therennto belonging, or 
in any wise appertaining, ami the reversions and remainders, n 
Issues, ami profits thereof, and all the .--tat.', light, titles, interest, use, 

.-ton. property, claim, and demand whatsoever, both in lavi 
equity, or otherwise, howsoever, of them, thesai.l John Wetzel and .tun, 

his wife, of, in. ami to the same, anil every part or (iara-1 thereof, to have 

ami to hold t!i.* said described lot or piece of three acres on.- hundred 
ami nineteen perches of land, and the allow an ...I .i. 1 1. 1 heredita- 
ments amt premises hei ehy granted, or mentioned, or intended so to be, 
with tlo- appurtenances unto the said Daniel i ioodand Isaac Jarrett, their 
successor or successors, their heirs and assigns, to the only proper use 
and behoof of the s.n i Daniel Good and [ssoc Jarrett, thin successor or 
successors, their heirs and assigns, in fee forever. In trust, nevertheless, 
to ami for the sole purpose of a common ami united Lutheran ami Re- 
formed s. hool-honse, ami a house for the use anil benefit of teaching, 
instructing, and ttic learning of the youth, etc. Anil the Baid John 
Wetzel, for him and his heirs, doth covenant, grant, and agree to and 
with (he sai.l Daniel Good ami Isaac Jarrett, as trust. ■. ■-. tl 
oi SOCCessors, their heirs and assigns, thai he, the said John Wetzel ami 
his heirs, the said above described lot or piece of three acres one hun- 
dred and nineteen perches of ground, and the allowance as afori 

- ..ii premiai B, hereby granted, or meant, or mentioned, or 

intended so In be, with the appurtenances unto the said Daniel Good ami 

Jarrett, their Buccessor or successors, their heirs and assigns, 

against him, the said John Wetzel, and his heirs, and against all ami 

everyntii.o person or persons wh trfully claiming, or to claim 

by, from, or under him, them, or any of them in manner and form afore- 

i ill ami will warrant ami forever defend by these presents. 

" In witness whereof,'' etc. 

The witnesses to this instrumenl won' Nicholas 
Loras and Peter Schmoyer, and ii was acknowledged 
before Ludwig Stabler, one of the justices of tin- ( 'ourt 
of Common Pleas in ami tor the county of North- 
ampton. 

A log house wi erected on this land and 

named Gorr's school-house. The loo- w,. re a n fur- 
nished by Rev. Jacob Van Buskirk, of Millerstown. 
Tin- building was divided into two apartments, on.- for 
an English, the other tor a German school. The loft of 
the building was used by the neighbors for smoking 



meat, The following are tin- Dames ol' some of its. 
first teachers, to wit : Messrs. Grim, Mumbauer, B 
John Fingado, John Van Buskirk, Charles Mohr, 
Miner, Brush, ( ribbons, and Jonas Miller. 

Among its earl) scholars were Buch representative 
men a- John Singmaster, Joseph Bortz, James Chri-t- 
111:111. John Maddern, Joseph Gaumer, Benjamin .(ar- 
ret!. Jonas WeSCO, and others. 

In 1841 the log house was torn down and replaced 
by one of stone. In 1871 an arrangement was en- 
tered into by the trustees of tin- property and the 
school directors of the township, by which the trus- 
■ es took charge of the old stone school-house, and 
bore the expense of laying the foundation of a new 
school-house upon said trust property. Upon this 
foundation the school directors, in accordance with 
the above-mentioned arrangement, erected a line 
brick house, in which a primary ami secondary school 
are now held, the former of which litis lor some years 
been taught by O. J. Knaus-, a justice ,,f the peace 
for MacuDgie, ami the latter by < reorge Wimmcr. In 
187S an addition was built to this house. 

In January, 1868, permission was granted by the 
court to sell a part of this trust property on ground- 
rent reservation, the interest to he paid annually. 

In consequence of said permission so much thereof 
as had not been appropriated by the hoard of Bchool 
directors of the town-hip was sold at public sale. The 
annua] receipt- thereof amount to about one hundred 
and seventy dollars, which is -pent li>r summer school, 
in addition to what the common school provides, 
giving this neighborhood a nine to ten months' term 
annually. Among those who have acted in the capac- 
ity of trustees over this property since it was deeded 
to Isaac Jarret and Daniel Good an- the following, to 
wit: John Singmaster, Levi Giering, James Gorr, 
Charles Foster, Aquilla Knauss, Benjamin Jarrett, 
.Joseph Gaumer, and Alexander Jarrett, of whom the 
two last mentioned are acting in that capacity at 
present. Formerly these officers were selected an- 
nually by the people composing the school district, 
hut of late year.- they have been appointed by the 
court. The old stone school house has been sold, and 
is at present occupied as a dwelling. 

Centreville has one hotel, one school-house, one 
bakery, a store, shoe-shop, coal and lumber yard, two 
tobacco-curing houses, one cigar manufactory, and 
one cigar-box factory. Its population is about three 
hundred. 

Alburtis. — This village has sprung into existence 
since the building of the East Penn branch of the 
Reading Railroad, in 1857-58. Lockridge adjoins 
ii, and the two places are practical]} identical, the 
name AlUirtis being often applied to both, the 
former having received its name from the iron-fur- 
nace therein located. The first house built in the 
vicinity w as tin old log house built many years ago by 
Joseph Rothenberger. This house still stand- in 
i Lockridge. The second house was a -tone dwelling. 



340 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



built in 1S47, by John Blank. After the opening of 
the railroad it was refitted, enlarged, and converted 
into the first hold of the village. It stands a very 
short distance north of the railroad, and has for many 
years been kept by l>. 1'. Hensinger. The post-office 
is located in this hotel. The next house built was the 
American House, erected in 1863, also standing close 
to the railroad. The town has at present a popula- 
tion of about four hundred people, contains four 
stores, three hotels, one restaurant, a church, and a 
furnace. 

History of the Lehigh Church. 1 — The first name 
this congregation had was the Church of the Holy 
Trinity. Later it was called the Lehigh Zion 
Church. Now it is known as the Lehigh Church. 

The church stands in Lower Macungie township, 
Lehigh Co., Pa. Macungie is an Indian word, and in 
that tongue is written " Mauchkuntshy," — "the place 
of feeding bears." The name of the township, of the 
Ziegel Church, which formerly was called Macungie 
Church, and of the small creek which flows directly 
north from the Ziegel Church between the hills, are 
all derived from that of the little valley, a mile wide 
and three or four in length, in which the little brook 
empties. This valley is the true Macungie Valley. 
In the beginning of the last century this valley, from 
the hills of the Ziegel Church down to Fogelsville 
and Trexlertown, was prairie-land, covered with low 
shrubbery and scrub-oak. When the bears found 
nourishment difficult to obtain during the cold win- 
ters upon the hills of the Gravel, they came down in 
numbers to this valley and hunted here their food. 
Hence the name Mauchkuntshy, — "feeding bears." 
It was a favorite hunting-ground with the Indians, 
whose village stood in the small valley on the other 
side of the ridge of hills. 

About one mile northwardly from Alburtis, where 
the road leads across the Little Lehigh, lie the pos- 
sessions of the congregation, upon which stand a 
large stone school-house and a finely-situated and at- 
tractive church. The latter stands in the centre of 
one of the most neatly-kept cemeteries in the county, 
and from its tower can be seen the homes of nearly all 
the members. The location is one of the most beau- 
tiful in Pennsylvania. 

The first settlement of this region happened most 
singularly. When the first Reformed immigrants ar- 
rived in Longswamp township, three or four miles 
farther towards the west, they took possession of the 
best-situated tracts along the sides of the mountains. 
Some years later the Lutherans followed, and looked 
for homes farther up the valley. But as the land was 
without woods they selected such tracts as contained 
at least good water, as well as the slopes of the Le- 
high Mountains and of the Schlossberg, which swelled 
out into the limits of the congregation. The Spring 
Creek, at Trexlertown, attracted the Trexler family, 



the pioneer family of the Lehigh Church. The ances- 
tor was Jeremias Trexler, who apparently settled in 
a quite isolated situation at the sources of the Spring 
Creek about 1720. In 1733 the first road was laid out 
through Upper Milford, from Goshenhoppen to Trex- 
lertown. The principal settlements, however, took 
place about 1735. Along the banks of the Little 
Lehigh, which rises above in Longswamp township, 
and flows through the middle of the Lehigh Church's 
lands, the new arrivals settled down. So the creek 
which starts behind the Schlossberg furnished the 
sites for the most beautiful homes. So, also, others 
chose the slopes of the Lehigh Mountains, and even 
the high sides of the same, for their future homes. 

Among the first immigrants, who came principally 
from Wiirtemberg, were the following: 



Jeremias Trexler (Drechsler). 

Johann Matthias Eigner(Eichner). 

Michael Knappenberger. 

Juliann Peler Fetherolf. 

Wiltielm Fegley (VSgelein). 

Daniel Schmeier. 

Christian Schmeier. 

Friederich Seitz. 

Jacob Barth. 

Johann Peter Klein. 

Jacob W r agner. 

Jacob banner (Tanner). 

Georg Ruch. 

Matba'us Heinli. 

Georg Adam Bortz. 

Johannes Dee. 

Nicolaus Schmidt. 

Adam Moser. 

Johannes Dietrich Gaunier. 

Matbias Steinlein. 

Jacob Koller. 

Jacob Stephy (Stepban). 

Philipp Drescher (Droecher). 

Stophel Miiller. 

Christian Gorr. 



Simon Ham. 

Lorenz Scbiid. 

Andreas Trexler (Drechaler). 

Martin Boger (Poger). 

Peter Mattern. 

Emanuel Pfeiffer. 

Lorenz Kuchele. 

Matbiius Ludwig. 

Andreas Eisenhard. 

Jacob Herman. 

Valentin Meckley. 

Michael Warmkessel. — 

Bastian Druckenmiller, Sr. 

Georg Christ, Sr. 

George Acker. 

Michael Schiffert (Scbevert). 

Balzer Federmann. 

Jacob Shankweiler. 

Leonard Kubns (Kubn). 

Conrad Kolb. 

George Sciler. 

Joseph Allirecht. 

Johannes Weber. 

Adam Desch (Tescb). 

Heinricb Koch. 



l By the Rev. William A. Helffrich. 



The Breinig family belonged from the earliest times 
to the Ziegel Church. 

Daniel and Christian Schmeier, above named, are 
described in the church records at the time of their 
confirmation as being step-sons of Wilhelm Fegely. 

The congregation was organized about the year 
1745. The immigrants early provided themselves 
with a suitable piece of ground lying in the middle 
of the settlement, which they withheld from their 
successors and devoted to church and school pur- 
poses. When it was taken it was still called vacant land. 
Upon their taking steps to build a church, Matthias 
Eigner and Michael Knappenberger were designated 
a committee to take possession of the land and obtain 
a legal title to it. This was done at Philadelphia on 
the 23d of February, 1749. 

The first church was built directly after the pur- 
chase of the land, and in 1750 was dedicated to the 
service of God by the Rev. Philipp Heinrich Rapp, 
who had resided with the congregation before the 
building of the church, and was the principal pro- 
moter of its organization. The church was founded, 
built, and dedicated entirely as a Lutheran one. It 



LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP. 



::il 



was a simple log structure, and stood in the north- 
eastern corner of the churchyard. At the same time 
a school-house was built, which was soon enlarged, 
and in the course of time was used 1 >< <i 1 1 as a school- 
house and parsonage. 

The circumstances of the primitive church here 
wi re the same a> elsewhere. The only peculiarity 
the congregation had was that they possessed the 
most fertile soil in the State. The farmers raised 
wheat, hay, etc., devoted themselves to cattle-raising, 
ami soon attained a high degree of prosperity. A 
public road was laid out about 1730 through Upper 
Milford, from Goshenhoppcn to Trexlertown, afford- 
ing a convenient market to the neighborhood. Many 
of the members became very rich, as the Eigner 
family and others, and these frequently purchased in 
Philadelphia the services of poor immigrants, who 
were sold for a number of years into a specie of bond- 
age, until they should, with their service, pay their 
passage-money. In this manner Matthias Eigner 
bought the services of Catharine Nathstein, whose 
parents were not able to pay her passage-money, kept 
her in service, treating her well, and having her con- 
firmed. In religious development the Lehigh con- 
gregation surpassed most of the Lutheran Churches 
of the last century, becoming a centre of Lutheran 
teaching. Here the pastors of all the neighboring 
churches resided, and generally they were capable 
men, whose instruction was not lost upon the congre- 
gation. Rev. Rapp, the founder of the church, em- 
ployed a school-master, who taught under his super- 
intendence and conducted an excellent school. Rev. 
Rapp was a shining light for this church, whose 
affairs he directed upon the European methods, as 
did also his successors. Upon the building of the 
church he introduced a church-book, and observed 
and followed strict discipline. Children were bap- 
tized within the church, and marriages were cele- ] 
brated, after the publication of bans, at the altar, and 
entered upon the church records. For example, here 
is one: " By authority of a license, bearing date Feb. 
9, 1772, Johannes Fogel (Vogel), and Anna Rosina 
Schad are lawfully married, after three separate pub- 
lications: Jacob von Buskirk." Also funerals were 
recorded in the books, as for example: "On the 21st 
of June, 1771, Mathaus Eigner was buried here al 
Macnngie, aged 78 years." Pastor Buskirk also 
kept the records of marriages and deaths in other 
ngregations, such as Tacony and Upper Milford, in 
this book, between the years 1770 and 1774. The 
names of those who were confirmed were also regularly 
entered. The church record contains seventy-one 
names of catechumens for the year 1774, thirty-i 
for 1776, forty-nine for 1779, forty-five for L781, titty- 
five for 1783, sixty-six for 1786, ninety-one for 1793, 
and ninety-four for the year 1799. These names show 
that among these were children belonging to other 
congregations, who were, however, all confirmed by 
Rev. Buskirk, at the Lehigh Church. 



The congregation was al tir-t small, since the immi- 
grants took up only the best tracts of land. The well- 
known desirability of the u hood and the ex- 
cellence of the church government s i attracted 

strangers, who speedily occupied all the vacant lands. 
A few members of the Reformed faith settled within 
the limits of the congregation, but were compelled to 
go to Longswamp the Ziegel Church i or to Salisbury. 
to worship according to their consciences. During 
the year 1760 there resided here an able physician 
named Frederick Spiegel, who was undoubtedly in- 
duced to come here by Pastor Schertlcin. 

Between this and the Longswamp congregation 
there existed for many) tarp rivalry, which 

often culminated in collisions between the members. 
For here they were genuinely Lutheran, and above 
strongly Reformed, and they constantly strove to 
surpass one another. These contests left the Lehigh 
Church in the advance, since its members were richer, 
and the old, kindly-disposed Suabian disposition 
caused them to cleave more closely together. 

A consistory is first mentioned upon the church- 
book under date of the year 1769, and appears to have 
been composed of the following persons: Martin 
Boger, Simon Hain, elders ; and Jacob Hermann, 
Daniel Schmeir, Heinrich Eigner, Heinrich Wetzel, 
ih-aeons. 

The second church was constructed in 1785, and 
was dedicated the same year by the local pastor, 
Rev. Jacob Buskirk and Johann Friedrich Ernst, of 
Brunswick, N. J. The consistory, which signed the 
attestation, was composed of Heinrich Eigner, Peter 
Trexler, elders; and Valentine Haupt, Heinrich 
Warmkessel, Adam Hawerther, Christian Weber, dea- 
cons. The building committee were George Breinig, 
Michael Schmeier, Johannes Heinli, and Daniel 
Schmeier. Heinrich Knappenberger was the school- 
master at that time. 

The attestation concludes with the following words : 
" Der Herr unser Gotl segne zeitlich und ewig Alle, 
die dieser Stiftung getreulich nachkommen. Der 
Herr aber sehe drein und niche es, wo dawider ge- 
handelt wird. Amen! Gottes Wort und Luther's 
Lehr, vergeht nun und nimmermehr." (The Lord 
our God bless now and forever all our successors who 
shall remain faithful to the purpose of this under- 
taking. May he look upon and avenge whatever is 
done to thwart and oppose it. Amen! God's Word 
and Luther's teachings shall ne\ er disappear. 

The ne,w church was built of -tone, and was made 
unusually strong and massive, and so stands to 
this day despite many alterations and repairs. It 
was finished, both within and without, in the style 
of architecture of that time. (See the description 
of the Second Ziegel Church.! The ground floor 
of the church was laid with brick, upon which sand 
was then spread, and for days horses were driven 
over this sand so as to make the floor hard and firm. 
Since the Lehigh congregation had put up a new 



342 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



building, necessarily the Longswamp congregation 

si also have one. This was completed in five 

years, about 1790. Bui they were not satisfied with 
this. They musl have something better than the Le- 
high Church, and therefore they purchased an organ. 
But would the Lehigh congregation permit themselves 
to be passed in this manner? Oh no; they were 
richer; and so it was not a long time before an <Tgan 
was also erected in their church, and a far better one, 
too, than the Longswamp congregation had. This 
the latter would never admit. They examined and 
criticised the Lehigh organ, and their general opin- 
ion was voiced by old Jack Lon '. who said aloud to 
his neighbor in the church after hearing it, "You 
there ! I don't know, but it seems to me this organ 
i- not a bit better than ours !" 

Soon, however, these rivalries disappeared, being 
discouraged by the pastors. The New World con- 
stantly brought Lutheran and Reformed ministers 
into closer intimacy, because they were brethren, 
few in number, and with more work on their hands 
than their united efforts could dispose of. The better 
disposition of the fathers, too, overcame these follies, 
and those who were anxious to tight over externals, 
only met with ridicule. Soon the members, living 
with each other, became neighborly, and the dividing 
barriers were soon torn down by intermarriage be- 
tween the sons and daughters of the old families. 

The congregation resolved, in the year 1843, to re- 
pair the church. Its walls stood as firm and strong 
as on the first day ; the interior only was torn out, 
the floor relaid, the pulpit and the organ placed 
against the shorter walls, and everything finished in 
modern style. On the 26th of August, 1843, the con- 
gregation entered into an agreement with the ad- 
herents of the Reformed belief, who had settled more 
and more within the limits of the parish, that they 
should hold the church building in common with the 
Lutherans, and have equal right and title to the church 
land with them. Upon Christmas-day the church 
was dedicated as a Union Church. In the following 
year (1844), upon Whitsunday, the organ, which had 
been repaired, was also dedicated to the service of God. 

The members of the Reformed faith were at first 
only a few, as follows : Charles Ruth, James Weiler, 
George Dankel, John Blank, Dietrich Meitzler, Peter 
Ruth, Henry Ruth, William Walbert, Nathan Wal- 
bert, Daniel Lauer, Sr., Daniel Lauer, Daniel Meitzler, 
Hensinger, Romich. 

The celebration of the one hundredth anniversary 
took place on the 5th ami 6th days of October, 1850. 
The consistories at that time were : Lutheran elders, 
Peter Klein, Stephen Schmeier; Reformed elders, 
Charles Ruth, John Blank; Lutheran deacons, Sam- 
uel Schmeier, Joseph King, Reuben Schankweiler, 
Thomas Fogel; Reformed deacons, Dietrich Meitzler, 
William Walbert, Daniel Lauer, Daniel Meitzler; 
Trustees, George Dankel, Jesse Breinig, James Wei- 
ler; Treasurer, John Goebel. 



Some years later a tower was erected, and a bell 
hung in the same ; at the same time, also, the church 
received a new coal of paint and was frescoed. In 
1XX1 the entire church, both within and without, was 
repainted. 

A Sunday-school was early begun here, and was 
kept alive from year to year by the industry and 

faithfulness of Peter Ruth and others. 

The pa>t<>rs of the congregation were: 

1. l'hilipp Heinrich Bapp, the founder of the 
church. He resided with the congregation before the 
first building was constructed, and preached at the 
homes of the member-. He was an able minister, 
and had received his education in Europe. Unfortu- 
nately, he could not remain for a long time with this 
church. In the year 1751 he received a call from a 
church in New York City, which call be felt himself 
impelled to obey. There he is quoted as having said, 
" It pains me inexpressibly to desert the congregation 
which I have brought into existence." 

2. Jacob Freiderich Schertleih, who served here 
from 1753 to 1765, and resided at the same time in 
this vicinity. Although Rev. Rapp was an able man, 
Rev. Schertlein was much more so. In the twelve 
years of his work he laid the foundation for the future 
development at which the church arrived. 

3. Johann Georg Wiessner, who preached here from 
1765 to 1770. 

4. Jacob von Buskirk began his ministry here in 
1770, and served till 1800. He resided also with the 
congregation. His labors were blessed. Under his 
ministry the church flourished and attained its greatest 
prosperity, till the Trexlertown Church was founded, 
and through its foundation diminished the Lehigh 
Church. Rev. Buskirk, also, by instruction of Dr. 
Muhlenberg, educated certain young men for the Lu- 
theran ministry, as Rev. Lehman. 

5. J. F. Obenhausen was chosen minister in 1800, 
and preached till 1806. 

6. Freiderich Gaisenheiner served from 1806 to 
1808. 

7. Heiurich Heyne preached eight years. 

8. Rev. Steelier served for three years. 

9. Benjamin German served seventeen years. 

10. Jeremias Schindel preached a year and a half. 

11. So did Christoph A. Friedrich. 

12. Josua Yager was chosen in 1841, and is the 
present pastor. 

The Reformed ministers were: 

1. C. G. Hermann, wdio was chosen pastor in the 
year in which the church became a Union Church. 
He afterwards resigned. 

2. Joshua Derr was chosen in , and served the 

congregation till 1863. 

3. In the spring of that year William A. Helffrich 
was elected, and the call was ratified, after some objec- 
tions, by the East Pennsylvania Classis at Mertztown 
in the following year. 

East Texas. — -This village, which was at first 










v£&u™ $^Jr> 




^^^^^S^W^^r 






4f^^ 



LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP. 



343 



known by the name of Macungie Square, is situate 
upon a high bluff of the Lehigh Creek, and has at 
present two hundred and thirty-eight inhabitants. 
In 1830 there were three buildings upon the site of 
this now prosperous mining town, — an old school- 
house, of which we shall make mention hereafter; 
an old stone house where the hotel now stands, and a 
building nearby in which a general Btore was kept. 
In L845 the first hotel of the village was erected, 
which has since been enlarged. At this hotel all the 
inhabitants of Lower Macungie township, outs 
the borough of Macungie, cast their votes. The 
second name given to the village was that of New 
Texas, which name it kept until the year 1872; A 
number of unsuccessful attempts had been made pre- 
vious to this time to have a post-office established in 
the village. Finally Stephen Acker, the " leading 
spirit" of the place, got up a petition signed bj si\ 
citizens and several outside postmasters, asking the 
government for an office. His efforts were rewarded 
with success, and a post-office was established in the 
year last mentioned, and at the suggestion of Mr. 
Acker its present name, East Texas, was given to both 
the village and the office. The office was first kept in 
the store of Benjamin K. Keck. At present it is kept 
in the store of Lauer & Hoffman, and Cyrus E. 
Acker is postmaster. There are in the village two 
hotels, two general stores, and two churches. 

On the 24th of September, 1790, three men, viz., 
Andrew Eisenhard, Cornelius Hughes, and John 
Herman, entered into an agreement, and made them- 
selves responsible for the donation of two acres of 
land ; the first-named to give one acre, and each of 
the other two half an acre, " for a school place, and 
for no other purposes, forever." "And we do further 
promise and agree by these presents that we will build 
a house on the said described land that shall be suf- 
ficient for a school-house; this we promise to build 
free and complete this fall." The same year a log 
house was built upon the above tract, which is situate 
in East Texa-. Sixty years ago this house was torn 
down and a second one built of logs, which in 1857 
was replaced by a brick building with steeple and 
bell. 

On the 24th of October, 1874, the greater part of 
the mound not occupied by the building was cut into 
lots, which were sold subject to ground rent, the an- 
nual interest of which amounts to the sum of two 
hundred and twenty-six dollars. Part of this -urn is 
annually expended for summer school. 



chased and removed to a farm of two hundred and 
twelve acres, situate. 1 in what is known as "Butz's 
Valley," which has since been in possession of the 
family, and is now owned by his great-grandson, Ste- 
phen Butz. Peter Butz had three sons. Peter, Samuel, 
and John, the last-named having inherited the home- 
stead. He had lour sons and four daughters, one of 
whom was Peter, the lather of the subject of this bio- 
graphical sketch. Stephen, the second in a family of 
nine children, was bom June 3, 1808, in Lower Ma- 
cungie township. His limited education was received 
at the log school-house near his home known as Butz's 
school-house, nude]- the guidance of a < rerman teacher 
named Andres King, who, with his family, occupied 
I lie limited quarters as a dwelling. At the age of 
eighteen he was apprenticed to Henry Shaffer, and on 
attaining his twentieth year became a skillful shoe- 
maker, which trade he followed for three years. He 
then changed his occupation to that of a farmer, and 
having inherited the homestead, moved thereon, and 
continued for twenty-nine years to cultivate the land. 
In 1X77 he retired from the farm, and having pur- 
chased the mill property one mile west of the village 
of Alburtis, conducted for four years the business of 
milling. In 1881 his sons, Allen and John, and his 
son-in-law, F. S. Lichtenwallner, became his succes- 
sors in business, and in 1883 remodeled the mill and 
introduced the roller process. Mr. Butz was, in Feb- 
ruary, 1850, married to Miss Rebecca, daughter of 
Henry Seidel, of Martin Creek township, Berks Co., 
whose birth occurred Jan. 30, 1821. Their children 
are Henry, Allen, John, Mary (Mrs. F. S. Lichten- 
wallner), and Amanda (Mrs. Charles L. Hottenstine). 
Mr. Butz has ever been a strong Republican in his 
political sentiments, but not active as a politician. He 
is a member of the German Reformed Church of 
Long Swamp township, Berks Co., in which he has 
officiated both as elder and deacon. In 1852 he was 
chosen one of the building committee for the erection 
of a new church edifice. He manifests much inter- 
est in Sunday-school work, and has served for ten 
years as superintendent of what is known as Butz's 
Sunday-school. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



STEPHEN BUTZ. 
Peter Butz, the great-grandfather of Stephen, emi- 
grated from Germany in 17~>2, and first settled in Long 
Swamp township, Berks Co., Pa. In 1701 he pur- 



A \l;o\ ERDMAN. 



The great-grandfather of Mr. Kidman was John 
Yost Erdman. Among his children was Andrew, 
who emigrated from Darmstadt, Germany, about the 
year 1732, his father coming to the United Mates 
about five years later. Andrew married a Mi- 
fried and had live sous, — Jacob, Andrew, Yost, Jo- 
hannes, and John George, besides several daughters. 
The birth of Jacob occurred on the homesti ad where 
hi resided during his lifetime. Be married Catha- 
rine Romig, of Upper Saucon township, to whom 
lorn children,— Jacob, John, Isare, Aaron, 
Elizabeth (Mrs. Erhard Weaver), Catherine Mr-. 
Solomon Reichardi. Theresa Mrs. S. Reichard), .In- 



344 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ilith (Mrs. John Bruner). Aaron, of this number, 
was born Nov. 8, 1813, in Upper Saucm, and after 
such opportunities of education as the neighboring 
schools afforded, devoted his youth to farm labor. He 
afterwards learned the trade of a stocking-weaver, 
which was prosecuted for two years, when his atten- 
tion was directed to the more congenial employments 
connected with mercantile life, and he became clerk 
in a country store at Breinigsville. Later he returned 
to Upper Saucon, and opened a store for the sale of 
such wares as were adapted to a general trade. He 
soon after purchased the property now occupied by 
him at Macungie, to which place he removed in 1838. 
Here he has since conducted an extensive business, 
having in 18715 transferred the store to his son and 
son-in-law, the tirm being A. Erdman, Son & Co., 
and embarked in an exclusive hardware trade. 

Mr. Erdman was married on the 23d of February, 
1837, to Miss Anna Breinig, of Breinigsville, Lehigh 
Co., to whom were born two sons, — William B., a 
physician at Macungie, and August J., an attorney. 
Mrs. Erdman died Feb. 4, 1844, and he married 
again, March 26, 1846, Miss Mary Weider, of Upper 
Milford township, whose children are Sarah (Mrs. A. 
K. Desch), Mary (Mrs. T. M. Probst), Emma (Mrs. 
H. F. Neumoyer), and John, engaged with his father 
iu business. Mr. Erdman has, in connection with 
other business interests, been a considerable dealer in 
lumber, coal, and grain, in Macungie. He has been 
largely ideutiiied with the development of the bor- 
ough, and foremost in all movements tending to its 
growth and prosperity. He has been during his life- 
time a Democrat, and although not an aspirant for 
office, has held various minor positions in the borough. 
He is a member of the Baptist Church of Macungie. 



JONATHAN B. WIEAND. 
Jonathan B. Wieand is of German parentage. His 
grandfather, Henry Wieand, was a native of Weissen- 
berg township, and early removed to Salisbury town- 
ship, where he was a prosperous farmer. His children 
were David, Judith (Mrs. Reuben Kline), and Jonas. 
The last named was born in Salisbury township, where 
bis active life, with the exception of a few years in 
Allentown, has been spent as a veterinary surgeon. 
He married Henrietta, daughter of Christopher Bortz, 
of IiOwer Macungie township, and had children, — 
Jonathan B. and Louisa (Mrs. Philip Roth). The 
former was born Feb. 19, 1838, in Lower Macungie, 
and when a child became an inmate of the house of 
his maternal grandfather, where he remained until 
the age of ten years, meanwhile enjoying but limited 
advantages of education. From that date until the 
age of fourteen he resided with his uncle, Henry 
Wieand, in the same township, and meanwhile learned 
the tobacco trade, at which he worked for a period of 
five years. With the fifty dollars thus earned he 
became a pupil of the Allegheny Male and Female 



Seminary in Bedford County, Pa., and returning, iu 

1858, taught the township school, after which he, in 

1859, attended the Freeland Seminary. Mr. Wieand 
then became clerk for W. P. Hooper, at Wescoesville, 
and in 1868 purchased the store, of which he con- 
tinued proprietor until the spring of 1884, when he 
retired from active mercantile pursuits, and devotes 
his attention to farming and the management of other 
business interests. Mr. Wieand was, in 1865, married 
to Miss Susan E., daughter of Israel Wescoe, of Wes- 
coesville. He is in politics a Republican, but has 
never aspired to public office other than that of post- 
master of Wescoesville, which he has held since 1868. 
He was in his religious preference formerly a Lu- 
theran, and is now a member of the Evangelical 
Association, in which he is active as class-leader, 
steward, and Sunday-school superintendent. Mr. 
Wieand has been a leading spirit in promoting the 
advancement of Wescoesville, both by his business 
enterprise and in the buildings he has erected. He 
has also been an earnest friend to the cause of educa- 
tion, which by his influence and means he has ma- 
terially aided. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 1 

[As these two townships were one until a compara- 
tively recent date, and possess at the present time 
many elements of common interest, they are here 
treated in a single chapter.] 

Description. — Upper and Lower Milford were or- 
ganized as separate townships on Dec. 6, 1852. Pre- 
vious to this day they had been included in one town- 
ship, under the name of Upper Milford. 

These two townships are situated in the most 
southern part of Lehigh County, and are bounded as 
follows: on the northeastside by Salisbury and Upper 
Salem townships; on the southeast side by Milford 
township, Bucks Co. ; on the southwest side by Upper 
Hanover township, Montgomery Co., and Hereford 
township, Berks Co.; and on the northwest side by 
Lower Macungie township. 

The form of each of the townships is rectangular, and 
they are nearly equal in size. The townships as com- 
bined are. from southeast to northwest six miles long 
(as per survey of John Chapman, of the 13th day of 
March, 1737), and from northeast to southwest five 
miles, containing thirty-three square miles, or twenty- 
one thousand one hundred and twenty acres of land. 
Later surveys show quite a difference, the territory 
appearing to be about six and a half by six and a quar- 
ter miles, and containing nearly forty and three-fifth 
square miles, or twenty-six thousand acres of land. 

1 By P. W. Flores, of Dillingersville. 





C-^Z-*^t< 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



345 



According t<> the census reports, the population of 
Lower Milford in 1870 was L505, and in L880, 1558, 
and thai of I pper Milford in 1870 was 2015, and in 
1880, 2405. Nearly all of the inhabitants arc of Ger- 
man descent. 

The surface formation is very irregular, mountain- 
ous, and hilly. In the southern pari of Lower .Mil- 
ford is the Hosensack Hill, or the great Mill Hill 
(commonly called Grosze Miihlberg , which extends 
across the township, and into the county of Mont- 
gomery; in the northeastern part the Chestnut Hill. 
The northwestern part is crossed by M "sir's (now 
Dillinger's) Ridge, running from northeast to south- 
west, and the centre of the township is crossed by 
Mill Ridge (called Kleine Miihlberg), running from 
northeast to southwest. 

Upper Milford is crossed by the south or Lehigh 
Mountain from east to west. The southern part of 
Upper Milford is crossed by Bald Hill (commonly 
called " Kahlen Berg)." The highest -pot in either of 
the Mil lords is located on the Chest nut Hill, in Lower 
Milford, which measures nine hundred and sixty feel 
above the level of the sea; the second highest, on 
South, or Lehigh Mountain, in Upper Milford, nine 
hundred and twenty feet: and the third highest, on 
Moser'a Ridge, in Lower Milford, which measures nine 
hundred and ten feet high. 

The soil of both Upper and Lower Milford is princi- 
pally gravel. Sandstone abounds. Iron ore is plenty, 
and is found in many places, along spurs of South 
Mountain, in Upper Milford, and is found in abun- 
dance on and near the South Mountain. In the 
neighborhood of Shimersville there is some of the 
richest red oxide iron ore, and in the vicinity of 
Zionsville is some of the richest magnetic iron ore 
veins to he found anywhere in the State. Near the 
village of Shimersville, on the north side, is a rich 
deposit of emery and corundum crystals, worth about 
two hundred dollars per ton. Limestone is found in 
Upper Milford, and also along the Hosensack and 
Saucon Valleys in Lower Milford. .Mica is tound in 
some places in Lower Milford, on the premises of 
H. H. Boyer and Readan Schantz, near Dillingers- 
villc, and zinc is found on the premises of Nathan 
Kunkel and others, near Shimersville, in Upper 
Milford. 

The soil in both Upper and Lower Milford is well 
Cultivated, and is very productive. Its cultivation is 
the chief employment of the inhabitants, and it has 

been brought to a high degr »f fertility by the free 

use of lime. Many hundreds of bushels are used 

annually and with the best effects. Not onlj is the 

and healthiest grain produced, but it brings 

always the highest pi 

I ppi i and Lower Milford are both well watered 
with the l'c-i and most wholesome water to be found 
in Lehigh or any other county in Pennsylvania. 
Creeks and brooks run through he fields and mead- 
ows, and add materially to the wealth of the inhabi- 



tants by fertilizing the soil and by turning the ' 
of the mills. 

The principal stream of water in the Milford- i- the 

Hosensack Creek, which rises at the fool of the west 
side of Chestnut Hill, running south and soutl 
wardly through the centre of Lower Milford, and 
through the beautiful Hosensack Valley, a distance 

of over -ix miles, turns the wheels oi eight grist- and 

saw-mills, and empties into the Perkiomen Creek, in 

Monti; cry County. < hi the southeast side of the 

Hosensack Creek several smaller creek- and runs 
empty their water into it, among them the Schwenck's 
or Dubs' Creek, Eberhard's Creek, Dickenshied's 
Creek, and several smaller creek- and run-. < In the 
northwest side the following streams empty their 
water into the Hosensack: Schantz's Creek, Walter's 
or Meckling's Creek (several branches included i, In- 
dian Creek, and Trump's Run, etc. The Swamp Creek 
rises in Saucon township, and runs in a southern 
direction through the northeast comer of Lower Mil- 
ford and into Bucks County. In the same part of the 
township rises the Hicken ('reek, which runs south- 
wardly into Bucks County, and empties into Swamp 
Creek. 

In the southern comer of Lower Milford rises, near 
the foot of the Hosensack Hill, Krauss' Creek, which 
runs due south into Montgomery County, and empties 

! into the Perkiomen. In the same part of Lower 
Milford there is Stauffer's Creek, which rises on the 
Hosensack Hill, and empties into the Krauss' Creek. 
In the northern part of Lower Milford, on Chestnut 
Hill, rises Saucon Creek, which runs northwardly 
into Saucon township, and empties near Hellertown 
into the Lehigh River. Ortts or Wiedet 
rises in the same part of Lower Milford, and running 
north empties at Limeport into the Saucon Creek. 
These creeks turn within the bounds of Lower Mil- 

t ford the wheels of sixteen mills. 

Indian Creek rises in the western corner of Upper 
Milford, and crosses the township by running east, 
southeast, and southwardly, and empties in Lower 
Milford into the Hosensack. The Perkiomen Creek- 
rises in Berks County, and runs through Upper Mil- 
ford in the form of a horse-hoe east, southeast, and 
southwardly. Leibert's Creek rises in the north- 
eastern part of Upper Milford, and runs west and 
northwardly through Leibert's Gap of the South 
Mountain, and empties in Lower Macungie township 
into the Little Lehigh Creek. Thany's, or Fetter- 
man's Creek rises near Shimersville, runs northeast, 

and empties at Vera Cruz into Leibert's Creek. In 

the northwestern part of Upper Milford i- Miller's 
Creek, which rises near Shimersville, runs north- 
wardly into Lower Macungie, and empties into the 
Little Lehigh. These creeks turn within the bounds 
of Upper Milford ten grist, saw, and other mills. 

Iron Ore.— On both sides of the South Mountain, 
in Upper Milford. iron ore i- abundant and rich, pro- 
ducing from thirty-five to forty-five per cent, of metal. 



346 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTS, PENNSYLVANIA. 



( )n the wesl fool of the mountain and in the vicinity 
of Emails iron-ore mines have been kept in operation 
i'. i nearlj fifty years, and in particular on the prem- 
ises of Charles and Peter Schwarz, where mines have 
operated verj successfully bj David Lewis from 
1884 until 1870, and since 1870 by the Eraaus Iron 
pany. 
< )n the east side of the same mountain there were 

discovered, al >i iiit tin- year LSI*, several very rich mag- 
netic iron-ore veins. Those on i lie premises of William 
Bruuner, Henry Wiekert, and others have been oper- 

ated bj David Lewis (the oldest ironmaster of Lehigh 
County), F. T. Jobst, and George Neumoyer. The 
Hellertown Iron Company, Lewis, Pascoe & Webb, 
Schwarz, Dickenshied \- Co. look in 1880 a lease on 
the premises of F. T. Jobst (formerly of William 
Brunner), and continued the operation of the mines. 
They discovered some rich veins of ore from two to 

twelve feet thick, and delivered an average of five 
thousand tons ore per year. Several other mines 
along the mountain, on the premises of Daniel Klein, 
Joshua Fry, and others, have been kept in operation. 

About the year 1870 there was discovered on the 
premises of Anthony Mechling (now deceased), in 
Zionsvillc, Upper Milford, one of the richest magnetic 
iron-ore veins in Lehigh County. It was worked by 
John S. Schreiber & Co. for about seven years, and 
since 1878 has been operated by the Crane Iron Com- 
pany. About the year 1875 there was also a rich vein 
of the same ore discovered on the premises of Charles 
Schoeuly at the same place ; and about the year 1881 
there was another rich vein of the same ore discov- 
ered on the premises of Mr. Gackenbach at the same 
place, and also on the premises of Jonas Kern. 

All these mines are now carried on by the Crane 
Iron Company. The ore produces an average of forty- 
live per cent, clear iron. 

On the premises of Mr. Shultz, in Shimersville, is 
one of the richest veins of oxide iron ore ever discov- 
ered in Lehigh County. It produces an average of 
fifty per cent, of iron. 1 

Organization of the Original Townships of Mil- 
ford and Upper Milford. — The territory now com- 
prised in Upper and Lower Milford townships of 
Lehigh County was originally included in the county 
of Bucks, which was erected in 1682. The township 
of Milford (in Bucks County) was organized in 1734. 
" No doubt the agitation for a township organization 
in Richland, whose inhabitants were moving in this 
direction," says Gen. Davis, in his " History of Bucks 
County." " stimulated the people of Milford to set up 
for themselves." On June 13, 1734, the settlers living 
between the present county line and the region then 
about to be laid out as Richland petitioned the court 
to lay out the country they inhabited into a township. 



1 Since the above wan written, it has been reported that a rich vein of 

manganese bad I □ found mi the premises of Reuben shubert, near 

ZionsviUe, in Upper Milford ; ami also mi the premises "f Rev. Eli Kel- 
ler, at the same place. It is estimated to he worth five dollars per ton. 



The court doubtless '.'ranted the prayer of the peti- 
tioner-, lor the township was laid out ami established 

- after, ll was twice surveyed, both times by 

John Chapman. <>n the back of the first draft still 

existing is indorsed " Bulla," tin- name by which the 

petitioners desired their town-hip to be designated. 
If tie name was ever used it was soon changed to 

Lower Milford, and then to Milford. 

Tin organization of Upper Milford now the Upper 
aid Lower Milfords of Lehigh County) was undoubt- 
edly hastened by the organization of the " Bulla," Or 
present Milford of Bucks. At what time the people 

commenced the township movement is not known, 

but we find that on June 10. 1737, a petition signed 

by Peter Walber, Ulrich Rieszer, Mathias Ochs Ox), 
Johannes Meyer, Joseph Henckel, Daniel Rausch, 
Heinrich Wilhelm Dillinger, Beinricb Riesz, Chris- 
tian Biegel, William Bitz, Jacob Wetzel, Johannes 
Beltzart, Theobald Mechlin, Johannes Post, Melchior 
Stecher, Michael Kohler, Felix Brunner, Jacob 1 >erry, 
Michael Zimmermann, William Langhorst, Martin 
Weitknecht, Johannes Baumgartner, Hans Ord was 
presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions, then sit- 
ting at Newtown, asking for tin- section of county in 
which they lived to belaid out in a township with the 
following bounds. Beginning at the northern corner 
of Milford township, at a chestnut, and then running 
up to Lawick Hills ; then along the said hills to the 
county line westward ; then down the county line to 
the other corner of Milford township ; then along the 
line of said township to the place of beginning. 

The new township was surveyed by John Chapman 
on the 13th of March, 1737, and was in the form of a 
square six miles long by five aud a half miles wide, 
containing thirty-three square miles, or twenty-one 
thousand one hundred and twenty acres.' 

It may perhaps be interesting to follow here a copy 
of the original form of John Chapman's report of his 
surveys of Upper Milford to the court of Bucks 
County. 

" By virtue of an order of last court to me directed, and at the requeBt 
of the inhabitants, these may certify that I have Surveyed ami laid out 
the Said township, Beginning at the North East i Sorner >>f Milford town- 
ship at a ChiMntit being Ho' i 'mi in i uf On- -aid township and then run- 
ning North West over Lawiek hills Six miles from the Said Corner of 
Saul township to a market white Oak, then South West along the back 
Side 300 Chains, t hen to the top and over the hill to live Miles and a half 

i,, the ' mii nt v line to a heap of Btonee, then down the County line South 
East Six miles to the other Corner of Bltlford township, then along the 
Sod township line Ninth [Cast ."> miles and a half to the place Of ltegin- 

ning 
"Surveyed on the IS* day of the Bret month (March) 1737 s— by 

" Jobn en m h \n Surveyor" 

In addition to the petitioners, the following families 

were then settled in the territory: Dubs, Eberhard, 

lliibcr, Schmidt, Miller, .Schumacher, Keiber, Ritter, ^j 

Beyer, Bischop, Stabler, Bitting, Guthman, Rosz, 

Stocker, Ihrig, Scliainbacli, Kern, and a little later 
came the Krauss, Yeakcl, Kriebel, Kittenhaus, Flores, 



- According to Mr. G. A. Aschbach's Burveys tin- township is six and 
one-half miles long ami h. ; and one-quarter miles wide, ami contains 
forty and three-fifths square miles, or twenty-six thousand acres. 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



347 



Kurr, Schantz, Stauffer, Schelly, Hiestand, Schiffert, 
Metzger, Schubert, Martin Krammes, Schneiter, 
Heimbacb, Dickenschiedt, E< mmi rer, and oth 

Peter Walber was appointed i stable of the terri- 
tory then Mil ford in 1787, the year before il rgan- 

izat ion of Upper Milford, and he was elected constable 
in 1739. Johann Peter Walber or Nat Walker, as he 
was often called was the first constable of Upper 
Milford. 

Dividing the Township. — < In I >■ 
Milford was dividi r of the court of Lehigh 

County, by a line run through the middl 

township from northeast to southwest. Theupperor 
northwestern pan was called " Upper Milford," and 
the lower or southeastern part was called "Penn" 
township; but by the same court, in January, 
tliu name "IVim" was changed to Lower Milford. 
The Brsl election in this new township (Lower Mil- 
ford was held at the public-house of Solomon Kein- 
merer, on March 18, 1853, at which the following 
township officers were elected: Justice of the Peace, 
' Samuel Stauffer; Constable, George K. Carl ; Super- 
visors, Jacob Schantz, Samuel I lerr; School Directors, 
Aaron Dubs, William C. Rocder, Daniel S. Yeakel, 
Abraham Pearson, Samuel Stauffer, Samuel Hottel; 
Auditor-, Charles F. Dickenshied, Ephraim Christ, 
William F.Cramer; Inspectors, Anthony Mechling, 
Jacob Weaver; Judge, Abraham Pearson : Treasurer, 
Solomon Kemmerer; Clerk, Saul Wieder. 

The first election in Upper Milford (after division 
was held it the public-house of George Neitz, in 
Zionsville, on March 18, 1853, at which time the fol- 
lowing officers were elected: Justice of the 1'eace, 
Samuel Kemmerer; Constable, George Schantzen- 
baeh ; Supervisors, Charles E. Roeder, Lazarus Weid- 
ner ; Assessor, George Bachman ; Judge, Henry Dief- 
fenderfer ; Auditor, Jacob Ehrhard ; Inspectors, John 
Wieder, Charles I". Stahler; School Directors, Fried- 
erieh Sigmund, John Ortt, David Hiestand, Petei 
Heuninger; Treasurer, David Kern; Clerk, William 
• Hittel. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE OF UPPER Mil. FORD. 
[Prior to tin Division.) 

munioned. Commissioned. 

Charles W. Wieaud.. April 14,1840 - Gabel...Apri] a, 1850 

ihlur " 14, 1840 J r " 

Jiwhun Stahl : " 15,1845 Reuben Stahler " 1 

n illotighta (label .. " 15, i 



Comml 



' txion. 

• t 

Bamnel Kemmerer.. April 13, i r April 14, 1888 

Reuben Stnhloi " 14,1657 W. H. Hllligasa ....Nov, 5,1870 

Bamnel K. mmi rei " 13, 1868 Leon L.Soyd t ■ 1, 1874 

I •• 15, " 21, 1878 

Suuii.-i k.i, rer... " 14,1868 J.D.G Knellei " 27,1879 

Eeuhen Stahler " !'. 

JUSTICES OF TH1 0W BB MILFORD. 

ned. 

I Ipril 13, 1853 M. II ' April 8,1870 

Willoughbj Gable " 10,1855 lifer " 16,1873 

Samuel Sl.iuttfi ■• 1 n II WiuniT... " 16,1873 

Hid ill Albright. ■• 10,1860 San lsuunv. Starch 25, 1878 

Saiuii-l Stauffer " 14, a H. Wagner.- " 26,1878 

KlohaelH Ubrlghl 11 181 II 1. E Roeder April 6,1883 

i B.Wagner.. " 6,1883 

1 .-■ a list of warrant*. 



Early Settlers.— Without any doubt Milford was 

Bettled by Bome individuals as early as 1715, or pre- 
vious to that year, hut tic ds to substan- 
tiate this conclusion those carved on one or 
two huildings, — one, an old stone building mar the 
Great Swamp Church, which show- upon its mantel 
the date "1715." Nearly all of the early settlers in 
Milford were German. No doubt many of thoBe early 
, so-called "squatters," came in prior to 1733. 

Many of those early German settlers cam'' to Mil- 
ford by the way of Falkner Swamp, Goshenhoppen, 
or by the Perkiomen Valley. 

After 1733 then- was an increased immigration to 
the lower part of the present Lehigh County. I hiring 
the years immediately following, the Schwenkfelders, 

the Men i ion i I e-, the Lut heran iple of the Re 

formed denomination came to this country, and many 
of them settled in the Hosensack Valley and other 
parts of Upper Milford. 

Among the Schwenkfelders we find Balthasar 
Krausz (now Krauss , Hans Henry Jaeckel now 
STeakel), Caspar Jaeckel, Chris toph Schubert, and 
others. 

Among the Mennonites we find Diirk .Ian-en 
riek Johnson), Conradt Stamm, John Meyer Mo 
Michael Meyer. Jacob Hiestandt, and others. 

Among the German Reformed people we find the 
names of Cinch Rieszer (Reeser), Fran/. Busz, Jai 
Wetzel. Peter Wetzel, Joseph Eberhard, Valentine 
Kaiser (or Felton Reiser . Alexander Diefenderfer 
or DibendefFer), Peter Linn, Jacob Dubs, Felix 
Iitunner, Henry Huber, Andreas Kraeber Grebei 
Ludwig Bitting, Philip Herzog, Friederich Wilhelm 
Kern, Andreas Engleman, Nicolaus Stahler. Peter 
Schlosser, Johannes Armbruster, Johannes < >rtt < >rd), 
Christoph Andreas. George Stahl, Jacob Mfiller I Mil- 
ler), and others. 

Among the Lutherans we find the names of Jacob 
Kurr, Thomas Kurr, Theobald Michlin, Heinrich 
Wilhelm Dillinger originally Dielinger), Michael 
Flores, George Klein, Jacob Busch, Balthasar Vetter- 
uian (now Fetterman), Martin Schaffer, Peter Battel 
(now Hittel), Ludwig Siefers, Caspar Kiitter (Ritter), 
Gabriel Kohler (Cayler), Melchior Stecher, Mathias 
Ox, John Michguthman, Philip Stephan Pappen- 
r, Friederich Nungesser, Isaac Leopold Dolp 
(Delp), Joh. David Streib, Heinrich Riesz, Michael 
Zimmerman, and other-. 

Warrants were located in Upper Milford bj the 
following-named early settlers: 

.lame- Steel, gentleman, of Philadelphia; warrant 
issued March 26, 1733, for two thousand four hundred 
acre- of land in Pennsylvania in several tract-, two 
tracts of which were situate in Upper Milford (now 
in Lower Milford i. One tract was situate on the 
county-line between Lehigh and Montgomery then 
Bucks and Philadelphia] Counties, in the Bosensack 
Valley, contain- live hundred acres and the usual 
allowances, and was described as follows : 



348 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1. Northeast, by line of tree- crossing Parkeaw- 
ming Creek, three hundred and sixteen perches. 2. 
Thence by line of trees northwest, two hundred and 
sixty-five. 3. Thence by line of trees southwest, three 
hundred and sixteen. 1. Thence bj line of trees south- 
. two hundred and sixty-five. 

On the 31st of A.ugust, 17."..".. a proprietary patent 
was granted to .lame- Steel for saiil tract of live hun- 
dred acres, with the reservation to pay a yearly 1 1 n i t - 
rent of one silver shilling per each hundred acres. 

.lame- Sieel sold this traet on Feb. 8, 1741. to James 

Hamilton, of Philadelphia, for one hundred and fiftj 

Is, who -old. Dec. 23, 1761, to Hans llenn Jaekel 
Yeakel i tor twelve hundred and fifty pounds. This 
traet is at present in possession of Rev. Daniel 
Yeakel. David S. Yeakel (descendants of Hans 
Henry Yeakel), and Anthony Schultz, George 
Schultz, J. Dech, and others. It is calculated to 
the richest farm-land in Lehigh County. 

The other tract, containing two hundred and sev- 
enty-sis acres, situate in the present Kraussdale, was 
surveyed to him "it the 24th day of April. 1734; was 
sold and conveyed to Nicolaus Walber for one hun- 
dred and eighty-nine pounds; one hundred and sev- 
enty-nine acres thirty-five perches was patented, 
1768, to Rev. George Kriebel ; and the remaining 
part of the traet, called "Old Rights," in 1770, to 
Friederieh Limbach, Esq. It is at present in posses- 
sion of John Stauffer, Milton Oberholtzer, Jesse Bry, 
and Dr. Jonas R. Gerhard. 

Michael Zimmerman received warrants for three 
traets, dated Feb. 5, 1733 (renewed Nov. 13. 1734); 
Sept. 19. 1738, and May 6, 1741, for three hun- 
dred and thirty-three acre-, situate in the Hosen- 
saek Valley, on the county-line between Lehigh and 
Montgomery (then Bucks and Philadelphia) Coun- 
t it-, and adjoining James Steel's or Hamilton's tract, 
and was patented to Michael and George Zimmer- 
man. Sr.. on May 23, 1741. These premises were sold 
by the Zimmermans, Dec. 4, 1784, to John Yund, 
who sold, 17 v 7. to John Roeder. It is at present in 
-ion of Henry E. Roeder, David Roeder. and 
others ; is very rich farming land. 

Martin Weidkneeht, — warrant issued to him on the 
12th day of September, 1734, tor one hundred and 
seventy acre,-, situate near the present Dillingers- 
ville. A patent was granted in 1822 tor a pari of the' 
land to Jacob Eberhard, and in 1837 another patent 
tor the other part to Jacob S. Meyer. 

These premises are at present in possession of Lewis 
S. Roeder. Lewis II. Wieand, Joshua Stabler, Henry 
I). Meyer, Abraham Musselman, and John S. Rhoads. 

Heinrich Wilhelm Dillinger, warrant issued to him 
tor one hundred and fifty acres in 1734, who -old the 
same about 1760 to his son, John Jacob Dillinger, 
who obtained a patent tor the same on the premises. 

In 1752 another warrant lor another tract, contain- 
ing twenty-three acres one hundred ami twenty-six 
perches, and was patented by the State Executive 



Council on Feb. 13, 1790, by the name of " Gaul." to 
John Dillinger, Jr. 

These premises are at present in possession of 
Daniel Dillinger (a descendan . I rederick T. Jobst, 

Henry Buyer, ami David Selmler, and others. 

Jacob Wetzel. A warrant was issued on July 1, 
1734, for a tract of land containing one hundred and 
fiftj acres to -aid Jacob Wetzel, and. in 1754, another 
warrant lor another tract of fifty-one acres and thirty- 
nine pen lies. On the first tract a proprietary patent 
was granted on Sept. 10, 1747. and in tin- other on 
Aug. '.'. 1754, both to said Jacob Wetzel. 

These premises are situated in the Hosensai k Val- 
ley in Lower Miltbrd; at present in possession of 
David Selmler, John D. Eberhard, Daniel Rothen- 
berger, and others. 

(In April 4, 1771, a third patent was granted to 
saiil Jacob Wetzel for a traet of over forty-seven 
acres, called "Mount Fair," now in possession of 
Abraham Kauffman and L. S. Roeder. 

Stephen Riemer (or Reemer) — warrant issued to 
him on March 3, 1734, for one hundred acre-, who 
sold the same Dec. 3. 1735, to Peter Went?., of Phila- 
delphia, wdio obtained a patent for the same on the 
9th of the same month; is situate in the Hosensack 
Valley. On this traet the first flour- and grist-mill 
was erected in Lehigh County by said Peter Wentz 
in 1740. Parts of the old premises are now in pos- 
session of Solomon Schantz, Reuben M. Roeder, and 
Jonathan Fretz. The latter is the mill property. 

Christian Crall (or Kraul) — warrant issued for two 
hundred and fifty acres, patented April 26, 17S2, to 
William Schaffer, situate in the present village of 
Zionsville, and is now occupied by George Schall, 
Widow Michling, Reuben Stabler, Jonathan Berkey, 
and others. The new Lutheran Church is also stand- 
ing on the same ground. 

Conrad Wetzel — warrant issued, dated Feb. 25, 
1734, for one hundred and forty-five acres and fifty- 
three perches, to the said Conrad Wetzel, Esq. (for a 
number of years a justice of the peace ; but as he did 
not comply with the conditions of the warrant, said 
warrant was transferred to Peter Mover (Jan. 10, 
1749). was patented Dec. 14, 1762, to Christian Miller 
of Long Swamp, Berks County, On these premises 
Valentine Deckenshied came accidentally, about the 
year 1772, to his death by falling from the upper part 
of his barn. 

These premises are now in possession of Emanuel 
Mover, Henry E. Mover, eti . 

luhmacher i Shoemaker | w arrant issued, 
June 7, 1734, for over two hundred acres, situate in 
the present Kraussdale, on the line between Lehigh 
and Montgomery County (then Bucks and Philadel- 
phia Counties), one hundred and torn acres of which 
are situate in Lehigh County, in Lower Milford ; but 
as Schuhmaeher did not comply with the conditions, a 
second warrant was issued for the same, dated Nov. 
10, 1749, to Balthaser Krau— . A patent was granted 



IIM'KI: AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 






for the same to the said Balthaser Krausc Dec. 16, 

174'.'. 

Tlii- property ia still in a of the K 

family. 

On Nov. -'■>, 1736, another warrant n for 

another tract of two hundre 
Schubmacher. 

Emaus, in Upper Milford. I sold to Daniel 

vartz. and later Daniel Schv .irtz, an«l 

later still part ofthi - :hwartz. 

This property is e 

• ■- - ttwartz family, Peter Henninger, 
Daniel Klein, and others. 

Henry Seiner Kaibe — warrant 

Jan. 26, !. ne hundred and tin the 

Hosensack Valley, in Lower Milford, per 

Milford ; was transferred, June 6, 1735, I And 
Eckhard ; was patented, Aug. 6, 1757, to George 
Klein; is now occupied ; '-- Henry B. Schantz, B 
ben M. Boeder, David Boeder, Christian Weiss, and 
Mtliers. Onthistrai sent village of Hosensack 

is located. 

Theobald Mechlin (now Mechling, or sometimes 
called Duwalt Meighly) — warrant issued to him, 
June 29, 1734, for a tract of one hundred and fifty- 
-ix acre- and forty perch'-. A second warrant was 
issued, June 27, 1747, for another tract of over tw< 
acres, and a third warrant for a third tract of aln 
eighteen acre- 1757. Patent was 

granted for the first tract to Mechlin, June 16, 1747. 
For the other two smaller tracts, patent wa- -ranted 
to Thomas Mechlin. The premises are still in | 

• on of the Mechlin family, — Mechlin Brother-, of 
Philadelphia. 

Jacob Dubs — warrant issued, Dec. 28, 1734, for a 
tract of one hundred and fifty acres. This trai 
situate in the Hosensack Valley, Lower Milford. and 
was called "Potts," was patented in 1772 to his son, 
Daniel Dubs. These premises were ir in of 

the Dubs family for over one hundred and twenty-five 
years, and are now owned by Henry W. Longacre, 
Alfred Freet, and Widow Lydia Dub-. 

III. ms or John Post — warrant issued, June 14. 1736, 
for one hundred and twenty-five acres, who sold the 
same, -March :;. 1794, to Thomas Kurr. who took an- 
other warrant, dated April 10, 1749, adjoining trai 
twenty-five acres, and sold both tract-, April 8, 1766, 
to Ludwig Siffert for three hundred pounds, who - 
April 2o. 177-7 to Hans "r John Schantz lor seven 
hundred poun 

Hans Schantz purchased, April 1, 1765, a tract of 
over one hundred and twenty-five acres from Valen- 
tine K. i-'-r which was conveyed to him by virtue 
of a warrant dated April 14, 1741 for twenty-Im- 
pounds. < »n March 15, 1785, a patent was granted 
to Hans Shantz for these three tracts, containing 
together two hundred and ninety-five and three- 
quarter acres, which is all still in possession of the 
.Shantz family, and owned by Aaron Shantz. This 



I by the nan, 
all in Lower Milford. 

Mnl 
for one hundred a |.atent 

granted, Oct. 10, i7. r; is 

now ii, John I). Eberhard, situate in 

lb,-- nsack V Milford. 

- 
for over two hundred and Bixty-nine ,.ite in 

r .Milford. A 
warrat, ' another tract of over 

-, adjoining 
'- obtained a patent on his two b 
sixty-nine a 

• will and testament 

r, for live shillings. The other 
part, one hundred and ninety-five and three-quarter 

sold, June 5, 17- 
smaller tract, fifteen acre.- and thirty ] 
to Balzer Krau-s, Jr. 

All this land is now in possession of Krau-- 
thers,— Adam Krauss, and Michael Hinnerschitz. 

DurkJansen (or Derrick Johnson — warrant 
in 1734; patent granted Jan. 20, 1735, for three hun- 
dred and fifty-two acres, who sold to Jacob Miiler, who 
sold to John Shimer, Esq. The village of Shimers- 
ville, in Upper Milford, is located on these pr< 
•ater part is still owned by the descend, 
the Shimers, — William Shimer, Widi -aimer, 

and others. 

x Paul Ritter 'sometimes called Riitter; — warrant is- 
sued Dee. 2, 1737, tor one hundred and ninety-tw •■ 
situate on the Hosensack Creek. Warrant transferred 
May 13, 1702, to his son, Casper Kitter, who obtained 
a patent for the same, Feb. 15, 1753, who sold Nov. 
28, 1758, to Joseph Eberhardt for two hundred and 
fitly pounds. It is at present in possession of Daniel 
Eberhard, a direct descendant of Joseph Eberhardt. 

Jacob Miller — warrant and survey in 1737, one 
hundred and thirty-lhree acres, fifty-eight perches, 
Id and conveyed by deed-poll, April 22, 1743, 
to John Kooken or Kocken), to whom a patent was 
granted for the same May 17, 1761. This property is 
now ii: i of Michael Shelby, and is sin. 

Lower Milford, near Stein-burg. 

Michael and Joseph Eberhard, for the use of the 
rmed Calvinist Society" — warrant issued May 
23. 17 • hundred and thirte- ■• venty 

perches. Patent granted to the same Dec. 16, 17o2. 
, of the Great Swamp Reformed 
congregation. On this premise- ti>- Swamp 

Trinity Church, one of the mi lid country 

churche- in East Pennsylvania, is located. It wit- 
erected in 1872-73, and cost thirty thousand dollars. 

Matthias Ox (or Ocha —warrant July 22, 1738, for 
one hundred and filty-nine act 
hundred and sixty-two acre-, and the latest one hun- 
dred and sixty-five acres and allowances), was pat- 
ented Jan. 20, 1747, to said Matthias Ox. This tract 



350 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



is si mate near Dillingersville, in Lower Milford, and 
is now in possession of Dan. StaliKr (tin- old home- 
stead , Henry \V. Longacre, and A 1 fret Freet, etc. 

('on raj llolbe — warrant Aug. 11, 1738. Transferred 
Feb. 1, 17 19, to Jacob Smith and Jacob Busch for 
two hundred and twelve acres; was patented partly 
to Anthony Stabler and partly to John Martin 
Schwenck, the latter dated .May 16, 1762, for eighty- 
eight acres twenty-five perches. The whole tract is 
now occupied by Charles Schell, Aaron 11. Wagner, 
Peter Schuler, Seth Weaver, and Sol. Gabel. 

Hans Oord or John Ord (now Orl or Ortt). A war- 
rant was issued to said Sans Oord, Sept. 11, 1738, for 

two hundred acres one hundred and thirteen perches, 
and allowance. Patent granted April 11, 1761, to 
the same Hans Oord. Is now in possession of Sol- 
omon Gabel, John B. Gehman, and the greatest part 
of Peter Schuler. The township line between Upper 
Milford and Lower Milford runs nearly through the 
middle of the original tract. 

Lorenz Erbach, warrant issued for one hundred and 
fifty acres, and was surveyed to said Lorenz Erbach 
in 17:14 or 1735, and patent was granted Dec. 17, 1762, 
to Johannes Reiswig. This property is situate in 
Lower Milford, and is in possession of Daniel 
Stauffer. 

Johannes Meyer (or John Moyer) — warrant issued 
for one hundred and eighty acres and one hundred 
and twelve perches in 1734. A patent was granted to 
him Oct. 24, 1761. Previous to that year he erected 
a saw-mill on the premises, and sold the same the 
same year (October, 1761) to his children. It is now 
in possession of John S. Ziegler, Charles Burkhalter, 
Joel Brunner, Jesse Dillinger, and Samuel Stauffer, 
Esq. (the latter the saw-mill property). Division-line 
between Upper and Lower Milford runs through 
these premises. 

Peter Rosz (sometimes called Rose) — warrant for 
one hundred and fifty-seven acres 1737, who sold to 
Isaac Leopold Doelp, or Delp, who sold to Christian 
Zeller (now Zelner). When and to whom patent was 
granted I am not able to ascertain. It is now in pos- 
session of Abraham Musselman and others, and is 
situate in Lower Milford. 

Michael Moser — warrant issued in 1734 for one 
hundred acres. When ami to whom this tract was 
patented I am not now able to ascertain. It is the 
same tract on which the present village of Dillingers- 
ville is located, and is now in possession of Freiderich 
T. Jobst, Israel Larosch, Edwin S. Diefenderfer, James 
V. Ma/.urie, Edward Reinhard, and others. It is 
Situate in Lower .Milford. 

BalzerGueren — warrant about 1738 for two hundred 
acres, situate on the origin of the Hosensaok Creek. 

It is now in possession of .lames I). Dillinger; is situ- 
ated in Lower Milford. 

Lutln ran congregation. These premises contain 

twenty-nine acres one hundred and thirty-seven 

id were selected by the members of said con- 



gregation (by Theobald Mechlin, Heinrich Wilhelm 
Dillinger, and others) for school ami church purposes. 

Warrant was issued to Christopher ( iuthinan, Mathias 

Ox, and Jacob Dillinger, for said congregation, April 

24, 177o. It was surveyed March 10, 1840, and pat 

granted the same year. These premises are situated 
near the village of Dillingersville, and are now in pos- 
session of John N. Hitting and "The Union School 
and Church Association" ia school incorporation). 

Henry Lies/, | Kisz or Reesz) — warrant issued Sept. 
12, 173*. for two hundred acre's and seventy -live perches 
to said Henry Riesz. Patent was granted for the 
same to Jacob Hiestand, Sept. 3, 1787, by the name 
of '' Hiestand's Delight." This tract is situate in 
Upper Milford, and is at. present in possession of 
Henry G. Sehantz, Win. G. May er, Rev. William I leb- 
man, and Samuel Musselman. By virtue of a war- 
rant dated Jan. 22, 1744, there was surveyed on 19th 
day of July, 17 1 1. another tract containing fiftj acres 
oik' hundred and twenty-five perches to Henry Reisz, 
adjoining his other land. A patent was granted May 

25, 1822, for twenty-nine acres sixteen perches, and 
allowances (part of fifty acres one hundred and 
twenty-five perches), to Daniel Mohr, situate in 
Upper Milford near Vera Cruz, and in possession of 
Thomas Mohr, who sold lately by agreement to F. S. 
Schwartz. 

Jacob Rausch — warrant issued Sept. 11, 1738, and 
surveyed to said Jacob Rausch, one hundred and fif- 
teen acres and fifty-four perches. Patent granted 
May 8, 1789, to Peter Busch. This tract is situate in 
Lower Milford, and is now in possession of Anthony 
M. Urider, Charles Derr, Anthony Schiftert, Abra- 
ham Hentricks, and others. 

Valentine Reiser (or sometimes called Felton Rei- 
ser) — warrant issued June 26, 1734, and a second on 
April 22, 173o, for two tracts, situate in the Hosen- 
sack Valley, containing together one hundred and 
fifty acres, which was surveyed March 30, 1736. But 
as he did not comply with the conditions another 
warrant was issued March 11. 1742, for the same tracts 
unto Joseph Eberbardt, Sr. Patent was granted soon 
afterwards. The premises are now in possession of 
Dr. J. H. Dickenshied. 

On April 14, 1741, another warrant was issued for 
another tract containing one hundred acres, situate 
on a branch of the Hosensack. Reiser conveyed the 
same, April 1, 17671, unto Hans or John Sehantz, who 
obtained a patent as above described. It is now in 
possession of Aaron Sehantz. 

Henry Schiszler (Sheezler) — warrant issued for one 
hundred and forty-nine and three-fourths acres, situ- 
ate near the present village of Zionsville, in Upper 
Milford, which was dated Sept. 1."., 1738. Patent 
ited Oct. 5, 1761, for the same to John Nicolaus 
Stabler. 

Michael Bischop — warrant issued for two hundred 
and three acres sixty perches, situate on the line 
between Lehigh and Bucks County, near the village 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



:::,] 



of Steinsburg, Bucks Co. Patent was granted for the 
same to said Michael Bischop, Aug. 1, 1764. 

Joseph Eberhardt, Sr. — warranl issued forfour hun- 
dred and one acres, situate in Lower Milford (then 
Upper Milford). Patent was granted tor the sa 
said Joseph Eberhardt, Sr., on April 27, L746, who 
divided this tract on Jan. 17, 1759 - eyor David 
Schultze), in two equal parts, and conveyed by his 
last will and testament, dated November 3d of the 
same year, one part to his son, Peter Eberhard, and 
the other part to his son" Abraham Eberhard. Those 
four hundred and our acre- ari now in possession of 
John 1). Eberhard and his sister, Mrs. .Mary Spinner 
(.both direct descendants), Aaron Klein, .lohu Dover, 
Samuel Heimbach, James 1 [eimbach, Joseph M. 
Beuner, John M. Reinhard, and others. 

On Jan. 29, 1752. another warrant was issued to 
Joseph Eberhardt, Sr.. — sixty-seven acres ninety-six 
perches,— and was patented Feb. 25, 175::. It is now 
in possession of John D. Eberhard. 

Leonard Lotz (or Lutz) — warrant for two hundred 
acres thirty-nine perches, issued on Jan.'.'. L739. A 
patent was granted on July 17, 1761, for the same to 
Rudolph Weiss. This tract is situate near Zionsville, 
in Upper Milford. The church of the Evangelical 
it ion is located on the premises. It i- at 
present occupied by Widow Schubert, Reuben Schu- 
bert, Tilghman Stahler, Levi Schultz, and other-. 

Peter Wentz — warrant issued, and soon alter a 
[latent granted, Sept. 24, 1739, for two tracts con- 
taining (1) eighty-nine acres thirty-seven perches, 
and 2 eleven acres twenty-three perches, together 
with one hundred acres sixty perches situate in the 
Hosensack Valley, in Lower Milford (then Upper 
Milford . It is now partly in possession of Solomon 
Schantz, Reuben M. Roeder, Jonathan Fretz, Henry 
C. Scboenly, and William Schoenly. Between said 
two tracts then- was situate another tract of one hun- 
dred acres, which Peter Went/, purchased Dec. 3, 
1735, from Stephan Riemer. on which he erected a 
flour and grist-mill in 1740. 

Friederich Note. — warrant issued and survey, one 
hundred and four acres, in 174(1, who sold Nov. 16, 
1 74- >, to Henry SchleifTer, who obtained a patent 
.Line 28, 1765. 

Henry Schleitl'er — warrant issued and surveyed on 
adjoining tract containing one hundred and twelve 
acres one hundred and fifty-six perches in 1752. 
Patent was also granted June 28, 1765, to Henry 
SchleifTer, who sold both trs lining almost two 

hundred and seventeen acre-, March 2. 1796, to Abra- 
ham Hiestand. On the first tract the Mennonite 

Church is located. Doth tracts are now in poss 

of Abraham Geisinger and sons, and others. Zions- 
ville Station is also located on the sa 
John Hiestand — warrant issued Dec. 4, 1740, for 

one hundred and twenty-tour acres one hundred and 
fifty-two perdu- to John Hiestand. A second war- 
rant was issued March 15, 17 !•'!. for another adjoining 



tract of thirty-seven acres one hundred and thirty- 
eight perches. A patent was granted to John Hies- 
tand for both tract-, one hundred and sixty-two acres 
oni hundred and thirty perches, on .hue- 30, 1762. 
The premises are situate in Upper Milford, and are 
n of the Hiestands, 
ip Kolbach (Kolbeck and Eolbeg)— warrant 
May 31, 1743. Bu( as he did not comply with 
tial conditions another warrant was issued Jan. 
21, 1752, to Michael Flore-. The tract contained one 
hundred and thirty-seven acre-, and situate near the 

present village of Dillingersville, in Lowei Milford. 
A patent was granted to said Michael Flores o 
23, 17o.:. The premises are at present in [ro- 
ot' 1 tavis and Franklin Flores, Jacob F. Schell, James 
V. Mazurie, Find, rich T. Jobst, etc. 

Peter Rittenhaus (or Rittenhouse -warrant issued 

1741, for two hundred and fifty acres, situate on the 
Hosensack Creek. Patent was granted dan. 8, 177 1, 
to Abraham Meyer, and was called " Meyer- N. 

On these premises Henry Funk erected, 1775, a fiour- 
and grist-mill, later Kriehel's mill. These two hun- 
dred and fifty acres are now in possession of Samuel 
Miller, Joel Yeakle, Daniel Schultz (mill property), 
and others. 

Andrew Eckhard (sometimes called Skart) — war- 
rant, 1743, for forty-five acres in the Hosensack 
Valley. Patent granted to George Stahl ; is now in 
possession of Reuben M. Roeder. 

Michael Meyer — warrant issued ibr one hundred 
acres one hundred and thirty perches, dated Sept. 1, 
1741 (situate near Shimersville, in Upper Milford), 
to said Michael Meyer, who sold the same Dec. 7, 
175i'. to Friederich Kern, who obtained a patent on 
the same premises two days afterward, Dec. 0. 1752. 
This property t- still in possession of the d 
Thomas Kern. Jonas Kern, and David Kern. 

On Jan. 25, 1744, another warrant was issued to 
Michael Meyer for another tract, containing forty- 
eight acres thirty-five perches. Patent granted Nov. 
17, 1789, to Conrad Meyer, by the name of Meyers- 
burg. This tract is situate near Zionsville. and is in 
possessi t Edwin Christman. 

Conrad Stamm — warrant issued to the said Conrad 
Stamm for one hundred and fifty acres. Patent was 
granted March 20, 174::, to said Conrad Stamm for 
the said one hundred and fifty acres. This tract is 
situate in Upper Milford, near Zionsville, and now in 
si m oi Conrad Moyer, Edwin Christman, and 
other-. 

Friederich Kemmerer — warrant dated Aug. 17, 

1742, for ninety-eight acre- one hundred and thirty- 

rches, by the name of Meatville. A patent 
was granted for the same Sept 6, 1796, by tin - 
Exceutive Council, unto Abraham Schantz. This 

Dillingersville, and is now in 

possession of Christian Schantz and Readan Schantz. 
Ludwig Pitting— warrant issued to him Mai 

1744, for fifty-one acres one hundred and 



352 



HISTORY OF UHIIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



perches. Patented Oct. 12, 1772, by the name of 
Firs) I'm it-, to Andrew Graber. N situate on the 
Bosensack Hill, in Lower Milford. 

rge .Mack warrant issued, dated Jan. 3, 1739, 
for one hundred acres, in the Bosensack Valley, and 
was later sold and patented to George Stahl and John 
[Holder, Sr. Patenl granted March 31, 1830, for 
forty-nine acre-, ami Sept. 4. 1847, for sixteen acres 
forty-eighl perches, to John Boeder, Sr. Is now oc- 
cupied bj John M. Boeder, David Boeder, and 
Thomas Boeder. 

On June 1", 17 1 I, another warrant was issued fol 
another tract of one hundred acres one hundred and 
thirty-seven perches, to < reorge Mack. This tract was 
purchased Feb. 20, 180.S. by Abraham Kriebel, and 
purchased the same day from Conrad Wetzel an ad- 
joining tract of over thirty-two acres. These two 
tracts were patented March 18, 1808, by the name of 
Abraham's Plain, to said Abraham Kriebel, and is 
now in the possession of Isaac S. Boeder, a successful 
farmer. 

John Bingamin — warrant dated April — , 1744, for 
one hundred and twenty acres ninety-two perches, 
who sold Jan. 20, 1753, to Peter Hittel, who obtained 
a patent in April, 1762. It is now in possession of 
Isaac Merkel, Charles Schoenly, Mr. Gackenbach, 
etc. Situated near Zionsville, in Upper Milford. 

Jacob Gartenbauer, two warrants, (1) Oct. 23, 1745, 
for twenty-nine acres; (2) dated Sept. 4, 1747, for 
twenty- four acres. Situate near Emaus. Now in 
possession of Elias Doney and others. 

George Strepeck, or Strespeck (probably Streisz- 
bacb) — warrant dated Dec. 8, 1744, for one hundred 
and fifty acres, who sold to Frederick Martin, who 
obtained a patent for the same. Situate in Upper 
Milford, and now in possession of David Klein. Peter 
Marks, and others. 

Nicolaus Staehler (or Stahler) — warrant dated Oct. 
11, 1744, for twenty-six acres fifty-one perches, who 
purchased, Sept. 6, 1759, from Henry Schiszler, an 
adjoining tract of one hundred and forty-nine and 
three-quarter acres. On Oct. 5, 1761, a patent was 
granted to N. Stabler for both tracts. Situate near 
Zionsville, in Upper Milford. Is at present in pos- 
session of Enos Truckenmillerand Charles F. Stahler. 

Christian Biegel (Bigli or Beighly) — warrant dated 
Dec. 20, 1745, for eighty-eight and a half acres. Biegel 
sold, Dec. 24, 1756, to Peter Martin, who sold, Feb. 26, 
1774, to Conrad Seip, who sold, March 24, 1777, to 
Michael Andreas, who sold, Jan. 28, 1783, to Henry- 
Meyer, who obtained a patent on the same, by the 
name of Meyerton, April 16, 1789. .Situate in Upper 
Milford, and occupied by William G. Moyer, a direct 
descendant. 

Peter Kobler (sometimes called Kouchler) — war- 
rant dated Nov. 20, 1745, for one hundred and thirty- 
five acres. Situate in western corner of Upper Mil- 
ford. Now in possession of J. Mangold, A. Druckcn- 
miller, and others. 



Michael Schmidt Smith) — warrant issued lor two 
hundred and eighty-four and three-quarter acre-, and 
patent was granted April 4, 1750. Situate near 
Limeport, in Power Milford. and now in possession 
of Nathan Kemmer. Joel Wieder, Thomas Liebens- 

pergi r's heirs, etc. 

Peter Broomfeld — warrant dated Feb. 10, 1749, for 
a tract ofsixty-two acres one hundred and forty-three 
perches, who sold. May 11 L753, to Peter Hittel, to 
whom a patent was granted April 24, L762. Situate 
in Upper Milford, and is occupied by William Yeakel. 

Jacob Kurr — warrant dated March 2, 1746, for forty- 
-i\ acres one hundred and fifty-five perches. Patent 
granted to Casper Bieszer, by the name of Escurial. 
Situate in the Bosensack Valley; in possession of 
Daniel Schultz. On March 9, 1752, another warrant 
was issued lor another tract of over thirty-two acres. 
Patent granted to Abraham Kriebel (part of Abra- 
ham's Plain). 

Thomas Kurr — warrant dated April 10, 1749; 
twenty-five acres. Another warrant, dale. I March 3, 
1749, for another tract of thirty-nine and three-quarter 
acres. The twenty-five-aere tract was patented to 
Hans Schanz, included in Sehanzburg. as already 
stated. The other tract was sold to George Klein. 
A patent was granted to him by the name of Klein- 
hausen. Situate in Lower Milford, and owned by 
H. B. Schantz. Jacob and Thomas Kurr removed 
to Tulpehockeu. Berks Co. 

George Klein — warrant for ninety-five acres one 
hundred and eight perches in the Hosensack Valley. 
A patent was granted Jan. 5, 1759, for the same tract to 
George Klein. Now in possession of Henry B. Schantz, 
David Boeder, and others. 

Felix Brunncr — warrant issued for over two hun- 
dred acres, and was sold (1763) to George Urfter, and 
no doubt the patent was granted to him. The prem- 
ises are situated in Lower Milford, and are now in 
possession of Milton L. Fluek, Samuel D. Stauffer, 
Beuoville X. Scbell, and others. 

Melchior Steelier — warrant 1735, who sold later to 
Joseph Eberhardt, to whom patent was granted. 
Situate in Lower Milford, and now in possession of 
Alviu Jarrett, David Heimbach's heirs, Peter Gehris, 
etc. 

Christopher Krauss — 1740, over one hundred acres. 
and patent was granted to him, situate in the Hosen- 
sack Valley. (In the private rooms of Christoph 
Krauss a school was established in 1765 by Charles 
Guss as teacher. His salary was thirty-five pounds, 
besides eight bushels of grain, free dwelling, garden, 
and feed for one cow per annum for a term of four 
years.) Premises now in possession of Mr. Heiler, 
Samuel G. Carl, and others. 

Hans Adam Trump, or John Adams Trump, about 
the same time, over one hundred acres in the Hosen- 
sack, and patent granted to him. Premises now in 
possession of Henry T. Schell, Nathan Stahl, Elias 
Trump, Henry Trump, and others. 



UPPBB AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



353 



< »e< >rjre Hotl'man — warrant dated Nov. 27. 171"', 
t wenty-seven acres one hundred and forty-one pi rcfaes. 
Situate near Emaus, in Upper Milford. Now ii 
Bession of Uriah Wieand. 

Henry Rudolph — warrant dated Oct. li>. L746, 
eight; one acres. Situate in Upper Milford, near the 
present Vera Cruz Station. Patent H 1 Sept. 

25, 1822, for thirty-five acres one hundred and twenty- 
four perches, part of eighty-one acres, to Abraham 

Henry Huber — warrant for one hundred and thir- 
teen acres was issued Aug. 24. 17 17. to Jacob Schmidt 
(Smith), but was transferred and surveyed thi 
year to said Henry Huber, who sold, Dec. 16, 1751, 
to Henry Otto now called Ott), who sold, Dec. 7, 
1773, to his sou, Christoph Ott, to whom, Jan. 2, 1789, 
a patent was granted. Situated in Lower Milford, 
and in possession of John Funk, C. W. Urffer, and 
George Miller. 

Conrad Wetzel (see above). A second warrant was 
issued to the said ( ionrad Wetzel in 1748 for one hun- 
dred and Bixty-four acres, and sold, 1753, to George 
Stahlnecker, to whom a patent was granted Feb. 20, 
1754. Situate in Lower Milford, owned now by Joel 
Wieder, Saul Wieder, and others. 

John Peter Walber (first constable of Upper Mil- 
ford). On Dec. 14, 1751, patents were granted to him 
for the following four tracts, containing together 
one hundred and eighty-two acres one hundred and 
fifty-one perches, viz. : First tract, fifty-three acres; 
second tract, forty-nine acres sixty-four perches; 
third tract, sixty-two acres; fourth tract, eighteen 
acres eighty-seven perches. It is situate in Krauss- 
dale, in Lower Milford. The first and third tracts are 
now in possession of Leonard Stauffer, and the second 
and fourth tracts are in possession of Jonas K. Ger- 
hart, etc. 

Christopher Walber. A patent was granted to the 
said Christopher Walber, dated June 5, 1753, for two 
handled and thirtj acres one hundred and ten perches, 
situate also in k'raussdale, and adjoining land of his 
brother, John Peter Walber. Is now in possession 
of Dr. Jonas K. Gerhard; John Stauffer, Leonhard 
Stauffer. Nathan Berkey, George Kerwer, and others. 

Philip Stephan Poppenmeyer — warrant issued Nov. 
27, 1747. for a tract of sixty acre-. A patent was 
granted May 29, 1822, to Jacob Meyer. Is situate 
near Zionsville, in Upper Milford, and now occupied 
by Edwin Christman. A second warrant, bearing the 
same date-, was issued to the said P. S. Poppenmeyer 
for another tract of eighty-one acres ninety-three 
perches. A patent was granted Aug. 9, 1827. for 
fifty-six acres eighty-eight perches (part of eighty- 
one acres ninety-three perches), to Jacob Andreas. 
Is now in possession of William Lerens. 

Peter Fink — twenty-five acres was surveyed i part 

of the above-described eighty-one acres ninety-three 

perches) by virtue of another warrant dated Nov. 18, 

1757, to Peter Fink, and patent granted Jan. 3, 1832, 

23 



for the same to Jacob Ortt. This tract i- now occu- 
pied by Charles Bauder, dr., situate in Upper Milford. 
George Schambach — warrant 1740, for two hundred 
and thirty-live acres. Sold to Jacob Sicher. to whom a 
patent was granted for the same March '■',. 17<s'.i. - 

uate in Upper Milford, and is now in possession of 
Abraham Hiestand, Jacob Hiestand, Benjamin Wet- 
zel. N. Snyder, and others. 

Michael Bastian — warrant dated March 6, 
I'atent was L'lanied June 13, 1811, to John Schuler, 
Esq. Situate in Upper Milford, and is now in posses- 
sion of Moses < )rtt. 

David Streib — warrant issued dated Jan. 3, 1748, tor 
seventy-three acres one hundred and fifty percl 
Situate in the Host alley, who sold, June 9, 

1760, to Peter Edelman, who obtained a patent granted 
Feb. 1, 1770, by the name of "Ladle." It i- tit present 
occupied by Solomon Schantz. 

Philip Herzog — warrant issued for one hundred and 
two acres, situate at the present village of Zionsville. 
Patent was granted to him Sept. 11, 1751. On this 
premises the lower part of Zionsville and the Re- 
formed Church is located. Is" now in possession of 
Henry Roth, Leon Snyder, Esq., Mrs. Chs. Yerger, 
Conrad Moyer, Joseph Z. Yeakel, Dr. Chs. Appel, 
and others. 

Bernhard Baer — warrant issued for one hundred 
and thirteen acres, and was patented Jan. 3. 1 7 
Situate on the Bald Hill, in Upper Milford. and is 
at present in possession and occupied by Tilghman 
Stahl. 

Adam Krammes — warrant issued for seventy-two 
teres one hundred and forty perches, to the said 
Adam Krammes, who conveyed the same, June 8, 
1762, to Simon Schueiter (Snyder), to whom a patent 
was granted by the name of " Snyderburg," March 27, 
1782. It is situate near Zionsville, in Upper Milford, 
and is still in possession ■>!' theSnyders (orSchnectt 
occupied by Jacob Schneiter, a direct descendant. 

Wendell Heimbaeh — warrant issued for ninety- 
nine acres twenty-four perches, and patent granted 
March 22. 1782, to his -on. David Heimbaeh father 
of Hampton Furnace). The premises tire situate in 
Upper Milford. and are now owned by D. W. Kem- 
merer. 

Michael Hartman Dillow — warrant, seventy-two 
acres eighty-four perches. Patent granted Oct. 7, 
1761, to said M. H. Dillow. Situati in Lower Mil- 
ford, and now in possession of Jacob Corner. 

Friederich Fahnel — warrant Oct. 12, 1764, for 
twenty-three acres ninety-eight perches, and patent 
granted April 15, 1765, and sold to John Hiestand 
Oct. 5, 1775. Situate in Upper Milford, and in | 
i of Hiestands. 

Michael Guthman — warrant for one hundred and 
three acres, who sold to John Adam Gebhard. Pat- 
ent was -ranted April 4, 1771, to said Adam Gebhard. 
Situate in Upper Milford, and is at present in posses- 
sion of Levi N. Schelly. 



354 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



i reorge Lewitz — warrant and survey Aug. l~>, 1765, 

who sold, 17d7, In Adam Billegas, who sold, 1772, tn 

liis son, .Iiilin Hilligass, to win mi a patent was granted 
Oct. 5, L784, bj the came of " Fairfield," and con- 
tained ninety-two acres eighty perches. Situate in 
the Bosensaek Valley. Occupied by Reuben M. 
Roeder, William Trump, etc. 

Herman Niesz— warrant tor one hundred andsev- 
ighl acres thirty-three perches. Talent was 
granted to said II. Niesz, dated Oct. 21, 1767, for the 
same tract, and was called " Niess Heini.'' Situate 
near Vera Cruz, in Upper Milford, and is now in pos- 
session of Mrs. Niess (widow of. Joseph Niess), Daniel 
Klein, Thomas Mohr (now F. 8. Schwartz), John 
Lautenschlaeger, and others. 

Michael Wolfgang — warrant issued for one hun- 
dred and forty-four acres, which was dated Nov. 16, 
1750. I am not able to state when and to whom this 
tract was patented. It is situate in Upper Milford, 
near Emails, and is at present in possession of David 
Schaffer, Jacob Schell, and others. 

Jacob Stahl — warrant issued, and patent was 
granted for one hundred and thirty-five acres twenty 
perches, to said Jacob Stahl, July 28, 1761. Jacob 
Stahl died 1786, and the property was sold to Andrew 
Riesser, who sold, June 13, 1789, to Philip Walter, 
who erected, about the year 1796, a saw-mill and a 
grist-mill. Situate near Zionsville. Division-line 
between Upper and Lower Milford runs through the 
premises. It is now in possession of Edward Heist, 
Charles Klein, and heirs of John Ehrhard, deceased. 

Philip Tauney (Thani, Thauni, or now Doney) — 
warrant issued for thirty-eight acres seventy-one 
perches, dated Nov. 27, 1744. Patent was granted 
for the same July 25, 1821, to Henry Leibert. (On 
this premises, between 1768 and 1778, the so-called 
Leibert's mill was erected by Jacob Hahn.) Situate 
in Upper Milford, is now in possession of William G. 
Mover, who sold by agreement in July, 1883, to Jesse 
Stauffer, to take effect April 1, 1884. 

By virtue of another warrant, dated March 24, 1752, 
there was surveyed another tract, containing two hun- 
dred and sixty-nine acres, to said Philip Tauney; but 
I am not aide to state to whom and when the patent 
was granted. It adjoins the first-described tract. Is 
now in possession of N. Heller, T. Buskirk, D. Fischer, 
J. Jordan, P. Schuler, and others. 

George Stahl — warrant issued dated Sept. 12, 1765, 
for forty-seven acres, to said (reorge Stahl. Patented 
to Jacob Miller and others. Situate in Upper Mil- 
ford, and now owned by Tilghman Stabler. 

Jacob Hahn — warrant issued. Patent granted for 
twenty-five acres by the name "SquarriPs Plain." 
Now Charles Schwartz's, etc. 

George Cblewein — warrant dated May 25, 1756, for 

eleven and one-half acres. Patent dated July 10, 

1789, granted to Andrew Engelman, called "Spring- 

and situate in Upper Milford. Now Henry E. 

Moyer's. 



Christoph Andreas ( lilt In nan — warrant issued 1738, 
! for one hundred and three acres, who sold to John 
Adam Gebhard, to whom a patent was granted April 
i 4, 1771. Situate in Dpper Milford, is now in posses- 
sion of Abraham Kauffman, Henry G. Schantz, and 
Levi V Selnlley. 

Johann Adam Roth — warrant issued Nov. J, 1751, 
for two tracts, (1) twenty-seven acres one hundred 
and twenty-two pen lies, and (2) seven acres seventy- 
six perches, together thirty-five acres thirty-eight 
perches. Patent granted, 1837, to Christian Schearer. 
Situate in Lower Milford. Now owned by Thomas 
Schearer, Abraham Hentricks, and John B. Dit- 
low. 

Peter Schlosser — warrant dated Feb. 17, 1755, for 
forty-six acres one hundred and thirteen perches. 
Patent granted Jan. 23, 1875, for the same to Thomas 
Schearer. Situate in Lower Milford. Now in pos- 
session of Thomas Schearer, David Heil, Charles 
Derr, and others. 

Nicolaus Dietz — warrant issued. Patent was granted 
dated Nov. 27, 1789, for two tracts, containing together 
one hundred and sixty-three acres, ten perches, called 
No. 25, " lying in Richland Manor." Situate in Lower 
Milford, and is still in possession of several of the 
Dietzs. About this " Richland Manor" I am yet 
unable to give anything. 

William Bitz (sometimes called Bit, Pitts, etc.) — 
warrant issued in 1738 for a tract of land containing 
forty seven acres twenty-nine perches. Patent was 
granted April 4, 1771, to Jacob Wetzel and was called 
Mount Fair. (See Jacob Wetzel.) 

William Rueb (or Rieb) — warrant March 24, 1748, 
for forty-three acres thirty perches. Patent granted 
April 6, 1816, to Jacob Schantz. On this tract the 
Evangelical United Mennonite Church, in Upper 
Milford, is located. The remaining part is at present 
in possession of William G. Moyer, Henry G. Schantz, 
John F. Roeder, Lewis S. Rocder, and Erwin Standt. 

Johannes Keichler (or sometimes called Keuler) — 
A warrant was issued, which was dated Oct. 7, 1740, 
for one hundred and thirty acres to the said Johannes 
Keichler, who sold to John Adam Rothenberger, to 
whom a patent, by the name of Wales, was granted, 
dated Jan. 12, 1808, for the one hundred and thirty 
acres, who sold, July 22, 1808, ninety-nine acres one 
hundred and six perches to his son-in-law, Jacob 
Schwenck (commissioner of Lehigh County, 1832-35). 
This tract is situate now in Lower Milford, and is at 
present in possession of Theobald Gully, Henry F. 
Deiss (or Dice), Solomon Merkel, Daniel F. Schell, 
William Jones, and Sylvester Kieper. 

Balzer Yeakel— warrant issued for thirty i'we acres 
fifty perches March 22, 176(1. A patent was granted 
for the same, Feb. 5, 1771, to the said Balzer Yeakel, 
and was called Yeakel's Rock, situate on the east, side 
of Bald Hill, in Lower Milford, and now in possession 
of Araha ( >rtt, Samuel Miller, and others, 

Philip Kratzer— warrant issued. Patent was granted 



UPPP]R AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



355 



March 11, 1760, for one hundred and ninety-eighl 
acres one hundred and fifty perches to said Philip 
Kratzer. Situate in Upper Milford, and is al present 
in possession of F. T. Jobst and othi rs 

Bernhard I >err lor Doer) — warrant April 5, 17-">8, for 
eighteen acres. Situate in Upper Milford, and is now 
in possession of John Bander and others. On this 
tract tin' Baptist Church, near Vera Cruz, is lo- 
cated. 

George Leach warranton Nov. 14, 1812, for eigh- 
teen and one-half acres. Patent Julj », 1814. Situ- 
ate near Vera Cruz; now in possession of John Bader, 
Thomas Mehr, and others. 

Sebastian Knanss. Andrew < tiering. They both 
took great tracts nl' land in Upper Milford about tin- 
year 1740 nr prior. Situate on the south and south- 
west side of Emaus. They both were leading mem- 
bers of the Moravian Church. They both donated 
the land on which the borough now stands. Their 
premises are at present in possession of many owners ; 
in possession of the borough (southern part), the 
Emaus Iron Company, and many others. 

The following warrants were taken in Milford, but 
their locations are not known to the writer: 

John George Baumgartner, Sept. 12, 1738, one 
hundred acres. 

Johannes Elverich (probably Helfrich), March 12, 
1741, fifty acres. 

Jacob Steffler, March 2, 1744, fifty-seven acres. 

Gabriel Kohler, March 18, 1746, seventy-five acres. 

Juhann Michael Kieler, June 6, 1746, sixty-four 
acre-. 

Michael Rischel, Aug. 16, 1748, sixty-two and three- 
quarter acres. 

Peter Kieler, April 4, 1750, thirty-three acres. 

Christian Steinmyer, June 5, 1751, one hundred and 
fifty acres. 

Jacob West, Oct. 9, 1751, forty acres. 

Batzer Fetterman, Aug. 14, 1752, fifty-two acres. 

Michael Stacker, 1740, about one hundred and fifty 
acres, which is now in possession of Charles Johnson. 

Henry Bitting, 1740, about one hundred acres. 

Henry Rutler, about 1740, fifty acres. 

Yost Hengle (Hiukel). 

Michael Peace. 

Conrad Irig. 

John Wetzel. 

John Schaub. 

Andreas Bastian, thirty-two acres fifty perches. 

John (iisell. 

Samuel Bechtel. 

Christopher Bayer, warrant Oct. 18, 1738, one hun- 
dred and fifty-one aire,. 

George Hereft (or llooft), over one hundred acres in 
Upper Milford, about 171": now in possession of 
Samuel Musselman, Abraham Mussel man, and Wil- 
liam ( rehman. 

Sketches of Prominent Pioneer Families and 
Individuals.— Jacob Dubs, the founder of the Dubs 



(or Dubbs) family 1 in Lehigh County, and oi i the 

earliest settlers in what is now Lower Milford, was 
born in the village of Aesch, parish of Birmensdorf, 
on the 31st of August, 1710. He was the son of Jacob 
Dubs, and his wife Anna < Haettli, of Bachstetter, who 

were married in the parish church at Birmensilorf, 
March 24, 1705.' 'there wen several sons, but all 
except Jacob died in childhood. Then the mother 
died, and the lather married a second time and had 
another son. 

Alter the death of his lather, which occurred when 
he was about twenty-two years old, Jacob hubs, Jr., 
determined to emigrate to America, taking with him 
his little patrimony, and leaving the homestead to his 
younger brother. He sailed from Rotterdam, in the 
ship " Dragon," Charles Hargrave, master, and landed 
in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1732. Immediately alter 
their arrival immigrants were taken to the old court- 
house, on Second Street, where they were required 
to sign an oath of allegiance to King George the 
Second. There were on this occasion one hundred 
and eighty-five passengers, of whom fourteen were 
sick, so that they could not possibly appear. Among 
the latter number was the subject of the present 



1 The Dubs family is believed to be remotely of Bohemian origin. In 
the Bohemian language the word Dub signifies "an oak tree." It is 
also the name of a town, ten miles from Prague, now generally called 
•' 1 m i hi,'' hi . ii i ni.m, " Eicheu" or " Aycha." 

Tradition lias it that the Dubs family were followers of the celi-brated 
religious reformer, John Bubs, and that during the dreadful wars which 
followed his martyrdom, in 1415, they were compelled to flee from their 
native country. In 144*1 we find them in the province of Styria (Steyer- 
marck) in Austria. Soon afterwards the head of the family distinguished 
himself in an expedition against the Swiss, and received tiie honor of 

knighthood at the hands of Maximilian I , who afterwards became em- 
peror, but was at that time acting as regent of the empire. T lie knight 
received from his sovereign an estate, which is described tshavi 
"a clearing in the imperial forest," and this .slate was a fow years ago 
still in possession of some of his descendants. 

According to an undisputed tradition, a younger son of tin- knight 
above menl i left Austria on account of some trouble with the gov- 
ernment, ami settled at Birmensdorf, a few miles from the city of Zurich, 
in Switzerland. Ii i- Bupposed th.it he was unwilling (o submit to th» 
rules of the Roman Cain ilk Church, and lied to Switzerland to escape 
persecution. Here, he became an iron-worker, and accumulated con- 
siderable wealth by the manufacture of weapons. At to 

the Reformation the Swiss branch of the family joi i the Reformed 

Church ; and it is recorded in the chronicle of the church at A tin I inn 
— a branch of the church at Birmensdorf— that an armorei named Dubs 
was killed by the side of Zwingli, at the battle ofCappel, In 1531. This 
armorer was probabtj B son ir grandson of the original immigrant. 

The family in Switzerland had neverbeen numerous. Its members 
have at all times manifested a remarkable tendency for working in Iron, 
and they have carried this tendency with them to foreign lauds. In 
Switzerland, several members of the family have been active in the 

construction "f railroads, and one, at least, been mi Dent as a builder 

of bridges. Tin late President of Switzerland, Dr. .lacob I'ni-. liist 
mnection with the railroad system of his native 
country. A branch id the family b d to Great Britain, and 

■ i., oi London and Gle dl-known builders of locomo- 

tives. Several members ol the Swiss family emigrated to America during 
the last century, and all of these, it has been said, were " cousins, nearer 
or more remote." 

in the records of the church hi B 
dorf.Swil I 'ry of the family we are prin- 

cipally indebted to Di Jacob Dubs, late President of the 
eraiion, whom the w i Iter visited at liis home In Lausanne, on the -4th 
of August, 1878, - before hi- death. 



356 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



sketch. and on account of his absenci bis name was 
enteral on the records by a clerk :i- "Jacob Dubbs." ' 
This orthography is now usual among his descendants, 
and has been occasionally employed for at least a 
century. 

Very soon after his arrival in America, Jacob Dubs 

occupied a tract of land in what is now Lower Milford 

township, Lehigh Co. Here neai thehi id-watersof 

a branch of the Perkiomen, he built a log house. It 

was situated in the meadow, on the opposite side of 
the road from the present dwelling. The country 

was almost a wilderness, and on three sides of his 

farm the land was still unoccupied. On the fourth 
side lay the farm recently taken up by Henry Wetzel. 
a native of Wiirtemberg. The first tract of land pur- 
chased by Jacob Dubs consisted of one hundred and 
fifty acres, "with the usual allowance of six per 
cent.'' It was surveyed by Nicholas Scull, and the 
warrant for the purchase issued by the Lords Propri- 
etaries, John Penn and Richard Penn, on the 28th of 
December, 1734. This tract was subsequently in- 
creased by additional purchases. 

Soon after his arrival Jacob Dubs became a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church at Great Swamp. His 
name appears on the earliest extant list of the 
members of this congregation. 

The date of his marriage has not.been accurately 
ascertained. His wife's name was Veronica Welker. 
She was born in Europe, but had relatives in Amer- 
ica; and it appears likely that she was a sister of 
George Welker, of Goshenhoppen, who speculated 
extensively in land, and whose name, therefore, ap- 
pears in many ancient deeds. She is said to have 
been a woman of some education, and we have been 
informed by one of her great-granddaughters that 
when the country began to be settled she gathered 
the children of the neighbors in her kitchen and 
taught them to read. 

Her husband, Jacob Dubs, appears to have been an 
intelligent man. He wrote an excellent hand, as ap- 
pears from certain fragments of his manuscript which 
we have seen in the collection of the Historical So- 
ciety of Pennsylvania. His neighbors called him 
" fin Tausend-kunstler," which is a polite way of sav- 
in- that he was a "Jack of all trades.'' Guns were 
brought to him from a great distance to be repaired, 
and he made axes and other implements, which were 
known far and wide. For tin- use of his family he 
made a musical instrument, called " ein Flilgel," or, 
in English, a harpsichord, — an instrument which is 
now superseded by tin- piano. He was fond of writing, 
and in later years, when the harpsichord was out of 
order, its case was filled with his manuscripts. These 
remained for a long time in the gar) et, and were finally 
burned unread by i lie wile of one <>!' bis descendants. 

Jacob and Veronica Dubs had five children, — 

I. Felix. He was born f'eb. 1'S, 17.'{S, and was bap- 



1 See Rump's Collection, etc, second edition, p. 



tized by Rev. J. Henricu- i ;. . t -i -. Iiins. His sponsors 
at baptism were Felix Brunner and his wife, Barbai 

When about twenty-one years of age he lost bis life 
in a somewhat singular manner, lie bad started to 
take a load of farm produce to Philadelphia, and on 
the way spent a night at North Wales, at the inn kept 

by Matthias Schwenk, whose daughter, Elizabeth, 
was subsequently married to his brother, Daniel. 
Rising early in the morning, while it was dark, he fell 
into the well, which, it seems, was not well covn d, 
and was drowned. He was unmarried. 

2. Barbara. She was born April 5, 1744, and was 
baptized by Rev. G. M. Weiss. Her sponsors were 
Jacob Wetzel and Barbara Wetzel. Barbara was 
married to Daniel Boyer, and had several children. 
Mr. Boyer sold his farm at the beginning of the Revo- 
lution, and being paid in depreciated Continental 
money, was thus reduced to poverty. He and his 
family therefore moved to the West, and were among 
the earliest settlers of Tennessee. Many years after- 
wards he visited Pennsylvania for the purpose of pay- 
ing some old debts. 

3. Margaretha. This daughter was born in 174G, 
and was baptized by Rev. G. M. Weiss. Her sponsor 
at baptism was Anna Marie Wetzel. She became 
the second wife of Jacob Dillinger, and had several 
children. Most of the Dillingers in Lehigh County 
are descended from Mr. Dillinger's children by his 
former marriage, but the late Daniel Dillinger, of 
Lower Milford, was her son. 

4. Daniel. He was born Oct. 5, 1748, and baptized 
on the 28th day of the same month by the Rev. G. M. 
Weiss. His sponsors were Daniel Christman and his 
wife, Margaret. As Daniel was the only surviving 
son, he became the progenitor of all wdio now bear 
the family name. 

5. Elizabeth. Born Oct. 16, 1750. Her sponsor at 
baptism was Elizabeth Huber. Elizabeth was mar- 
ried to Mr. Jacob Haak, of Berks County, and from 
her many of the Haaks, Sells, and other well-known 
Berks County families are descended. She is said 
to have been a person of extraordinary physical 
strength. Her husband was a miller, and curious 
stories are related concerning her skill in handling 
bags of grain and flour. Mr. Haak grew wealthy, 
and lived in a style which was regarded as luxu- 
rious. In his later years he was always attended by 
an aged negro slave, who understood his peculiarities 
and did his best to humor his whims. When slavery 
was abolished in Pennsylvania his master jocularly 
said, " Now, Sam, you are a free man. You may go 
where you please !" The old man solemnly shook his 
head and replied, " No, no. master; you can't get rid 
of me dat way. You have eat de meat, you must pick 
de bone!" Mrs. Haak survived her husband, and 
died at an advanced age. 

2 See " Records of Great Swamp Church" for entrieB concerning birth 
and baptism. These have in some instances been corrected or supple- 
mented from records in the possession of the family. 



I I'l'l'.i; \XI> LOWER MIU'ORD TOWNSHIPS. 






In 1772, Jacob Dubs, the father of the children we 
have here enumerated, sold hi- land to bia son Daniel, 
and probably died soon afterwards. His wife lived 
si veral years longer. They art- no doubt buried in the 
Great Swamp churchyard, but their tombstones have 
become illegible. 

Daniel Dub-, the son of the pioneer, in his youth 
experienced some of the dangers of frontier life. The 
country was almost in its primeval condition, and the 
Indians were not far away. There were wolves in the 

w Is near his father's house, and in his childhood 

he frequently amused himself by imitating their bark- 
ing. Once, while he was doing this, a hungry wolf 
ran out of the woods to attack him : but he ran to an 
open window, and his mother drew him in. She must 
ba\ e been a strong woman. 

Daniel grew up to be a man of almost gigantic 
frame. He was all his life an earnest, consistent 
Christian. At an early age lie was confirmed, and 
became a member of the Reformed Church at Gr< 
Swamp, and on the 12th of May, IT*!*, lie was or- 
dained a deacon. Subsequently be was almost con- 
stantly an officer in the church, either as elder or 
deacon. He always took a profound interest in the 
welfare of the congregation, and for several years the 
pastor, who was an unmarried man. made his home in 
his house, where he gratuitously received " entertain- 
ment for man and horse." 

About 1771, Daniel Dubs was married to Elizabeth 
Si hwenk, a daughter of Mathias Schwenk, who sub- 
sequently became a militia captain during the Revo- 
lutionary war. Soon after his marriage he erected a 
large house, which i- '•till standing. It was the first 
brick house built in what is now Lehigh County. In 
many other respects Daniel Dubs proved himself a 
man of energy, and a whole cluster of mechanical en- 
terprises grew up under his direction. Besides farm- 
ing, he had a mill and saw-mill, made sickles and 
carded wool, and practiced we know not how many 
other trades. He was regarded as a very useful man, 
and enjoyed the respect of the entire community. It 
is said that he was the first to sow clover-seed within 
the present limits of Lehigh County. He brought 
packages of seed from Philadelphia in his over 
pockets, sowed it, and guarded its increase carefully 
until he was able to institute experiments on a more 
extensive scale. He died Sept. 22, 1828. 

Daniel and Elizabeth Dubs had a large family, of 
whom four or five died in early childhood. On the 
25th ot' .Inly. 1777, their two eldest children were 
buried in a single grave. The children who survived 
were -even in number, six sons and one daughter. 
They were as follows : 

1. Anna Maria, born 17, 1777. She was married to 
Henry Eberhard. Two of her children are still living 
at an advanced age, — Michael D. Eberhard and Mr-. 
Catharine Dickenshied (widow of Dr. C. F. Dickcn- 
shiedi, both of Allentown. 

2. Jacob, born June 21, 1779. He purchased a part 



..I' hi- father's farm, and built a house on it, in which 

he lived to the end of his life, of hi- five children 
only one -'ill living i- Daniel Dubbs, of Locust 
Valley. One ot' his grandsons, .Facob J. Dubbs, — a 
-hi of the late Jesse Dubbs.— graduated in 1883 at 
Muhlenbei • e, and is now pursuing his studies 

in Yale Theological Seminary, New Haven. Conn. 
An elder brother of the latter was a soldier in the late 
civil war, and lost his lite at Petersburg, Va. 

3. Henry. This son removed at an early date to 
the neighborhood of Hamilton, Butler < '<■.. I >hio. He 
was by trade a potter. We believe he lias no descend- 
ant- hearing the family name, but the wife of Rev. 

K. \V. Berleman, pastorof Salem Reformed Church, 
Philadelphia, is his granddaughter. 

4. Daniel, born April 7,1786. He removed in 1835 
tn Miamisburg, < fhio, and was twice married. < >ne of 
his daughters, Sophia, wife of Hon. A. Clay, died 
Nov. 2o. 1882. Hi- youngest son, Daniel I,., was a 
young man of great promise. Kegraduated at Heidel- 
berg College, Tiffin. Ohio, and. after teaching school 

miic time atCoplay, Lehigh Co., studied theology 
at Mercersburg. It was during the war for the pres- 
ervation of the Union, and, moved by patriotism, he 
entered the army. His talents were recognized, and 
he was promoted from the ranks to the office of first 
lieutenant, and was acting as captain when he was 
mortally wounded in the attack on Petersburg. His 
early death was a source of great grief to all his 
friends. 

5. John, born Sept. 5, 1788; died Nov. 25, 1869. 
This son remained at home, and to him, in 1815, his 
father transferred his farm. He was a gunsmith and 
general iron-worker, and during the war of 1812 made 
many hundreds of muskets for the government. For 
a short time during this war he served as lieutenant 
in a company of militia. At one time the augers and 
other implements manufactured by him were very 

ely used. He was married to Elizabeth 
Klein, and had two children,— Annie Maria ' married 
to < 'harles J. Ewald and Aaron K. The latter died 
in 1874, leaving a son and daughter. The daughter 
has recently been married to the Rev. Mr. Hillpot, of 
Dauphin County. 

6. Solomon, born Oct. 10, 1794 : died May 24, 1880. 
He resided first in Whitehall, and afterwards in Salis- 
bury town-hip. During his later years he devoted 
much attention to the culture of bees, and had one of 
the finest apiaries in the county. He had two sons, 
Robert and Harrison, and a daughter named Delia, 
who are still living in Salsburg township, near Allen- 
town. 

7. Joseph S., bom Oct. 16, 1796; died April 14, 
1^77 ; became a minister, and was long prominently 
identified with the Reformed Church in Lehigh 
County.' 

Balthasar Krauss (or Krausz) and his mother, Anna 



' Seo Allrntowu : history of Zion'i Reformed Church. 



:;;,s 



HISTORY OF LKHICII COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Krauss, a widow, in September, 17:23, came witli some 
of the first of the Schwenkfelders to this country. He 
married, Jan. 16, 1736, Susanna Hoffman (who fol- 
lowed him from the old country in September, 17 'I , 
ami Bettled in the most southern part of the present 
township of Lower Mil ford (Kraussdale) in the year 
L749. He purchased a farm of two hundred acres, 
which was surveyed Sept. 20, 1734, to a George Schu- 
maelicT (Shoemaker*. Krauss obtained a patent on 
this land, Dec. 16, L749, for thirty-one pounds. He 
sold the same, Feb. 7, 1772, to his sou, Balthasar 
Krauss, Jr., for seven hundred pounds, and died two 
years later, Feb. 25, 1774. aged over sixty-eight years, 
leaving one son. Balthasar, and four daughters, — 
Rosina, married to George Heydrick; Susanna, mar- 
ried to Baltzer Yeatrel; Barbara, married to George 
I ' rrl'er ; and Maria, married to Mathias Gerhard. 
George Heydrick settled in the present county of 
Montgomery, and the others in what is now Lower 
Milford. Balthasar Krauss, Jr., purchased Sept. 12, 
1793, from Jacob Probst another tract of almost one 
hundred and thirty-seven acres for sixteen hundred 
and forty-eight pounds, and sold the same June 4, 
1803, to his two sons, John and Andrew Krauss, for 
seventeen hundred and seventy-five pounds. He 
donated, prior to 1800, one acre of his other land to 
the Schwenkfelders for school and church purposes 
and a burial-place, and sold the other part of his real 
property to his youngest son, George Krauss, Aug. 17, 
1805, for fourteen hundred and ninety dollars. He 
died October 14th the same year, aged over sixty-one 
years, and left three sons (John, Andrew, and George 
Krauss) and four daughters (Regina, married to Jere- 
miah Krauss ; Helena, married to Jacob Gerhard ; 

Susanna, married to Hunsberger; and Lydia, 

married to Jeremiah Yeakel). John Krauss was a well- 
educated man, having attended the well-conducted 
schools of the Schwenkfelders, near his birthplace. 
He became a prominent surveyor, and also a ma- 
chinist. He died Feb. 12, 1819, and left two sons 
(Anthony Krauss and Joseph Krauss) and two 
daughters (Maria and Lydia). 

Andrew Krauss becamean organ-builder, and made 
when he was nineteen years old, with bis brother, 
John Krauss, the first pipe-organ in Pennsylvania, 
in the year 1790. He died May 11, 1841, aged over 
sixty-nine years, and left five sons (George S., Samuel, 
John, and David Krauss) and three daughters (Re- 
gina, Leah, and Rebecca). George Krauss died June 
22, 1844, aged over sixty-one years, and left five sons 
(Jacob, I I*-n ry, Jonathan, Daniel, and Charles Krauss) 
and two daughters (Sarah and Elizabeth). The de- 
scendants of the Krausses, at present numerous, are 
still living in Lower Milford and the upper part of 
Montgomery County, and are all respectable and 
useful citizens. 

II. in rich Wilhelm Dillinger (or Dielinger), ancestor 
of the Dillinger family in the country, immigrated to 
this country in 1728 with seventy-nine other Palatines 



in the ship "Mortonhouse." He settled in 1734 near 
and below the present Dillingersville, and took up 
one hundred and fifty acres of land, on which he 
erected soon afterwards a house, where he lived a 
period of over thirty-one years. He took upin 1752 an- 
other tract, called Gaul, of twenty-three acres and 

one hundred and twenty-six perches, and later several 
other small tracts adjoining his first, altogether over 
two hundred and thirty-eight acres. He was a true 
Lutheran Christian ; took a leading part in laying the 
foundation of the original Lutheran congregation ol 
Upper Milford. He departed this life between 1765 
and 1770. His wife died in 1761. He left seven chil- 
dren—Valentine, John George, John Jacob, Jo- 
hannes, Anna Catharina (married to Mathias Bastifl 
Anna Elizabeth (married to George Welter), and Anna 
Maria (married to John Martin Schwenck). Two ot 
his sons, John George and John Jacob, divided the 
real estate between themselves. J. Jacob obtained 
1760, July 2d, a patent on the old homestead (one 
hundred and fifty acres). Of Valentine Dillinger we 
only know that he had a daughter named Anna Ro- 
sina, born March 15, 1751. Johannes probably died 
single. John Jacob Dillinger purchased in 1788 of 
Peter Schuler one hundred acres,. on which the pres- 
ent Dillingersville is located. He erected soon after- 
wards an oil-mill on this tract, which he ran for about 
fifteen years. He married Catharine, daughter of 
Mathias Ox (orOchs), Sr., by whom he had four chil- 
dren, — Mathias, born March 26, 1763; John, born 
Nov. 13, 1767; Eve Christina, born Aug. 26, 1764; 
and Maria Catharina, born Sept. 3, 1773. His wife 
died about 1774. He married second time Anna 
Maria, daughter of Jacob Dubs, by whom he had 
three children, — Catherine, married to Peter Rothen- 
berger ; Daniel, born May 24, 1779 ; and John George, 
born Oct. 7, 1780. He divided his land among his 
children, and died Dec. 5, 1803, aged seventy-one 
years. John George had eight children, — John Peter, 
John Henry, John George, and Daniel ; daughters, 
Eva Rosina, Eva Catharina (intermarried to Jacob 
Bertz), Gertrude, and Anna Maria. John George 
Dillinger sold, 1787, his real property, eighty-eight 
acres to his son, John (or John Henry) for 6400, wdio 
sold in 1797 to John George Schuler for £800, and 
purchased the same year the farm of his father-in-law, 
Mathias Ox, Jr., one hundred and sixty-two acres. 
John H. Dillinger, son of John George, died in 1839, 
and left three sons, — William, Henry, and John, and 
one daughter, Elizabeth. John Dillinger, son of 
John Jacob Dillinger, established about 1805 a store, 
and kept the same a few years, and sold his property 
to Lorenz and Daniel Stabler and removed to Phila- 
delphia, where he died and left three children, — 
David, Jacob (who was for a number of years one of 
the associate judges of the courts of Lehigh County, 
and also for a number of years president of the Allen- 
town I'.ank ), and Rebecca. Descendants of the Dil- 
lingers are still numerous, living in Lower Milford, 



ITl'KR AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



359 



Saucon, Alleiitown, Philadelphia, Ohio, and Indiana, 
and are respectable and useful citizens. 

Johann Theobald Mechlin, a Palatinate, came to 
this country in the summer of the year 1728, and set- 
tled, in the year 1784, in Upper Milford now Lower 
Milford). He took, in pursuance of a warrant, dated 
June 23, 1784, One hundred and titty-six and one- 
quarter acres, lie was a Lutheran, and took a lead 
ing part in founding the old or original Upper Mil- 
ford Lutheran congregation, about the year 1735, 
about half a mile oast from his farm, 

Mechlin took two additional tracts and obtained a 
patent on them. He died in April, 1765, and lefl five 
sons, Theobald, Peter, Jacob, Philip, and Thomas 
Mechlin, and one daughter, Elizabeth i married to 
Leonhard Stiminger, of Whitehall township). The 
youngest son, Thomas, purchased the farm at £266 
13s. -id. When Thomas Mechlin died, his son, John, 
became the owner of the farm, lie sold March 18, 
1847, to In- -on, Anthony, for $7875.90; who sold 
about 1876 to his two sons, William Harrison Mech 
ling and Benjamin Franklin Mechling, the present 
owners. This is the only homestead in Milford the 
ownership of which has not changed in name since 
the warrant was taken, over one hundred and fifty 
years. 

Johann Nicolaus Stahler (or Stahler), a Palati- 
nate, immigrated to this country in the year 1738, 
and settled in what is now Upper Milford township, 
in the year 1744. He first took up a tract of land 
upon a warrant dated Oct. 11, 1744, containing 
twenty-six acres and fifty-one perches, and purchased 
on the 6th of .September, 1759, by agreement from 
Henry Schiszler (Sheezler), another tract (adjoining 
his first tract i containing one hundred and forty-nine 
and three-quarter acres (one hundred and seventy-six 
acres eleven perches). He obtained a patent on both 
tracts Oct. 5, 1761, at £27 5*. 6d. The premises are 
situated ahout one mile southwest from the village 
of Zionsville. A part of the same, over seventy -nine 
acres, is still in possession of Charles F. Stahler, a 
direct descendant of the aforesaid Johann Nicolaus 
Stahler. John N. Stahler resided on his premises 
for fifty years, and died in September, 1794, and left 
six sons, — Anthony, John Nicholas, Jr., Philip, Lud- 
wig, Henry, and Peter Stahler. In his last will and 
testament, dated Sept. 17. 1794, he appointed his son. 
Ludwig Stahler. as his executor. His real estate was 
divided between two of his sons, — Henry Stahler 
(seventy-nine acres thirty-three perches, for five 
hundred and forty pounds) and Peter Stahler 
(eighty-sis acres sixty-seven perches, for five hun- 
dred and ten pounds). His four other sons — An- 
thony. J. Nicolaus, Philip, and I.udwig — settled else 
where in Upper Milford. Anthony Stahler, Sr., died 
T>ec. 24, 1707, and left three sons, -Anthony, Jr., 
John, Nicolaus, and llenn , and live daughters. John 
Nicolaus Stahler, Jr., died and left three sons 
Loren, Daniel, and Jacob Stahler — and three daugh- 



ters. Philip Stahler died and left eight children, 

four Bons — Abraham, Eli, David, and Daniel 

four daughters. 

Ludwig Stahler, son of John Nicolaus Stahler, 
was appointed justice of the peace for several terms, 
1787-1821. He died and hit three sons — Christian, 
David, and John Nicolaus Stabler — and five daugh- 
ters. Henry Stahler, son of Johannes Nicolaus Stah- 
ler, died in 1819, and lefl li\< BOns Anthony, Henry, 
Thomas, Cyrus, and Isaac Stahler — and five daught 

Peter died without children. Anthony Stahler, Jr.. 
son of Anthony Stahler, Sr., was appointed justice of 
the peace for ahout ten years, —1799-1809. 

The descendants of Johannes Nicolaus Stahler are 
numerous, ami still living in Milford, Macungie, and 
Allentow n. 

HansOord (Ord, Ort orOrtt) or John Ortt, ancestor 
of the Ortt family in Lehigh County, immigrated 
from the old country, Germany, to this country ahout 
tin year 1737, and came soon afterwards to Upper 
Milford, and settled on a tract of land containing two 
hundred acres and one hundred and thirteen perches. 
This tract is situated on the division-line between 
Upper and Lower Milford townships, about one and 

half miles northeast from the present village of 

Dillingersville, and ahout the same distance east from 
Vera Cruz. It was surveyed by virtue of a warrant 
dated Sept. 11, 1738, to HansOord, and he obtained a 
patent upon it April 11, 1761, for £69 14s. 5<7. Hans 
Oord, Sr., and his wife, Sabina, conveyed their real 
property (two hundred acres and one hundred and 
thirteen perches) to their son (no doubt only son), 
John Oord, Jr., on Nov. 27, 1779, for eight hundred 
pounds. John Oord (Ord, and later Ortt) died Dec. 
25, 17!>7, aged forty-eight years, four months, and ten 
days, and left four sons — John, Christian, Henry, and 
Jacob Ortt — and four daughters, — Eve (married to 
Jacob Deisz), Anna Maria (married to Conrad Ilein- 
hard), Maria Catharina, and Maria Barbara (both of 
whom died single). According to the last will and 
testament of Hans Oord, Jr. (or John Ortt, Jr.], the 
real propertj was divided among his four sons as fol- 
lows: John Ortt (3d), eldest son, homestead with one 
hundred and four acres one hundred and twenty-eight 
perches, for £2200 16.?.; Christian Ortt, second son, 
seventy-two acres one hundred and thirty-five perch 
for »J1165 8s.; Henry and Jacob Ortt, third and fourth 
sons, thirty-nine acres fifteen perches, fol 

1 descendants of the I >rtts are still living in Milford 
and ectable citizens, hut the old homestead 

is in |„.-.s.ssi, f Petei Schuler, and a portion of 

the land in possession of John !!.< lehman, Willoughby 
t label, and So!,, moil ( label. 

Hans Hiesiand, an ancestor of the Hiestands, im- 
migrated prior to the year 17 hi from Germany to this 

COUntrj . am! settled in Upper Milford, about one mile 

west from thepresenl village of Shimersville. By vir- 
tue of a warrant dated Her. 1. 17 10, there was sur- 
vived to him almost one hundred and twentj 



360 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



acres, and by virtue of another warrant, dated March 
15, 1743, thirty-seven acres and one hundred and 
thirty-eight perches more. A patent was granted to 
him tor both tracts (one hundred and sixty-two acres 
one hundred and thirty perches) on June 30, 1762, for 
£25 4.s. Sd. Hans Hiestandt sold his property (one 
hundred and sixty-two acres one hundred and thirty 
perches i on Nov. 20, 1775, to his son, John Hiestand, 
Jr., for seven hundred pounds ($1866$). He left five 
>ons, John, Jacob, Abraham, Isaac, and Christian Hie- 
stand. They settled in several parts of Milford, John, 
Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham in the neighborhood of 
the old homestead. The descendants of the Hie- 
Stands are numerous, and the old homestead and 
premises are still in possession of David, Jacob, 
and Abraham Hiestand. 

Michael Flores, ancestor of the family in Lehigh 
County, emigrated, about the year 1740, from Old 
Wittemberg, Germany, to this country, and settled 
soon afterwards in the neighborhood of the present 
village of Dillingersville. By virtue of a proprietary 
warrant dated May 31, 1743, Philip Kolbach took 
one hundred and thirty-seven acres of land, but 
as he did not comply with the conditions, the land 
was surveyed to Michael Flores, who obtained a pat- 
ent upon it Feb. 23, 1763, for £20 4s. M. Michael 
Flores was an excellent blacksmith and became be- 
sides a farmer. He was a true Lutheran, and a mem- 
ber of the original Upper Milford Lutheran congre- 
gation, near his homestead. He died in the year 
1785, and left one son, Johann Michael Flores, and 
four daughters, as follows: (1) Maria Sophia, married 
to Martin Ring, who removed to North Carolina; (2) 
Elisabeth Margaretha, married to Mr. Kern, who re- 
moved to York County, Pa. ; (3) Anna Barbara, mar- 
ried to Stephan Aekerman, of Bucks County ; (4) 
Mari Magdalena, died single. 

Prior to his death, Michael Flores gave his real 
estate, by his last will and testament, to his son, 
Johann Michael Flores, with the condition that he 
should pay to each of his four sisters fifteen pounds. 
He was also a blacksmith by trade. He was for 
a while in service for the cause of liberty in the Revo- 
lutionary war. He died in March, 1800, aged only 
forty-three years, and left, besides a widow, ten minor 
children, — Henry, Georg, Solomon, Peter, Friederich, 
William, Elizabeth, Catharina, Christina, and Anna 
Maria. The real estate was divided among the sons, 
and is still partly in possession of the descendants. 
Three sons (Henry, George, and William) and two 
daughters (Christina and Anna Maria) died single. 
Solomon Flores died near Rittersville, Pa., in 1870, 
and left three sons (Reuben, Joseph, and Harrison) 
and six daughters. Friederich Flores died in Lower 
Milford in 1861, and left three sons (Davis, Franklin, 
and Daniel Flores). Peter Flores died Oct. 1, 1805, 
aged seventy-four years, six months, and eleven days, 
and left four daughters and one son (Philip W. Flores). 
Franklin Flores (sou of Friederich) and P. W. Flores 



(son of Peter Flores) were in the Union army for ten 
months, in 1863, in the One Hundred and Sixty-sev- 
enth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia. 

Philip Wetzel Flores, son of Peter Flores, was born 
in Lower Milford (then Upper Milford), on Aug. 9, 
1832. In October, 1862, he enlisted in the One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Mili- 
tia ; was commissioned as second lieutenant of Com- 
pany K, of the same regiment, Dec. 6, 1862, and was 
in service in Virginia, North Carolina, and South 
Carolina lor over ten months, and was honorably dis- 
charged Aug. 18, 1863, on expiration of term of ser- 
vice. On Aug. 10, 1864, he was appointed assistant 
assessor of United States internal revenue of the 
Fourth District, composed of Lower Milford, Upper 
Milford, and Saucon townships, Lehigh Co., and 
administered the office for two and a half years. On 
Oct. 17, 1865, he was appointed postmaster of the 
post-office of Dillingersville, and has since been in 
office. He has also been engaged over one year in 
studying and writing local history, and especially of 
his native township, — Lower Milford. 

Joseph Eberhardt emigrated in 1727 from Switzer- 
land to this country, and settled in 1742 in what is 
now Lower Milford, and became one of the leading 
farmers within the limits of the present county of 
Lehigh. He obtained a patent on a tract of one 
hundred and fifty acres of land in 1742 (which is 
now in possession of Dr. J. H. Dickenshied, a de- 
scendant of Eberhard), and obtained April 27, 1746, 
a patent on another tract of four hundred and one 
acres (now in possession of John D. Eberhard, Mrs. 
Edwin Spinner, Aaron Klein, Widow Dover, and 
others, most of whom are the descendants of the Eber- 
hards). He purchased from Melchior Steelier a third 
tract of one hundred and seventy-two acres (now in 
possession of Alvin Jarrett, Widow Heinbach, and 
others), took from the proprietaries in 1752 a fourth 
tract of sixty -seven acres (now in possession of David 
Schuler), purchased further in 1858 his fifth tract of 
one hundred and ninety-two acres from Casper Ritter 
(now in possession of Daniel Eberhard, a descendant), 
and had altogether ten hundred and sixty-five acres. 
He belonged to the Great Swamp Church congrega- 
tion. Eberhard died in 1760, leaving a written will, 
in which he divided all his real estate among his six 
sons, as follows : Michael Eberhard, 150 acres, first 
homestead, £350; Joseph Eberhard, Jr., 192 acres, 
Ritter's place, £350; Jacob Eberhard, 172 acres, 
Stecher's place, £200; John Eberhard, 149 acres, 
150 perches, £200 ; Peter Eberhard, 2001 acres, £350 ; 
Abraham Eberhard, 200J acres, £350. 

Besides six sons, he left also three daughters, — 
Veronica, married to Philip Dosch ; Elizabeth, mar- 
ried to Michael Bleyler ; and Barbara, married to 
George Fischer; and two grandchildren, — Anna Mar- 
garetha Hornecker and Joseph Hornecker. 

Descendants of the Eberhards are yet living in 
Lower Milford, Saucon, and Allentown. 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



361 



Maj. Conrad Eberhard, second son of Peter Ebcr- 
hard, born Feb. 26, 1768, lived on the same farm 
where bis father lived and died (1786) ; was commis- 
sioned as major of the militia of Pennsylvania. The 
commission read as follows: 

" Commtelm. — Thomas UcKean, Governor of Pa., To Conrad Eber- 
hard, of the c.umty of Northampton, as major of the Second Batalioo of 
the 13th Regiment of the militia of Pennsylvania, in the first Brigade 
of the stir Division, composed of the militia of the Counties of North. 
ampton and Wayne, for ttie term of 4 years from August 3, 1807. 

" Lancaster, Pa., Augt. 3, 1807. 

"Jno. Thompson, Sec." 

Conrad Eberhard died in 1843, aped seventy-five 
years. 

Andreas Engelman, ancestor of the Engelman 
family, settled previous to the year 1750 in what is 
now Lower Milford, and purchased from Michael 
Stocker about one hundred and fifty acres of land, 
on which he resided for a number of years. He sold, 
March 3, 1757, one acre of his land to the Chestnut 
Hill Reformed congregation, of which he was a mem- 
ber, for ten shillings. About the year 1785 he built 
on another tract a grist-mill, which was rebuilt in 
1858 by Henry Gerhard, and is now in possession of 
Aaron Heist. All of the Eugelmans living now in 
Lower Milford, Saucon, Allentown, etc., are the de- 
scendants of Andrew Engelman. Among them are 
Elias Engelman, of Lower Milford, Lewis M. Engel- 
man, Esq., of Saucon (who served for a number of 
years as clerk for the commissioners of Lehigh 
t County), and Samuel Engelman, Esq., of Allentown, 
who served for two terms as register of wills of Lehigh 
County. 

Daniel StaufFer, Sr., ancestor of the Stauffers in 
this vicinity, settled very early in Coalbrookdale 
township, Berks Co. Johannes (or John) Stauffer 
and Daniel Stauffer, Jr., sons of Daniel Stautfer, Sr., 
purchased, Dec. 7, 1751, the old Walber's tavern 
property (see Walber's tavern), besides one hundred 
and ten acres situate in the present Kraussdale, in 
Lower Milford (then Upper Milford, Bucks Co.), from 
Nicolaus Walber. (It was part of two hundred and 
seventy-six acres which was surveyed, in 1734, to 
James Steel, who conveyed the same to said Nicolaus 
Walber.) Two years afterwards, June 9, 1753, they 
purchased three other tracts (first of seventy-five 
acres, second of fifty-three acres, third of sixty-two 
acres), containing together one hundred and ninety- 
acres, adjoining their other land (one hundred and 
ten aeresi, from Christopher Walber for two hundred 
pounds $633.33). In 1760, March loth. John 1 and 
Stautfer, Jr., sold two tracts of their land, Daniel 
together over one hundred and fifty-two acres, to Paul 
Ritter, of Coalbrookdale, Berks Co., for three hundred 
and fifty pounds, who sold the same, March 17, 1770, 
to his son-in-law, Friederich Limbach, Esq., who sold 
again, Dec. 11, 1787, to Daniel Stauffer, Jr., for eleven 
hundred ami one pounds. On Jan. 30, 1790, Daniel 



1 John Stuuffer settled afterwards in Bucks County. 



Stauffer, Jr., made his hist will and testament, and 
dietl on the I6th day of March following, and his wife, 
Catherine, followed him on i he I7tli. The real estate 
was divided between his two sons. Jacob Stauffer 
died in 1839, and lelf lour sons, — Peter, Abraha 
Daniel, anil Jacob. Prior to his death he sold I 1821 ) 
his real property to his eldest son, Peter Stauffer. 
Abraham Stauffer had eight children, five sons — 
Abraham, Henry, Jacob, John, and Samuel Stauffer, 

— and three daughters, Susana (married to John < reb- 
man), Rebecca (married to John Mayer), and Hetty, 
(who died single). Abraham, Henry, and Samuel 
settled in the neighborhood; Jacob and John settled 
in Bucks County. The descendants are numerous. 
The old homestead and property are still in their 
possession. They are progressive farmers, respect- 
able, moral, and useful citizens. 

Wendell Heimbach settled early (but the writer is 
not able to say in what year) on a farm in Upper 
Milford. near the old Hampton Furnace. The farm 
is now in possession of Daniel Kemmerer. He had 
three sons, — Henry, Wendell, and David. Henry set- 
tled in Rockland township, Berks Co.; Wendell near 
the old homestead, where he lived a number of years, 
and where he built an oil-mill about 1815, changed 
later to a clover-mill. He died in Lower Milford 
about 1855. Wendell Heimbach, his son, and Wil- 
liam Heimbach, a grandson, and other descendants 
live still in Berks and Lehigh Counties. David went 
to Hereford, Berks Co., kept store and tavern, and 
came back and built, iu 1809, the Hampton Furnace. 
He lived there until 1832, when he sold the furnace 
and moved to Allentown and kept the old stone mill, 
known as Jaeger's mill, and died in 1834. His sons, 
David and John, both became ironmasters, and settled 
in Carbon County, in Lower Towamensing and 
Franklin townships, where they built the Clarissa and 
Maria Furnaces. Another son, named Solomon, 
lives still in Allentown. David and John both died 
of typhoid fever in 1834, the same year that their 
father died. John V. R. Hunter (Jaeger) married 
two daughters of David Heimbach, and Paul Miller 
married the widow of John Heimbach. The daugh- 
ters of David Heimbach (elder) were Mrs. Mohr, Rev. 
ory, Mrs. Willaner. 

Friederich Wilhelm Kern, ancestor of the Kerns 
in Lehigh County, immigrated from Wiirtemhcrg to 
this country in 1739. He settled first in Philadelphia 
County, purchased a tract in Horsham township in 
1749, but he sold it in 1752, and settled the same 
year in Upper Milford, near the present village of 
Shimersville, where he purchased from Michael Mover 
a tract of one hundred acres and one hundred ami 
thirty perches. He died in February, 1771, and left 
three sons — John Mathias, John George, and Lorenz 
Kern — and one daughter, — Magdalen a (married to 
John Peter Lahr). By his last will and testament he 
divided his real estate between his two eldest sons, 
John Mathias and John George; but as the latter 



362 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



named died in 1795, and John Mathias purchased, 
April I, 1796, from the heirs the other part (over fifty 
acres, for four hundred and fifty dollars), Lorenz Kern 
and the heirs of John George Kern removed to York 
County. John <4eorgeKern had four children, — John, 
George, Abraham, and Elizabeth. John Mathias had 
four children, — John Peter, Mathias, Margaretha, and 
Anna Maria. John Mathias Kern died March 2'.), 
1803, aged over sixty-four years, and his son Mathias 
purchased his real estate. Mathias Kern left four 
sons — David, Christian, Jonas, and Thomas — and 
five daughters. The real estate was divided among 
his sons, and is still in their possession. The descend- 
ants of the Kerns family are still numerous. 

Christian Zeller (later Zellner), the ancestor of the 
Zellners in Milford, settled in what is now Lower 
Milford in 1701. He purchased the same year from 
the heirs of Isaac Doelp or Delp (who died July 15, 
1760) a tract of one hundred and fifty seven acres of 
land, on which he resided a number of years. Chris- 
tian Zeller was commissioned lieutenant of the eighth 
company in the Second Northampton Brigade of the 
militia of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a 
term of seven years, dated April 1, 1794, by Thomas 
MilHin, Governor of Pennsylvania. He was commis- 
sioned a second time, Aug. 2, 1800, by Governor Mc- 
Kean, lieutenant of the eighth company of the Thir- 
teenth Regiment Militia, in the First Brigade of the 
Eighth Division, composed of the militia of the 
counties of Northampton and Wayne. When he 
departed this life (about the year 1820) he left four 
sons, named Conrad, John, Christian, and Charles 
Zellner, and four daughters, named Sarah (married 
to Peter Reichenbaeh), Anna Maria (married to Jo- 
seph Yeakel ; is still living, a widow, eighty-eight 
years old), Leah (married to John Adam Wieder), 
and Rebecca (married to Jacob Hilligass). The 
name of this family has expired in Milford, — Con- 
rad, John, and Christian Zellner, Jr., died without 
male issue or moved to other parts. Charles mar- 
ried Elizabeth Flores, and left one son, named Jesse, 
and one daughter. Jesse died and left one son, named 
Charles Zellner, who resides in Emaus, and is the 
only living member of the Zellner family who keeps 
the name. 

Hans Heinrich Jackel (or Yeakel) emigrated in 
1734, with his father (David Yeakel), four brothers, 
and two sisters, to this country. He married Susanna 
Heydrick in 1735. He had gone with his brother- 
in-law, Gregorious Schultz, to the Jordan, in North 
Whitehall township, but the location being too much 
exposed on account of Indian depredations, he re- 
turned in a short time, and settled, in 1762, perma- 
nently in the Hosensack Valley. He purchased, Dec. 
23, 1761, the Hamilton tract (five hundred acres and 
the usual allowances) from .lames Hamilton for 
twelve hundred and fifty pounds ($3333.38). H. H. 
Sfeakel died Dec. 21, 1781, aged seventy-four years, 
and was buried near the centre of his premises. He 



left four sons — Jeremiah, George, Balthaser, and Mel- 
chior Yeakel — and three daughters, — Susanna (mar- 
ried to Balzar Krauss), Maria (married to Christopher 
Schultz), and Anna (married to Matthias Gerhard). 
In 1765 he divided his real property into equal shares 
among his four sons. Jeremiah Yeakel married Su- 
sanna Wrigner, and died in 1800, leaving eight chil- 
dren, one son — John Yeakel (one of the first com- 
missioners of Lehigh County) — and seven daughters. 
George Yeakel married Rosina Schubert. He died 
June 1, 1812, and left three sons — Abraham, Jacob, 
and George — and two daughters, — Anna and Maria. 
Balthasar Yeakel married Susanna Krauss, and died 
Oct. 12, 1797, aged sixty-four years. He was blind for 
the last twenty-eight years. He left two sons — David 
and Andrew Yeakel — and three daughters, — Rosina 
Sarah, Barbara, and Susanna. Melchoir Yeakel mar- 
ried Regina Schultz, and died May 18, 1831, aged over 
eighty-nine years. He left nine children, four sons — 
Solomon, Christopher, Daniel, and Isaac Yeakel — and 
five daughters, — Rosina, Susanna, Maria, Christina, 
and Catharine. The descendants of Hans Heinrich 
Yeakel are quite numerous, and much of his property 
is still in their possession. 

Simon Schneiter (or Snyder), ancestor of the Schnei- 
ters (or Snyders) in Upper Milford, purchased, June 
8, 1762, from Adam Krammes, almost seventy-three 
acres of land, situate about one mile southwest from 
the village of Zionsville. A patent was also granted 
to him on his land, which was called " Snyderburg," 
March 27, 1782. Jacob Schneiter, a grandson of 
Simon Schneiter, is still living on the premises. Other 
descendants are still living in Upper Milford, among 
them David Schneiter, John Schneiter, Charles 
Schneiter, Nathan Schneiter, Aaron Schneiter, and 
Leon L. Snyder, Esq. 

Valentine Dickenschied immigrated from Germany 
to this country previous to the year 1765, and settled 
in Goshenhoppen, and moved, in 1768, to Upper 
Milford, and settled on a farm situated on the Saucon 
Creek, where he died, from the results of a fall from 
the upper part of his barn, in the month of July, 
1772. He was buried in the graveyard at the Chest- 
nut Hill Church. Johannes Dickenschied was born 
in Goshenhoppen in 1765, married a daughter of 
Christian Friederich Martin, and settled between the 
present village of Vera Cruz and Emaus, and later 
mar Zionsville, and died in 1800. Dr. Charles 
Friederich Dickenschied, son of Johannes (or John) 
Dickenschied, was born Jan. 22, 1791, studied medi- 
cine in the University of Pennsylvania, was commis- 
sioned a surgeon in the United States army in the war 
of 1812-14, married Rebecca Eberhard, daughter of 
Henry Eberhard, and settled on the farm of his father- 
in-law, in Lower Milford (then Upper Milford), in 
1817, and became a practicing physician for thirty- 
nine years. In 1858 he moved to Allentown, and 
discontinued the practice of medicine. He died in 
Allentown in October, 1881, aged ninety years eight 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



363 



months. He bad two sisters, — Maria, married to An- 
drew Klotz, and Elizabeth, married to Paul Knauss; 
they both moved to Allentown. Dr. Charles H. Diek- 
enschied. son of Charles Friederich Dickenschied, 
born in Lower Milford (then Upper Milford), Feb. 10, 
1820, graduated at i lie University of Pennsylvania in 
1841, practiced medicine in Lower Milford (then 
Upper Milford) until 1847, married Elvina Spinner, 
daughter of David Spinner, moved (1847) to the 
Trappe, Montgomery Co., Pa., where he died three 
years later, Dec. 4, 1850. He left one son, who is now 
also a practicing physician in Philadelphia. Dr. 
John Henry Dickenschied, son of Charles Friederich 
Dickenschied, born June 4, 1826, graduated at the 
University of Pennsylvania in 1847, and has been 
practicing medicine in Lower Milford ever since. He 
married Amanda Steinman, daughter of George Stein- 
man. His son, Dr. Eugene H. Dickenschied, grad- 
uated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1881, and 
is now practicing medicine with his father in Lower 
Milford. 

John Scheimer, son of Jacob, grandson of Adam, 
and probably the great-grandson of Daniel Scheimer, 
was born in Saucon township, Northampton Co., 
April 28, 1764. He bound himself by articles of in- 
denture, dated Feb. 13, 1781, as apprentice to Jacob 
Bitebender, of Upper Saucon township, Northampton 
Co., wheelwright, to learn his trade during a full term 
of three years. Besides providing for him generally, 
Bitebender had to give Scheimer at the termination of 
his apprenticeship a complete suit of clothing and nine 
pounds hard cash, at Is. 6</. per Spanish milled dollar. 

In the year ll'Xl, John Scheimer purchased from 
Jacob Miller the premises on which the present vil- 
lage of Shimersville is located, over two hundred 
acres of land, became a successful farmer and a land- 
lord, and was appointed by Governor Thomas Mifflin 
as a justice of the peace in the district, consisting of 
the old township of Upper Milford, on the 23d day of 
January, 179">, and held the office for over thirteen 
years. He married Salome, daughter of Rev. Jacob 
Van Buskirk, minister of the Lutheran Church. He 
died July 18, 1844, aged over eighty years, and left 
four sons — John B., Charles B., August B. (removed 
to Lockport. N. Y.j, and Jacob B. Shimer (removed 
to Freemansburg, Pa.) — and two daughters, — Mary, 
married to Jacob Krimm, and Elizabeth, married to 
Jacob Appel, both of Lower Saucon, Northampton 
Co. John B. Shimer died Nov. 21, 1880, aged over 
seventy-nine years, and left two sons — Reuben and 
William Shimer — and one daughter, — Mrs. Anthony 
Michling. Charles B. Shimer died Aug. 24. 1880, aged 
over seventy-eight years, and left five suns — Edward, 
Charles, Jacob, franklin, and Hiram Shinier) — and 
one daughter, — Mrs. Riegel. 

Descendants of John Shinier, Esq., are numerous, 
still living in Upper Milford, Macungie, Allentown, 
etc., and arc active business men and useful and re- 
spectable cit izens. 



John Schantz, ancestor of the Schantzs in Uppi I 
and Lower Milford, settled in 17G5 in what is now 
Lower Milford. Be purchased, April l>t ofthat year, 
from Valentin Eeiser over one hundred and twenty- 
five acres for £25 ($66f). He purchased, April 25, 
1 77-0, from Ludwig Siffert two other ami adjoin 
tracts of one hundred and fifty acres for C100 
($1866f). John Schantz obtained, March 15, 1785, 
from the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, a patent 
on his land, which contained by resurvey two hun- 
dred and ninety-five and three-quarter acres. It was 
named " Schanlzburg." John Schantz, Sr., left five 
sons, named Abraham, Christian, John, Joseph, and 
Jacob. Abraham Schantz and Christian Schantz 
settled on the premises of their father. Joseph 
Schantz died without issue. John Schantz, Jr., pur- 
chased the property, wdiich is now in possession of 
Henry E. Mover, and, dying, left two sons (John and 
Jacob), who both died single. Jacob Schantz pur- 
chased, March 16, 1789, thirty acres from Jacob Mars- 
teller, and May 2, 1807, from the heirs of Adam Rein- 
hard, another tract of over eighty-one acres in Upper 
Milford. He left two sons — Daniel and Jacob — and 
two daughters. His land is still in possession of his 
descendant, Henry G. Schantz. Abraham Schantz 
left one son, named John (Rev.), and five daughti 1 3, 

John Schantz, son of Abraham, became, besides a 
farmer and oil-miller, a minister of the gospel. He 
departed this life Jan. 8, 1855, aged over eighty years, 
having five sons, named Henry, William, Abraham, 
John, and Joseph (minister of the gospel). Christian 
Schantz left four children, — two sons, named John 
and Jacob, and two daughters (Mrs. J. Stauffer and 
Mr. George Miller). The old premises are now in 
possession of Aaron Schantz, Christian Schantz, Jr., 
Readan Schantz, Solomon Schantz (all grandsons of 
Christian Schantz, Sr.), Milton Schantz, and Henry 
B. Schantz, descendants of Abraham Schantz. They 
are all progressive farmers. 

On March 10, 1760, Paul Ritter, of Coalbrookdale, . 
Berks Co., purchased from Daniel and John Stauffer 
two tracts of over one hundred and fifty-two acres of 
land, situated in Upper Milford. He sold the same, 
March 17, 1770, to his son-in-law, Friederich Lim- 
bach, also of Coalbrookdale, Berks Co., who obtained 
on the following 26th of May a patent on one hun- 
dred and four acres by the name of " Old Right." 
Limbach was appointed a justice of the peace for 
the district of Upper Milford. He was a good pen- 
man. He was a very active man, and in some re- 
spects a very extreme man for the cause of liberty 
during the times of the Revolutionary war. He ad- 
ministered his office until December, 1787, but. 
he did not live verj economically. deeply in 

debt. He sold his real property on Dec. 11, 1787, to 
Daniel Stauffer for eleven hundred and one pounds, 
and left the following night with wife and children 
for parts unknown, and forever. On the 12th of De- 
cember, 1787, a neighbor came to the old log house 



364 



IIISTOKV OF LLIIICH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in which Limhach resided, but found it empty, and 
the old fashioned fat lamp was still standing on the 
hearth, and -till lighted. Such was the 
quire Limbach's course in Upper Milford. 

Henry Meyer, from Bucks County, purchased, Jan. 
28,1783, from Michael Andreas, a tract of eighty-eight 
and one-half acre- ol land, situate in Upper Milford, 
for which a patent was granted to bim by the I 
tive Council of Pennsylvania on April 17, 1789, des- 
ignating it as " Meyerton." On June 7. 1813, Henry 
Meyer sold his " Meyerton" to bis son. William 
Meyer, for eleven hundred and twenty-five pounds. 
When he departed this life he left three sons — Wil- 
liam, Henry, and Jacob Meyer — and three daughters. 
Henry .Meyer purchased, in 1819, from John Schantz, 
Jr., over ninety-two acres, situate on the Saucon 
Creek, in the present Lower Milford (being part of 
one hundred and forty-live acres which was surveyed, 
1734, to Conrad Wetzel), which tract is still in Meyer's 
possession, owned now by Emanuel Meyer and Henry 
E. Meyer. Jacob Meyer purchased, June 2tj, 1822, 
from Jacob Ehrhard twenty-five acres near the pres- 
ent village of Dillingersville, which is now in posses- 
sion of bis son, Henry D. Meyer. The old premises 
("Meyerston") is now owned by William G. Meyer, 
a direct descendant (great-grandson) of Henry Meyer. 

Michael Roeder, ancestor of the Roeder family, 
settled in the so-called Goshenhoppen (Upper Han- 
over township), Montgomery Co., where he purchased 
from John Mack, Dec. 15, 1754, a tract of two hun- 
dred acres of land, and became a successful farmer. 
Michael Roeder died in 1791, leaving a widow and 
thirteen children, — Michael, John, Adam, Peter, and 
Henry Roeder, Anna Maria (married Jacob Nubs), 
Susanna (married Jacob Dunkel), Margaretha (mar- 
ried Conrad Nuss), Anna Margaretha (married George 
Labach), Barbara (married Jost Wieand), Hannah 
(married Martin Kieler), Catharina, Eva (married 
Peter Trump), and Magdena. John Roeder (son of 
Michael) settled, in 1787, in the Hosensack Valley, 
in what is now Lower Milford. He purchased from 
John Yund two hundred and fifty-five acres, the old 
Zimmerman farm and homestead, on Aug. 16, 1787, 
for fourteen hundred and twenty-three pounds. He 
became a successful farmer. He left three sons,— 
Henry, John, and Samuel Roeder. John and Samuel 
Roeder divided his property between them. John 
Boeder, Jr., had four sons— John M., Solomon, David, 

and Tl as Roeder — and four daughters. Samuel 

Roeder had five sons, — Daniel, Jonas, William, Sam- 
uel, Jr., and Nathan Roeder. 

The old farm is still in possession of the descend- 
ants; owned by David Kocder, Henry E. Roeder, 

Esq. !s if Jonas Roeder, and since 1883 a justice 

of the peace in Lower Milford), and Isaac Roeder (son 
of John M. Roeder). Others of the Roeders are still 
in the neighborhood, — Solomon, Reuben, Lewis, etc. 
They arc all progressive farmers and useful citizens. 

Nicolaus Dietz, ancestor of the Dietzs in Lehigh 



County, settled in Lower Milford in 1789. Nicolaus 
Dietz purchased, Nov. 27, 1789, from the heirs of Wil- 
liam I'cnn (or IV their attorney- over one hundred 

and sixty-three acre- of land lying ill their manor of 
Kichland, and called Tract No. U5. He sold, Feb. 
24, 1815, one hundred and thirty acres to his son, 

Abraham 1 tietz. He died Nov. 22, 1818, aged seventy- 
five years, eight months, and seventeen days, and left 
lour sons, — Abraham, Joseph, Jacob, and Peter 1 >ietz. 
The descendants are at present numerous. The old 
farm and homestead i- -till in their possession. 

John Adam Wiedi r, ancestor of the Wieder family, 
settled here early. His lands were on the top of the 
South Mountain, -oiithcast from Kmaus, in Upper 
Milford. After his departure his real estate was di- 
vided between two of his sons, John Adam Wieder, 
Jr., and Leonhard Wieder. One son (Solomon) re- 
moved to the State of New Jersey. On the 21st of 
June, 1810, John Adam Wieder purchased from Nic- 
olaus Kramer the old Stablnecker farm, in Upper 
Milford (now Lower Milford), containing one hun- 
dred and fift\ -seven acres fifty perches and allowance, 
for nine thousand dollars, and sold, March I!. 1S27, his 
other farm, eighty-five acres and one hundred and 
twenty-nine perches, to his brother, Henry, for three 
thousand dollars and twenty-two cents, which is now 
owned by John Lorenz. John Adam Wieder died 
and left two sons, — John and John Adam Wieder, 
between whom his real estate was divided. It is still 
owned by Joel Wieder (son of John) and Saul Wie- 
der (son of John Adam, Jr.). The descendants of the 
Wieder family are quite numerous in Upper and Lower 
Milford, and they are progressive farmers. 

Christian Musselman, from Allen township, North- 
ampton Co., settled, in 1790, in Upper Milford, and 
purchased the same year from Jacob Hiestand one 
hundred and sixteen acres, part of "Hiestand's De- 
light." He died July 21, 1848, in his eighty-ninth 
year, and left four sons — Jacob, John, David, and 
Henry Musselman — and two daughters (Mrs. Bechtel 
and Mrs. Kauffman). His descendants, Jacob Mussel- 
man and Samuel Musselman, are still in possession of 
the homestead. Others of the descendants are -till 
living in the neighborhood of the homestead, in Upper 
Milford, Emaus, and Quakertow n. 

Residents in 1781. — The following assessment-list, 
made by the commissioners of Northampton County, 
Dec. 27, 1781, shows the names of all of the taxable 
citizens then residing in the territory which is now 
included in the townships of Upper and Lower 
Milford: 1 



Ltidwig Andres, 

Stofel Andreas. 
Michael Andreas. 
Olrich Bassler. 
Michael Bastian. 

Henry Birkheimer. 

Gabriel Pappenmeyer. 
Michael Blsohop. 



llriM\ Kitting. 
John Becker. 
Jacob Van Busk irk. 
Adam *. Bortz. 
Nlcholaua Bieher. 
Even Bill. 
Jacob Biklhaus. 
Peter Braun. 



1 The am. ni nt of tax was £539 12s. Id. 



IM'l'KK AND LOWKK MILF<iKI> TOWNSHIPS. 



365 



George Christ. 


Baltzer Jaeckel. 


Havii] Both rock. 




Stroh. 


George Chrlstman. 


Uelchloi -' ■ 


.i B ■ 






1 




t .. . 




J«din Trexler. 


i ■ D 


Jeromlab Jai 


lolpb. 




. lller. 


■mill. 


kel. 


Benry Buss. 




Trucken miller. 


;e Dilllnger. 


John Jncoby. 


iffer. 




■' rump. 


\ Icbola ■ i 1 


1 land. 


w [Warn Sch offer. 






Daniel Dany. 


rarrett 


\i.i abam & b 




Jo ' ^ entz. 


John 1 


b Kreter. 


John Scbantz. 




'> entz. 


! ■ 


.■■IK reter. 


ants. 




Jacob Yt 


Jacob i 


opber Krauss. 


banb. 




\\ Idow ■' 


Daniel Derr. 


Baltzer Krauss. 


Adams Schaud. 




George Worm an. 


M U bael Derr. 


Jacob Koebler. 


ibele. 




Conrad Win on 


Stephen Derr. 


Pblllp Krai 


Joseph Schelly. 




i Ich Wlnsh. 


Daniel DaUe. 


Adam Eebl. 


Bern 






Hi urs Daubert. 


Phlli] 1 


i i ■■ h ,<ch iffer. 




Philip W 


Petei D 


E ' ledei ii b Kemmerer. 


1 b Schiffer, Jr. 




1 


B£li bael Bberhard. 


John ! 


i i Scbhisser. 




Walter, Jr. 


lard. 




Jacob 




George Welder. 


. b Bberhard. 


i Kern. 


Peter Schm ■■ i 




Franz W 


Peter Eherhard. 


Con rail Klein, 


John Scbnell. 




Matbiaa Westgo. 


n Engelman. 


Gabriel Klein. 


John Schneider. 




Conrad Wetzel. 


Adam 1 


George Klein. 


Adam Schnler. 




John Wetzel. 


Connid Ernst. 


■ 


Adam Schuler. 




Jacob Wicket l. 


Samuel Eisenhard. 


.\ ii holaua Klutz. 


John Schuler. 




Joat Wicand. 


Jacob K< trie. 


Jacob Knan 


Petei Si iniler. 




Wendell Wieand. 


Jeremfali Flexor. 


Michael Knanss. 


Jacob S 




A. lam U 


Frederick E*aneL 


Joseph K "okeii. 


iricta Slechly. 




Peter Weaver. 


Balzei ITettei man. 


Nlcholaua Kooken. 


George Seider. 




Jacob Wolf. 


George Fetterman. 


Peter Kooken. 


Daniel Smith. 




Pblllp Witman. 


\\ flow Fischer. 


[••rich Krammes. 


Jacob Smith. 




Bud Ipb V', | 


Daniel Folck. 


Leouhard Lautenschla'ger. 


Jacob Smith. 




i Witmeyer. 


>l [cbael Klurea. 


George Lautenachlaeger. 


John E 




Jacob Wittner. 


Benry Fnnck. 


Martin Leil 


Peter Smith. 




anil Wirt/.. 


Jacob Funck. 


Friedericb Llmbach. 


Anthony Stabler, 




Goufried Wiesner. 


John Fuock, 


John Linn. 


Ludwlg stabler. 




i . lell. 


! > iph Fuuck. 


: rich Martin. 


Kicholaua Stabler, Jr. 




Conrad Wagner. 


George Funck. 


Michael Mattinger. 


Nlcholaua Stabler, Sr. 




Conrad Wolf. 


^-. Jacob Fischer. 


Philip Mechlin, 


Abraham Stahl. 




Caaper Yoder. 


Widow Gebbard. 


Thomas Mechlin. 


Jacob Stahl. 




i ian Young. 


Andrew Girring. 


Christian M- 1 


Jacob Stahlschmiedt. 




Conrad Zeller. 


Jacob Gernet. 


Abraham Meyer. 


George Stab In 




John Zeller. 


' 


Conrad Meyer. 


Jacob Stanl 




Rudolph /nbler. 


Matthias Gerhard. 


M Ichael Meyer. 


Jacob Stepban. 






Peter Gerhard. 


Jacob Miller. 










Leonard Miller. 


SkigU FYeemen. 


Adam Qe&i 


Kicholaua Miller. 


John 1 tei i 




George Reiner. 


Gear;. 


Peter Miller. 


1 ih Dillinger. 




Andrew Roisser. 


Widow Greiliugs. 


Philip Miller. 


Peter Bngelman. 




Philip Stabler. 


John Griesemer. 


Henry Mars teller. 


Philip Bberhard. 




Petei 31 i 


Adam Gebbard. 


Conrad Kenm 


Jacob Bieatand. 




Jacob Stahlnecker. 


William Baintz, 


Herman Niesa. 


George Borlacher. 




Peter Schaffer. 


Adam Ilatmaii. 


Jobo Niess. 


■ ell 




Michael Schandt. 


Casper Bepler. 


John Ohlwein. 


George Kemmerer. 




Adam Trump. 


l Bepler. 


John Ord (Ortt). 


George Klein. 




Eilllan '■ 


Jacob Bell. 


Christopher Ott 


Nlcholaua Klein. 




■ i 


Simon Hein. 


. Ott 


1 




Henry Yundt. 


John Hauser. 


i cut. 


i icb Metzger. 




Christian Zeller. 


1 i nil. 


U tcbael Panlna. 








George Ililligase. 


Jacob Kausohenherger. 


Michael Eberbard paid 


the 


>i assessment, six- 


John Billlgi an. 


George Reichenbach. 


teen pounds; George Kii 


eleven pounds ; Casper 


Felix Hirlh. 
Jolni Blestaud. 


George Reiner. 
\\ idov? Reiner. 


Yoder, Christian Young, 


each seven pounds; 8 


John Biestand, Jr. 


Han Beinei . 


Andreas, Benry Funck. 


Job 


i Jund, Henry ( )tt, and 


Abraham Hieatand. 


Adam Reinbard. 


Danii 1 Stauffer, each six po 


unds ; all others under 


Isaac Bieatand. 


John Riesser. 


this last amount. 






Henry BSrtzel. 

rgi II rner. 


William Uieaser. 
Samuel Relchert, 


Residents in 1812.— I 


nl83 


l\ when Lehigh County 


Join B 


h an Keichert. 


n ganized, the following were the taxable citizens 


NIcbolaus Hittle. 


John BiflcbeL 


of what is now Upper an 


1 Lower Milford townships: 


Philip Herzog. 


Leonard Rischel. 








Philip Herxog,Jr. 


Martin Rischel. 


Benry AJbrecbt 




Uichael Bahm. 


Jacob Huber. 


1 1 qi y Bomig. 


Stoflel Andreas. 




Jacob Baer. 


Peter Hartzell. 


Adam Rothenberger. 


Jacob Arner. 




Abraham Bai ! 


Jacob Holtzhauaen. 


George Rothenberger. 


1 \\t-'i. 




Henry Hauler. 


Kicholaua Jeissly. 


.[ i ob Rothenberger. 


John Baal. 




finch Pussier. 


Adam Jeissly. 


Peter Rothenberger. 






Henry Baiu-r. 



366 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Jacob Bcitelman, 
John BerkeDBtock, 
Jacob Bildbai 
Ludw ig Bitting 
Bleyler. 
Jai b Bo] 1 1 . Jr. 
Andrew B | ■ 
Adam Bi ey. 
Brey. 
Michael Brey. 

Philip Brey. 

pgi i ■ i iederich i laldower. 
e Carl. 
John Oai I. 

Christ. 
Henry Christ, Jr. 
David Chriatman. 
I ieorge < In i-iman. 
< ieoi -'■ I leweU. 
Joseph Clewell. 
Daniel Cooper. 
Joseph Cope. 
Jacob Daney. 
Philip Daney. 
Philip Daney, Jr. 
Peter Daney. 
Jacob Danner. 
Henry Daubert. 
Henry Daubeit, Jr. 
John Daubert. 
Jacob DeiBS. 
Jacob Derr. 
Michael Derr. 
Widow Dickenshied. 
George Diehl. 
Michael Diehl. 
George Dietz. 
Jacob Dietz. 
Nicholaus Dietz. 
Christina Dillinger. 
Daniel Dillinger. 
Jacob Dillinger. 
John Dillinger. 
Maria Dillinger. 
Jacob Dilgert. 
David Ditlow. 
Isaac Dixson. 
Daniel Dubs. 
Henry Dubs. 
Jacob Dubs. 
Christian Dutt. 
Adam Eberhard. 
Daniel Eberhard. 
John Eberhard. 
Jacob Ehrhard. 
Jacob Ehrenhard. 
Friederich Eidiuger. 
David Eulenbach. 
George Engelman. 
Henry Engelman, 

John Engelman. 
Peter Engelman. 
John Erdman. 
Daniel Erney. 
John Fellman. 
Widow Ferdman. 
Philip Fetterman. 
i i Fink. 
John i ink. 
i Ihristlan Fischer. 
Jacob Fischer. 
John Fischer. 
Widow Flores. 

I let/, 

John Crick. 
John Funk. 
Jacob f^-. try. 



Geho. 

bring. 

Jacob Gelsinger. 
Philip Gelsinger. 
Jacob ' torhard. 

William Gorman. 
Ludwig Gi el ■ 
Felix Griessemer, 

i i tedei I'll Griessemer. 
Jacob 'JrioBsemer. 
John Griessemer. 
Daniel Gttth, .lr. 
Daniel Guth, Sr. 
George Guth. 
John Hanger. 
Petei Hartzell. 
George Harlacher. 
John Haupt. 
Adam Heckman. 
George Heil. 
Jacob Heil. 
David Heimbach, Jr. 
David Heimbach, Sr. 
Abraham Hentricks. 
Jacob Henscher. 
Abraham Hiestand, Jr. 
Abraham Hiestand, Sr. 
Jacob Hiestand. 
John Hilligass. 
Michael Hilligass, Jr. 
Michael Hilligass, Sr. 
- Nicholaus Hittel. 
William Horsfield. 
George Jacoby. 
Henry Jacoby. 
John Jacoby. 
John Jarrett. 
Andrew Jaekel. 
Christopher Jaekel. 
David Jaekel, Jr. 
David Jaekel, Sr. 
George Jaekel, Jr. 
George Jaekel, Sr. 
Jeremiaa Jaekel. 
John Jaekel. 
Melchior Jaekel. 
Moses Kain. 
Abraham Kaufman. 
Peter Kehler. 
Jacob Kehler. 
Michael Kehm. 
John Keiser. 
Joseph Keiser. 
John Kemmerer. 
Henry Kern. 
Matthias Kern. 
Daniel Klein. 
George Klein. 
George Klein. 
Jacob Klein. 
Isaac Klein. 
Michael Klein. 
Andrew Kleinsmith. 
Henry Knappenberger. 
Jacob Knauss. 
Peter Kneppele. 
Friedei ich Krammes. 
Nicholaus Kramer. 
Andrew Krauss. 
David Krauss. 
Friedei i< :b Krauss. 
George Krauss. 
John K muss. 
Abrahum Kriehel. 
Jacob Ki iehel. 
Henry Larosch. 



Jacob i ■ ■ 

l.ailb. 

i ■ . , ■ i iten 

Nicholaus baiitenschlaeger,Jr. 

Nicholaus I.autenschlaeger,Sr. 

Henry Leibert. 

Mai i in Leibert, 

Joseph Leopold. 

Peter Linn. 

Jacob Marsteller. 

Widow MaiBteller. 
Friederich Martin. 
Ludwig Mattinger. 
Widow Mattinger. 
John Mechlin. 
Conrad Mertz. 
Jacob Metzger. 
Friederich Miller. 
Frii'derii'h Miller. 
George Philip Miller. 
Jacob Miller. 
Isaac Miller. 
Peter Miller. 
Widow Miller. 
Daniel Mohr. 
Henry Mohr. 
Jacob Mohr. 
Stoffel Mohr. 
William Mohr. 
Abraham Moyer. 
Henry Moyer, Jr. 
Henry Moyer, Sr. 
Jacob Moyer, Sr. 
Jacob Moyer, Jr. 
"William Moyer. 
John Muuibauer, Jr. 
John Mumbauer, Sr. 
Christian Musselman. 
George Nehs (Nace). 
Jacob Nehs. 
Jacob Nehs. 
Conrad Neumeyer. 
Jacob Oberholtzer. 
Christian Ortt. 
John Ortt. 
Henry Ortt. 
Henry Ott, Jr. 
Henry Ott, Sr. 
Widow Ott. 
Samuel Paul. 
Adam Reichenbach. 
George Reichenbach. 
George Reichenbach. 
Leonhard Reichenbach. 
Michael Reichenbach. 
Peter Reichenbach. 
Cornelius Reiubold. 
Hartman Reinbard. 
Daniel Reiuert. 
Peter Reinert. 
Peter Reichert. 
Andrew Riesser. 
Casper Riesser. 
John Kiesser. 
Solomon Riesser. 
William Riesser. 
Samuel Riuker. 
John Roeder, Sr. 
John Roeder, Jr. 
Kmiiiii'l Kueiler. 

Fi iedei ich Romig. 

Adam Rothenberger. 
David Rothenberger. 
George Rothenberger. 
Kuthenberger. 
Jacob Rothenberger. 
John Rothenberger. 



Peter Rothenberger. 
David Rothrocfa 
Jacob Bothrock. 
George Kuch. 
Michael Rudolph. 
George Scbaffer, 

Ceor^e Si hafler. 

- buffer. 
naffer, 

Abraham Schantz. 
Christian Schantz. 

- hantz. 
John Schantz. 
John Schantz. 
John s.-haub. 

i :. oi e Schell. 
Michael Schelly. 
Andrew Schenkler. 
Adam Schiffert. 
John Schiffert. 
Ulrich Schitz (SchUtz). 
John Schlotterer. 
Daniel Schmidt. 
Jacob Schmidt. 
Solomon Schmidt. 
Jacob Schmoyer. 
John Schmoyer. 
Adam Schneider. 
Jacob Schneider. 
Samuel Schneider. 
Simon Schneider. 
David Schubert. 
George Schumacher. 
John Schuld. 
Abraham Schnler. 
Adam Schuler. 
George Schuler. 
John Schuler. 
Samuel Schuler. 
Baltzer Schultz. 
Daniel Schwartz. 
Daniel Schwartz. 
Jacob Schwenck. 
Jacob Seibert. 
Peter Sell. 
Christian Shearer. 
John Stumor. 
David Sicher. 
Jacob Sicher. 
Adam Singmaster. 
Conrad Smith. 
George Smith. 
Peter Smith. 
David Spinner. 
John Stadler. 
George Stahl. 

John Stahl. 

Christian Stahler. 
Daniel Stahler. 
David Stahler. 
Henry Stahler. 
Jacob Stahler. 
Ludwig Stahler. 
Nicholaus Stabler, Sr. 
Nicholaus Stabler, Jr. 
Nicholaus Stahler. 
Peter Stabler. 
Philip Stabler. 
Lorenz stabler. 
Abraham Stauffer. 
Jacob Stauffer. 

Petei Staudt. 

Adam Steininger. 
Adam Stephan. 
,i.i« ob Stephan. 
Andrew Straszberger. 
George Truckeumiller 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



3f,7 



Adam Tramp. 
Ti ump. 
John Trump. 
B ill sei i i ffei . 
I tovid i 

I 
Widow Urffer. 
Bernbard VDgele (Fegely). 
s ;. holaua VBgele. 
Georgo Vogt, Jr. 
:, Sr. 
J i.ii Wagner. 
Jobo Wagoer. 
Jacob Walker. 
Daniel Walter. 
David Walter. 
Philip Walter. 
Ellas \Vc;n Br. 
M [cbael w '-;iver. 
John Weaver. 
Peter Weaver. 
John Weikel. 
Baltzer Weinberger. 
Christopher Weies. 
Jacob W eiea 

11.111 \ \\ ■ 1 ■ i 

Jacob Westgo. 



Philip w 
Daniel Wetzel. 
Jacob Wetzel, Sr. 
I, Jr. 

David Wieandt. 

It, Sr. 
Jacot> Wieandt, Jr. 
John Wieandt. 
Joel Wieandt. 
Wendel Wii andt, Sr. 
Wendel Wieandt, Jr. 
Jacob Wli i cert. 
Adam Wieder, Jr. 
Adam Wieder, Sr. 
i !as| ei w leder. 

Gottfried Wle 

Christian WII] 

Jacob Wittonier. 
Widow Wlttemer. 
John Zelsloff. 
Carl Zeller. 
Christian Zeller. 
Conrad Zeller. 
John Zeller. 
Abraham Ziegler. 



Single Fieemeu. 



Henry Dany. 
John Dany. 

George Derr. 

Henry Derr. 
Jacob Diehl. 
Peter Diehl 
Abraham Dietz. 
Peter Dietz. 
Daniel Dubs. 
John Dubs. 
John Eberhard. 
Michael Engelman. 
John Fischer. 
George Flores. 
Henry Flores. 
Henry Henry. 
I leorge Hittel. 

Philip Hittel. 

William Hittel. 
Daniel Jacket. 
Klein. 
Benjamin Kriebel. 
Benjamin Ki iebel, 
George Lechner. 
Jacob Lechner. 
Daniel Miller. 



David Mohr. 
Jacob Moyer. 

Philip Mumbauer. 
John Ott. 
Jacob Ott. 
Jacob Reichenbach. 
Michael Reichenbach. 
Adam Reinhard. 
Lorenz Ruch. 
George Rudolph. 
John Rudolph. 
Jacob Scfaanb. 
Stoffel Schubert. 
Jacob Schuler. 
Christian Sehwartz. 
Peter Schwartz. 
David Seibert. 
Stoffel Seibert. 
John Smith. 
Jonathan Stahl. 
John Straseberger. 
David Trexler. 
John Wieder. 
Leon hard Wieder. 
Philip Zerfass. 



Prominent Citizens of the Past and Present. — 
Daniel Stabler was born in Upper Mil ford, March 
31, 1781 ; established tbe first hotel in Dillingersville 
(then Stahler's) in 1812; was appointed the same 
year postmaster of the new post-office (Stahler's), the 
firsl post-office in Upper Mil ford, and held the office 
until 1827; was elected commissioner of Lehigh 
County in 1842 for one term of three years ; died Aug. 
31, 1854, aged seventy-three years, five months. 

Lorenz Stahler, brother of Daniel, was born in 
Upper Mil ford, April 18, 1770. He was appointed 
justice of the peace in 1812, and continued in office 
under appointments until 1840, when he was elected 
under the new law for one term, five years. He con- 
tinue-! in office in all about thirty-three years, until 
1 3 15, He died Aug. 15, 1854, agedseventy-fivi 
three months, twenty-seven days. 



Joshua Stabler, son of Lorenz, was born Oct. 2, 1814, 
in Upper Milford ; was elected justice of the peace in 
1845 for five years ected in L850; elected 

i Lehigh County in 1851 forthree 

years; elected coroner in 1855; and elected associate 
judge in October, L856, and re-elected in October, 
1861. 

I >:i\ id ( fehmarj was born in Hereford township, 
Berks Co., on Aug. 26, L802; removed in L828 to the 
Sosensack Valley; purchased the ear from 

George Kline, Jr., a tract of land, on which he estab- 
lished a country store, and kept the same for a num- 
ber of years, until 1860. In 1841 there was a new 
post-office by the name of I ablished 

under the administration of President Tyler. Geh- 
man was appointed postmaster, and administered the 
post-office twelve years. In 1861 he was reappointed 
ami served eleven years, and resigned. He removed 
in 1873 to Quakertown, Bucks Co., where he died on 
the 5th of March, 1881, aged seventy-eight years, six 
months, nine days. He left two daughters, — Mrs. 
Charles Schoenly and Mrs. Joel Brunner. 

Charles \V. Wieand was born on the 18th day of 
March, 1809, in the present village of Zionsville; 
carried on for several years the business of store- 
keeper and dealing in tombstones; purchased later 
the farm of his father, David Wieand ; was appointed 
in 1831 as justice of the peace (of Upper Milford), 
served for nine years, and was in 1840 elected for one 
term (five years) more. He became also a surveyor. 
By the influence of Mr. .Wieand there was a new 
post-office established in 1S4!) in Zionsville, and Mr. 
Wieand was appointed postmaster for four years. He 
purchased in 18G6 the old Mensch mill property from 
John B. Gehman. In 1876, Charles W. Wieand, Esq., 
removed to East Greenville, Montgomery Co., and as- 
sisted his son, Rev. C. J. Wieand, in establishing the 
Perkiomen Seminary. He is still living, and resides 
in East Greenville, Pa. 

Henry M. Sigmund, eldest son of Friederich Sig- 
mund (ironmaster), was born in Upper .Milford, June 
25, 1836. He became in 1860, when his father died, 
with his brother, Dr. Albert M. Sigmund, the owner 
of the Hampton Furnace, and became an ironmaster. 
He conducted the furnace for nearly seven years, when 
it was discontinued, and the property sold to Peter 
Faust. Henry M. Sigmund died Ault. L0, L876, aged 
only forty years. 

Samui 1 Stauffer,son of Abraham Stauffer, was born 
in 1811, in what is now Lower Milford, in the present 
Kraussdale; obtained his first education in the schools 
of his neighborhood; was employed for several terms 
to teach schopl ; wa i several terms school di- 

rector of Upper Milford before division) ; served for 
several years as secretary of the school board; was 
ml 358 as the first justice of the peace of Lower 

Milford for live years, and four times re-elected, serv- 
ing in all twenty years; and was appointed b 
emor lloyt, in December, L882, as a notary public. 



368 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



He is also, with his son Henry, the proprietor and the 
owner of a saw-mill, grist-mill, and farm. 

Charles Foster was a son of John Thomas Fos- 
ter, of Philadelphia, and was born in that city on 
the 24th day of March, 1801. He lost lather and 
mother by death when he was only three years old, 
and was adopted by Jacob Frey, of Montgomery 
County, and educated. He became a blacksmith, 
settled iii Upper Mil ford, and married, in 1825,Mag- 
dalina Fischer, daughtei of John Fischer. He pur- 
chased the same year Fischer's Hotel, of Jacob 
Fischer, and became the landlord, and also a pro- 
gressive tanner; was in charge of the hotel tor over 
thirty years. He was elected in 1838 to the State 
Legislature; elected commissioner of Lehigh County 
in 1844 for three years ; elected county auditor (1850) 
for three years, and served as a school director of 
Upper Milford for eighteen years. He died in Upper 
Milford on the 6th day of July, 1875, aged over 
seventy-four years. 

Michael H. Albright, Esq., born Jan. 11), 1811, set- 
tled in his early boyhood with his mother in Lower 
Milford (then Upper Milford). He served as a jus- 
tice of the peace of Lower Milford for thirteen years 
(1860-73), and over ten years as school director of the 
same township. He moved in 1873 to Allentown, 
where he is still living. 

Edwin Albright, Esq., son of Michael H. Albright, 
born in Lower Milford (then Upper Milford), Nov. 28, 
1838 ; received his first education in the schools of his 
father ; went in 1860 to Aljentown, studied law, and 
became a prominent attorney. He was appointed 
solicitor under Sheriff Herman Fetter in 1862-65; 
elected district attorney in 1866 ; elected State sen- 
ator (1870) for three years; re-elected in 1873 for 
three years, and elected president judge of Lehigh 
County, 1878. 

Hans (John) Yeakel, was horn Nov. 15, 1774, in 
Lower Milford (then Upper Milford) ; was elected one 
of the first county commissioners of Lehigh County 
for two years (1812-14). In 1816 he was elected for 
a second term of three years, and in 1819 was re- 
elected for a third term of three years. He became 
the proprietor of the hotel at Hosensack about the 
year 1820, was landlord for several years, and died 
March 17, 1825. 

Willoughby Gabel was born in 1810 ; was for a 
number of years a successful storekeeper and farmer 
of Lower Milford (then Upper Milford) ; was elected 
justice of the peace in 1845, and re-elected in 1850 
and 1855; was elected commissioner of Lehigh 
County in 1862 for three years; was also elected one 
of the first school directors of Upper Milford, after 
the acceptance of the common-school law in 1844, 
and was elected president of the first school board 
the same year. 

I'eter Hngeliuan.a successful farmer in Lower Mil- 
ford, was elected county commissioner in 1850 for one 
term of three years. 



(leorgi- K. Carl, horn June 28, 1828, was elected 

f Lower Milford in 1854, and re-elected foi 

twelve terms, and was elected, November, 1881, 
county commissioner of Lehigh County for one term 
of three yea) 

Ludwick (or Ludwig) Kitting, a farmer of Upper 
Milford, owned a farm of over one hundred and forty- 
six acres on the Hosensack Hill i now Lower Milford) 
from 1744 to 1771. He was elected to the Slate Legis- 
lature for Northampton County in 1758, 1759, and 
1760. 

Samuel Mover, a tanner in Upper Milford (at what 
is now Burkhatter's tannery, in Lower Milford), was 
elected to the State Legislature for one term in 1826. 

Frederick Sigmund, ironmaster, was born in Wlir- 
temberg, Germany, on March 31, 1809, and came as 
a boy to this country; purchased (1850) Hampton 
Furnace, in Upper Milford, and conducted the same 
very successfully until his death. He was also a 
number of years secretary of the board of common 
schools of Upper Milford, and died June 25, 1860, 
aged fifty-three years, two months, twenty-five days. 

Jacob Schwenck, a farmer and a carpenter and 
joiner, of Lower Milford (then Upper Milford), was 
elected commissioner of Lehigh County in 1832 for 
one term of three years ; died in 1838. 

"A House of Ye Olden Time."— About one- 
quarter of a mile west from the Great Swamp Church, 
on the premises of Daniel C. Stauft'er, in Lower Mil- 
ford, there is situated an old house, which is indeed 
worthy of being called " a house of ye olden time." 
The mantel bears the figures "1715." The house is in 
two parts, — one is log and the other part (which is no 
doubt much older) is stone. The stone part is seven- 
teen by eighteen and a half feet, and eighteen feet 
high to the roof. The height of the roof on the gable 
is nine feet. The wall is two feet thick. The build- 
ing is one story high, and has only two windows on 
the east side, each twenty-five by twenty-two and one- 
half inches, with four lights. In the garret is one 
window of the same size. The log part is twenty- 
nine by seventeen feet, and one story high. 

Old Roads. — By order of the proprietary govern- 
ment of the province of Pennsylvania there was in 
the mouth of March, 1736, surveyed and laid out 
a public road by the name of "The King's high 
Road," beginning in Macousin (Macungie) township, 
in the present Trexlertown ; running through the 
present borough of Macungie and Upper Milford 
(then Bucks County); crossing the land of Derrick 
Johnsen (Shimersville), Christian Crall (Zionsville), 
John Meyer, Dewalt Mechlin, Henry Geber (Hosen- 
sack), Peter Walber, Ulrich Rieszer, and the greater 
part of the vacant land ; crossing the county-line be- 
tween Bucks and Philadelphia Counties (now Mont- 
gomery County) into Guessehopen (Goshenhoppen), 
to another road leading from Goshenhoppen to Phil- 
adelphia. It was reported that this road was laid 
out fifty-two feet wide. This is no doubt the oldest 



UPPER AND LOWEB MILFORD TOWNSHIPS 






or the first public road laid out within the present 
limit* of Lehigh t 'oanty. 

I Fpper and Lower Milford are crossed by many pub- 
lic roads, coming from and leading in all directions, 
of which several are over one hundred years old. The 
so-called "Great Philadelphia mad." twenty-five leet 
wide, was laid out previous to the year 1750; beginning 
at the old king's high-road, on the line between Lower 
Dlilford and Upper Milford, running northwardly 
through Upper Milford, Lower Macungie, Salisbury, 
South and North Whitehall, and Washington town- 
ship to Slatington, and thence to Mauch Chunk. 

The third public road land perhaps nearly as old) 
is one leading from Eraaus, crossing South Mountain 
in Upper Milford and Chestnut Hill in Lower Mil- 
ford, and leading to Bucks « lounty. 

Tlie next road in rank is, no doubt, thai leading 
from Zionsville eastwardly, crossing Upper Milford 
and Lower Milford; passing Dillingersville and the 
Great Swamp Church, and thence Leading to Spin- 
nerstown, in Bucks County. On this road the first 
mail-route crossing Milford was established, in L812 
(from Fogelsville to Trumbauersville). 

Another principal road is that leading from Zions- 
ville to Hereford, in Berks County. It i- unite old. 
This road was changed in 1853 to a turnpike by tin- 
Berks and Lehigh Turnpike Company. 

There are many other toads in the Milfords, of 
which the principal ones are those leading from 
1 tosensack to Spinnerstown I in Lower Milford ), from 
Dubs' Mill (now Shelly's) to Limeport, from Hosen- 
sack to Hereford, from Zionsville to Coopersburg, 
from Vera Cruz to Lanark, from Shimersville to 
Emaua, and from Shimersville to Sieszholzville. 

Fretz's Mill, the First Grist-Mill in Lehigh 
County. — This mill is situated on the Hosensack 
Creek, in Lower Milford, on the public road leading 
from the village of Hosensack to Stcin.-burg, in Bucks 
County, and nearly three-quarters of a mile north- 
east from Hosensack. It is without doubt the oldest 
mill-property in Lehigh County. The land on which 
it was established was originally bought by Peter 
Went/., in the years 1785 and 1739, as follows, viz.: 

On the 3d day of December, 173"-, Peter Went/ 
purchased from Stephan Riemer lor Reamer a tract 
of land containing one hundred acres, at twenty-three 
pounds sterling, and four years later, .Sept. 24, 173K, 
two other tracts, containing together one hundred 
acres and sixty perches, from the proprietaries at 
£15 Is. Those three tracts of land were crossed by 
the Hosensack Creek. 

On this land the first grist-mill in the county was 
erected by Went/, in the year 1740. In 17 b; h 
to [saias Cuschwa or Gushwa . of Mount Bethel, 
Lancaster Co., the mill and all his land over two 
hundred acres . Cuschwa carried on the mill until 
17 It'., when he sold it, with all of the land, to David 
Strcib for four hundred pounds. He continued its 
operation for three years, and March 1'.'. 17 1'.'. sold 
21 



the mill and seventy-sis and three-quarters act 
land to Francis Buss, of Saucon township, who con- 
ducted the grist-mill for twelve year-. I n or about 
the year 1761, Francis Buss, Sr., sold the mill and 
if land to bis son, Killian Buss, and 
sold, in 1768, the other part of bis bind twenty- 
eight and three-quarters acre-, to his son, Francis 
Buss, Jr., at fifty pounds. In or about the year L765, 
Killian Buss sold the mill-property to George Lcwitz, 
lid it, in 1781, to Adam Hillegas, who sold to 

.John George Hillegas, who continued the mill for 
over fourteen years, and sold to Philip Bverhard in 
or about the year L795. lie carried it on until his 
death, in ISO). Sine,- the year L801 the mill has 
been in possession of the following-named persons, 
viz.: John Bahl, 1801-17; Isaac Klein. 1817 ; 

Gabriel Klein. : Abraham Gerhard, 183 

Samuel Krauss, 1849 55; Samuel Weinberger, lass- 
os ; Henry Weinberger, 1862 til: Aaron Weinberger, 
1864-65; Jacob Weiss, 18G5-79; Jonathan Fret/ 
1 379 the present owncn.and occupied by his sou, 
William Frel/.. 

Walber's Tavern. — This tavern was situated near 
the present Kraussdale, in Lower Milford, on the old 
" King's high-road." and marly two miles southeast 
from the village of Hosensack. The tavern was 
ilj established a- early as 1735, by Nicolaus 
Walber, and was without any doubt the first tavern 
in the limits of the present Lehigh County. 

The premises On which this tavern was situated wen- 
first settled by said Nicolaus Walbert, in the year 
1734. James Steel purchased from the heirs of Col. 
William Markham, on the 24th day of January, 1729, 
two hundred and seventy-six acres of land situated in 
Upper Milford, Bucks Co.. which was sold. 1734, to 
Nicolaus Walber for one hundred and eighty-nine 
pounds. On this property Walber (or Waiver estab- 
lished the following year a tavern, kept the same for 
about seventeen year-, and sold it and other build ii 
besides one hundred and four acres of land, to John 
and Daniel Stauffer ; the tavern was then abandoned 
forever. 

It was reported that one day a peddler came to this 
tavern and requested night-quarters, and the following 
day his dead body was found in a neighboring swam]' : 
and it was stated further that in the old tavern since 
that night frequent mysterious noises were heard, 
which led to the closing of tin- tavern. 

Larosch's, or Kemmerer's, Tavern. — This hotel 
was situated in Lower Milford township, on the 
"King's high-road," between the villages of llosen- 
sack and Zionsville, and about equidistant from them. 
In June, 1786, Henry Larosch was licensed to keep 
tavern, and no doubt he kept there previous to that 
year, as he purchased the property three years prior. 
Larosch kept tavern until his death, in 1800, and his 
son. Henry Larosch, Jr., purchased the property and 
kept the house several years, during which time some 
, tenants also occupied the property. 



370 



HISTORY OF LKI1IGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



In July. 1815, Martin Kemmerer purchased the 
property, and continued the tavern for about thirty- 
eight years, when his son, Solomon Kemmerer, pur- 
chased it mill became landlord. He died in Decem- 
ber, 1863. During the time Solomon Kemmerer 

owned the property the tavern was also kept l>> ten- 
ants, among them Gideon Laudenschlaeger, John 
Wieder, and Edward Krey. 

In the year 1863 the tavern was closed, after a period 
of at least eighty-seven years. At this tavern the 
spring or township elections of 1 pper Mil lord, pre- 
vious to the division of the township in 1853, were 

held for many years. The first election in Lower 

Milford latter division] was held at this tavern on 
March 18, 1853, for the election of the first officers of 
the township, and this was the last election which 
was held at this place. This property is at present in 
possession of Dr. John S. Ziegler, son-in-law of Solo- 
mon Kemmerer, but it is only occupied as a private 
dwelling-house. 

Fischer's Tavern, or later Foster's Tavern.— 
This tavern was situated in Upper Milford, on the old 
public " King's high-road," between Shimersville and 
Macungie, and about half a mile from Shimersville. 
The land on which this hotel was located was first 
settled by a man called John Wetzel (or Weitzel), 
and was sold to John Fischer, who commenced to 
keep tavern previous to the year 1795, and remained 
in business over twenty-five years. In the year 1820 
the hotel property was purchased by Jacob Fischer, 
who kept until 1825. In that year Charles Foster 
purchased the property, and continued the hotel for 
over thirty years, until about 1855, at which time the 
hotel was closed. The property is at present in pos- 
session of his son, Charles H. Foster, Esq., of Jack- 
sonville, Lehigh Co. 

Seider's Tavern. — This tavern was situated on the 
great Philadelphia road, near the line between Upper 
Milford and Macungie townships, about one mile west 
from the borough of Emails. This tavern was erected 
and established by George Seider in the year 1785. 
He kept the tavern for about twenty-five years, until 
the year 1810, since which time it has been dis- 
continued. For a number of years the farmer's 
plow and harrow have gone over the spot on which 
the tavern stood, on the fields of Moses Wieand, now 
deceased. 

Religious.— The Great Swamp Church.— The be- 
ginning of tin- Great Swamp Reformed congregation 
i according to Dr. C. /.. Weiser) is involved in obscur- 
ity, as is indeed the origin of nearly all the primitive 
churches in Pennsylvania. But it is believed that 
the congregation was organized and the first church 
built previous to the year 1780, and that the edifice 
was used from the beginning for school as well as 
religious purposes. The church register opens in 
the month of April, L736, under pastor John Henry 
Goetchey. The title-page has the following inscrip- 
tion : 



"Church I k "t Hi*' I hrietian Congregation at Great Swamp. 

" In which are recorded, — Firal let ■! Christian DIaipliu 

which thia I in tin- Couutry, hall adopted; 

ndly, The uhiim-* "I Parents, Sponeora, and Knfantawho were bap- 
i ized I ■• 

"JOHANN HeNBICUB G ETBGHlUe, V.D.M., 
"HatVKTlCUB TlQl kim s 

■■ i a,nton "f Switzerland , 

" April 24, «..». 173G." 

The earliest enrollment of male members of this 
congregation (from 1 T-" :* "> to 1746) shows the following 
name-: Fran/ Bus Rusz), Ulrich llieser, Ludwig 

Bitting, Alexander Dieffenderfer, Peter I. inn, J. 
Schmidt, Christian Miller. N. Miller, Jacob Dubs, 

Jacob Wetzel, Jacob Wetzel, Jr.. X. Kessler. Felix 

Brainier, J. Buskirk, Joseph Eberhart, Michael Eber- 
hart, Michael Eberhart, Jr., Ulrich Spinner, J. Bley- 
ler, Peter Bleyler. Alsap Heger, X. Hick, J. Huber, 
Abraham Kraft, Henry Huber, Jacob Huber, Rudy 
Huber (der Wagner), A. Huber (der Schneider and 
Tochterman), Rudy Frick, Abraham Titlow, N. Tit- 
low, J. Nic. Mumbauer, Saul Sampsel, N. Willauer, 
John Huber, John Huber, Sr., Philip Boehm (der 
Schlosser), Valentine Kaiser, Daniel Kucker, N. 
Huber (der Schmidt), Huber's Bruden, J. G. Titlow 
(der Weber), B. Weiss, N. Kuendig, David Traub, 
Andreas Greber. 

The church and the real property of the Great 
Swamp congregation is situated in Lower Milford, on 
the public road leading from Zionsville to Spinners- 
town, and near the line between Lehigh and Bucks 
Counties. The survey and grant of the ground was 
made in 1738, and the deed (patent) was issued Dec. 
16, 1762 (for one hundred and thirteen acres of land), 
unto Michael Eberhart and Joseph Eberhart, Jr., for 
the use of the minister, elders, and congregation of 
the Reformed Calvinist Society settled in Upper Mil- 
ford and adjacent township of Lower Milford, in 
Bucks County. This tract of ground is nearly square, 
— one hundred and forty-eight perches long and one 
hundred anil thirty perches wide,— containing one 
hundred and thirteen acres and seventy perches and 
the usual allowance of six per cent. Quit-rent, etc., 
has been paid upon it to the amount of £17 lis. 7</. 

1 ii 1772 the old log church was sold to George Stahl, 
of the llosensack Valley, and a new stone church was 
built near the same place. It was erected under the 
pastorate of the elder Faber. The third church was 
built in 1837, under the ministry of the elder Weiser. 
It is said that the entire building cost but eighteen 
hundred dollars in money, the stone and timber being 
gathered from the land owned by the congregation. 
The fourth and present church was built in 1872-73, 
during the pastorate of C. Z. Weiser. This last tem- 
ple undoubtedly cost more money than the three be- 
fore it. Its total ciist is no less than thirty thousand 
dollars. The building committee was composed of 
Isaac Fluck, Aaron Dubs, Samuel Wieandt, Daniel 
Eberhardt, and Reuben Mumbauer. 

The (Ireat Swamp congregation was incorporated 
Nov. 8, 1856, through the efforts of the pastor, Daniel 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



371 



Weiser. Tlie charter was signed by the following 
persons: Daniel Weiser, pastor; Samuel Wieandt, 
Isaac Fluck, elders ; Charles Wieandt, Aaron Kern- 
merer, and William Derr. deacons. 

The names of all the ministers, so far as known, 
who have had charge of the i treat Swamp Church arc 
as follows, viz.: Jobann Henry Goetchey (or Goet- 
Bchius), 1786 39; 1739-46, unknown ; George M 
Weiss, 1746-61; vacant. 17UI 63; Johann Rudolph 
Kidweiler, L768 65, two years he died Oct. 2, 1764, 

aged forty-seven years, nine months, anil his remains 
sting in the graveyard of the church) ; Jacob 
: Philip Jacob Michael, and Philip Leydig, sup- 

ply in L766, one year; John Christopher Gobrecht, 
L766 70; Casper Wack, about one year in 1770 and 
1771 ; Johann Theobald Faber.Sr., 1771 79; Johann 
Wilhelm Ingold, 1779-81; Friederich Dellicker (a 
Frenchman; his name was originally De La Cour), 
1781 ^4; Friederich Wilhelm von der Sloot, Sr., 
1784-80 ; Johann Theobald Faber, Sr. (second term i, 

1786-88, until death ; vacant, 1788; Nicolaus Pomp, 
1789-91 ; J. Theobald Faher, Jr., 1791-1807 ; J. Al- 
bert C. Helifenstein, 1808-11; Frederick William 
von der Sloot, Jr., 1812-18; J. Theobald Faher. Jr. 
(second term . 1818 33, died here; Daniel Weiser, 
D.D., 1833-63; Clement /.. Weiser, D.D., 1863, the 
present pastor. 

The present membership of the congregation ex- 
ceeds tour hundred communicants. 

The first Sunday-school of this congregation was 
ganized in the spring of 1840, with Rev. Daniel 
Weiser superintendent, and John J. Thomas assist- 
ant superintendent. School was opened with some 
twenty children, and continued during the past forty- 
three years. Several teachers in this school have 
labored during the forty-three years of its exist) net . 

I ng whom may be mentioned the Misses Eberhart. 

— Eliza and Maria. The successive superintendents 

Of this Sunday-school have been as follow-: John J. 
Thomas, Joseph Connor, W. T. ( Iramer, Jacob Bibig- 
haus, [saac Fluck, W. C. Eoeder, Nathan C. Roeder. 
The present number of scholars in this Sunday-school 

I ci Is two hundred. 

The Reformed Upper Milford Congregation.— 

The church and ground of this congregation is situ- 
ated in the village of Zionsville, and on the same road 
as tin- Lutheran Church. The father of this church 
was no doubt a man named Philip Herzog. He im- 
migrated to this country in 1738, and soon afterwards 
Settled at this place and took up one hundred and two 
acres of land. On the eastern corner of this tract the 

lirst Reformed Church was built previous to thi 
1750. 

According to the church record (which was ope 1 

about 1757), the congregation must have been formed 
nearly tive years previous. Among the person- on 
record as members of this church we fi.id the follow- 
ing parent-, sponsors, ami infants: Philip Herzog, 
Rinchard Kersenier, Paulus Foerst, Nicolaus Stabler, 



John Stabler, Alexander Diefendoerfer, Friederich 
Kern, Rudolph Weisz, Jacob Funk, Philip •■■ 
Stoti.l Andreas, Joh. Henry Rudolph, G ahl, 

Casimir Griinmeyer, Daniel Dubs, Johannes Midler, 
Nicolaus Bii ber, Joh. Armbruster, John Reisz, Peter 
Lang, Christian Fischer. Philip Becker, Peter Linn, 
Job. Koch,. Jacob Berger, George Bater, Conrad Wolf, 
Michael Schmeici. - - '.oil' Knaben- 

berger, Jacob Holtzbausen, Gottfried Diefendahler, 

Henry Kemmen r, Ilartman LuhengUth, Joh. Ole- 

wein, Joh. Marbiirger, Joh. Georj I bristman, Joh. 
Lerch, Nicolaus Larosch, ('has/,. Spengler, Ja 
Federolf, Valentine Cluck, Joh. Rothenbiirger, Jo- 
hannes Ort, (Jlrich Kulbe, Adam Diebl, David 
Straus/., Joh. Adam Zieszly, Adam Sehuler, Joh. 
Bemhard Vogeli, Conrad Nils/, Oeorgc Siis/holtz, 

Philip Wet/el, Melchior Baer, Wendel Wieand, Joh. 
Hilligasz, David Standt, Peter Lahr, Peter Deischer, 
Philip Walter, Henry Erhard, Andreas Graber, Con- 
rad Klein, Jacob Gehry. 

' In the 14th of February, 1789, Wendel Wieand sold 
a tract of land containing one acre and twenty-three 
perches for three pounds, to Stophel Mohr, a trustee of 
the Reformed congregation, for the use of the same. 
On this tract of land the same year the second church 
was erected (of stone], and the old log church taken 
away. 

In the year L858 this church gave way to a new 
one, the third church, built of brick. Below is a 
list of all the known ministers in charge of this con- 
gregation : Rev. John Egidius Decker, from 1757-62; 
Rev. John Philip Leydich, seven or eight years, until 
1771; Rev. John George Witner, 1771 79; Rev.John 
Henry Helffrich, 1779-1810 (thirty-one years); Rev. 
Jacob William Dechant, 1811-15 (he went as a mis- 
sionary to Ohio) ; Rev. Daniel /.idler, 1815-57 ' forty- 
two years; resigned in old agel ; Rev. Allied J. G. 
Dubs, L857-71 (fourteen years); Rev. 1!. S. Appel, 
1871-73 (two years ; Rev. Dr. Daniel Weiser, 1873-74 
(assupply); Rev. Eli Keller, 1874, the present pastor. 

Second Upper Milford Reformed Congregation. 
— This congregation was organized in 1818 by some 

members of tl Id Reformed congregation, and erected 

with the Lutheran congregation (which was compelled 
to build a new church) a Qnion church in the year 
1819. The building committee was composed as fol- 
lows, viz.: 

Lutheran — [saac Klein, John Vogt, trustees ; John 
Dillinger, Jacob Bildhaus, building commiti 
Friedrich Wilhelm Mendsen, pastor. 

Reformed — John Mechling, Lorens Stabler, trus- 
ts - ; Conrad Mertz, ( 'hristian Stabler, building com- 
mittee; Jacob C. Becker, V.D.M., pastor. 

The united congregation- I. ought of Christopher 
Mohr, Aug. '-'-, 1 8 1 S, a small tract of land containing 
forty-three perches, at fifty-five dollars. On this 
ground the new Qnion Church was built in lspiand 
i secrated in 1S20. 

The ministers who have had charge of this new 



372 



HISTORY OF LEIIICII COl.'NTV, PENNSYLVANIA. 



congregation since 1820 are as follows: Rev. Jacob 
i . Becker; Rev. Johann Theobald Faber had charge 

of the congregation until his death, in 1833, fourteen 
years; Rev. Samuel Hess had charge of the congre- 
gation, L833 14, eleven yen-, resigned, and had 
charge the same time of Saucon; vacant 1844-45; 
Rev. 11. S. Baszler served two years, from 1845 i. ] 
Rev. Christian Rudolph Keszler, 1847-49, resigned 
on account of sickness; Rev. Johann Bernhard 
Poerner had charge of this and some other congrega- 
tions live year*, IN 19-54, resigned, and went to Lu- 
zerne County ; he organized in 1850 the < Shestnut Hill 
congregation; Rev. Johann Simon Keszler, D.D., 
nine years, from 1855 to 1864, and died in Allentown, 
Dec. 21, 1864, aged sixty-seven years, four months. 
Keszler was one of the most prominent ministers in 
the Reformed Church ; Rev. Henry S. Baszler, second 
time, took charge for seven years, 1864-71, and re- 
signed. 

After the resignation of Rev. Baszler, the congrega- 
tion was discontinued ; about seventy-five members 
sold their share in the church property to the Lu- 
therans, by a release deed, for five hundred and fifty 
dollars. This new Reformed congregation existed 
fifty-two years. 

The Original Upper Milford Lutheran Congre- 
gation. — The origin of this congregation occurred 
near the present village of Dillingersville, in the 
present township of Lower Milford (then Upper 
Milford), in or about the year 1734 or 1735. A suita- 
ble tract of land, containing almost thirty acres, was 
selected, upon which a log building was erected for 
school and church purposes. The fathers of this 
congregation, as nearly as can be ascertained, were 
Theobad Mechlin, Henry William Dillinger, Martin 
Weilknecht, Michael Moser, Peter Wentz, Henry 
Post, Andreas Eckhart, Caspe r Bitte r, Peter Rerz, 
Heinrich Riesz, Christopher Aii3reas Guthman, Leon- 
hart Lutz. 

The record was opened in the year 1749 by the 
pastor, Rev. Ludolph Heinrich Schrencke. Among 
the names which we find in this record are the fol- 
lowing: Johann Jacob Kurr, Peter Schilp, Michael 
Schmidt, Friederich Kammerer, John George Dillin- 
ger, Jacob Dillinger, Hans Dillinger, Johann Jacob 
[ Mechlin, Johann Peter Mechliu, Michael Flores, 
I Nicolaus Stahler,fPaul Ritter, Martin Hitter, Peter 
Greulig, Johann George Bassel, William Hencke, 
Johann George Miller, Mathias Ox, Johann Michael 
Guthman, Johann Peter Kohler, Friederich Nuuges- 
ser, Philip Stephen Doppenmeyer, George Klein, 
Thomas Kurr, Isaac Leopold Dolp, Johann Adam 
Trump, Johann David Streib, Gabriel Kohler, Johann 
Adam Roth, Johann Michael Bastian, Mathias Bas- 
tian, Johannes Dorr, Johannes Wagenseil, Michael 
Rieb, Johann Martin Bchwenck, George Schweig- 
bardt, Jacob Busch, Johann Mathias Muller, Bal- 
thasar Vetterman, Martin Schaller, Peter Hiittel 
illittel), Peter Trautman, Jost Olewein, Balthasar 



Gotz, Johann Michael Mattinger, Jacob Schantz. 
George Walder, Ludwig Siefers, Michael Reichen- 
bach, Peter Edelman, Adam Reinhard, Christian 
Metzger, Peter Lange, Conrad Zeller, Johannes Junt, 
Friederich Eeiser. 

The male communicants of the year 1750 we lind 
by the record were Jacob Kurr, Gabriel Kohler, 
Jacob Weisz, Christian Reiner, Johannes Becker, 
Johann Michael Guthman, Thomas Kurr, Johann 
Ada (leliel, Johann George Jund, Hannes Yund, 
Johann Heinrich Mattinger, Jacob Kigcner, Michal 
Rich, Friederich Kormmerer, Johannes Schaller, 
A adreas Beyer, Johann Adam Gramly, Philip Flexer, 
Michael Bastian, Conrad Pap, Johann Andreas Dres- 
ler, Adam Roth, Mathias Eigener, Michael Knappen- 
berger, Michael Flores, Martin Schaller, Theobald 
Mechlin, Johann Georg Hiifft, Conrad Rosz, Mathias 
Heyle, Melchior Y T ogelman, George Dillinger, Peter 
Kohler, Johann Georg Steigleder, Henry Henser, 
Johann Heinrich Hartwick, Heinrich Thomas. 

The names of the ministers who officiated for this 
old congregation previous to the year 1745 are not 
known. From 1745 to 1748 the old Lutheran patri- 
arch, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, was in charge of 
the church. He was living in Providence township 
(then Philadelphia County). From 1748 to 1749 the 
congregation was served occasionally with the word 
of God by the school-teachers, John Jacob Loeser and 
John Friederich Vigera. From 1749 to 1753 the con- 
gregation was in charge of Ludolph Henry Schrencke, 
or Schrenk. He came in March, 1749, from Liine- 
berg, in Germany, to Philadelphia, and was ordered 
by Muhlenberg to this place, and had the Upper Mil- 
ford and Saucon congregations in charge until the 
year 1753, when he went to Raritan, N. J. 

The successor of Rev. L. H. Schrencke was Rev. 
John Andreas Friederici, or Friederich, who had 
charge of this church (and that in Saucon) for a 
period of eight years, from 1754 to 1762. He went to 
Smithfield, on the other side of the Blue Mountain. 

The pastor or pastors who took charge of the con- 
gregation after Friederici departed, from 1762 to 
1767, are not known. During that time a very nice 
record was kept, but no pastor is mentioned. 

(In 1757 a second Lutheran congregation was or- 
ganized in Upper Milford — at the present Zionsville 
— by some of the members of the old congregation, 
brought about by differences now unknown.) 

From 1767 to 1789 the old congregation had no 
pastor. From 1789 to 1791, Rev. Christian Espich 
had charge of the congregation. After his term of 
service the congregation was disbanded, and the old 
log house was afterwards only used for school pur- 
poses. 

in the year 1799 the old house was removed, and 
with the wood a baru was erected on the premises. 
At the same time a new stone school-house, combined 
with a dwelling, was erected. Until the year 1799 
the premises belonged to the Lutheran congregation 



UPPER AND LOWES MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



373 



exclusively, 1 >ti t in Chat year rubs were adopted which 
made the property a union property, — Lutheran, Be 
formed. Mennonite, and Schwenkfelder. 

The Second Upper Milford Lutheran Congrega- 
tion. — The property of this congregation ia located in 
the village of Zionsville, in Upper Milford, on the 
old " King's high-road," leading from Macungie to 
Philadelphia, on a beautiful hill, a branch of the 
South Mountain. 

This congregation was organized in 1757 by mem- 
bers who bad separated from the old and original 
congregation. Peter Hiit tel, father of the ITittels in 
Lehigh County, and a member of the old congrega- 
tion, bought, in 1753, of John Bingaman, al the 
present Zionsville, over one hundred and twenty 
acres of hind, of which lie donated, in 1757, one acre 
to the newly-organized congregation. 

The first church was built in 1758. It was a log 
structure, and was used by the congregation until the 
year 1819. The church record was opened in the 
year 1758 by the pastor, Rev. Friederieh Schertlein. 
Among the names of the earliest members found in it 
are the following: Henry Hertzel, Joh. Nie. Steiner, 
John Arnold. John Schaller, Abraham Reinhard, 
Nie. Rothenbiirger, Michael Flores, Jacob Dillinger, 
Peter Martin, Friederieh Toelp. Jost Olewein, George 
Wieter, Nicolaus Seytel, Michael Spiegel, Isaac Jerry 
iJerrett . Christian Metzger, Fred. William Kern, 
Philip Jacob Wagner, George Dorr (Doerri, Johan- 
nes Steckert, Peter Hiittel (Hittel .Gabriel Kohler, 
Theobald Mecnlin, Henry Kurr, Friederieh Kam- 
merer. John Wetzel, Peter Fisher. J. Michael Mat- 
tinger, Jacob Sicher, Joh. Seb. Triekenmiiller, Joh, 
Philip Heing, Joes Rosz, Christian Reinert. Ludwig 
Siefer. Wilhelm Schaffer, Adam Thiel (Diehl), Joh. 
Musselberger, Christian Fischer, Peter Schuler, Philip 
Federolff, Friederieh Kirchner, George Still, Stephan 
Thalman, Philip Schiitz, Michael Stocker, Philip 
Schlaucb, Jacob Schaffer, Johannes Heinle. Frantz 
Wesko, Hannes Hud, Heinrieh Beeker, George 
Seider, Adam Kohlman, Johannes Sehantz, Abr. 
Hauser, Christolph Hoepler, Michael Flexer, Martin 
King, Jacob Theil, Conrad Wittmeier, Mathias Bas- 
tian, and others. 

The first minister who officiated as pastor for this 
congregation was Rev. Schafer. He served for about 
one year. 1757. Mi- successor in office was i;,-v. 
Friederieh Schertlein, who served about two 
years, from 1768-60. It was under his charge that 
the first church was erected in the year 1758. The 
names of the ministers who had charge of the con- 
gregation from 1760-69, a period of nine years, are 
not known, but no doubt Rev. George Wiesner, who 
had at the same time the Macungie congregation in 
charge, was one of them. In the year 1769, Rev. 
Jacob Von Ruskirk came to this place and took 
charge of the congregation, and remained until the 
year L793, twenty-four years. His successor was 

George Friederieh Ellisen, 1793-97. After Ellisen 



departed, lb,. Jacob Von P.uskirk came a 9i 
time, and officiated tor the congregation near! 
years, or until the year 1800. His successor was Rev. 
I. P. F. Kramer. Iron, 1800 to L803. Rev. Friederieh 
Geisenhainer, Rev. Heinrieh Beyer, Rev. Mr. Roller, 
and Rev. Friederieh Plitt served during the period 
from lso:: t,, 1808; Rev. Henry Heiny, from L( 
1817; Rev. Henry G. Stecher, from 1817 to 1819; and 
Rev. Friederieh Wilhelm Mendsen during the 
1819. I n that year the old log church was taken 
and a new and large -tone church was erected, and in- 
stead of a Lutheran was made a union church, under 
charge of Rev. Mendsen. Mendsen's successor was 
Rev. Benjamin German, from 1819 to his death, in 
L848, twenty-nine year-. Hi- successor in office was 
his brother. Wilhelm German, from 1848 to his death, 
July 28, 1851. 

In the year 1851, Augustus I.. Dechant, a Reformed 

-ii r, had charge of the congregation a short time 

as supply. In the year l^i'. Rev. Jacob Vogelbach 
took charge of the congregation, and remained until 
1857. He resigned and went to Philadelphia, where 
he died. His successor in office was Rev. William 
Path, the present pastor. During the last four years 
his -on, Rev. M. I >. Rath, has officiated as assistant 
pa-tor. 

In the year 1876 the old church was taken away 
and a large brick church was erected on the same 
spot, and instead of a union was made a Lutheran 
i Church. The half-share of the Reformed congrega- 
tion in the real property was bought for the sum of 
five hundred and fifty dollars, and the sole right of 
the property secured to the Lutherans by a release deed. 

Chestnut Hill Church 'of the union Lutheran 
ami Reformed congregations) i> situated on Chestnut 
Hill, in Lower Milford. This church property is 
very old. No record previous to the year 1757 is in 
existence. It has been assumed by some persons that 
the first church at this place was erected as early as 
1720, but no argument can be found to prove such an 
assertion. Still, the church i- very old. Its origin 
could be placed previous to the year 1757. and perhaps 
previous to the year 17-fn. The year in which the 
original congregation (German Reformed | was organ- 
ized is not known. We have an old instrument of 
writing, a deed, which is dated March '■'>. 1757. ae- 
: cording to which the ground on which tin church was 
i previously erected and the burying-ground located, 
about one acre, was sold by Andreas Engelman to the 
congregation for the consideration of ten shilling 

The names of the members of the congregation 
mentioned in the deed aforesaid were as follow-: 
Btahlnecker, Josl Oh m in, Jacob Smith, Mar- 
tin Schwenck, Jacob Bitthaus, Christofel Heller, 
irge Welder, Nicholas France, 1 'e'er Kurtz, Jacob 

Hoover (Huber), John G Iwalts, John Shoemaker, 

Christian Miller, Peter Sluser (Schlosser . Peter Laic. 
Andreas Engelman. Attest by Susanna Margaretha 

Gebhard and Thomas Owens, J. P. 



.71 



HISTORY OF LKHIfMI COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The names of the pastors of the congregation pre- 
vious to the year 1 7S2 are not known. ]t is be) i. 
that Rev. Casper Wack officiated lor this church a 
short time between 1770 and 17v;. 

Tln-re is still an old record-book in possession of 
the congregation, which was opened June, 177:;. and 
sed at the end of the year 1787, in which we find 
the names of parents, sponsors, and infants who • 
baptized, etc. We find further that Rev. Friederich 
Dellicker, by birth a Frenchman, a Huguenot (his 
original name was De La Cour), officiated for the con- 
gregation about two years i 17S2 !>'.', . 

His successor in office was no doubt Rev. Friederich 
Wilhelm van der Sloot, Sr., who officiated for the 
church from 1784 to 1786. 

From 1787 to 1811 the church had no regular pas- 
tor>. In the year 1811, Rev. Jacob Wilhelm Dechant 
preached at the church once every four weeks. 

The last funeral service in the old church was held 
by Rev. Henry G. Stecher, on Feb. 14, 1818. This 
was the funeral of Abraham Hendricks, at which a 
part of the gallery was broken down, but without 
serious accident to anybody. 

In 1820 the old church, a log building, was torn 
down, and with the material a school-house was 
erected at the same place. 

In the old record we find the following names: Jo- 
hannes Stahl, Carl Ludwig Kaiber, Nicolaus Rothen- 
biirger, Anthon Stabler, Jacob Miller, Adam Albrecht, 
Johannes Schmith, Johann Koenig, George Kaufman, 
Jacob Rumfeld, Peter Busch, Peter Deisz (now Dice), 
John Andreas Engelman, Andreas Stahlnecker, Nico- 
laus Dietz, Peter Braun, Reinhardt Brunner, George 
Schafier, Johannes Linu, Jacob Erdman, Simon Zel- 
ler, Jacob Eberhard, Hans Vogt, Johannes Welder, 
Hans Ord, Rudolph Funk, George Wurman, Georg 
Kucli. Michael Ott, (ieorge Steiner, Jacob Wittman, 
.Michael Bischop, Henry Huber, George Kern, George 
Harlacher, Jacob Kehler. 

In 1850 there were two congregations organized at 
this place, a Reformed congregation and a Lutheran 
congregation, and the same year a new union church 
was erected. The building committee was composed 
of Anthony Schiffert, Willoughby Gabel, of the 
Lutheran congregation; Peter Engelman. of the 
Reformed ; Henry Meyer, of the Mennonite; Samuel 
Rothenberger, treasurer, i No congregation has been 
organized by the Mennonites.) 

Since 1850 the congregations have been served by 
the following pastors : W. B. Kemmerer, S. K. Brobst, 
Ferdinand Berkenmeyer, Edward H. M. Sell, Leon- 
hard Groh, R. Kistler, F. Welden, Joseph Hilpot, A. 
R. Home (present pastor), Lutheran; Johann I!. 
Poerner, five years (1850-55), John S. Keszler, D.D., 
six years (1856-63), Henry S. Baszler, six years (1864 
-70), A. F. Ziegler, supply, one year (1871), F. J. 
Mobr, twelve years (1871-83), C. J. Wieand (present 
pastor), Reformed. 

The number of communicants of the present Re- 



formed congregation is about eighty. Those of the 
Lutheran congregation number nearly one hundred. 
St. Peter's Union Church.— This church is situated 
right on the west corner of I pper Milford, and on the 

public road leading from the village of Shimersville 

to Sieszholtzville, about three and a half miles weal 
of Shimersville. The land was purchased by the in- 
habitants of the neighborhood in or about the year 
1770, for the use of a burial-ground and school. < >n 
the ground is still an old school-house, which was no 
doubt .reeled as early as 1770. In the year 1843 
there was a Lutheran congregation, and also a Re- 
formed congregation, organized here. In the follow- 
ing year 1S44 / a new stone church was erected on 
this ground. Since the organization of these congre- 
tions several ministers have had pastoral charge. 
Their name- are, as near as known, as follows: Luth- 
CongregaMon. — Revs. Daniel Kohler, Samuel K. 
Brobst, Ferdinand Berkenmeyer, Edward Herman 

M. Sell, Crall, S. R. Bayer, D. H. Humbert 

-ent pastor). The present membership of the 
Lutheran congregation at the St. Peter's Church is 
estimated at about fifty communicants. 

Reformed Congregation. — Rev. Henry S. Baszler 
(eight years), born Aug. 8, 1804, died Feb. 17, 1883; 
Rev. Christian Rudolf Keszler (one year), born Feb. 
20, 1823, died March 4, 1855; Rev. John Bernhard 
Poerner (five years); Rev. Dr. John Simon Keszler 
(nine years), born Aug. 19, 1797, in Switzerland, and 
died Dec. 21, 1864, in Allentown : Rev. R. S. Appel 
I two years i ; Rev. Augustus L. Dechant (one yeari ; 
Rev. Eli Keller (pastor since 1874). The present 
membership of the Reformed congregation is esti- 
mated between twenty-five and thirty communicants. 

In the summer of the year 1883 St. Peter's Church 
was repaired and a new steeple was erected. 

The Old Mennonite Church and Congregation. 
— The church of this congregation is situated near the 
village of Zionsville, in Upper Milford, on the public 
road leading from Macungie to Sumneytown, and on 
the King's high-road. The origin of the congregation 
i- more involved in obscurity than that of any other 
congregation in the vicinity. It has been traditionally 
reported that this congregation was founded and or- 
ganized previous to the year 174H, or as early as 1735. 
It is true that the Mennonites settled very early in 
several parts of Upper Milford previous to the year 
1735, and without any doubt they organized their 
congregation previous to the year 1740. 

Feb. 10, 1772, John Schantz and Benjamin Meyer, 
trustees of the Mennonite congregation, bought from 
Henry Schleifer for twenty-five shillings one-half 
acre of ground (the same on which many years pre- 
vious a church had been erected, and which had also 
been used as a burying-ground). On Jan. 20, 1795, 
Ulrich Baszler and Abraham Shantz, trustees of the 
same congregation, bought of Conrad Meyer a second 
tract, containing thirty-nine perches, to enlarge the 
burying-ground. 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFOKD TOWNSHIPS. 



375 



The fir>t meeting-house, a log structure, was built 
by this congregation between the years 1735 and 17 in. 
In the year 1840 a third trad of land, containing one 
and one-half acres, was bought by the congregation 
from Conrad Meyer. In the same year the old log 
church gave way to a Dew one of -tone. 

The names of the earliest members of I b 
gation wire, as near as can be ascertained, as follow-. 
viz.: Conrad Stamm, Johannes Stahl, Derrick Jan- 
llnin Schleifer, George Weisz, John Meyer, 
Henry Funk. Michael Meyer, Peter Meyer, Johannes 
tollman, Johannes Stauffer, Daniel Stauffer, Abra- 
ham Meyer, Ulrich Baszler, Jacob Hiestand, Philip 
Geisinger, Christian Musselman, Rudolph Weisz, John 
Schantz, and others. 

In tin' year 1876 the third and present church, a 
large brick structure, was built, and the old si 
church was torn down. 

The names of the earliest ministers of this congre- 
gation arc unknown. It has been reported that a 
man named Michael Hohzhatist M was their pastor tor 

years. It has been further reported that a certain 
Hans Gehman, of Hereford (horn Fed. 12, 1741, 
died Dec. 23, 1806), was in charge of this congrega- 
tion as their pastor lor sonic years. His successor 
was, as it is reported, his son. Johannes (John) Geh- 
man, horn March 22, 1771. died .Inly 31, 1848. He 

officiated for a period of thirty-rive years. The next 
pastor was John Schantz (oil miller, horn Dee. 19, 
1774, and died Jan. 8, 1855). He was in charge for 
twenty years, from L828 to 1848. His successor in 
office was his son, Rev. Joseph Schantz (born Aug. 
16, 1814, died dune 23, 1881 I. 1 le officiated ibrthirty- 
Beven years, from 1^11 until his death. In the year 
1847, William Gehman, at the age ol twenty years, 
was elected assistant pastor of the congregation to 
serve with Rev. Schantz, to which office he attended 
faithfully for six years, and then resigned. The 
present pastor is Rev. Carl 11. A. von der Smisscn. 
He succeeded Rev. Mr. Schantz in duly, 1881. 

The present number of communicants is eighty- 
three. Thej collected in 1882, from several sources, 
one hundred and forty-six dollars and ninety-five 
cents for mission purposes. 

In the year 1853 a Sunday-school was Organized in 
the Mennonite < Ihurch, and has been successfully con- 
tinued until the present day. Che present number 
of scholars of this Sunday-school is eighty-seven, 
and the number of teachers twelve. The] collect d, 
in 1882, forty-two dollars and ninety-five cents for 
beneficial purposes. This school has a library of over 
two hundred volumes. Combined with the old con- 
gregation there was also a Bel 1 from the time of its 

organization. 

Evangelical United Mennonite Congregation.— 
This congregation was organized in the year 1857 by 
several members of the old Mennonite congregation. 
One oi two years previous to thai year some religious 
differences arose in this old congregation, anil were 



the cause of a separation, which took- place about the 
year 1856. Rev. Mr. William Gehman resigned his 
position as pa-tor in the old ition, and 

came a leading member of this new congregation. 
In the summer of the year 1858 this congregation 
own house of worship, in Dpper Milford, 

about one mile above I hllingersville. 

Vinous the names of the firs! members of this con- 
cation are Rev. William Gehman, pastor ; David 
Gehman, deacon ; Jacob Musselman, Abraham Kauff- 
man, Sr., Samuel Kauffman, Joseph Stauffer, Josiah 
W. Stauffer, David Musselman, Abraham Mussel- 
man, dona- Musselman, and Abraham Kaulliiian, Jr. 

On Sept. 24, L858, the firsl conference of this new 
denomination was held at the private bouse of David 
Musselman, in Upper Milford. Among the members 
present were William Gehman, William NT. Schelly, 
David Henning, Henry Diehl, ministers: David 
Gehman, Joseph Schneider, Jacob Gottschall, deacons. 

At tlii- conference the name Evangelical Mennon- 
ite (Evangelische Mennonitten) was adopted. 

In the winter of 1881 B2 a general conference was 
held in the above-mentioned house of worship. Dele- 
es from Canada, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan 
were present. At this conference the name " Evan- 
gelical Mennonites" was changed into " Evangelical 
United Mennonites." Since 1858 the a hove- mentioned 
congregation ha- increased to Bixty-five members, and 
several young men have become ministers of the 
gospel, among them Joseph L. Romig, Abraham 
Kauffman, dona- Musselman. John Traub, and 

othei s. 

Since 18o8 the congregation has been in charge of 
the following local ministers: Rev. William Gehman, 

Rev. William N. Schelly, Kev. Joseph L. Romig, 

Rev. L. Lambert, Kev. Abraham Kauffman, Kev. Abel 

Strawn.and Kev. Jonas Musselman, the present pastor. 

The present membership of this congregation is about 

sixty-five. 

At this church, in 1875, there was a Sunday - 
organized, which has flourished until the present .late, 
and counts at present fourteen teachers and fifty-nine 

scholars. 

At a special general conference held in December, 
1883, in Ifarrishurg, Ohio, the above-named Evan- 
gelical United Mennonite denomination changed 
their name to " Mennonite Brethren in Christ." 

Schwenkfelder Congregation in Kraussdale. — 
The ground and church of tin- congregation i- also 
situated on the line between Lehigh Lower Milfo 
and Montgomery Counties. The laud on which the 
church is erected (and which had been used nearly 
fifty \ear- previous as a burying-ground •■ was donated 
by Baltzer Krauss, Jr., unto Gregorius Schultz and 
Jacob Gerhard, trustees of tie congregation, tor 

School and religious service- previous to the year 

lso:,. Baltzer Krauss died Oct. II, 1805 The firsl 
tng-house or church at this place w I in 

L815. 



376 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



The 'hue of the organization of the congregation 

is unknown, but no doubt ii i> in l.e placed many 
fears previous to the yeacr 1815. The names of the 

mbers in 1815 were as follows: Johannes Krauss, 

Andreas Krauss, George Krauss, Jacob Kriehel. 
George Schultz, Samuel Schultz, David Yeakel, Carl 
Yeakel, Christopher Neuman, Jacob Gerhard, Jere- 
mias Meschter, Christophei Yeakel. With this con- 
gregation a school was also combined. 

In i lie year 1857 the old church gave place to a new 
brick edifice. 

\ school was Btarted in combination with this 
church, and continued until the year 1840. Besides 
the German, the Latin and Creek languages were 
favorite studies, and were taught as early as 1775. 

The nanus of the ministers who had official charge 
of this congregation were the following : Rev. < reorge 
Kriehel died Dec. 1, 1805, aged seventy-three years, 
one month, and twenty-two days ; Rev. John Schultz, 
died Nov. 3, 1827, aged fifty-five years, seven months, 
and twenty-two days; t Ihristopher Schultz, died March 
22, 1843, aged sixty-five years and live months; Rev. 
William Schultz; Rev. Joshua Schultz and Rev. 
Jacob Meschter, present pastors. 

Schwenkfelder Congregation ( in the Hosensack 
Valley). — The church and ground of this congrega- 
tion is situated on the line between Lower Milford 
and Montgomery County. The Schwenkfelders (fol- 
lowers of Caspar Schwenkfeld, a Silesiau nobleman, 
born at Ossing, in Lower Silesia, in 1490) fled their 
homes in the vicinity of Harpersdorf, in Silesia, in 
the months of February, March, April, and May, 
1726, and went under the protection of Count Zinzen- 
dorf to Saxony, where they lived in a state of uncer- 
tainty as to their future for eight years. During the 
years 1733-37, the Schwenkfelders left Saxony and 
emigrated to Pennsylvania, and soon settled in the 
upper part of Montgomery and the eastern part of 
Berks County (then Philadelphia County), and in the 
southern corner of Lehigh (then Bucks County). 
They settled in the lower (southern) part of Upper, 
and especially of Lower, Milford (then Upper Mil- 
ford), in the present Kraussdale and Hosensack. 
Among the Schwenkfelders settled in Milford we 
find the names of Krauss, Yeakel, Schultz, Schu- 
bert, Kriehel, Warmer, Wagner, Seibert, etc. The 
congregation of Hosensack was immediately after- 
ward organized, and religious meetings held in pri- 
vate houses until the year 1781, in which year a 
house was erected lor the use of school and church 
purposes. The land on which the meeting-house was 
erected was obtained from George Yeakel for five 
pounds, Pennsylvania currency. Among the names 
of the members of this congregation we find the fol- 
lowing from the Milfords, viz.: Abraham Kriehel, 
Jeremias Yeakel, Baltzer Yeakel, Melchior Yeakel, 

Casper Yeakel, Jacob Seibert, Baltzer Schultz, .lerc- 

mias K rauss, and others. 
Church of the Evangelical Association— Evan- 



gelische Gemeinschaft.— The ground and church of 
the Evangelical Association is located on a high apol 

on a branch of I he South .Mountain, in Upper Milford, 

and on the public road leading from the Hereford and 
Shimersville turnpike, through Powder Valley to the 
Hosensack Valley. This congregation was tirst or- 
dzed in the year 1830, by Rev. John Seybert, 
the lir-t bishop of the association. The Hist meeting 

was held on Paid Hill, at the private house of David 
Schuberl (a Schwenkfelder), on the 13th of Sep- 
leml.er, 1829, by Rev. William Orwig and Rev. Carl 
Hammer. 

\mong the names of the first male members of this 
congregation are the following: David Schubert, 
Christopher Schubert, Peter Wiest. George Yeakel, 
Melchior Yeakel, Abraham Yeakel. 

In the year 1831 a small tract of land was obtained 
from Christopher Schubert and made a burying-place. 
In the year 1838, Christopher Schubert built the first 
i meeting-house (of stone) on his own land and at his 
own expense, and sold the same in 1840, with three- 
quarters of an acre of land, besides the burying-ground, 
to the congregation for three hundred dollars. This 
house was in constant use until the year 1858, in 
which year the old meeting-house was taken away 
and a new one of brick, thirty-eight by fifty feet, 
was erected. 

Evangelical Association. — A class, or a branch of 
the congregation of the Evangelical Association of 
Upper Milford, near Zionsville, was organized and 
established about forty years ago in the vicinity of 
the village of Vera Cruz. For a number of years the 
regular meetings were held in the Baptist meeting- 
house, near Vera Cruz. The present membership is 
about twenty-five. Some of the leading members 
are Francis Schwartz, Daniel Schwartz, Amandus 
Klein, Henry Mohr, and Thomas Kern. The pastor 
at present is Rev. Chs. Fehr, regular pastor of the 
Milford Circuit. 

Baptist Congregation.— Previous to the year 1850 
there was in Upper Milford a German Baptist con- 
gregation, organized by Rev. Mr. Fleischman, of Phila- 
delphia. Some of the first members of the congre- 
gation were William Desch, Mannasses Baer, Jonas 
Yerk, Henry Desch, William Mohr, Henry Gehman, 
and Owen Rhoads. 

In the year 1852 then- was a meeting-house erected 
by this congregation near the village of Vera Cruz, 
in Upper Milford. It was consecrated the same year. 

About the same year (or previous) William Desch 
and William Mohr were elected and ordained as the 
regular ministers or pastors of this church. In the 
same year a graveyard or burial-ground was established 
on the same ground on which the church was built 
(which was purchased for that purpose from Man- 
nasses Baer). The congregation was in charge of the 
ministers above named until 1866, when Rev. Wil- 
liam Mohr moved from the neighborhood to Bucks 
County, since which time the church has been in 



UPPEB AND LOWER MILFORD T0WNSHIP3. 



377 



charge of Rev. William Desch alone. This eon 
gatioii has been reduced by death and other causi 
only a few members. The church building li:i~ 
also in use bj a class of the Evangelical Association 

for several years. A flourishing Sunday-scl 1 was 

also organized, and continued for several years. 

United Brethren in Christ. — In 1881 a new class 
or congregation of the United Brethren in Christ was 
anized near Vera Cruz, in Upper Milford, by Rev. 
.lam.'- II. Unger, minister <>i the Baal German Con- 
ference of said church. The first meeting was held 
in 1880 in the Baptist Church near Vera Cruz, and 
later the congregation assembled in tin- private house 
■ •I ('harles Sehttler. when- services were held by Rev. 
. Fames H. Unger, Rev. .1. Mil. and others. Those who 
joined this class first were (diaries Schuler and wile 
(Henrietta'. Levi N. Schelly and wile (Marj and 
daughter (Mary . Joseph Wieand, Am&ndus Snyder 
and wile (Lucj . Later came Charles Mumbauer, 
i)~ear Romig, and Catherine Weidner. Meetings 
were regularly held in 1883 at the house of Charles 
Schuler by Rev. Eph. Light, Rev. John H. Rtihl, and 
Rev. II. I'.. Spayd, and also at the house of Levi N. 
Schelly. 

Ministers of the Gospel. — Rev. George Kriebel 

was born Nov. 3, 1T32. in .Saxony, Europe, and emi- 
grated to the country in 1734 when two years old with 
his parents, Casper and Susanna Kriebel. Soon 
afterwards his father settled in Hatfield township, 
in Montgomery (then Philadelphia) County. In 1765, 
George moved to Lehigh County, and settled in the 
southern corner of Lower Milford (then I'pper Mil- 
ford i, ami became a large land-owner in the township. 
He bought several tracts, as follows, viz.: May 18, 
1765, of Samuel Michling, five tracts, containing to- 
gether three hundred and two acres forty-six perches, 
at £1560; .Ian. 28, 177::. of George Stahl, twenty-five 
acres one hundred and thirty-eight perches at £123 
12*.; March I, 1773, of Andrew (irehcr. twenty-one 
acres titty live perches, at £83 5a. 6d. ; April 5, 1783, 
of Henry Funic, one hundred and twenty-eight acres 
one hundred and fifty-six perches (on which was -it- 
uated the second grist-mill in Hosensack), at £200. 
He was elected pastor of the Schwenkfclder congre- 
gations ;it Hosensack and Kraussdale, which position 
he filled acceptably for over thirty years. He was 
frequently engaged as a conveyancer and in settling 
differences in liU vicinity. He died Dee. 1, 180,3, aged 
seventy-three years, one month, and twenty-two days. 
A grandson of his is still living on the premises, — 
Anthony Kriebel, aged near ninety-two years. Rev. 
George Kriebel was a prominent school-teacher, and 
Berved a- such for his congregation for several years. 

Rev. Joseph S. Dubs was born in I'pper Milford 
on the 1st day of October, 179(1. See Lllentown. 

Rev. Henry S. Bassler, son of Henry Hauler and 
Veronica Scbantz), was horn in Upper Milford on the 
11th day of August, 1804 ; studied theology under the 
control of Rev. .Jacob William Dechant, was ordained 



a- b minister of the gospel in 1829, and served the 

II. formed Church for a period of over half a century. 
He officiated for the I'pper Milford and Chestnut 
Hill Reformed congregations as pastor for several 
years. He died in Dauphin County on the 17th 

day of February, 1883, aged seventy-eight years, six 

months, six days. 

Rev. John Schantz, son of Abraham and So 
Scbantz, was born in Upper Milford on the 19th dai 
of December, 1774. lie was elected a- pastor of the 
old Mennonite congregation in I'pper Milford, and 
officiated for the same twi en Mars. He died 

.Ian. 8, 1855, agl d eighty years and twenty days. 

Rev. Joseph Schantz, -on of Rev. John Schantz 
and Hannah (Gabel), was horn in I'pper Milford on 

the 13th of August, L81 1. He took charge of the old 

Mennonite Church in I'pper Milford, and ministered 
to it for thirty-seven years, until hi- death, June 23, 
1881. Rev. Schantz was likewise a progressive farmer, 
and lived in the Hosensack Valley, in Lower Mil- 
lord. 

Lev. Eli Keller wa- bom in 1826 in Northampton 
County ; studied theology in the Eastern Theological 
Seminary of the Reformed Church, in Lancaster, Pa. ; 
was ordained in 1855, and removed the following 
year to the State of Ohio, where he served his church 
for a period of eighteen years. He removed in the 
spring of 1874, t i Zionsville, in I'pper Milford, and 
look charge of the Zionsville Circuit, composed of four 
congregations. — Zionsville, St. Peter's Church, both 
of Upper Milford, and Huff's and Huber's Churches 
in Kcrks County, He is still in charge of the same, 
and resides in Zionsville. 

William Gehman, born in Berks County in 1*27. 
came to Upper Milford in 1 845. In 1847 the old 
Mennonite congregation in Upper Milford selected 
him as one of their pastors, which office he adminis- 
tered nearly ten years. He then resigned his office 
and became the leader of a new association called the 
Evangelical Mennonite Congregation, in Upper Mil- 
ford. He became later presiding elder of the new de- 
nouiination in East Pennsylvania, which office he 
holds at present, besides that of minister of the gospel. 
He was also a successful farmer. 

Joseph L. Romig was born March 13, 1837, in 
Berks County; came to Upper Milford, and was se- 
lected in 1865 by the Evangelical Mennonite eongre- 
gralion of I'pper Milford a- one of their pastor-, 

which office he administered three years, and died 

Jan. lL'. L869, aged thirty-one years, ten months. 
William Mohr was born in Upper Milford prior to 

He was selected in 1852 by the new German 
Baptist congregation in Upper Milford as one of their 
pastors. He administered the office until the year 1868, 
when he resigned and moved to Hilltown, Bucks I 

Henry Desch, born in 1*24, in I'pper Milford, was 
selected in 1854 by the German Baptist congregation 
as one of their pastors in 1'pper Milford and Macun- 
gie. He died in 1882. 



378 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Jonas Musselman, bom in Upper Milford about 
the year 1835, became in 1859a minister of the Evan- 
gelical Mennonite congregation, of Upper Milford, 
Quakertown, etc. He is still pastor, and lives in 

Emails. 

Abraham Kauffman was born in 1841, in Upper 

Milford; was minister of the Evangelical Mei nite 

congregations of Upper Milford and of other churches. 
1 1< is si ill iii office, and lives in Upper Milford, where 
he also follows farming. 

Daniel Yeakel was born in Lower Milford then 
Upper Milford) in L826; became a minister of the 
gospel of the Evangelical Association. He is still in 
office, and besides attending to the duties of the 

ministry he is also a successful and large tanner in 
Lower Mil ford. 

Educational— Early Schools. — The greater pro- 
portion of the early settlers within the present limits 
of Upper and Lower Milford (then Upper Milford 
township i were Germans. The Moravians principally 
settled at the northern portion, in the vicinity of 
Emails, while the Schwenkfelders spread into the 
lower or southern portion, adjoining Berks, Mont- 
gomery, and Bucks Counties. The present popula- 
tion is of German descent. There were a few settle- 
ments previous to the year 1725, and as early as 1715 
(the so-called squatters). The Mennonites, Lutheran, 
and Reformed came in masses to this portion, and 
settled here from 1730 to 1750. 

"The early German settlers came with a fair share 
of school learning, and there were but lew who 
could not read and write. They early established 
schools to educate their children, and it was a feature 
with the German settlers that they were hardly seated 
in their new houses before they began to organize 
congregations and build churches. Among them 
were men of education, and especially among the 
Schwenkfelders aud Moravians. Our present German 
population is not very far behind the descendants of 
i he English-speaking settlers in the spirit of progress. 
Their schools are numerous and well attended, and 
they give the common-school system a generous sup- 
port. 

"The early settlers in this township, as well as in 
several other parts of Lehigh and adjoining counties, 

s i after their arrival and settlements, established 

places of religious worship, ami in due time made pro- 
vision for the education of their children, as we learn 
from the histories of the several religious congrega- 
tions of Upper and Lower Milford (for instance, the 
old Mennonite Church, the Schwenkfelders in Hosen- 
sack Valley, the Great Swamp Church, the original 
Lutheran Church, the Chestnut Hill Church, and 
others). No doubt they believed that education made 
better citizens, and enhanced the ability and useful- 
ness of its possessors. 

"Almost without exception the earliest schools 
were established at churches or at places of worship. 
\nd frequently the school-house preceded the erec- 



tion of a church, anil served the double purpose of 
church and school. These schools were church 
schools so far as instruction was concerned, but 

were not directly supported by the church. Each 
parent who sent children had to pay in proportion to 
the total number of days sent, in most eases the 
teacher ' boarded 'round,' which in those days was not 
an easy task. 

"The instruction was imparted in reading, writing, 
and a little arithmetic. Instruction in the catechism 
and the doctrines of the church, with singing, were 
generally required. These schools were not strictly 
denominational, hut generally admitted the children 
of other denominations. Alter the population had 
increased many of these schools were overcrowded, 
and some children had to go from three to four miles 
to school, and thus a demand for more schools was 
created, which were established at. other places (such 
as the Birkenstocks, the Schwartzs, the Brunners. the 
Krausses, ami other old schools in Upper Milford). 
Some were first held in private houses until buildings 
could be erected for their accommodation. School- 
houses were built by communities, and were com- 
monly constructed of logs, were small, had low ceil- 
ings. They were in everything defective, but not in 
ventilation. The instruction was -in the first schools 
exclusively in the German language. The teachers 
of these first schools were foreigners, and educated in 
Europe. Those at the churches were general!) the 
leaders in singing on occasions of religious worship 
(such as Loeser and Vigera, in the original Luth- 
eran) Upper Milford Church school, — ' Gemein 
Schule.' 

" What commenced to do harm to the early schools 
in the time of the Revolutionary war or previous to 
that time was, that some of those principal teachers 
left their services as school-teachers and commenced 
to preach, and less qualified men were taken as teach- 
ers, and the schools lost greatly thereby. Teachers 
becoming scarce, which continued for a considerable 
time, until the education of the children was consid- 
ered a secondary thing, in consequence neglected. 

"At this period almost any person that came along 
and made some pretensions to education was employed 
as teacher. This often brought into the school-room 
persons entirely unfit, morally and mentally, for the 
position. Nearly all the old schools were noted for 
the severity in discipline. Some of the teachers were 
not only severe but cruel in their punishments. 

" Uj) to 1800 the German language was taught al- 
most exclusively. From 1800 to 1820 the English 
language was gradually, but at first very slowly, in- 
troduced in the schools. In these schools it was 
taught in connection with the German." 

Previous to the year INI I. or prei ions to the adop- 
tion of the common-school system in Upper Milford, 
there were more than fifteen schood districts in Upper 
Milford. Several of them became prominent, as a 
rule the church schools ("Gemein Schulcn" ), such as 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFURD TOWNSHIPS. 



379 



Hosensack, Swamp Church, Dillingereville, and the 
Mennonite t thurdb schools, and others. 

The names of these Bchools were. as nearlj as can be 
ascertained, as follow - : 

1. Swamp Church, established between 1 7 2". and 
L730. 

2. Hoseii-ack. i st:il>li>hed in 17-'i! or 1735. 

3. Dillingersville, established in 1734 or 1735. 

4. Mennonite Church, established between 1735 
and 1740. 

5. Zionsville, established prior to 1760. 

6. Berkenstock's, established prior to 177"'. 

7. Schwartz's, established prior to 1790. 

8. Berg, or Hill (later St. Pi tablished in 
1805. 

9. Brunner's (first Bildhaus' , established prior to 
1800. 

10. Chestnut Hill, established ; re-established 

1820. 

11. Kern's, established ; re-established 1820. 

12. Krau ilished in 1842. 

13. Weber's, established in 1790. 

14. Kriebel's, established previous to 1 si hi. 

15. Ortt's, established previous to I 

10. Steininger's, or Lynn's. (See Schwartz 

17. Ruch's. See Schwartz's.) 

Of the above-named districts. No. 2 was on the line 
between Montgomery County and Lehigh, and did 
not entirely belong to Lehigh Count} or Upper Mil- 
ford. Nos. 4, 8, and lii had been discontinued pre- 
vious to the adoption of the common-school laws, and 
but very little is known of their history. No. in was 
established very early, and kept for a number of 
and then discontinued until the year 1820, 
when it was reopened. School No. 17 (Ruch's was 
kept only for three years in the private rooms ot' John 
Ruch by Michael II. Albright, and was established 
in 1842. 

The sub-districts Nos. 3 (Dillingereville), 5 (Zions- 
ville), 7 (Schwartz's, . 9 (Brunner's), 11 (Kern's), 12 
[Krauss'), 1 1 (Kriebel's , and 1."' I (rtt's had all been 
prominent old school districts, and were all adopted 
by the board of directors of the common schools in 
1.S44, and mad. permanent sub school districts of 
Ppper Mil ford. Previous to that year (1844) the 
school-houses did not belong to the township, but 
were owned by the communities that had erected 

thrill. 

The Great Swamp Church school was no doubt the 
first school in Lehigh i Sounty. It was situated at the 
Great Swamp Church, and was established between 
1725—3" by the Great Swamp Reformed congrega- 
tion as a Gemein Scbule (church school), and was 
conducted by the trustees of the church, and kept for 
a period of over one hundred and fifteen years. In 
1844, when the common-school law was adopted by 
the inhabitants of Upper Milford, the school board 
adopt,. i this district for one year and paid twelve 
dollars and fifty cents rent for the school-house; and 



Joseph < 'on voi r was employed four months and .1 half. 

at sixti in dollars, as teacher. This was the last school 
at this plaei . John I 'id'- and Philip Mumbauer bad 
been tt usti 

1 1 old Bosensaci Bchool was established very 

early. It has been n t there was a school 

established in the Bosi nsack Valley as early as I7:;"> 
by the Schwenkfelders, but we have no record of it. 

No doubt there were SChooLs taught prior to 17 I" ill 

some private houses. The first school in this 

of which we have any record was established by the 

Schwenkfelder denomination, and was under thi 

trol of three trustees elected by said denomination. 
A " Gemein Schule" (cburcl was established 

in the private house of Christopher Krau-z, or K 

in the year 17iio (on the same premises on which t lie 
present Carl's school-house in Lower Milford is situ- 
ated . The record s : ,ys, "April 22, 1765. An 

ment was made with Charles Guss to serve as school- 
teacher for us at the private house of Christopher 
Krausz for the term of four years for a salary of thirty- 
unds and eight bushels of grain; besides, a free 
dwelling, garden, feed tor one cow, and fuel per an- 
num. School to commence at said Christopher Krauss' 
on May 22, 1765." On Dee. 12, 1768,there was 
another agreement made with the same Charles < rUSS 
to teach a second term of four years at the same place. 
ilarj was the same, except instead of eight 
bushels of grain twelve bushels was delivered whether 
wheat, rye, or corn the record doi . < hristo- 

pher Guss was no doubt a good and a suitable teacher. 

It was reported that in this school by Christopher 
Guss and others the Latin and Greek languages were 
taught, besides the usual branches. From 17; 
a period of five years, the records do not say anything 
about schools in this valley; but in the year 1777 .1"-; 
Vollert was employed as teacher, to teach half a year 
in George Yeakel's private bouse for twenty-two 
pounds. And also in the year 1778 Vollert wa 
ployed for a second term (half a yean at the same 
place for the same salary. 

The following years school was taught by the 
teachers named : 1780, Rev. George Kreibil, a term of 
five months for fifteen pounds, in George Yeakel's 
17s], Rev. George Kreibel, four months, for 
twelve pound- ; 1781, George Martin, one month, for 
three pounds, in Christopher Krauss' bouse: 1782, 
od 1786, Kev. George Kreibel, a term of four 
months each year, at three pounds per month, in 
George Yeakel's house. 

In 17'JO a special house for school and church pur- 

uilt on the premises of George Yeakel, in 

which school was continued by several teachers, 

among whom were 1 i. ( !arl Stock. Christopher 1 

John Schultz, Isaac Schultz, John Krau--, and others. 

This school was discontinued in 1840. 

Chestnut Hill school was located on Chestnut Bill, 
on the spot where the present Chestnut Hill Union 
Church, in Lower Milford, is situated. This - 



380 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



was uinler tin- control of the Reformed Church, and 
was established very early, and continued for years, 
and then closed for a long time. 

In 1820 there was buill from the material of the 
old church a new school-house on the same premises, 
and school was re-established and continued for 
twenty-four years, under Philip Mumbauer, John 
Oberholtzer, Elias Schaffer, and other teachers. 

In 1844 the school board of common schools of 
I ]>per Mil ford adopted this school-house, hut for only 
one year. Mr. Zacharias Wagner was employed to 
teach I In school four and a half months, at sixteen 
dollars per month. This school was since discontin- 
ued, as the location was considered not a convenient 
one. 

Weber's, or Miller's, school-house was situated in 
the northeastern part of Upper Mil ford (now Lower 
Milford i township. 

< >f the early history of this school-house the writer 
is not able to give anything at all. In 1844 it was an 
old and ruined school-house, and was no doubt at 
that time at least fifty years old. It was erected by 
the inhabitants of that neighborhood, without any 
doubt, previous to the year 1790. 

The school board of Upper Milford, in 1844, adopt- 
ed this school-house as a sub-district, but for only 
one term, and employed Willoughby Artman as 
teacher for four and a half months, at sixteen dollars 
per month, and this was the last school kept in this 
building. The last trustees who had control over this 
school-house were Jacob Weber and Jacob Miller. 

A Mennonite school was held in the old Mennonite 
Church in Upper Milford, near the present village of 
Zionsville. This school was established as a church 
school previous to the year 1740, and continued for 
many years, but was discontinued previous to the 
adoptiou of the common-school system. It was under 
control of the trustees of the church or congrega- 
tion. 

Berkenstock's school was situated in Upper Milford 
(now Lower Milford), on the premises of John Berk- 
enstock, on a public road near the present village of 
Limeport. It has been reported that this school was 
established by John Berkenstock, elder, in time of 
the Revolutionary war, and was sustained by his 
neighbors. A log school-bouse was erected, in which 
school was kept for a period of nearly seventy years. 
In 1844 the common-school board of Upper Milford 
adopted this school-house, but for only one year. 
Henry B. Schleiffer was appointed teacher, for four 
and a half months, at sixteen dollars per month. 

The Berg (or Hill) school (later St. Peter's Church 
school) is situated on the same premises as the St. 
Peter's Union Church. The land was purchased by 
the neighbors from Jacob Bortz about the year 1805, 
for the use of a burial-ground, and no doubt this 
school-bouse was erected on the place soon after- 
wards. It is a stone building, and very small. Of 
the earliest teachers, oulv a few are mentioned: An- 



dreas Lap, Jacob Oberholtzer, Bast, and George 

(■chimin. This school was discontinued previous to 
the adoption of the common-school law, as the loca- 
tion of the school-house was too inconvenient. 

The Dillingersville school-house is situated about 
one-quarter of a mile southwest of the village of Dil- 
lingersville, in Lower Milford, on the public road 
leading from Dillingersville to the village of Hosen- 
sack. The tract on which it is located contains two 
acres, and is a part of the premises of the old Upper 
Milford Lutheran congregation. According to the 
history of the congregation, a so-called " Gemein 
Schule" was combined with the old congregation and 
kept in the old log house, erected as early as 1734 or 
1735, in which the congregation held their religious 
meetings. The house was always called " Das Ober 
Milforter Schulhaus" (the Upper Milford school- 
house), and has been in constant use every winter 
since it was built. School was taught exclusively in 
the German language. Reading, writing, arithmetic, 
and religion were the only branches which were 
taught. After the discontinuance of the above-men- 
tioned congregation in 1791, the school-house was 
exclusively used for school purposes. In the year 
1799 a meeting was held in the old school-house and 
rules were adopted to make the property — which was 
from its commencement exclusively Lutheran — a 
union property for the use of the Lutheran, Reformed, 
Mennonite, and Schwenkfelders' denominations. 

In the same year a new stone school-house was 
erected, combined with a dwelling-house, and with 
the timber of the old log house a barn was erected. 
In 1845 a new Swiss stone barn was built, in 1848 a 
new school-house, and in 1850 a new dwelling-house. 

In 1845 the present school system was adopted by 
the inhabitants of Upper Milford. Until that year 
school-teachers were paid partly by the rent which 
was obtained from the dwelling-house and partly by 
the parents. In 1867, in the Court of Common Pleas 
of Lehigh County, a society by the name of " Union 
School and Church Association" was incorporated. 
In 1870 a petition was taken to the State Legisla- 
ture and an act was passed authorizing the corpora- 
tion to sell the real property, which was done April 1, 
1871. Twenty-seven acres and ninety-seven perches 
were sold at public sale to John V. B. Bitting, at 
four thousand and fifty dollars. The school-house, 
with two acres of land besides the graveyard, was 
reserved. The money was put at interest. The 
annual net receipts, including rents, etc., amount to 
about two hundred and fifty dollars. 

The act provides that in no event shall a less sum 
than one hundred dollars be appropriated in each 
year for school purposes, exclusive of repairing and 
rebuilding. This sum is to be expended for school 
(during the summer months), " other and additional 
to that provided for by the common schools." This, 
with what the township provides, gives the sub- 
district an annual school term of eight or nine 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS 



381 



months, the school-house being rented to the public 
school board at fifteen dollars per annum. 

The extent of the sub-school district is, according 
to the charter of incorporation, a circle with a radius 
of one and a half miles from the school-house. 

Of (he teachers who taught schi.nl in the earliest 
years ;it this place only few are known, such as John 
Jacob Loeser, John Friederich Vigera, John Bal- 
thasar Goetz. lu one of the records it is stated 
that Goetz died in the school-house, and was buried 
on Easter Monday, 1759.) Of the later school-teach- 
ers there we find some mentioned, such ae John 
Golconci, Jacob Oberholtzer, Philip Muinbauer, and 
Samuel Kreibel. 

After the adoption of the common-school law 
(1844), until its incorporation as a sub-district i 1867), 
school was taught here by Joshua Stahler, Aaron 
Bchantz, Solomon Schantz, David Oberholtzer, Charles 
F. -chant/., William Eberhard, and others. And since 
the district was formed by incorporation as a sub-dis- 
trict i but only for school during summer season), school 
was taught by several teachers, among them E. S. 
Bitting, Benoville K. Schell, Milton EL Mill, Henry 
Schiffert, but the usual teacher has been John N. 
Bitting. 

This is without doubt the oldest school in Lehigh 
County, it was established in 1735, and has never 
since been discontinued. 

The summer schools are controlled by a board of 
three trustees, elected by the members of the associa- 
tion on the first Saturday of March each year for a 
term of three years. The present board is composed 
of Lewis S. Boeder, one year; Henry S. Stautl'er, 
two years ; and P. W. Flores, three years. 

Common Schools before Division. — The common- 
school law of Pennsylvania was passed in the year 
L834, and was accepted by the majority of the voters 
of Upper Milford at the annual township election, ] 
held at the public-house of Solomon Kemmerer, on 
Friday, March 17, 1843. One year afterward, on the 
loth day of March, 1S44, at the annual township 
election, the first school board of Upper Milford, six 
directors, was elected, as follows: William Hittel and 
Daniel Stabler, for one year; Willoughby Gabel and j 
Saul Wicder, for two years; David Kern and Anthony 
Krausa, for three years. 

Pursuant to previous notice given among the above- 
named directors, they met on the 3d day of April, 
L844, at. the public-bouse of Henry Dilliuger, in Dil- 
lingersville, in said township, in order to organize and 
choose their officers according to law. 

It was agreed that the officers be chosen by ballot, 
and alter counting the votes it appeared that the fol- 
lowing-named persons had the highest Dumber of 
votes, and were therefore elected as such for the en- 
suing year. viz. : Willoughby Gabel, president ; Wil- 
liam Hittel, secretary ; Anthony Krauss, treasurer. 

On May 6, 1844, another meeting was held by tin- 
directors at the public-bouse of Solomon Kemmerer, 



for the purpose of levying a school-tax according to 

law, and the first school tax .so levied on the inhabi- 
tants and real estate owners in Upper .Milford was 

$426.60. 

Several other meetings were held during the su 
of 1844 by the directors and the trustees of the respec- 
districte of Upper Milford, at which build- 
in QtractS and agreements were made between the 

board of directors and the trustees of the 
school-houses for the use of the same lor at lea 

term. 

It was also resolved to establish live new sub-dis- 
tricts, to build four new school-houses, and to estab- 
lish one school, to be established in the private rooms 
of Daniel Schantz. 

Thirteen old sub-districts were accepted from their 
respective trustees by the directors, and agreements 
were made with contractors to build four new 
houses, as follows, viz. : 

1. At Miller's Mill, built by George .\ turnover, as 
contractor, at S228.00. 

L\ At Henry Koch's, built by William Stauffer, as 
contractor, al $236.00. 

3. At George Klein's, built by Nathan Stahl, as 
contractor, at $162.25. 

I. At George Carl's, built by Nathan Gery, as con- 
tractor, at $181.00. 

There were also eighteen schools established in 
Upper Milford by the school board for the firsl 
and teachers were employed as follows, viz. : 

1. Dilliugersville school. Joshua Stahler, teacher. 

2. Zionsville school. Jacob F. Keil, teacher. 

3. Schwartz's school. Edward F. Reinhard, teacher. 

4. Brunner's school. Solomon Fehr, teacher. 

5. Ortt's school. George Plank, teacher. 

6. Kern's school. John Schell, teacher. 

7. Kriebel's school. Charles M. Meekly, teacher. 

8. Krauss' school. John J. Thomas, teacher. 

9. Swamp Church school. Joseph Con voer, teacher. 

10. Chestnut Hill school. Zacharias Wagner, 
teacher. 

11. Berkenstock school. Henry B. Schleiffer, 
teacher. 

12. Jacob Weber's (or Miller's) school. Willoughby 
Artman, teacher. 

13. Ruch's school ( private rooms). M. H. Albright, 
teacher. 

14. Daniel Scbantz's (private rooms). Owen 
Fthoads, teacher. 

15. Miller'- Mill i new school-house). AlbertBogen, 
teacher. 

16. Koch's new school-house). John Walter, 
teacher. 

17. Klein's (new school-house). Levi 11. Thomp- 
son, teacher. 

18. Carl's new school-house). Samuel Kriebel, 
teacher. 

Agreements were made with the above-named 
teachers for four and a halt months, of twenty-four 



382 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



days each, at an average salary of sio.us per month ; 
schools to be opened on the first Monday of Novem- 
ber (1844). 

The first report of the directors of the district of 
Upper Milford for the year ending the first Monday 
in June. 1845, was as follows, viz.: 

win .1 1* number of scl Is I 

Average Dumber ->t months taught I 

Number ol male teachers [no females) 18 

Average salaries per month S16.08 

Numbei n! male scholars 584 

n umber of female scholars 

Number learning German 4<i7 

Average numbe] of scholars in each boIioo! 5 ; ; j 

< '.ist ui teaching each scholar per month 

\ mil i.f tax levied Si 

Received from State appropriation 6857.26 

1; lived from the collei i"i "1 si t 1 tax 403.76 

Cost of Instruction 1301 76 

i '--i ui fuel inn! contingent lee .; ; i i ■ ' 

t lost .if -i ) L-house purchasing, building, rent- 
ing, repairing, etc 1069.52 

Rent was paid for school-houses as follows, viz.: 

Co M II Albright, for school-room $10.00 

" John Dubs, for Swamp Church school-house.... 12.50 

" Samuel Stauffer t for ICrauss' school-house 16.00 

•■ David Kern, for Kern's school-house 10.00 

817 St) 

The school board for the year 1845-46 was con- 
stituted as follows: Willoughby Gabel and Saul 
Wieder, one year; David Kern and Anthony Krauss, 
two years ; Charles Foster and Samuel Stauffer, three 
years. Willoughby Gabel was re-elected president, 
Charles Foster secretary, and Anthony Krauss treas- 
urer. 

During the summer of 1845 four new sub-school 
districts were established and five new school-houses 
erected, agreements for which were made as follows, 
viz.: 1, in the Ortt's (old district), to build a new 
school-house, the contract was given to William 
Weidner at $250; 2, Johnson's (new district), con- 
tract to John Schaffer and Enos Nace at $271; 

3. Dietz's (new district), contract to Samuel Derr at 
$288; 4, Eberhard's (new district), contract to Nathan 
Gery at $265 ; 5, Dubs' (new district), contract to 
David Hill at $209. 

The following six districts were discontinued, viz.: 
1, Swamp Church ; 2, Chestnut Hill ; 3, Berkenstocks ; 

4, Weber's (or Miller's) ; 5, John Ruch's; and 6, Daniel 
Schantz's, leaving sixteen sub-districts for the next 
school term ; for which the following persons were 
employed as teachers: 1, Dillingersville, Joshua 
Stabler; 2, Zionsville, Thomas L. Worthington ; 3, 
Schwartz, Edward F. Reinhard; 4, Brunner's, Sol- 
omon Fehr; 5, Ortt's, John Schell ; 0, Kern, John F. 
Klein ; 7, Kriebel's, John Wieder; S, Krauss', Joshua 
K. Yeakel; 9, Dubs', Philip Mumbouer; 10, Carl's, 
Samuel Kriebel; 11, Dietz, John J. Thomas; 12, 
Eberhard's, Joseph Conover; 13, Johnson's, Wil- 
loughby Horlacher; 14, Klein's, Aaron S. Wagner ; 
15, Miller's .Mill, Albert Bogen ; 10, Koch, Henry B. 
Schleiffer. The term was four months, at an average 
salary of S17.00 1 ,. 

The report for the year ending the first Monday of 
June, 1840, was as follows: 



Number of Bchools 16 

Averag miiiiJ i i ,.t months taught 4 

Numberol male teachers 

Average salarv per month til 

Whole numberof malescbolare 646 

w bole iiiniiiiii "i female scholars ::G9 

Whole number learning German 374 

Average number of scholars in each Bchool 57J . 

Cost ui each scholar per month 80.32 

Amount of titx levied, -7:; II, ii' rivi'il finiii Stale :ipiin,|,i iatinli. 
S343; tax received from collector, $659.94 ; coat of Instruction, $1091.35; 
buildingaud repairing, 81102.44 j rent,$15; ruel, el I >lance 

In hand, 83445.84. 

For the year 1846-47, the school board stood as fol- 
lows, viz.: David Kern lone year), president; An- 
thony Krauss (one year), treasurer; Charles Foster 

(two years), and Samuel Stauffer (two years!, Daniel 
S. Yeakel (three years), and Joshua .Stabler (two 
years), secretary. This year no alterations were made 
in the sub-districts, with the exception of purchasing 
the school-house in Kern's, and one in Krauss's 
district, each at two hundred and fifty-three dollars. 
Sixteen teachers were employed to teach the different 
schools at seventeen dollars per month, for a term of 
four months, to commence on the first Monday in 
November, 1840. 

For the year 1847-48, the school-board was Samuel 
Slauffer (one year), president; and Charles Foster 
(one year), treasurer; Joshua Stabler, secretary; and 
Daniel S. Yeakel, each two years; Lewis M. Engel- 
man and Charles Burkhalter, each three years. The 
board employed sixteen teachers for four months, at 
eighteen dollars per month. The male scholars num- 
bered 512; female, 361 ; total, 873; learning English, 
537; learning German, 336. Cost of instruction, $1152 ; 
cost of each scholar per month, $33$ ; tax levied, 
$847. 

For the year 1848-49, the directors were Henry 
Mohr (president), three years; Joshua Stabler (secre- 
tary), one year; Daniel S. Yeakel, one year; and 
David Gehman, three years ; Lewis M. Engelman and 
Charles Burkhalter, each two years. Sixteen school- 
teachers employed at eighteen dollars pier month, for 
a term of five months. 

For the year 1849-50, the school board was John 
Miller (elected in place of Lewis Engelman, who 
moved out of the district), one year; and Charles 
Burkhalter, one year; David Gehman, and Henry 
Mohr (president), each two years; Charles Foster 
(treasurer), and Joshua Stahler (secretary i, each three 
years. 

The school board for 1850-51 consisted of Henry 
Mohr (president) and David Gehman, each one year; 
Joshua Stahler (secretary) and Charles Foster (treas- 
urer), each two years ; John Miller and Henry Jordan, 
eaeh three years. 

In the year 1850 a new sub-district was established, 
and a new school house built by David I rehman, con- 
tractor, at two hundred and eighty-five dollars. The 
district, was called Schantz's. Seventeen teachers 
were employed for five months, at eighteen dollars 
per month. 

In 1851-52 the following persons constituted the 



UPPER AND LOW KM MINKOKD TOWNSHIPS. 






school board: Charles Foster (treasurer) and Joshua 
Stabler (secretary), each one year; John Miller (presi- 
dent) and Henry Jordan, each two years; Abraham 
n and Samuel Stauffer, each three years. 

The school board for the year 1852 consisted of 
Henry Jordan and John Miller (president each to 
Berveone year; Abraham Pearson and Samuel Stauffer 
(secretary i, two years; Charles W. Wieand and < lharlea 
B. Shinier, tliree years; Charles Foster (treasurer, bul 
nnt director). This was the last board of directors ol 
Upper Milford, previous to its division. 

During the Bummerof 1852 one new school-house 
was built in Schwartz's sub-district, for which agree- 
ment was made with George Neumoyer, as contractor, 
at two hundred and seventy-two dollars. A new sub- 
district, called Schantz's Mill, was also established, 
ami the school-house was built by three trustees, John 
Ortt, Jr., William Schantz, and Daniel Klein. Jr., Ibr 
the amount of $351.41. 

The district was now composed ol' eighteen sub- 
districts, as follows : 

Distrii to. i.ers. 

1. Brunner's Fohn B. Poerner. 

I Carl's Tin BZeislove. 

:■. hh i/'s I. .-wis H, Engelman. 

4. Dilliuger's Clis. !•' Schantz. 

5. tin i s' Tilgbman Schmoyer. 

(j. Eberhard'e M. II. Albright 

7. Klein's John Glace. 

8. JohnBon'fl Urias Engleman. 

9. Krauss' Daniel W. Klil. 

10. Kern's tames Lynch. 

11. Koch's Clis. 11. Blank. 

12. Kriebel's Daniel Both' nberger. 

13. Ortt's Solomon s. Iiiffert. 

14. Miller's Mill Edwin II. Blank. 

16. Schantz's Milt .George William Brinker. 

It.. Schwartz's hue, I on. 

17. Schantz's William T. Cramer. 

18. ZionBTille Thomas Lynch. 

The report of the schools was as follows, viz. : 

No. of schools 1 H 

No of months' school -H 

Nil ol teachers (all male} 18 

Salaries per month 

v.. hi in. ili Bcholars 

n i ii remalu Bcholars 401 

Learning German 

Average No. -■! sch -lar> in Bach scl 1 

Cost ol teaching each scholar per month 

Taz levied ?' 

Received Bchool-tax 1211.68 

Cos! ni Instruction 1488.00 

Fuel and contingencies 227.44 

Building, rentlug, etc • 

Received State appropriation 

Balance in hands "f treasurer 2 

On Dec. 6, 1852, the district was separated into 
Upper and Lower Milford, a line being run through 

the middle of the district, from northeast to south- 
west. Each of the separate districts contained nine 
sub-districts. 

The following amounts were paid for the educa- 
tion of the poor children of Upper Milford (before 
division i ; 





i I (Interest) I (2.80 

i-i , ii 

1848 0.00 i 

1S47 I i0 B53 

isis 326.01 



- 

18 10 

1- IS 41.09 

1- l 16 39 

108.80 



1836 -"I 86 

1837 ' 

ill 

1839 211.47 



1310.37 



510,1 ' 

Schools of Upper Milford after Division).— 
()n the 6th of December, is.'.i', Upper Milford was 

divided into Upper and Lower Milford i two equal 
districts . 

Upper Milford School District i tained after 

division nine sub-districts. 

The sel I hoard for 1853 ■"■ t was constituted as 

follows: David Hiestand, to serve three years ; Fried- 
erieh Siumund, three years; Peter Henninger, two 
years ; John < hit, two years ; ( lharlea B. Shinier, one 
year; Charles W. Wieand, one year. The board 
elected C. YV. Wieand, president; Friederich Ski 

mund, secretary ; Charles Foster, treasurer. 

For the same year (1853 54 the board employed 

the following gentlemen as teachers: 1, Brunner's, 

William H. Wider; 2, Kern's, ('lis. II. Blank; 3, 

Koch's, Thomas K. Zeisslove; 4, Kriebel's, Samuel 

Kriebel; 5, Miller's Mill, George W. Hartzell; 6, 

Ortt's, Solomon Schiffert; 7, Schantz's Mill, George 

W. Brinker; 8, Schwartz's, Solomon Daubert ; 9, 

Zionsville, Charles W. Wieand. All were employed 

for four and a half months, at eighteen dollars per 

month. 

The report showed, — 

Balance in hand of treasurer, ae per state nt of old Upper 

Mill. ml board - 

Tux levied, etc., and collected 63131 

From other sources 1297.55 



Cost of instruction - 

All other expenses 128 82 

Balance in hand of treasurer I 






{2091.11 



Fpper Milford (before division i drew the following 
appropriations from the State for the public schools: 



In the year 1855 there was a new sub-district estab- 
lished in Powder Valley, called Powder or Schu- 
bert's district. A new school-house was also built by 
William Weidner. a contractor, for four hundred and 
fifty dollars. Ten teachers were employed for lour 
and a half months, at twenty dollars per month. 
Male scholars, 256 ; female, 215 ; average att< ndani i . 
■^. 

In 1856-57 the sub-districts, with their resp 

teai her-, were a- follows : 

Ni. I. — Schwartz's S. .1. Daubert. 

" 2.— Schantz's Samuel < Lee. 

" :j. — Brunner's Edward Bitti 

" 4.— Ortt's I. G. Ki.-. 'd. 

5.— Zionsville M. w Stauffer. 

6— Powder S. ''. Butterwick. 

7.— Kriebblt V W. Stauffer. 

" ii, Uriah Burkert. 

9. — Kern's Abr. M. Schantz. 

" In. — Killer's 1. A. Wimmer. 

The teachers were employed live months, at $24.30 
per month (aver; 

In lssj-.s:, the number .'i schools was fourteen. 

I . i. her- same, for live months, at thirty-two dollars 

per month. The coal of instruction was two thou- 
sand lour hundred and forty dollars. 

lie duplicate of the school-tax was $2368.03; 
building tax, $1015.54. 



384 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Schwartz's sub-districi school No. 1 > is situated 
on the Dorthern pari of [Jpper Milford. The present 

school I lated on the public road leading 

from Emaus to Shimersville, and about one and one- 
eighth miles southwest from Emaus, [n this sub-dis- 
trict there was a school established about the year 
1800, in an old distillery building on the premises of 
Christian Steininger (or later Lynn . and kept there 
for several years. Vhout the year 1812 there was an- 
other school established, and a school-house erected 
on the premises of Peter Schwartz. (This old school- 
house is -till "n the premises of Francis Schwartz, and 
is situated about one-quarter of a mile southwest from 
the present school-house, but it is in ruins.) The teach- 
ers who had employment there were David Baszler, 

Gerhard, Jonathan Dorward, Charles Miller, 

Henry Fusz, J. Adam Sehneiter, Philip Mumbauer, 
Chs. W. Wieand, Charles Mohr, John Berndt, John 
Fingado. In the year 1844 the common-school board 
of Upper Milford made application to the trustees of 
this old school-houst — William Sliautz and Philip 
Dany — tor the use of the school-house. The school 
board employed as teacher in this sub-district Edward 
Reinhard, for a term of lour and a half months, at 
sixteen dollars per month. The iir>t report of this 
school was: whole number of scholars, seventy-three 
(forty males and thirty-three females), of which thirty- 
three studied German. The school board used this old 
school-house for the use of the common schools for 
eight years, until 1853, during which time school 
was taught by the following teachers (from 1844-52), 
Edward Reinhard i 1844-46), John Fiukada (1846-47 j, 
Josiah W. Stauffer (1847-48), Edward H. M. Sell 
(1848-49) William Behm (fifty-five days), George 
Fetter (twenty-four days), and James I. Tool (forty- 
one days (1849-50), Chs. Blank (1850-52), and Jared 
Ott (1852-53). In the year 1853 there was a new 
school-house erected by the board — George Neu- 
moyer, contractor — for two hundred and eighty-five 
dollars. This house was erected about one-quarter of 
a mile northeast from the old building. David Klein, 
Peter Henninger, and David Schaffer were trustees. 
Since the erection of the new school-house school has 
Keen taught by the following gentlemen, viz.: Solo- 
mon J. Daubert, George M. Kunkel, Wilson Hart- 
zell, M. H. Lehman, and C. H. Jordan, the present \ 
teacher. The present school term is five months, at 
thirty-two dollars per month. 

Schantz's Mill school (No. 2) is situated on the 
public road leading from Vera Cruz to Emaus, in 
I pper Milford, about one-fourth of a mile north- 
west from Vera Cruz. This district was established 
in the year 1852 by the board of directors of common 
schools of Upper Milford (before division). It was 
formed from parts of Ortt's, Brunner's, and Schwartz's 
I list nets. A school-house was built the same year by 
the trustees, at a cost of three hundred and fifty-one i 
dollars and forty-one cents. The first teacher em- 
ployed at this school-house was George William 



lirinker. for a term of lour and a half months, at 
eighteen dollars per month. Since then the school 

has been taught by Samuel ('.Lee, Francis Schwartz, 

and John It. Sturm. 

In the year 1880 the old school-house was sold by 
the board of directors to Benrj Schelly for one hun- 
dred and forty-nine dollar-.; and the same year a 
huge two-story stone school-house was erected on the 
hill above Vera Cruz. In this sihool-hoiise a pri- 
mary and a secondary school were established. 

This school has been taught by John R. Sturm 
(primary j, and J. J. Hauser (secondary), and W. F. 

Bitting (secondary) since 188,'!, and .Mis- Rosie I.. 
I low nlv i primary) since 1883. The teachers are em- 
ployed for five months, at thirty-two dollars per 
month. 

The school-house in Brunner's School District i No. 
3) is situated on the public road leading from Vera 
Cruz to Saucon, about half a mile northeast from 
Vera Cruz Station, in Upper Milford. This school 
was originally called Bildhaus school-house, and 
was established about the year 1818 by Jacob Bild- 
haus, in his private rooms, and Jacob Oberholtzer, a 
professional, was the first teacher. A lew years after- 
wards a new school-house was erected in the neigh- 
borhood, and on the premises of William Brunner, in 
which school was continued by several teachers until 
1844. In this year (May 31, 1844) the school-house 
was offered by two of the trustees — Abraham Mill 
and Thomas Reinbold — to the school board of Upper 
Milford for their use, and was accepted. In the year 
1866 there was erected a new stone school-house, at a 
cost of nine hundred and eighty dollars and seventy 
cents. The first teacher employed by the common- 
school board was Solomon Fehr, for two terms, four 
and a half months each, at sixteen dollars per month. 
The whole number of scholars in 1844 was forty-six 
(twenty-nine male and seventeen female), of whom 
twenty were studying German ; and in 1845-46 fifty- 
seven scholars (thirty-six male and twenty-one fe- 
male), of whom twenty-five studied German. The 
teachers employed at this school-house were L. M. 
Engelman, Uriah Brunner, William Behm, Edward 
Bitting, John B. Poener, William H. Weider, C. H. 
Foster, M. YV. Stauffer, Raul Wald, Addison Bern- 
hard, M. Sehneiter, J. N. Bitting, E. S. Bitting, W. F. 
Bitting, C. W. Buskirk, and J. J. Hauser, the present 
teacher. The last board of trustees in 1853 was Peter 
Brunner, Peter Stout, and Solomon Bachmau. 

• Irtt's school (in District No. 4) is situated on the 
public road leading from Zionsvillc to Coopersburg, and 
about one mile southeast from Vera Cruz. This school 

was established, and the first log school-house erected, 

about the year 1820, by the people of the district, on the 
premises of John Ortt. The first teacher in this dis- 
trict was Philip Mumbauer, a professional teacher in 
the German as well as in the English language. John 
llcmert also taught in thi> school-house in 1820. 
In the years 1822-25, James Tagert taught school 



UPPER AND LOWER MTLFORD TOWNSHIPS. 






in this school-house. He is reported a suo 
English teacher. In the years 1842 and 1844 school 
was taught 1>\ James Ortt. In the year 1844 this 
school-house and district were accepted by the board 

of tin' common schools of Upper Milford :is a sub- 
district, and they employed for tin' sum,, year I 
Blank as teacher, who taughl the last school in the old 
school-house. In the year 1845 a new school-house 
was erected by the board, aboul one-eighth of a mile 
farther west, on the premises of .Jacob Schantz. Wil- 
liam W'eidner was contractor. 

In this house school was kept by JohnSchell, Joshua 
Stabler. John M. Engelman, Charles F. Sehantz, Sol- 
omon Schiffert, Charles H. Reinbold, .1. G. Freed. A. 
H. Federolf, A. B. Keck, Daniel Klein, Joseph L. 
Rotnig, Clinton T. Engelman, Charles II. Horlacher, 
C. Z. Bassler, Charles Bitting, Oswin Erdman, Moses 
G. Weber, and William Weiss, etc., until I872. In 
that year the third school-house was erected in this 
district by the hoard, — a stone building which cost 

over one thousand dollars. In this new school-house 
the following teachers taught: I). Kechtcl, ( '. W. 
Berndt, W. F. Hitting, and A. H. Pearson (present 
teacher). In 1845 the whole number of scholars was 
sixty-live, — forty-one male and twenty-four female, 
— of whom thirty-seven were learning German. In 
1853 the whole number of scholars was fifty-three, — 
thirty-two male and twenty-one female. From 1820 
until 1853 this school-house and district was con- 
trolled by three trustees. The last hoard of trustees, 
in 1853, was Daniel Mohr, David Musselman, and 
George Walter. 

Zionsville school (No. 5) is situated in the village of 
Zionsville. It was established previous to the year 
171)11 as a "Ceinein Schule" (church school i, and no 
doubt as a union school of both (bun lies (the Re- 
formed and Lutheran congregations |, and was con- 
tinued as a church >chool for many years, under 
control of the trustees of both churches. 

In the year 1X44 the school-house was offered by the 
trustees Jacob Hillegas, John Wieder, and Jacob 
Schneider— to the hoard of directors, and was accepti d, 

and Jacob F. Keil was employed to leach the - 
He reported the whole number of scholars to be sixty- 
three (forty male and twenty-three female), of whom 
twenty-three learned German. In the year 1874 the 
school board purchased from Charles W. Wieand half 

an acre of ground fir one hundred dollars, on which a 
large stone sehool-hou-e with a -teeple was erected, 
at a cost of over twelve hundred dollars. The old 
school-house was -old by the trustees of the churches 
at public sale to the highest bidder, and within 
thirty day- thereafter was taken away. The names 
of the teachers who have taught school at this place 
since 184 1 are as follow-, viz. : Thomas L. Worthing- 
ton, Aaron S. Wagner, Adam Snydei . Sitas Christman, 
John <4. Glace, Thomas H. Lynch, Charles W. Wie- 
and, M.W. Btauffer, W. B. K. Johnson, J. R. Diller, 
Sallie Wieand, E. Strunk, Laurentius Weaver. J. W. 



Stauffer, George W. Bassler, George W. Roeder, Leon 

Snyder, and J. D. S. Km-lh-r (presenl teacher . For 
the present \ear the teacher's salary is thirty-two 
dollars per month for five months. 

The •• Powder," or Schubert's, Bchool bouse No. 6) 
i- situated in the Powder, or Indian, Valley, on the 
public' road leading from the Hereford and Shimers- 
ville turnpike in the Hosensacl Valley, and about a 
quarter of a mile northwest from the village of Powdi i 
Valley. This school sub district was established in 
the year 1855, and was formed from parts of the 
Kriebel's and Zionsville sub- districts. A school-hi 
was built the same year by William Weidner, as con- 
tractor, for tour hundred and fifty dollars, and thefirsl 

teacher was employ ed at the same time for the term of 
four and a half months, at twenty dollars per month. 
The names of the teachers who have taught here an 
follows : S. L. Butterwick (first teacher), Fr. Schai 
Christian Schultz, J. 1".. Yeakel, M. V. Kunkel, Wil- 
liam Wieand, J. Y. Mover, II. W. Staufl'er, A. E. 
Stabler, W. R. Flucfc, and P. K. Mayer, the present 
teacher. The present term is five months, at thirty- 
two dollars per month. 

The school-house at Kriebel's sub-district (No. 7) 
is situated on the Hereferd and Shimersville turnpike, 
and about one and three-quarter miles southwest from 
Zionsville. This school was established by the in- 
habitants of the districf previous to the year 1810, 
and at the same time a school-bouse was erected on 
the premises of Christian Mensch (later those of Ben- 
jamin Kriebel), near the grist-mill at present owned 
by Charles W. Wieand, Esq., in the Perkiomen Val- 
ley. In this house school was taught over thirty-live 
years previous to the acceptance of the common-school 
law (1844), by Benjamin Kriebel, Jacob Oberholtzer, 
Samuel Kriebel, Adam Schweiter, and others. The 
school was always controlled by a board of trustees. 
In the year 1844 this school-bouse was offered to the 
hoard of directors of the common schools of Upper 
Milford, and was accepted, and Charles Meekly was 
employed to teach the school for one term of four and 
a half months, at sixteen dollars per month. He re- 
ported seventy-live scholars forty-seven male and 
twenty-eight female), of whom forty learned German. 
The trustee- of this school-house, with whom the 
em en I was made, were Jacob Rothenberger and 
William Weidner. Since 1845 this school has been 
taughl by John Weider, Albert Bogen. Samuel 
Kriebel, M. W. Stauffer, Charles Snyder, and David 
I'.. Uothenberger. In 1853 the district id' Upper Mil- 
ford was divided, and Kriebel's sub-district was in- 
cluded in the present Upper Milford. Since 185:; the 
school ha- been taught by the following teachi 
J.i ob Schneider, A. M. Stauffer, Albert M. Sigmund, 
Charles II. Buchecker, Martin K. Laudenschlaeger, 
J. Y. Mover, i leorge W. Boeder, W. II. Leopold, and 
S. V. Bortz, the present teacher. The present term is 

live months, at thirty-two dollars tier month. 
In the year 1882 the board of directors pun 



386 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



from Benjamin Yoder about one-half acre of ground 
for oni' hundred and ten dollars, on n hich the present 
school-house was erected, at a cost of $996.01. 

Koch's school (No. 8) is situated in Upper Milford, 
on the public road leading from Shimersville to Siesz- 
holtzville, about two miles west from Shimersville. 
Tliis district was established by the school directors 
in the first \ ciii of the common schools in Upper Mil- 
ford (1844). The same year a school-house was 
erected by William Stauffer, contractor, for two hun- 
dred and thirty-six dollars. John Walter was em- 
ployed to leach the school the first term, for lour and 
one-half months, at sixteen dollars per month. The 
first report of this school showed fifty-five scholars 
(thirty-six male and eighteen female), of whom 
twenty-eight were learning German. The name- of 
the teachers who taught school at this place since 
Walter are Henry B. Schleiffer, Samuel Kriebel, John 
Schell, Albert Bogen, Adam Schneider, Chs. H. Blank 
(until 1853). 

In 1853 the district of Upper Milford was divided 
into Upper and Lower Milford, since which time the 
school has been taught by the following teachers, viz. : 
Thomas K. Zeislove, Uriah Burkert, J. J. Brunner, B. 
X. Schell, M. W. Stauffer, M. Neumoyer, O. F. Gcry, 
M. H. Brensinger, and others. In the year 186s there 
was a large stone school-house erected in Koch's sub- 
district, at a cost of over one thousand dollars. The 
present teacher at this school-house is M. H. Bren- 
singer. 

Kern's school (No. 9) is situated in Upper Milford, 
about one-quarter of a mile northeast from Shimers- 
ville, on the public road leading from Shimersville to 
Emaus. This school district was, no doubt, estab- 
lished by the people of that neighborhood previous to 
the year 1820, and the school-house, no doubt, erected 
the same year. In this house school was taught until 
about the year 1843, in which year a new school-house 
was erected. In the year 1844, May 31st, this new 
school-house was offered by the trustees to the board 
of directors for their use, and the board accepted the 
offer, and agreed to pay ten dollars rent for one term. 
The first teacher employed by the directors to teach 
school at this place was John Schell. He reported 
sixty scholars (thirty-nine male and twenty-one fe- 
male), of whom seventeen learned German. In the 
year 1846 the school-house was purchased by the 
directors for two hundred and fifty-three dollars. In 
1865 there was a large stone school-house built at this 
place by the directors at a cost of about one thousand 
dollars. 

The following persons have taught school at this 
place : Previous to division — John Schell, John Klein, 
Edward Schultz, Amos E. Heller, A. J. Brunner, 
George W. Weikel, J. W. Staufler. and James Lynch. 
Since division— Charles H. Blank, W. W. Meekly, J. 

D. Eberhard, A. M. Schantz, Henry Longstreth, J. 

E. Hunsicker, M. V. Kunkel, Leon Snyder, Samuel 
C. Lee, J. B. Kerchner, J. W. Rotheubergcr, and 



William S. Bach man, the present teacher. The 
present term is five months, at thirty-two dollars per 
month. 

Miller's Mill school (No. 10) is situated on the 

public road leading from the Shimersville and Ma- 

cungie turnpike to F.maus, and in a straight line 

about one and one-quarter miles northwest from Shi- 
mersville. This sub-district was established in the 
i 1844, in the neighborhood of Miller's .Mill, by 
the directors of the common schools of Upper Mil 

ford, and the same year a school-house was built by 

George Neumoyer, as contractor, for two hundred 

and twenty-eight dollars. The first teacher employed 
at this place was Albert Bogen, for four and one-half 
months, at sixteen dollars per month. The school 
had sixty-two scholars I thirty-three male and tweuty- 
niiie female), of whom thirty three learned German. 
The following teachers have taught here since Bogen : 
Joseph Needier, Samuel Kriebel, Thomas J. Lynch, 
Aaron S. Wagner, Edwin H. Blank (1853), George 
W. Hartzel, Levi Micss, J. A. Wimmer, M. R. Shaffer, 
A. S. Jordan, H. Hinkel, A. Bernhard, Martin Dif- 
fenderfer, O. D. Butterwick, and J. I!. Sturm (present 
teacher). 

The present term is five months, at thirty-two dol- 
lars per mouth. In the year 1873 there was erected 
in this district a large stone school-house, at a cost of 
about twelve hundred dollars. 

The school-house in the new sub-district (Geisen- 
ger's, No. 11) is situated near Zionsville Station. 
The sub-district was established by the directors of 
common schools of Upper Milford, in 1874, and was 
formed from parts of " Orth's,'' " Powder," and es- 
pecially from the Zionsville sub-district. About one- 
quarter of an acre of land was purchased from Abra- 
ham Geisenger, on which the same year a large stone 
school-house was erected, at a cost of about twelve 
hundred dollars. The first teacher in this new school- 
house was John N. Bitting, employed in 1S74, for a 
term of five months, at forty dollars per month. 
Since his time school has been taught by H. J. Schif- 
fert, Dan. Klein, B. X. Schell, and Morris L. Schantz, 
the present teacher. 

Berger's (or Kemmerer's) School, No. 12, is in the 
most northern part of Upper Milford. The school- 
house is situated on a public road, about one-quarter 
of a mile west from Emaus. This sub-district school 
was formed by the directors in 1876 from parts of 
Schwartz's and BrunnePs sub-districts. 

The school-house was built the same year (a brick 
building, twenty-eight by thirty-two feet, with patent 
desks), at a cost of over twelve hundred dollars. The 
teachers who taught here have been Oliver W. Bus- 
kirk, P. P. Nuss, J. D. L. 1 leister, and Milton H. 
Lehman, the present teacher. The present term is 
five months, at thirty-two dollars per month. 

Hampton (or Sigmund) school, No. 3, is situated 
near the old Hampton Furnace. This sub-district 
was established in 1880, and formed from parts of 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



387 



Knrli'-, Kriebel's, and Zionsville sub-districts. In 
the same year the board of directors purchased from 
William Rauscb one-quarter of an acre of land, on 
which .1 large Btone school-house was erected at a cost 
of nearly one thousand dollars. The teachers here 
have been C. P. Heller, A. E. Heimbach, and others. 

The teacher for the present term is O. F. Gery. 

Common Schools of Lower Milford.— At the firsi 

election in Lower Milford, held at the public-house of 

Solomon Kemmerer on March 18, 1853, for lie elec- 
tion of their first township officers, the following gen- 
tlemen were elected school directors: Aaron Dubbs, 
one war: William (.'. Roeder, one year: llaniel S. 
Yrakel, two years; Abraham Pearson, two years; 
Samuel Staulfer, three years; Samuel Hottel, three 
years. On their first meelintr.cn the Llth of April, 
they organized as follows: Aaron Dubbs, president; 
William C. Roeder, treasurer; Samuel Stauffer, sec- 
retary. Lower Milford School District was at that 
time composed of nine sub-districts, as follows, viz. : 
Dillingersville, k'rauss', Klein's, Carl's, Johnson'-, 
Dietz's, Dubs', Eberhard's, Schantz's. 

The amount in hand of the treasurer, being one- 
half share of balance in hand of Charles Foster, 
treasurer of old Upper Milford District, which was 
paid William C. Roed, first treasurer of Lower Mil- 
ford, was J1162.25L 

In the month of August of the same year nine 
teachers were employed for the first term, four and a 
half months, at eighteen dollars per month. 

During the next ten years the schools were con- 
tinued as follows, viz. : 

1854. 9 schools, 4'., months, at 

1855. 9 " 4VS " 20 

1856. 9 " 5 " 24 

1857. 9 " 5 " 25 

1858. 9 " 5 " 25 

9 " 5 " 25 

9 " 6 " 25 

1861. 9 " 6 " It 

1862. 9 " 5 " 22 

1863.10 " 6 " 20 

1864. 1" " 6 " 25 

1865. 10 " 5 " 32 

1866. Hi " 5 " 32 

1867. lu " 5 " 38 

1S68. 10 " 8 " 38 

[868. M " 6 " 38 

1870. 10 " 5 " 35 

In the year 1863 there was formed a new sub-dis- 
trict in the most eastern part of Lower Milford, by 
the name of Engelmau's sub-district. It was formed 
from parts of Dietz's and Johnson's sub-districts. 
The same year there -was a new school-house erected 
in this sub-district, on the premises of Jeremiah 
Schlcitfer, at a COS) of over six hundred dollars. 

In the year 1870 the sub-districts were numbered, 
and teachers employed as follows: 

No. 1. Carl's Michael N Weidner. 

" 2. Klein's H.CScl nly. 

" 3. Krauss A. H, Brdman. 

" 4. s. iiiintz's i. w. Staufler, 

" 5. Eberhard's B. X.Schell. 

" 6. DillengeniTille B. 8. Bitting. 

M 7. Johnson's David Diets. 

" 8. Dubs' L.S. Boeder. 

" 9. Engelman's Cnr. N.Bitting. 

'■ 1"- Dietz's William S. Erney. 



The term was six months, at thirty-live dollars per 
month, 

During the subsequent period schools were kept as 
follows : 

months, at $15 per month. 



1870. 






1871. 


in 


1872. 


10 


' 


1-7.:. 


in 


5 


1874. 


in 


' 5 


1875. 


III 


' 5 


1876. 


10 


' 5 


1S77. 


10 




Is7,-. 


10 


' ."i 


1S79. 


10 


■ 


1880. 


in 


5 


1881. 


In 


.*. 




in 


' 5 


lss:;. 


in 


6 



35 

37 
38 
10 

MO 
27 

■j.:, 

30 
30 
32 



In the year 1X70 the amount of school lax levied 
wa- $1783.3 1 ; in 1875, $2210.51 ; in 1880, si W5.50; in 
L883 it was $2934.78 ; and in the same year the build- 
ing tax wa.- $1 L73.89. 

The report for 1870 showed the whole number of 
male scholars as 'J.'!) ; whole number of female schol- 
ars, 160; total, 391; average attendance, 235; per 
cent., 63J-. In 1882, whole number of male scholars 
was 227; whole number of female, 169; total, 3 
: erage attendance, 281 ; per cent., 96. 

In 1S77 number of sub-districts was changed. In 
1882 the number of pupils in each was as follows: 



I .ill's 

K I. in'.- 

K i -in -' 

Schantz's. 

KIh-i hard's 

1 n'Hingersrille.. 

7. Dict/.'s 

8. Bngelman's 

9. Johnson's 

in. Dubs' 



Bfales. 
24 
23 
21 
23 
13 
28 
29 
20 

No rep i 
No report. 



Females. 
26 
18 
13 
17 
9 
20 
14 
16 



And in 1883 their condition was as follows : 

No. of 
Scholars. 

1. Carl's 43 

2. Klein's 32 

3. Knees' 43 

i, Schantz's : ^1 

i hard's 24 

6. Dillingersville 46 

7. Dubs 39 

Dietz's 37 

9. Bngelman's 37 

10. Johnson's 35 

Whole number of scholars in 1RS3 367 

The teachers employed for the term of 1883-84 are 
as follows: District No. 1. E. S. Rambo; No. J. I'.. X. 
Schell ; No. 3, E. E. Schautz ; No. 4, H. W. Sterner; 
No. 5, W. S. Erney ; No. 6, John N. Bitting : No. 7. 
Calvin E. H. Davidson ; No. 8, C. W. Urffer; No. 9, 
L. II. Jacoby; No. 10, B. T. Gabel. 

The present school board consists of: 1, Moses G. 
Weaver, president; 2, J. D. Dillinger, secretary ; ."., 
EsaacS. Boeder, treasurer ; 4, Alfred Fried; •",, II. II. 
Boyer; 6, Erwin S. Diet/.. 

Carl's sub-district, No. 1, is in the western corner 

of Lower Milford, and it- school-house i- situated mi 

the public road leading from Hosensack to Eereford 
(in P.erks County), and about one and a quarter 
miles (in a straight line) west from ilo k vil- 

lage. This sub-district was established in 1S44 by 
the board Si directors of the common schools of 



388 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Upper Milford, and the same year a school-house 
was erected on contract 1>> Nathan Gery for one hun- 
dred and eighty-one dollars. Samuel Kriebel was 
employed as the first teacher at sixteen dollars per 
mouth. By the division of Upper Milford this sub- 
district was included in Lower Milford. In 1882 
there was a new school-house erected in Karl's sub- 
district at a cost of Over twelve hundred dollars. The 
teachers at this place have been as follows: Samuel 
Kriebel, Aaron Schantz, A. S. Wanner, ('lis. Stute, 
Joel Kriebel, Thomas Zeislove, John J. Brunner, 
Michael Weidner, Milton H. Mill, John N. Bitting, 
and others. The present teacher is E. S. Lain bo. 
The school has now forty-three scholars. 

The school-house of Klein's sub-district (No. 2) is 
situated in the Hosensack Valley, on a public road, 
and about half a mile southwest from the village of 
Bosi nsack. This sub-district was established by the 
school board in 1844 (before division). It was formed 
from a part of the old Hosensack District. A school- 
house was erected the same year on the premises of 
John Roeder, and near the house of George Klein. 
It was built by Nathan Stahl, as contractor, for 
$162.25. The first teacher employed at this school- 
house was Levi H. Thomson, for four and a half 
months, at sixteen dollars per month. He reported 
sixty scholars (forty-five males and fifteen females), 
twenty-one of whom studied German. In 1852, when 
Upper Milford was divided, Klein's sub-district was 
included in that part which was called Lower Mil- 
ford. About the year 1870 there was a new stone 
school-house erected at this place, at a cost of twelve 
hundred dollars. The teachers who have taught 
school here since 1844 are as follows, viz. : Aaron 
S. Wagner, Reuben Kriebel, David Rothrock, J. W. 
Stauft'er, Ab. S. Stauffer, Albert Bogen, John G. Glace, 
Henry Schoenly, E. S. Rambo, B. X. Schell, Michael 
Weidner, and others. The present teacher (January, 
1884) is Michael Weidner. 

Krauss' sub-district is situated in the most southern 
part of Lower Milford, and the school-house is in 
Kraussdale, on the " King's high-road," and nearly 
two miles southeast from the village of Hosensack. 
This school was established by the people of that 
neighborhood in the year 1842, previous to the ac- 
ceptance of the common-school law, in 1843, and 
also previous to the division of Upper Milford (1853). 
A small tract of land was donated the same year by 
Jacob Kriebel, for school purposes. In the spring 
of 1842 Charles Hillegas and Abraham Staulfer were ] 
elected as a building committee, and George Krauss, 
Anthony Krauss, and Henry Stan Her, trustees. 
During the summer of the same year a stone school- 
house was erected by the building committee, at a 
cosl of 1322.71, which was paid by subscription. In 
the fall of the same year the trustees employed Jo- 
seph Convoer as teacher, and he taught in English 
and German for a term of three months. In the 
spring of 1843 Henry B. Schleiffer was employed, 



who taught three months, exclusively in the English 
language, and during the months of August and Sep- 
tember Miss Catherine Smith, of Philadelphia, was 
employed as teacher, ami also taught exclusively in 
English. 

In the year 1844 the board of directors of Upper 
Milford (before division) made application lor the use 

of Krauss' school-house for the use of the comn 

schools, which was agreed to by the trustees. The 
first teacher employed by the directors to teach at 
this place was John J. Thomas, who taught four ami 
one-half months at sixteen dollars per month. 

Mr. Thomas reported forty-eight scholars (thirty 
males and eighteen females), of whom fourteen studied 
German. In the year 1846 the board of directors pur- 
chased the house from John Gery, John Krauss, and 
Samuel Stauffer, trustees, for two hundred and fifty 
dollars. Since the division of the township (Dec. 
6, 1852) this sub-district has been included in Lower 
Milford. Before that year school was taught by 
Joseph K. Yeakel, Samuel Staufler, A. S. Stauffer, 
John S. Schultz, D. W. Ehl, John J. Thomas, Henry 
B. Schleiffer, and others, and since division, by O. 
W. Erdman, B. X. Schell, E. F. Krauss, and others. 
In 1874 a large stone school building: was erected by 
the directors, which cost about twelve hundred dol- 
lars. The present teacher is B. X. Schell ; the num- 
ber of pupils forty-three. 

Schautz's sub-district (No. 4) is situated in the 
southern part of Lower Milford. 

The school-house is on the public road leading 
from the village of Hosensack to the Swamp Church 
and about equal distance (one and one-quarter miles) 
from either place. The district was established in 
1850, and was formed from parts of Eberhard's and 
Klein's sub-districts. A school-house was erected 
the same year on the premises of John G. Schantz 
by David Gehman, at a cost of two hundred and 
eighty-five dollars. This school-house is still in use. 
The same year Solomon Schantz was employed as 
teacher, and taught the first term, for five months, at 
seventeen dollars per month. He reported thirty- 
three scholars (twenty males and thirteen females). 
By division of Upper Milford, Schautz's sub-district 
was included in Lower Milford. Since 1850 this school 
has been taught by the following teachers: Solomon 
Schantz, William T. Cramer, B. X. Schell, Jesse W. 

Staufler, Hixon, A. E. Schantz, and others. The 

present teacher, employed in the fall of 1883, is H. W. 
Sterner. 

The school-house in Eberhard's sub-district (No. 5) 
is situated on the public road leading from Dillingers- 
ville to the Swamp Church, about three-fourths of a 
mile north from the latter. Eberhard's district was 
established in 1845, by the board of directors of the 
common schools, and was formed from the old Swamp 
Church District. The first school-house was erected 
by Nathan Gery, as contractor, for two hundred and 
sixty-five dollars; and the first teacher employed was 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



389 



Joseph Convoer, for a term of four months, al seven- 
teen dollars ]ier month. Mr. Convoer's report Fur I S 15 
was sixty-five scholars (forty-one males and twenty- 
foui i of whom twentv --eight learned ( Serm:iii. 

By the division of the district, Eberhard's sub district 
was included in Lower Milford. In is?:', the first 
sch id-house gave way to a new and larger stone 
school building, which was erected by the directors 
at a cost of over twelve hundred dollars. 

Since this sub-district was formed i 1845) school has 
been taught by the following teachers, viz.: Joseph 
Convoer, J. J. Thomas, William T. Cramer, M. H. 
Albright, John S. Albright, Edwin Roberts, Edwin 
Albright, William Albright. I'.. X. Schell, F. 1". 
Albright, Mrs. Sadie James, Milton II. .Mill, < '. W. 
Urffer, and William S. Erney, the present teacher 
I January, 1884) reports for the present term twenty- 
four scholars. 

Dubs' sub-district I No. 7) is situated near the cen- 
tre of Lower Milford. The school-house is in the 
Hosensack Valley on the public road leading from 
Limeport to Hosensack, and in a straight line one and 
one-eighth miles cast from Dillingersville. This 
school was established in 1845, and the sub-district 
was formed from parts of the original Dillingersville, 
Swamp Church, and Chestnut Hill sub-districts. The 
same year a school-house was erected on the premises 
of William Dillinger by David Heil, contractor, for 
two hundred and nine dollars. It is still in use. The 
same year Philip Mumbauerwas employed as teacher 
for four months at sixteen dollars per month. He 
reported forty-four scholars (twenty-one males and 
twenty-three females), of whom eighteen learned Ger- 
man. By the division of Upper Milford, in 1852, this 
sub-district was included in Lower Milford. Since the 
establishment of the school the following persons have 
been employed as teachers: M. H. Albright, Samuel 
Weiss, J. D. Dillinger, S. S. Schifl'ert, Tilghman 
Schmoyer, Joshua D. K. Reinhard, John D. Eber- 
hard, Charles Dotts, Edwin Albright, Edwin Roberts, 
William Albright, Laurentius Weaver, E. Schaft'er, 
John S. Erney, William M. Schwenk, William S. 
Erney. Albert S. Erney, C. W. Urffer, and other-. 
Calvin E. H. Davidson is the present teacher. 

Dietz's sub-district (No. 8) is in the eastern part of 
Lower Milford, and the school-house is situated on a 
public road, near its centre, and nearly two and a 
quarter miles south from Limeport. The sub-district 
was formed by the directors, in 1S45, from parts of 
the original Weber's and Berkenstock's sub-districts 
(originally Engelman's sub-district was included in 
Dietz's, but it was separately organized in 18153). 
The same year (1845) a school-house was erected on 
the premises of Joseph Dietz by Samuel Derr, as 
contractor, for two hundred and eighty-eight dollars. 
The first teacher employed at Dietz's school was J. 
J. Thomas (for four months, at sixteen dollars per 
month). He reported sixty scholars (forty-three male 
and seventeen female), twenty-seven of whom learned > 



German. In 1863, Diet/'- sub-district was divided 
into two separate sub-districts, Engelman's then being 
formed. The same year a new school-house was built 
nearer to the centre of the district, about half a 
mile southwest from the first -ehool-house and near 
the house of Aaron Diet/.. The following teachers 
have been employed at Diet/.'- school, viz.: Adam 
Snyder. Samuel Hatel, L. M. Engelman, Joseph D. 
K. Reinhard, John S. Albright, John S. Erney, David 
Erney. William S. Erney, Albert Erney, David 1 'ietz, 
C. W. Urffer, and other-. In the fall of 1883 the 
second school-bouse gave way to a new- one, — a large 
stone school-house, with patent desks, erected at a cost 
of over one thousand dollars. The same year C. W. 
Urffer was employed to teach in the new -ehool-house 
a term of five months, at thirty-two dollars per month. 
He reports thirty-seven scholar- a- attending the 
school at present. 

Engelman's sub-district (No. 9 is situated in the 
most eastern portion of Lower Milford, and the school- 
house is near its centre, on a road leading from Lime- 
port to Steinsburg. Engelman's school sub-district 
was established in the year 1863, and was formed from 
parts of Dietz's and Johnson's sub-districts. It is the 
only school sub-district established in Lower Milford 
since the division in 1852. A school-house was erected 
in 1863, on the premises of Jeremiah Schleiffer, at 
a cost of over eight hundred dollars. Since 1863 
school has been taught by several teachers, among 
them William S. Erney, Charles X. Bitting, B. X. 
Schell, • Lewis Jacoby, and others. The present 
teacher at this school is Lewis Jacoby, who reports 
the whole number of scholars as thirty-seven. 

The school-house of Johnson's sub-district I Xo. 10) 
is situated in the most northern part of Lower Milford, 
on the public road leading from Zionsville to Coopers- 
burg, and about three-quarters of a mile south from 
Limeport. This sub-district was formed by the di- 
rectors of common schools of Upper Milford, in 1845, 
from parts of the original (Berkenstock's and Chestnut 
Hill) di-triets. The same year (1845) a school-house 
was erected on the premises of James Johnson and 
Henry Engelman by John Schaeffer and Enos Xace, 
as contractors, for two hundred and seventy-one dol- 
lar.-, which school-house is -till in use. By the divi- 
sion of Upper Milford, in 1852, this sub-district was 
included in Lower Milford district. 

The first teacher employed by the directors of com- 
mon schools to teach school here was Will E. Hor- 
lacher (1845) for a term of four months, at seventeen 
dollars per month. He reported for the first term 
forty-two scholars nineteen male and twenty-three 
female), of whom sixteen studied German. 

The names of the teachers who have taught in the 
district are as follows, viz.: Edward Reinhard, Lewis 
M. Engelman, Charles H. Blank. M. 11. Albright, 
Uria M. Engelman, John D. Eberhard, John X. Bit- 
ling, E. S. Bitting, W. F. Bitting, C. X. Bitting, 
David Diet/., Emanuel Wieder, and B. S. Gabel, pres- 



:;:mi 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ent teacher. The present aumher of scholars is thirty- 
five. 

Manufacturing- Industries in Upper Milford— 
Grist- and Saw-Mills, etc. — Seiben'a grist-mill is 
situated on Seibert's Creek, and on the greal public 
road leading from the King's high-road to I' 
ville and Mauch Chunk, or to Emaus and Allentown, 
between Emaua and Vera I Iruz, a little over one mile 
from the latter place. The premises on which tin mill 
is situated were first settled by Philip Thani (or Dony, 
orTowny , by virtue of a warrant dated N<>\ . -7. 17 17. 
for thirty-eighl acres and seventy-one perches and 
allowances. These premises were later (about L758) 
purchased by Jacob Halm, a miller, who took an- 
other tract by virtue oi 'a warrant dated June 17, L768, 
containing twenty-five acres, on which he obtained ;i 

patent on the 22d of the same month. Ilahn lor 
Hawn) purchased on the 18th of -March, 1778, from 

Michael Wolfgang, Jr.. a third tract, containing sev- 
enty-one acre- and one hundred and three perches, 
for two h [red and fiftj pounds. This Jacob Hahn 

erected the first mill on the first-mentioned tract of 
land, between 1768 and 1778, and, no doubt, it was 
first a saw-mill and then a grist-mill. How long he 
was in possession of tins mill property is not known, 
but no doubt it was over twenty years. It was sold 
to Jacob Dilgert, who was in possession of the prop- 
erty for nearly ten years, and sold to Peter Fink, who 
Bold, in 1810, to Henry Seibert, of Bethlehem, who 
ran the mills nearly twenty-three years, and died 
1833. 

On March 29, 1834, the grist-mill and about forty 
acres of land was sold by John Seibert and Peter 
Schwartz, administrators of Henry Seibert, deceased, 
at public sale to Charles Keck, for three thousand eight 
hundred and ninety-eight dollars and thirty-four cents. 
The saw -in ill property was sold previous to that time to 
Daniel Lauer. Keck ran the mill five years, ami sold 
to John Gn 

John Cross tore down the old mill, and erected a 
large stone mill on the same place, and carried on the 
same for six years, and -old to William Schantz, who 
was in possession of the same for nearly thirty-five 
years, until his death in 1880; hut for the last fifteen 
years his son, Ambrose Schantz, was the manager 
of the grist-mill. In the year 1881 the mill was sold, 
with a few acres of land, to William G. Mover, son-in- 
law of William Schantz, deceased, who rebuilt it, at a 
cost of over three thousand dollars, and sold it, in 
1883, to Jesse Standi fo] ei lit thousand dollars. 

Burger's grist-mill is situated on Indian Creek (a 
branch of the Hosensack), and also on the public 
road leading from the Shimersville and Hereford 
turnpike to Sieszholtzville, Berks Co., and nearly one 
mile southwest from the village of Zionsville (old), 
in Upper Milford. 'I' he fir- 1 mill was huili herein or 
about the year 1774 by Adam Koehl (or Kehl). He 
purchased one year previous (June 28, 1773), of Jo- 
hannes Hiestandt, one acre of ground lor that pur- 



pose, and May 11, 1782, another tract of titty acre- of 
William Schaffer. Kehl built about the same year 
a saw-mill, which he -old Sept. 12. 1789, with all his 

land, lo hi- -on, Sim, ,ii K, hi, at 67 -1- 66 who 

ild April 17, 1809, to Jacob Truckenmuller ; who 

sold April 8, 1811, the saw- and grist-mill, with al- 
most twenty-three acres of land, to Daniel \'< 

who sold May 5, 1813, to William l.'i, — , i, at 'J17S00. 
He -old April 1. 1815, to fried, rich Nebs, who sold 

April 26, 1845, to Henry Burgei and Samuel Beck at 

$6250. In 1864 the old L r ri-l-mill was torn down, and 
a large stone grist-mill erected, and the saw-mill was 
discontinued. Henry Burger purchased his parti 
share, and his son, Samuel Burger, went in as a part- 
ner, and business has been continued by them to the 
present year. 
Yeakel's grist-mill is situated in Upper Milford, on 

Indian Creek, and about one hundred rods above 
Miller's spoke-mills. This grist-mill was first built 
as an oil-mill by Christian Metzger previous to the 
year 1790, ami was about the year 1810 rebuilt and 
changed to a grist-mill, and sold to John Schuler, 
who. about the year 1820, sold to Abraham Ycakel. 
The mill was destroyed by fire about 1824, and rebuilt 
the same year by Yeakel, who continued it for a num- 
ber of years. Ycakel died Oct. 27, 1865, and his son, 
Levi Yeakel, purchased the property, and has run 
the mill ever since. This is one of the best grist- 
mills in Upper Milford. 

Wieand's grist- andsaw-mill is situated on the l'er- 
kiomen, in Upper Milford, and on the public road 
leading from the Hereford and Shimersville turnpike 
to Hampton Furnace, and nearly two miles southwest 
from Zionsville and half a mile east from Hampton 
Furnace. This mill was built previous to the year 1800 
by Christian Mensch, and kept in operation by him 
for a number of years, and then sold to Andrew 
Yeakel, who sold, in 1837, to Benjamin Kriebel, who 
sold, in 1856, to < iwen Weaver. He sold, in 1864, to 
John B. Gehman, and he, in 1866, to C. W. Wieand, 
the present owner. The mill i- occupied at present 
by Hiram Yeakel. 

Miller's grist-mill is situated on Miller's Creek, 
in Upper Milford, and on the public road leading 
from "the King's high-road" to Emaus, and about 
one and a half miles in a straight line from Shimers- 
ville. 

This is an old mill, nearly one hundred years old, 
erected hy a man named John Wetzel prior to 1800, 
and was kept by the Wctzels until about the year 
1830 or later, and then sold to Joseph Beitler, who 
kept the same until the year 1835, and -old to George 
Miller, who kept the same over thirty years, until his 
death, in 1865. 

Bitting's saw-mill was situated in Upper Milford, 
on the Indian Creek and on the public road leading 
from Shimersville to Sieszholtzville, and two and one- 
quarter miles west from Shimersville. This saw-mill 
was erected previous to the year 1820 by Jesse Bit- 



UPPER AND l-OWEll Ml l>K( )RD TOWNSHIPS. 



391 



and was run by him for :i number of years and 
then abandoned. 

Schelly's -aw -mill is situated neai I grist- 
mill. The first mill was built aboul the same time or 
perhaps prior to the grist-mill. It had been in posses- 
Jacob Dilgert, Fink, and John Leibert. 

Alter John Leibert's death the saw-mill was separated 
from the grist-mill, and sold in 1834 to Daniel Lauer, 
who kept it nearly ten years and sold to John ( >rtt. who 
operated it about fiv< I sold to John Schleif- 

fer, who sold two years later to Willoughby Mohr. 
who erected a new and larger saw-mill in 1st;.",, and 
sold the same a few years later t<> Henry Schelly, who 

baa operated it ever since. In this saw-mill there was 

set up by Daniel Lauer. prior to 1840, a wool-carding 
machine, later operated by John Ortt for several 

J ,ai-. 

Heimbach's oil-mill was situated on a branch of the 
Perkiomen Creek, and about half a mile east from the 
old Hampton Furnace. This oil-mill was built by 
Wendell II ibout the year L815, and was run 

by him forseveral years, and then changed to a clover- 
mill, and continued for a number of years, and about 

the year 1840 discontinued. 

Schneiter's clover-mill is situated on the Perkiomen 
in Upper Milford, and un the Hereford and Shimers- 
ville turnpike, about two and a half miles southwest 
from Zionsville, and bait' a mile south from Wieandt's 
mill. This mill was built by Andrew Yeakel lor an 
oil-mill, and was made a clover-mill previous to the 
year 1825. He kept the same in operation forseveral 
years, and sold aboul the year 1840 to 1 laniel Wieand, 
who continued the same for several years and sold to 
John Mohr, who sold later to David Schneiter, the 
present owner, who changed it to a grist-mill. 

Miller's spoke-mill is situated on fndian Creek, in 
the Powder Valley, and on the public road leading 
from the Hereford and Shimersville turnpike to the 
Hosensack Valley. This mill was first an oil-mill, 
ami was built by Henry Trump, about tin' year 1830, 
and run by him until 1848, after which his son. Wil- 
liam Trump, purchased the property and continued 
the mill for about eight years, and sold to Michael 
Miller, who discontinued the oil-mill and established 
a grist-mill and stave-factory, which were run by him- 
self and by his son, Elmer Miller, until the year 1866, 
and then sold to Samuel Miller, who changed it to 
a spoke-mill, which he has continued until the 
present, 

Powder-Mills.— A powder-mill \\ I in the 

present Powder Valley in 1829, by Henry Ken: 
and was kept ill operation by him for one year, and 

then sold to Henry Trump and Henry Schell, who 
continued it about one year, when it exploded and 
was never rebuilt. 

Henry Kemmerer erected near the same place, in 
L881, a second powder-mill, and ran it about two 
years, when it exploded and three lives were lost, two 
negroes and one German. Lewis R iter. 



In th, ■. ,.ir |s7n, Peter Faust purchased tl. 
I lam [, ton Furnace, and ere' ime year, within 

the buildings of the furnace, a powder-mill, which 
on for nearly four years, when it also 

exploded. The explosion was caused by a lightning 

strok, . The life of one em], love. .la Wat- m, was 

I,,-!. 

Emaus Furnace.— The Emaus Furnace i- situated 

nearly one-half of a mile southwest from tl titer 

limit of the boron lus, and between the tracks 

of the East I'enn and the Perkiomen Railroad. In 
the tall of the year 1869 there was a company or- 
ganized in the borough of Emaus and vicinity, by the 
name of the Emaus Iron Company, of which the fol- 
lowing were elei S. Gross Frj 

nt; John 1'. M . tary. The same 

year the old Christ's farm, containing one hundred 
and thirty-five acres, was purchased from Widow 
Judith Wenner for twenty-two thousand dollars, and 
cut up into building lots, with the exception of forty- 
whieh was retained by the company as 
the furnace property. In 1870 and 1871, On this tract 
of land, there was one of the handsomest and most 
durable furnace buildings erected in East Pennsyl- 
vania. A contract was made by the company with 
Wren ix- Noble, of Pottsville, to build their furnace 
for one hundred and sixty thousand dollars; but be- 
fore the furnace was finished Wren A Noble became 
bankrupt, and the iron company was obliged to finish 
tin work during the year 1871, at an additional cost 
of twenty thousand dollars, so that the whole amount 

n- nearly one hundred and eighty thousand 

dollars. George J. Henninger was the regularly ap- 
pointed superintendent of the iron company. After 
the Emaus Iron Company bad finished their furnace 
and all the necessary outbuildings, tin- manufacture 
of iron was carried on for nearly three years. The 
company then tailed, and appointed Paul Borger as 
their assignee, who sold the furnace properly in 1874 
to the Hematite Iron Company. This company con- 
tinued the operation of the furnace for only about one 
year, and -of i to the Philadelphia and Beading < loal 

and Iron Company, which company leased the fur- 
nace property to < Irmrod, Fisher & ( !o. I 
production is one thousand I ' iron per month, 

or twelve thousand tons a year. In the yi 

pipe foundry was erected on the premises and 
near the furnace. Pipes of from four to ten in 
diameter of the best quality are to he made in th 
foundry. 

Hampton Furnace is situated on the Perkiomen, 
and on the public road leading from the Hen lord and 
Shimersville turnpike to Sieszholtzville, about two 

and one-halt' miles west from Zionsville. This fur- 
nace was built in the year 1809 by David Hembach, 
man cc Covely. Soon after Heimbach bought 

his partners out . and conducted the furnace for twenty- 
three years, and sold it on Aug. 13, 1832, with ninety 
acres of land, to John V. R. Hunter (Jaeger), of 



392 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Allentown, who continued it for two years. May 20, 
1834, Hunter sold the furnace, with ninety acres of 
land, to Daniel V. K. Hunter, ofOley, Berks Co., for 
ten thousand dollars, who continued its operation for 

six years. March 81, 1838, Daniel V. K. Huntersold 
ill.' furnace and land to John V R. Hunter and Paul 

Miller at ten thousand dollars, who continued the 
same for about eleven years, when they si. Id the fur- 
nace property at public sale to John dross, of Allen- 
town, who did not comply with the conditions, and 
the property went to the hands of Sheriff Ihrie, of 
Lehigh County. On Feb. 7, 1850, Sheriff Ihrie, of 
Lehigh County, sold the property al public sale to 
Frederick Sigmund, <>l' Upper Milford, tor three thou- 
sand five hundred and twenty-five dollars. On Oct. 
29, 1859, F. Sigmund purchased another tract of sixty- 
five acres one hundred and fourteen perches of land 
from John McMannus and John V. R. Hunter. 
Frederick Sigmund continued the operation of the 
furnace for ten years, until his death, June 25, 1860, 
after which the furnace went to his sons, Henry M. 
and Albert M. Sigmund, who continued the same 
until 1SG7, and sold to Peter Faust, who discontinued 
the furnace and erected a powder-mill, which ex- 
ploded three years afterward. 

No doubt this was the first furnace erected in Le- 
high County, and David Hembach the first iron- 
master. 

Stahler Machine-Shop. — Anthony Stahler, sou of 
Henry Stahler, erected in the year 1837 a machine-shop 
on the public road leading from Shimersville to Vera 
Cruz, about one-half mile from Shimersville, in which 
he established a threshing-machine factory. He made 
excellent machines, and carried on business until his 
death, in 1860, after which his son, Henry, continued 
n lor a few years. About the year 1862 the property 
was purchased by George Mover, who still operates 
the factory. 

Guth's Coach-Factory. — This coach-factory is situ- 
ated on " the King's high-road," between Shimers- 
ville and the borough of Macungie. A village, but 
without a store or tavern, has grown up around it. 
The coach-factory was erected about the year 1845 by 
Jonas Yerk (sometimes called Jonas George), and 
carried on by him until the year 1851, when it was 
sold to the present proprietor, Charles Guth. In con- 
junction with the factory is a saddler-shop, carried on 
by .Mr. Landis, son-in-law of Mr. Guth. 

Vera Cruz Creamery. — This creamery is located 
at the village of Vera Cruz, in Upper Milford. In 
1880 a company, by the name of the " Vera Cruz 
Creamery Company (limited)," was organized, and 
the same year a fine building, with engine and suita- 
ble machinery, was erected, in which a successful 
business has since been carried on. In this creamery 
there was manufactured in the year 1883 over thirty- 
six thousand pounds of butter, and over seventy-five 
thousand pounds of cheese. 

Mechanical Industries in Lower Milford— 



Organ-Builders. — John and Andrew Krauss, sons of 
Balthaser Krauss, Jr., made their first organ in the 
year 1790, when John was only twenty and Andrew 
only nineteen years old. This was no doubt the firsl 
pipe-organ which was manufactured in Pennsylvania, 
[t was constructed in an old shop on their father's 
premises, which is Mill to be seen, and i- now owned 
by Levi Krauss. Previous to the year 1809 an organ 
was built by John and Andrew Krauss for the use ot 
the Roman Catholic Church in Washington town- 
ship, Berks Co., which is still to be seen there in the 
old church, and a little later an organ was made by 
the same firm for the use of tin- Long Swamp Church 
(Union), in Long Swamp township, Berks Co., and 
1812 another for the use of the Jordan Union Church, 
in North Whitehall township, Lehigh Co. In 1826, 
at the same place, a bass viol was made by George 
Krauss and Joel Krauss, sons of Andrew Krauss. In 
1828 a melodeon was made at the same place by- 
George and Samuel Krauss, sons of Andrew Krauss, 
which was no doubt the first melodeon ever made. 
Later an ingenious globe was made by Andrew Krauss 
and his sons, George S. and Samuel. This globe was 
turned by a clock, which was made by Samuel and 
George Krauss, and the painting aud printing was put 
on by George S. Krauss, taken from a map of the 
world which was printed in London. This globe 
turned by clock once in twenty-four hours, is still to 
be seen in the Perkiomen Seminary, East Greenville, 
Montgomery Co., Pa., and is still in a good condition. 
The building of organs was continued by Andrew 
Krauss and his son, George S. Krauss, until 1840, 
when George S. Krauss moved to the neighborhood 
of the present Palm, in Montgomery Co., and estab- 
lished his business at that place, where it is still 
carried on by Edwin B. Krauss. In 1840 the old 
factory was abandoned. 

Grist- and Saw-Mills. — Kriebel's grist-mill is sit- 
uated on the Hosensack Creek, in Lower Milford, aud 
on the public road leading from the village of Hosen- 
sack to Palm, in Montgomery Co., about three-fourths 
of a mile southwest from Hosensack village. The 
land on which this null is situated was first settled, 
1741, by Peter Rittenhouse, and was originally two 
hundred and fifty acres, who sold to Abraham Meyer, 
j who obtained a patent, granted Jan. 8, 1774, by the 
i name of " .Meyer's Neglect," who sold, May 26, 1774, 
one hundred and twenty-eight acres to Henry Funk 
for eight hundred and fifty pounds. This Henry 
Funk built a grist-mill on his land in or about the 
year 1775, and ran the same until the year 1783, and 
sold to Rev. George Kriebel. During the time of the 
Revolutionary war Henry Funk manufactured a 
good deal of Hour for the use of the American army, 
which was conveyed to the place of destination by 
George Klein. On Feb. 18, 1796, George Kriebel 
sold the mill, with one hundred and forty-nine acres 
of land, to his son, Abraham Kriebel, at nine hundred 
pounds, who continued the same for nineteen years, 



UPPER AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS. 



393 



until 1816, when he died. <>n May 24, 1817, his a 

Jacob Kriebel, bought the mill, besides twenty-five 
ami three-fourths acrea of land, at one hundred 
pounds, and had | ■ — i' >ti of it for a period of fifty- 
eight years, and died March 17, 1875, aged eighty- 
four years, six months, four days. The same year 
the mill property was 9nld, at public sale, to Joel 
Yeakcl, at nineteen thousand five hundred dollars, 
who sold later to his sun. Daniel K. Yeakel, who is 
still the proprietor. 

Schauta's grist- and saw-mill is situated in Lower 
Milford, on the Hosensack (.'reck, and nearly half a 
mile above the village of Hosensack. Previous to tin- 
year 1S<XI there was a saw-mill erected at this place 
by Abraham Schantz, and several years afterwards 
latter 1800) he erected an oil-mill at the same place, 
and continued the same until tin year 1811, when he 
sold to his son, John Schantz later a minister of the 
gospel), who continued the oil- and saw-mill for many 
years, and sold to his son, Henry Schantz, who rebuilt 
the oil-mill in 1852, and erected a grist-mill, and dis- 
continued the oil-mill. The grist- and saw-mill were 
then continued by Henry Schantz until his death 
(about the year 1804 |, and were sold to his son, Milton 
Schantz. who has since continued their operation. 

Gerhard's grist mill is situated on Saucon Creek, 
in Lower Milford, and on the public road leading 
from the Allentown and Coopersbnrg turnpike to 
Steinsburg, about one-half mile south from the 
pillage of Limeport. The first mill at this place 
was built previous to the year 178"), by Andrew En- 
gelman, and was conducted by the Engelmans until 
the year 1810, when it was sold to John Adam Stahl- 
necker, who sold, in 1816, to Abel Fowler, who con- 
tinued the same for about twenty years, till 1836, and 
sold to George Blank, who sold, in 1842, to Henry 
Gerhard, who conducted the old mill until 1858, in 
which year Gerhard built a large stone mill on the 
same spot, and continued the same with his son, To- 
bias, as Henry Gerhard & Son, until the year 1882, 
when he sold to Aaron Heist, the present owner. 

Stauffer's grist- and saw-mill is situated on Wal- 
ter's (reek, in Lower Milford, and on the public road 
leading from the old " King's high-road" to Powder 
Valley, about one-half mile southeast from Zionsville 
Station, on the Perkiomen Railroad. The land on 
which this mill is situated was first settled by one 
man, called John Mover, who built, prior to 1760, a 
saw-mill, which he sold, besides over fifty-five acres 
of land, to his son, Samuel Mover, who continued the 
mill for twenty-two year.-, until 1783, when he died. 
The property was then sold by Orphans' Court sale, 
Dec. 18, 1783, to his son-in-law. Philip lies-, who 
Bold, March 9, 1786, to Abraham Funk, who continued 
the mill for over three years, and died, 1789. On 
March 17, 1790, the property was sold by Orphans' 
Court to his eldest son, Henry Funk, who sold, April 
1st of the same year, to Jacob Schantz, who sold, July 
15th of the same year, to Jacob Miller, a bellows- 



maker, who built a new saw-mill. He died in 

1830, when hi- daughter, Charlotte, came in pi 

sion of the saw-mill, besides thirty-three acres of land, 
and who kepi the same for twenty years, and en 
in 1845, a grist-mill. The mill was operated by her 
brother-in-law . Henry Stabler. 

Iii April. 1851, .lac. il. Schantz purchased the prop- 
erly, and sold, in ]8.">:;, to Sob n Klein, who made 

some improvements at the mills, and sold, in 1862, to 
Samuel Staull'er, who has continued the same in co- 
partnership with his son, 1 1 1 1 1 r\ Stauffer, — Stauffer & 
Son, — till date 

Better's grist- and saw-mill is situated in I 
Milford, on the Indian Creek, and in the Hosensack 

Valley, and on the public road leading from the vil- 
lage of I [osensack to I [erefordsville, in Berks County, 

and in a straight line one and a quarter miles from 
Hosensack. This mill was first built as a saw-mill by 
1 Jeremiah Krauss, between 17.S0 and 1700, and run by 
him until about 1807, when it was leased to Christo- 
pher and David Schubert, who constructed at this 
place the first clover-mill which was ever made about 
the same year (1807 or 1808). Farmers came from 
great distances to this mill with their clover-seed, and 
got it cleaned with satisfaction. Later, this property- 
was purchased by Nathan Krauss son of Jeremiah 
Krauss), who changed the clover-mill to an oil-mill, 
and ran the same for several years. He sold to George 
Carl, who continued the same, oil-mill and saw-mill, 
tor a number of years, and was -old about the year 
1860 to Jacob F. Heiler. The oil-mill was changed 
to a grist-mill, which was continued, besides the saw- 
mill i since it was in possession of Mr. Heiler), by- 
Thomas Bitting, Nelson Weidner, Samuel Carl, etc. 
It is at present occupied by Charles Mangold as ten- 
ant. J. F. Heiler is still the owner. 

Heist's (or Walter's i grist-mill is situated in Lower 
Milford, on Walter- Creek, and on the old public 
road leading from the " King's high-road" to Allen- 
town, and about one mile west from Dillingersville. 
The land, one hundred and thirty-live acres, on which 
this mill is situated was purchased by Philip Walter, 
on June 13, 1789, from Andrew Reiser. The mill was 
built by Walter in the year 1700 (first a saw-mill and 
then a grist-mill), and was run by -aid Walter until 
his death (1812). In the year 1812, Daniel Walter. 
SOU of Philip Walter, purchased the property at Or- 
phan.-.' Court sale at ten thousand and eight dollars, 
i in April 1, 1813, Daniel Walter sold the grist- and 
saw -mill, besides twenty-three acres of land, to Gi 
Bransz, who continued the mill a few- years and died, 
ami Daniel Walter purchased the property again, and 
continued the same over thirty-six years, and sold. 
about the year 1852, to Samuel Steimbach, who dis- 
continued the saw-mill, and built the following veara 
large new stone mill, and ran the same until the year 
DOS, and sold to John Heist, who sold to his son, 
Edward Heist, who i- the present owner. 

lhili-' i later Mover'-, and now Schelly's) grist-mill 






HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



is situated in Lower Milford, on the Hosensack Creek, 
and on tlic public road leading from Zionsville to 
Spinnerstown, and one mile east from Dillingersville. 
The land on which this mill is situated was settled in 
17.':! by Jacob Dubs, and was originally one hundred 
and fifty acres. Be sold, June •"., 1772, to his son, 
Daniel Dubs, at three hundred and fiftj pi.nn.l-. who 

obtained on the sa trad a patent on April 26, 1782, 

by the name of "Potts." This Daniel Dubs en i ted pre 
vidiis to the year 1800 a saw -mill and a grist-mill, and 
sold the same, besides forty-seven and a half acres of 
land, in his sun, Daniel Dubs, Jr., on Dor. 17, 1824, 

who ran or continued the mills for al I eleven years, 

and sold in 1 B35 to William D. Moyer, who continued 
the Bame himself (or l>.\ tenants] for about twenty- 
eighl years, when he died, and the property was sold 
in Isaac II. Schelly, who, in 1869, sold the mills, with 
seven acres of land, to Benjamin F. Yoke, who sold 
in 1872 to Samuel Miller, who sold in 1873 to Wil- 
liam Michael, who continued the mill for six years, 
until his death, on the 13th November, 1879. The 
saw-mill was discontinued. The grist-mill and seven 
aires of land was sold Feb. 26, 1880, to Heury F. 
Schelly, at three thousand one hundred and one dol- 
lars. He repaired and atlixed a steam-engine to the 
mill, and continued the same by tenants, — Joseph 
Yeakel and F. C. Jaeoby. Henry T. Schelly is the 
present owner. 

lender's saw-mill is situated on the Hosensack 
Creek, about one-quarter of a mile west from the vil- 
lage of Hosensack, in Lower Milford. The mill was 
erected by John George Stahl previous to the year 
1800, and was sold about 1820 to Samuel Boeder, who 
sold the same, with one hundred and twenty-seven 
acres of land, to his son, Daniel C. Roeder, who died 
ear 1805. The farm and saw-mill were 
sold tu his sun, Reuben M. Kinder, and are still in his 
possession. 

Emanuel S. Mover's grist- and saw-mill is in Lower 
Milford township, about one mile south from the vil- 
lage of Limeport. This mill was first built a clover- 
mill in or about 1844 by Jacob Diet/., and later changed 
to a grist-mill, and was conducted by him for a num- 
bei ill' years and then discontinued. 

About the year 1863 Jacob Diet/ died. and the mill 
property was sold to V. T. Jobst and George Neu- 
moyer, by whom this mill was rebuilt and enlarged 
and changed to a grist-mill. He also built a new 
saw-mill, and sold in IS77 to Abraham S. Mover, who 
continued the mill a short time and died. A Iter which 
the propert) was sold to his son, Emanuel E. Moyer, 
who continued the mill till date (January, 1884). 

Hentricks' grist-mill is situated in Lower Milford, 
on tin- Hicken Creek, and on a public road, about 

three mile- east from tin village of Dillingersville. 

The mill was built by Henry Rudolf as :i eluver-mill, 

and was conducted by him a Dumber of years, and 

was sold about the year 1841 to John Reinhard, who 

ttinued the mill for twenty years, till 1861, and 



sold to Charles Hillegas, who built, in 1863, a new- 
grist- and also a new -aw -mill, and continued the 
same until 1876, when he died, after which the prop- 
erty was -.ihl to Jacob Hentricks, who continued the 
jam i until l--' seven years), when the mills were 
totally destroyed bj lire. In L883 a new grist-mil] 

wa- built by d. Hentricks. the present owner. 

Kriebel's saw-mill if ! in Lower Milford, 

near the publii road leading from Macungie t" Phila- 
delphia i the old King's high-road), and also on a 
branch of KraUSS' ('reek, over one and a half miles 

-iiiitin last from the village of Hosensack. This saw- 
mill was erected by George Kreibel about the year 

1855, and was continued by him eleven years, and 
sold in 1868 to Krauss .V Brother. They sold two 
years later, in 1870, to Jesse Brey. who is still the 
owner. 

Eberhard's saw-mill i- situated in Lower Milford, 
mi the public road leading from Dillingersville to 
Spinnerstown, and on Eberhard's Creek, a branch of 
the Hosensack Creek, about one and a half miles in 
a straight line) southeast from Dillingersville. The 
mill was erected by John D. Eberhard in the year 
1882. 

Antrim's Casinet-Mill was situated on the Indian 
Creek, and in the Hosensack Valley, on the public 
road leading from the village of Hosensack to Palm, 
in Montgomery County. This mill was at first a 
wool-carding and fulling-mill, and was built by Mel- 
chior Yeakel prior to the year 1800, and was run by 
him for a number of years, and sold to George 
Yeakel, Jr., who changed it to a casi net- factory, and 
sold to Amos Antrim, who continued the mill until 
the year 1846, when it was destroyed by fire. 

Dubs' Pottery. — This pottery was situated on the 
land which is now in possession of James D. Dil- 
linger, about two miles northeast from Dillingersville. 
About the year 1820, Henry Dubs purchased from 
Christian Gressman a trait of land, and established 
the following year a pottery on the same, which he 
carried on until 1835, and sold out to William Dil- 
linger and went with his brother Daniel to Ohio. This 
was mi doubt the first pottery in Upper Milford, and 
perhaps the first in Lehigh County. 

Oil-Mills. — Dillinger's oil-mill was located about 
one hundred rods east from the present village of 
Dillingersville, in Lower Milford, on a branch of the 
Schantz (.'reek. The oil-mill wa- erected by Jacob 
Dillinger, between the years 1788-90, and was con- 
tinued by him for over fifteen years. The mill was 
rebuilt and altered to a dwelling-house, which is still 
in a good condition, and has since 1853 been in pos- 
session nC and occupied by Edward Reinhard. 

Stahler's oil-mill was situated on Ortl's ('reek, in 
Lower Milford (then Upper Milford ), and near the 
public road leading from Zionsville to Coopersburgj 
'flu- oil-mill was erected bj Anthony Stabler pre- 
vious to the year 1785, and was continued by him 
until his death, in 1799. After winch it was pur- 



I'l'I'Ki: AM' I.OWKK MILFOUI) TOWNSHIPS. 



395 



chased by his son, Anthony Stabler, .lr.. in March, 

1800, and was tinued by him until 1805, and was 

then sold to Jacob Mohr, who discontinued the oil 
mill forever. The mill-house was rebuilt as a dwell- 
ing-house, which i- -nil -i ling, but nol occupied. 

Tanneries. — Burkbaltei is Bituated in 

Lowei M ilford, on the old public Kii road 

leading from Macungie to Philadelphia, aboul one- 
quarter of a mile soutbeasl from /.i<>n-\ ille Station, on 
the Perkiomen Railroad. About the year 1822, John 
Hanger purchased fr< lacob Larosch nearly seven- 
teen Men- of land, and erected the same yi 
nerj on the tract. He conducted the same for :ilx >n t 

two years, and sold to Samuel Moyer, who i tinued 

t be tannery lor nearly three 3 ears, :in>i Bold to < lharles 
Burkhalter in 1827, who continued for thirty-five years 
(until 1862), and 'Hod. In the same year Charles Burk- 
halter, Jr., purchasi d has since con 
tinued the tannery with success. 

Hulls' tannery was Bituated in Lower Milford, on 
the Hosensack ( 'reek, on the same road as Dubs' grist- 
mill, and one and om 1 ightfa miles easl from Dillin- 
gersville. The land on which this tannery was erected 
is also a pari of the original tract called "Potts." 
Jacob Dubs, Jr., purchased from Ins father, Daniel, 
in December, 1824, the said tract of thirty-four acres. 
He carried on the business lor main years, as also did 
his sons, Daniel Dubs and Jacob D. Dubs, and after- 
wards Alvin Jarretl and Samuel K.Carl. About tin- 
year 1861 operations were discontinued. 

Dubs' Forge was situated in Lower Milford, on a 
branch of the Hosensack, on the public road leading 
from Dubs' grist-mill to Limeport, and about one- 
quarter of a mile northeast from said grist-mill. This 
mill was erected by John Dubs about the year 1825. 
John Dubs purchased from his father, Daniel Dubs, 
over sixty eight acres, besides the old homestead 
(which is pan of a tract of one hundred and fifty acres 
called "Potts" . on Dec. 17,1824. At this mill or 
forge there was manufactured all kinds of cutlery, 
augers, etc. The Dubs forge was known to a distance 
of ov( r twenty miles around. This mill was conducted 
by John Dubs, and also by hi- son, Aaron K. Dubs, 
tor a number of years. 

Limekilns. — Limestone is abundant in the I 
Back Valley in Lower Milford, and also on the line 
between Lower Milford and Saucon (at Limeport , 
and on the line between Upper Milford and Lower 
Macungie, and on the line between Upper Milford 
and Hereford (Berks Co.). When the first limekiln 

was erected I am not able to say. At fiisl there was 
almost every farm. During the winter months 
the farmers hauled their lime-tone, many having to 
go a great distance to the quarry. They burned lime 
only for their own use. 

\ ut the year 1800, or previous to that year, there 

was a limekiln erected by Abraham Schantz on his 
premises in the Hosensack Valley. Lime was tir-t 
manufactured or burned by wood, anil later with coal, 



and -"Id to the farmers and builders. Later there 

Hue other kiln 1 by \ urahara Schantz, 

and by his son, John Schantz. and still later by bi- 
sons, Joseph s.'h, mi/, Henry Schantz, Samuel Wein- 
berger, and other-. At present there an 
eight limekilns il ick kept in operation 

yi 1 1 peciallj during the spring and fall season, by 

Solomon Schantz, Milton Schantz. Jonathan 

etc \t Limeport there are a number of kilns kept in 
operal ion by Thomas K. 
Creameries. — The Hosi 1 imery Company 

was organized and incorporated in I ' 1879. 

The first officers of this incorporation were William 
Harrison Mechling, president; Adam K 
tary; Reuben M. Roeder, treasurer. 

In the following year, 1880, the company en 
building, with all the necessary machinery, in the 
village of Hosensack. The average supply of milk 
Used in this creamery i- over four thousand one hun- 
dred pounds [icr day. Out of that milk is made one 
hundred and thirty pounds of butter per day and 

hundred and ten pounds of cheese. Thi 

cut officers are Samuel (I.Carl, president; William 
M. Roeder, secretary and superinti nd< Dl ; So 
Schantz, treasurer. 

Schiller'- creamery i- Bituated in Lower Milford, 
on the public road leading from Dillingersville to 

urg, and nearly two miles southeast from 
Dillingersville. The buildings of tin- creami I 
erected, and engine and all the necessary machinery 
put in. in 1880, by David Schuler, and tin en 
was started on the 6th of September, in the same 
year, by bis sun, William R. Schuler, wh 
the proprietor of it. In the year 1888, Mr. 81 

I and used litly-nine thousand live hundred 

and eighty-one pounds of milk, from which he man- 
ufactured, during the same year, two thousand and 
twenty-two pounds of butter and nearly four thou 
-and pounds of cheese. William Schuler i- still the 

proprietor. 

List of Soldiers of the War of 1812 from Upper 
Milford. — Henry Plores, George Flore-. G 
Schmoyer, Nicolaus Fegely, Henrj I harles 

Ross, Jacob Krammes, John V. Buskirk, Dr. C. 
Friederich Dickeoshied surgeon), Jacob <>rtt. 

Soldiers of the Civil War.- -List of the names of 
Idiers who served with the One Hundred and 
Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Militia for ten 
month- in Virginia, North Carolina, and Smith Caro- 
lina from Upper and Lowei Milford: Capt., George 

Lower Milibnl : 1st lient., Charles II. I 
Upper Milford; 2d lieut., Philip W. Flores, Lower 
Milford; Is' Lddison Siebert, Lower Milford ; 

3d sergt., John (i. Rosenbery, Upper Milford; 4th 
Charles Heil, Lower Milford; 5th sergt, Wil- 
liam II. Wieand, Upper Milford; 2d corp., William 
M. Roeder, Lower Milford ; 3d corp., John 1'. I 
Upper Milford ; 4th corp., Willoughby Standt, Upper 
Milford; 6th corp., Henry Bauer, I pper Milford; 



396 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



drummer, Michael Nuss, I pper Milford; privati 
Lower Milford, Jonathan II. Bickel, Franklin Flores, 
David • rery, Daniel Heimhach, William H. Schiffert; 
privates of Upper Milford, Martin Ackerman, John 
Brecht, William Dony, William Ettinger, David 
Fischer, Solomon Hallman, Joseph Kuhns, Gottlieb 
Plueger, Lewis Rein bold, Samuel Bothenberger, 

William Sieliei , 

The following three-year men served in 31 
regiments, Upper Milford: William Schlicher, Jacob 
Diehl, Edwin Diehl, John Lynn, One Hundred and 

Fourth Regiment ; Solomon Wicder, David Wieder, 
Daniel Hittel, Forty-seventh Regiment. 

Lower Milford, Milton Engelman, Reuben M. 
S, dialler, dohn .1. liruuner, One Hundred and Fourth 
Regiment; Solomon Hilligass, Levenus Hilliga--, 
Charles Miller, Anthony Kleinsmith, Daniel Klein- 
smith, Forty-seventh Regiment. 

Dillingersville is a small village situated in Lower 
Milford township, and contains one hotel, one store, 
post-office, telegraph-office (of the Union Telegraph 
Company), and seven dwelling-houses. It is located 
on Moser's or (later) Dillinger's Ridge, and on the 
public road leading from Zionsville, or from the old 
King's high-road to Spinnerstown, in Bucks County, 
and is nearly eleven miles southwest from Allentown. 
This place was first settled in the year 1735, by Mi- 
chael Moser, who immigrated two years prior from 
the Palatinate to this country, coming to Philadel- 
phia, in the ship " Adventurer," with fifty-seven 
others of his friends and comrades, ou Sept. 23, 1732. 
He settled in the year above mentioned at this place, 
and took up one hundred acres of land, on which the 
present village is located. He built his first house 
near a beautiful spring of clear water, and lived there 
about thirty years. He sold his property about the 
year 1765 to Bernhard Straub, who sold, 1773, to Peter 
Scbuler, who sold, 1788, to John Jacob Dillinger, who 
erected soon afterwards an oil-null on the premises, 
and ran the same for about fifteen years. This oil- 
mill is still there, about one hundred rods east from 
Dillingersville. It was later rebuilt and changed to 
a dwelling-house, and for a number of years occupied 
by one of his daughters, Christina Dillinger. It is 
now in possession of Edward Beinhard, and is still in 
good condition. About the year 1800, John Dillin- 
ger, Jr., son of John Jacob Dillinger, established a 
country store on the premises, which they kept for 
about nine years. 

On Dec. 5, 1803, John Jacob Dillinger died, and 
left live children, — two sous — John and Daniel — and 
three daughters, — who divided the property among 
themselves. On April 19, 1805, John Dillinger pur- 
chased ninety-seven acres and one hundred and four 
perches of the Dillingersville property from the heirs 
of John Jacob Dillinger, deceased. On Sept. 2, lXO'.l, 
John Dillinger, Jr., sold all bis property to Lorenz 
and Daniel Stabler for £1404 15s., and removed to 
Philadelphia. 



In the year 1810, Daniel Stahler established the 

first tavern in Dillingersville, and became the land- 
lord, and continued the same for -eventeoii years, until 

1^27. In 1827 the property was sold to Henry Stahler, 
who continued the hotel tor two years, and sold, in 
i - 19, to Hans Dillinger (or John Dillinger, 3d , who 

.sold the same year to hi- -on, lleniv Dillinger (son- 
in-law of Daniel Stabler). From L827 to 1X20 the 
store was kept by Jacob Weber. 

In the year 1830 a Large stone hotel building was 
erected by Henry Dillinger, who became the landlord, 

and kept the hotel for a period of twenty-live years, 
until 1855, when he removed to Allentown. He was 
also the proprietor of the store for about seventeen 
years,- from L829 to 1846. Since 1855 the hotel has 
been kept by the following landlords, viz.: Jesse 
Beichenbach, 1855-56; Christian Fischer, 1856-58; 
Edward Frey, 1858-61; George Neitz, 1861-63; 
Hiram Heil, 1863-64 ; Francis Buchecker, ISC, 1 
Nathan Carl, 1865-68; E. S. Diefenderfcr, 1868-82 ; 
Henry Acker, 1882-84 ; William Boyer, 1884. 

In the year 1848 a large two-story stone dwelling- 
house, and in 1859 a large stone Swiss barn, and in 
1860 a new frame store-house, were erected, all by 
Henry Dillinger. 

In 1866, when Henry Dillinger died, all the real 
property was sold to F. T. Jobst, of Emails, over 
one hundred and three acres, for over eleven thousand 
three hundred dollars. He sold, 1867, the store prop- 
erty and eleven acres of land to Israel Larosch, and 
in 1869 the hotel property and eleven acres of land to 
E. S. Diefenderfer. 

Since the time of John Dillinger, Jr. (1809), the 
store has been kept as follows, viz. : John Buch, four 
years ; Charles & Jacob Weber, four years (1825-29) ; 
Henry Dillinger, seventeen years (1829-46) ; Jesse 
Zelner, four years (1846-50) ; Erwiu Burkhalter, four 
years (1851-56); Solomon Dillinger & Daniel J. 
Dillinger, two years (1856-58); William J. Eberhard, 
three years (1858-61); George Edelman, three years 
(1861-64); Wieand & Brother, one year (1864-65); 
John M. Schelly, two years (1866-68) ; Flores & 
Mover, five years (1868-73) ; William M. Gehman, 
four years (1873-77) ; E. D. Beiter, four years (1877- 
XI i ; Henry W. Nuss, since 1XX1 (three years). 

Since 1853 this village has always been used as the 
polling-place of Lower Milford, and previous to the 
year L853 (in which year Lower Milford was separated 
from Upper Milford) it was the polling-place of Upper 
Milford for over fifty years, but only for the fall 
election. 

From 1X12 until 1X6X mails were carried to this 
post-office only once a week. First, every Thursday, 
by route from Fogelsvile to Trumbauersville (Bucks 
County) and back, afterwards, by route, from Ma- 
cungie to North Wales (Montgomery County), every 
Friday, and back on Saturday. Later, from 1868 to 
1X74, twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday. First 
by route from Sumneytown (Montgomery Couuty) to 



I ITER AND LOWKII Mil, FORD TOWNSHIPS 



397 



Emaua and back, then by route from Palm (Mont 
gomery < lounty i to Emaua and bach . 

Since 1874 mails have been carried i pery day, ex- 
cept "ii Sunday, by Perkiomen Railroad. 

Postagi was, previous to 1816, on a letter of only 
teet (one-quarter of an ounce), for i 
nut over forty miles eight cents, not over ninety miles 
ten cents, and not over one hundred miles twelve and 
a halt cents, and over five hundred mi 
een is. From 1816 to L845 postage on a letter of one- 
i ut mi ounce was six and one-quarter cents for 
a distance of thirty miles, from tbirtrj to eighty miles 
ten 1 1 nt-, from eighty to one hundred and fifty miles 
twelvi and a half cents, from one hundred and fifty 
to four hundred miles eighteen cent.-, and over four 
hundred twenty-five cents. From L845 to 1851, on a 
letter nut over one-half of an ounce three hundred 
miles five cents, and over three hundred miles ten 
cents. 

In 1851 postage was reduced to three cents in ad- 
vance, and otherwise live cents tor a distance of not 
o\ it three thousand mill -. 

In 1863 postage was reduced on a lett.r not over 
one-half ounce to all part- of the 1 nited States to 
three cents, to he paid in advance. Since Oct. 1, 
1888, postage is only two cents on a letter not over 
one-halt' ounce to all parts of the United Statea. 

Stahler's (later Dillingersville) Post-Office. — In 
the y.ar 1812 there was a post-office established in 
the present village of Dillingersville, by the nam.- of 
Stahler's Post-Office, and Daniel Stahler was appointed 
postmaster. This was the first post-office in the lowei 
part of the county of Lehigh. Daniel Stahler had 
been postmaster until L827, when he sold the property 
to Henry Stahler and resigned the post-office, when 
Henry Stahler was appointed postmaster for two years, 
ami resigned. 

In 1829, Hans Dillinger purchased the hotel prop- 
erty, and his son, Henry Dillinger, son-in-law of 
Daniel Stahler, became postmaster the same year, and 
purchased also the property from his father, Hans 1 >il- 
linger, and conducted the post-office until alum! tin- 
year 1*41), win ii il was discontinued for two years. 

In the year 1851, under the administration of Presi- 
dent Fillmore, this post-office »as re-established, under 
the name of Dillingersville, and Ervin Burkhalter 
w as appointed postmaster, who administered the office 

for four years, ami resigned in 1856. 

Tin- same year Daniel .1. Dillinger was appointed, 
and served until 1866, when James L). Dillinger was 

appointed lor "in- year. 

In November, 1867, P. W. Finn- was appointed 

post master at this post-office, and has administered 
the same until the present date (Jan. 21, 1884 . 

Dillinger's Station, a village of six dwelling- 
Bouses, Btation-house, one grain and feed store, is situ- 
ated -m the Perkiomen Railroad, in Upper Milford, 
about one and one-quarter miles north from the vil- 
lage of Dillingersville. 



In the Centennial year, 1876, when the Perkiomen 
Railroad was opened for the aci iraod the 

community, this station was established under the 

n o i if Schelly'- Station, later changed to I tillin 

In the same y. Levi \. Schelly erected a 

feed storehouse and opened a coal-yard, in which 
he has since done a successful business. \t this pla 
is the tunnel of the Perkiomen Railroad, constructed 

in L874 75, through the solid rock of a brand 

South .Mountain. It is between hundred 

and eighteen hundred feet long. Mails are to be car- 
ried between Dillinger's Station and Dillingersville 
i ice ei cry daj . except Sunday. 

Hosensack Village.— This village is situated near 
the Hosensack Creek, in Lower Milford, and on 
public road leading from Macungie to Philadelphia 
(the old " King's high-road" I, and nearly twelve miles 
-oiith we- 1 from A 1 lent own. It contain- a hotel, store, 
and post-office, creamery, and nine dwelling-houses. 
The land On which the village i- local. -.1 was a part 

ot one hundred and fifty acres taken ti|i by Henry 
Keilier 01- Geber), in pursuance of a warrant dated 
June 26, 1734. About one-fourth of a mile east of 
this village the first house was erected in the same 
year by Henry Keiber. He sold the land one ■ 
later (June 6, 1735) to Andreas Eckhard, who Bold, 
Dec. 24, 1744. to David Streib, who gold, March 17. 
1846, to George Klein, who obtained a patent ' Iced), 

which was dated Aug. 6, 17o7. tieorge Klein estah 
lisbed the first tavern on the site of the present village 
of Hosensack. We find that he was first licensed to 
keep tavern in June, 17">9. This tavern was situ- 
ated on the above-mentioned " King's high-road," 
which was surveyed and laid out in the month of 
March, 1735. (This place, or the neighborhood, was 

- thin- called " Hosenliaa- m," and it is so men- 
tioned in the Pennsylvania Archive-, when Secretary 
.John Armstrong ordered to report without delay fifty 
men. soldiers at George Klein's, jn Hosenhaason, 
Oct. 1, 1784, being the time of the Indian troubles in 
the Wyoming Valley, i 

Previous to the Revolutionary war George Stahl 
established a country store near the village of Hosen- 
sack, which was continued for several years. Stahl 

was employed as teamster during the war, and with 

two team- In- hauled regularly Hour and other pro- 
visions from his stoic and other places to the head- 
quarters oi the American army in Philadelphia. 
Flour was brought from the mill in the neighborho- 
and with all kinds of provisions from the neighbor- 
hood brought to Stahl'- store. Phi store was later 
discontinued. 

In the vicinity of Hosensack. in the time of the 
Revolutionary war, the last hear in Milford was killed 
by John Stahl. a son of George Stahl. when he was 
only twelve years old, with the assistance of other 
boys of the neighborhood. 

The above-mentioned George Stahl kept the tavern 
at this place for a period of twenty-s. veil years, until 



398 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the year 1786, in which year Gabriel Klein was li- 
censed i" keep it. How long he kept tavern is not 

know n. 

In the year 1 7*. >7. George Klein sold all his land to 
his three sons,— Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That 
portion on which the tavern was located, or all thai 
portion of his land which was situated mi the south 
Mile of tlic King's high road, was sold t" his son A lira- 
ham : ami mi doubt In' carried on the tavern for a 
number of years. Later the hotel was sold by Abra- 
ham Klein to hi- brother-in-law, Andrew Rieser, who 
with his wife, Sybilla Rieser, kept it for several years. 
At the same time a store was kept here by Jonathan 
Stahl, son in daw of Andrew Rieser. Jonathan Stab.] 
was also licensed to keep tavern in May. 1815, and 
continued tor several years. In or about the year 
1820, Hans (or John) Yeakel became the landlord, 
and kept the hotel lor several years, after which Jona- 
than Stahl again had charge of it a tew years. In or 
about the year 1830, Henry Stabler purchased the 
hotel property from Andrew Rieser, and continued 
the hotel for three years, when it was sold to Peter 
Gery, who sold it, about the year 1840, to Solomon L. 
Holder, who continued the same for over twenty-five 
years, until the year 1866. In 1866, George Baeh- 
man purchased the property, and in 1869 he built a 
new stone hotel, of which he remained the landlord 
until 1882, when he leased it to John Schneck, who 
was the landlord for one year. In the year 1883, 
Christian Weisz, the present landlord, purchased the 
property. Previous to the year 1800 this hotel re- 
ceived the name of "Hirschhorn Wirthshaus," or 
" Buckhorn Hotel," which it has ever since home. 

In the year 1828, David Gehman established a 
new store, and was appointed postmaster. About 
the year 1850, David Gehman built a second and 
large brick store-house and store, in which business 
was continued by Gehman & Schoenly until 1860, 
after which Wickert & Klein, William M. Gehman, 
Charles Schoenly, Henry A. Kauffman, and A. N. 
Wanner carried it on. 

The Hosensack post-office was established in or 
about the year 1841, and David Gehman was appointed 
the first postmaster (under the administration of Pres- 
ident Taylor). He was the postmaster until the year 
1853, at which time (under President Fierce) Solo- 
mon L. Holder was appointed, in 1861, David Geh- 
man was appointed postmaster the second time, and 
kept the office until 1872, — eleven years, — when he 
resigned, and his son-in-law, Charles Schoenly, was 
appointed. In IS?.' 7 ., H. A. Kauffman was appointed. 
He served three years, ami resigned, and in 1876 A. 
Hunsieker was appointed. Mrs. Annie Wanner, his 
successor and the present incumbent, was appointed 
postmistress in 1*80. 

Limeport is a village in Lower Milford township, 
on the Sam on line, and on the public road leading 
from the Allentown and Coopersburg turnpike to 
Steinshurg (Bucks County). It contains two hotels, 



"in -tore, coachmakere' -hop, telegraph-offio 
office, and thirteen dwelling-houses. The land on 
which the village is located was a part of a tract pur- 
chased b\ a man named Philip Hill, of Saucon. In 

the year 1825, Daniel Erdman erected the present 
Eagle Hotel, ami became the landlord, and kepi it 
until his death, iii 1850. in 1851, Reuben Schatl'er 
purchased the property, and kept the hotel for twenty- 
five years (until the year 1876), and sold to Thomas 
K. I >tt, who kept it two years, and in 1878 his son, M. 
11. Ott, the present landlord, took possession. In the 
year 1850, Joseph Wittman built the other hotel (at 
present occupied bj Peter Benner). This was occu- 
pied l.\ tenants lor over fifteen year-, as follows, viz.: 
George Neits, 1850-52 ; Abner Mory, 1852 54; Deri 
& Hitting, 1854 55; J. B. Kemmerer, 1855-64; Wil- 
liam Egner and others. 1864-65; David Erdman, 
L865 66. In the year 1866, Titer Benner purchased 
the lintel propert] from the heirs of David Erdman 
and became the landlord. He still holds that position. 

The following persons have kept store in the vil- 
lage: John Aplegate; Abner Mory, 1852-54 ; Derr & 
Bitting, 1854-55; J. B. Kemmerer, 1855-64; Sam- 
uel Bergstresser, 1864-65; Benner & Fink, 1865-70; 
Schaffer & Deily, and Charles Egner. 

Limeport Post-Office. — This post-office was estab- 
lished at the store of Benner & Fink in the year 
1867, and Lewis N. Benner was appointed postmaster, 
and held the office until 1871. The same year Joseph 
Wittman was appointed postmaster, and held the 
office for eleven years, when he resigned. In the 
year 1882, Charles Egner was appointed postmaster, 
and is still in office. 

Kraussdale, a village of eight dwelling-houses, 
one school-house, machine-shop, and foundry, is situ- 
ated in Lower Milford, on the old "King's high- 
road," in the most southern part of Lehigh County, 
and about two and a quarter miles south from the 
village of Hosensack. The land on which Kraussdale 
is situated was first settled by Ulrich Rieszer in 1735. 
He took up two hundred and seventy-eight acres. 
Rieszer died Sept. 9, 17S4, and his executors, Casper 
Rieszer and George Kriebel, sold one hundred and 
ninety-live acres and one hundred and thirty-six 
perches (part of two hundred and seventy-eight acres) 
to Jacob Probst tor sixteen hundred and forty-eight 
pounds. Probst sold it in 1793 to Baltzer Krauss for 
seventeen hundred pounds, who sold, June 4, 1803, to 
Ins two sons, John Krauss and Andrew Krauss, tor 
seventeen hundred and seventy-five pounds. 

At this place, previous to the year 1800, there was a 
machine-shop erected by John Krauss, Sr., in which he 
manufactured wool carding-machines on a large scale. 
In the year 1819, John Krauss died, and the property 
came in possession of his son, Anthony Krauss. who 
changed the shop to a thrashing-machine manufac- 
tory, in which excellent thrashing-machines were 
made. A. Krauss died in the year 1852, and the 
property came in possession of his sons, Isaac Y. 



I ITI'.i: AND LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIPS 



399 



Krauss, Harrison Y. Krauss, :tn<l Jamea Krauss. 
[Thej continued the business ol manufacturin 
chines under the firm-name of Krauss & Bi 
and are doing al present a large business. 

About the year 1870 a large machine-manufactory 
was established by Krauss & Brothers, in which was 
also a foundry. In this factory at present all kinds of 
agricultural and many other machines are manufac- 
tured. Krauss & Brothers' business will al p 
equal any other of the same kind in Lehigh County. 

At the same place, about the year 17'.m, an organ 
manufactory was established 03 Andrew Krauss. At 
this place the first melodi on in the United States was 
manufactured. Many churches in Lehigh, Berks, 
Montgomery, and Bucks Counties have been supplied 
with organs by A. Krauss, and later by Joel Krauss. 

Corning is a small village containing six dwelling- 
houses, Btore, ami post-office, and -citic.n-li.iu-, Per- 
kiomen Railroad . situated on the line between Lower 
Bnd Dpper Milford, mar the line ..(' .Mmtii 
County, ami on the public road leading from Here- 
ford, Berks Co., to the Hosensack Valley. 

This village lias been built up in the last seven or 
bight years by Elias Trump, -Mrs. Sterner, and others. 
A stun- was kept there by 11. W. Nuss, Elias Trump 
is the present store-keeper. 

At the end of June, 1883, there was a new post- 
bffice . -i al.ii- In-. i a i the above-described village under 
the name of Corning, and Elias Trump was appointed 
postmaster. He still holds the office. 

Zionsville (Old). — This village is located in Upper 
Milford, on the old " Kind's high-road" leading from 
Maeungie to (xoshenhoppen, and also on the Here- 
ford and Shimersville turnpike, and on a brancli of the 
South Mountain, and is between nine and ten miles 
Southwest from Allentown. The village contain- one 
hotel, ..He -tore. tw.. churches, one carriage-factory, 
on.- marble-yard, and thirty dwelling-houses. 

The early history of this village is, like that of 
others, involved in some obscurity. The land on 
Which the village is situated was taken up by Chris- 
tian < rail, or Kraul. and Philip Herzog. ('rail took 
the upper pan, on the hill, from the Lutheran t Ihurch 
■rest and northwestward (about twenty-five acres . in 
ir 1734. The laud on which the lower or south- 
fern part Of Zionsville is located (about one hundred 

and two aer.- 1 was taken up between 1740 and 1750. 

The first house of Zionsville was no doubl elected by 
Christian (.'rail, near the present residence id' George 
Bchell, in 1734. On ('rail's land was the Lutheran 

Church, and on Herzog's land the Reformed Church 
pas erected. I 'all -..Id to Martin Schaffer, who sold 

to his brother, William Schaffer, and in 1789 the land 
became the property of Christoffel and William Mohr. 
The second house no doubt was built on the south 
side of the present village by 1'hilip Herzog, about 
the year L740. After the death of father Herzog 

(17s;. the land became the property of his son, Paul 

pei I, Feb. 14, 1789, to Wendell Wieand. 



On this land, between 1750 and L755, the 
formed Church, a log structure, was erected. On tin- 
north side of l 'rail'- land Peter I 1 ight, Jan. 
20, 17">,;. of John Bingamao one hundred and twenty 
acre-. He donated, 1757, one acre to the Lutheran 
congregation, and upon it. in 1758, the first Lutheran 

chiii i I, about fifty perches north of 

the Kef. run. 1 ( 'hureh. 

About the year 1810 the lir-i blished 

by Philip H i*fifil| wh " sold, some years later, to bis 
brother. William Hittel, who -old to \\ hand .V 
Meyer. Thov~~sold, several year- afterwards, to < '. 

W. Wieand. 

About the \ear 1830 a new stone hotel was erected 
by Philip Hittel, and he became landlord, and con- 
tinued in business for many years. 

In 1789 the sec md Reform. I I Ihurch, and in I*] 'J 

the second Lutheran Church la Union Church:, w. re 
led, both of -tone. In 1853 a new organ was 
erected in the Union Church, which cost eight hun- 
dred dollars. 

In L858 the third Reformed, and in 1^7<l the third 
Lutheran, Churches were built, both of brick. 

In the year 1841 a two storj school-house was built 

by subscriptions, taken among both congregations, for 

the u-e of both churches. In this school-house, in 

lir-t Sunday-school (a Union school) was 

established, under the name of /.ion's Sunday-school. 

\l.niit the year 1869 a large brick dwelling-house 
was built by Anthony Mechling. 

Al.. nit the \ ear 1 B53, i leorge Neitz became the pro- 
prietor of the hotel, and kept the same for three years, 
after which Christian Henninger became proprietor. 
In 1865, Jonathan B. Kemmer purchased it and be- 
came the landlord. In 1 SfJ.S he sold to Nathan Carl, 
who kept it until his death, in 1*7'.'. since which 
time Jane Jackenbach has been the landlady. 

About the year 1848, C. W. Wieand built a large 
stone store, which has since been kept by several per- 
sons, — Willoughby Artinan i until 1857),Mahlon Art- 
man L857 62 . Erdman & Mark L862 66 , Henry 
Erdman (1866-69), Frank Gery 1869-72), Henry 
Bechtold 1872-74), Charles Mangold 187-4 78), and 
Isaac Kriebel, at present. 

I h. greater part of the houses have been erected 
since 1850. 

I., i.us to 1860 a coaebmaker's shop was erected, 
and was operated tor several years by I 'avid Trexler 
and others, and since 1866 bj Joseph Z. Yeakel. 

In the year 1849 there was a post-office established 

at this place by the name of Zionsville, and Charles 

W. Wieand was appointed postmaster. Since that 

time tile village ha- been called Zionsville. The 

hi. e u a- discontinued in 1853. 

Zionsville New . — This village i- situated on the 
-aiiie public road as the older \ illage, and also on the 

Perkiomen Railroad, in Upper Milford, nearly one 
mile southeast from Old Zionsville. It contain! 
station-house, hotel, store and post-office, school- 



400 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



house, and ten dwelling-houses. The foundation of 

this village was laid in 1876, when the Perki in 

Railroad was opened, and when the station house 
was built. I'll' ar a large brick hotel and 

house was built by Abraham Geisinger, and a1 
the same time dwelling-houses were buill by Rev. 
Uriah Schelly, Elias Rosenberger, Philip Miller, Sol- 
omon Hallinan, Joseph Schultz, and Alfred Komig. 
and latei bj William VI. Gehman, Samuel Schubert, 
\ . 1 1< and i leorge Miller. 

I he hotel and store were kept by William M. Geh- 
man, two years (1877-79): C. Czarlinsky, two years 
(1879-81); O. F. Haas, two yeai 1881-83). Since 
April, 1883, .lanes Schantz has been hotel-keeper, 
and 0. F. Haas store-keeper. 

In 1878 a post-office named Zionsville was estab- 
lished, and William M. Gehman appointed postmas- 
ter. In 1882, Abraham Z. Schelly, the present post- 
master, was appointed. 

Shimersville. — This village, containing a hotel, 
store, post-office, and dwelling-houses, is situated on 
the old public road (King's high-road) leading from 
Macungie to Goshenhoppen or Philadelphia, nine 
miles southwest from Allentown, and nearly two and 
a half miles southeast from Macungie. The land on 
which this village is located was originally three hun- 
dred and fifty-two acres, and was settled by Durk 
Jansen (or Derrick Johnson) in the year 1734. He 
sold, May 12, 1743, one hundred acres to l'aul Dearst, 
and later sold the other part of his land to Jacob 
Miller. 

Wheu and where the first building on Jansen's (or 
Johnson's) land was erected is unknown, but no doubt 
it was in the year 173">, and by Jansen himself. 
When the first hotel in Shimersville was established 
is likewise unknown. We know that Jacob Miller 
was mentioned as an inn-keeper as early as 1774, and 
that he kept the tavern for not less than twenty years. 
In or about the year 1792, John Shimer, Esq., pur- 
chased the property, and was the owner of it for 
over thirty-three years, until 1828. Shimer was also 
a justice of the peace for at least ten years (1795- 
1805). 

During the time in which John Shimer was the 
owner of the hotel property the house was managed 
a few years by himself, and then by several tenants, 
as follows: John Shimer, George Climer, John Stopp, 
Moses ( lain, I >aniel Scherr, Jonathan Schwartz, Dan- 
iel Gross, John Wesley, John Vogt (or Focht), Isaac 
Jarrctt, John Jarrett, Daniel West, Charles Wieder, 
Daniel Siegfried, Friederic Bischitz. 

In the year 1828, John Shimer sold the hotel and 
his farm to his son, Charles B. Shimer, who was in 
possession of the same for thirty-seven years, until 
1865, during which time the hotel was kept by the 
following landlords, viz. : Charles B. Shinier, 1828-35; 
John Kneiss, 1835-36; Joseph Beidler, 1836-39; 
Joshua Stabler, 1839-44; Reuben Stabler, 1844-45; 
George Beck, 1845-68. 



In the year 1863, Charles S. Shimer (son of Charles 
B. purchased the hotel, and became the landlord for 

live years, until lXHX, when he sold to his brother in- 
law, Jacob Riegel, who was the owner of the hotel 
for ten years, and sold to William 1!. Shaffer & Co., 
the present owners. During this time the hotel was 
iii charge of the following landlords i tenants i, viz. : 

John Weaver, Ephraim Brb, A.J. Schmick, Solomon 
Bortz, Henry Weidner, Henry Euder, Adam Miller, 
present landlord. 

Store was first kept by Joshua Stabler & Reuben 
Stabler, five years ( 1839- 14) ; Reuben Stabler, eleven 
years I 1844-55) ; llartzel & Jordan, two years 1855- 
57) ; Jordan & Derr, four years (1857- 61 ; I 'lis. Derr, 
one year (1861-62). In August, 1862, store was de- 
stroyed by fire, and a new store was built the same 
year. Then Shimer & Brother kept store three 
(1863-66); Mark & Schantz, two years (1866-68); 
M. M. Mark, seven years (1868-75) ; and Kern & 
Brother since 1875, the present store-keepers (1884). 

In 1845, Reuben Stabler built i w store-house. 

In 1858, Dr. Jacob Shimer built a large dwelling- 
house, and later C. B. Shimer and John B. Shimer 
built more dwelling-houses. 

Shimersville post-office was established in 1853, and 
Reuben Stabler appointed postmaster. He served 
two years, and resigned in 1855, when Charles B. 
Shimer was appointed, and was in office until 1867, 
at which time Dr. Albert M. Sigmund was appointed 
postmaster, and served until bis death, in 1875. 
Since that time John L. Schreiber has been the reg- 
ular postmaster. 

Shimersville is located on one of the highest points 
of the Lehigh or South Mountain, from which the 
water runs in four different directions, north-north- 
east, southeast, east, and southwest. At the east 
branch, about three hundred yards from its source, 
1). N. Kern constructed a carp-pond, and here the 
first German carp in Lehigh County were placed in 
an artificial pond the 9th of April, 1881. Mr. Kern 
soon found out that his carp-pond was profitable, so 
he enlarged it in the fall of 1883, and expects large 
profits from it in the future. 

The soil in Ihis vicinity is a dark gravel intermixed 
with clay and loam. This soil is to be found about 
one mile west and one mile east from Shimersville, 
and for about half a mile north and south on this 
kind of soil the heaviest wheat can be raised that is 
known in Lehigh County. It weighs from sixty-four 
to sixty-six pounds per bushel. In the village of 
Shimersville there is some of the richest red oxide 
iron ore. About one-fourth of a mile south of the 
village are, at Zionsville, some of the richest mag- 
netic iron-ore veins. There is also some magnetic 
iron and zinc northwest from Shimersville. Alioul 
one-eighth of a mile north from the village is a rich 
deposit of emery and corundum. The corundum 
crystals are worth two hundred dollars per ton. 
There is some land in this neighborhood at the pres- 



SALISBURY TOWNSHIP. 



401 



ent time thai is held al one thousand dollars per 
acre. Tliis same land could be bought very cheap 
twelve years ago. Up 



to 1850 Shimersville bad 
At the present time it has tliii 



only five houses, 
bouses. 

Powder Valley is a small village, containing >ix 
tig-houses, one store, one pottery, om saw- and 
grist-mill, situated in Upper Milford, on the Indian 
Creek, and on the public road leading from the sh ; - 
mersville and Hereford turnpike to the Hosi 
Valley. When tlie first bouse was erected at this 
place the writer cannot ascertain. In the yar 1829 
a powder-mill was erected by Henry Kemmerer, and 
continued by him fur about one year, when it v. 
to Henry Trump and Henry Schell, who carried it on 
about one year, when it exploded and was discontin- 
ued. Near the same place, in 1831, a second powder- 
mil! was erected by Henry Kemmerer, and wa 
tinned for a ti w years. Si veral explosions took place, 
in which three lives were lost,— two negroes and one 
German, Lewis Reiter. At the same time and place 
a store was also kept bj Kemmerer. 

About the year 1834 he sold out to Christopher Schu- 
bert, who discontinued the powder-mill ami store and 
erected on the same place a wool-carding mill and a 
Casinet-factory, which he continued for several years, 

and sold to the Indian Creek Mining Company, 
which corporation sold, in 1852, to Solomon Mover, 
who sold, in lsijii, to Sialil & Co. Thej discontinued 
the woolen-mills and factory and erected a stave-mill, 
which they sold two years later to Nathan Stahl, who 
erected a new saw-mill, with steam-engine (in 1874). 
These were continued until December, issw, at which 
time they wire totally destroyed by tire. In 1883, 
Mr. Stahl built on the same place a uew grist- and 
saw-mill, which is still in operation. A pottery was 
ere, ted here by Charles Stahl, and continued over 
twenty years. 

Vera Cruz. — This i- a village in Upper Milford, 
Containing one tavern, one post-office, one general 
store, one -hoe-- to re, one carriage-shop, one creamery, 
ami twenty-two dwelling-houses, situated on Fetter- 
man's Creek and on the crossing of two principal 
public roads, one leading from "the King's high- 
road" to Emaus and Allentown, ami the other lead- 
ing from Shimersville to Saucon township. It is 
about eight miles southwest from Allentown. 

I >f the beginning of this village but little is known. 
round on which the village is located was taken 
up in 1738 by John Baumgartner, who sold to Gabriel 
Koehler one hundred acres, who sold in 1758 to Felix 
Huber, who sold to Christian Fischer. This Chris- 
tian Fischer kept a store or shop on or near the site 
of the present Vera Cruz previous to the year 1763. 

In the year 1786, John Fischer, son of Christian 
Fischer, was licensed to keep tavern at the place now 
called Vera Cruz, and continued keeping tavern for 
nearly thirty years, until about 1815. His son, Jacob 
Fischer, also kept the house a few years. About the 



years 1811 -13, Copeland Boyd kepi -tore at this place, 
but -old out and went to liethlehem. In 1851, AJex- 
r Weaver commenced t" keep a Btore there, and 
continued foi three years. Weaver called the village 
first bj the name Vera Cruz in is;,]. IK- Bold 

John .Ian. it, who kepi Bl for two years and sold 

hard, who c meneed to keep tavern, 

and continued until the year l-s7o, when he went to 

Emaus. After Bernbard, John II. Berndt was land- 
lord for several years: then F. Ern-t Albert one year; 

Tilghman Buskirk, two years; and Llewellyn Diefen- 
derfer, the present landlord. The following per- 
also kept store here: I860 64, J. M. & J. II. Schelly; 
1864 67, P. G.Schelly; L867 77, Erdman& Schwartz; 
1877-84. Francis Schwartz. 

The greatest part of the buildings of this village 
have been erected since 1860. Under the administra- 
tion of President .lames Buchanan there was a pi 
office established in Vera ( Iruz, and < lharles Bernhard 

appointed postmaster, lie was in office until 1862; 
from 1862-64, John M. Schelly was postmaster; from 
lsi',4-67, P. G. Schelly was postmaster. In the year 
1867, Francis Schwartz, the present postmaster, was 

appointed. 

Vera Cruz Station is a small village and station on 
the Perkiomen Railroad, and on the public road lead- 
ing from old Vera Cruz village to Lanark, in Saucon, 
about one mile northeast from Vera Cruz. It contains 
five dwelling-houses, a hotel, coal-yard and feed-store, 
station-house, and telegraph-office. Most of the build- 
ings have been erected since 1875. J. Hateking has 
been the landlord for over eight years. Daniel Klein 
is the proprietor of the coal-yard and feed-store. 

Sigrnund Post-Office. — This post-office is located 
near the old Hamilton Furnace, in the Perkiomen 
Valley, in Upper Milford, on the public road leading 
from said furnace to Perry ville, in Berks County. It 
was established at the store of F. N. Gery, at that 
place, in 1872, and Peter Faust was appointed post- 
master. He is -till in office. This post-office receives 
mails by a route from Zionsville to Sieszholtzville 
three times a week. 



CHAPTER X N X. 



SALISBURY TOWNSHIP." 



SALISBURY, lies in the southeastern part of the 
county, and is bounded on the north by the Lehigh 
River and Whitehall, on the east by Northampton 
County, on the south and west by Upper Saucon, 
Upper Milford, and Macungie. The surface i- gener- 
ally rolling. In the southern part, and forming its 
boundary, is the Lehigh or South Mountain, and in 



1 By Professor J. 0. Knauss. 



102 



HISTORY" OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the northeastern part is * tetrom's Ridge. Bottom- 
lands border the river, affording :i fine field for the 
agriculturist, who \v.i* made the most of the advan- 
. jes here afforded him. Excel lenl farms are :il- ( > to 
be seen on the uplands at the foot of Soutb Mountain. 

On the 20th of March, 1753, a number of persons 
living in the territory along the L high River, a 
Bethlehem, united in a petition to the Court of Quar- 
ter Sessions of Northampton County, asking that a 
new township be sel off. This petition was presented 
to the coart on the 20th of May, at the same time 
with Whitehall and Weissenberg. The court took 
action upon the matter on the 9th of June, 1753. The 
following is from record of the court of that date: 

"The Petition of Divers Persons, Inhabitants of a 
tract of Land aboul 8 milea long and three miles broad, 
Bounded on one side by the West branch of Delaware, 
and on the other sides by the respective townships of 
Lower and Upper Saucon, Upper Rfilford, Macungie, 
and Whitehall, Pra\ ing that the same may be laid out 
^ato a township, to be called Salisbury, 1 was allowed." 

At the October term of court in that year Adam 
Blank was appointed constable, and on the IGth day 
of September, 1755, Peter Bogert was chosen as con- 
stable. The justices of the peace of the township 
from that time to 1840 will be found in the general 
history. 

The following is a copy of the assessment made 
by the commissioners of Northampton County, Dec. 
27, 1781 (George Libert collector; amount of tax, 
£150 Is. 6c*.)': 



Matthias Albert. 
William Albert. 
Adam G. Blank. 
Levan Abraham. 
Peter Boger. 
Jacob Boger. 
i ion r ad Boch. 

Peter Blank. 

Stephen Doal. 
Jacob Beishuni. 
Stophel Brhhach. 
John Edelman 
Nicholas Everoth. 
Widow Erhard. 
David Esbenbach. 
Widow Finck. 
Henry Fetter. 
Peti i Finch. 
i 'in 1st i. hi Gees. 
George < langwair. 

Felix G l. 

John i lerhard. 
Andrew Qering. 
George Grosh. 
Philip Gunther. 
Christian Gemot. 
John l lei n't 
John Hartman. 



Michael Hittle. 

George Holshoe. 
Henry Heiser 
Henry Heimbacb. 
David Heisser. 
George Haarman. 
Joseph Koon. 
Henry Keck. 
Abraham Knouse. 
Leonard Knorr. 
George Keck. 
John Keck. 
Andrew Keck. 
Henry Kemmerer. 
Marks Keeffer. 
Laurence Kline. 
Valentine Kaup. 
Jacob Knouse. 
John Knouse 
Henry Knouse. 
William Line. 
Hubiick Lihr. 
George Leibert 
Martin Lei l>ert. 

William Ij' >lii. 

Jacob Merckle. 
William Bloritz. 
George Meyei 



I 



i There Is qo doubt but that the original name of the township wan 
$al iberg, as this was almost if not quite a German settlement. The name 
appears, however, in all the court records of 176S, the year ol its organi- 
zation, as Salisbury, This i« accounted for by the courts being English, 
and the recording clerk wrote the English word Salisbury instead of the 
. !. Bafabt '■;/■ 



i Nagle. Peter Weaver. 

Geoi Andrew Walb. 

i Abraham Ziegler. 

Martin EMI I Conrad Bry. 

"^ Caspar Rltter. vi.un Tnrney. 

Frani Is Rob I. John Tnrney. 

Henry Rlnshi In i Andrew Etsenhard, 

Hem >' Ruch. John Trea I 

I'll -it'll Sundei ecs i John Grjesoo 

das Bhioei George Gllch. 

i-'i . dei lei Stu I ■ '' 

Bernet Straub. John Roth rock. 

Widow Shit/. 

George Btodei Andrew Winner. 
Jacob Spinnei , ; - Kolb. 

John Snydor, Andrew Lewis. 
Samuel ruling, rge Dutt, 

Caspur Weaver. Jacob Bausheuberger. 

Frederick Winsh. Jacob Mickly. 

Adam Wieder. Henry B 
Bastian Wendling. 

Adam G. Blank and Kranci> Road were assessed for 
seven pounds; Jacob Gissinger for eight pounds; 
Peter Boger, Henry Keck, each for live pounds; all 
others on lower amounts. 

The following names are found on record as those 
of persons having taken out warrants lor land in 
Salisbury township, with number of acres and date 
of warrant : 

Acres. 

Frederick Basserman, Dec. 7, 1767 81 

Philip Boehm, June 4, 1789 25 

Christopher Eechbach, Maj 18, 1790 4 

George Hoffman, Feb. 10, 1747 63 

Conrad Hertzel, Jan. 5, 1750 130 

John Kurtz, Feb. 20, 1765 61 

Benediet Nledingler, Aug.30,1794 Z'i 

Jacob Rickey, March 1, 1747 130 

Johannes Ranu, Oct. 18, 1760 91 

Henry Rickey, Dec. 28, 1752 84 

William Rmip, March 13, 1786 21 

e Spahn, Oct. 24, 1752 51 

Abraham Transue, March 30, 1736 160 

George Weiss, April 1, 1773 72 

In the assessment made in the year 1781, Stophel 
(Christopher) Eshbach is the only one given of those 
whose names appear above. 

The following is a copy of an assessment made by 
the commissioners of Northampton for the township 
of Salisbury for the year 1812: 

John Bogert. Thomas Everrett 

Abraham Uidlemnn. William Impelling. 

Jacob Buchecker. Henry Fetter. 

G 'ge Bleber. Jacob Fox, 

John Beirey. * Peter Fink. 

Jacob Brang, John Fetter. 

Michael Bauer. George Gernet. 

Henry Beirie, John Gernet. 

Henry Bauer. George Adam Klein. 

Tobias Burnet. George GeiBS. 

Jacob Christ. George Geissinger. 

John Deatericb. Philip Gross 

Stephen Dool. John Goebel. 

tin, rge Deiley. John G 

Christian Dutt. Christian Gernet 

John Diehl. Daniel Grose 

Daniel Diehl. John Hutchinson. 

Jacob Diehl. Christian Heiberger. 

Israel Dool. George Henry. 

Christian Deiley, John Horlacher. 

George Eh rich. Abraham Horlacher. 

George Eshbach. George Heist 

John Eshbach. Jacob Horlacher. 

Jacob Ehrenhord. Joseph Just, Jr. 



SALISBURY TOWNSHIP. 



403 



h JOBt. 

PblHp K ratuB, 
i i. 

Kacbline. 
John K 
Peter Klin.-. 
Storfle Klin.-. 

B 

i. ■ 
Hai nil Kemmerei . 
Andrew Keck, Sr. 
Andrew Keck, Jr. 
Nicholas Kleckner. 

B fiffei . 
a. i im Klein. 
Dflchael Klein 
Philip Klein 
Daniel Klein. 
Solomon Keck. 

M'TIIY I 

John Kemmer. 
John K nauss, 
Joseph Klewell. 
John B i 

I nanea 

Keck, 
< taper Kleckner. 
John Klewell. 
William Krnvei 
Adam LiiudensUger. 
M.iriin Leibort. 
Solomon Lnki 
Joseph Line. 
John Line. 

Mntwi Lftserons. 
France Ludwig. 
i"hn Uoritz. 
Id eyer. 
(leorge Meyer. 
S;mi Uaateller. 
Christian Nagle, 

u i low Nagle. 
John Rese. 
Martin Etitter. 
Henry Bitter, 
Martin Ritter. 
Hartman Beinhard. 
Simon Reinsmitli. 
Jacob It- i-«', 
Ludwig Reinbold. 

Michael Pink. 
Henry Bower. 
John Bower. 
Peter Qraver, 
John Spinner. 
John Reinbold. 
Dai i'l Geiaainger. 
Samuel Hosteller. 
n. ii tv Hosteller. 

: 
Abraham Stare. 

Unseated Ian 



William ft Inbold. 
\ |< holAfl Rommel. 

.1 bi : 

I inner, 

Rudolph Smith. 
John Stnber. 
William Btnber. 
Daniel Selgfried, 
John Snydi 
John Snyder, Jr. 

i gle. 
John Spinner. 
Jeremiah Shiffert. 
Jacob Spinnei 
Bavhl Spiuner. 
Jacob Sbnyder. 
Henry Suttler. 
Henry Shiffert 

i ■ ib Shiffert. 
. Stare. 
Jacob Sheaver. 

i Ian Stump. 
Petei Sbitz. 
Peter Schlecter. 
Michael Strelbfch. 
Peter Swager. 
Samuel Toon. 

i Dberroth. 
rroth 
erroth. 
David Uberroth. 
Georp" Wei 
Pet.i Waldman. 
Jacob Wild. 
Well, 
George Weber. 
John Wagener. 
John Weldei 
Peter \\ 
Philip Weber. 

lei tck Winah. 

Abraham Wi 
Vohe. 
Abraham Ziegler. 

! ard Geiger. 
Matthias Greillng. 
Frederick Winsh. 
Abraham N'euhard. 

Single Freemen. 

George Moritz. 

Jacob Reeae. 

Christian Klewell. 

John Ran. 

Ludwig Reinbold. 
* Jacob Sutor. 

Hitter. 

William Dool. 

Peter Slyter. 

Adam N T agle. 

Benjamin Keck. 
la, sixty-five different i 



.Many names will be found in the lists her< 
of whom do information whatever can be obtained. 
Efforts have been made to obtain accounts of the old 
families whose descendants are still in the township 
or county. Sketches of a few are here given. 

Early Settlements.— The firs! settler in the limits 
of what is now Salisbury was Sh1uiik.ii Jennings. 
He selected a tract of two hundred acres of land in a 
bend of the Lehigh River. 



This land was pari of five thousand acn 
l>\ warrant from John Th I Ri hard l'» nn to 

Thomas Penn, March 18, 1 7 ' i l' r and assigned tin- same 
i Joseph Turner, who, on the 10th of September, 
\~''.~k assigned to William Allen two hundred a< i 
it being " a trad of land situated on the south side of 
the west branch of the Delaware, above Mom 
place." The land "was holden of the proprietai 

as pari of their manor of rYrnor, or the I >ry Lands, 

in free and common socage on paying in lieu of all 
i services to them or their successors at the town 
of Easton on the firsf day of March annually one 
silver shilling lor each hundred acre-." Solomon 
Jennings purchased this land of William Allen, in 
the spring of 1736, and settled upon it. He was liv- 
ing here at the time he was chosen as one of the 
walkers for the walking purchase. He died in 1757, 
and it was not until June 1. f764, thai title was se- 
cured. At that time a deed was made by William 
Allen to John Jennings, [saac Jennings, and Nich- 
olas Scull, executors of Solomon Jennings. It is re- 
cited in this deed that " Solomon Jennings did in his 
lifetime agree with William Allen for the said two 
hundred acres, and paid £131 11*." 

Solomon .Jennings built a stone house on the oite of 
the old farm-house on the Jacob Geisinger farm. It 
was torn down in 1855, and the presenl brici b 
erected on its site. An old stone barn is also on the 
premises, which was built by the Jennings family. 
He was commissioner of Northampton County in 
17'"'. Solomon Jennings died Feb. 15, 17- r »7, and is 
buried on the farm with other members of the family. 
He had two sons — John and Isaac — and one daugh- 
ter, who became the wife of Nicholas Scull, an inn- 
keeper, of Bucks County. John Jennings, his son, 
was sheriff of Northampton County from 1762 to 
1768. 

After the title to this tract was obtained it was 
exposed to public sale, and was purchased by Jacob 
Geisinger, yeoman, of Saucon township, together 
with one hundred and sixty-four acres additional, 
for fifteen hundred pounds Pennsylvania currency, 
which purchase was confirmed by deed bearing date 
June l, 1764. Jacob Geisinger came from Germany, 
with his parents, when verj young, and settled at 
Upper Saucon. He had been married some years 
before purchasing this land, and it i> thought he 
moved to this farm soon after the death of Mr. Jen- 
nings, as George Geisinger, the oldest son, was born 
herein 177.S. Jacob < h-isinger married a Iioehman, 
and lived here all his married life, and died at the 
age of eighty-six years. He built the long stone 
barn ^till standing on the lower place, which has in 
the cro>s-pieee over the large doors the date 1781. A 
stepping-stone, fancifully carved, and still in 
use, has the date 1775 CUl upon it. There are two 
stonewalls, one inclosing the house-yard, with 1799 
cut in a large stone, and the other with 1800 cut upon 
rmr -tone. The old house was built of stone. 



404 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



two stoi , and seventy feet in length. The 

children of Jacob Geisinger were George and Jacob. 
The latter settled in Lower Saucon, where his de- 
scendants Still reside. 

On the 6th of May, 1792, Jacob < leisinger the elder 
sold to big son, George, the following tracts of land 
adjoining: two hundred acres (the original tract of 
Solomon Jennings), one hundred and sixty-four acres, 
one hundred and eight acres, and thirty acres, com- 
prising five hundred and two acres. George settled 
on this homestead farm, and in the old house married 
Christina llostman, of tipper Saucon, and died in 

1822, aged .sixty -four years. He had two sons,— Jacob 
and George. Jacob was horn in July, 1798, and 
married anil settled on the original homestead. In 
1838 he built a brick house on the upper farm, where 
his son-in-law, William Horlacher, now reside.-, and 
in 1859 the brick house a short distance below, and 
where be now lives. The Geisinger farm at present 
contains over seven hundred acres. There was no 
road along the river until 1832. A ford was at a place 
neat the old house, and a road crossed the mountain 
through Salisbury to the Emaus road, which was laid 
out in 1760. 

Jacob Geisinger, who was born in 1798, is still 
living, and says that when about eleven years of 
age he attended school at Rittersville, which was 
taught by Joseph Rose, a Moravian, lie was a pupil 
there for one month, and crossed the river in a canoe 
which was about twenty feet long. He was the only 
one from this side of the river who attended school 
at Rittersville. He remembers that John Heller and 
Daniel Broder were fellow-pupils. 

George Geisinger, son of George and brother of 
Jacob, purchased a tract of land in Hanover of the 
Moravians, and settled there. Mrs. Owen Mack, who 
now resides upon it, is a descendant. 

About the year 1723 two brothers, John Heinrich 
and Sebastian Heinrich Knauss, emigrated to Amer- 
ica. They were natives of Titlesheim, in Germany, 
and were the sons of Ludwig Knauss. John was born 
in June, 1712, and died in 1761. He settled in Bucks 
County. 

Sebastian Heinrich was born in 1714, and died on 
Feb. 26, 1777. He married, Jan. 1, 1741, Anna I lath- 
arine, daughter of Abraham Fransue. She was born 
in the Pfaltz, March 6, 1722, and emigrated to this 
country with her parents in the year 1730. 

The settlement at Bethlehem was commenced in 
1741, and in 1742 a Moravian mission was established 
at wdtat is now Emaus. Sebastian H. Knauss, then 
jusl married, settled about half a mile from the mis- 
sion, on a tract of hind he had purchased. He was 
one of the founders of the church at that place, and 
lived there till his death, in 1777. 

They had thirteen children, — Heinrich, Catharine, 
Leonard, Anna Maria, Johannes, Joseph, Elizabeth, 
Abraham, Jacob, John Ludwig, Philip, Magdalena, 
Anna Johanna. 



Anna Catharine, the mother of these children, died 

June 26. 1799. Her descendants were as follows: 
ninety one grandchildren and thirty-six great-grand- 
children. Seventy-three of the former and thirty-two 
of the latter were living at the time of her death. 

Heinrich Knauss was born Nov. 22, 1741, and on 
the 22d April, 1766, was married to Anna Maria 

Ehrenhard. They had thirteen children, of wl i 

was Jacob, born Nov. 20, 1777. His son, Henry, born 
July 12, 1812, now resides on the farm of his grand- 
father. 

Catharine was horn April 10, 174:'., and married 
Conrad Ernst, who emigrated from Wold Lngelloch, 
in the Palatinate, [n 1769 they were in possession of 
the first farm on the south bank of the Lehigh, leased 
by the Moravians. Later they moved to Nazareth. 

Anna Maria was born April -15, 1744, and married 
Tobias Mover, of Heidelberg. 

Johannes was born Nov. 6, 1748. He married 
Catharine Romig, and settled on the home farm, near 
Emaus, now owned by Edwin Kline, of Allentown. 
J. Owen Knauss and William H. Knauss are grand- 
sons of Johannes. 

Joseph was born Oct. 11, 1750; was a wheelwright 
by occupation. He married Magdalena Boekel, of 
Heidelberg, and emigrated to North Carolina. 

Elizabeth was born Jan. 29, 1753. She married 
John Frederick Romig, who was a miller near 
Emaus. 

Abraham was born March 1, 1755. He was a black- 
smith, and settled four miles from Bethlehem, on the 
Dry Lands. 

Jacob was born June 26, 1757. He was a farmer, 
and married Rosina Corr. 

John Ludwig was born May 19, 1759. He was a 
blacksmith, settled first at Schoeneck, and later emi- 
grated to Ohio. He married Maria Magdalena 
Klein. 

Philip was born in October, 1767, died in 1789. 

Magdalena was born Sept. :!. 1761, and married 
Joseph Clewell, who lived at Emaus. 

Anna Johanna was born on the 13th of March, 
1765, and married George Clewell, a shoemaker, who 
resided at Schoeneck. 

from these children of Sebastian II. and Anna 
Catharine Knauss it is seen that the descendants are 
numerous and that it is impossible to follow them. 
It is sufficient to say that in every township and bor- 
ough in the county the name is found, and in most 
cases the line of descent can be traced to this branch. 

Abraham Transue, the father of Anna Catharine 
Knauss, came to this country from the Pfaltz in 1730, 
and on the 30th of March, 1736, he took out a warrant 
for one hundred and fifty acres of land lying in Salis- 
bury township. It is not known how many or who 
his sons were, but the name is still extant in North- 
ampton County. 
I Martin Ritter was a native of Upper Mil ford town- 
, ship, where he lived until he arrived at manhood. He 



SALISBURY TOWNSHIP 



105 



married Margaret Steininger, and, about 1750, pur- 
chased seven or eight hundred acres of land in what 
i- now Salisbury township. This land is now owned by 
Solomon I!.. Reuben B., Reuben K.. and Hiram Kilter, 
Milton Appel, and Benneville Fenstermacher. He 
died about 1826, ami left six suns and one daughter, — 
Henry, Martin, John. Daniel. Jacob, Michael, and 
Margaret,— Mrs. Solomon Klein, now of Allentown, 
and, who is the only one living. The sons all settled 
on the original tract and died there at advanced 

Their sons and daughters now living are as follows : 

Henry Ritter, Rebecca (Mrs. Peter Klein 1 , and 
Sally 'Mrs. Peter Keek i are of the family of Henry. 

Of Martin's family, Reuben B., Jacob B., Elizabeth, 
Sally, Anna, Solomon B. reside in Allentown. John 
I!.. Martin B., of South Whitehall, and Charles I'.., of 
Whitehall. Mary Ann (Mrs. Jacob Laudenslager) 
resides in Emaus. 

John's family are Reuben EC., in Salisbury, Daniel, 
in Allentown. Levi, in Upper Milford, Martin, in South 
Bethlehem, Elizabeth .Mrs. Joseph Kern 1 , of Upper 
Milford, Matilda, and Mary Ann, Allentown. 

Daniel's family are Gideon, of Emaus, Daniel, of 
Bethlehem, Joel, in Coopersburg, Eliza (Mrs. Roham 
Shulerl, Rebecca Mr-. John Seems). 

Jacob had a son, Nathan, who resides in Macungie 
township. 

Michael's family: his wife is still living and resides 
in Salisbury : Angelina iMrs.Addison Mory , Amanda 
Mrs. Jacob Hildebeitel), Aravesta, an unmarried 
daughter, reside in the township; Benjamin resides 
in Macungie, Tilghman in Lower Milford, Wilson in 
Pennsburg, Sylvanus in Emaus. 

The first of the family of Kemmerer to settle in 
Salisbury was T. Kemmerer. a native of Wiirtemberg, 
who took up land, about 1744, now owned by Martin 
Kemmerer, his grandson. Later. Heinrich, his son, 
who was assessed in 1781, took up a large tract nearly 
a mile long, extending from his first tract southwest 
i to the Little Lehigh. His sons were Jacob. 
George. John. Adam. Henry, and Martin. His 

daughters became wives of Bortz, Reinhart, 

and Ritter. 

1. Jacob settled on the line between Bucks and 
Montgomery Counties, and died in 1828. 

1. George settled on part of the large tract, and 
near the Little Lehigh. He died in L845, aged eighty- 
six years. He had two children, — George and Lydia. 

George lived at Emaus, and died in 1883, aged eighty- 
five years. Lydia became the wife of Lawn 
Klein. They settled on part of the homestead of the 
Kleins. 

3. John settled on Cedar Creek, and died in Die 
aged eighty years. His son, Solomon, now lives on 
the place, aged eighty-four years. A daughter i Mr-. 
Gangwere] resides in Whitehall township. 

4. Adam settled in what i- now Whitehall, and 
died in 1850, aged eighty year-. A -on (George) and 
a daughter Mrs. Minnich now live in Whitehall. 



. Henrj settled on part of the large tract near 
Emaus, and died about 185 ears. 

Two daughters ; Mrs. Snyder and Mrs. Larrich) both 
settlecl in Northampton County. Samuel, a SOD 

tied on the homestead, where he lived many year 
moved to Allentown, and died in 1879, aged sixty-four 

years. 

6. Martin, the youngest son, lived on the home- 
Mead of his father till 1820, when he moved to Mil- 
ford i Upper , and lived there till his death, in 1854, 
aged seventy-six years. He left six sons and one 

daughter.— Philip, David, Henry. Solo n. Martin. 

1 taniel, and Maria. 

Philip and David emigrated to Ohio. 

Henry, in 1854, was on his way to Iowa to settle, 
and was killed on the route. 

Solomon settled on the homestead in Upper Mil- 
ford. and died in January, 1 864. 

Martin settled on the homestead in Salisbury in 
1S43, and lived there till 1867, when he moved to 
Allentown, where he now resides. 

Daniel settled in Upper Milford, and now resides 
there. 

Maria became the wife of Adam Laudenslager, 
and settled in Zionsville. 

Henry Keck was a native of Upper Pfalls, Bavaria. 
He left his home, with his wife (Peterson . of Hol- 
land, on board the English -hip "Clyde," and had to 
take the oath of allegiance to George II. before he 
landed in Philadelphia, Oct, 17, 1732. When he 
reached there he and his wife were sold as redemp- 
tioners for their passage-monej to a man in Chester 
County, and served the time agreed upon,— about 
three or four years. After this he came to what is 
now Lehigh County, and settled on the tract which 
later he purchased, and which is still in the hands 
of his descendants. This tract of one hundred acres 
was warranted by Joseph Zimmerman, June 21, 1734. 
It was adjoining land of William Allen. 

The title was in Zimmerman until Dec. 20, 1753, 
when in consideration of eighteen pounds he conveyed 
the tract to Henry Keck, who received, on payment 
of £15 10*., a patent for the land with King George 
II.'s seal attached, and signature of James Hamilton. 
■ nor of the Province, dated March 19, 1754. 1 

When he came to this place, about 1740, there was 
a clearing and a log house, log barn, and apple-or- 
chard. About ten or fifteen years after the purchase 
he built a two-story stone house, which stood til', 1818, 
and was torn down by his grandson, Solomon Keck, 
Who built a -tone house on the site, and which is still 
standing and owned by Moses Keck. When Henry 
Keck came here, and tor several years after, all his 
grist was taken to White Marsh, Sandy Run, Mont- 
gomery Co. The children of Henry Keck were 

Frederick, Henry, John. , - - Andrew, and a 

daughter, who married a man by the name of LYrger; 



i This patent is in possession of Charles Keck, of Allentown. 



in.; 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



they moved West. Frederick and - wenl to South 
i Sarolina, and are lost. I lenry married and settled in 
Salisbury township, on the Little Lehigh, where his 
descendants still live. John married a daughter of 
Nicolaus Uberoth, of Salisbury, and settled <>n the 
old homestead. He died young, left three children, 
who came to Allentown, and whose descendants are 
still there. Andrew, after John's death, purchased 
the homestead, married Barbara, the daughter of 
George Blank, and settled there. 

1 1 en iv Keck bought before his death, in 1S2S, about 
four hundred aires of land adjoining him. The farms 
are now owned by Moses Keck, Jesse Keck, John 
Appel, 1'haon Diehl, and Robert Dubbs. Frederick, 

, and Andrew were in the Revolutionary war, — 

battles of Germantown and Brandywine. In the war 
of 1812-15, George, son of Andrew, was in Peter Rueh's 
cavalry company, and < leorge was second lieutenant ; 
John and David were in Capt. Abraham Rinker's 
company . 

Andrew lived on the old farm till his death, in May, 
1828, seventy-six years of age, leaving George, Solo- 
mon, Andrew, John, Jacob, David, and Charles; two 
daughters, — Maria, wife of Solomon Knauss; Eliza- 
beth, wife of William Horlocher. With the excep- 
tion of Andrew, who went to Indiana, they all settled 
in Salisbury and Allentown. Of these, Charles is the 
only one living, and now resides in Allentown, seven- 
ty-eight years of age. 

The assessment-roll of 1781 contains the name of 
Lawrence Klein. This was doubtless a father or 
brother of Christopher Klein, wdio settled there about 
that time. Christopher was in possession of two 
tracts of land on the Little Lehigh River, one of one 
hundred and sixty-five acres, on which he lived, the 
other, adjoining, of one hundred acres. He left two 
sons, — Lawrence and Reuben. Lawrence was born in 
179") and died in 1882, leaving three sons and three 
daughters. Edwin Tilghman and Benjamin F. Tilgh- 
man reside on the homestead tract. Edwin and Ben- 
jamin F. live in Allentown. The daughters are 
Helena (Mrs. John Heinly), Lydia (Mrs. William 
Larrich), and Mary (Mrs. John Hottenstine). 

Benjamin F.Klein owns the farm in Salisbury that 
in 17*1 and 1812 was assessed to Henry Fetter. 

Reuben, the brother of Lawrence, resides in Allen- 
town. 

— Bieber, after 1781, settled on the Little Lehigh 
River, near the Salisbury Church, purchasing a large 
tract of land, which is now owned by Henry Biebi i, 
Charles Schmoyer, Charles Yohe, and Daniel Biery. 
He had two sons, A brain and George. 

Abram married a daughter of Abraham Griesemer, 
settled on the homestead, and died young, leaving 
two sons, — Solomon and Abraham. The latter emi- 
grated to Ohio, and Solomon remained at home, 
where he died. His son, Henry, occupies the farm. 

George, brother of Abraham, married a daughter 
of a Air. Klein, of Weisscnberg, and settled on part 



of the old Bieber tract. He lived to the age of eighty 
years, and left two son-. David and Jonathan, who 

lived mi the homestead, and died, leaving the prop- 
erty to Charles Schmoyer, a nephew. Polly, a sister 
of David and Jonathan, is now eighty-seven years of 
age. and reside- mi the place. Another sister married 

John Schmoyer. They also settled on the farm. 

Their son, Charles, owns the property. 

Uieiit the year 1790, Philip Klein came to Salis- 
bury from Goshenhoppen, and settled on land now 
owned by Daniel Klein, the grandson of Philip. He 
had two sons, Daniel and Solomon, both of whom 
settled on the land of their father. Daniel died in 
1848, aged sixty years, and Solomon in 1869, aged 
seventy-six years. 

The children of Daniel were Solomon, Daniel, and 
a daughter, who became the wife of Henry Hitter. 
She resides in the township. Solomon lived on that 
pari of the homestead which contained the saw- and 
grist-mill his father built. He died in 1881, aged 
eighty-six years. Of his children, Solomon R. and 
Tilghman are in Allentown, Gideon in Macungie, 
and Mrs. Daniel Berrier resides in Bethlehem. 

Daniel remained on the homestead till 1864, when 
he removed to Allentown. where he still resides. 

Nicholas Uberoth and John Adam Uberoth settled 
in Salisbury township after 1781 ; John on the farm 
where Mrs. Catharine Uberoth now resides. In 1812 he 
gave his land in the township to Adam, George, Nich- 
olas, and David Uberoth. John Adam Uberoth had 
three sons, — Solomon, Adam, and Jacob. Solomon 
married Catharine, a daughter of George Geisinger, 
who lived on the Geisinger farm, on the south bank of 
the Lehigh River. They settled on the farm of John 
Adam Uberoth, where he lived and died, and where 
she still resides. Adam lived single, and died at the 
homestead. Jacob settled as a farmer at Friedensville, 
and owned the farm on which zinc was discovered. 
Of the daughters of John Adam, Elizabeth became 
the wife of William Markle, Hannah married Chris- 
tian Gies, Catharine became Mrs. Jacob Moore, and 
Mary married Joseph Gauf, who settled in Saucon. 

The Line family were early settlers in Salisbury, 
and in 1781, William Line was in the township, near 
the east end, and on the farm now owned by Daniel 
(iiess. He died about 1792, and had three sons 
-Joseph, John, and Valentine — and three daughters, 
— Mrs. Christian Kaiicher, Mrs. Henry Hemmick, 
and Mrs. Frederick Kocher. Joseph settled near his 
lather's place, and died there, leaving Jesse M. and 
Levi Line, of Allentown, and five sisters, — Maria 
(Mrs. Charles Beers, settled in the township), Susan 
(Mrs. Straub, of Northampton County), Mis. Jesse 
Shafer, of Allentown, Pauline (Mrs. William F. Mil- 
ler, of Allentown ), Mrs. J. J. Hoffman, of Bethle- 
hem. John, brother of Joseph, settled near his 
brother, and died there. Mrs. Charles Dlely, of Salis- 
bury, is a daughter. A r alentinc moved to Luzerne 
Countv and died there. 



SALISBURY TOWNSHIP. 



I()7 



Jacob Merkle was assessed on property in Salisbury 
in 1781. Be lived in Bucks County, Dear Quaker- 
town. His ><>n, William, was born there about 1793, 
and about 1813 came to Salisbury, and settled on the 
property part of which is now owned by Jacob Moritz. 
William Markle dii d in 1872, and left six children, — 
Jacob, Juliana (Mrs. Solomon Boehm , Marj Mrs. 
I 'avid Sheetz), Reuben, Adam, and Diana .Mrs. Jo- 
siali Siegers . Of these, Reuben and Mrs. David 
Sheet/, now live in the township. 

A family by the name of Stout were settled on the 
farm now owned by Reuben Spinner before 1768. In 
thai year Jacob Spinner came from Philadelphia, 
attracted by the shad-fisheries in the Lehigh River. 
He married one of the daughters of the Stout family, 

and in 17M his name appears mi tin- :i — t — Mien t -1 ist. 
II. settled "ii the Stout farm. He had four sons, — 
Jacob, Abram, David, and John. They all settled in 
the township. Jaeob settled where John .Miller now 
owns ; his family all emigrated. Adam settled where 
Edwin Miller now lives; his family all died in early 
life. 1 »:i \ ill settled where Addison Morey — whose 
wife is a granddaughter — now lives. John settled on 
the Stout farm, and married Susan Walton. He was 
born in 1777, and died in 1869, aged ninety-two 
years. He left two children, — Reuben, wdio owns the 
homestead, and Mrs. Solomon Diehl, who lives ad- 
joining. Tin old Stout house is still standing, and is 
probably the oldest in the township. 

In the assessment-roll of 1781 appears the name of 
Christian Giess. Later, Philip Gieas was a resident, 
living on the road from Salisbury to Emaus. In the 
year 1806 he built the tavern known as Salisbury 
Square Hotel. He had two sons. — Solomon and 
David. Solomon lived and died on the homestead. 
David now owns the property. The tavern is kept by 
Mrs. George Gauf, who is a daughter of David. A 
distillery was built many years ago on the place and 
in operation. It was rebuilt in 1862, but not again 
opened. 

William Moritz came from Germany before 1781, as 
in that year he is assessed on real estate. He had a 
-on, John, who also settled in the township. John had 
three sons, — Daniel, David, and John George. Daniel 
was born in 1800, and settled on the farm of his father ; 
David, now living, was horn in 1803, and settled near 
the homestead, where he still resides. John I h 
settled in Saucon township. 

Daniel Diehl came to Salisbury township from 
Upper Saucon, and settled on the Lehigh Mountain, 
where Winfield Butz now live-, about L790. He was 
at that time married. Hi- sons were John, Jacob, and 
Abram. In 1812, Daniel, John, and Jacob were all 
assessed. John settled on the homestead and died 
tbere, eighty-seven year- of age. Solomon Diehl, his 
-on, now lives in the tow nsbip. Mr-. Solomon Mowry, 
of Upper Saucon, and Mrs. Joseph Roth, of Allen- 
town, are daughters. Abram, son of Daniel Diehl, 
settled in Columbia County, Pa. Jacob, also son of 



Daniel, settled in the town-hip, and died on the GrO- 
iniiii homestead. 

Early Roads. — In the year 1753 the road from 

Bethlehem to Macungie was laid out. and pa- 
through the south part of the township. In Decern 
1756, the following action of the Court of Quarter 
ons wa- recorded: " Petitions of divers inhabit- 
ants of Upper Milford and Salisbury townships fi 
mad from Sebastian Knows's to and through Betl 

In in to tin- road leading to Easton was allowed, and 

Sebastian Knows, Francis Roth, Adam Shaler, Lewie 
Klots, and John * >kely, or any four of them, are ap- 
pointed to view and, if they see Occasion, lo lay out 
the said road, and to make return thereof and an ex- 
act [dan lo the ne\i court alter the same i> laid." 
Counter-petitions were presented at the June court, 
17-">7, and the court refused to confirm the original. 
It was not laid out until 1760, and is now the road 
to Emaus. 

In 17(io also a road was laid out to " Solomon Jen- 
ney's Plantation." A road was Interlaid across the 
hill which connected with the fording-place across thi 
Lehigh, near the old Griesemer farm-house. This 
pas-ed through Rittersville and Shoenersville. 

At the first term of court held in Lehigh County, 
Dec. 21, 1812, there was presented a petition of the 
inhabitants of the upper end of Salisbury township 
for a road "to begin at the public road leading from 
Emaus to Allentown ; thence from said road to Martin 
Hitter's tavern, a southeasterly course up a valley and 
near to the top of Lehigh hill, to intersect the public 
road leading to Philadelphia at Nicholas Creamer's 
lot of land. Abraham Griesemer, Peter Dorney (sad- 
dler), John Grobel, Jonathan Knauss. John Hor- 
lacher, and Goddard Morey, were appointed viewers 
to examine and lay out." 

<)n the 24th of February. 1813, a petition was pre- 
sented to the court setting forth that the road lately 
laid out from the public road leading from Emaus 
to Allentown. near Martin Hitter's tavern over the Le- 
high hill, was totally unnecessary, and if confirmed 
by the court) would be extremely burdensome to the 
inhabitants of said township at large, and praying tin- 
court to appoint other viewers to the road and report. 
Other viewers were appointed, who made a report on 
the -1th of May, the same year, in which they declared 
they had laid out a road. This action was confirmed 
by the court on that day. 

On. Sept. 5, 1815, viewers appointed in May last to 
view and lay out a road reported road laid out. Be- 
ginning at the Emaus and Bethlehem road, near the 
house of Martin Hitter. Jr., in Salisbury town-hip: 
running into the public road leading from the borough 

of Northampton to the city of Philadelphia, near the 
house of Jaeob Kaeehline, in said township; run- 
ning through land of Martin Hitter, along land of 
John Kem merer, Andrew keck. John Wagner, and 
Jacob Warnian ; and to vacate part of a public road, 
beginning at the bridge of David Deshler'- mill-rs 



408 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



and from thence into road leading from Emans to 
Bethlehem, at or mar the corner of Henry Bitter's 
e, in said township. 

Tli is last roail mentioned as vacated is recited in the 

order as having been laid out in L770, and is notii 
as being " useless, inconvenient, and burthensome. 

At August session, 1818, viewers appointed at pre- 
vious court reported road laid out from mill-dam of 
James Wilson, Esq., in Salisbury township, to inter- 
sect public road leading from borough of Northamp- 
ton to Water Gap, near the bouse of Jacob Newhard, 
iii South Whitehall. November term, report con- 
tinned so far as relates to road from mill-dam of Wil- 
son to borough of Northampton. 

With the exception of the road from Allentown to 
Hellertown and from Emails to Allentown, the dates 
of laying out have not been ascertained ; the roads 
here given are all the roads of any importance laid 
out before 1820. 

Old Taverns. — In the year 1763 there were no tav- 
erns in Salisbury township. The first shown by the 
Northampton County records to have had license to 
keep tavern in the township are in 1786. At the June 
term of court Martin Ritter, Caspar Weaver, Christian 
Hummel, and George Krush were licensed. 

In 1818, William Gruber, Philip Giess, Lewis 
Christ, Martin Ritter, and Rudolph Smith were li- 
censed. 

The old tavern-stand on the Mountain road, above 
the Idlewild Hotel, was established by John Keck in 
1826-27, and kept by him eight or ten years, when he 
died. His widow kept it for several years, and mar- 
ried Henry Wolf, who kept it till his death. His 
widow is still living, and the tavern is still kept by her. 

The tavern-stand between Allentown and Moun- 
tainville was opened in 1812 by George Keck, who 
kept it many years, when he was succeeded by his 
son-in-law, John Appel, whose son, John G. Appel, 
is the present proprietor. 

Justices of the Peace. — Prior to 1840 the justices 
having jurisdiction over this territory were elected by 
districts, and their names will be found in the civil 
list of the general history. Those from 1840 to the 
present are here given : 



John D. Lawall.... 


Commissioned. 

April 14,1840 
14, 1840 
15,1845 
16, 1846 
14, 1846 
" 9, 1850 
i 

. " 11, 1854 

, « Lfl, LS56 
" 28, L859 

. « 9, L861 


Jeremiah Roth..,. 

Obadiab Ueberoth 
John M. Jacoby... 
.1. i rwen Knauss. . 


Commissioned. 

May li. L864 
April 11, 1865 
„ " 17, 1866 


John D. Lawall. 
M. Kim men* i 


14, 1868 

" 14, 1868 
.. " 16, 1873 




Charles it. Kline , 


.. " 15, 1873 


Joshua Sifberling, 


Marob 25, 1878 




April 6, 1SS3 





History of the Salzburg Church- 1 — To write the 
history and enumerate the important tacts of a church 
or congregation whose organization antedates the n i ol- 

lect ions of the oldest members is, indeed, a task ; the 
more so, however, wdien the missing links to complete 
the chronology of the same cannot be found and the 

1 By Rev. Thomas N. Raber. 



records at band fail to give the desired information. 
" For a time the sayings and doings of our ancestors 
may be left to the preservation of a grateful remem- 
brance and to the unrecorded traditions which parents 
hand down to their children. Bui such traditions soon 
grow dim and uncertain, and at last vanish away. As 
the setting sun leaves first a glory, then a twilight, and 
at last darkness, so the deeds of the past, as they sink 

beyond our personal recollection, are first bright, 

then dim. and then gone ; and too late we mourn that 
we have no picture of the faded beauty. Our parent- 
relate to us stories of our grandparents, lint our grand- 
parents themselves are gone, and tell us no more what 
was before them.'' This is the case with the Salz- 
burg Church, situated about two miles in a north- 
easterly direction from the old Moravian village of 
Emaus. Although the church is known ecclesiastic- 
ally as Jerusalem's Reformed and Lutheran Church, 
>et the name by which it is commonly called is the 
Salzburg Church. The organizers of the tiro congre- 
gations are buried beneath the mounds designating 
their resting-places in the old graveyard of the church. 
The grandparents are gone, the fathers are going, the 
history of their toils and achievements is beginning 
to swim in half-uncertain twilight, and there is but 
barely time to record the doings of their life's day 
before the oblivious night sets in, when records and 
traditions will no more recognize one another. It 
cannot be uninteresting even to strangers, and much 
less so to our own children, to be presented with the 
picture of this church and these two congregations, 
even though it be very imperfect of the social and 
religious features of the olden time among our Ger- 
man forefathers. 

When the congregations were organized is not nor 
ever can be known from history this side of the grave, 
and only those faithful ones who have gone before 
and have seen the " books opened" above the starry 
heavens, have seen the records of those who often 
at the peril of their life, and under the heat of the 
noonday sun, have planted on the hill this sheep-fold 
of our blessed Lord's followers. 

But we know that the first church was built in 
1741. The land was owned by Henry Roth and John 
Martin Bamberger, and contained two acres. It was 
deeded, Dec. 15, 1743, to Rev. J. W. Straub for 
twenty shillings, the owners resigning all rights to 
the already-built Reformed and Lutheran Church. 

A second church was built, when is not known, as 
there is no record extant of the same. 

The third edifice, which will give way in a few 
weeks to something more modern in church archi- 
tecture, is forty by sixty feet in size, and was built of 
stone in the year 1S1!>, in the summer. These walls 
look as though they might serve for many years to 
conic the purpose for which they were put together. 

The old churchyard shows by its moss-covered and 
antiquated tombstones that at this early day it was 
used as a place for the burial of the dead. It was 



SALISBURY TOWNS II II". 



409 



thus used for a period of one hundred and nine years, 
when, in 1850, an acre was purchased from Solomon 
Kline for two hundred dollars, which trad lies imme- 
diately opposite, on the other shle of the n 

In 1867 another acre adjoining the above was pur- 
chased for five hundred dollars from Sol n Kline, 

Jr., son of the above-named owner of lands, adjoining 
the church property. This tract was cut up into 
family burial-plots, which are sellirj to daj at from 

twenty-fivi to forty dollars apiece. All the lots are 

sold, and the congregations an rting for the 

purchase of an additional adjoining acre lor the same 

purpose. 

In the spring of 1883 a -mall plot of little more 

than half an acre adjoining the lower burial-ground 

"a- I L'ht from Reuben Kratzer for one hundred 

and forty dollars. 

The fust pastor regularly serving the congregation 
-eein- from the deed to have been Rev. John William 
Btraub. He was (he tir-l Lutheran pastor a- tar as is 
known. He was followed in 17f>4 to 1762 by Daniel 
Schumacher; 1769-93, Jacob van Buskerk ; 1793-96, 
George Frederick Eligsen ; 1800-3, Rev. John Paul 
Ferdinand Kramer; 1803-5, John George Roeller; 
1 305 \ John Conrad Y eager : October, 1808-17, Rev. 
Seine] ; 1817 19, Henry G. Stecher. 

In 1819 the third church was built, and Benjamin 
German became the pastor and preached first in the 
new church, and continued twenty-nine years, to L8 18 
when he died. His brother, William German, was 
Unanimously elected as his successor, served only 

two year-, when he also died. 

In 1852, Jacob Vogelbach became the pastor, who 
served until 1857, when William Bath succeeded him, 
and ha- continued from that time on to this day and 
date to minister regularly to the people, extending 
his pastorate to twenty seven years. 

Although, as before stated, the first church was 
erected in 1741, yet we have no record of regular pas- 
tors on the Bcl'ormed side. If the congregation was 
served, it must have bei n 1>\ " vagabond pastors," as 
was generally the case. Rev. Michael Schlatter, who 
ail from Holland for America as missionary in 
17 16, mentions in his journal, under date of June 27, 
1747, this church as one which he on this day vis- 
ited, found vacant, and connected it with two other 
adjoining vacant congregations, with the hope that 
soon they would have the exclusive services of a 
regular pastor. 

From Oct. 9, L748, until 1771. Rev. John Philip 
lich served the p. ople eery acceptably, as shown 

by the testimony of an oh] lady who, near her death, 
testified to his excellency. On the 14th of -huh-. 
1854. Mrs. Margaret Moscr, living at the Trappe, in 
Montgomery Co., Pa., aged one hundred and four 
years, who was baptized in infancy and confirmed 
when fourteen year- old by Mr. Leydich, was asked 
whether she remembered any of the oldest ministers 
in this country? She remained silent while the 



names of quite a number of such wen repeated. 
Finally, when the name of Leydich was mentioned, she 
threw up her head, her eyes brightened, and 

ered her lace while she said. " I Hi, J , - ' I .. dich, 
he was a good man." From 1771 to 177'.i. Rev. John 
George Witner when he died) served this people; 
1779 82, Conrad Steiner, Jr. 

In 1796 the church record shows that Rev. John 

Henrj Hoffmeier, pastoi of neighboring congrega- 
tions, administered the communion in the spring of 

the year to thirty-one, and in the fall of the year to 
twenty communicants. This small number owing 
undoubtedly to the fact that they had no regular 
pastor. From 1808-15, Rev. Jacob William Dechant 
preached to these people regularly, when at the latter 
date he was sent by the Synod to the State of < >hio to 
do missionary work for the church. Rev. Daniel 
Zellers served the people faithfully lor forty-two years 
as pastor, immediately succeeding his prei 
Rev. Dechant, and continuing until May, 1857, when, 
on account of declining health, he retired from the 
active duties of the ministry. Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs 
following him as successor to the ministry of the 
congregation, continued as such until 1876, when 
the present pastorate began, — the Rev. Thomas V 
lleher serving the congregation. 

Jerusalem Church. — Tradition says thai 
one hundred years ago a church stood on the site 
of the present one, that it was occupied many 
years, fell into disuse, and was abandoned. The 
graveyard that belonged to it is -till in use. About 
the year 1848 the scattered people of the Lutheran 
and German Reformed congregations in this neigh- 
borhood reorganized. The Rev. Joshua Veager be- 
came the pastor of the Lutherans, and served until 
Dec. 25, 1883, when he was succeeded by Professor 
Wackernagel, of Muhlenberg College, Allentown. 
This congregation numbers about one hundred and 
fifty member-. 

For the German Keformed people the Rev. Mas 
Stern served about two year-, and was succeeded by 
the Rev. Simon K. tiros,. Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, Rev. 
D. F. Brendel, and in 1872 the present pa-tor. the 
Rev. N. /.. Snyder, took the charge-, in connection 
with the First Reformed Church of South Bethlehem. 
This congregation numbers about one hundred mem- 

3. The present stone church, forty by sixtj - 
was erected about the time of reorganization. 

Jerusalem Sunday-school was organized about 1864, 
largely through the efforts of J. W. I.arash, John Ab- 
bott, Thomas Cope, and William Bower. It now has 
about seventy pupils, twelve officers, and ten teachers. 
President, George Sha - tary, E. Buchecker; 
Treasurer, An Shall; Superintendent. J. W. 

Larash. 

Washington Union Sunday-scl 1 chapel was 

erected in 1872, by the communicants at Hufferts 
Church. There is preaching here every two weeks 
by the Lutheran and German Reformed minis! 



110 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The Markle Union Sun. lav school was organized 
Jan. 28, 1877, its prominent supporters being I.' 
Markle, John A. Abbott, Thomas Cope, and William 
Bower, it baa at present sixteen officers, twenty 
teachers, and one hundred pupils, Thi pn sent < >fli - 
cers are: Superintendent, C. A. Groman; Preaident, 
Daniel Hiltinger; Secretary, Reuben Markle ; Treas- 
urer, William liower. 

Schools. — Originally the township had very few 
The children living in the eastern pan of 
the township attended school at Bethlehem, th 
the western part at Emaus and Salisbury Church. 

I'll.' school-house at this place dates with the erection 

of the church. Those living in the central part of I he 
township attended school at Allentown, while a few 
families living between Bethlehem and Allentown 
crossed the I. .-high River and attended school at 
-wile, in Hanover township. (See note about 
Jacob Geisinger, relative to schools, about the year 
1819.) 

The village of Emaus funned a part of this town- 
ship until its incorporation into a borough. Markle's 
school-house was built about the year 1820, Ritter's, 
Hofford's, Yost's, and Eisenhard's between 1830 and 
1840, Scholl's and Mountain about 1845. All these 
have been rebuilt since 1860, except Salisbury Church 
school-house and Mountain school-house. Hofford's 
school-house and the one called "Bethlehem Woods" 
were abandoned. The school-houses at Wieand's, 
Keek's, Jeter's, Aineyville, and Mountainville, with 
their districts, are of later formation. The one- 
roomed school-house at Aineyville was built in 1871, 
and formed a new sub-district. In 1877 a two-story 
brick building, thirty-two by forty-two feet, was 

erected and two graded scl Is were established, the 

first of the kind in the township. In 1882 one of the 
large rooms was divided and an additional graded 
school formed. 

A large two-story brick school-house was erected 
near Bethlehem in 1880. The house is called Jeter's 
school-house. It contains two rooms on the first floor 
and one on the second. Two graded schools were 
formed and are in successful operation. 

At Mountainville a two-story brick bouse was 
erected during the summer of 1883, and two-graded 
schools were formed. 

All these double, or two-story buildings are very com- 
plete in all their appointments. The erection of these 
new buildings form a new era in the history of the 
schools of Salisbury township, because with them date 
the establishment of graded schools. There are seven 
graded and nine ungraded schools in the township. 

There are now nine one-roomed buildings, one two- 
roomed, and two three-roomed ones in the township. 
The sub-districts are known by the names of Jeter's, 
Markle's, Yost's, Mountain, Mountainville, Hitter's, 
Keek's, Salisbury Church, Wieand's, Eisenhard's 'or 
Green Meadow, Scholl's, and Aineyville. 

The district employs L6 teachers. Term, five and a 



half months. Average salary lor male teachers, $33. 12 

mth; for female teach Number of male 

pupils enrolled, 388 ; of female pupils, 818 ; total, 701. 

Per cent, of attendance, 88. Cost per pupil per month, 
75 ci Dts. Number of mills levied for school pur- 
poses, l \. Valuation of school property, si.'i.oihi. 

Mountainville.- -The land on which Mountain- 
ville is located was -iventy years ago in possession 
..i Rudolph Smith. A small log tavern was kept at 
that place many years, and until the pre.-etil one was 
built, in 1850. A little before this time the Smith 
farm passed into possession of Charles Witman and 

Sn\ del . who laid a part of the farm out into lots 

and sold them, on which small dwellings « ere erected. 

Soon after the tavern was erected, in 1850, a poat- 
office was established, and Edwin Sell was appointed. 

After a year it was removed to another part of the 
township, where it remained hut a short time, and 
was again returned and established with Ri llbeD 
Kammerer, postmaster. He held the position until 
1880, when the present postmistress, Mi>s Amanda 
Sheetz, was appointed. The carriage-factory was es? 
tablished in 1874 by Walter Sheet/., and is still con- 
ducted by him. The hotel was built in 1856 by 

Snyder, and is now owned by Samuel Parsons. 

Mountainville Evangelical Church.'— The origin 
of this church was in a private house of William Bortz 
in the year 1858. Revs. Moses Dissinger, C. K. Fehr, 
and others, preached the word of God in the above- 
named house. Several other families moved in the 
village a few years afterwards. In the year 1803 the 
present church was built, by contract of Lewis Sheldon, 
under the supervision of Henry Romig, its member- 
ship then being about ten. Between the years of 
1863-68 the membership bad an increase of some 
twenty. The appointment was served mostly by min- 
isters from Allentown until the year 1877, when it was 
connected with Emaus Mission, and served regularly 
by Rev. F. Hoffman for three successive years. In tin- 
year 1883 the church was remodeled, and several hun- 
dred dollars expended upon it. B. H. Miller, pastor 
of Emaus Mission, has charge of the above-named 
church, under whose supervision a suitable spire and 
bell were added. The present membership i.- com- 
posed of a few families, with a promising Sunday- 
school, numbering about one hundred. 

Aineyville is a collection of dwellings that have 
grown up around the Lehigh Iron-Works near East 
Penn Junction, an account of which is given in Al- 
lentown. It contains beside the dwellings a store, and 
Temperance Hall, in which the Aineyville Division, 
No. 10. Suns and Daughters of Temperance, and 
"The Band of Hope" hold their weekly meetings. 

The society of the Sons and Daughters of Temper- 
ance was organized Aug. 23, 1870, with eleven mem- 
bers and the following officers: Peter L. Sterner, 
president; Solomon '/,. Hillegas, secretary : Reuben 

> By Rev. B. II. Miller. 



SAJilSBl KV TOWNSHIP. 



ill 



Knauss, treasurer. The present officers 1884 are 
Mrs. Sarah Sterner, president; Mrs. Sarah Leiben- 

r,aecretary; Reuben Knauss, treasurer. I 
numberof members, sixty-three. The " Band of I [ope" 

was organizi d Feb. 5, 1 388, with eleven mbi rs, and 

a membership in 1884 of forty-two. It is com 
with the Division No. 46. The hall in which meet- 
ings were held was erected in 1882, at a cost ol eighl 
hundred dollars. 

Cold Spring Chemical- Works. -- In January, 

L882] a con formed to manufacture explo- 

A sit.' was selected about two and a half miles 

from Allen town, on the south side of the mountain, 

and 00 the Henry Miller traet. Tin- site was d 

hie, from the distance from thickly-populated districts 
and from its proximity to a spring of water. A.n acid- 
house, aitro-glycerine vault, mixing, packing, drying 
and grinding houses, and a magazine ware built. < In 
the 4ih of December, 1883, a company was incorpo- 
rated with one hundred thousand dollars, under the 

name of the Vulcan Dynamite Company, with Ed- 

ward S. Wert/., president; W. I'.. Shaffer, treasurer; 
and Oscar Moyer, secretary. In.Ianuary. 18*4, a new 
and larger plant was made in Banover township, and 

tin- works in Salisbury township were discontinued. 

The explosives of this company are sold for use in 

the ore-beds of Ni-« Jersey, lead and zinc mines of 

Missouri, and the iron-ore region of Lake Superior, as 
Well as many other places. 

Fountain Hill.— The northeast part of Salisbury 
township adjoins the borough oi South Bethlehem, 
and is known as Fountain Hill. The ridge lying 
along the river was formerly known as Ostrom's 
A traet of land was obtained by Andrew i >s- 
trom under a warrant from the I'enns in 1745, for 
which he received a patent in November, 1760. In 
the year L764 he conveyed it to the Moravians, who 
retained it in their possession till 1853, when it was 
told with other lands to Charles W. Ranch. On this 
farm arc inexhaustible quarries of stone, which has 
In in used lor building since 1706, at which time the 
bid Bethlehem buckwheat-mill was built. The stone 
was taken from these quarries for the Bethlehem Iron 
Company's buildings and for the Lehigh University. 

Another settler on this traet wasJobsl Vollert, who 
came from Coventry, Chester Co., to Bethlehem in the 
summer of 174ii. He soon after became the landlord 
bf the Crown tnn, and Nov. 2, 1747. purchased eighty - 
one acres of land lying south and southwest of the 
Simpson tract of Tobias Weber, who had built a 
house upon the land in 1711. In September, 1754, 
Vollert purchased one hundred and fourteen and one- 
half acres of land, formerly the property of Anthony 
Albrecht. It extended from the south line of the 
Wcl.er or original Vollert tract to the east of the 
mountain. These two tracts, in August, 1755, were 
sold to the Moravians. 

Another tract of eighty acres ,,f mountain land 
■as purchased in 1741 by Ueorge Ilaitmann. and 



was occupied by Cornelius Weygandt. It issuppi 
that be erected, about 1759, the old farm-house in the 
rear of Bishopthoi | .on after came into pos- 

'ii of tic Moravians. 

About the year 1769 the Moravian- COmnil Di 
nut the land mi the south bank of the Lehigh, of 
which the; then owned al hundred acres. 

In Februarj of that year the Weygandt farm was 

rented to Max Keifer, who died in .1791. lb was 

-ui .1. .led by John Christian Clewell, who, about the 

year 1810, was followed 1>\ John Hoffert, whose -on. 

hi i Hoffert, came into possession in L884, and 

who retained it till it was sold by the Moravians. 
The first sale of these land- on the south bank of 

the Delaware was of two acres ol n land to 

Francis H. Oppelt, in April. 1846. He was at that 
time erecting a building in which was opened the 

Lehigh Mountain Springs Water Cure." lie later 
purchased six acres additional, which is occupied by 

St. Luke's I lo-pital. 

The four Moravian farms were purchased in 1847, and 
that part in Salisbury township, one hundred and - 
acres, was -old to ( 'baric- < '. and I (liver Tumbler, and 
SIX acres to F. H. Oppelt, I tn tin 7th of August, 1850, 
L. Oliver Tomblersold to Daniel Freytag twenty-two 

acres, and on the 1st of April, 1851, to Augustus Fish 
ten acres. Fish had previously purchased of Charles 
< '. Tombler the one hundred and seven acre-, in De- 
cember, 1850. In 1848, Tombler had built the store- 
house in rear of the old one, which Fish enlarged. 
He purchased twenty-nine acres of the old Vollert 
tract. He then named the place " Fontainebleau," 
later called Bishopthorpe. Fish died in L866, and the 
property soon after was sold to Tin-by Jeter, by 
whom it was laid out into lot,-. 

That portion of the town of South Bethlehem 
known as Fountain Hill, extending southwest from 
the Union Depot, lies partly in Northampton and 
partly in Lehigh County. In May, 1851, the Desh 
farm, consisting of about ninety acres, of which the 
largest part was in Northampton County, was pur- 
chased by Charles Hacker and Samuel II. Shipley, of 
Philadelphia, and Rudolphus Kent, of Gwynedd. 
Charles Hacker wa- interested to the amount of three- 
fifths, the other two one-fifth each. This farm ex- 
tended southwest as far as Seminole Street, which, ab- 
originally laid out, was intended to run from the 
Salisbury road to the extreme western boundary of 

the farm, where Ostrom Street ha- d located. 

Beyond this line of Seminole Street, the portion 
of where Delaware Avenue now run- belonged to 
the Freytag place of twenty-two acre- ; west of that 
.street it belonged to Augustus Fiot. 

Very soon alter this pureha-e Messrs. Hacker. 
Shipley & Kent had the whole farm laid out into 
streets, blocks, and lots for building purposes, it being 
foreseen that the early completion of the Lehigh 
Valley and the North IViin Railroads would largely 

increase the value of the property. The present sta- 



412 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



t'nin mn'1 buildings near it are situated on a portion of 
this farm. 

In finding 01 is for the new streets to be laid oul 

Mr. Shiplej ed the adoption of In. linn names, 

and this was carried <>u( in all the streets laid out by 
them. The name of Delaware Avenue was given to 
the principal street, and this, though nol Indian in 
origin, bad been borne by a powerful and important 
i [ndiane. Itasca has never been boi m 

tribe of Indians, being a iposite name formed for 

a special purpose, bul from its origin and form was 

deei 1 appropriati . Uaska Streel was not laid out 

till 1883, and lakes its name from the Territory of 
thai name, With these exceptions, we bi lieve all the 
other streets laid out by Messrs. Backer, Shipley & 

Kent bear Indian names. 

h has ahv;id\ been said that the present Union 
Depot is on a part of the Desh farm, the North 
Penn Railroad Company having early purchased ten 

acres of this ground. Among the first purchases 
made for building residences was that of Robert H. 
Say re, Esq., chief engineer and general superintendent 
of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, lie bought the lower 
or eastern portion of the block bounded by Wyandot 
Street, Delaware A venue, ( Htawa, ami Lenni Lennape 
Streets, of which the upper portion was, some years 
subsequently , purchased by John Smylie, Esq. Mr. 
Sayre erected his residence there in 1857, and this, we 
believe, was the first of the many beautiful dwellings 
which now cover the whole of this farm. All of this 
part, and indeed nearl\ the whole of this farm, lying 
in Northampton County, it is hardly proper to say i 
more about it here. 

In November, 1860, the Freytag place was purchased 
by Mr. Tinsley .Jeter, then a resident and member of 
the bar of the city of Philadelphia, but who at this 
time was engaged in building the Ironton Railroad, to 
connect his iron-mines, at Ironton, with the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad. In 1866, Mr. Augustus Fiot, the 
owner of the Hoffert farm, or Fontainebleau, as he 
called the place after his purchase, died, and Fon- 
tainebleau was purchased by Mr. Jeter. One or two 
smaller pieces of ground to the southwest were also 
purchased by him. Having in the same year sold 
out bis railroad and mines, Mr. Jeter decided to give 
his undivided attention thenceforth to the subdivision . 
and sab- of this property, and to such enterprises as 
would tend to add to the moral or material welfare of 
that portion of the tow n. Later in the year he made 
purchases of portions of the Desh farm, as already 
divided by Messrs. Hark,,-, Shipley .v.- Kent. At 
the commencement of his operations he felt the need 

of s c distinctive name for this portion of the town, 

and finally adopted thai of fountain Hill, by which 
it has ever since been known. There was no special 

'lie:] nee in the name, il being simply a fancy name. 
Delaware Avenue, Cherokee, Seneca, and l'awnec 

Streets were continued southwestwardly. In doing 
this it was found that if continued out in the same 



line Delaware Avenue would, after crossing Fiot 
descend rather rapidly, and a- this is the main 

thoroughfare, it was decided to make it diverge some- 
what to the right, so as to give it a nearly even 
to the Salisbury road. This divergence was made in 

the other parallel streets also, and commences at the 
line of Seminole Street, where Mr. Jeter's property 
commenced. Ostrom Street was laid out entirely by 
Mr. Jeter, and has no break. \t firsl Huron Street, 
now a prolongation of Fourth Street, was only laid 

out by Messrs. I lacker. Shipley .v Kent from Wyandot 
Street to Cherokee Street. In lsh; the block, of ground 

houm led by Delaware Avenue, Cherokee, Seneca, ami 
Dacotah Streets was purchased by Mr. Jeter, and 
Huron Street was then extended by him to S, neca 
Street and Delaware Avenue, its present terminus. 

In the original plan of Messrs. Hacker, Shipley it 
Kent, Seneca Street was considered an alley, and made 
only thirty feet wide. When Mr. Jeter purchased 
from them the ground referred, he made it a condition 
that this street should he widened to fiftj feet, ami 
this was done. In adopting names for such streets as he 
should lay out, Mr. Jeter abandoned the Indian nomen- 
clature lor the purpose of perpetuating in these names 
such families ami individuals as were or had been more 

or less connected with this part of the town. Hence 
the series of names now attached to these streets, 
many of which were suggested by the Rev. W. C. 
Reichel, author of the " Crown Inn" and other works 
connected with the history and antiquities of Bethle- 
hem and vicinity. 

Bishopthorpe School.— < in the southeastern -lope 
of otic of the ridges of South or Lehigh Mountain is 
located what was formerly known as the Hoffert 
Farm. This was owned by the Moravians, and was 
one of the few farms they owned on this side id' the 
Lehigh River. It was long occupied by a family 
named Hoflert, and hence the name. The farm- 
house was a long low one story stone house, with 
high-pitched roof, small windows, and queer little 
old-fashioned dormers. It was built in the last 
century, and is still occupied as a dwelling. In 1848 
this farm was purchased by Charles Tombler, wdio 
built a new house farther down, and front of the one 
above mentioned. This building was also of stone, but 
larger and more commodious than the former. The 
place was owned and occupied by Mr. Tombler till 

December, 1850, when he sold it to Augustus Fiot, 

Esq., a retired merchant, born in France, but for many 
years carrying on business as a dealer in music in 
Philadelphia. As such he had acquired a modest 
fortune, ami purchased this place tor a summer resi- 
dence. On coming to reside here in the summer of 
1851, he was so much delighted with it that he never 
left, even lor the winter. He added a third story to 
I he main building, and enlarged it by other additions 
ami very much changed the interior arrangements. 
The grounds also were very much enlarged ami beau- 
tified, several fountains were introduced, and a large 



SALISMCKV TOWNSHIP. 



U3 



Dumber of beautiful exotic trees planted. \ 

tiiul green bouse and grapery were also built and 

added to the beauties oi the place, which was then 

Darned Fontainebleau, from the village and pal 

! inebleau in France, near where Mr. Fiot had 

1 some years in his boyh I. For G 

prior in hi- death, which 

this place was the most beautiful in the environs of 
Bethlehem, and undoubtedly one of the most charm- 
ing in the S 

At this period the -parr extending from this farm 
to the Lehigh River, where the station is now, and 
which i> qow called Fountain Hill, had not been laid 
out iii lots, streets, etc., and the- approach from the 
bid Lehigh bridge to Fontainebleau was first by the 
Allentown road (now Lehigh Street to what is now 
Uncas Street : thence nearly southwest, partly along 
what is now Ostn - t. Then it diverged to the 
light and passed through what now belongs to St. 
Luke's Hospital; nearly opposite the hospital build- 
ing ii diverged to the left, and passed to the east of 
Ostrom Strict. Then marking nearly a right angle, 
it wmt again into the grounds of the hospital and 
through a beautiful avenue planted with horsi 
nut . poplar-, and linden-trees to a gate opposite the 
northern end of the building. It was a rather devious, 
but always a most beautiful, approach to the mansion. 

\- already stated, Mr. Fiot died in 1866, leaving 
neither wife nor children. He had devised the place 
to his brother Mr. Jules Fiot, of Philadelphia, who 
immediately sold it to Tinsley Jeter, who sine. 1 360 
had owned and occupied the Freytag place, closely 

adjoining on the ea-t, and which contained tweiily- 

two acres. The Fiot place contained nearly one bun- 

dred and fifty acres, and other lands in the vicinity 

having subsequently been purchased by Mr. Jeter, he 

owned at one time about two hundred and thirty 

acres. Havingearly in the yeai sold out his mines 

and railroad in another part of the county, he deti r- 

mined to devote himself entirely to the building up 

ami improvement of that portion of the vicinity of 

South Bethlehem where his properly was situated. 
The establishment of Bishopthorpe school was one 

of the enterprises projected by him with that object 

in view. S ■ others may perhaps lie referred to 

elsewhere. 

The Rt. Rev. William Bacon Stevens, bishop of the 
Protestant Episcopal ' burch in tic D ol Penn- 

sylvania, was consulted, and from the first gave the 
project In- earnest and most cordial .sympathy and 
support. The first meeting of those interested in the 
matter was held on the evening of I Vc. 11, 1867, at the 
house of Robert H. Sayre, Esq. Those present w 
the lit. Rev. Bishop Stevens, the Rev. E. X. Potter, 
then rector of the Church of th. Nati\ ity. Robert 1 1. 
Sayre, William H. Sayre, Jr., John Smylie, .lames 
Jenkins, 11. s. Goodwin, Dr. Henry Coppee, then 
president of the Lehigh University, ami Tinsley 
Jeter. The minutes of the meeting state that the , 



bishop stated the object of tin- meeting, which was 
iblish a young ladies' academy of the hi 

er, and ga\ e many ami I for it. 

Bethlehem ha- had a renown throughout lie' country 
a- a plaee for the education of girls ; it- salubrity 
was remarkable ; the Lehigh University is loo 
the two will thii- ofFer unusual facilil 

parents having both -on- and daughters toed 

■ referred in high term- to the property, which 
could now be obtained on . i ,:,■ terms, 

Mi --I-. William 1 1 ami 

(ioodwiu made i il tin- same tenor. The 

d thai he had received a letter on 

I .Mr. Jeter, and requested that il 

should be read, which was done, flu- Iressed 

to the bishop, Stated that on the lor i u at ion of a board 

of trustee- satisfactory to the bishop he (Mr. Jeter) 
would sell the house and a certain amount of land at 
a valuation, and would make a donation of one-fourth 

a- a gilt to the .school. Or he would make 
all the necessary additions and changes in order to lit 
ii lor a school a! hi- own expense, and would then 
give it Ilia' of rent for two years, with the privilege 
of purchasing it at the end thereof. The latter oiler 
was accepted. The hoard of trustee-, as constituted 
at a subsequent meeting, were the gentlemen already 

named, the bishop being the president of the board. 

Messrs. William II. Sayre, Jenkins, and Goodwin 
.ide a committee to arrange and supervise the 

additions and alterations which Mr. Jeter agreed to 
make in order to fit the place for it- new uses. 

The bishop, the Rev. Mr. Totter, and Dr. Coppee 
were appointed a eon mi it tec to secure the sen ices of 
a competent lady as principal of the school. 

The next meeting was held Jan. 17, lStJS, at the 

rectory, the bishop and the sao men being 

present. The subject of a name was much discussed, 
and finally, on motion of I>r. CopptSe, it was unani- 
mously decide illy to call it " Bishopthorpe School for 

( iirl-." and it i- proper to stale here the origin of this 
name. The bishop stated that he thought a good 

name was a matter of some importance; that during 
a laic visit to England he had been a guest id' the 
Rt. Rev. the Archbishop of York at his country- 
place or villa, named " Bishopthorpe." The word 
thorpe meaning, in Anglo-Saxon, place, village, ham- 
let, and Bishopthorpe the place, hamlet, or village of 

the bishop. Il< BUggi sted, therefore, that this might 

be a very good name, inasmuch as it seemed the 
general desire to have a name which had not already 
been appropriated elsewhere. The mo1 
mentioned was then made by Dr. Coppee, and w ;us 
unanimously adopted. 

At this meeting the committee on the -election of a 
principal reported that they bad secured the services 

of Miss Edith S. Chase, of Phi lad of whom the 

bishop -poke in the highest terms as, in his opinion, 
eminently qualified to till the place, and she wa- ac- 
cordingly elected. 



414 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



In pursuance of the proposal already mentioned, 
and in conjunction with the committee on alb 

.Mr. Jeter proceeded al once i ake the necessary 

es and additions to the buildings. The | 
pal addition made was the erection of a new bn 
in the rear, which contains the dining-room on the 
lower Hour ami the school-room above. Other minor 
additions were also made al the same time. 

The school was opem d in September, 1868, and at 
once took the high character for careful, 
entious training and culture which ii has maintained 

lire. 

In 1870, Miss Chase accepted the post of principal 
..i a much larger school, then being built under the 
supervision of the Bt. Rev, Bishop of Albany, N. Y., 
and left Bishopthorpe at the close of the academical 
year, in June, 1870. 

Her successor was .Miss F. I. Walsh, also formerly 
of Philadelphia, but more recently a teacher in a 
large school at Monticello, 111. She still remains the 
principal, and the school under her wise, careful, and 
conscientious management has become all that its most 
sanguine projectors ever hoped or anticipated. Allu- 
sion has already been made to earnest sympathy and 
support received from the Rt. Rev. Bishop Stevens, 
in whose diocese the school was situated. Within a 
year or two alter the opening of the school the new 
diocese of Central Pennsylvania was created, and this 
new diocese included Bethlehem. Bishop Stevens 
therefore resigned his position of president of the 
board of trustees, and the place since that time has 
been filled by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Howe, who has 
ever manifested the most cordial and sympathetic 
interest in the welfare of the school. 

Mention has already been made of the otter of Mr. 
Jeter to give the use of the property, free of rent, for 
two years. He afterwards gave it, free of rent, for 
another year, at the end of which time the trustees 
decided to make an effort to raise means to purchase 
the property. This effort was undertaken principally 
by Robert H. Sayre, Esq., and accomplished by him 
in a short time. The properly was purchased in 1871 
Ibr thirty thousand dollars, of which amount one-third 
was contributed by the following gentlemen : R. H. 
Sayre, $1000; S. Bunnell, $1000; J. H. Swoyer, $500; 
Richard Sharpe, si not); G. B. Markle, $500; Francis 
Weiss, $1000; \-a Packer, $1000 ; W. and C. M, Dod- 
ion I ; Tinsley Jeter, $3200. 

Allusion ha- alreadj been made to the old approach 
road to the building. In laying out the new stri 

this portion of the town Mr. Jeter had preserved this 
avenue in pan. aid made it connect with Delaware 
Avenue at the head of Fiot .Street. When, however, 
the purchase of the property was made, a majority of 
tin- trustees preferred that the school property should 
have rectangular hounds. This necessitated a com 
plete change in I he location of all the new streets in 
lie \ icinity, and the present arrangement, more utili- 
tarian, perhaps, hut tar less beautiful, was adopted. 



lin executive committee has remained without 

lor many y.ai-, and is composed a- follow-: 
Tinsley Jeter, chairman ; William L, Dunglison, sec- 
retary and treasurer; R, II. Sayre, William II. Sayre, 
1 1. S. ( roodwin, 1 1 «-iii y i loppde, I.I..1 K 

St. Luke's Hospital. — This institution, now so 

large, so wealthy, and so beneficent, had, like many 

Other ureal works, a very -mall beginning. It owes 

il- present position, power, ami wealth. /»'/ m,l Us 

lo the munificence of Judge Packer. The 

credit of its inception i- due to tin Rt. Rev. Courtland 

Whitehead, then rector of the < 'lunch of the Nativity, 

South Bethlehem, but now bishop of the diocese 
of Western Pennsylvania. During the latter part of 
1871 Mr. Whitehead, after a meeting of the members 
composing the executive committee of Bishopthorpe 
school, requested them to remain, a- In- w ished to con- 
fer with them in regard to the establishment of a small 
hospital in South Bethlehem, to he in some waj con- 
nected with the work of the church of which they 
were all members. He then laid helore them some- 
thing of the outline of fhe project and asked their co- 
operation. There was a most cordial approval of the 
undertaking, and Tinsley Jeter, one of those present, 
was asked to aid in the preparation and passage of the 
charter. 

The charter was soon after prepared by Mr. White- 
head and Mr. Jeter, and in due time its passage DJ 
the Legislature was secured by the latter during the 
session of 1872. This charter has since then been 
very much changed, and it may not be out of place 
to state wdiat it was before these changes. As already 
said, it was designed to be a purely church work, 
more or less intimately connected with the parish of 
the Church of the Nativity. The hoard of trustees 
was to be composed of the bishop of the diocese as 
ex officio president, and the rectors and two laymen 
from all the Episcopal Churches in the Lehigh Val- 
ley. From the Church of the Nativity, South Beth- 
lehem, where the institution was to be located, there 
were to be three trustees; these were John Saiylie, 
Robert H. Sayre, and Tinsley Jeter. When these 
trustees were called together, it was strongly urged 
b\ several of the number that it would he advisable 
to make some changes in fhe charier, so as to render 
the institution less strictly denominational in char- 
acter. Judge Packer and R. H. Sayre were decided 
in their opinions that this was desirable. Changes 
were subsequently made, not so extensive as some 
desired, but more liberal perhaps than were deemed 
expedient by others. Under the charter as thus 
modified the bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church of the diocese in which the hospital is situ- 
ated is ex officio president of the board of trustees, 
and a majority of the trustees must belong to said 
church. There are no other liens binding the insti- 
tution to this church. The modifications referred to, 
and adopted by the board of trustees, were made by 
the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, 






SALISBURY TOWNSHIP. 



41; 



and were not obtained lill late in the year l>72,or 
early in the year 1878. During the latter part of the 
summer and fall of the year 1872 much of the in- 
terest felt in the enterprise seemed to have died out, 
and during several months it was impossible to 

ether a quorum at the monthly meetings to trans- 
act any business. The meeting liekl on the 27th was 
the first for several months when a quorum was 
present. At this meeting Mr. Jeti itly urged 

that an effort should be made to obtain a sufficient 
amount to purchase a small building as s commence- 
ment lie expressed his confident assurance that, it' 
authorized by the meeting, he would be able to raise 
thousand dollars within a -hor! time. This pro- 
posal was agreed to. and a committee of three were 
appointed to solicit subscriptions for the object in 
view. This comm sisted of the following 

persons: Tinsley Jeter, Smith Bethlehem; Francis 
Weiss, Bethlehem; Rev. Mr. Whitehead, South 
Bethlehem. 

The latter remained on the committee, but pre- 
ferred not to undertake to obtain any funds. Mr. 
Weiss had never attended any of the trustees' meet- 
ings, and declined to join actively in tin- work of 
raising money, hut expressed his warm sympathy for 
it, and generously contributed one thousand dol- 
lars. 

This committee immediately issued the following 
circular, and wire mot I 3U< i essful than they had an- 
ticipated in raising funds. Within a month nearly 
nine thousand dollars had been subscribed, and was 
reported to Hi.- next meeting held at the end of Feb- 
ruary : 

" At n meeting of the board "f trustees of St. Luke's Hospital, South 
lehem, held on the 27th -lay of January, Is7.;. the undersigned 
were spp Lnteda committee to solicit bd ad collect funds for 

the purchase or erection of a suitable building. Our earnest desire is 
able to commence our w.irk at the earliest day possible, and we 
he help of every one for our undertaking. Th.- bene- 
fits of the hospital aie foi all srbo need them, without distinction of 
,01 nationality, At the first meeting of the board of trus- 
tees the following resolution was adopted as the basis for all future 
action : 

" Kesohred, That the hoard of trustees, among its first acts, does here- 
lare that no distinction -lull ever be made in the reception or 

nt of patients on account of cr 1, race, of nationality, and that 

irblle the ministries ol the Christian faitfa shall he freely ottered to all 
the inmates il, they shall not i btruded upon any who 

are unwilling I that any patient may, under 

lion-, have the privilege of such religious ministrations as 
In- may requi 

" We therefore solii >t subscriptions and contributions from all. The 
smallest ns well as the largest amounts will be thankfully received 
our object is to heal the w is ar.d lessen the puns of suffering hu- 
manity. Will md ever? one who reads this ^> ilng? 

"Tinsi.f.y Jktku, 

'■ CORTLAND! Win i nir w>, 
" Committee." 

Saving this amount assured, the trustees proceeded 

at once to look for a suitable building, and the follow- 

committee was appointed to find one : Robert II. 

Bayre, South Bethlehem; Henry Colt, Allentown ; 

Dr. Swift. Kaston. They selected a douhle building 



on what is now called Broad Street, a buildiDg con- 
taining altogether more than twenty i It was 
approaching completion, and was offered to tin- com- 
mittee lor eight ll sand dollars by the owner, Mr. 

Abraham Yost, then largely engaged in building 
operation- in South Bethlehem. The commit 

■. t meeting unanimously reported in favor .T 

this purcha SSed tin opinion that the 

priee was g V er\ reasi tie. This report was 

adopted, and the committee above named were au- 
thorized in make tin purchase, which they did imme- 
diately afterwards. Preparations wi made 

to make the necessarj changes and alterations in the 
building to fit it for it- new uses. 

Duriiiu' the summer, in order to meet many ex- 
pense- connected with the furnishing of the building, 
lies of both Bethlehem and South Bethlehem 

invited to lend their assistance in such way as 

they might deem best. At a meeting of ladies called 
for this purpose, Mr. Whitehead and Mr. deter com- 
municated to tin in the wishes of the trusti es of the 

hospital, and asked their co-operation. It was at 
once decided to have a fair in the hospital huilding. 
This fair was held during the month of June, under 
the direction of a committee of ladies. Mis. Jeter being 
president, and was eminently successful, the amount 
being nearly a thousand dollars. With this 
and other amounts contributed bj churches and bj 

individuals, who furnished separate looms, the huild- 
ing was arranged for the reception of patients, and 
opened in October, 1873, when the first patient was 
received. 

During the summer of 1873 the board of trustees 
decided that the annua! meeting of the board should 
be held on St. Luke's day, the 18th day of I li 
The general management of the hospital was confided 
to an executive committee of nine persons, who were 
it the annual meeting in October of that year. 
Three of these were elected for three years, three for 

two wars, and three for one year, 80 that there should 
bean election for three members of this committee 
every year. In order to make the active participation 
in the duties of the management of the hospital more 
general among all the members of the committee, it 
was arranged that the position of chairman should 
not be held by one member longer than two years i n 
succession. This committee was composed as follows : 
Tinsley Jeter (chairman). John Smylie, Robert II. 
Sayre, Joseph Daubach, ['.. ( '. Webster, William H. 
Chandler, E.S.Goodwin, William B. Sayre, William 
D. Dunglison. 

It is proper to say that the Rev. Mr. Whitehead 
w.i- the first one named for a place on the executive 
committee, and would have heen its first chairman 
had he not given way to leave a place thereon for 
Mr. Chandler. 

It will he proper now to say something ol' the 

location and its acquisition by the hospital. 

As the property is now it consists of more than 



■ill) 



BIST0K12 OF LEHIGB COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



twenty acres ol ground, of which a res 

former!) pertained to the old Boffert farm of the 
Moravians, subsequent!; ing to Mr. I 

The remaining nine acres had ton ! nown as 

the Water-Cure property, an ed to Francis 

II. iippcl.lt, whose lirst purchase from the Moravians 
was made in 1846. Hi frame or 

n I. n building, and opened it as a water cure. 

Che spring which furnished the water issues from the 
grouml above the buildings, and furnished a supply 
of from five thousand to ten thousand gallons per 
day, according to the time of the year. The water 
ha- mi mineral qualities of anj special value, but is 
a very clear, pure, soft water, and remarkably 
adapted for all domesl tc pui poses. 

During the early year- of the war of secession 
this water cure was well patronized, and the owner 
considered it expedient at the close of the sum- 
mer of 1863 to i imence extensive additions or 

enlargements for the summerof 18(14. These changes, 
however, took a longer time and cost a far larger 
sum than Dr. Oppeldt had anticipated. The sum- 
mer season of 1 sr,4 was lost, and this, with the 
larger expense incurred, produced pecuniary difficul- 
ties and embarrassments from which he never fully 
recovered. 

In May, 1^71, the place was sold by the sheriff, and 
was bought by Mr. James T. Borheck, one of the cred 
itors, who held it lor sale for about a year, Dr..Oppeldt 
continuing to carry on the business as before, but as 
lessee. Such was the status of this property in the 
early part of the year 1S7J, when the trustees of the 
hospital first came together. At one of their earliest 
meetings attention was called to this place by Mr. 
Jeter as in every way one of the most suitable and 
beautiful places in the State for such an institution. 
At his request a number of the trustees, after one of 
their meetings, visited the place with hiui and made 
an examination. All were of the same opinion, but 
few then thought it possible to raise the money neces- 
sary to buy it. During the month of June, Mr. Jeter, 
fearing that the place might be sold before the trustees 
had an opportunity of raising the necessary means, 
determined to purchase it himself ami hold it subject 
to tie wishes of the trustees, in case they could obtain 
the funds required. This purchase was made in June, 
and the place was thus held lor several months. The 
trustees hesitated, however, to undertake what seemed 
so large an undertaking, and during the fall, as al- 
ready stated, marly all interest in the future institu- 
tion seemed to have died out. ft was not until the 
li7t li ol' January thai a quorum could be obtained for 
the transaction of anj business. As already related, 
at that meeting a committee was appointed to solicit 
funds, with the object of buying a much smaller 
property in the town. 

This was done, and the institution was opened in 
the building on Broad Street. The committee on 
location, who had reported in favor of the building 



on Kneel Street immended in their report 

that the trustees should secure without delay a larger 

il -round, of ten acres or more, as the future 

site for the hospital. No further offer of the Water- 
Cure property was ever made to the trustee-. Mr. 
Jeter, the then owner, being one of the trustees of the 
hospital, naturally forbore to make any suggestion 
looking to it- acquisition, and no negotiations of any 
kind were ever initiated on the subject between him 
and the trustees "I the institution. 

Soon after this the Uev. Mr. Whitehead strongly 
urged that Judge Packer should be applied to to give a 
few acres of some of his land lying between the Le- 
high University and the cemetery of tin- Roman 
Catholic Church, cast of the town. Mr. Whitehead 
slated that he thought that a verj suitable location 
could he found there, and that he felt sine that Judge 
Packer would willingly make a donation of a suitable 
site. 

The trustees acquiesced in this proposed applica- 
tion, and Mr. Whitehead was appointed a committee 
to make ii. Judge Packer expressed In- perfect will- 
ingness to make such a donation, hut stated at the 
same time that he did not think any of his ground 
suitable, and that he would much prefer contributing 
an amount sufficient to purchase a suitable site to 
giving an unsuitable one from his own ground. 

Judge Packer had from the first given his most 
cordial sympathy to the establishment of the hos- 
pital, but had never been applied to for any contri- 
bution in the effort made to obtain funds for the 
purchase of the first building. It had been wisely 
decided to obtain the required amount elsewhere, and 
that the well-known liberality of Judge Packer should 
be left to act in such way as he might deem best at 
some future period. 

In 1S7.">, therefore, be authorized Mr. E. 1'. Wilbur 
to enter into negotiations for the purchase of the 
Water-Cure property, and this was consummated in 
the early part of 1876. In laying out his streets in 
the vicinity an addition had been made to the place, 
which now consisted of a little more than twenty 
acres. The price paid was twenty-live thousand dol- 
lars, whereof twelve thousand dollars was paid cash 
by Judge Packer and sons, the other thirteen thousand 
dollars remaining on mortgage until it was finally 
paid by the trustees, principally or entirely out of the 
proceeds of several very large excursions, which were 
undertaken under the care of the Ladies' Aid Society 
of the hospital. Subject to the mortgage above men- 
tioned, the property was presented to the institution 
by Judge Packer in the early part of the year 1876. 

Mention has already been made of the fair held by 
the ladies of Bethlehem in June, 1873, to aid in 
furnishing the building. It was afterwards thought 
by the trustees that a permanent association of ladies 
might be made an important auxiliary in raising funds 
for tin' institution, and a committee, consisting ol' Mr. 
Goodwin, Mr. Jeter, ami Mr. W. II. Sayre, was ap- 



SALTSBIBY TOWNSHIP. 



417 






pointed to select officers to undertake the formation 
of such : 1 1 1 association. Mrs. Robert II. Sayre was 
made president, Mrs, Bejamin C. Webster, treasurer, 
and Mrs. Jeter, secretary. This association went 
actively to work in various ways, and during tl 
four or five years succeeded in raising about fifteen 
thousand dollars, much the larger part being raised by 
mi ana of t lie large railroad excursions which were 
organized and carried out, the entire proceeds of 
which, through the liberality of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad Company, went into the treasury of the 
association. 

During the j ear 1876 the new location was occupied 
hospital, the Water-Cure building being used 
for this purpose. In 1879 the new building was com- 
menced, and finished in 1880. Down to 1881 the 
hospital had been under the charge of a matron, 
bo far as domestic arrangements were concerned. 
The medical direction was under the direction of Dr. 
A. Hont, of Bethlehem, assisted by one or two resi- 
dent physicians. To his care, skill, and devotion, for 
a period of marly ten years, tin- institution is largely 
indebted tor its success. In the year mentioned it 
was deemed best to place the entire charge of the 
hospital in the hands of a resident physician as sur- 
geon and superintendent, and Dr. W. L. Estes. who 
so worthily fills the place at present, was elected. 

Judge Packer, who died in 1879, left the bi 
the income of three hundred thousand dollars I 

of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, which now 
pays eight per cent., thus giving the institution twenty- 
four thousand dollars per annum. There is also a 
provision in the will of Judge Packer by which the 
institution maj hereafter receive a large addition to 
tlii- amount. Early in the year 1*84 Judge II. E. 
Packer, the only surviving son of Judge Asa Packer, 
died, and by his will the hospital will receive three- 
twenty-thirds of his estate alter the decease of his 
widow. 

Soon alter the opening of the hospital, it was the 
nt of a portion of the various and liberal 

of Mr. I. Y. Williamson, a merchant of Phila- 
delphia, wdio presented it with nearly tin thousand 
dollars in ground-ren d on property in Phila- 

delphia. In addition to the above sources of income 
should be added the amounts received from the an- 
nual Thanksgiving-day collections which are taken 
up in all the Protestant Episcopal Churches of the 
Dioeese of Central Pennsylvania. 

\- has been already stated, the bishop of the 
diocese of Central Pennsylvania, the Rt. Rev. M. A. 
DeWolfe Howe, is president of the board of trustee-; 
the Rt. Rev. Edmund de Schweinitz, of Bethlehem, 
i- first vice-president; the Rev. W. C. Cattell, late 
nt of Lafayette College, second vice-president ; 
Treasurer, E. P. Wilbur; Secretary. W. H. Chand- 
ler: chaplain, the Rev. C. K. Nelson, rector of the 
< Ihurch of the Nativity. The executive comm 

as follows : Tinsley Jeter, chairman ; H. S. Goodu in, 

•J 7 



tary ; William L. Dunglison, William II. Sayre, 
W. II. Chandler, Robert II. Sayn. Samuel Thorn 
E. P. Wilbur. 

Saint Mary's Chapel, Lechanweki Springs. 
its i lie liberality of Messrs. John 

Smylie and Robert II. Sayre. Th tigs were 

lir.-t opener] to the public in June. 1878, and Augl 
loth of the same veal the mis-ion Sunday-ehool . 

ned. Mr. Smylie soon after gave the ground on 
which the church -land- to the Church of the Nativ- 
ity, and offered to provide the means of en 
suitable building. The gift w ner- 

was laid Oct. 6, 1874, and the building conse- 
I April I'. 1 , 1 s7">, -the eo-t being almost entirely 
provided by the two gentlemen above named. Mr. 
Sayre for nearly ten years superintended the Sunday- 
school, and to his fostering care and active work, 
ablj seconded by Mrs. Sayre, the - the mis- 

sion is very largely indebted. It is now, as ever, 
modestly pursuing its beneficent work, and aiding 
largely the great work of its mother, the Church ol 
the Nativity, South Bethlehem. 

Minor Notes. — The Shive Governor-Works were 
established by John Smiley, who built the present 
shops in 1872, and operated till his death. It is now 
operated by his -on. 

In 1878 the hotel at Lechanweki Springs was 
erected, and was conducted till 1882. It has not been 
opened since. 

Fountain Hill Cemetery.— An association < 
the Fountain Hill Cemetery Company was incorpo- 
rated April 10, 1872. This association purchased six 
acres of land occupying the western limit of the old 
Hoffert farm, and which was known as "the buck- 
wheat held." It wa- laid out for the use of the people 
of South Bethlehem and vicinity. 

Fairview and Strassburg are settlements that 
have grown up in the outer limits of the city of 
Allentown and in this town-hip. The sketch of 
Fairview Cemetery will be found in the history of 
Allento 

The Borough of Emaus.'— Emaus is a borough 
situated at the loot of the South Mountain, about five 
miles south of the city of Allentown, the eounty-- 
of Lehigh County, near the junction of the East 
Perm branch of the Philadelphia and Beading Rail- 
road and the Perkiomen Railroad, another branch of 
the Philadelphia and Beading Bailroad. It wa- incor- 
porated as a borough in 1859. The population in 
188(1 was about nine hundred, and the increase since 
«en about two hundred. 

The town was tir-t laid out and settled by a thrifty 
set of Germans, who soon felt the need of religious 
privilege-, and therefore, bj request, the Moravians 
began a domestic mis-ion in it in the year 1742. In 
July, 1747, a Moravian congregation was organized; 
in 1747 a church and parsonage were dedicated by 

i Bj II. W. .I.inelt. 



418 



HISTORY OF LKIIICII COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Cammerhoff, a Moravian bishop, who came to Ameri i 
a- missionary to the Indians. 

In 1758 tin Moravians purchased from the 9ettlers 
one hundred and two acres of land, and in the spring 
hi' i hi ir laid out the town and called it Emaus. 

From the organization of the congregation the set- 
dly incn ased in population, 

but iliil imt make any great progress ill the way of 

business or building, as the residents were mosth of 
the poorer class, and bad to depend upon the products 
of the soil for a living. 

Emans from all accounts, traditional or otherwise, 

was a close denominational town until about the year 
1835, whin a few people from other denominations 

moved to the place. The church at no time kept any 
store or house of entertainment in the place, but the 
stores were mostly kept and supported by the mem- 
bers and friends of the church. The first ordained 
and regularly appointed minister was Rev. Anthon 
Wagner, and not Rev. Anthony Wayne, as has been 
stated in former works. 

Emaus was and has always been considered a very 
quiet place, and justly so, as the world'- vice- were 
kept aloof as much as lay in the power of the inhab- 
itants forty and more years ago. However, on the 1st 
day of August, 1858, when the advance-guard of the 
railroad-builders made their appearance, the people J 
suddenly began to rouse up out of their Rip Van 
Winkle sleep to find that there were people and life 
in the world beside themselves and their own. Since 
then they have had all the vices and blessings that 
other favored communities have. Progress has been 
slow but sure, and the community now counts five 
general stores, hardware-, drug-, and shoe-stores, four 
churches and three flourishing Sunday-schools, and 
two hotels. The discovery of iron ore in the imme- 
diate vicinity has from time to time attracted a good 
many workingmen, mostly Germans, who as a general 
rule have been saving and industrious enough to be- 
come householders and land-owners. Some of the 
wealthiest citizens have started as workers at fifty 
cents a day to become worth their hundred thousands, 
with a great many men in their employ. Naturally, 
a furnace was commenced iii about 187<l, and after a 
great many ups and downs was put in blast; but the 
management never having been any of the best, it was 
finally sold to the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and 
Iron Company, who leased it to Messrs. Arnnod, Fisher j 
& ( '.... who worked it successfully until 1883, when the ; 
iron business became so dull and unprofitable that it . 
was blown out, to remain idle until some future time. 
In the mean time the very enterprising lessees deter- 
mined if possible to keep their laborers employed, 
and so built up large works to manufacture cast-iron 
gas- and water-pipe, in which they have succeeded 
admirably, having a market for all they can produce. 

Emaus, for its population, has first-class business 
buildings and homes, and living there is said to be 
much cheaper and better than in any other town with 



its facilities. Two large reservoirs, situated upon the 

mountain, furnish the town with pure spring-water, 
and also a supply for tire purposes, the town being 
well equipped with fire-plugs, and also hose-cart, lad- 
ders, and about fifteen hundred feet of best leather 
fire-hose. 

The public-school system i- in vogue with a six 
months' school term, with a fair class of teachers : i n ,| 
office, - 

The present officers of the borough consist of Wil- 
liam II. Ilaiiiinaii as burgess, sis councilmen, who 
are elected annually, Etaham Shuler, treasurer, and 
Silas t )tt. water commissioner. 

Early Settlers. — The settlers at or near the site of 
Emaus in 1742 were Jacob Ehrenhard, Andrew 
(tearing, Abraham Ziegler, George Christ, and Fred- 
erick Winch. 

Jacob Ehrenhard lived in the house now owned 
by Hiram S. Getz, of Reading, lie had several 
daughters, who married and settled in Nazareth. 

Andrew Gearing lived in a log house at the lower 
end of the town (since remodeled, and now owned 
by John .Schwartz). He came to this country a single 
man, married here, and worked at his trade, which 
was shoemaking. He had several sons, among whom 
were John and Andrew. The former purchased land 
not far from the town, where he lived and died. He 
had four sons. — John J., who is now living at Emaus. 
at the age of eighty-one years ; William and Thomas, 
who died in Emaus ; and one who removed to another 
part of the State. Sylvester L. Gearing, the post- 
master at Emau-. is a sun of Thomas. 

George Christ built two log houses in the lower part 
of the town, both of which have been torn down. 
Howard Shipe is in possession of one of the lots, and 
Mrs. Peter Balliet of the other. He had live sons, — 
George, Jacob, Lewis, Henry, and Jonathan, all of 
whom except the last settled at Emaus. George was 
a hatter; Jacob a tobacconist; Lewis kept the tav- 
ern; Jonathan was a saddler; and Henry a farmer. 
None of the family are now in the borough. 

Frederick Jobst, one of the most prominent resi- 
dents of a later period, was born in 1810 in Alsace- 
Lorraine, Germany, and emigrated with his parent, 
J. George, and bis brother Francis to America in 
INliX, landing at New York, and at once proceeded to 
this section, where they at once settled down, and the 
subject of this commenced to work at his trade, which 
was weaving, and shortly after he began playing the 
violin on festive occasions, at which he was an expert, 
having played at concerts and balls in the old coun- 
try, and teaching German school among the French 
residents of the country. Weaving soon got to be 
overdone, and lie then became a laborer. In 1S4S, at 
the solicitation of some friends, he, with his two sons, 
Henry and John, whom he had also instructed in 
music, together with a few others, started on a trip 
South as far as Savannah, giving concerts, and met 
with unbounded success, arriving home, after an ab- 



SALISBURY TOWNSHIP. 



419 



sence of about four months, with a fair, and al thai 

time good, supplj of i ey. He then commi 

mining iron ore^ and has continued at that up to date; 
in the mean time, however, organizing and teaching 
brass and string bands throughout the county, many 

a time, for months in succession, working in th ine 

till five o'clock p.m., and then rushing home, and 
walking Brom three to eight miles to teach a band, 
and home again, and to the mine next morning, the 
brightest and cheeriest of all the workmen. At the 
age of seventy-tour hi' i^ as hale as most youn; 
of twenty-live. lb- is one of tin 
in this section of the O unity. 

Emaus Moravian Church. — Work was , - 

mm need by the Moravian Brethren in Salisbury town- 
ship in the autumn of 1741. when Count L. Zinzen- 
dorf, then on an official visit in this country, preached 
by request in the house of Jacob Ehrnhard. (Text, 
Matt. i. I4.« The historian says the sermon was very 
edifying, but much too short. In the autumn of 

1712 tin- first church was erected near the present old 

cemetery, and the cemetery was laid out ; the land was 

donated by Jacob Ehrnhard, and several additional 
tracts were donated at a later day. From 1742 to 1747 
the Brethren from Bethlehem preached here regularly, 
but the congregation was not organized until July 
30, 1747, when a formal organization was effected, 
and the Rev. Anthon Wagner and his wife Elizabeth 
appointed to take charge of the work. 

In this same year a boarding-school wa-. commenced 
in a building erected for that purpose during the pre- 
vious year on the old cemetery lot. This institution 
was put in charge of Rev. Christopher Heyne, and 
-n> ci ssfully continued till 17~>:'.. when, on account of 
the dangers of the then existing Indian war, it was lor 
the sake of greater safety removed to Bethlehem, Pa, 

The original founders of the congregation were the 
following: Sebastian and Catharina Knaus, Jacob 
and Barbara Ehrnhard, Conrad and Catharine \\ 
Joseph and Susanna Graff, l'eter and Margaretha 
Graff, Johannes and Catharina Knaus, Jacob and 

Loscher, Philip and Kra/er, John and Mai ia 

Kohler, Henry and Catharina Guth, Martin and Eliz- 
abeth Bamberger, Samuel and Catharina k'opp. Johi 
and Vi ronica Landis, Jacob and Catharina Boerstler, 
Anton and Catharina Albreeht. (ieorge and Christi- 
anna Hartman, Tobias and Margareth Weber, l'eter 

and • Hofman. Rudy and Oberly, Frederick 

and Maria Kausenberger, Catharina Guth, Gertrude 
Cog, Rosina Pfingsttag, Rosina Moz, — forty-four 
members. 

The following ministers served the congregation : 
1747 BO, Anton and Elizabeth Wagner; 1750-51, 
John W. and Rosina Michler; 1751-52, Andreas and 
Dor. Horn ; 1752-58, John C. and ( hristina Francke ; 
1758 55, Daniel and XannaNeubert; 1755-56, George 
and Gertrude Schneider; 1756-58, John C. and Mar- 
garet Engel ; 1758-60, John and Magdalena Schweitz- 
kaupt; L760-62, Daniel and ilanna Neubert;1762 68, 



ad Maria Pitsohmann ; 1768 66, Anton and 
I Jizabeth Wagner; 1766 7:;. I [enry and Elizabeth Lin- 
denmeyer; 177:i 77, Andrew and Maria Langgard ; 
1777 79, Francis and Anna Bohler ; 177:i $5, JohnJ. 
\nna Sidiwihel ; L785 86, Nicolaue I, .and Al 
q; 1786 90, John and Maria Roth; 1790 91, 
John and Anna Beck; 1791 93, Bernhard and Sarah 
Grube; 17'.':: (is, George and Anna Mndler; 1798- 
1801, Ludwig F. and Maria Boehler; 1801-2, John and 
Anna Bardell ; 1802-5, John and Susanna Molther; 
1805 7, John and Ah.l. Bardill ; 1801 fried 

and Anna Oppelt; 1809 13, Theodore and Susanna 
Shulz; 1818 30, Paul and Anna Weiss; 1830 36, John 
and Sophia I'.rickenstcin : 1836 38, Peter and Eliza 
Kluge; 1838-39, G. F. and Eliza Troeger'; 1 
II. Levin T. and Louisa Reichel ; 1844-46, Julius 
and EmmaBechler; 1846 53, Ambrose and Matilda 
Ronthaler; 1853 60, John and Carolina Rugennas; 
1860-62, Edward and Annie Kluge ; 1862-64, Lorenz 
and Anna Oerten : 1864-68, Henry C. and Mary 
Bachman ; 1868-76, Julius and Maria and Ellen 
Wunsche; 1876-77, W. H. and Dorothea Hoch ; 
1877 79, Max. E. and Martha Grunert; 1879-82, 
Clemens and Caro ine Reinke ; 1882, L. P. and Sarah 
Clewell. 

The first church was built, in 1746-47, entirely by 
voluntary gifts, donations of material and labor; the 
second one, in 1766, was also in a great measure built 
in the same manner, and the whole amount of cash 
i cpended amounted probably to not more than one 
hundred pounds, American currency ; the last church, 
built in 1836, cost in the neighborhood of four thou- 
sand dollars cash ; the chapel, built in 1876, cost ab 
two thousand six hundred dollars, and the parsonage, 
with additions, two thousand dollars. The present 
value of the property, including the grounds, is from 
ten to twelve thousand dollars. 

Evangelical Church.' — For several years prior to 
1845 the Rev. Charles Hesser preached to people of 
this faith in the houses of Charles Fehr, Daniel Kech, 
and George Kemmerer. In that year the people 
forming the society, then numbering eighteen, erected 
a frame building, thirty by forty feet. This house 
in use till 1878, when the society erected the 
present brick church edifice, forty by sixty-live 
two stories high, at a cost of seven thousand dollars. 
I he Rev. F. Hoffman was pastor in 1845. In the 
year 1869 a revival took place under the charge o - 
Ely and J. K. Seifrit, by which seventy members 
were added to the church. In 187o the Annual Con- 
ference set off Email- from the Lehigh Circuit, 
it was made a separate mission. It is now under the 
charge of the Ri v. B. II. Miller. The church mem- 
bership is one hundred and fifteen, with a Sunday- 
school of one hundred and fifty pupils. 

St. John's Lutheran and German Reformed 
Union Church. — Members of churches of both the 



i By Rev. B. H. Miller. 






420 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



denominations here mentioned lived in and near 
Emaua; -nine came long distances to their respective 

churches. About the year 187(5 preaching was c - 

menced in the .Moravian Church by the Rev. A. J. G. 
Dubbs for the German Reformed, and the Rev. Wil- 
liam Both for the Lutherans. The » lerman Reformed 
congregation was at once organized under the pastor- 
ate of Rev. Mr. Dubbs, who still has charge. On the 
i7ih of March, 1882, a meeting of the German Re- 
formed congregation and membi i- of the Lutheran 
society living in the vicinity was held, at which it 
cided to erect a church edifice. The Lutherans 
were organized at once into a society, with seventy- 
five members, under the care of the Rev. William 
Roth, who had been preaching to them at Emails 
since 1876. The new church edifice was dedicated on 
the 12th of November, 1882. The Lutheran society 
numbers about eighty members, and the German Re- 
formed about one hundn d and seventy-five. 

Postmasters. — The exact date- of the establishment 
of a post-office al Emaus cannot be ascertained. The 
first postmaster of which any information can be ob- 
tained was William llorslicld, appointed many years 
ago. He was succeeded by William Rice, and then 
came successively Revs. Paul Weiss, John Gearing, 
and Henry Eshbach. Sylvanus Gearing, the present 
incumbent, was appointed postmaster July 9, 1856. 

Taverns. — The date of opening the first tavern in 
the village is not known. It stood on the site of the 
present Emaus Hotel. It was kept by Lewis Christ 
and Thomas Knauss. The present hotel was built 
by Henry Wieber over forty years ago, and was kept 
by him several years. 

The Eagle Hotel was built b\ Henry Fisher about 
1850, and kept by him several years, and sold to 
John Heinly, who sold to Moses Wieand in 1858. 
Jacob Shipe, the present proprietor, purchased the 
property in 1868. 

Justices of the Peace. — Following is a list of jus- 
tices of the peace from 1860 to date : 

i lommissioned. Commissioned. 

Jacob Shipe April 10, 1 sen Samuel 0. Lee Iipril 9,1872 

Aquilia Knauss " 10, I860 Ab'bam ZiegeDfuse. March 13, 1875 

"i Jamil... " 11,1865 Samuel C. Lee " 19,1877 

machei "11 1865 Ab'ham Ziegenfuss. " 30, 1880 

JohnZ.Jobsl " 9,1867 William Shiffert April 9,1881 

Ab'ham Ziegenfuss " 8,1870 William Eberhard..March 30, 1882 

Lodges. — Emaus Lodge, No. 378, Knights of 
Pythias, was organized in 1872 with twenty members, 
and now has one hundred and four members, with 
two thousand dollars invested in bonds, and pays five 

dollars per week as sick benefits, and seven ty-li\ e dol- 
lars at the death of a member. It is in a very flourish- 
ing condition, with a great many active and efficient 
members, and meets in the hall at the corner id' South 
Fifth and New Streets. The present officers are Jacob 
T. Knauss, C. C.; Charles Acker, K. R. S. ; Charles 
I). Brown, M. of E. 

Emaus Division, No. 220, Sons and Daughters of 

ranee, was organized Sept. 5, 1883, with eleven 

members. The present membership is thirty. It is 



beneficial to subscribers only, is in a flourishing con- 
dition, and meets in Knights of Pythias Hall. The 
officers are B. II. Miller, W. P.; H. Baumgardner, 
F. S. 

Young Men's Union, organized by the Mite So- 
ciety of the .Moravian congregation in November, 
iih eighteen members, at present has a mem- 
bership of thirty-two. It is devoted to furnishing at- 
tractive rooms aud entertaining reading matter to the 
young men of the vicinity, and to create the habit of 
reading up the events and occurrences of the day. 
The officers are E. E. Kemper, Prest. ; Edward Jobst, 
Treas. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



TINSLEY JETER. 

The ancestors of the subject of this sketch were ot 
English extraction, and among the earliest settlers in 
Virginia. His paternal grandfather, John deter, and 
bis lather. John Tinsley Jeter, were residents and 
owners of the village of Painesville, Amelia Co., a 
small place, whose name was given it in honor of 

II ins Paine, the author of "The Age of Reason." 

His paternal grandmother was a Miss (.'haffin, whose 
family formed part of a numerous race of tall, slender, 
red-haired, aud long-lived individuals, n hose descend- 
ants still retain in a great degree these character- 
istics. 

John Tinsley Jeter was born in 1798, and married, 
in 1822, a Miss Elizabeth Newman, who died in 1835, 
leaving four children, the second of whom is the sub- 
ject of this biography. He was born at Painesville, 
May 7. 1827, and until the age of sixteen was a resi- 
dent of that place. In 1843 his father removed from 
Virginia with his family to Missouri, where his son 
received his collegiate education at the State Uni- 
versity, located at Columbia, in that State. 

In 1847 the father, becoming interested in commer- 
cial enterprises farther south, removed to New < >r- 
leans, and in the spring of 1.S48 the son sailed for 
the West Indies and South America as the custodian 
of his father's business interests at those places. He 
was absent from the United States more than three 
years, the larger part of which time was spent in 
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. In 1851 he re- 
turned to the land of his nativity, arriving in Phila- 
delphia, which city he decided to make his future 
home. He studied law under the Hon. Peter Mc- 
Call, and was admitted to the bar in 1855. He be- 
came about the same time the proprietor of extensive 
and very valuable iron-mines in Lehigh County, 
which demanded so much of his attention and care 
that, in 1859, he relinquished his growing practice at 
the bar, and henceforth devoted himself entirely to 
the development of his mining property, becoming, 
with Jay Cooke, Esq., of Philadelphia, the builder 




?7, 



- .-, 



2 / K^Uu^^ O^S^N 



I'PPHll SAUCON TOWNSHIP. 



421 



of the [ronton Railroad. Al t the Bame time he 

made his bom e on Fountain Hill, near South Beth- 
lehem, where he lia~ since resided. In 1866 he sold 
his entire mining interests to Robert I. run..'. Ken- 
nedy, Esq., president of the Bank of Commerce, New 
York, and since that time has devoted his undivided 
attention to the improvement and development of 
that portion of South Bethlehem already mentioned 
as Fountain Hill, a large pari of which belonged to 
him. In this his liberality and enterprise have been 
largely successful. He is president of the "South 

Bethlehem Improvement C pany," whose whole 

capital is employed in the encouragement and estab- 
lishment of new industries in South Bethlehem, and 
who have lately erected the Excelsior Knitting-Mills. 
While engaged in these pursuits of a personal char- 
acter, Mr. Jeter has also contributed his full share to the 
educational, charitable, and religious activities around 
him. The Church of the Nativity, Fountain Hill, one of 
the most flourishing in the State, may be said to lie the 
outgrowth of a movement begun in his own dwelling. 
I.a\ Ber vices were conducted by him for two years in 

his home before the effort was made to erect a church, 
of which he is still a vestryman. Air. Jeter may b( 
called the founder of Bishopthorpe School for Girls, 
located near his residence. He has contributed more 
to it than all others together, and has been for man; 
years chairman of its executive committee, — the only 
one they have had. In 1872 the Rev. Courtland 
Whitehead, then rector of the Church of the Nativity, 
but now Bishop of" Pittsburgh, urged upon his vestn 
the establishment of a small hospital in connection 
with the work of the Episcopal Church in the Lehigh 
Valley. This was done, aiel in all the early stages 
the largest Bhare of the work devolved upon the sub- 
ject of this sketch. The charter of St. Luke's Hos- 
pital was written by him. and its passage by the 
Legislature secured. He was the only one of the 
three appointed to obtain subscriptions who consented 
to act, and succeeded in obtaining within a month 
nearly double the amount hoped lor. This hospital 
has since been the recipient of some of the princely 
liberality of Judge Packer and his sons, and is now a 
magnificent institution. Air. Jeter was the firsl chair- 
man of ii- executive committee, and after an interval 
of some years i- now again its chairman. 

In politics Mr. Jeter, like his father, was in early 
lit'-. " after the most straitest sect," a Whig. < m the 
dissolution of that partj he acted with that portion 
who advocated the elect ion of Bell and Everett, air 

the Presidential election of I860 was the Presidential 
elector named for his districl on that ticket. Sinci 
that time he has atl'diated with the Democratic party, 
but has never sought office of anj kind. In 1876 be 
was urged to permit the use of hi- name as a candi- 
date for Congress before the Democratic convention. 
lie refused to make an \ political canvass or to expend 
an\ money for doubtful purposes, Chough warmly 
supported, he did not receive the nomination. 



He is a m the Episcopal Church, though 

Mr. Jeter's ancestors were Baptists. The late distin- 

guished Jeremiah B. Jeter, of Richmond, Va., whose 

phy may be found in Appleton's " Cyclopedia," 

was ;, cousin of hi- lather. 

In 1852, Mr. Jeter was married to Mary, daughter 
of Thomas S. Richai d I o I 'hiladi Iphia, who, 
like his lather. Samuel Richards, and grand! 

William Richards, were among the most extensive 

makers of iron in the States of Pennsylvania and New 
Jersey. Three children are the issue of this marriage. 
John T.. the only son. is a mining engineer in the ser- 
vice of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, and 
located at Wilkesbarre. The daughters, Harriet and 
M it are nol yet grown. 



CHAI'TE R X X X I. 
I PPEB S M COM TOWNSHIP.' 

I in territory comprising the township of Upper 
Saucon was first entered upon by Europeans, for the 
purpose of settling therein, between the years 1730 
and 1735. Its original white settlers consisted of a 
mixed population of English, German, 3 and Welsh 
descent, and belonging to the Quaker, Mennonite, 
German Reformed, and Lutheran denomination-. 
The neighborhood of Coopersburg was settled almost 
exclusively by Mennonites, that portion of the town- 
ship lying between Limeport and Lanark almost as 
exclusively bj Quakers, while in the balance of the 
township the population was mixed, the German Re- 
formed and Lutherans predominating. It is probabh . 
judging by their family names, that the population 
was even more mixed than this represents it, hut as 
the settlements wen- -parse and many of the people 
poor, it was impracticable, if not impossible, tor the 
followers of every creed to have their own pi; 
worship: hence all of them worshiped, "from ne 
cessity, if not from choice,'' with one- or tin- other of 
these denomination-. 

A knowledge of the settlement of the township can 
he conveyed in no way better than by the following: 

History of Original Titles. On March 13, 1682, 
"William Penn, Chief Proprietor and Govern 
ye Province of Pennsylvania, by Indentures of Lease 
and Release, conveyed to Matthew Mail.-, of Folk- 
stone, county of Keni, er, the quantity of live 
nd acres of land, to he allotted and set out in 

said Province in aco ith tin terms of said 



Frank B. Heller. 

"ii," Iu'Ikwi origin, derived from Saknnk, a name ap] 
Bret applied to an Indian Tillage at the mouth 

ract of country lying on both sides of In 
from it- oouth. Sakun id from Sa-ku-wit, the 

moutli of u creek. 
Mostly Palatinates 



1-21 



HISTORY OF LEIIICH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



indentures. On the three and twentieth day of &.u 
pear .Marks conveyed his title to 
these lands to Richard Haynes, .Ir., of London, mer- 
chant." These indentures were made in England, 
the land to be located and surveyed thereafter. On 
Dec. 12, 17' ii I, a warrant was issued to the heirs of 
1 [aj in s. •■ who bad died in the mean time," in pursu- 
ance of which there was surveyed and patented to 
them in 1730, in the right aforesaid, the aforesaid 
quantity of land, three tracts, of one hundred and fifty 
acres each, which were Located on or near "Saucong" 
Greek. 

On June 23, 1743, the heirs of Haynes, for the con- 
sideralinn <>f C220 17s., conveyed these three tracts to 
Joseph Samuels, of " Saucong" Creek, joiner. He set- 
tled on the tract designated in his deed as No. 2, es- 
tablished his residence on the site of that now owned 
and occupied by David Horlocher, and lived here 
until Nov. 23, 1747, when he conveyed it to Henry 
Brunner, of Oley, by whose descendants a part of it 
ha- been held ever since, David Horlocher being a 
great grandson of his. The tract is now owned by 
David Horlocher, Newberry Timer, Amos Heller, 
John G. Blank, and Charles T. Yeager. 

On July 4, 1743, Samuels conveyed tract No. 1 to 
David Owen, of Philadelphia, who established his 
residence on the site now occupied by the tenant- 
house on the farm of Abraham Heller, deceased. A 
large part of this tract, too, might be said to have re- 
mained in the hands of the family ever since, Paul 
Heller, father of Abraham, having purchased it from 
his step-daughter, Elizabeth Owen, a great-grand- 
daughter of David Owen. The tract is now owned 
by the heirs of Abraham Heller (deceased), the heirs 
of Isaac Mast (deceased), John Brinker, G. W. 
Blinker, Jacob M. Erdman, Charles H. Erdman, and 
Peter Hottel. 

On July 4, 1743, Samuels conveyed his remaining 
tract to his son, Isaac, who established his residence 
on the site of that now occupied by Alfred A. Sell, 
on the farm of Peter M. Sell. The tract is now owned 
by Peter M. Sell, Ephraim Weaver, Tilghman Smoyer, 
John G. Blank, Theophilus Kemmerer, and Abner 
Gerhard. 

A short time Inline his death, in 1718, William 
Penn made his last will and testament, in which, 
among many other bequests, he bequeathed to his 
grandsons, Springet Penn and William Penn, each 
the quantity of ten thousand acres of land, to be 
allotted and set out in some proper and beneficial 
places in the province of Pennsylvania. On April 
10, 1729, Springet Penn conveyed his title to these 
lands to his brother William, who soon after conveyed 
his title to all to William Allen, to whom a warrant, 

under date of March 5, 1730, was issued, in pursuance 

of which the land was located ami surveyed to him, 
one tract of three hundred and seventy-two acres and 
another of three hundred acres falling within the 
township. Allen soon after sold the greater part of 



thcthice hundred-anil seven ty-two-aere tract to Philip 

and the greater part of the three-hundred- 
acre tract to John kee/.er, both to yield and pay to 

him, if law fully demanded, a quit-rent of one pepper- 
corn annually. The thrce-hundred-and-seventy-two- 
acre tract is now owned by the heirs of Andrew Bean 
ed . Henrj Bean, Jacob Detweiler, Jacob 
Greenawalt, Jessiah Klein, Reuben Opp, Owen 
Seller, David Stover, Charles II. Plank, and Thomas 
Trumbore. It is further occupied 1>\ the new ceme- 
teries adjoining the Blue Church property. The 
Mm. e hundred-acre tract is now owned by Mr. Roth, 
late Abraham Stautl'cr's mill-property, John Landis. 
Jacob Landis, John Voder, and Abel Strawn. A 
part of it is also embraced within the borough of 
I 'ooper>l>ttrg. 

On Jan. 30, 1732, a warrant was issued to Casper 
Wistar for several trait- of land, one of three hundred 
acres of winch was located in the township. On May 
24, 1737, Wistar conveyed his title to this tract to 
George Zewitz, to whom or to Wistar it was confirmed 
by patent about this time. The trad is now owned 
by the heirs of Benjamin Landis (deceased), Samuel 
Hartranft, the heirs of Enos Erdman (deceased), 
Michael Landis, William Y. Landis, Jacob Basler, 
Jacob Geissinger, Samuel Geissinger, David Geissen- 
ger, John Clymer, and Jacob Kilpatrick. 

On June 8, 1734, a warrant was issued to Christian 
Newcomer, in pursuance of which there was patented 
to him, May 8, 1738, a tract of one hundred and 
twenty-one and a half acres, now owned by Solomon 
Stephens, John C. Newcomer, Lando K. Mover, and 
Abraham Wimmer. 

On Oct. 23, 1734, a warrant was issued to John 
Burk for one hundred and fifty acres, but he not com- 
plying with its terms it became void, and another 
warrant for the same tract was issued to Michael 
Cyder, or Seider, in pursuauce of which it was pat- 
ented to him Sept. 20, 1752. Burk had established 
his resilience on the site of the present mansion house 
on the farm of Samuel Seider (deceased) ; he had also 
further improved the land, for all of which Seider 
paid him a sum mutually agreed upon. The greater 
part of this tract has remained in the Seider family 
ever since. It is now owned by the heirs of Samuel 
Seider (deceased), the heirs of Abraham Rice (de- 
ceased), James Dotterer, John Beck, William Weid- 
ner, Elias Nitrauer, and Peter Wittman. 

On Nov. 9, 1734, a warrant was issued to Henry 
Keiber, alias Geber, in pursuance of which there was 
surveyed to him a certain tract of land situate on 
"Saccoon" ('nek, and on the 7th of December, 1739, 
another warrant issued to him for another tract, 
adjoining the above, but he failing to comply with 
the terms of his warrant-, the land was forfeited to the 
proprietaries, who caused another warrant, bearing 
date Dec. 18, 1742, to issue to Henry Taylor for the 
two tracts. In pursuance of this latter warrant there 
was patented to Taylor, June 20, 1743, a tract of two 



II'I'KK SAUCON ToWXSIIIl. 



123 



hundred and twenty-seven and a half acres. The 
firsl resideno on the trad was erected on the site of 
that now occupied by Charles B.Schneider, mi tin' 
farm of David Schneider, but whether erected by 
Keiber or Taylor cannot now be ascertained. Fully 
one-half of this tract has remained in the family, 
" wIhi have assumed the name of Schneider" ever 
since. It is now owned by David Schneider, William 
II. Walbert.and Charles B. Egner. 

On March 17, 1735, a warrant was issued to ' >wen 
Owen lor a tract of land situate near the head of 
"Soccung" < Jreek. I a pursuance of this warranl there 
was patented. Sept. 26, 1735, to the said Owen a tract 
oi one hundred acres, After the death of Owen the 
tract came into the possession oi Id- son, David, who 
conveyed ii to Christopher Hansel, Jan. 8, 1760. 
Hansel was the first to erect a dwelling thereon, 
which lie clid on the site now occupied by the man- 
sion-house on the farm of Charles kidd. It is now 
owned bj Charles K'idd. Charles B. Egner, .Mrs. Wil- 
liam Guth, and the heirs of Abraham Heller (de- 
ceased i. 

On <>ct. 31, 1735, a warrant was issued to Samuel 
omer, in pursuance of which there was pat- 
ented to him, March 28, 1738, a tract of two hundred 
acres. He established his residence on the siti now 
occupied by the old Yeager homestead on the farm 
of Charles T. Yeager. The tract is now owned by 
Charles T. Yeager, Herman Yeager, and John 
Reichard. 

About 1735 a warrant was issued to William Murry 
(Mory), in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him soon alter a tract of three hundred and fifteen 
j . ■-. on Saucon Creek. He established his residence 
on the sile now occupied by the tenant-hou.se on the 
farm of Morgan Mory (a direct descendant of his). 
The tract is now owned by Morgan Mory, David 
Mory, Peter Wittman, Jesse Runrfield, and Amos 
Heller. 

About 173o a warrant was issued to George Bach- 
man, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him, June 4, 1737, a tract of three hundred and 
thirty-four and a half acres. He established his resi- 
dence near the site of the present Eagle Hotel, in 
Coopersburg. The tract is now owned by the heirs 
of John Slifer I dee, ased . the heirs of Benjamin Lan- 
dis (deceased , the heir- of Joseph Stopp (deceased), 
Jacob Yoder, Daniel Egner, ( 'baric.- H. Blank, John 
Brunncr, and Thomas Trumborc. It is furl her occu- 
pied by the grounds belonging to the new United 
Mennonite meeting-house and a large part of the 
borough of Coopersburg. 

About 1736 a warrant was i-sued to Henry Rum- 
field, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him soon alter a tract of two hundred acres, now 
owned by Dr. H. T. Trumbauer, Charles Moyer, 
Tilgbman Weaver, Solomon Hottle, Laurentus Wea- 
ver, and David Binder. 

On Jan. I, 17:'.7, a warrant was issued to John Ilotli- 



rock, in pursuance Of which there was *nrvi 
a tract of one hundn d and one acre-. Tin 
came into the possession of I bury Weber, who 

limbed 1 -ile now occupied by that 

of Patrick McCann. The tract is now owned by 
Patrick McCann, A. W. Reinhard, and Nathan 

\\'e:i» 

On Jan. 9, 17:17. a warrant was issued to Conrad 
Walb, in pursuance of which there was surveyed to 

him a tract of seventy-six and three-quarters 

Tin- descended to hi- children, two of whom sold 
their interest in it to Philip Geissinger, who, with 
Jacob Walb, Andrew Walb, and Barbara Walb, ap- 
for a patent ibr the same, whh ii was granted 
April 24, 1758. The original homestead on this tract 
i- erected b; Conrad Walb, on the site now occu- 
pied by the tenant-house on the farm of I'.phraim 

i leissinger. About ten acres of this tract arc occupied 
by the Blue Church, its grounds and the adjoining 

ries. The balance of the tract has remained in 
the Geissinger family ever since, and is now owned by 
Ephraim Geissinger. 

On Sept. 27. 17-17. and at various times thereafter, 
warrants were issued to Valentine Young, in pursu- 
ance of which there were patented to him three 
amounting to two hundred and eighteen and three- 
quarters acres, now owned by Jacob Young, Patrick 
Met aim. i >. W. Markle, and the estate of Moses • lan- 
Lraware ( deceased), Charles Gangaware (decease I 
George Henn (deceased). 

\bunt 1737, George Morsteller had issued to him a 
warrant, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him, March 25, 1740, a tract of two hundred acres, 
now the property of Daniel Dubbs, Daniel Egner, 
Benjamin Roth rock, Thomas Shaffer, and Mrs. Mah- 
lon Huber. The tract is further occupied by the vil- 
lage of Locust Valley. 

About 1 7 •". 7 , and at various times thereafter, war- 
rants were issued to John Tool, in pursuance of which 
there were patented to him about 17~>7 several ad- 
joining tracts, amounting to three hundred and sev- 
enty acres. He established his residence mi the site 
of that now occupied by Absalom Miller. The tract 
is now owned by Absalom Miller. Charles Wittman, 
Wainfield Stephens, William Rothrock, J. Owen 
Reinhard, Abraham Blank, Thomas Berkenstock, and 
Mrs. Dillig. 

On Feb. 20, 1738, ami at various times thereafter. 
warrant- were issued to Valentine Steinmetz, in pur- 
suance of which there were patented to him, Feb. !), 
1760, and at various times thereafter, four adjoining 
tracts, amounting to three hundred and thirteen and 
three-quarters acres. He established bis residence on 
i of that now occupied by John H. Laubach. 
The tract is now owned by John 11. Laubach, John 
G. Blank, Gideon Ritter, Abraham Blank, and Jacob 
Blank. 

On Feb. 20, 1738, a warrant was issued to M 
Weaver, in pursuance of which there was patented 



IL'1 



HISTORY OF LKIIKill COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



to 1 1 i iii, Nov. 11, 1741, a tract of one hundred and 
twenty-five and a qui acres, now owned by the 

heirs of Solomon 1 1 art man, deceased. 

On June 26, 1788, a warrant was issued to Benedict 
Caman (Gehman) for one hundred acres of land; bul 
he nol complying with its terms it became void, when 

another was issued to I'.althauser I'.eil lor one-half of 

it, and one to Samuel Newcomer for the balance and 

an adjoining tract of twenty-live acres. These were 

patented to them March 22, 1743. Biel's tract is now 
owned by William P. Weidner and the heirs of 
Daniel Buchecker (deceased , and Newcomer's by 
Amos Mory, Francis Bernd, and Monroe D, Weier- 
bach. 

On July 28, 1738, a warrant was issued to John 
Apple, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him thereafter a tract of three hundred acres, now 
owned by the heirs of Nathan Grim (deceased). 

On Sept. 13, 1738, a warrant was issued to Richard 
Thomas for three hundred acres of land; but he not 
complying with its terms it became void, and on Jan. 
2, 17 11, another warrant issued to John Blackledge, 
alicu Blockley, for the same tract and an adjoining 
one, — the two, upon being surveyed, amounting to 
three hundred and sixty acres. These were patented 
to Blackledge Feb. 22, 1748. The first residence on 
the tract stood on the site of the mansion-house on 
the farm of the late Andrew Wint. The tract is now 
owned by Charles T. Yeager, Ambrose W. Reinhard, 
Abner Mory, Abraham Voder, Charles Koons, Samuel 
Kauffman, Edwin Erney, Mrs. Blank, Robert Old, and 
J. Trenkler. The two latter and the Centre Valley 
school-house are on the smaller tract. 

On Oct. 4, 1738, a warrant was issued to Joseph 
Samuels for a trad of ninety-two and a half acres, 
adjoining Nos. 2 and 3 of the tracts purchased by 
him from the heirs of llaynes; but he not complying 
with the terms of his warrant it became void, and 
another was issued to Henry Brunner, Nov. 23, 1747, 
in pursuance of which the tract was patented to him 
May 22, 1761. It is now embraced in the farms of 
David Horlocher, Newberry Ulmer, and Peter M. Sell. 

On Oct. 27, 1738, a warrant was issued to Owen 
Owen, by virtue of which there was patented, Dec. 13, 
1769, to his son, David Owen, a tract of forty-five and 
a half acres, designated as " Patience," and adjoining 
No. 1 of the 1 lay nes tracts, " heretofore referred to as 
having been purchased by him of Joseph Samuels.'' 
The tract is now included in the farms of Jacob M. 
Erdman, Abraham Heller (deceased), Charles H. 
Erdman, Peter Hottel, and J. Adam Egner. 

About 1738 a warrant was issued to John Yoder, in 
pursuance of which there was patented to him soon 
after a tract of sixteen and a half acres, now owned 
by Jacob Yoder, Charles (iehiuan, Henn I!. Slil'er. 

the heirs of David Slifer (deceased), and the heirs of 
Charles Amey (deceased). It is further occupied by 
the grounds belonging to the Mennonite mi 

house, near ( 'oopersliurg. 



On June 8, 1739, a warrant was issued to G< 
Strahan for one hundred and thirty-five acres, which 
seem to have heen confirmed bypatenl to Peter Hille- 
gass, smite time thereafter. The tract is now owned 
by Peter M. Landis, Reuben Mohr, and Jacob Mann. 

<>m Aug. 11, 173!i, warrants were issued to John I 'ugh 
for three hundred and fifty acres of land, one ti 
one hundred and sixteen acres, and another of thirty- 
four acres, which were patented to Abraham Dana- 
hower, Dec. 20,1753. The one-hundred-and-si: 
acre tract is now owned by the heirs of Abraham lb Her 
id i, Ephraim Weaver, and James Giess; the 
thirty-four-acre tract by James Giess and J. \daiu 
Egner. The remaining two hundred acres, desig- 
nated as " Hickory Dale," were patented to John 
Bit/., iiHus Pit/.. Sept. 9, 1811, and are now owned by 
Harrison Dubbs, Peter Trexler, Edward P.iiting, J. 
Adam Egner, James Giess, Charles I:. Weaver, 
W'endle Simon, Manasses Rice, and John Voundt. 

On Nov. 7, 1739, a warrant was issued to Henrj 
Weber, in pursuance of which there was confirmed 
to him by patent, Sept. 11, 1759, a tract of fifty and 
one-half acres, now owned by Charles Reichard and 
Nathan Weaver. . 

On Jan. 21, 1740, a warrant was issued to William 
Mory, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him, Feb. 14, 1744, a tract of fifty acres, now owned 
by Peter Wittman. 

About 1740, Carl Lutwich Keiper first occupied a 
tract of about two hundred acres, now owned by 
Isaac Neimeyer, Joshua Horlocher, Jesse Weiss, 
Andrew Walter, and G. W. Blinker. 

About 1740 a warrant was issued to John Thomas 
for two hundred acres, now owned by the heirs of 
Isaac Mast (deceased), Zebulon Stephens, Peter M. 
Sell, and Isaac Zeiner. 

In 1740, Tobias Bah] first occupied a tract of three 
hundred acres, now owned by Philip Bahl, Jesse 
Jacoby, Gernet & Brother, Thomas Iron Company, 
and the heirs of William Weirbach. 

On April 1, 1741, a warrant was issued to ' hven 
Owen, by virtue of which there was surveyed to his 
son, Thomas Owen, a tract of ninety acres. This was 
conveyed by him to Christopher Hansel, to whom it 
was patented Nov. 19, 17-">9. The tract is now owned 
by Charles B. Egner, Owen Bitting, Monroe Rein- 
bold, Mrs. Charles Kidd, John Trexler, and Edwin 
Bitting. 

On April 1, 1741, a warrant was issued to Christian 
Menier for one hundred and thirty-seven acres ; but 
he not complying with its terms it became void, and 
another issued to William Mory, March 29, 1743, for 
the same tract. It was confirmed to him bj patent 
Feb. 14, 1744, and is now owned by William Roth- 
rock and the heirs of Solomon Mory (deceased). The 

first residence on this tract was erected bj Menier, on 
the site of the mansion-house on the farm of the late 
Si i lui lion Mory. The greater part of the tract has been 
held by the Mory family since the date of its patent. 



DPPEB S MJCON TOWNSHIP. 



125 



On Maj 9, 1741, a warrant was issued to William 
Murry for a tract of thirty acres; this was confirmed 
to hi n i by patent Feb. 1 I. 17 11, and is now embraced 
in the farm "l' William Roth rock. 

(In Oct. 19, 17-11. a warrant was issued to Samuel 
v wcomer, in pursuance of which there was patented 
to him, March 22, 17 I"., a tract of forty-nine a 
dow owned by Charles T. Veager ami Abraham 
Diehl. 

tin Jan. 10, 1712. ami at various times thei 

warrants were issued t" Samuel Everard Kop, r 
Marsteller, ami Philip Geissinger, iii pursuanc 

which there were BUrveyed to Kop one tract "Tone 

hundred and thirty-four and three-quarters acres and 
another of thirty -six acres, to Marsteller on., of ninety 
ami three-quarters acres, and to _-er one of 

twenty-two and a half aire- ; but Kop and Marstel- 
ler failing to comply with the terms of their warrants 
they i another warrant was issued 

tor the four tracts, amounting to two 
hundred and eight; -four aires ; these were confirmed 
to him by patent Sept. 14, 1750, and are now 0W1 
by Cornelins Weierbach, Bphraim Groman, Addi- 
son Groman, Elias Shaffer, John Walter, Charles 
Walter, Jacob Seidel, Adam Brinker, John Youndt, 
and Isaac Person. The first dwelling on this tract 
was erected by Samuel Everard Kop, on the site of 
the present residence of Cornelius Weierbach. 

i in Feb. 1 1. 1742, a warrant was issued to Christian 
Rinker, in pursuance of which there was surveyed to 
him soon after a tract of two hundred acres, now- 
owned by Sylvanus Fry, Benjamin Eisenhard, Addi- 
son Koch, and Abraham Voder. 

On Feb. 25, 1742, a warrant was issued to Bal- 
thauser Beil, in pursuance of which there was pat- 
ented to him, Nov. 29, 1758, a tract of fifty-five and 
three-quarters acres, now owned by Jessiafa Klein, 
•Aaron Beinhard, Israel Walter, and Charles Mum- 
bauer. 

On June '■',, 1742. a warrant was issued to Thomas 
Mayberry, in pursuance of which there was patented 
to him, December 28th of the same year, a tract of 
two hundred and eight and a half acres. The first 
residence on this tract stood on the site now occupied 
by the residence of AVilliam D. Dillinger, but whether 
erected by .Mayberry or Adam Warner, "who seems 
to have had some title to the land at some time prior 
to Mayberry's occupancy of it.'' cannot now be ascer- 
tained. The tract is now owned by William D. Dil- 
er, Joseph Wittman, Mrs. John A. Beck, Harri- 
son Dubbs, Mrs. Jacob Bowman, I »avid Fink, Charles 
T. Ott, Charles X. Bitting, Thomas K. Ott, and 
Thomas Shaffer. It is further occupied bythe ril 
o Limeport. 

On June 22, 17 12. a warrant was issued to Kev. 

John Justus Jacob Berkenstock, in pursuance of 

which there was patented to his son-in-law, 1'eter 
Fucbs, March 1, l77o. a tract designated as " I 
craft," and containing one hundred and ten and three- 



quarter- acres. Berkenstock established Ids residi 
Di ir the site of the present residen 
The tract is now owned by Peter B. Sell J 
lawalt. and Jordan .v Brother. 
ii 1712 a warrant wa ued to David i 
by virtue of which there was Burveyed to him soon 

after a tract of one hundred and fifty acres, now- 
owned by the heirs of Bon. Jacob Erdman, deceased. 
About 17 12 a warrant w -nan, 

in pursuance of wh wa- surveyed to him a 

tract of forty acres, now owned by Thomas Brunner, 

i'T. ami Charles Moyi r. 

t 1712 a warrant was issued to George loin- 
hard, in pursuance of which there was patented to him, 
Nov. 10, 1762, a tract of one hundred and sixty-two 
now owned by Jacob H. Solliday, William II. 
r. and Bphraim Geissinger. 
On Fell. 22. 17 13, a warrant wasissued to John Miller 
for a tract of seventy-one acres, but for some reason the 
tract was patented to John Yoder, Dec. 22, 1764. It 
is now owned by Henry Hoffman, Jacob Land 
M ilion Landis. 

On Jan. 24, 1744, and at various times thereafter, 
warrants were issued to Philip Trapp lor several tracts 

of land, amounting to two hundred ami ten aires. 
confirmed to him by patent, Dec. 14, 1762. 
Two of these tracts form the -ite of the village of 
Friedensville from the hotel to the Temperance Hall : 
the third tract is situated on the Lehigh Mountain and 
yet remains woodbind. 

About 1744 a warrant was issued to Andrew Wint 
for a tract of ninety-eight acre-, which was confirmed 
to him by patent March 25, 1745. It is uow tfa 
of the village of Centre Valley. 

About 1745, Balthausar Beil first occupied a tract 
of about, thirty-two acres, now the property of 8 
Smith. 

it 174"'. I'eter Marsteller drew a warrant in 
pursuance of which there was surveyed to 
alter a tract of eighty-six acres, now owned by .lame- 

Giess, 0. S. loin hard, and Francis Brinker. 

On Feb. 3, 1746, a warrant was issued to William 
Pitz, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
Henry Pit/., May 2, 1788, a tract of one hun- 
dred and nineteen and a half acres, designated as 
"Pitzburg," now owned by James Reinhard, i 
Brinker, Peter M. Sell, Daniel Mory, and Bphraim 
i Kissinger. 

On May 14, 1746, a warrant was issued to Henry 
in for a tract of sixty-nine and a quarter acres, 
now the property of Edwin Gangaware. 

On Oct. 13, 1746, and at various times then 
warrants were issued to Peter Messemer and 
Lodwig lor several adjoining tracts, amounting to 
two hundred and twenty-two acres, their inter. 
all of which they conveyed I" Andrew Wint. to whom 
it was confirmed by patent June 2, 1763. The lands 
are now owned by Isaac Hartman and Hei 
Person. 



126 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PF.NNSYLVANIA. 



L747, Erasmus Boschiua tir^t occupied a 
tract of twentj of that pari of the 

villagi I densville lying south of the ho 

< in Dec. 9, 1748, a warrant issued to Jacob Zewitz 
for a tract of one huudri ow owned by Philip 
Gangaware, 11. Eisenhard, and Adam Dimmig. 

\Im.ui 17 18, Frederick Derfin 
tract of one hundred and eighty acres, patented April 
1:2, 1788, to Daniel Smith, and now owned bj Rev. 
A. E. Erdman, the heirs of Henry Erdman, Sr., de- 
ceased, and the heirs of Abraham Heller, deceased. 
Aboul forty acres of this tract fall into Upper Milford. 

< >n Feb. 10, 1749, warrants were issued to David 
Owen, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him Dec. 13, L769, one tract of sixty-four and a half 
acres, designated as " Perplexity," dow aw ned by J. F. 
Matts, ( '. J'>. Kcmmerer, and the heirs of Abraham 
Heller, deceased. Another tract of forty-nine acres 
is now owned by Peter Hottle and Solomon B. Rein- 
hard. 

On March 2, 1749, a warrant was issued to John 
Elfree for a tract the extent of which cannot now be 
ascertained, but in pursuance of which a tract of 
fifty-eight acres, designated as " Duttsburg," was pat- 
ented to George Dutt, Nov.23, 1789. It is now owned 
by John Christ. George Walter, and Sans Bachman. 

On July 20, L749, a warrant was issued to John 
Koehler, in pursuance of which there was patented 
to him, Jan. 12, 1760, a tract of one hundred and 
forty acres, now owned by Jacob Reinbold, Charles 
Shuler, Sebastian Wolf, George Walter, Ambrose i 
Trumbauer, and Charles Daubert. 

On Dec. 21, 1749, and at various times thereafter, 
warrants were issued to Anthony Boehm in pursuance ! 
of which there were patented to him, Nov. 13, 1762, 
three tracts amounting to one hundred and twenty- i 
six and a half acres, mm owned by the heirs of 
Solomon Hartman, deceased, and David Hartmau. 

On May 21, 1750, a warrant was issued to Jacob 
Bachman, in pursuance of which there was patented 
to Philip Sharry, Feb. 11, 1794, a tract of seventy-one 
ami one-fourth acres, designated as " Philipsburg," 
now owned by Henry Wieder. 

On Aug. 7, 1750, a warrant was issued to Valentine 
Sherrer, in pursuance of which there was patented to i 
< lonrad .Miller, Jan. 24, 1809, a tract of fifty-nine and 
a half acres, designated as" Millerstown," now owned 
by the heirs of Peter Shaffer, deceased. 

About L750, Frederick Gardner first occupied a 
tract of unknown extent, but the lands of Absalom 
Sell and Philip Meitzler tire known to be a part of 
the tract. 

On May in. L752, a warrant was issued to Thomas 
Owen, in pursuance of which their was patented to 
Mathias Egner, Jan. 25, 17!)0, a tract of thirty-nine 
acres, designated as "Caul," now owned by Owen 

Bitting, Lavinus Bitting, Amandas Erney, and F. T. 
Jobst, 

< >n Nov. 10, 1752, a warrant was issued to Thomas 



Owen, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
Mathias Egner, April LI, 1789, a tract of eighty-five 
acres, now owned by Charles II. Erdman, Edwin 

Kitting, and John J. Trexler. 

i mi .lan. 1, 1754, a warrant was issued to John New- 
comer, in pursuance of which there was patented to 
him, .1 un. 5, 1765, a tract Of One huudri! I and twenty - 

bix and one-half acres, now owned by Joseph Kratzer, 

Charles T. Y eager, and Herman Yeager. 

On March 111, 17o4, a warrant was issued to Bal- 
thauser Beil, in pursuance of which there was con- 
firmed to him by patent, May 25, 1765, a tract of 
forty-two acre-, now owned by Charles T. Yea 
For the following tracts no dates can be given : 
Matheis Otto first occupied a tract of about one 
hundred and twenty-five acre-, which now tonus the 
site of that part of the village of Friedensville lying 

north of the Temperance Hall. 

Jacob Gongwer first occupied a tract of one hun- 
dred and fill;, acres, now owned by Jacob Cangaware 
and the Thomas Iron Company. 

Ludwig Bush first occupied a tract of thirty-four 
acres, now owned by Jacob Young and Peter Young. 

Adam Kurtz was the original owner of a tract of 
one hundred and fifty-eight and one-hall aero, of 
which the lands of Thomas B. and Joel B. Weber 
are a part. 

John Philip Flexer first occupied a tract, of un- 
known extent, of which the lands of Hiram S. Ei>en- 
hart are known to be a part. 

John Rothrock first occupied a tract of one hundred 
and thirty acres, now owned by the heirs of Phaon 
Albright (deceased), Jesse Jacoby, and John Vdam- : 
a part of it was lately owned by Jonathan Koch. 

John Tool drew a warrant for a tract of otic hun- 
dred acres, now owned by J. O. Knauss, William 
Hohe, William Fink, and the heirs of Levi Miller, 
deceased; a part of the tract falls in Salisbury. 

John Adam Stout first occupied a tract of eighty- 
five acres, now owned by John Eichelberger, L. M. 
Engelman, Enos Reichenbach. and John Arnold. 

George Bachman drew the warrant for a tract <>l 
thirty-eight acres, now owned by Milt,on Cooper, 
Charles Shaffer, and Aaron N. Lams. 

Cornelius Crump first occupied a tract of seventy- 
seven acres, now owned by Milton Cooper and George 
Fabian. 

Christian 1'ry first occupied a tract of one hundred 
and three acres, the greater part of which is now 
oweneil by Milton K. Landis. 

Coopersburg Station and the lands of Peter Graybill 
occupy a part of a tract of one hundred and seventy- 
five acres, originally owned by John Yoder; about 
half of the tract falls in Bucks County. 

The accompanying map shows how the territory of 
Upper Saucon township was originally subdivided 
into traits. 

Warrants were issued for the respective tracts las 
indicated by the numbers) to the following-named 



TWOS MUNICH lITh PHIIA 





(o\agMao 



SHOWING LOCATION 

1RI _ 

(upper saucon township 




SETTLERS 

OF 



UTKi; SAUCON TOW NSHIP 



\T t 



Settlers ; the dates oi nd area of 

as can be ascertained, ;n> □ the b 

and are therefore not repeated hi 

78. Jacob Lodwlg. 

71. IU 



tracts, 
iatory, 



In order to enable the reader more readily to dett*r- 

w promim 

indicated on the map thu 



l. John Koehlei . 

: John ! 

;;. i'i ■ ner, 

."i . 

■ ■ ■ Owen. 

1 ■ berry, 

7. Valentine Bfa 

'■ ip. 
I ■ i :■ 

in. Pete) Hosteller, 

i bman, 
12. Henrj Bumfeld. 

■ rge Baatlan. 

14. George Hosteller. 

15. Jacob Kebler. 
1G. Thomas i iwen. 

17. Thomas Owen, 

18. Thorn ui <>wen. 

19. i iwen i (wen. 

. Pngh, 
2i. Philip Geisalnger. 

22. Samuel E. K ip 

23. George Bachman, 
_ i Jac ■'■ Bachman. 

J.' I •:'. 

26. BJohard Haynes 1 heirs. 

J7. I iwen I iwen. 
i Pngh. 
29. Henry Keiber. 
BO. .'-iiii Pugh. 
Bl. John Thomas, 
tellei 
33. William Pitta 
31. < lei i je Bachman. 
35. George Ruinhard. 
SB, Balthauaer Bell. 
37. John Justus. I. Berkenstock. 
18. w Ullam Allen. 

-.' Bachman. 

mer. 

41. Valentine Stein metx. 

42. Rlcberd Haynes' hell's. 

43. Joseph Ban 

44. John Murk. 

45. Davi t i iwen 

46. John Tool. 

47. John Tool. 

n Tool. 
John Tool. 
^o. William M ■ 
Bl. 

id Romich. 

63, '"'In latlan tft 

54. William Hurry. 
■ -■ u ,ii; un M 

B 
'■7. Henry Bachman. 

man. 

69, Henry Bachman. 

- i aii i,.m i I b 

Bl. Petai Rhi I 

•;_'. I,u ■■.■ 

William Shaffer. 

64. William Murry. 
J : ob Lodwlg. 
Bulthanser Beil. 

Newcomer. 

John Newcomer. 

70. Bull 

I wig. 



. i ■ 
76, II' tn \ \\ 

1 : iv w eaver. 

: ! 

I Lartman. 
80. An: i 

li n i I lelMinger. 
■ 

: 
i bony Boehm. 
B . Michael Mi 
B6, Henry Weaver. 
87. Henry Weaver, 
B8. Henry Weaver. 
■ .■ .i p. | .in 
in k ithroi l- . 
9] . Dud wig Bush. 

Rli hard Thorn if 
■J .. Andrew \\ Int. 

B i ■■■ i] ■■ B u hman. 

' i'i. A. lam Stout 

97. George Bai I 

98. Cornelius Crump. 
■ G i 

100. Jacob Weaver. 

101. a odrew < leiaelnger, 
Uattis Otto. 

10 :. Philip Xrapp, 
li4. Philip Trapp. 

106. Erasmna Hoschius. 
106 v alentine I 

Fox. 
LOB. A nlentine Voung. 

109. Bastian Nave, 

1 10. ttelchior Baer, 

1 11. John apple. 

1 1 ! John Apple. 

1 13. Henry i Iressman. 
mi George Strafaan 
ll".. Christian Binfcer. 

116. Adam Romich. 

117. John Yoder. 
lis, William Allen. 

119. John Voder. 

120. Tobiafl Paul 

121. Toblae Paul. 

i tin Bothrock. 
wer. 
124. John ftothro b 

, ' -v i 1 / . 

■hi ui'lis. 

127. Jacob Gangawi ir-- 

■ i 
i ■:• Mn hael Flexer. 

lam Kurtz. 
i :i . Jacob Weaver, 
nrv Rlnker. 

i . i. Daniel K (ever. 
ini Miller. 
: Hosteller. 
137 l bristian Fry. 
ietian Bmlth. 
■ . i . 
nrad Walb. 
1 -in Apple. 
i 
ii l, Jacob Hi hman. 
141. Peter Corts. 

irge Stowitx. 



ivllle. 

b. Iliiriin 

irch. 
d. Hellene Tavern. 

i irk. 
/, < !ross-ruada at Thomas i 

1 1 
h. Dillin 
I 

I toes-roads at Andi i « VI a i 
ter's. 
k. It] no Church. 



: Hey. 
m. Coopenil'urt; Hall, 
■ 

I 
p. Mem House. 

1 i itel, 

ition. 
School-House. 
t. Botl B ti8o. 

Hey. 
v. Franklin School-H 



IIm Germans Beem to have found the new country 
more congenial than their English brethren, for the 
idanta of tin- Gei the Yoders, i he < reh* 

mans, the Newcomers, the Reinhards, the Morys, 
the Wints, the Gongwers, the Webers, the M< 
lers, the Egners, the Berkenstocks, the Rothrocks, 
and the Rumfelds arc still here, while the I ►wens, the 
Samuels, the Mayberrys, the Warners, the 
the Blackledges, the Thomases, the Williamses, and 
the Tools have all passed away without Leaving a 
single descendant bearing their names in the town- 
ship. 

Organization. — Saucon was erected into a town 
ship in March, 1.743, upon the petition of Christian 
Newcomer, Philip Geissinger, George Zewitz, Henry 
Binker, John Yoder, John Eteeser, Christian Smith, 
Henry Bowman, Samuel Newcomer, Benedict Geh- 
man, Valentine Steinmetz, Henry Rinker, Jr., George 
Trohn, Adam Warner, Owen Owen, Thomas Owen, 
John Williams, John Tool, John Thomas. J 
Samuels, Isaac Samuels, William Murry, 1 Michael 
Weber, John Apple, Jacob Gongwer, 8 Henry Keiber. 
George Bachman, George Morsteller, 3 and Henry 
Bumfeld. 4 Whether the two Saucons were originally 
erected into one or two townships does not seem pos- 
sible to determine, but as constables and supervisors 
were appointed in 1743 for both Upper and Lowei 
Saucon, and as there was among the petitioners but 
one who is not known to have resided within the 
of Upper Saucon. it i> probable that it was 

erected into a township by itself, though other cir- 
cumstances would seem to indicate the erection of 
but our township out of the whole territory. It is 
possible too, " taking all the circumstances into con- 
sideration,' thai while the Bettlers of I ppi i Saucon 
1 to be erected into a township with Lower 
Saucon, those of the latter preferred a separate or- 
ganization, and there! 1 to sign the petition. 
But however this may be, each of the two divisions 

had assumed a separate organization prior to 1750, 
and Upper Saucon then had an area somewhat ex- 
ceeding fourteen thousand acres, outlined thus the 



i Now sfory. 
■ Nov Hi 



fiHtignware. 
* N'.w Ruinfi< 



!•>' 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



dotted Hue representing the southeastern boundary 
of the township) : 

SALSBURC 



z 






r 




■% 


•n 




u> 


o 

3 






n 


. 


o 




/—Z * 




X 



It* territory was reduced in extent on two occasions 
since that time, first in 1752, when its southern pro- 
jection was cut off to straighten the line dividing the 
two counties, and again in 1879, when the borough of 
Coopcrsburg was eiv< led out of a part of it. It was 
enlarged in 1839, when its northwestern boundary 
was removed from the foot to the top of the Lehigh 
Mountain. It now contains 23.8 square miles, or an 
area of fifteen thousand two hundred and thirty-two 
acres, inclusive of Coopersburg. 

Our history thus tar has served to inform our 
readers as to the names borne by the pioneer settlers 
of the township, and in order to inform them as to 
who followed these, or were added to their number 
after the expiration of what might be termed the 
experimental era, we will introduce a few tax-lists. 



DEI I M BER 27 



William Beil. 
Conrad Bi inker. 
Baltzer Buchecker. 
Philip ['I" decker. 
John Bii 
John Bachman. 
Philip Bahl. 
Andrew Brunner. 
Jacob Bittenbender. 
Mathias Dei r. 
Charles Derr. 

Hot tens tein. 

Mat bias Egner. 
Andrew Erdnian. 
Jacob Eehelman. 
John Einhard. 
hi 
Michael Flixer. 
Peter Fuchs. 
William Grolhouse. 
Philip GeiBsinger. 
Conrad 1 1 
Henry Geiseinger. 
Abraham ' ■■- 
John Geissinger. 

Jacob Gaii- | ' 

Frederick Huff. 
John Holdeman. 

I i Hall. 

Daniel Borlo hei . 
I lam l- llartman. 
Michael Hillegasa, 

i ■] hi ' Jb ion 
\ alentine Jagi r, 
Adam S upei 

i: ii Kneply. 



/ 



, L781. 

George Kun. 
Pete) Kneply. 
Charles Ludwjg Koch. 
Jacut. Keply, 
Adam Kortz. 
Nicholas Kortz. 
John Koch. 
John Kooken, 
Jacob K appers. 
Daniel Kooper. 
Michael Lndliap. 
Pet i Laubenstein. 
Peter Lo an, 
Felix Lynn. 
John Lister. 
Samuel Lister, 
Peter Meyer. 

!.■■■ ob Moi y. 
Gotthard Mory, 

1 . Mleyer, 
Jacob Mollo< ii. 

William Mory. 

Widow Musaelman, 

William Mory. 

John Newcomer, 

John Newcomer, Jr. 

David < iwii. 

David Owen, Jr. 

Thomas I twen. 

Dai id Reeaer. 
: Rumfield, 
■ Rumfield. 

il in y Reinhard, 

Leonard Reichard, 

Adam Romig, 

Jai ob Rumfield 



i Buff. 
Ruff. 

John Rumfield. 

' !. ..lull. 

-Iiarry. 

I ■ Shaffer. 

Petei Shaffer. 
[saac Samuels. 
ihrah an 
Gerhard 
John Stabl. 
Pi i. i Btehr. 
Philip - 
George Swenker, 



John Grater. 
Jonathan Owen. 
I Fink. 

<,-■■! .• I'.ai Imiait 



Andreas Erdman. 
Yost i Irdman. 
Andrew Reinhard. 
Andrew Shaffer. 
Henry Yonson. 
John Buting. 



David Snyder. 
Eenry s. n. 
Aqnitla i i 
Michael w 
Adam G. V( 
Philip Wlud. 
Ehrhard Weaver. 
Pi t, i Wash. 

1 1 ■ - 1 1 r > 

Henry Weaver. 
Simon Walter. 
Abraham Toder. 
Christian Young. 

Uichael Ziegler. 

Additional Taxable*. 

George Frank. 
Philip Dotterer. 
Peter Bush. 
Jacob Bender. 



Btngt HYet n 



Samuel Meyer. 

Martin Apple. 

John So I-: 1 
Petei i 
Peter Sell. 
Jacob Meyer. 



Total tax, £460 7s. 9d. Frederick linn; collector. 



ASSESSMENT FOR 1812. 



Jacob Arnold. 
John Apple. 
George Alehouse. 
Widow Alehouse, 
Henry Buchecker. 
John Bastian. 
Philip Buchecker, Jr. 
Philip Bahl. 
Baltzer Buchecker. 
George Blank. 
Abraham Berkenstock. 
George Brink er. 
Michael Banner. 
George Bachman. 
Conrad Brinker, 
Tobias Bahl. 
Jacob Bahl. 
W idow Bachman. 
Jacob Berger. 
David Bachman. 
Enoch Bachman. 
George Brinker. 

Buchecker, 
Philip Buchecker. 
Jacob Bachman. 
David Bachman. 
Henry Buchecker. 
George Christ 

I I : !. M opei 

Jacob Dietz. 
Daniel Derr. 
Jacob Drenkler. 
John Drohn. 
Dai id Dei r. 
Philip Dotterer. 
Jacob Everroth. 
Jacob Erdman. 
John Everhard. 
Solomon Egner. 
Daniel Egner, 
John i 
Peter l Ignei 
John Erdman, Sr. 
Andrew Engleman. 
Jacob Engleman. 



Jacob Erdman. 
Peter Fu 
Abraham Fretz, 

Benedict Fink. 
Philip Flexer. 
Ji i ii Funk. 
Peter Frank. 
John Frank. 
Joseph Frey, Sr. 
Joseph Frey, Jr. 
Samuel Geissinger. 
David Gangeware. 
John Garnet. 
Jacob Gangeware. 
John Geissinger. 
Henry Geissinger. 
Abraham Geissinger. 
John Geissinger. 
Abraham Geissinger. 
Jacob Griiiiiiii. 
George Garner. 
Henry Gangeware. 
Abraham Geissinger. 
Daniel Geissinger. 
Jacob Hai tman. 
George Horlocher. 
John Horlocher. 
Jacob Hait/.ell. 
John Hillegass. 
Adam Heller. 
Abraham Hottle, 

Michael ETottel. 
John Hottle. 
John .1.1 
John Janaon. 
Frederick Jordan. 
Melchoir Kneply. 

Peter Kneply. 
John Kneply. 
Nicholas K ramer. 
.!..-. pb Koch. 
Henry K uaUBS. 
Tobias Koch. 
i 'ai I Lmtw ig Korb. 
George Koch. 



I'I'I'KR SAUCON TOWNSHIP. 



429 



Jonathan Kaffman, 
Peter Kurtz. 

imer, 

"i 

Jacob E neplj 

Job K 

Jacob K h. 

Philip Klllllltll i l: 

< Kuiitnmn. 
Dai id k.; uffman 
Samuel Lander. 

.'■■■i.i l sob. 

.i ■ i . 
Audi sw w erst. 
i l Landls. 
INI i Lanbenstine. 
Peter Lynn. 
.) icob Morj . 
Peter U 
DaTld '■> 
Philip U usblltz. 

William Meier. 
Andrew Martin. 
William Mory,Jr. 
Hushlitx. 

Jacob M 

1 Mill. 

! ry. 

Eck Mohr, Sr. 
I I hr, Jr. 

am Bleier. 
Samuel M 
Peter Meier. 

M iller. 
Uiller. 
George Miller. 
Jacob Meier. 

Newcomer. 
John Newcomer, Sr. 
Henry Newcomer. 
Abraham Newcomer. 
John I 

Mathiae Ochs. 
i Ott 

Weber, Jr. 
George \\ eber. 
Adam Winl. 
Andrew Walter. 
Jacob H 
Philip ttin.lt. 

W.-i>-, Sr. 

Andrew Wi Ess. 
Valentine Weidner, Sr. 
Valentine Weidner, Jr. 
Jonae Weber. 
P tei Wichall. 

Josi.].h Welt. 
John Waldman. 
John Weber, Jr. 

n erst. 
Jacob Ott 

I Iwen. 
Solomon Bumfeld. 

rd Rein hard. 
Adam Radon haoer. 
Andrew Reinhard. 
Henrj Belnhard,Sr. 



John Dotterer. 
John Frank. 
John Young. 
John U 
John Apple, 
taider. 



bard, Jr. 
ofeld. 

Ch ris I I ■ 
< taspei Bumfeld. 
Samui B 
Jacob Ruff. 
John 1; 
iii Relaser. 

i i Roth rock. 
George Relnhard. 
Daniel Romich. 
John Rom 
Conrad Rickert 
Petei 

tine Shaffer. 
John 5 

bam Seider. 
Abi abam Sheaffer. 
Frederick Stoll. 
George Shanl 
Jacob Shantzenbach. 

■ 
Christian Sheaffer. 
George Sheaffer. 
Valentine sheaffer. 
Jacob Stauffer. 

lider. 
Philip Sharry. 

Abraham Smidt. 

Daniel Schmidt. 
Philip Sellers. 

Stephen Tool. 
Jacob w eiss, 
Henry Wind. 
John Waldman. 
Henry Waldman. 
Peter Weber. 

! Ick Weidman. 
Andr-w \\ 
John w 

_.• Worst. 
\ "iing. 
1 ung, 
Henrj V.mng. 
Christian Young, 
John I 

lb ni y Totter. 
Abraham Fotter. 
John I 
Valei tine Young. 

Mar! in Z-isIoch. 
Jacob Totter. 
Wn aham Ziegler. 
Martin Apple. 
John 31 
George i 
\ dentine Ruff. 
i 

' leorge Beinbold, 
Juim Weaver. 

I ! ui er. 
Widow Hitting. 
Stoffle Ztegler. 
Philip B *h, 
John ; 

Smith. 
Henry Ott 
John i 

Single Freemen. 

John Km [ It 

Jacol ; 

ii fuss. 
Mi ler. 
Jacob i i ank. 
Jacob Dotterer. 



i "Iter. 

I 

Philip Buche 
Jacob Bachman. 

Iiman 
m Kauffman. 
Isaac Run 

Mel ch tor Knepley. 

ung. 
■ 

i '' i: , .pi. 

John Newcomer. 

Derr. 
John Shnyder. 
Bottle. 
in Bitting. 
Philip Smith. 

I Romich. 
Henrj Weidner. 
Mushlitz. 
Michael Pasbfnder. 



Rumfeld. 
Philip Bumfeld. 

Ililb-giuW. 

Meier. 

Samuel ' ; 

Wind. 

William llarlncher. 

(land. 

Buchecker. 
John D 

■ 
John Ja 
Petei '■'■ 

ker. 
Miner. 
Matblas ZeisloTe. 
Abraham Dietz. 
Samuel Fink. 
Abraham rotter. 
Jacob I 
John Deily. 



Total tax. $609. 

The taxes in those 'lays were trifling compared 
with present rates. A farm of two hundred acres 
paid from eight; cents to one dollar and fifty cents. 
Laborers paid from ten to twelve cents, while those 
: as " poor" paid no taxes, though some of them 
owned from thirty to forty acres of land. In 1763 
the inhabitants of Upp Ithus: 

eighty farmers, nine laborers, two tavern-keepers, two 

■ , one carpenter, three blacksmiths, one miller, 

one doctor. iper, four poor, with neither shoe- 
maker, saddler, tailor, wagoner, mason, nor tanner. 
In 177:: the township contained five thousand seven 

1 and ninety-tWO acre- uf cleared land, one 
thousand and twenty-eight acres of which wi 
grain. In 1752 the township had a population of six 
hundred and fifty souls. 

Roads. — The township is covered by a net-work of 
roads, but owing to the imperfect manner in which 
the earlj records were made and the change in the 

i - of the points that fixed their termini, as well 

as those of the land-owners whose lands abut on the 
roads, it is very difficult to recognize local roads alter 
the lapse of so many years, and even with some of 
the more important ones we are only able to fix the 
daic of their opening approximately. The road en- 
tering the town-hip on the Lehigh Mountain, near 
Lanark, passing Lanark and Heller's tavern to a 
point near the residence of William P. Weidner. and 

thence to Locust Valley, was opened about 1750. The 
road from Coopersburg to Bethlehem, via Centre 
Valley, Friedensville, and Colesville, in 1755. That 
from I i iedi ns\ ille to Limi port 11.11, r*s tavern 

and Seider's school-house, in 177-".. 

The Allentovt n and I 'oopersburg turnpike road was 
chartered in 1874, and opened for travel in 1875. 

I ii, North l'eiin Kailro'ad passes through the town- 
ship. It was completed and opened for traffic in 1856. 
The first passenger train passed through the township 
December 26th of th< ear. It is now under 

i the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Com- 



430 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



pany, and is known a- the North Penn branch of said 
road. Ii has two stations in the township, -Coopers- 
ind I lentre Valley. 

Tin railroad of the Saucon tr mpany was built 

about 1870. 1 1> entire length, oi about tw i and one- 
half miles, is in the township. 

Churches and Congregations, six buildings ded- 
icated ervici of Alraightj God stand in the 
township, viz.: the old Mennonite meeting-house, 
near Coopersburg, the Blue or St. Paul's Church, thi 
Friedensville or Priedens Church, the meeting-house 
of the United .Men nun it.' Brethren in Chrisl 
Coopersburg, the mee ; aglish Meth- 
odists at I riedensville, and the meetin bouse of the 
Free Methodists at I I ley. 

The first meeting-house of the Men congre- 
gation, near Coopersburg, was built about 1738. It 
was constructed of logs, with a swinging partition in 
the middle, which divided it into two apartments : one 
of these was used for church, the other foi scl 1 pur- 
poses, but when on extraordinary occasions the at- 
tendance upon Divine worship was larger than could 
commodated in one apartment, the partition 
would be raised and the two apartments thrown into 
one; this seems to have been a very temporary struc- 
ture, tor we find it replaced by another in 1747, and 
built on the same plan. The present meeting-house 
was erected in 1841, and is the third which occupies 

the site. The tirst congregation serving here was what 
ar. now known as "the old-school Mennonites," but 
as there are scarcely half a dozen families remaining 
in the neighborhood which still adhere to the creed 
of their fathers, these have had no regular pastor here 
since the death of Rev. Samuel Mover, in 1877. The 
new-school Mennonites are now the only denomina- 
tion holding services here regularly, but those of the 
old school -till retain all their original rights and 
privileges. It is impossible now to tix the order in 
which this congregation was ministered to by its pas- 
tors, owing to the fact that no records were kept, and 
that two or three sometimes preached here at the same 
time, but the following is learned from their tomb- 
stones in the adjoining cemetery: Jacob Meyer died 
May 4, 1790, and served till his death, — how long does 
not appear. Samuel Moyer, the elder, died about 
1832. Michael I. audi- died Aug. 5, 1839, after a ser- 
vice of thirty-five years. William Landis died Aug. 4, 
1848, after a service of eight years. Valentine Young 
died April 27, 1850, after a service of forty years. 
Samuel Moyer, the younger, died Aug. 24, 1877. after 
a service of about twenty years. The latter first 
preached for the new school, but returning to the 
faith of his fathers, closed his life as a minister of the 
old school. John Oberholtzer organized the new- 
school congregation, ami preached here for .some time. 
Christian Clemmer, of Berks County, preached here 
about twenty years, and died in 1883 a new-school 
minister. Andrew B. Shelby and Jacob S. Moyer 
(new school) are the present incumbents. 



Many theories might be advanced as to the date 

and al-u as to the site of the firsl church edifice 
erected by the Lutheran con in now serving at 

the Blue Church. But as one theory is apparently 
as strong as the other, we will content ourselves by 

enumerating the several circumstance- U| which 

theories might be based, and leaving our readers to 
form their own theories and deduct their own conclu- 
sions. The warrant for the land on which it stands 
was drawn by Conrad Walb, Jan. '.', 17:17. The 
records of the Lutheran congregation serving here 
date hack to 1740. In 17 to they informed Muhlen- 
berg that they wire provided with a church and 
school-house. On March 16, 1754, a warrant was 
issued from the land-office to Andreas Wind, in trust 
for the Lutheran congregation of Upper Saucon, for 
twenty-live acres of hind, which was located near the 
site of the present residence of Isaac Hartman, near 
Fricdcnsville. 

On Dec. 80, I7">7. Philip (leissinger entered into 
an agreement with Andrea- Kidman and George 
Bernhardt, in behalf of the Lutheran congregation of 
Saucon, in which, for the consideration of 63 2«. 6d., 
he bound himself to convey to the said congregation 
(after receiving a patent for his land) the undivided 
half of four acres, three and one-half acres to be con- 
sidered as sold, and one-half acre as donated. In 
1758, Andreas Wind sold the interest of the Lutheran 
congregation in the land, for which a warrant had 
been drawn by him. On April 24, 1758, Philip I leis- 
singer obtained his patent for his land, and on Sept. 
4, 1761, he conveyed to George Reinhard, Andrew 
Erdman, George Kirschner, and Balthauser Beil, 
elders and vestrymen of the Evangelical or Lutheran 
congregation of Dpper Saucon. one full moiety or 
equal half of four acres for the use of said congrega- 
tion. Tradition also has it that the members of the 
congregation at one time contemplated building their 
church on the farm of Rev. Berkeustock (lately Solo- 
mon Greenawald), but were induced to change their 
plans by the liberal offer of Philip Geissinger. From 
these facts we may safely conclude that the congrega- 
tion was organized no later than 1740, that they had 
a church and school-house somewhere in 1745, that 
they had no place of worship which was satisfactory 
to all of them in 1754, and that the first church was 
built on the present site about 1758. 

When it became a union church of the Lutheran 
and Reformed denominations cannot now be ascer- 
tained, and it is not safe to date this event prior to 
1802 ; but here the record opens with a book, on the 
first page of which is an inscription, which, trans- 
lated, reads thus: "Church book of the Evangelical 
Reformed congregation in Upper Saucon township, 
called Organ Church, begun by John Henry Hoff- 
meier, present minister of the congregation, and 
member of the reverend Synod, in the year of Christ, 
1802." 

The present church is the third occupying the 



UPPER SAUCON TOWNSHIP. 



131 



-it.'. The first, built of logs, stood in the south* 
corner of the old cemetery ; the second, built of stone, 
Btood partly on the Bite of the present one, though 
extending a little farther Bouth and west. This, it 
would appear froni Rev. II record, was 

known as "the irch." When it was built 

cannot be ascertained. The present one was i 
383 at a cost of $5173.81. 

The following, taken from the discourse of Rev. 
John Vogelbach, on the occasion of the centennial 
anniversary of the founding of the Lutheran con- 
gregation, furnishes the ministers of 
the same. 

In 17 16, R< i II. A. Muhlenberg, who thru served 
several congregations in Philadelphia and vicinity, 
was appealed to by the Saucon ion to come 

and serve them with word and sacrament. He did so, 
imt resigned at the end of a year on account of ill 
health and the great distance he had to come. He 
thru sent to them one Vigero, a teacher, who com- 
mitted sermons and delivered them to the con 
tioii. Muhlenberg visiting them on occasions of com- 
munion and confirmation. 

On V 1 1 u . 15, 1748, the tir-t congregational 
enceofthe Luthi - d was held in Philadelphia, 
and the Saucon congregation was represented in it. 
In the autumn of 1748, Vigero left them. In March, 
171'.', Rudolph Heinrich Schrenk came from Lune- 
burg to Philadelphia, and Muhlenberg at oni 
onimended bim to the congregation, whom he - 
for some time on probation. He was ordained Nov. 
6, 1752, and continued to serve them till 1754, when 
he accepted a call to Raritan, X. J., returning, how- 
ever, occasionally to preach for them. Schrenk's suc- 
cessor was Johannes Andreas Friederici (or Fried- 
richs . first as layman, then as ordained minister. 
He served about eight years, a part of which time he 
lived beyond the Rlue Mountains. In 1763, Johan- 
nes Jo-eph Roth, a Catholic student, cann into the 
neighborhood, interested himself in the congregation, 
and asked to be admitted into the Lutheran Synod, 
and became pastor. In October of the same year he 
idmitted and installed. He died in 1764, and 
was buried in the cemetery belonging to the church. 
Who served them from 17G4 to 1 T * • '. > does not appear, 
but communion was held regularly, except perhaps 
in 1769, when no record was made. In the latter 
part of 1769, Jacob Van Buskirk, from Qermantown, 
came here, but when he left and who his successor 
was docs not appear. It was very probably George 
Frederick Ellisen, who is recorded as having held 
communion here Sept. 29, L793. After his departure 
the congregation were for several years without a 
regular pastor, but the sacraments were regularly ad- 
ministered by pastors of neighboring congregations. 
In 1800, Rev. F. W. Geisenheimer administered the 
Lord's Supper. Rev. Professor Roeller, of Goshen- 
hoppen, preached here too. From 1800 to 1803, Jo- 
hannes F. Cramer preached in the other coi 



tions belonging to the charge, and therefore probably 

here tOO, though the records arc silent as to him. I in 

16, Frederick I'litt confirmed catechu- 
mens and administered the Lord's Supper. Hi 
preached here onlj a shot I tin e, was addicted to 

drinking, and BOOH after he left was found drowned 
in a mill-dam at Mifflinburg, Columbia Co. Re\ 
Heiny succeeded I'litt, and served nine year-, He 
was succeeded by Heinricfa G Steelier, who served 

two year-. 

[n 1819, B imin < lerman i as called. Be 

pted, entered upon hi- pastorate in the spring of 

1820, and continued to serve until his death, which 

occurred in September, 1848. He was buried in 

ii. 1 lis brother, William German, - 
him, and he too remaii service of the 

ration until his death. June 26, 1851. He was 
buried at the Salsburg Church. The vacancy occa- 
sioned by the deatli of William German was tempo- 
rarily filled bj Augustus L. Dechant, then a I 
licentiate. 

On .March::. 1852, Rev. John ch accepted 

dl from tin gation, and served them until 

March, 1857, when he followed a call to Philadel- 
phia. 

In May, 1857, Rev. William Rath assumed the pas- 
toral in, which he has continued to 
till with great acceptability to the present time. 

It i- impossible to fix the date of the organization 
of the Reformed congregation now serving at the Rlue 
i liiireh. but it is very probable that a Reformed or- 
ganization of some kind was 300H after 171. 
by Rev. John Justus Jacob Berkenstock, who then 
re-ided on the old ' rreenawalt farm, and win. undoubt- 
edly was a Reformed minister. Tradition has it that 
divine services were held regularly at his bouse, and 
this tradition is supported by the tact that there is on 
the farm an old, extensive, and well-filled cemetery. 
It is highly improbable, too, that the Reformed, "to 

which denomination a large proportion of the Pala- 
tinates then belonged," with a Reformed minister in 
their midst, should stand idly by while their brethren 
of the Mention ite and Lutheran faiths were organizing 
congregations and building churches around them. 
It is possible, and very probable, too, that the tradition 
heretofore referred to, "that the Lutheran congrega- 
tion at one time contemplated the erection of their 
church on the Greenawalt farm," may have become 
somewhat impaired by age, and that it ought to be 
" that tin Reformed cult, gation at one time contem- 
plated the erection of a church here, but were induced 
to change their plans by the liberal offer of the Luther- 
ans to share their church facilities with them." 

A- before stated, the earliest record of the congrega- 
tion now accessible hears date 1802. It continues in 
the handwriting of Rev. Hoffmeier till IStiG. when it 
suddenly -top-, not to he resumed again till L826, and 
then by R.v. Daniel Zoller. In 1820. Rev. Samuel 
ll.ss was called, accepted, and served until 1*67, when 



432 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



igned. Be was succeeded, in January, 1868, by 
i. V Ziegler, who served until July, 1873, when 
I, and was followed by Ri v. R. < !. 
i r, the present beloved pasto) of the congrega- 
tion. 

Frieden's Church, at Friedensville, was built in 
1793, enlarged in L817, and rebuilt in 1839. [tisa 
Union Church oi the Lutheran and Reformed d 
nations. The Lutheran congregation here was - 
ized b] Rev. John Conrad Yeager, who continued to 
for them until L731, when he was succeeded 
by his son, Joshua, who, though past fourscore years 

yet remains the beloved " Rev. Fal her 5 
pastor of his flock ; he with his father having minis 
tered to the congregation for a continuous period 
exceeding ninety years. 

The Reformed congregation was organized by Rev. 
John Henry Hoffmeier, who preached for them until 
about L815, when be was succeeded by Rev. Dechant. 
Dechant was succeeded, " at what time we know not," 
l v \ Rev. Daniel Zoller, who served till 1857. In 1857, 
Ri \. J. <;. Dubbs was called, and ministered to 
them until 1871, when be resigned. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Richard T. Apple, who served two 
years, and was succeeded, in 1873, by Rev. R. C. 
Weaver, the' present incumbent. 

The meeting-house of the United Mennonite Breth- 
ren in Christ, near Coopersburg, was erected and the 
congregation organized in 1869. This organization 
was effected principally by Rev. Abel Strawn, who 
preached for the congregation until the close of the 
year 1881, when, according to a decree ofConference, 
which provided in substance that no minister should 
serve the same congregation lor a period exceeding 
three years, he was succeeded by Rev. Abraham 
Kauft'man, who, in 1884, was succeeded by Rev. 
Jonas Musselman, the present incumbent. 

The meeting-house of the Methodist Episcopal 
congregation at Friedensville was built by Dr. H. S. 
t llemens, and the congregation organized in 1863, bj 
Rev. Nathan B. Durell, of the Philadelphia Confer- 
ence. The congregation was served by the following 
pastors: Rev. Durell, from 1863 to 1865; Rev. t'um- 
mings, from 1865 to 1868; Rev. Kimble, from 1868 to 
1871 ; Rev. Harris,,,), from 1871 to 1874; and Rev. 
Harkins, from 1874 to 1877, since which time the con- 
gregation has remained without a pastor. 

The meeting-house of the Free Methodists, at 
Centre Valley, was erected and the congregation or- 
ganized in L883. The congregation is ministered to 
by Rev. Manshart. 

Schools. — The first schools established in the town- 
ship were parochial or church schools, and were opened 
simultaneously with the organization of the congrega- 
tions to which they belonged; the first about 1738, 

Mennonites, the second al t 1740 to 1715, by 

the Lutherans. The buildings in which they were 
beld are noted and described under the bra, I of 
churches. A third building, used for school and 



doubt less for church purposes ;,].,,, was erected by the 

Quakers about 1745, on lands of John Thomas, now 
VI. Sell ; but this, together with the congrega- 
tion tb I ii, have all passed away, and the 
only remaining reminder of it or them is the old, 
well-filled cemetery, ''now nearl) obliterate I tOO," 

which marks the spot. The names of but two teach- 
, rs of this era are preserved tons, — Vigero, who taught 
and preached at the same time lor the Lutherans, and 
Peter Knepley, of whom we find the following entered 
in the iirst church book of the Lutheran congregation 
n,,\\ serving at the Blue Church: ".11111, 28, 1757, 
Peter Knepley, the schoolmaster, manic, I to Chris- 
iii, a Gangaware." Later, a- the settlements pushed 
farther away from these places, more scl I a i 

modations became necessary, ami schools were opened 

in private bouses. Of the earlier of these we know 

nothing, but schools of this kind are known to have 
been held at the houses of John Egncr I now < 'harles 

Ehrhard Weaver now Ephraim Weaver), 
William Samuels (now Peter M. Sell), Frederick 
Wittman (now Joseph Wittman), David Sorlocher, 
ami doubtless others. It i- impossible to define or limit 
the era of this kind of schools. Some of them were con- 
tinued in neighborhoods long after school-houses had 
been erected in others, and some were opened even in 
the neighborhood of school-houses,— these latter to 
meet a desire then beginning to be felt for instruc- 
tion in the English language, "the teaching in the 
school-houses then being exclusively in German." 
During the last quarter of the eighteenth century 
school associations began to be formed in the sevi ral 
neighborhoods, funds raised, school-houses erected, 
and teachers employed. Some of the earlier of these 
teachers scarcely deserved the name; there was no 
system in their employment. Frequently an indi- 
vidual, " who was none other than a tramp," would 
go into a neighborhood, make some pretense to men- 
tal culture, open a subscription lor pupils at so much 
per head, and if successful in collecting a sufficient 
number would open a school, or an apology for one, 
with bis birch on his desk and his flask inside or in 
hi- pocket. It is related of the last one who taught 
at the Quaker school-house, heretofore referred to, 
t bat he loved his dram, ami that on the last day of his 
term some of the larger boys presented him with a 
bottle of whiskey, got him drunk, and persuaded him 
to play on the violin, while they engaged in dancing. 
One or two lessons of this kind would suffice to make 
the p, ,,ple more circumspect in the employment of 
teachers, and thus the schools were improved. About 
1825 English began to be slowly introduced, hi 1828 
provision was made for the education of the poorer 
class, and Upper Saucon paid for that purpose as 
follows: L828, $12.95; 1830, $14.42; 1833, $30.22; 
1834, $76.41; L835, $187.95; 1836, $142.61; 1838, 
$167.92. 

In 1834, when the common-school law was passed, 
It produced intense excitement in the township. 



rri'i:i; s vrroN township 



133 



Violent opposition to it developed itself, and at 
the election upon the question of its adoption but 

tew votes wen- cast in its favor, its BUppOrtera 1" 

came the objects • ■! tin- .[unity of whole neighbor- 
hoods, and in this waj were induced to abandon the 
contest. So intense was the E unst it that 

«Jiirtn<r the time that its adoption was optional, when 
:i politician desired to have tin- lull vote of the town- 
ship brought out all he did wae to have i rumor 
spread that the -i-l >. ml law would be voted upon, and 
almost the last man would he out. it was no! adopted 
until 18 is. w hen its adoption became obligator) . Six 
schools had been established prior to this time by 
associations at the following places: Blue Church, 
Friedensville Church, Mennonite Meeting-house, 
Coopershuri:. one near Heller's Tavern, known as 
Heller's, and one near Si ider's store, known as S< ider's. 
• >t tli.' teachers of the last two described and over- 
lapping eras, the names of the following are preserved: 
Frederick Arnold, who taught at the house of John 
Egner and at Seider's school-house; Jesse Samuels, 

who taught at the house of William Sa els and at 

Seider's; Daniel Fried, "ho taught at Frei 
Wittman's: Proctor, Oberholtzer, Jen- 
kin-. Peter Gerhard, Michael Urffer, Anthony Lou- 

tenberger, Joseph Wittmaii, Andrew K. Wittman. 
and t ieorge Blank, who taught at Seider's; John Lobb, 
David Minichinger, John II. Bernd, and a Mr. Mu.— 
selman taught at the Blue t'liurch : Gibaon Innes, 
John Wilson. Lewi-. Bannister, and Joel Tarre, who 

taught at Coopersburg; Barthalmus, Rudy, 

and Riedy, who taught at Heller's; and Henry 

Knipe, who taught at ;. school-house which stood near 
the site of the residence of lino- Rechenbach, and 
which was superseded by the one built later at Coop- 
ersburg. An old school-bouse stood w here the Saucon 

lion Company's railroad crosses the load near the 
residence of Thomas Reichard. It was taken down 
about the year L800, and another one built on the 
present site of Heller's. This was destroyed by fire 
in 1808, and the present one erected in 1S09. 

We have now reached the day of public schools 
and of records. The township took the Bret step to- 
ward the adoption of the new system at the -[.ring 

election in 1848, when the following board of directors 

were elected : San ford Stephens, llenr\ Lrdman. 

John r.riiniier. Ji I. FAici Charles E. Christ, and 

< ieorge Blank. These organized by electing Charles 
EL Christ as president, and George Blank assei retary. 

They raised by taxation for school purposes the first 
year $536.86, but this was found to he insufficient, 
and three hundred dollars were borrowed. They 
built two school-houses the first year, one called the 
Bocritarian, on the site of the present Centre Valley 
school-house, at a cost of two hundred and twenty- 
five dollars, and another called the Franklin 
the residence of Philip < iangaware, at a cost of two 
hundred and ninety-live dollars. Tin- following 
teachers were appointed: Aaron L. Rutterwick, to 
28 



teach at the Blue Church : Augustus F. Hallenbach, 
at Friedensville; Mary Jenkins, at Heller's; George 
Blank, at the meeting-house ; Geoi I .' ■ the 

Socritarian ; Uriah Brunner, at the Franklin ; Wil- 

liam T. ('lamer, at Coopersburg; and Solomon I'.hr, 

-. ider's. [he school-term was fixed at six monl 

ami tin salary of teacher- at twenty dollars a month. 
The school- were attended l.\ tiv hundred and fifty- 
three pupil-, three hundred and four males and two 

hundred nine females. The average at- 

tendance was thirty-four. Four hundred and twenty- 
nine learned English, one hundred and twenty-four 
man, thirty-six grammar, sixty-five geography, 
and two hundred and thirteen arithmetic Since 
then additional school houses were built, and -eh 
opened as follow-: Locust Valley, in 1850; Wash- 
ington, in 1853; Yodel's, in 1858; Dillinger's, in 
1859; Hartman's called Union), in 1861 ; Websl 
at Friedensville. in Wo; and a second one in Coop 
ersburg, in 1876. Until 1854 the' school at Fried 
ville was held at the church, hut iii that year ;i school- 
house was erected. The school at the Blue Church 

was held in the basement of the church until 1868, 

when a school-house was built. The school at the 

meeting-house was held in a school-house belonging 
to the Mennonite congregation until 188.3, when a 
new one was erected. The old school-house at Coop- 
ersburg, which, on account of its shape, was called 
the Octagon, was replaced by a new one in 1857. 
The one at Centre Valley in 1859, the Franklin in 
1874, the Washington in 1875, and the Locust Valley 
in 1879. Seider's and Heller'- schools are still held 
in old association school-houses. The school-bouses 
an- all furnished with blackboards, patent desks, and 
globes. 

The estimated value of school property in the 
township is now (1884) $8000. 

The following table exhibits the workings of the 
system from 1850 to 1875: 





































,« 


--. 


= 


= 


= 












tx 


a 


= 
2 


— 
■ 


- 

s 


i _ 


1 


2 








3 


a 

u 


til 


•j. 


_' 


t* -. 


Z. ~ 


Ml 


B 






A 






= 


c 








C 








o 






















i 
1 


1 


a 

d 

01 


5 

a 


~ 


= 'Z 




a 

s- 


a 

— 

3 


d) 

S 

1 




n 


; 




3 





o 


o 










Z 
9 


ell 


z 


V 

ill 


-10 


y. 
10 


s. 


S. 


55 


/ 








252 


11304.76 




in 






4'.i 


17 


'■7 




294 










\- 










119 


162 


344 










1 1 












:'.41 


386 








1S7U 


13 






78 


91 


17:; 





441 


201 






1ST0 


11 


7:il 


7;il 


72 








11 




66 





Among the teacher- of the district during the era 

of common schools (to the ] one the fol- 

lowing: George W. Blinker, who taught twenty-nine 
t.nn-; Jessiah F. Jacoby, twenty-two terms; Jacob 

F. Diehl, eighteen terms; William H. Snyder, seven- 



r;i 



HISTORY OF LFIIICH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



teen terms; Franklin II. Heller, thirteen terms; 0. 
W. Markle, thirteen terms; Lewis M, Engelman, 
twelve terms; Lewis II. Jacoby, twelve terms; John 
II Walbert, twelve terms; Milton A. Zym 
terms; John V. Clymer, ten terms; Albert II. Wea- 
ver, nine terms ; Aaron K. Eichelberger, nine terms ; 
W. Both, seven terms; Levi M. Johnson, 
i his ; Franklin lSrin! i terms; Augus- 

tus F. Hallenbach, six terms; Charles 11. Buchi 
six terms: Laurentus II. Weaver, six terms; Thomas 
B. Weber, five terms; and I!. .M. Lichtenwalner, five 
terms. 

Early Families. — The Owen family was of Welsh 
origin. They were among the first immigrants to the 
State, and some of them became prominent in colo- 
nial days. < Jritlith ( hven was a member of the Colo- 
nial Council from L685 to 1707. John Owen was 
sheriff of Chester County in 1730. Owen Owen was 
sheriff of Philadelphia County in 1728, and coroner 
in 17:io. After this he came to Saucon, took uplands, 
and, as it seems, resided here at least part of the time. 
!li> wife's name' was Margaret, and they had time- 
children, — Thomas, David, and Margaret. The lat- 
ter married Richard Thomas, and is not known to 
have left any descendants. Thomas became one of his 
majesty's justices of the peace. He is not known to 
have had offspring. David, with his wife, Sarah, had, 
as far as known, six children, viz. : David, Joseph, 
Nathan, .Mary, Lydia, and Elizabeth. Of tin -e, 
David, with his wife, Margaret, had four children, 
viz.: Solomon, David, Elizabeth, .and Hannah. Mary 
(who married William Grothouse) and Joseph are 
not known to have any descendants.' Nathan had 
two daughters, — Hannah and Sarah. Lydia married 
Henry Weber, and is the grandmother of Joel H. and 
Thomas IS. Weber, of Spring Valley. Elizabeth mar- 
ried Abraham Seider, and is no doubt the grandmother 
of some of the Seiders living in different parts of the 
county. 

Of the younger David's children, Solomon married 
Catharine Beil, and had one daughter, Elizabeth, who 
became the wife of the late Rev. Samuel Hess. David 
appears to have died in youth. Elizabeth married 
Henry Fugleman, and is the mother of Lewis M. 
Engleman, of Locust Valley. Hannah married Adam 
Bomig, and is not known to have any descendants. 

Of Nathan's daughters, Hannah married Peter 
Lynn, and is the mother of Uriah Lynn, of Bucks 
County, and Sarah married Andrew Engleman, and 
is the mother of Mrs. Jacob H. Erdman, of Emaus, 
and Mrs. Reuben Stabler, of Allentowii. 

Philip Geissinger, a Mcunonite from the Palatinate, 
seems to have immigrated to some point within the 
present limits of Bucks County about 17i">; he was 
naturalized by act of Assembly in 1731. About 17.'i7 
he settled near the site of the Blue Church, in Upper 
Saucon. His wife's name was Anna Man ; they bad 
eleven children, viz. : Philip, Jacob, Henry, Daniel, 
John, Samuel, David, Abraham, Anna, Elizabeth, 



and Barbara. Of these, David died in infancy; 

Philip is not known to have had offspring; Jacob, 

with bis wife, Magdalena, bad five children; Henry, 
wife Barbara, twelve; John, twice married, — tir-t 

wife, Anna, ten. second wife. Anna, one: Samuel, 
wife Anna, lour ; Daniel, wile Elizabeth, eight; Anna 
married Christian Baer, ami bad ten children; Eliza- 
beth married Rudolph Kautlinan, and had seven chil- 
dren ; Barbara married Isaac Bauer, ami bad Beven 
children. All these seem to have removed from the 

township at an early day, and it is impossible to fol- 
low them further, but Abraham remained in the old 
homestead, and his descendants are still within sight. 
His wife's name was Barbara; they had four si 
viz.: Henry, Philip. Jacob, and Abraham. Of these, 
Henry had three children, — Ephraim, who remains 
in the old home-lead ; Mary, the wife of David Sto- 
ver ; and Elizabeth, tie 1 wife of Israel Walter. Philip 
had two children, — Abraham, wdio lives at New /ion, 
Lehigh Co.; and Mary, who is not known to have 
any descendants. Jacob had three sons, — Rev. John, 
Jacob, and Abraham. Among Abraham's children 
were Samuel, deceased; David and Jacob, who reside 
at Centre Valley; and Abraham, who re-ides at Lo- 
cust Valley. 

Johannes Erdman, of Pfungstadt, in Hesse-Darm- 
stadt, emigrated to this country in 1734. Where he 
settled first cannot now be ascertained, but we find 
him on the farm now known as the old Erdman farm, 
near Centre Valley, in 1750. His wife's name was 
Anna Catharine. He died Oct. 30, 1760, at the age 
of seventy-eight years. He seems to have had a num- 
ber of children, but the lineage of but one son, An- 
dreas, can be traced. 

Andreas married Anna Maria Frederick, and had 
nine children, viz.: Jacob, George, Abraham, An- 
drew, John, Yost, Catharine, Sybilla, and Anna Mar- 
garet. Of these, Catharine (who ban married Jacob 
Barnhart), Anna Margaret (wdio had married George 
Sober), and Abraham removed to Armstrong town- 
ship, Westmoreland Co., at an early day, and their 
descendants are lost sight of. Sybilla married Henry 
Bitz, and removed to Lower Mount Bethel, North- 
ampton Co. Andrew and Yost settled in Hilltown, 
Bucks Co., and are no doubt the ancestors of some of 
tin Erdmans now living in that county. George set- 
tled in Upper Saucon ; had two sous, — John and 
Jacob. Of the descendants of the former nothing is 
known. The latter is the father of Jacob H. Erdman, 
of Emaus, and Charles H. and Elias H. Erdman, of 
Upper Saucon. 

Jacob, born in 17(13, married Catharine Romig, 
settled on the old Erdman homestead, and bad eight 
children, viz. : Jacob, lsare, Aaron, John, Elizabeth, 
Catharine, Theresa, and Judith. John married Sarah 
Bitz, settled near Limcport, and hail six children, 
viz.: Daniel, Henry, John, Jacob, Catharine, and 
another daughter, whose name we cannot ascertain. 
Of Jacob's children, Jacob married Sarah Hartzel, 



upper saucon township. 



i: ;, 



settled "Ti the old homestead, and had ten children, 
viz.: Enos, Addison, Charles, Jacob, Rebecca, Eliza, 
Maria, Sarah, Belinda, and Ataline. bare married 
Catharine Gangaware, and is the father of Mrs. A Ifred 
Breinig, of Allentown, Aaron Erst married Anna 
Breinig, and after her death, Maria Wieder. He re- 

les mi Macungie. John married Hannah K 
an. I i- the father of Dr. .1. D., Edmund, Lewis, ami 
Oliver Erdman, all of whom reside in the county. 
Elizabeth married Ehrbard Weaver, and is the grand- 
mother of Victor li. Weavi r, of Bingen, and John I!. 
Weaver, of Centre Valley. Theresa married Solomon 
Reichard, ami i- the mother of Mrs. William .lor. Ian, 
of Coopersburg. After Theresa's death I 
married Solomon Reichard, bul had no issue. Judith 
became the " ife of John t ;. Brunner. 

Of John's children, Daniel married Maria Miller, 

and is the lather of Daniel and Owen Kidman, of 

Bucks County, and Mr-. Abraham Mover, of Lower 
Milford. i I en rv married Catharine Seem, and is the 
lather of Henry Erdman, of Steinsburg, Bucks Co., 

Reuben Kidman, of Gehrysville, Bucks Co., Mis. 

Charles I'.. Kemmerer, of Salisbury, and Mrs. .1. F. 

Malts, of Coopersburg. Jacob married Catharine 
Hall, and was the lather of the late David Erdman, 
whose -'Oi, Amnion, now re-ides in Kmaiis. Elias 11. 
Erdman, whose son, Rev. A. E., now resides at Naza- 
reth, Northampton Co., Mrs. Absalom Sell, and Mrs. 
Philip Meitzler, of Upper Saucon. John removed 

from the township at an early day, and nothing is 

known of his descendants. Catharine married Henrj 
Berkenstock, ami is the mother of John Berkenstock, 
of Lower Milford. The remaining daughter married 

Gerhard Beehtel and re veil to Berks County. 

Of the latter Jacob's children, Enos married Anna 

Keek, and is (he father of C. J. Erdman, Esq., of Al- 
lentown, P. K. Erdman, Esq., of Philadelphia, and 
Dr. F. C. Erdman, of Centre Valley; Addison mar- 
ried Mary Fogel, and is the father of Enos F. Erd- 
man, Esq., late of Allentown, now of Dakota, and 
Annie Erdman, who resides in Allentown; Charles 
and Jacob died in youth; Rebecca married Charles 
W. Cooper, of Allentown, and alter her death her 
sister Sarah became his wife; Eliza married Henry 
S. Cope, and resides in Sellersville, Bucks Co.; Ata- 
line married Dr. J. A. Laros, of Coopersburg ; Maria 
remains unmarried; and Balinda died unmarried. 
■ K'-epli Samuels, the ancestor of the Samuels family, 

emigrated from Wale- about 17::"., and settled in the 
Saucon Valley about 1740. His wife's name was 
Sarah, and they had one son, Isaac, who with his 
wife, Eleanor, had two children, — William and Jane. 
The latter married Jesse Silcott, and is not known to 
has.- had i— ue. William, horn Dec. 2. 1704, married 
Mary Foulke, and had four children,— Jesse, William. 
Jane, and Maria. Of these, Jesse, born March 17, 
17'.'.".. married Mary Fugleman, and had two children, 
— Francis K. and Eliza. William married Lvdia 
Becher, and had live children, viz. i Jesse, -Mary 



Ann, Matilda, Amanda, and J.nnie. He removed to 

a ill 1837. Jane died unmarried, ami 

I .Kline- Reinhard, of Upper Saucon, and is 
the mother of Edwin W. ami ti. S. Reinhard. <n 
Dr. Jesse Samuel-' children, Francis E. bad 
children Alfred, deceased; Henry, who 
Allentown ; Mary, the wife of Francis Balliet, ol Al- 
lentown and Eliza, who married Nalhan Mertz, has 
time children, and resides with them al Sunl.ury, 

iumberland < lo. 
Christoph Seller, with Ids wife, Elizabeth, arrived 
in this country from the Palatinate, and toi 
of allegiance Sept. 5, 1738. The] settled a 1 

rd, and are known to have had a -on named Mi- 
chael who married Magdalena Buchecker, a daughter 
of Henry ami Lowina Buchecker. I ived to 

Saucon, and had three children, viz.: Paul, Tobias, 

and Mary Magdalena. Paul married ( 'athariu. ( h\.n, 
widow of Solomon Owen, " maiden name I'.eil," and 
had three children, — Abraham, Owen, and Mary, 
r/obiaa married Susanna Rensheimer, and had five 
children, — Charles, Am..-, I'riscilla, Catharine, and 
Susan. Mary Ma lied unmarried. OfPaul's 

children, Abraham married Mary B. Egner, and i- 
hei of Frank I'.. Heller, of Upper Saucon; 
PermeliaC. intermarried with Edwin Neimeyer ; and 
Sylvester A. intermarried with Alfred A. Sell; Owen 
married Leah Brunner, and resides at Bethlehem ; 
and Mary married Peter Trexler, who re-ides near 
Limeport. She is the mother of John J. and Peter 

H. Trexler, of Upper Sau i; Mrs. Daniel Weaver; 

Mrs. John Cope, of Allentown; Mrs. John Erney, 
and Mrs. Edwin Miller, of Lower Milford. Of 
Tobias' children, < 'harles married Elizabeth Hurt, and 

resides in Philadelphia; Amos married Angelina 
Bieber, and afterwards Eliza Ritter, and resides in 
Upper Saucon; I'riscilla married Frederick Wunder. 
and resides in Emaus; Catharine married Jonathan 
Rumfield, and i- the mother of Mrs. Milton Dotterer 
ami Mr-. Lando K . Moyer, of Upper Saucon, and 
Mr-. Solomon Ritter, of Allentown; Susan married 
Charles II. Erdman, and resides in Upper Saucon. 

George Brinker, of Odenwald, Germany, came to 
thii i ountry about 1760-70, sen led <.n the -it.- of the 
present residence of Wendel Simon, and is known to 
have had a sou named Conrad. 

Conrad married Catharine Miller and had twelve 
children, viz.: George, Jacob, Solomon, Conrad. Bar- 
bara, Elizabeth, Margaret, Magdalena, Maria Anna, 
Maria, Susanna, ami Eve. < if these, George married 
Eve Kitting and had ten children, viz, : John, George, 
Henry, and Adam, all of whom reside In Upper Sau- 
. on ; \ ndrew i deceased |, the father of Mis. Jae 

Gerhard, of Coopersburg; Theresa, who married 

Solomon Reinhard, ami is the mother of Solomon B. 
Reinhard, of Upper Saucon; Catharine, who mar- 
ried John Kiehl, of Bethlehem; Elizabeth, who mar- 
ried Wyandt Cope, and is the mother of John I 
of Allentown; Sallie, who married John Young and 



436 



HISTORY OK LKIIKill COUNTY. l'KX.NS V l.\ \NIA. 



resides near Bethlehem; and Eve, who married Fran- 
cis I [ess and resides in Bethlehem. 

Solomon married Catharine Bitting, and is i li<- 
father of Francis Brinker, of I pper Saucon, and 
Ehrhard 1 '.rink it. of Salisbury ; Conrad married < !ath- 
arine Shaffer, and is the father of Jacob Brinker, 
of Upper Saucon, and Aaron Brinker, of Bethlehem ; 
.lac nil married Elizabeth Schleider, and is the father of 
Abraham Brisker, of Salsiburj . and Samuel Brinker, 
oi Ulentown. 

of the elder Conrad's daughters, Barbara married 
Andrew Walter and is the mother of George, An 
drew, and Solomon Walter, of I pper Saucon ; Eliza- 
beth, married George Walter, and is the mother of 
George Walter, of Vera Cruz; Margaret married 
George Reinbold, and is the mother of Andrew Rein- 
bold, of Upper Milford ; Eye married Henry Weaver, 
and is the mother of .lob Weaver, of Centre Valley; 
Susanna married Joseph Knhn, and is the mother of 
Jacob Knh n. of Upper Saucon; Magdalena married 
George Wagner ; Maria Anna, Henry Yunger; and 
Maria, Jacob Daubert. Nothing is known of the 
descendants of the latter three. 

Rev. John Justus Jacob Berkenstock, the original 
ancestor of this family, came from the Palatinate to 
Saucon about 1742, and settled on the farm lately 
owned by Solomon Greenawalt, deceased. He is 
known to have had one sou, John George, and two 
daughters, Solome, and one whose name is unknown. 
Solome married Peter Fuchs and had no issue; the 
other daughter married Peter Laubach, and is known 
to have had one daughter, Mary, wdio married Johu 
Greenawald and became the grandmother of Jacob 
L. Greenawald, now living near the Blue Church. 
John George had two sons, John and Abraham. 
The latter John had four sons, two of whom died in 
infancy, the other two named John and Henry; of 
these John died without issue, and Henry had three 
sons and tw^o daughters, — John, who resides in Lower 
Milford ; Samuel, who resides at Bethlehem ; and 
Charles, who died in youth; Elizabeth, the wife of 
Daniel Stonebach ; and Mary, who died in youth. 
Abraham Berkenstock married Elizabeth Ochs, and is 
the father of Thomas Berkenstock, now residing near 
Lanark, and Mrs. Jacob Bowman, residing near 
Limeport, besides a number of other children, none 
of whom remain in the township or vicinity. Rev. 
John Justus Jacob Berkenstock in his old age becom- 
ing possessed of a desire to revisit his fatherland 
undertook the journey thither, intending to return 
soon again, but had scarcely reached the old hearth- 
stone when he died and was buried alongside of his 
fathers; his widow died here in 1756 and was buried 
on her own farm. 

Audreas Wind (Wind, Wint, Windt), from Dauein- 
heim, in the " Amt Lingenheim," came to this coun- 
try about 1750 to 1755, and settled near Friedensville. 
His father was Johannes lleinrich Wind, his mother 
Anna So\ la, daughter of a " Land-Graf." His wife's 



name was Elizabeth. They had threesons — Johannes, 
Johan lleinrich. and Johan Phillip — and two daugh- 
ters, — Margaret, who married Balthauser Btichecker; 
the other, "name unknown." married a Mr. Hoffman 
and removed to Montgomery County. Johannes left the 
township in his youth, and is known to be the ances- 
tor of the W'ints residing in the neighborhood of Bath. 
in Northampton County. Johan Heinrich is known 
to have had at least twosonsand two daughters. The 
names of the latter are unknown, those of the former 
were Henry and Andrew. Henry was the lather of 
the late Joseph Wint, and grandfather of Addison R. 
and William Wint, residing in Allentown. The other 
children Henry is known to have had are Aaron, de- 
ceased ; Nathan, who resides at Scranton: anil two 
daughters, oik married to Joseph Morgan, and the 
other to John Fogelman. Andrew was the ancestor 
of the Wints residing near Centre Valley. John 
Philip had six children, viz.: Johu, Philip, Andrew. 
Catharine, Elizabeth, and Susanna. Of these John 
removed to Lancaster and died there, leaving four 
sons and one daughter. Philip died a bachelor. An- 
drew had five children, viz.: Abner II., wdio resides 
in Allentown; William H., wdio resides in Philadel- 
phia; Mary Ann, first married to John Ritter, and 
after his death to John Shinier: Salome, married to 
Charles E. Christ; and Lucinda, married to Reuben 
B. Sell. 

Of John Philips' daughters, Catharine married 
George Christ, and is the mother of John Christ, of 
Saucon, and Charles E.Christ, of Allentown ; Susanna 
married Charles Weaver, and is the mother of Eph- 
raim Weaver, of Upper Saucon, and Mrs. Peter Egner. 
of Emaus; Elizabeth died unmarried. 

John Matheis Eichener (Eichener, Egener, Egner), 
the ancestor of the Egner family, emigrated from the 
Palatinate in 1727, took the oath of allegiance Sep- 
tember 30th of the same year, and afterwards settled 
on the farm now owned by Charles Kidd. His w ife's 
maiden name was Barbara Knappenberger. They 
had ten children, viz. : Mathias, Peter, Henry, John, 
Daniel, Solomon, Christian, Catharine, Eve, and 
Elizabeth. Of these, Mathias married a Miss Augh- 
ster, and had two children, — Charles and Elizabeth. 
Peter married Susanna Stout, and had two children, 
— David and Elizabeth. Henry married Catharine 
Schneider, and had six children, — Thomas, Sarah. 
Catharine, Esther, Elizabeth, and Judith. John mar- 
ried Catharine Boger, and had six children, viz., 
'Jesse, Samuel, Leah, Judith, Anna, and Mary. 
Daniel married Christian Steininger, and had two 
children, — Isaac and Hannah. Solomon married 
Lvdia Shuler, removed to the West, and nothing is 
known of his descendants. Christina married Elias 
Weaver, and is grandmother to Joseph Weaver, who 
resides near Emaus. Catharine married Casper 
Wieder, and is grandmother to Edwin E. Wieder, of 
Emaus, and Mrs. Abraham Schaffer, of Limeport. 
Eve married John Weaver, and is grandmother to 



UPPER SAUCON TOWNS! I II' 



137 



William II. Weaver, of Coopersburg, Job Weaver, of 
Centre Valley, and Ephraim Weaver, of Saucon. 
Elizabeth married John Hottel, and is grandmother 
to Wilson and Benneville Hottel, of Limeport 

Of Mathias' children, < lied without issue, 

and Elizabeth became the wife ol Jacob Bitter, and 
after his death of Solomon Wieder. < >f Peter's chil- 
dren, David resides in Emaus, and Elizabeth married 
John II. Bernd. Of Henry's children, I bomas mar- 
ried Hannah Wieder, ami is the lather of J. Adam 

and Charles Egner, of Limeport; Daniel Egner, of 
Locust Valley; Ambrose Egner, of Philadelphia; 

Mrs. Solomon Weaver, of Allentown ; Mrs. C. H. 

Blank, oft 'oopersburg ; and Mrs. Charles B. Schneider, 

• if Saucon. Sarah married Durse Rudy, and is the 
mother id' Professor Charles Rudy, of Paris, France, 
and Mrs, Peter Gross, of Slatington. Catharine mar- 
ried John Horlocher, and resides in Allentown ; Es- 
ther died unmarried; Elizabeth married Solomon 
Gangaware, and alter bis death Nathan Rau; Bhe 
resides at Limeport; and Judith married Jacob 
Michael, and resides in Allentown. Of John's chil- 
dren, Je-se married Esther Koehler, and left no issue. 
Samuel first married Theresa Stabler, and had a 
daughter, Angelina, now Mrs. Francis Schwartz, who 
resides near Emaus. After the death of his tirst wife 
he married Sarah Lynn, and again had a daughter, 
Henrietta, now Mrs. William Dech, of Bucks County. 

Leah married David Engleman, and resides at Lime- 
port; Judith married Jonathan Smith, and is the 
mother of Mrs. ( lharles Michael, of Allentown ; Anna 
married David Erdiuan, and resides near < Quaker- 
town : and Mary married Abraham Heller, and re- 
sides in Upper Saucon. Daniel's children both re- 
side in Emaus. Hannah is the wife of Charles ICidd. 
George Reinhardt (Reinhart, or Reinhard), a Pala- 
tinate, arrived in this country Aug. 28, 1750. Some 
time thereafter he settled on the farm now owned by 
Jacoh Solliday, in Upper Saucon. He had three chil- 
dren, — Heinrich, Andreas, and a daughter, wh - 
name we cannot ascertain; the latter married a Mr. 
Reha and removed to Bucks County. Andrew re- 
moved to Albany township, Berks County, where his 

descendant- still reside, Heinrich settled on his 
father's homestead, and had nine children, viz. : 
John George, Andrew, Jacob, Solomon, Henry, 
Abraham, Catharine, Elizabeth, and Hannah. i it' 
these, Andrew married Elizabeth Shaffer, and is the 
father of James and John Reinhard, who reside in 
Upper Saucon ; John George was the father of the 
late Elias Reinhard, and grandfather to Dr. Wilson 
J. Reinhard ; Solomon is the father of George Rein- 
hard, who resides at Locust Valley: Abraham is the 
father of Edward Reinhard, who resides near Dillin- 
gersville. The descendants of all the others seem to 
have left the township long ago, and cannot therefore 
be traced. 

Daniel Cooper, horn at Dillenhurg, in the duchy 
of Nassau, March 31, 1752, arrived in this couotrj 



about 1770, He located in Goshenhoppen in the 
present limits of Mot County, tin V 

1 77s, i,,. married Elizabeth Gery, daughter of Jacob 
Gery, of Goshenhoppen, and soon alter removed to 
Upper Saucon. J ling here he was followed 

to this country by his parents, Wilhelm Coopei 
Aug. 24, 17.2, and Gertrude Cooper, horn Sept. 12, 

1721. Daniel had ten children, viz.: Jacoh, John, 

Peter, William, Charles, Daniel, Catharine, Elizabeth, 

and two others who died in infancy. < )f these, Jacob 
removed to Philadelphia in his youth, engaged in 
mercantile enterprises, which rendered frequent trips 
to New Orleans necessary; died of yellow fever on one 
of these trip-, and was buried in the ocean. He I' fl 
an only son. Dr. Danii I I oopi . who located in Li b- 
anon County. John died in 1847, leaving an onlj 
daughter, Fayetta, who married Elias \ itrauer, and 
resides in I pper Saucon. Peter, horn Dee. 2<>, 1790, 
married Susanna Buchecker, daughter of Daniel 
Buchecker, died May 11*. 1 837, leaving four children, 
viz.: Milton, Charles W., Esq., Dr. Thomas B., and 
A una Matilda. William removed to Schuylkill County 
in youth, and nothing is known of his descendants. 
Daniel married Sarah Ott, died in April, 1864, leaving 
several children, none of whom reside in the township 
or vicinity. Charles died in youth, and without 
Catharine married Jacob Seider, and is the grand 
mother of Mr-. Edwin Kline, of Allentown ; and Eliza- 
beth married Abraham Slifer, and removed to Flour- 
town, Montgomery < "., where she died in June, 1867. 
Of Peter's children. Milton resides in Coopersburg, 
i lharles W. in Allentown ; Thomas B. married C. Ela- 
minaShantz, and died in 1862, leaving seven chi 
viz. : Tilghman S., Thomas E., Amanda, and Matilda, 
who reside in Coopersburg; Alice, the wife of Jose- 
phus Lynn, of Freemansburg; Llewellen, and ( tecar, 
the two hitter of whom died in youth. Wilhelm Cooper 
died Jan. 23, 1809, and Gertrude, his wife, April 21, 
1812. They also had a daughter, Catharine, horn 
-. 1765. She became the wife of Jacob Berger. 
After the death of his lirst wife, Daniel Cooper (the 
elder) married Margaret Branner, widow of John 
Bru nner. 

John George Blank, the ancestor of the I '.lank family, 
was born in 172'.'. and died in L799. He came to 
Saucon (whence we know not i about 1750, married 
Elizabeth Steinmetz, daughter of Valentine Stein- 
metz, and after the death of his father-in-law suc- 
i to and settled upon his estate, taking up his 
residence on the site of that now occupied by John 
H. Laubach. How many children be had cannot be 
determined, but he had at least one -on. also named 
John George, who had nine children, viz.: ( ieorge, 
John, Jacob, Abraham, Charles, David, Mary. Lydia, 

and Sarah. Of these, George and David died un- 
married ; John married Esther Clemmer, and had six 
children, — George and Charles II., who reside in 
Coopersburg; Edwin ll.and Benjamin, who reside in 
Allentown; Eliza intermarried with William P. 






HISTORY OF LEHIGB COUNT!, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Wri.ln.-r: and Elamina intermarried with Simon 
Troxel. Jacob married a Mi- Biltenbeutel : nothing 
is known of his descendants. Abraham married Mary 
Bahl, and is the father of Jacob, John I '•., and Abra- 
Blank, who reside in the township ; Mrs. John 
; ich, ofSaucon; and Mrs. John Metzger, of Al- 
ii. Charles married Priscilla Fry, and resides 
in Bethlehem; Mary married Jacob Bahl. and resides 
in Bethlehem; Lydia married Nathan Eberhart, 
and died without issue; and Sarah married David 
Schneider, and resides in Emaus. 
The ancestorof the Knepley family in the township 

married a daughter of Can- wen, and settled 

upon the tract so well known as Knepley's. Their 
children all lived on the homestead tract and died at j 
advanced ages, with the exception of Jacob and Mag- 
dalena, who died unmarried. II. ster died at nini 
seven years of age, Melchior at eighty-six years, 
John at ninety-seven years, Jacob married, and his 
wile died early in life, leaving no descendant. He 
died at sixtj >ix yearsofage. Peter was a member of 
the Legislature in 1830-31, and died at eighty-seven 
years of age. Magdalena became the wife of Frederick 
Wittman, and died at eighty-seven years of age. 

Frederick Wittman settled in Upper Saucon before 
1800. He married Magdalena, daughter of - 
Knepley. He died in 1844, and left four sons— Joseph, 
Andrew, Charles, and Peter— and two daughters, - 
Hester and Mary. 

Joseph, Charles, and Peter now reside in I pper 
Saucon. Andrew heeame a surveyor, lived in the 
township till 1859, and removed to Allentown, where 
he now lives. Hester (Mrs. Christian Long) and 
Mary reside in Bethlehem. 

Geography and Statistics.— Upper Saucon is 
bounded on the northeast by Lower Saucon, North- 
ampton Co., on the southeast by Springfield, Bucks 
Co., on the southwest by Upper and Lower Milford, 
and on the northwest by Salisbury. The surface is 
diversified. On the northwest is the Lehigh or South 
Mountain. Entering the township near its southern- 
most comer is the Chestnut Hill range, which divides 
the southern part into two water-sheds, each of which 
is drained by a branch of Saucon Creek ; but as the 
latter range run.- out near the centre of the township, 
theri thence bu1 one water-shed, and the two 

branches of the creek unite. One branch of Saucon 
Creek enters the township at Limeport, the other at 
Coopersburg. It Hows out near Spring Valley. The 
township abounds in iron, lime-tone, and zinc. Its 
vegetable productions are wheat, rye, corn, oats, pota- 
toes, tobacco, and the various kinds ol fruits and garden 
ill, Irs incident to the latitude The assessed valu- 
ation of properly in the township is nearly two millions 
Of dollars. According to the several census reports 

the population was as follows : In l.-^o, idiii; in 1830, 
L906; inl840,2072; in 1850, 2372; in 1860, 2943; in 
1870, 3487; and in 1880, 3224. (The apparent re- 
duction in the latter year is accounted for by the in- 



corporation of Coopersburg. which now forms a sepa- 
rate district. i There were, in 1X80, 1 150 taxable* in 

the township, of whom 585 were freeholders, 406 ten- 
ants, ami L65 single d 

The township contains five villages, viz.: Centre 

Valley, Friedensville, Locust Valley, Spring Valley, 

and Colesvillc Limeport i- on the dividing line 

between Saucon and Lower Milford. 

Post-offices were established as follows: what is 
now the Centre Valley post-office was established 
.Nov. 27, L827, umhr the name of Fryburg. This 
name wa- changed to Coopersburg June 25, 1832. 
The office was removed to and named Centre Valley 
June 9, 1849. Saucon Valley post-office was estab- 
lished Aug. 25, 1841, and discontinued July 16, 1861. 
It was held at the present resilience of Peter Wilt- 
man. Friedensville post-office was established Feb. 
16, 1843; the present Coopersburg post-office, Feb. 
8, 1850; Lanark, July 25, 1862; and Locust Valh 
Feb. 4, 1803. 

There are now in the township seven hotels, eight 
3, eleven mills, six saw-mills, one tannery, one 
foundry, one carriage-factory, three marble-yards, two 
coal-yards, and two brick-yards. 

The laws were administered and the peace upheld in 
the township since 1840 ] by the following justices of 
the peace : 

Andrew K. Wittman, commissioned 1840-46; Philip Person, 1840; 
Charles B.Christ, 1845; Joshua Fry,1850; Charles W. Cooper, 1850, 

George Blank, 1865, I860, 1866, L870; Henrj B. Pen 
1861, 1866, 1871; William H. Snyder, 1875,1880; George W. Brlnker, 
1 B76, 1881. 

Among the citizens of the township who served in 
public positions above those of township offices we 
know of the following: Joseph Fry, in the Slate 
Legislature, Constitutional Convention of 1837-38, 
and in Congress; Jacob Erdman, in the State Legis- 
lature, Congress, and as associate judge; Dr. Thomas 
B. Cooper, in Congress; Dr. Jesse Samuels, as pro- 
thonotary and in the State Legislature; Peter Cooper. 
as deputy surveyor-general ; John Philip Wint, Wil- 
liam Stehr, Joshua Fry, and Frank B. Heller, in the 
State Legislature; Henry II. Person, as commis- 
sioner; and George Blank, as county surveyor. 

Miscellaneous Notes.— In 1748, David Owen, of 
Upper Saucon, applied for and was granted a license 
to open a tavern. Where this primitive hostelry 
stood cannot now be definitely determined, but as 
he is known then to have resided on the farm now- 
owned by the heirs of Abraham Heller, deceased, and 
as he is not known to have owned any other improved 
land in the township at the time, it is pretty safe to 

assume that it was located here, and that il st 1 on 

the site now occupied by the tenant-house on said 
farm. 

About 1750, George Bachman opened a hotel, 
known as the "Seven Star," on the site of the present 



i The names of the justices prior I" 1846 are found elsewhere in tliin 
work. 



UPPEB SAUC03S TOWNSHIP. 



439 



Bote! in Coopersburg. Seller's tavern was 
opened by a Mr. Keimly about the beginning of the 
present century. About the same time another was 
I on the site of the present residence of Wil- 
liam P. Wiedner, by Jacob Beider. 'I" 1 1 i -. was discon- 
tinued about 1831, ; i » i * 1 the Centre Valley Hot' 
in place. The Colesville Bote] was opened in 1815, 
by Philip Bahl. 

I '. h i- Knepley opened :i store in the hall of Bel- 
lei's tavern soon after its erection. Solomon Keck 
another, in i >urg, in 1820, and John Seider, 

about the same time, a third, opposite - school- 

house. Another store, and very probably the first in 
the township, was held on the Bite of the present 
residence of Aaron N. Laros. 

George Yewitz appears to have been the owner of 

a mill which stood on the site now occupied bj 

singer's, at Centre Valley, prior to 17"''-', and Henry 

n built a grist- and saw-mill on the site now 

occupied by Dillinger's mill prior to 177".. David 

Owen operated a saw -mill and hat factory on the Bite 
of Mast's saw-mill about the middle of the eigh- 
teenth century. 

John Philip W'int operated a tannery on thi 
now owned by Wainfield Stephens. Andreas Kurt/ 
another, on the farm now owned by Peter Bottle and 
Andreas Wint; a third, on the site of the present 
residence of Jonathan Schwartz, in Centre Valley. 
All of these were erected prior to the close of the 
eighteenth century. A fourth tannery was located 
in Coopersburg, and a fifth in Locust Valley ; all 
these, with the exception of that at Locust Valley, 
are discontinued. 

old cemeteries are known to be situated on farms 
now owned b\ Joseph Wittman, John J. Trexler, 
l'eter M. Sell. Peter II. Sell, James Eteinhard, Nathan 

Weaver, Solomon llartman. and Solomon Mory. 
of these are entirely obliterated, others in 
ruins, while one (that at Solomon Bartman's i- sur- 
rounded by a substantial wall, and some of the graves 

are marked by neat tombstones. 

The Borough of Coopersburg.— Fryhurg (as the 

place was originally called) rose to the dignity of a 
Country village about 1818. At that time a post- 
otlice was established here, with David Both as post- 
master; but the place seenis to have been too small 
for such an institutiou, as we find it discontinued soon 
after, not to be again established until 1827. The 
village hotel, then kept by Joseph Fry, was thejum - 

tion of the two stage-lines from Allentown and Bet! 

lehem to Philadelphia, It was also the first stopping- 
place of the farmers from the upper sections of Le- 
high County on their way to Philadelphia with their 
produce; thirty or forty teams in the yard during a 
it was not an unu-ual occurrence. 
On June 25, 1832, the name of tin village and post- 
office was changed to ( loopersburg, after Peter Cooper, 

who tl - to have been a \ cry , prominent man. 

From this time it grew the growth of an ordinary 



country village, until Dec. .!, 1879, when it was in- 
corporated a- a borough, upon the petition of John 

W. lb 

Henry T. Trumbauer, Samuel Y. Kern, Jacob aVn- 
Btett, Frank K. Baring, [srael I!. Parker. Milton 
Peter Brunner, Sylvi ell, Hi nry 

Barndt, William If. Bairn, John Fluck, David 
ron, Thomas E. < Blamina Cooper, Amanda 

M. Cooper, Jacob Shaffer, John A. Faros. Til 
S. Cooper, William IF Brader, M. IF Boye, Peter 

Eckert, William Jordan, Thomas Weaver. Samuel 
Furry, Genaab Jordan. Samuel K. Eicbelbi 

William T. Trumbauer. .lames ')'. Flank. Amos 

Baring, and Daniel Shaffer. The first electio 
borough officers was held Feb. 17, 1880, and resulted 
in the election of the following officers, viz. ; 

John S. Stephen-; Town Council. Milton Cooper, 
Frank K. Baring, Dr. J. A. Faros. Samuel G. K 
Daniel Shaffer, and Joel Fitter: Jusl the 

Peace, Geo) < Blank and C. S.Cooper; School Di- 
rectors. Dr. H. T. Trumbauer, Henry K. Landis, 
Charles Ott, Genaah Jordan, Jacob Shaffer, and 
Abraham Geissinger; Constable, Thon 
Judge of Election, William IF Bairn; [nspec 
Allen IF ( )tt and Jeremiah Landis; Assessor, \aron 
II. Ilaekman; Auditor, Charles Baring. 

The borough contains an area of three hundred 
and sixteen acres, and (according to the census of 
1880) a population of three hundred and ninety-two 
inhabitants. 

There are now in the four 

general stores, a drug-store, a bank, three cai 
works, an Odd-Fellows' hall, a stock-farm, a mill, two 
flour- and feed-stores, a coal- and lumber-yard, a 
butter- ami cheese-factory, a furniture-store, a shoe- 
More, a stove- and tin-ware-store, a handle-factory, a 
millinery-store, two tailor -hops, two saddle] 
watchmaker's -hop, a cigar factory, a wheelwright- 
ng-machine office, two blacksmith shops, 
two shoemakers' shop-, and a butcher-shop. 

The borough with the surrounding county main- 
tains a plat f religious worship in a public room in 

the Odd-Fellows' hall, two schools, a Mason's lodge, 

an Odd-Fellows' lodge, an encampment id' Patriarchs, 

and a cornet band. 

The Zinc-Mines at Friedensville.— The discovery 

of zinc at Friedensville like many another important 
. accredited to the one who tir>t 
made it known rather than to the real discoverer. The 
following develops the true process of its discovery, and 
will serve to place the honor whi re the honor is due. 
On the west Bide of the road leading from IV 
ville to Bethlehem, at a distance of about one hun- 
dred and fifty perches from the base of the Lehigh 
Mountain, in the middle of a field fertile and pro- 
ductive in every other part, there was a depr 

n -< mbling in shape a large bowl, about 

dred feet in diameter, and about twelve feet in depth. 

On this -pot. with the exception of a tew sickly weeds. 



440 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNT? PENNSYLVANIA. 



no vegetation would grow. This aterility was at- 
tributed by 1 1 1 : 1 1 j \ to the presence of mineral sub- 
stances in the soil deleterious to plant-life, but beyond 

one ventured. The place was v isited 
of the State geoli il he made no report of his 

observations. On the edge of the hollow a number 
of bowlders, resembling limestone, projected from the 
surface. I hi -<- Mr. Ueberroth, the owner of the land, 
attempted to convert into lime bj the usual p 
but failed, the whole mass melting together in the kiln. 
After this the place was made a repository lor rubbish 
and the stones picked from the farm, and so it remained 
until 1845, when Mr. Andrew K. Wittraau was called 

a- surveyor to trace a lii itween lands of Mr. 

roth and one of his neighbors. While thus en- 
gaged his attention was attracted to these bowlders, 
and he took pieces of them along home to add to a 
collection of minerals he was then forming. Taking 
much interest in minerals, and being of an investi- 
gating turn, he resolved upon a test of his recently- 
acquired specimen, resorting first to the blowpipe, then 
t'> aeids, and finally to the crucible. By the latter 
process he succeeded in obtaining about two ounces of 
metal, which, from his knowledge of metals, be knew 
to be zinc, i In the following day he met Mr. Ueber- 
roth, told him of his discovery, and gave him a por- 

ti >f the metal. < )n the afternoon of the -ame day 

Ueberroth visited Bethlehem, and stopped at Lei peri's 
Hotel, whir, he exhibited his metal to some friends. 
Among the sojourners at the hotel at the time was 
Professor T. H. Roepper.who overheard the conver- 
sation between Ueberroth and his friends, saw the 
metal, and lost no time in proceeding to Friedensville 
and getting a supply of ore, of which he soon suc- 
ceeded in making brass by mixing it with copper. 
Roepper then «>■ Philadelphia, made the dis- 

kimwii, anil has since heen accredited with it 
by nearly ever} one who undertook to write about it, 
while Mr. Wittman. the leal discoverer, has hardly 
been noticed or mentioned by any. 

Alter this, timid efforts at mining the ore and re- 
ducing it to metal were made by various parties, but 
with little success until 1855, when the Pennsylvania 
and Lehigh Zinc Company was incorporated, with a 
capital of si ,01111,0110. works erected, and mining and 
manufacturing pushed with vigor. Up to 1859 the 
product of the mines was converted into white zinc 
paint, or oxide of zinc, exclusively. In 1859 the man- 
ufacture of metallic zinc by the Belgian method was 
begun, and in L865 a mlling-mill lor the manufacture j 
heet-zinc was added. 
The ore consists principally of silicate of zinc, hut 
large masses of carbonate of zinc arc also found, and 
both are of superior quality. It is found in small 
vein- mingled with clay in the cavities oi the magne- 
sian limi -tone, which is the prevailing rock, and also 
in large masses of thousands of tons. As high as 

seventeen thousand tons of ore have been rinsed in a 

single year, and the only drawback to the more suc- 



cessful prosecution of the work that ha- thus far pre- 
sented it-elf is the lame quantity of water that accu- 
mulates in the mines. Various pumping engines were 
introduced from time i.. time, but none that was equal 
to the work assigned to it until 1872, when "The 
President," a mammoth engine, was erected and put 
in opi ration, and which realized in a full measure the 
expectations of the company, as it easily and speedily 
rid the mines of water. As this is the largest engine in 
the world, a description of it may not be uninteresting. 
It is a vertical condensing engine, ten feet stroke, 
with a cylinder of cast iron one hundred and ten 
inches in diameter, and weighing forty tons. It has 
two fly-wheels thirty-live feet in diameter, weighing 
ninety-two ton- apiece, four walking-beam- weighing 
twenty-four ton.- apiece, twenty-six other pieces 
weighing over seven tons apiece, while the n tit, made of 
steel, which secures the piston-rod to the cross-head, 
weighs eleven hundred pounds. The total weight 
of the engine is six hundred ami -ixtv-seven tons. 
Sixteen boilers supply the steam tor it: it has three 
thousand three hundred horse-power, and is capable 
of raising seventeen thousand gallons of water per 
minute from a depth of two hundred and twenty feet. 

Here we will draw the line and conclude our labors 
upon the history of Upper Saucon. That it is com- 
plete or perfect we dare not claim, but we do claim 

thai everything it contains is authentic ami based upon 
the best information that was accessible to us. Re- 
course has been had to public and private libraries. 
the land-office, private, church, and public records, 
titles, and other legal documents, patriarchal memo- 
ties and recollections, old newspapers, tombstones, and 
traditions. Some of the details it contains may to 
some minds seem out of place in an historical work, 
but it must be remembered that the statistics of to-day 
will be history ten years hence. Many of the fact- 
recorded may seem trivial or tediously minute to the 
general reader, and yet such facts have a local interest, 
and for that reason have heen inserted. In its prep 
aration material information was derived from Davis' 
"History of Bucks County," Henry's " History of the 
Lehigh Valley," and "Rupp's Collections," kind as- 
sistance rendered by Messrs. George Blank and Charles 
T. Yeagi r, Revs. R. C. Weaver and William Rath, 
and many others, wdio furnished information or per- 
mitted the examination of their private records and 
papers. To all these our most grateful acknowledg 
incuts are tendered. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MARTIN II. BOYE, M.D., A.M., Chemist and Geologi t, 
M.A.P.S., etc. 

Martin H. Boyc (Hans Martin Boy.'-i was born in 
Copenhagen, Denmark, Dec. 6, 1812. His father. 
Mark Hoyi'', chemist, proprietor of a large pharm 




^. ^r & 






I I'l'Ki; saicon TOWNSHIP 



til 



ceuthal establishment, and for many years Buperin- 
dent of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Copen- 
hagen, gave to his son, Martin, a complete classical 
education in Borgerdydskolen, a famous Latin school, 
from which he was admitted to the University of 
Copenhagen by Examen Arlium in 1831. Sere he 
nded the general course ol university lectures, 
and passed with distinction Examen Philologicum et 
Philoiophicum. At thai time chemistn was nol 
taught in the university course, but while attending 

■ ■11 a -irk brother he accidentally obtained 01 t bis 

brother's luniks, an elementary work on chemistry, by 
which be became so much infatuated with this science 

that lie shut himself Up in hi- room, ami lor days and 
night- did nothing but road and experiment. Soon 
afterwards be entered the Polytechnic School, study- 
ing analytical chemistry and physics under Oersted, 
Zeise, and Forchhammer, and graduated from that 
institution in 1835. In lSSii Ih hit Copenhagen for 

\.v, York, where he remained for -Mine time, and 
rved with much interest tb< great financial crisis 
of 1837. The same year he went to Philadelphia, 
and making the acquaintance of Dr. Robert Bare, 
Professor of Chemistry in the .Medical Department of 
the University ot Pennsylvania, he became so much 
interested in his laboratory and his superior chemical 
apparatus for illustrating his lectures with brilliant 
display and on a large scale, that be attended these 
lectures during the winter of 1837 38, assisting him 
at the same time in his chemical investigations in his 
laboratory. During leisure hours he also, with Dr. 
Furman Learning, translated into English several 
essays on belles-lettres and chemical subjects. In 
1838 he received an appointment as assistant geolo- 
gist and chemist in the first geological survey of Penn- 
sylvania under Professor Henrj 1). Rogers, and to 
become better acquainted with the general super- 

StrUCtUTi Of the Strata of the Appalachian series and 

the adjoining Mesozoic formation, accompanied Pro- 
i Rogers on a tour from Philadelphia to and 
through the anthracite coal regions. On thi- trip the 
party was joined by the noted Canadian refugee, Dr. 
Pappenbeim. At nfauch Chunk they were conducted 

to the "summit mine-" by Mr. David Thomas, who had 
not long before arrived from Wale- to -tart and super- 
intend the -melting of iron by anthracite coal. The 
excursion was made on the gravity railroad, the sec- 
ond oldest railroad in this country (now known as 
the Switchback), on which, at that time, the loaded 
coal-ears descended by their own weight, the la-l car 
of the train being occupied by the mules, which were 
to draw the emptj cars back to the mine. Mr. Boyd 
had subsequently as him the exploration of 

the South Mountain or Lehigh Hills, which, as a con- 
tinuation of the New Jerse) highland-, extend from 
on to Reading, through the counties of North- 
ampton, Lehigh, and Berks, and the mapping down 
of the boundary line- of the different geological for- 
mations of which they consist and with which they 



are in contact. This work was in part peri 

tbi mi' ii-'- political excitement attending the 

gubernatorial contest between Ritner and Porter in 

ounties, particularly in Berks. In the subse- 

l 539 and 1840) hie duf ii onfined 

to analyzing, in conjunction with l>r. Robi 

• and Professor James B Rogers, the different 
limestones, coals, iron ori .< the geological 

survey, all of which have been published in the re- 
in the summer of 1841 be resumed field-work, 

examining the liituininou- coal -region- along the Ki — 

kiminetas and Alleghany Rivers and the Beaver Creek. 
During this period he also found time to engage in 
original chemical researches, and in 1839- K), in con- 
junction with I'rofes-i ii ii.in. d Rogers, discovered a 
ompound of chloride of platinum with binoxide 
of nitrogen, and determined, by analysis, it- composi- 
tion, which being communicated in a paper read before 
the American Philosophical Society, In- was, in Jan- 
uary, 1840, elected a member of that body. In April 
following he assisted in the formation and organiza- 
tion in Philadelphia of the Association of American 
ists, which afterwards - American 

Association for the Advancement of Science. In the 
summer of the same year, together with .1. I. Clark 
Hare (now Judge Hare . he discovered the first of 
iolentlj explosive substances which, since the 
ry of nitro-glycerine, have received such ex- 
tensive and varied practical applications. This sub- 
stance was perchloric ether (see vol. viii. page 1 of the 

Trail -act ions ol' the American Philosophical - 
ami Mr. Boy." was so much impressed by its immense 
explosive force that hi foresaw the practical 

uses to which such Bubstances could he applied, and 
in 1842 communicated to the above-mentioned society 
the causes of this immense power, which in the case 
of perchloric ether he proved to exceed by ten times 

that of gunpowder (see Proceedings of the American 
Philosophical Society, vol. ii.pagi ml although 

nd a remedy against its unexpected explosion 
by dilution, he considered the 

manufacture and manipulation too great to expect it 
to be used for general purposes. 

In 1842 ii he attended the regular course of med- 
ical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, and 
■.-nil- the ordinary hospital attendance he also — in 
the summer of 1843 — attended the private clinic of 

Dr. William Pepper at tin- Pennsylvania Hospital, 

occupying himself with the chemical examination of 
-oni' "I the secretions of his patient.-, and. among 
other things, proved the existence and determined 
the quantity of urea in the 1.1 1 and ,-crum of One of 

hi- patients, who died of a kidney affection after 
l\ in- tor some time in a comatose state. < >n thi 
sion of the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of 
the American Philosophic : he read a paper 

" ( in the Conversion of Benzoic into Hippuric Acid," 

by Jan,.- ( '. Booth and M. II. Hoy.''. < >n hi- gradua- 
tion as Doctor of Medicine he at the same time had 



142 



HISTORY OF LKHICH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



conferred on him by the collegiate department of the 
university the honorary degree of Master of Arts. 
i twing, however, to his const i 
merit- be never pursued the practice of medicine. 

In 1842 he bad entered into a partnership with Pro- 
fessor .lame- < '. Booth to conduct a laboratory for 
analyses and instruction in practical and analytical 
chemistry, which was continued by himself after the 
dissolution of the partnership. During that time he 
for Booth's "Chemical Encyclopedia," among 
other articles, that on "Analysis,'' and performed a 
cumber of scientific analyses, among them the first ever 
made of the Schuylkill water; of the Bittern of a 
-aline on the N isk im iiu -t.-is, n.-ar Freeport, Pa., con- 
taining iodine; of a magnetic iron pyrites containing 
nickel, from Gap .Mine, Lancaster Co., Pa. 

In L845 he was elected professor of Natural Philos- 
wd Chemistry in the Central High School of 
Philadelphia, which position he held till February, 
1859. While there be wrote a treatise on ''Pneu- 
matics, or the Physics of Gases" published in 1856), 
and also a small introductory treatise on " Chemistry, 

or the Physics of Atom-." and delivered public lec- 
tures on the electro-magnetic telegraph and on 
natural philosophy and chemistry in general. 

Great interest having been manifested in the pro- 
duction and use of the oil contained in cotton-seed, 
a friend, Mr. George T. Lewis, of the well-known 
firm of John T. Lewis & Brother, presented him, in 
184o, with some specimens of it. In its crude state 
it was of a dark-red (almost, black) color, and of a 
thick consistency, lint by experimenting he soon — by 
a chemical process — produced a colorless and exceed- 
ingly bland and agreeable oil of superior quality for 
salad-dressing and for general cooking purposes. 
The toilet soap made from it equaled if not surpassed 
the best Castile. In 1847-4S, with Mr. George T. 
Lewis and the Messrs. Rodman and Joseph Wharton, 
he i in on a large scale the manufacture of the oil 
from the seed and its refinement by his process. In 
1850, Dr. Boye made a trip to Charleston, S. C, with 
a view of interesting the capitalists of that place in 
the enterprise, — a most unpropitious time, however, 
for, although John ( '. Calhoun had just died, the 
Charlestonians, anticipating already at that early 
period the accomplishment of their independence 
from the North and the making of Charleston the 
great emporium of the South, would have nothing to 
do with such an undertaking unless located in their 
midst. Mainly for this reason the project was aban- 
doned. Subsequently, on the occasion of the Cen- 
tennial Exposition of 1876 at Philadelphia, Mr. 
Lewis and himself, taking a /real interest in bringing 
this subject of a home product before the public, 
again manufactured and refined by the same process 
a quantity of the oil andhaditon exhibition, together 
with specimens preserved from the manufacture of 
L848; and a lull account of the chemical process of 
rjg being at the same time submitted to thecom- 



consisting of l>r. Genth, Professor Chandler, 
and other distinguished chemists, a first premium w as 
awarded. 

In 1859 impaired health induced him to abandon 
hi- profession and seek relief in rural occupation. 
He therefore removed to Lehigh County, and soon 
after located on a farm at Coopersburg, eighl miles 
south of Bethlehem, on the North Penn Railroad. 
This farm was in a very neglected condition, adjoin- 

trap-dike, and therefore lull of -tones and a 
rank growth of trees and shrubs, so much so that 

when first started, in 1 T *. > ^ . by Michel Landes, a Men- 
nonite preacher, it was humorously said to be " nix 
wie Stae n ml Himniel" ("nothing but -tones and 
heavens"). By persistent and systematic labor the 
buildings have all been rebuilt or renewed and the 
grounds cleared, and " Kccwavdin" i- now a comfort- 
able country resilience, with pure springs, lawns, 
meadows, fields, woods, and a fine orchard, planted 
with a view of having an uninterrupted succession of 
choice fruit. 

In early life Dr. Boye took no active part in poli- 
tics, having warm friends in both parties. When, 
however, the slavery question in the Territories be- 
came prominent, and .Mr. Van Puren advanced his 
opinion that Congress hail a constitutional right not 
only to keep slavery out of the Territories, but even 
to abolish it, if expedient, in the District of Columbia, 
and thus became, in 1844, the Free-Soil candidate for 
the Presidency, he gave that gentleman his vote. 
Afterwards, when the Republican party, which mainly 
originated from the Free-Soil party, nominated John 
C. Fremont as its Presidential candidate, not having 
sufficient confidence in his abilities under the existing 
conjuncture of political affairs, he voted for the can- 
didate from his own State. For this vote he always 
expressed the greatest regret, so entirely did he dis- 
approve of Mr. Buchanan's subsequent course as 
President. He was a great admirer of Lincoln and 
a strong supporter of Garfield. Though of rather a 
conservative disposition, he is always found on the 
side of progress, and is a stanch supporter of law and 
order. In the famous riots of 1844 in Philadelphia 
he joined a number of gentlemen of standing, who 
formed themselves into a military company, under 
Horace Binney, Jr., as captain, to sustain the author- 
ities in restoring and preserving order. Dr. BoyS has 
also traveled considerably, having, iu 1853, revisited 
Europe and lately made a trip to the Pacific, through 
Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. He 
is married to a Philadelphia lady, and has two daugh- 
ters, but had the misfortune of losing by accident his 
only son, a promising boy of fourteen years. 



CHRISTIAK NICHOLAS. 

The grandparent- of Mr. Nicholas were Christian 
and Susan Nicholas, who resided in Hancock town- 
ship, I'.ucks Co., Pa. Among I heir children was John, 







-~^/£^i^2Si^o ^/&a*-£*7 



WEISSENRERG TOWNSHIP. 



143 



who married Mary Long, daughter of Peter and Cath- 
arine Long, of I >urham township, in the same county, 
where they resided upon a farm. John Nicholas died 
in 1826, leaving seven children, — Peter, Samuel, Chris- 
tian, John, Elias, Lewis, and a daughter, Lydia. The 
Widow and her family were left without means, and 
Christian, n hen a mere lad, supported himselfby labor. 
At the age of fourteen In- was apprenticed by his 
ninth' ltd learn the trade of a taihir, and remained four 
years with hi- employer, after which he followed his 

trade until 1840. He married, the same year, Mrs. 
Eliza Adams, daughter of J' - B elBitts, 

bf Springfield township, Bucks Co., who, bj a previous 
marriage, had four children. Mr. Nicholas at once 

turned his attention to the cultivation of a farm in 
Durham township, and in 1853, having met with some 
success, purchased a farm in Upper Saucon township, 
Lehigh Co., to which he removed the following year. 
In 1856 he began operations in iron ore in Lehigh 
County, which business was continued lor twenty 
years, when he, in 1870, retired and removed to 
Bethlehem, Pa. Mrs. Nicholas died in 1877, when 
Mr. Nicholas returned to Upper Saucon township, 
and, in 1879, married Miss Sarah A., daughter of Sol- 
omon and Mary Grismere Grim, of Bethlehem. Mrs. 
Nicholas, his present wife, was born in Weissen- 
berg township, Lehigh Co., Aug. 9, 1843, and resided 
for many years with her parents, her father, whose 
birth occurred in 1804, having been formerly a car- 
penter and later a farmer. Her grandparen 

Henry Grim and his wife, Snyder, who resided 

in Upper Jltfacungie, on the farm of her great-grand- 
father. Mr. Nicholas is in politic- a stanch Repub- 
lican. He has been, since 1837, a member of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

WEISSENBBRG township.' 

Topography and Present Condition.— Weissen- 
berg township is situated in the western part of 
Lehigh County. It lies about northwest from the 
city of Allentown, the eastern corner being about 
twelve miles distant from that place, and is bounded 
on the northeast by Lowhill, on the southeast h\ 
Upper Macungie, on the southwest by lierks County, 
and mi the northwe-t b\ Lynn. It is sis and a half 
miles long and five and a half miles broad, am 
tains an area of twenty-one thousand one hundred 
and twentj acre-. Tie -urface is hilly and broken. 
A ridge or water-shed extends in a curve through the 
township, dividing the writers of the Lehigh from 
those of the Schuylkill basin, about three-fourths of 



1 By Solomon F. Rupp (the history of the schools excepted, which 

: it ten by his brother. Hi- my F. Iti 



tie- township being in the former and one-fourth in 

the latter. 

The principal waters a re the following, viz.: 
Schaeffer's Kim and Spring Creek in the south; the 
two forks of Haas' Creek in the east; Lion t'i 
with its branches, Willow ('nek. Weiss' Run, 
Holben's Creek, in tie' centre and northeast; the 
tributaries of Sweitzer's Creek, named titter the 
this on the headwater-, who came from Switzerland, 
in the north and northwest ; till of which belong to 
the Lehigh basin; and the Silver Creek, with its 
branches, forming the head-waters on Creek, 

in the west and southwest, in the Schuylkill basin. 
The township is tint- well watered, a spring of run- 
ning water being found on nearly every farm. 
. The soil i- mostly gravel, varying from light and 
poor on some of the hills to a lien \ and fertile sandy 
K>am in many of the valleys. Nearly every creek and 
rivulet is bordered by meadow-. 

This is almost entirely au agricultural township. 
The farms, varying in size from a few acre- to several 
hundred, are generally well cultivated. A kind of 
mixed husbandry is practiced, and a judicious rota- 
tion of crops is observed. The farmers are careful to 
save till the manure they can, and a great amount of 
lime, together with some phosphate, is applied. The 
principal productions are rye, corn, potatoes, oat-, 
and wheat. Some part- of the township are especial!} 
adapted to potato-growing. Horses, cattle, and hogs 
tire raised in numbers, together with some sheep and 

poultry. Bee-keeping is also engaged in. Nearly all 
kinds of fruits common to the temperate latitude 
flourish here, such a- apples, cherries, pears, plums, 
grapes, and peaches, together with berries of many 
Grapes and cherries seem to be indigenous to 
the soil, and could be raised in great quantities. 
Apples tire not now raised as abundantly as formerly, 
but quite a number of orchards have been set out 
lately. 

In early times the greater part of this township 
was covered with forests, and at present perhaps eight 
per cent, of the entire area is covered with woods. 
The woods that remain are mostly -Hunted on the 
tops and -ides of hills, and consist mainly of chestnut 
timber, with here and there tracts of hickory, chest- 
nut, oak. and white oak, interspersed with pine, 

maple, ash. walnut, birch, and wild cherry. 

No minerals tire found in the township, but build- 
ing-Stone, such as sandstone and a kind of slate, tire 
found on most of the farms. Quartz is also found in 
many places, but is of no value. 

The houses, nearly till of which are two stories high, 
are mostly built of wood or stone ; very few of brii 
Of the wooden houses, those of the more recently 
built tire frame, the older ones being log. The barns 
are mostly frame, with stone basements, and are gen- 
erally quite capacious. 

There are in the township at present five grist-mills, 
three saw-mills, one tannery, four distilleries, six 



II I 



HISTORY OF LKHKill COUNT V. PENNSYLVANIA. 



1ml, -I-., sis stores, linn post-oflices, t\w> carriage-fac- 
I'uur churches, ami eleven scl 

In. u 31 

The inhabitants are the descendants of German 

lers, win, still gpeas the Pennsylvania German 

language. They air. as a rule, industrious, frugal, 

anil intelligent, there being very lew that cannol n ad 

and write. Theymostlj belong to R< formed and Luth- 
eran Churches, hut a few are members of the United 
Brel liren organization. 
Organization— Immigration.— Weissen I .erg town- 

shi|. was formed out of the " Backparts "I Macunjy" 

ami pan ol Ulemangel, tin- greater portion bi 

id the latter, and was erected as a Inn usliip in I, 

Weissenberg is derived from Weiss, meaning " white," 
and burgh, a "castle" or "fortress," and was named 
alter Weissenburg, a fortress and town in Alsace, from 
the vicinity of which most of the settlers had come. 
Weissenberg was sealed by Palatinates and Swiss. 
The first settlements look place in 1734, on and 
around the highlands in the vicinity of the present 
Ziegel Church. The fust settlers came from (lenuaii- 
town, through Oley, and later over Goshenhoppen, 
through Rittenhause Gap, over in our valley. Oley 
was mostly settled l>\ Huguenots, as early as 1710. 
The Palatinates hence moved to Long Swamp; but 
Long Swamp being a level plain, deficient in water 
and heavy wood, and overgrown with ground-oak, 
did not suit them. So they went directly over the 
plain toward the Blue Mountains, and founded the 
settlement of " Allemangel," their road being along 
the Indian trail on the high ridge in Weissenberg, 
which forms the water-shed between the Lehigh 
and Schuylkill Rivers. In "Allemangel" and Long 
Swamp, in what was then called the "Backpartsof 
Macunjy,'' settled those who followed, and formed 
what is now Weissenberg. 

The Palatinates.— During the wars of Louis XIV., 
of France, in the year 1674, Marshal Turenne dis- 
graced his name by barbarously ravaging the Pala- 
tinate, which was abandoned to the ferocious license 
of his troops, and became a scene of indescribable 
desolation. In 1685, Louis XIV., of France, revoked 
the Edict of Nantes, annulled the privileges granted 
to the Huguenots, prohibited the exercise of their 
religion, and ordered their temples to be leveled with 
the ground. Multitudes of the Reformed now went to 
England, Holland, Germany, and Switzerland. 

Again, in 1688, the king of France gave orders for 
the wholesale devastation of the Palatinate, and so 
successfully was it carried out that this once rich and 
smiling land was converted into a desolate wilderness. 
The houseless peasants, to the number of a hundred 
thousand, wandered about in abject misery impre- 
cating the vengeance "I heaven upon the cruel tyrant 
who bad caused their ruin. And again, from 170:! to 
1713, during tin war of the Spanish Succession, the 

Palatinate was the scene of ruin and devastation. 
Thus their homes were destroyed and their lands 



laid waste three times within a period of thirty years. 
It is no wonder that the Palatinates concluded to find 
a home in the wilds of America. By these successive 

visitations the people had been reduced to abject 

, and many found themselves without means 
to get away. Some by selling their all were enabled 
to pa\ liri tin of transportation. And again 

others when brought to Philadelphia were sold by 
the ship captains for their passage. These settled 
mostlj in Goshenhoppen. By the time those came 
thai settled Weissenberg the Palatinate had partially 
recovered from its ruinous devastations, and their 
financial condition was much better than thai ol 
those who came before. Some of the first settlers of 
ulierg came to Pennsylvania as early as 17-'> 
to 1730. They first went to Goshenhoppen and Oley, 
where they stayed for several years before they came 
here. Eguthius Grimm, one of the pioneer settlers 
of Weissenberg, passed ovei Rotterdam to Deal, and 
then to Pennsylvania in 172S, but did not come to 
Weissenberg till 1734. 

In Goshenhoppen and Oley the land had mostly 
been taken up about the year 1730, so those thai came 
at that time stayed for several years there, and 
then went over Long Swamp and settled Weissenberg. 

Some of those that settled in the vicinity of the present 

- Church, among them Adam Plans, Peter I 

Eguthius Grimm, were there in the summer or fall of 

1733 to look out places for settlement, and the follow- 
ing spring moved there with their families. During 

1734 only a few families, among them that of Eguthius 
Grimm, settled within the present limits of Wei--' 
berg, but the following year more came, among them 
Ludwig Reichard and Conrad Nelf, and from that 
lime the township rapidly filled up. By 1750 all the 
most suitable places for homes were already pos- 
sessed. The settlers usually put up temporary huts, 
or stayed with a family that had come before, and 
then went to find a suitable place for location. The] 
always chose places by the side of a spring of pure 
water, ami usually at the entrance of a valley or where 
several valleys met. After they found a place for loca- 
tion they built a log hut or house upon it, with the bare 
earth for a floor, and covered it with leaves. Some 
had bark and boards for roofs. After they had built 
their houses, they marked ofFa tract of land by mark- 
ing the trees along the lines around it. Some marked 
oil' large tracts in this way, sometimes from four hun- 
dred to six hundred acres. But they soon received 
notice from the proprietors to pay for the land, which 
they at first refused, alleging that the proprietors' 
agents had offered to give the land gratis if they would 
only come and settle on it. Some refused for a long 
time to pay for the land, but others made application 
I'm warrants as early as 1741. The greater pari of the 
land was taken up by applications for from fifty to one 
hundred acres, one man often making three or four 
such applications, usually at intervals of several years. 
After the township had been considerably settled 



WEISSENBERG ToWNSIIII'. 



145 



many applications were for smaller tracts. From 1 760 
to 1780 there were some speculator-, Buch as Daniel 
Knouse unci Michael I'><>l>si and Jacob Greenewald, 
who took up vacant tracts and held them, and after- 
wards selling tlicm at large profits became rich men. 
Weissenberg was already thickly settled during the 

French and Indian war, and while tlu> Indian- drove 

many of the inhabitants of the surrounding townships 
from their homes, Weissenberg was very little mo- 
lested. The early settler- coming over Long Swamp 
to Lehigh County passed into Weissenberg, and thus 
naturally it became at oi more thickly inhabi 

than the townships more north and west. And while 
the Indian- drove the people away in Lynn and 

Heidelberg, thej found them too nu rous in Weis- 

Benberg to commit serious outrages among them, 
although on several occasions the people were greatly 

alarmed. 

Clothing of the Pioneers— Domestic Employ- 
ments.— When the clothes thai the settlers brought 

along with them were worn out they made them out 
of sail-cloth, a kind of coarse stuff which they bought 
at Philadelphia. Bui these were not warm enough for 
the n inter weather, and they often had to put on tl 
to four pair of pantaloons, and also as many coat- \ 
they turned their attention to the cultivation of llax 
and the raising of sheep. Then people commenced to 
wear linen clothes during the summer and woolen in 
winter. But they were all hom< -made, the women 
doing the spinning and the men the weaving. Mu- 
sical was the sound of the spinning-wheel from early 
mom till late at night, and many are the anecd 
that could he related of it. All the women then were 
aide to spin, ami often three or tour spinning-wheels 
were used by the women of one family. Looms were 
also to be seen in a good many houses, at least a third 

of the men being weavers. The people for a long time 
wore home-made clothes, both during week-day- and 
a- Sunday clothes, in summer linen, and in winter the 
men linsey-woolsey and the women flannel. After 
calico became cheaper, women commenced to wear 
it. and many a la— felt proud if she could boa-i of 
a calico dress. Nearly all the people wore clothes of 
home-made stuff till about 1840 to 1850, but since that 
time it has become rarei ir, until it is now the 

exception and not the rule. 

Character and Customs. The people who settled 
Weissenberg were religious, honest, sober, and indus- 
trious, and were thus well fitted for settling a new 
country. The people as a whole were very sober, 
moral, and religious until after the Revolutionary 
war. But after the return of the soldiers their condi- 
tion greatly changed. Many of those who had served 
in the war lost their habits of Steady toil, and after 
the excitements of a soldier's life did nol feel like 
farming or working at the bench or anvil. Many had 
also become habituated to the exces-ive use of strong 
drink, whiskey then being plenty, nearly every farmer 
distilling his own apple-jack, and selling to all who 



wanted to bin- . Much drunkenness was caused among 

the i pie for a long timi Hob Is also bet ami 

numerous, and every Saturday evening the landlo 
used to have frolics. It was seldom that a frolic 
held where there were not Beveral tights. It was i 

i rv for along time for the farmers to make " corn- 
matches," to hi in the day and have a frolic 
in the evening. 

- tzing" parties were also held. People who 

wanted to cook apple butter invited their friends to 
come and help make the "snitz." Alter the -ni tzing 
was done a frolic was held, and the dancing often kept 
up till tear daylight. 

lOting in the new year" was another habit of 
the German people. All the people went "to shoot 

new year." Sometimes there were crowds of fr 

twenty or thirl r, -tarting at midnighf and 

ig from house to house, shooting the old year out 
and the new year in. On all these occasions it was 
customary to have plenty of whiskey, and to give 
much as people wanted to drink. But these were evils 
which now rarely occur. frolics, "corn mat 
"snitzing" parties, and "shooting new year" are 
thing- that nowadays but seldom happen. While 
drunkenness is still a great evil, it is not near a< great 
as it was about seventy-five years ago. For a li 
time people thought they could not perform a day's 
work without having as much whiskey to drink 
as they wanted, and until a recent period it was 
customary for farmers, during bay-making and bar- 
to give plenty of whiskey to their hands. Hut it 
is now a thing of the past. 

Hardships— Early Occupations— A Distant Mar- 
ket. — Naturally the rir-t settlers of Weissenberg had 
io endure many hardships and difficulties, having 
Long Swamp, a large strip of unsettled land, be- 
tween themselves and Oley, over which they had to 
pa-- when they wanted to have any into with 

the people of the latter place. Over ihi- unoccupied 
region there were no roads, but simply paths, through 
which it was difficult to get with team-. 

The people not being able to build mills during tin- 
first years, took their grain on horseback to » (lev to 
mill, a distance of from ten to fifteen miles. 

With the lir-t settlers came many that had trades, 
such as carpenter-, weavers, shoen. lan- 

ners, wheelwrights, nail-makers, batter-, dyers, tailor-, 

etc. As weavers came Daniel Stettler, David Xauder, 
Casper Snnn, Bernd Rupert, Nicholas Beesaker, etc. ; 
as a baker, Daniel Zoller; as tanners, Philip Henn 
and da -li Greenawald; a- a tailor, Jacob Stine ; as a 
hatter, Gottlieb Kttinger; as blacksmiths, Adam Bear 
and Killian Leiby : as nail-makers, John and Killian 

Leiby; a- a sickle-maker, Daniel Knouse. 

for a long time the only market at which the 

farmer- could sell their products was at Philadelphia. 

rything the farmer wanted to sell be bad to haul 

with the wagon to Philadelphia. It took them from 

Monday morning till Friday evening to make a trip. 



I 16 



BISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I -ually a party of from fifteen to twenty went to- 
gether, lie \ toot borse-feed and their own food 
along for the whole week. Thej Blepl in the bar- 
ms of the hotels, lying on the floor, around the 
stoves. This was the only way of transportation till 
Schuylkill and Lehigh Canals were built. After 
that they sold their products t" dealers along the 
canals, who sent them by boal t<> market. The 
fanner- generally were m 11 rough in going to and re- 
turning from Philadelphia, and played many tricks 
on people living along the road. 

Period of the Revolutionary War.— The people 
cit' Weissenberg took an active part in the Revolu- 
tionary war. As -""ii as the war broke out Michael 
Babst, of Hynemansville, raised a regiment of soldiers 
in Weissi I adjoining townships. Babst was 

to be their colonel, David Xan'der major, and Jacob 
Mummy a captain. A great many of the men of 
Weissenberg joined this regiment, as, for instance, 
four out of the Roger and two of the Solben fam- 
ilies. They went to New York to join the army 
of Washington, and were there deserted by their 
leader, Babst. They fought in the battle ol Long 
Island, under Gen. Sterling. Many of them were 
captured after the defeat of the American army, 
among them being Jacob Mummy and three of the 
Bogers. Only one of them, viz., Adam, escaped. The 
three that were captured were among those that were 
imprisoned in a church for some time, and later in 
ships ; and they all three died. Later in the war, 
while the British army was lying in Philadelphia, 
there was an encampment at Hynemansville to re- 
cruit and drill soldiers for Washington's army. They 
joined the army of Washington when the British 
evacuated Philadelphia, and were engaged in the 
pursuit of the British through New Jersey. 

After the close of the war, those that had been 
Tories were required to take the oath of allegiance to 
the government. Some of the Tories of Weissenberg 
refused, one of them, George Koster, abandoning his 
property and fleeing the country. Another one, a 
Mr. Grow, was requested to come to Hynemansville 
to take the oath. He came there but refused to swear. 
The officers then took hold of him with the intention 
of tarring him. He was a very strong man, and a 
scuflle ensued, in which he kicked over the tar-keg. 
But at last they succeeded in getting him down, and 
rolled him around in the tar till he was all dripping, 
when they let him go and he started for home. It 
is said that his path could be traced by the tar from 
Hynemansville to his house. Several days later he 
came and t""k the oath of allegiance. 

The people of Weissenberg were greatly excited, in 
1798-99, about the house-tax, but no violence was 
committed. 

Improvement of Condition. — As soon as the con- 
dition of the settlers had somewhat improved they 
commenced to put up better houses. By this time 
saw-mills had been built, boards and shingles became 



plenty, ami stone " a> always t" be had in abundance. 

iboul the years 1750 t" 1760 we find that man; 

of tie first houses are turn down and tti'K "lies built. 

People also built two-story houses with cellars under 
them. At first tiny used to n" up from one story t" 

the "ther by means "I ladder.-, but HOW they put in 
stairs. Some "I the bouses that had been built were 
propped up and cellars dug "lit under them, but the 
houses were a- yet all built "I logs. About the mid- 
lli of tie' latter half of the last century the peopli 
commenced to build of stone, but it was in the 
beginning of tin presenl century that those large 
stone buildings were put up which are still standing. 

i.8 soon as the settlers had cleared a small trait of 

land tluv fenced a portion of it a- a garden. In that 
garden a part was set aside for the planting of the 
seeds that they had brought along with them, which 
included, besides the usual garden seeds, those "t 

apple-, pears, peaches, anil cherries. Thus in the very 
outstart they commenced the raising of fruit-trees, 
the most important being the apple. By the time 
that they had portions of the land cleared they had 
also raised fruit-trees. Tim- they commenced to set 
out large, orchards of apple-trees. The trees grew 
rapidly, and soon the farmer found himself amply 
rewarded for his labor. About the year 17ti~> distil- 
leries were built, and the distilling "f rye ami apple- 
jack commenced. All that the farmers wanted t" -ell 
had to be hauled by the wagon t" Philadelphia, and 
the farmers at once saw that the best way was to con- 
vert their surplus grain and their apples at home into 
whiskey, as that greatly lessened the cost of trans- 
portation to Philadelphia. The sale of whiskey was 
the main means by which farmers raised money tor a 
long time. As the old trees gave out, new ones and 
more were planted, and thus the supply of apples 
was increased till about 1820. About this time the 
people neglected their orchards, and the quantity of 
apples yearly diminished during the next thirty years, 
until 1850, when nearly all the distilleries had been 
torn down. During the last twenty years people 
again commenced to set out fresh orchards, and the 
quantity of apples is agaiu on the increase. The dis- 
tilling of rye was kept up till the time of the building 
of the Lehigh Canal, which opened a better market 
for the surplus grain of the farmers. 

Weissenberg was all overgrown with heavy wood 
when the first settlers arrived, and, being a hilly 
country, interspersed with line valleys, they com- 
menced to clear first the valleys, and sowed them 
with grain, usually the first crop being buckwheat, 
and then followed with rye, the virgin soil yielding 
heavy crops. So they kept on. clearing yearly more 
land and treating it in the same way, till towards the 
latter part of the last century the fertility of the soil 
had greatly decreased, in many cases the land becom- 
ing so poor that it was not cultivated for years. 
Sometimes that which was cultivated would hardly 
yield more than the seed. It thus became a serious 



WEISSENBERG TOWNSHIP. 



117 



queatioD with farmers what to do. They turned their 

attention to the application of gypsum, or land plaster. 

I In- improved their crops for a while, bul it soon be- 

apparent thai it would do only for a time, and 

that in the end it would make the land i rer. Many 

of the farmers sold out and went toother regions, and 
those who remained could not do more than make a 
living. 

Lbout the year 1820 the farmers began to put lime 
on the soil, and itgreatlj increased its fertility. Since 
that time much lime has been applied to the land, and 
thus far always with marked effect. Bul a- lime is 
onlj an incentive to the Boil, and not a real fertilizer, 
farmers must be careful in their system ol farming, or 
else the land will be as badly worn down again as it 
was in 1820. indeed, many tanners assert that the 
application of lime does not give a- good results 
now as it did forty years ago. While hardly anything 
would grow before the application of lime, afterwards 
all the grains grew abundantly. The grains usually 
cultivated were rye, oats, corn, wheat, and buckwheat. 
Buckwheat, which was about one hundred years ago 
the main crop, is now seldom seen. The grasses that 
titivated are clover and timothy. Flax also, for 
i time largely cultivated, is now not seen, and 

has 1 n very little cultivated during the last forty 

-. except from 1853 to lst58. 
During the war cotton had greatly risen in price, 

and then many people sowed flax, and old spinning- 
wheel- that had been stowed away for years were again 
brought into use. Potatoes, now one of the principal 
crops of the farmers of Weissenberg, of which every 

year from sixty to seventy thousand bushels are raised 

and sold, were not raised tor -ale till about the year 
1840. Then they were mostly sold in the coal regions. 
Language— Efforts to retain German and ex- 
clude English. — Weissenberg was settled by < lermans, 
except the Werles, Bittners, and Gehringers, who were 

of French descent. They were French Protestant-, 
who left France after i hi' revocation of the Edict of 
Xante-. They first went to Germany, and later cam.' 
to Vmeriea. By the time that they came to this 
country they -poke the German language. The Ger- 
man language was spoken by all the people prior to 
the year 1800. But soon after that time several Eng- 
lishmen settled here, who brought the English lan- 
e with them, and made efforts to have English 
taught in the schools. This was strongly opposed by 
the people, and in many of the school.-, particularly 

the church schools, it was positively forbidden. 

About the year 1830 the Germans of Pennsylvania 
made a general effort to retain the German language. 
Dii AUe und Ni m II' It < the Old and New World |, a Ger- 
man newspaper printed iii Philadelphia by Dr. Wes- 

selhoeft, defended it with great ability. A general State 
convention was called to defend t lie German rights. 
To this State convention the German counties were to 
-end delegates, and each township to hold meetings 
to pass resolutions in regard to the matter. Such a 



rman tanner- and mechanics 
June 3, I -:;7. at Hynemansville, in Wcissenbei - town- 
ship. The purpose of the meeting was I in 
by I >r. Wesselhoeft and others. A com- 
mittee was appointed to draft a preamble and resolu- 
tion-, which wen unanii d by the mi 
ing. and were as follow - ; 

" K 

tahro noch kaum zu 

in Mini 

n ir werderi aeben daaz wir vor unpartheiiKben Rlchtern aiegen werden. 
In der ConvenUoii len, 'in deutc 

Count 

fiilir.' -- mzes 

1 >T BO 

ganz gllnstig fUr ui Kraften Ihn 

zu unteratutzen Buchen ; done i I uubenutzt 

yorilber gohen, bo i-t unsere Spracba unterd iindio 

Kircben geliei b, und mlt Ihuen laes 

Etedlii hkeit, I ilaubi 
aber nichl - hilton konnen. Cod 

wir jetzt, — in die Constitution mtiaaen »ir einen Ariik.-l haben, der 
i bi ;'' ' Recbte mit der englischen gibt, wenlgetei 
untya die deutscbe Sprai he bei der Court elnflihrt; und 
uiii'ii d laszt una Potitionen an dj 

don BCblcken, — dann muez Bie db thun wenn Bio gerecht sein will. Aber 
alleB waa geacbiebt muaz Bchnell geai hehen, damff -.- nocb fnih £enug 
an die Convention kommen kann : Daber 

"/?- Dasz wir einen Artikel in der zu bfldc tution, 

welche die ElnfUbrung der deuischeo S] irten in dent* 

actien I lien ungetbeilten Beifall geben, 

" B< - De eetzllcbe Hittel ergreifen wollen,daaz 

her \i ill. ii in die Constitution kouime, und zwar tuif dem 11','" 
tier Petition diin'ti Subacriptfon. 

■■ Be* Mofzen, Dasz u ir vullig liberelnstinimen mil dem Vorechlage am 
17. Juni, Samstags,am Wirtbsbause Ton Gutb In SUd-Wbitehall eine 
allgemeine Count; Veraammlung zu hall 

"£.- Da z wiralle Tow iiDMrem County diingend 

ersuchi'ii ihri Deputirten zu del County Versaromlung zn schicken. 

" Bachloaz* n, Dasa 
isl, Hin^eluden wird.bei der County Veraammlung zu eracheinen, um 
ma Nachdruck ll11 'i''" 1 Werke helfen zu konnen. 

" Bachloszm, Daaz alle deutscbe Countya iui Staate aufgefodert warden 
Boscliiii'il nl- moglicu ithnllche Uaszregeln zn ergreifen, um dnrch : 
-iiiiniiiiinu'.'M und Petitionen den Toracblag in .lion durch- 

•• BaacAIoaaeii, Daaz alle deutacbe Zeitungadruckar in unaereizi Staate, 
welche der dentacbon Refon beten Ver- 

handlnogen in Ihroi en BIStter aufznnehmen ; dn^H^n alle 

Dnii ker, \\ "1 -ii" 'I'm -uii,' iust iialber uder gar ui' lit gfinstlg sind, hier- 
mit driogend ersucbt werden dieae Verbandlungen nichl aufzunehmen, 

damil wirendlichei alindenSl warden Freund und Felnd 

len." 

"Preamble: It gives us particular delight to be as- 
sembled tO-day for a purpose which a year ago we did 

not hope to obtain. Yet a righteous cause alwi 

moves forward, and you will see that before impartial 
judges we shall win. The proposition was made in 
the convention to have in the German counties the 
proceedings of the courts held in the German lan- 
This was already for a long time our w 
our whole exertion will be to obtain it. As this 

proposition is so entirely favorable I ir cause, we 

must tr\ to assist it with all our strength, for if we let 
this chance pass by without making Use of it. then 

our language is suppressed, our German churches go 

to destruction, and with them we rob our children of 
that which i- the beat, German honesty, faith, and 



448 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



diligence. This musl r i . .i be so long :>- we can pre- 
vent it. And this we can do now. Wo mu9t have an 
article in the constitution which gives to our language 
equal rights with the English, at least to use in < lei 
man counties the < rerman language in the courts, and 
to obtain this let us -end petitions by thousands to 
the convention, then the convention must do it if it 

Will be just. But all that i- to lie .lnne must lie dune 
quickly, SO that it will roach the convention before it 

is too late. Therefore, 

"Resolved, That we give our full and undivided assent 
to an article in the ne» constitution, which in German 
counties tends to introduce the < rerman languaj 

the courts. 

" JReso/ved, That we will use all lawful means, by the 
way of subscriptions to petitions, to have such an 
article in the constitution. 

" Resolved, That we fully agree with the proposition 
in hold a general county meeting at the public-house 
of Guth, in South Whitehall, on Saturday, the 1 7th 

of .lnne. 

■• Resolved, That we urgently beseech every township 
in our county to semi its deputies to the county 
meeting. 

'■ Resolved, That besides these deputies every in- 
habitant who i- favorable to the cause is invited to be 
present at the county meeting to assist the cause by 
his presence. . 

"Resolved, That all German counties in the State 
are requested as soon as possible to take like measures 
to put, by meetings and petitions, the proposition 
through in convention. 

" Resolved, That all publishers of German news- 
papers in our State who are favorable to the German 
reform are requested to publish these proceedings in 
their papers, whilst all publishers that are not favor- 
able, or are only partially favorable, are hereby ear- 
nestly requested not to publish these proceedings, so 
we shall at once be able to distinguish our friends from 
our enemies.'' 

By such strong efforts the German fathers succeeded 
for a long time to prevent the speaking of the English 
language in our township. But now it is wholly the 
language of the schools, and ere long will also be the 
language that is spoken. 

The Pioneer Families.— Egiitbius Grimm, a native 
of Wflrtemberg, subsequent to 17l!S a resident of 
Deal, came to this country in 1733, and settled in 
what is now Weissenberg township, on the farm now 
owned by Jesse Grim. He took up six hundred acres 
of land, partly in Weissenberg and partly in Macun- 
gie. He was married before he came to this country. 
He had two sons, viz. : Jacob and Heinrich, of whom 
Jacob was tin- oldest. Jacob < Irim obtained a portion 
of bis father's farm (that part lying in Macungie). 
He married and left three sons, — Jacob, Peter, and 
Henry. Of these, Jacob went West, Peter lived in 
Weissenberg, but never married, and Henry received 
his father's homestead. Henry left eleven children, 



viz. : Elizabeth I married to June- Nell' |, Kachel (died 

Joins. Levi, Abraham, Solomon, Judith (mar- 
ried to Jacob Walliert), Catharine married to Jacob 

Herman), David, Annie (married to Benjamin Wal- 

berl , and Hetty who die. I -ingle). Of these, Jones 
received the hum. -lead, and Elizabeth, Abraham, 
Solomon, Judith, and David settled and lived in 
Weissenberg. Solomon is the only one that is -till 
living. He lives on a farm on Silver Creek, 
two miles above New Smithville. He is over eighty 

\ear- of age. 

Henry (irim was the youngest son of Eguthius 
Grimm. He obtained his father's homestead. He 
was married and left -.v. n children, viz.: Jacob, 

Gedion, Henry, Peter, Jonathan, .Maria (married to 
Jacob Sassaman), and Catharine [married to Peter 
Trexler). Jacob settled on the homestead, and had 
Ave -"us and two daughters, viz.: Jacob (who went 
toSaucon . I 'avid (who moved to Maxatawny |, Henry 
■ win. settled in Philadelphia i. Jesse (who has his 
father's homestead in Weissenberg), Samuel (who 
moved to .Macungie), Sarah (who married John Baily 
and moved to Hamburg), and Judith I married to John 

Apple, of Saucon i. 

Jesse < I rim was the only one of Jacob ( rrim's SOUS 
who lived in Weissenberg. He is the owner of the 
(irim homestead, containing over two hundred acres 
of land, the place where Eguthius Grimm settled 
when he came to this country. Jesse Grim was 
several times elected to the Slate Legislature, was 
one of the commissioners to chouse the property for 
the Lehigh County poor-house, was several times 
elected as poor director, and served in various minor 
town-hip offices. He is now living at Allentown, at 
the advanced age of ninety years, but is hearty and 
well preserved. Jesse Crim's children are Ephraim, 
Jacob, William, Walter, and Deborah (who was mar- 
ried to William Edleman |. 

Gedion Grim, sou of Jacob Grim, settled in Berks 
County, and one of his sons, Benjamin, came to Weis- 
senberg and bought wdiat is now Grim's mill. Benja- 
min had live sons, viz. : Benjamin, Jonathan, Gedion, 
and Willoughby, who live in Weissenberg, and Na- 
than, who lives in Macungie. 

Heinrich Grim's son, 1 lenry, settled in Maxatawny; 
Peter, in Whitehall ; and Jonathan, at Kutztown. 

Grim's farm is probably the oldest settlement, in 
Weissenberg. It was settled in 1733. The farm is 
situated in the southern part of the township. On 
this farm there was a place where the Indians used to 
stay for several weeks on their passage from the Le- 
high to the nine Mountains. There are many places 
still pointed out as Indian graves. On this farm is a 
large -tone house, which was built in the year 1802. 
The barn was built about the same time. 

Jacob Holben was one of the first settler- of Weis- 
senberg township. He came from Odenwald, in Ger- 
many, and settled in the vicinity of the Weissenberg 
Church. He was one of the first elders of the Weissen- 



WEISSENBERG TOWNSHIP. 



149 



aggregation, being mentioned as Bucb as early as 
174-".. H>- lived for some time in a log building on 
which there was do door. For :i stairway the famih 
used a ladder, on which they crawled up to the garret. 
Around this house the wolves would howl at eight, 
and often filtered the lower apartment while the 
family slept in the garret. Sometimes 1 1 10 wolves 
made attempts to get up on the ladder or to crawl up 
on the logs. Jacob Holben was married to Catharine 
Weiss, and bad sis children, as follows : Anna Mar- 
fa irn I >ei .24, 17 IS . Theobald, John 
Jacob, Lorentz, John Wendel, and Anna Catharine 
i who was horn Feb. 26, 1 7 

Theobald Holben was born in what is now Weis- 
senberg, then Allemangel, Aug. 16, 17 1".. He was 
a tanner by occupation. He was married to Sarah 
Gerber. They had no children. 

John Jacob Holben was born Feb. 28, 17iv He 
was married, and had several children. 

Lorentz Hull. en was born Jan. 2!», 1750. He was 
a farmer by occupation and had his lather's home- 
stead. He was a member of the Reformed congrega- 
tion at Weissenberg. He married Catharine Kram- 
lich, Jan. 2o, 1774. He died June 23, 1842, leaving 
-even children, — Solomon, Peter, Jacob, Lorentz, 
Christian, John, I'riederich. 

\\ • ndel Holben was born July 1, 1 752. He lived 
in Weissenberg township, was married, and left" chil- 
dren, some of whom were Magdalena, Catharine, 
Catharine Elizabeth, and Regina Barbara. 

Of Lorentz Holbein's children, Christian went to 

Ohio, John died in the war of 1812, Friederieh went 

and Solonmn. Peter, and Jamb divided the 

stead, each one taking a portion. Solomon was 

married, and left two sons, viz.: Solomon and Pheon. 

Peter left four -mi- and several daughters, his 
being Gedion, Peter, Reuben, and Joseph. 

Jacob left seven children. — four girls and three 
sons, — his sons being David, Gedion, and Ja 

The farm originally taken up by Jacob Holben is 
still in the hands of his descendants, being owned by 
his great-grandchildren, Reuben, C. Joseph, So 
Phaon, and Jacob. 

Jacob Schumacher came from Germany, about 
17 1"'. On the voyage of the family across the ocean 
they encountered a great storm, and were nearly 
wrecked. Schumacher settled in " the back parts of 
Macungie," now Weissenberg. The farm which he 
settled is now owned by Nathan ftfohr, and is situated 
Seipstown. The family located temporarily in 
the vicinity of the present Ziegel's Church. The 
Gather then went out, accompanied by bis son George, 
to find a suitable place for a home. They came to 
the place now owned by Daniel Fenstermacher, and 
commenced to cut wood for building a house. After 
working there several day- they came one evening on 
their way home to a large - [ > r i 1 1 ur of pure water in a 
fine location. The next morning they abandoned the 
former place and went to work to put up a ho 
•J'.' 



the side of the newly-found spring. Schumacher 
there took up foui hundred acres of land, and i ailed 
the place Affection. 

Jacob Schumacher had two sons, viz. : John Jai 
Paul and John George. I'aul went to Lowhill, and 

settled On the banks of the Jordan, about a mile be- 
low what is now I'.ittner's Corner, 'flic property on 
which he settled is -till in the hands of the Bchu- 
ier family, Paul Schumachi r left foui children, 
viz.: Catharine married to William 

George), and Eva married to Samuel Woodrin 

Daniel an. I Jacob were both soldier- in the Revolu- 
tionary war. They served in the army under Wash- 
ington, ami were -tationed at Skippack, on tic- turn- 
pike, while the other division of the army was at 
Valley Eorge. Daniel got sick and died before the 
war was over. After the close of the war Jacob mar- 
ried Elizabeth George. He died at the ripe age of 
ninety year-. He left seven children, as follow-: 
John, Peter. Jacob, Elizabeth (married to Jacob 
Becker), Catharine (married to John Holben), Eva 
(died single), and Lydia (married to Daniel Hollen- 
bachi. Of these, John and reter are still living. 
John was, on the 16th of Januar] last, ninety years 
old. He is as hearty anil well preserved as many 
men of sixty. 

John George Schumacher, youngest son oi [ 
was bom in Germany, March 81, 1731, and came with 
his father to this country. He married Susanna 
Weiss. He obtained his father's homestead, on which 
he lived till the time of his death, in 1801. 

_'e Schumacher had thirteen children, among 
whom were John Jacob, Daniel, John, Peti r, Henry, 
Jonathan, Catharine I married to Moses Cain . Marga- 
reta I married to John Jacob Bean, and Elizabeth 
married to M. Falk i. The rest of his children died 
young. John Jacob Schumacher married Anna Maria 
Rupp, a daughter of George Rupp, and moved to 
Macungie. Some of his children were George. Absa- 
lom, and Benjamin. Daniel married Elizabeth Bear, 
a daughter of Han- Bear. He obtained her lath 

homestead, lb was blessed with five children, viz. : 

John. Peter, Elizabeth married to Kop), Maria (mar- 
ried to Henry Rauch), and Margarita : married to 
. < »cker). 

John, the third I Schumacher, received 

that part of his father's farm which was called" Rock 
Forest." On it he lived for some time, and then 
moved to Crawford County. 

Peter, the fourth son of George Schumacher, mar- 
ried Elizabeth George, and lived where now Bittn 
mill is, where he was engaged in making linseed-oil. 
Later he moved to Mercer County. Henry went to 
Ohio. Jonathan, the youngesl son of ' Schu- 

macher, received his father'- homestead. He married 
Maria Mover, and was blessed with nine children, 
viz.: Jo-eph. Nathan, Stephen. Judith. Man (mar- 
ried to Philip Moyen, Elizabeth, William. Edmund, 
and Jonathan. Of these, Nathan, Judith, and Eliz- 



450 



HISTORY OF LI'.HIGII COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



abetli are HviDg in Allentown, and Jonathan on a 
farm i pari of the lour hundred acres taken up 

by In- andfather, Jacob Schumachei . 

Abraham Knerr, with his wife Maria Eve, came 
from Germany, or more probably from the German 
pari of Switzerland, some time previous to the 
1748, ami settled in the eastern pari ol Weissenb 
about a quarter of a mile from the present villa 
Claussville, on a tract of land called by him Pleasant 
View, which is now - (1884) owned by his great-grand- 
son, Levi Knerr, of Claussville. lie took up large 
tracts of land and ili\ided them among hi- children, 
lie had a large family of - in- and daughters, among 
whom were the following: Christopher, who married, 
. had several children, and then moved to other parts; 

a Jai "I', who probably went to other part- before 

he was married ; Andreas, who married a Miss Schall 
and settled at the .Ionian, ami became the father of 
the Jordan branch of the Knerr family; Abraham, 
who settled at what has since Income the village 
of Lyon Valley; and John, who received the old 
homestead. Of the daughters, one, Barbara, mar- 
ried Jacob Harner, another married a Mr. Stettler, 
and -fill another a Mr. Hartman, 

I. John Knerr married Catherine Hartman, owned 
a farm of three hundred and sixty acres of land, and 
was blessed with thirteen children, viz. : Isaac, who 
went West; John, who went to Northumberland 
County; Catherine, who married a Mr. Darnmoyer; 
Maria Gertrude, who married Peter Seip", son of Mel- 
chior; John Conrad, who married Maria Helffrich, a 
daughter of Rev. John Henry Helffrich; Magdalena, 
who married a Mr. Eisenhard ; Abraham, who mar- 
ried a Miss Hunsicker and went to Union County; 
John Jacob, who married Susan George ; Andreas, 
who married a Miss Hartman and went to Danville ; 
John Daniel, who was married to Betz Shifferstein ; 
John Christian, who married Magdalena Fries; Ben- 
jamin, who married a Miss Heilman ; and Sallie, 
who married Martin Seibert. 

1. John Conrad had a number of children, all of 
whom died young except Levi and Anne. Levi, who 
married Abbie Brobst, became a country merchant at 
Claussville, and had three children, viz.: Richard, 
Calvin, and Levi. Annie married Joseph Slough, 
and had two sons, — Franklin, a physician at Allen- 
town, and Dr. Chester Slough, of Emaus. 

2. John Jacob Km it's children were Thomas, who 
died in the Seminole war; William, who went to 
Ohio; Samuel, Mrs. Burger, and Mrs. Ritter. 

3. John Daniel Knerr's children were Jonas, who 
moved to Ohio; Aaron, who lost one leg, and served 
for a long time as constable of Lowhill; Thomas, 
Levi, Amelia, Levina, Carolina, Anne, Elizabeth, 
Mary, Leanna. and Abbie. 

4. John Christian Knerr's children were Solomon, 
whose lirst wife was a Miss Knerr, and whose second 
wife was Judith Bachman, and who was several tine, 
school director of Weissenberg ; Joseph, wdio lived 



near Ziegel's < Ihurch ; Amandas, William. Jonas, and 
Elizabeth. 

5, Benjamin Knerr's children were Wilson, \< 

Mrs. 1 1> \ bi rgi i and Mrs. Hauser. 

II. Abraham Knerr, of Lyon Valley, son of Abra- 
ham, had lour children, viz.: Elizabeth, \ 
(surnamed Andre), Abraham (surnamed the Black), 
and Susanna, 

1. Andrea- Knerr Andre) was twice married, an. I 
had a number of children. II i- first w ife was Eve Hart- 
man. Her children were Kale. Elizabeth, Susanna, 
Lydia, Michael (who went to Sugar Valley), I>a\id 

who is still living near Ziegel's church, and whi 
twice married, to Susanna Derr and to Maria hen. 

and whose i ire Daniel, Jonas, Henry, ami 

David!, Sol n who went to Sugar Valley), and 

Georgi now of Allentown, who married Elizabeth 
Slimier. Hi- second wife was Gertrude . She 

ha.l several children. She lived to a great age, was 
married several times, and was known over the whole 

township. 

The first wife, Eve Hartman, died about the year 
1807. She was buried at the Lowhill Cemetery. 

2. Abraham, called "the Black," speculated in 
land. He was twice married. His second wife sur- 
vived him. He had over a dozen children, sons and 
daughters, one of whom, Willoughby, is still living 
in the township. 

Peter Herber settled in Weissenberg prior to 1750. 
He took an active part in the formation of the Weis- 
senberg congregation, and was chosen as the first elder 
on the Reformed side of said congregation. Later, 
when the difficulty arose between the Reformed and 
Lutheran elements of the congregation which led to 
the building of the Lowhill Church by the Reformed, 
the Hcrbers, although of the Reformed denomination, 
remained with the Weissenberg congregation. Peter 
Herber had a son named Jacob, who lived in the 
vicinity of the Weissenberg Church, of which he was 
a deacon and elder. He was married to Dorothea 
Sassaman, daughter of Jost Heinrich Sassamanns- 
hausen. He left a number of children, among whom 
were Heinrich, Anna Maria, Johannes, Jacob, Anna 
Kunigunda, Catharina, Andreas, John Philip. 

John Philip Herber, the youngest son of Jacob 
Herber, was born Sept. 7, 1770. He obtained his 
father's homestead. He was married, and left a num- 
ber of children, viz.: John, Jacob, Heinrich, John, 
Peter, Daniel, Catharine (Kraseley), and Molly 
(Ebert). Of these, Jacob, John, Peter, and Daniel 
obtained the homestead, dividing it into four parts. 
John sold his part to his brother Jacob, Peter sold 
his part to Benjamin Bittner. John, Peter, Daniel, 
and Catharine are still living, John being in his 
eighty-first year. 

The Werlys are of French descent. The fact that 
they all belong to the Lutheran Church, and that 
they early spoke the German language, can only be 
explained in the following manner, viz.: their early 



\vi;issi:m;i:i;i; TOWNSHIP. 



451 



tors probably were French Protestants or ll 
nots. When Louis XIV. revoked the Edict of Nantes, 
in 1685, they must have emigrated to Germany, and 
adopted the German language and the Lutheran 
faith. They are still often called "FrankB." The 
name was originally spelled W-e-r-1-e. 

istiau Werly, with his wife, Rosina (born 
Derr accompanied by her brother, John Dorr, came 
to Pennsylvania some time previous to th< 
and settled on the farm now occupied by his great- 
grandson, Alvin Werly, in what was then called Alle- 
mangel, now Weissenberg. He built his housi a 
short distance from an Indian hunting-path, which 
led i" their village about a mile away, at a place now 
occupied by Holben's mill-dam, in Lynn township. 
Often when the Indians passed thi e Mrs. 

Werlj would give them a loaf of bread. This 
would heat upon a log until soft, then i it 1 1 
a branch of willows, and tie it to their shoulders. 
These acta of kindness on the part of the Werlys 
were reciprocated by the red man. Sebastian Werlj 
took up large tracts of land. He had six children, 
viz.: John Nicholas, generally called "Hannickle," 
the oldest, who was born on the ocean; Michael; 
Catherine, married to Bilman; Dawald, married to a 
Miss Mummy : Valentine, generally called Feldi, who 
married a Miss George; Maria, who married a Mr. 
Snyder: and Kosina, who married Berndt Kressly. 

I. Nicholas i Hannickle), son of Sebastian, owned 
the land now owned by John Werly. Levi Weida, 
Henry German, and others. His children were 

Michael, Andreas. Sebastian, who married Lydia 
r; Dewald, who married Molly Bittner ; Cath- 
erine, who married Jacob Hans; .Maria, who mar- 
ried John Nicholas Derr: Sarah, who married Jacob 
Bittner; Rosina, who married Peter George; and 
t married to Andreas Kline, who came from 

< iermany. 

1. Michael, son of Nicholas, married a Miss Hans, 
and settled on what is now known as the Nathan 
Walbert farm, owned by William D. Bear. He was 
drafted into the army daring the war of 1S12. When 
me home he had contracted an illness, of which 
he soon afterwards died. His children were Joseph, 
who married Catherine Bittner, and afterwards Leah 
Grimm; Catherine, who married PePer Gildner; 
Jonas, who married Maria (Polly) Bilman; Maria. 
married to a Mr. Schaller, and afterwards to a Mr. 
I \ : and Daniel, who went to Wisconsin. Of 

these, Joseph lived near the Lowhill Church, was for 
a long time constable of Lowhill, and raised a large 
family of sons and daughters. Jonas is a tailor by 
trade, and owns a farm mar Clau.-svillc. His chil- 
dren are John, Ely, Owen, Levi, Carolina wife .if 
William Bear), Kitty, and Benjamin. 

'_'. Andreas, son of Nicholas, married a Miss Hans, 

and received somi oi his father's land, — the old 1 ie- 

stead. His children were Jacob (who married Leah 
Wei-- . ( iideon i who married Hettie Bachman), Elias, 



John (who married Amelia Gordan I ho mar- 

ried I isa , Maria (who married John G 

h who mart < I John Peter , and Lydia who 
marrie ! : ichman . 

Jacoh's children are Levi, Penrose, Edwin, M 
Smith, and Mrs. Fritz. 

Gideon's children are Owen, Moses who wenl 

Wesl . and William. 

Ely's children are Francis and othi 

John and Jonas received their father's farms. John 
has one son, James. Jonas' children are Alvin, Wil- 
son, Lucy. • 

3. Sebastian, son of Nicholas, had a number of 
children, viz. : John who is married to a Miss Wag- 
ner, and received his father's fi Elias (a -tore and 
hotel-keeper), Stephen, Rebecca. Maria, etc. 

t. Dawald, son of Nicholas, was a farmer and a 
hotel-keeper. His children were John, Daniel (of 
Allentown |, Jacob i of Schuylkill II use, 

Lucy iwl larried Rabenold . Maria who married 

Heilman), Sallie, Rebecca (who married Grim 
and Catherine wile of Henry German). 

II. Michael, -on of Sebastian, settled near the 
Weissenberg Church. His children were Maria (who 
married Henry Weiss), Catharine (who married John 
Hartman . Michael who married a Miss Kor-chn 
Magdalena who married a Mr. Kisthr . Abraham 

who married Barbara Hunsicker), and Elizabeth (who 
married Jacob Snyder . 

1. Michael, sou of Michael, received a part of his 
father'- farm. He had two sons, viz., Michael and 
Daniel. He lived to a great age, and was nearly blind 
toward the last. 

". Michael married Catherine Mosser, and received 

his father's farm. He died in the prime of life. His 
children were Levi who received the farm , Joseph. 
William (who is a school-teacher), Carolina (who 
married Joseph Weiss), Mary who married Levi 
Weida. Sarah, Einelina, Kittie (who married R. Hol- 
lenbach), Anne, and Wilson. 

A. Daniel married a widow (Hunsicker). He has 
no childn m 

'_'. Abraham, -on of Michael, received a part of his 
father's farm. He is still living, but is very old. His 
children are Jacob (who married Elizabeth Smith), 
Michael, Nathan. Jonas I whose son i- Milton |, Lydia 

who married Peter Weiss), Catherine who married 
Philip Herschner), Hettie iwho married Abraham 
Frey, Molly who died single), and Lucy (who is 
single). 

III. Valentine Feldi), son of Sebastian (who re- 
ceived his father's farm, had ten children, viz. : CI 
tiana (who married Andrew Bittner), Susanna (who 
married John Shifferstein), Elizabeth who married 
Jacob Zimmerman . Maria Polly, who married 

Schlicher), Leah who married Jacob Walbert i, 
Sarah who is single), Rebecca Iwho died single), 
Samuel, Daniel (of Claussville), and Charles. 

1. Samuel's children were Jonas, of Allentown : 



452 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Rachel, who married Jeremiah Derr; and Carolina, 
who married Charles Gehringer. 
2. Daniel married Magdalena Snyder. His children 
Daniel, Levi (who is a coachmaker), Franklin, 

Carolina (wIni married John Werly . Kiln, a (who 
married Willoughbj S id Senia (who married 

Edwin Hollenbai b 

i barles received his father's Farm, He had two 
sons, viz. : Alvin, who lives on the old homestead; 
and Owen, who keeps the California House. 
4. Dewald, boo of Sebastian, own..! the farm on 

which the Seiberlingsville Churcl h stands. He 

had eight children, viz.: Jacob who had bul one 
child), Abraham, Daniel (who died without issue), 
Henry, Nicholas, Magdalena who married Muse), 
Sophia (who married Thomas Grimm), and another 
son who died when one year old. 

1. Abraham, to whom we are indebted for much 
information, is now ninety year- of age, being the 
oldest man in the township; but is as well preserved 
as most men of seventy. His mind is clear. He re- 
lates not only the event- that occurred when he was a 
boy, eighty years ago, but also the stories of suffering 
and hardships related by the veterans of our Revolu- 
tionary war. He graphically depicted to the writer 
the -lory of the battle of Long Island as he had heard 
it from the lips of his grandfather, Capt. Mummy, 
wdio hail served under Sterling on the day of that 
eventful defeat. He lives on a farm near Seiberlings- 
ville. He was in his day otic of the most prominent 
men in the township, filling at different times many 
township offices. He married a Miss Boger. His 
children arc David (who married Maria Everitt), 
Henry, William. Jackson, Aaron, Fannie, Jane, and 
Mary. 

2. Henry, son of Dewald, received some of his 
father's land, and married a Miss linger. He was for 
a long time constable of Weissenberg. His children 
were John, Henry, Stephen, James, Lucy (who mar- 
ried John Werly, a son of Jonas), Mrs. Kerschner, 
and others. 

3. Nicholas received his father's farm, married a 
Miss Buck, and had eight children, viz. : Harrison, 
Joshua, Daniel, Malinda, Sarah, Elenora, Carolina, 
and Clara. 

Rev. Daniel Schumacher in 1757 settled in the 
northern part of Weissenberg township, on a branch 
of the Sweitzer Creek, on the farm now in possession 
of Joins Rex. lie was an educated minister from 
Germany. Rev. Schumacher took an active part in 
building up the Lutheran Church in this part. Heat 
one time served as minister for the Lutheran congre- 
gations at Weissenberg, Heidelberg, Allemangel, 
Egypt, at the Antalaunee, and others. He served 

these congregations long and faithfully. Of him it 
can be Said, " Well done, thou good and faithful ser- 
vant of the Lord." He was greatly beloved by the 
members of his congregations. His remains lie 

buried in the Weissenberg Cemetery. He was mar- 



ried to Maria Elizabeth Steigerwald, daughter of 

< leoi ge Steigerwald. His children were John I leorge 
Diederich, born <*ct. 11, 1759; Anna Catharine Sa- 
lome, born Feb. 7, 1 7 1 *> li ; Anna Eva Elizabeth, born 

13, 1764; Johannes, born 1775; and Heinrich. 

John George Diederich Schumacher was a son of 
Rev. Daniel Schumacher. He was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and lived in Weissenberg township. He left 
a number of children, among whom were Susanna, 
David, Jonathan, Magdalena, Esther, Daniel, Catha- 
rine, Maria. Peter, and Joseph. 

Johannes Schumacher, son of Kev. Daniel Schu- 
macher, moved to Schuylkill County. One of hi> 
-on-, George, moved back to Weissenberg. He is in 
his eighty-fourth year, but is hale and hearty. He 
lives with bis son-in-law, viz., Lewis Hachuian. 

< leorge Schumacher was a farmer by occupation, and 
was at one time well off. But he losl the greater part 
of his property by being too liberal in indorsing other 
people. Heinrich Schumacher was a weaver by 
occupation. He lived in the western part of the 
county. 

Rev. Schumacher stood high in the Ministerium in 
his time. Many of his sermons and writings are in 
the hands of a minister at Reading. Several years 
ago extensive researches were made as to the life of 
Rev. Schumacher by Lutheran ministers. 

Jacob Greenewald came from Switzerland about 
1750. He settled on Sweitzer Creek in wdiat was then 
called Allemangel, now Weissenberg. He took an 
active part in the early history of the township. 
Among his children were Jacob, George, and Abra- 
ham. The latter was born in April, 1759. He 
obtained his father's homestead. He was the builder 
of Greenewald's mill, and about the same time he 
also built a saw-mill, a tannery, and a distillery. He 
was married to Maria Barbara, and left a number of 
children, among whom were John Jacob, Daniel, and 
Sallie. John Jacob was born June 11, L790. He 
obtained his father's homestead. He was elected and 
served as county commissioner of Lehigh County. 
He left several children, of whom Charles, bom May 
2, 1826, received the homestead, which is now in pos- 
session of his son, Edwin. 

George Rupp was born Aug. 11, 1721, in the village 
of Wimmeran, in Lower Alsace. His parents' names 
were Ulrich Rupp and Margarita i Holtzin I. George 
Rupp married, Jan. 23, 1750, 1 rsila von Peterholtz, 
who was born Aug. 17, 1722. in the town of Uab- 
schwiern, duchy of Zweibriicken, Upper Alsace. 
They emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1750, and settled 
near the present village of Chapmans, in Upper Ma- 
cungie, on a farm containing several hundred acres. 
( leorge and [J rsila Rupp had nine children, as follows: 
.Maria < 'lara i married to Faringer),Margarcta (married 
to Meitzler), Anna Margareta (died single), Adam Her- 
man, John George, Andrew, John, Maria Susanna, 
and Anna Maria married to Schumacher. 

Adam Herman Rupp was the oldest son of George 



WEISSENBEIKi TOWNSHIP. 



453 



Rupp. II. u.is born in Upper Macungie, Nov. 7. 

I7"'ti. lie' served lour years as a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary war. II' toot in active part in the militia 
ization of the county, holding the rank oi brig- 
adier-general. He inherited his father's homestead, 
on which he lived until the time "I his death. He 
tarried t" a daughtei ol b Mr. Berer, and was 
blessed with one son, Jacob. 

Jacob Rupp was a farmer by occupation, and in- 
herited bis father's farm, on which he lived until his 
death. He was married to Maria Fogel, an>l was 

I with Bis children, viz.: Sarah, mar 
John S. Gibbons, one of the ablest attorneys during 
his time hi the Allentown bar (he was the father-in- 
law of the Hon. .John D. Stiles, of Allentown i ; Mary, 
married to David Scball, of Trexlertown, lather of 
.lohn R. Schall, of Allentown; Hon. George B. Schall 
i deceased . of Allentown; and James Schall ; Eliza, 
married to Victor Blumer, of Allentown. who pub- 
lished the / Bote; Herman Rupp, who lived 
on his father's homestead in Upper Macungie (at 
one time a member of the State Legislature, and a 
jusl ice of the peace of his township, in which capacity 
he served until the time of his death); Benjamin 
Rupp, the father of George Rupp, Esq., a noted attor- 
ney of Allentown. was engaged ill farming near Chap- 
m:m's Station, in Upper Macungie; and Tilghman 
Rupp, who was engaged in the jewelry business at 
Philadelphia. 

John George Rupp was born Feb. 28, 1758, in 
Upper Macungie. He married a daughter of a Mr. 
Guth. He lived for some time in Upper Macungie 
and then moved away. 

Andrew Rupp was the third son of George Rupp. 
He was born in Upper Macungie, March 26, 1760. 
He served for four years with distinction in the Rev- 
olutionary war. He was a carpenter by trade. He 
at first lived near Chapman's Station, Upper Macun- 
gie, but moved to Weissenberg, and lived for twenty- 
one years where the present village of Seipstown is. 
He was married to Anna Maria Hoffman, and was 
blessed with seven children, viz. : Andrew, John. 
Solomon, Emanuel, Catharine > married to Daniel 
(.'hristman . Hetty i married to Wieder), and Mrs. 
Kelchner. 

A ndrew Rupp, Jr., the oldest son of Andrew Rupp, 
Sr., was born in Upper Macungie, April 4, 1784. He 
Was ii carpenter by trade. He was married to Mag- 
dalena Muthard, and was blessed with three' chil- 
dren, viz.: Catharine who died single], Solomon, 
and Maria i who died single). 

John Rupp, second son of Andrew Rupp, was 
twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Hart- 
man. This union was blessed with two children, 
viz.: Anna ' married to Joseph Kuhn- and Judith 
(married to I-rael Benner). After the death of his 
first wife he married Catharine Wieand, by whom he 
had one son, mimed Daniel. John Rupp was a gun- 
smith bv trade. 



Solomon Hupp, third son of Andrew Rupp, Sr., 
lived in W< ow rjghip. II penter 

bj trade. He was never married. He lived with 

ISamer. With his death is connected a 
tery which probably will never be explained. He 
was out one night, and the nexl morning when Mr. 
Barner rani. mnd him lying on the 

thrashing-floor at the point of death. Several bun- 
dles of straw lying close to him which had slipped 

from the loft suggested the idea that he had fallen 
from that place, but on examination it was discovered 
that his watch and pocket-book were missing, an 
indication that he had been robbed. 
Emanuel Rupp, youngest son of Andrew Rupp, 

lived in Lynn township. He was Maria 

I tanner, of Weissenberg, and had four children, viz. : 
-non. John, 1 'atharine. and Maria. 
Solomon Rupp, son of Andrew Rupp, Jr., was born 
in Lowhill township, Feb. 15, 1813. He was married 
to Maria Kiev, a daughter of Peter Frey and his 
wife, Maria Barbara (Moser). Solomon Rupp lived 
in Weissenberg township. In his youth he learned 
the carpenter's trade, ai which he worked for a con- 
siderable time, but later he engaged in farming, lie 
lost his life at Allentown on the 5th of February, 
1854, while engaged in loading coal from a large 

heap in one of the coal yard- of that place. He 
had eight children, viz.: William, John, Beni 
Louisa E., Solomon F., Sallie Anna. Henry 1 
Alvin. William, the oldest son of Solomon Rupp, 
graduated at Franklin and Marshall College, and 
then studied theology at the Mercereburg Theolog- 
ical Seminary, was ordained as a Reformed minister, 
and is located at Manchester, Md. John, the second 
son, studied at Franklin and Marshall College, and 
later at the Allentown Seminary, then studied law 
in the office of the Hon. Adam Woolever, of Allen- 
town, and is now engaged in the practice of his pro- 
les-ion at Allentown. Benjamin attended the Allen- 
town Seminary, also the academies at Quakertown 
and Carversville, read law, but died of typhoid fever 
before he was admitted to practice. Louisa K. is 
married to Benjamin Fri< s, and lives in Weissenberg 
township. Solomon F. studied at Palatinate Co 
Myerstown, Pa., and i- engaged in leaching school 
and farming in Weissenberg. Henry F. attended 
the Kulpsville Academy, and is now engagi 
farming and teaching school in Weissenberg. Sallie 
Anna died young. Alvin studied at Palatinate Col- 
li je, Myerstown. During the last two years he has 
had charge of the Macungie High School. He now 
lives in Upper Saucon. John Rupp. the youngest 
son of George Rupp, was born in Upper Macungie, 
July 2, 1762. He married A. Fleckser's daughter, 
and moved away. 

Nicholas Gehringerwas born in Alsace, on 11 
of June, 1720. He was a Bon of Jo-t Gehringer and 
his wife Abolom, and was of French descent. He 
came to this country in 1750, and was sold to Michael 



■I.-.I 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Fisher, of Berks County, lor the payment of his pas- 
He afterwards worked for Mr. Fishei forwages. 
On the 18th of May, 1781, he bought tin- farm called 
" Partnership," containing one hundred and eighty- 
six acres, from Michael Fisher, who had obtained it 
by virtue of a warrant dated Dec. 6, 1 7 - > •' '. . Nicholas 
Gehringer married M:iri<- Schuarm, and had eight 
children, viz.: Peter, Elizabeth, John, Andrew, Se- 
bastian, William, Maria, and Regina. Nicholas Gehr- 
inger -"hi hi- property April 14, L794, to li is sons, 
Peter and John. Pete) Gehringer married Eva Batts, 
and had three children, viz.: John, Elizabeth (mar- 
ried to Henry Kramlich), and Catharine married to 
I in inger's daughter Eliza- 

beth married a Wagner. His son John was married 
to Maria Herring. They had no children. Andrew 
Gehringer and Sebastian Gehringer went to Berks 
County, married, and -rilled 1 here. William married 
and settled in Weissi nberg. Peter Gehringer and 
John Gehringer sold their property to Peter's son, 
John, — one part in 1830 and the other in 1842. John 
Gehringer was married to Sarah Greenawald, and had 
three children, viz. : Daniel, Jones, and Sallie, who 
is married to Jacob Hartman. Of these Daniel has 
the homestead, Jones is deceased, and Sallie lives in 
Lowhill. William Gehringer's children are Jones, 
John (deceased), Joseph, William, Henry, Joel, 
Daniel, Polly (married to Gideon Schneck), Mary 
(married to Jones Herbert), and Juliana (deceased, 
who was married to Aaron Mover). 

Leonard Danner came early to Weissenberg, and 
bought the farm on Silver Creek, about halt a mile 
northwest from the present village of New Smithville. 
This farm had been granted by virtue of different 
warrants, one dated March 20, 1752, and another 
dated March 19, L753, and another dated Dec. 2, 1766, 
to William Weirich. Leonard Danner had seven 
children, viz. : Jacob, John, George, Judith, Polly 
i married to Emanuel Rupp), Catharine (married to 
an Arnold), and another one married to a man 
named Tilghman. Danner sold his farm to Jacob 
Danner, in 1815. Jacob sold it in 1820 to Peter 
Lichty, and moved to Buffalo Valley, and later to 
Ohio. John Danner moved to Allentown. George 
Danner was a blacksmith by trade. He bought a 
tract of land adjoining his lather's, and later bought 
a large portion of what had been formerly his lather's 
farm from Peter Lichty. He was married to Catha- 
rine Barner, and had four children, viz. : Charles, who 
has his lather's homestead: George, who is living at 
Allentown; Catharine, now deceased, who was mar- 
ried to Joseph Bear; and Lucy, who was married to 
Daniel Kuhns. 

Christian Seiberling was of German origin. He 
came from Wiirtemberg about 1750, and settled in 
Allemangel, now in Weissenberg township, on the 
property now owned by John Kline. II. had a son 
named Fred, rick and several daughters, one named 
Catharine, born April 22, 1772. and another named 



Anna Maria, born Nov. ti, 1771. Frederick Seiber- 
Was married, and had five children, vi/. : John, 

Christian, Peter, Jones, and Elizabeth, married to 
Peter Haas. John Seiberling lived at Lynnville, in 
Lynn township. He was for a long time postmaster 

at that place, and was the oldest postmaster in the 
United States. He was married to a Miss Bear, and 
had ten children, viz. : Mary married to David Mosi 
Joshua, Nathan, Peter, James, William, John, Han- 
nah (married to Isaac Herman), Amelia married to 
Abraham Smith , and Sarah (married to David 
Bleiler). 

Christian Seiberling married Magdalena Stump. 
lie lived on a farm through which Lyon Creek ran, 
and on which was a saw-mill of which he was the 
manager for many years. He had one daughn 
named Rachel, who married Levi Lichtenwallner, 
with whom he moved to Lower Macungie, when- he 
died some time ago. 

Peter Seiberling married and had two children, — 
John F. and Julian. John studied medicine, and 
practiced at Hamburg for the greater part of his life. 
In his later years he moved to Philadelphia, where 
be died several years ago. 

Jones Seiberling married Rebecca Greenewald, and 
had three children. 

Joshua Seiberling, son of John Seiberling, married, 
in 1833, Catharine Moser. He bought what was then 
Schaller's Hotel, at what is now Seiberlingsville, and 
had a store as well as a tavern there. He was several 
times elected as justice of the peace, and served as 
postmaster at Seiberlingsville for a period of almost 
fifty years. He was strongly in favor of the common- 
school system, and urged its adoption in the township. 
After its adoption he was appointed as one of the first 
school directors, and did his best to give the schools a 
good start. He is the father of twelve children, viz. : 
Amanda, who died single; Sarah, who was married 
to Tilghman Mink, died at Clarence, Iowa; Rose, 
married to Henry Grim, lives at Clarence, Iowa; 
Milton, who was employed in the army during the 
war of the Rebellion, died at the mouth of the White 
River, in Arkansas; Mary, married to William Gross- 
cup, lives at Germansville, Lehigh Co.; Frederic, 
studied medicine, and is located in the practice of his 
profession at Lynnville; Henry M., who was in the 
army during the war of the Rebellion, lives in Mis- 
souri; Ellen, who died single; Joshua, who studied 
medicine and practices at Hynemansville; Emma, 
married to Dr. W. K. Kistler, lives at Germansville, 
Lehigh Co.; Lila, married to Ed. Lobach, of Phila- 
delphia; and Ida, married to Lavinus Holben, lives 
at Saegersville, Lehigh Co.; Nathan Seiberling, mar- 
ried to Catharine Peter, went West ; Peter Seiberling, 
married Catharine; Hartman, moved to Schuylkill 
( 'ounty, kept a hotel several miles from Tamaqua, and 
died in 1883; Jones Seiberling married Sarah Moser, 
and went West; William died young. 

John Seiberling married FJiza Greenewald. He 



WEISSENBERG TOWNSHIP. 



455 



served one term as recorder of deeds for Lehigh 
County, and is now i n the coal business at 

A llentown. 
Philip Wendel Klein came from German; prior to 

1750. ll' sett ed n \\ nberg township, on a farm 

about :i mile northeast from 'he present village of 
Seipstown, for which ho obtained a warrant in 
and -ol. I it to his boh, John .1.' >v. I". 1761. 

Philip Wendel Klein had a number of children, 
among whom wen John Jacob, John \.lam. ami 
Peter John Jacob Kline bad hi- father's homestead, 
which he sold April 1, 1769, to Marks Pontius, and 
moved to Salisbury township. John Adam Kline, in 
1761, bought from Peter Krunt the property originally 
Bettled by him, and now known as the Bear farm, 
ed on I "i Creek, about a mile above Lyon 
Valley. John Adam Kline bad this property till 
177::, when he sold it to Adam Lear, and moved to 
Salisbury township. Peter Kline was born in 1711. 
In 1763 he married Margaret Stealer. He had four 
sons, viz., Lorentz, Henry, Jacob, and Jonathan. 
Peter Kline bought from Philip Kleinert a farm situ- 
ated in the southern part of the township, and con- 
taining two hundred and sixty acres. Peter Kline, 
being a miller by trade, soon erected a mill on his 
property. In 1803 he sold a part of his farm, in- 
cluding the mill, to his son Lorentz. and the re- 
mainder to .Ion.-. Lorentz Kline was born Nov. 12, 
177".. He was married to Ma;:dalena Knau--, hut 

had no children. He was for many years the owner 
and proprietor of Kline's mill. He died June 1(5, 
1868. Jacob Kline went to Lowhill, and bought a 
mill property on Jordan Creek, about a mile below 
Weidasville. The mill is now known as Schlicher's. 
Jacob Kline had fourteen children, viz.. Jacob, Maria, 

Jones, Charles, Joseph, Sarah. Catharine, Hetty, 
Samuel, David, Hannah, Susan, Solomon, and Mary. 
Of these Charles came to Weissenberg, and lived with 
his uncle, Lorentz Kline, whose property he received, 
and upon which he still lives. Jonathan Kline was 
born June 18, 1783. He married Anna Maria YVeiler. 
He obtained his father's homestead, where he died 
Aug. 29, 1868. He left four children, — James, Anna, 
Eliza, and Mary. 

Daniel Stettler and his wife Catharine came Iron. 
Alsace about 174".. In 17-">7 he bought a tl 
land from Peter Stimble. In 17-">ri he bought an ad- 
joining tract from Jacob Suitor, and in 1766, by a 
warrant, obtained another tract, the three tracts to- 
gether making one hundred and fifty-sis acres, situated 

near Hynemansville, Weissenberg township, being 

the property now parti} owned by Jonathan Sander. 
Daniel Stettler was a weaver by trade. He hail three 

children, viz., Eeinrich, Philip, and Catharine, who 

was married to David Xander. Heinrieh Stettler 

moved to Allentown. Philip Stettler was a weaver by 
trade. Hi- bought from Jacob Stine a farm near the 
present village of Seipstown, now owned in part by 

David Stettler and by Levi Stettler. Philip Stealer's 



-on- were Philip, Abraham, Daniel, and \i, 
Philip setthd in Weisf id four sons, viz., 

Nathan, Heinrieh, Philip, and Jones. Abraham 
i settled in Weissenberg, .■ a part of 

property . His Amandus, who 

taught school for a Dumber ol years in various parts 

own-hip : David, w ihool- 

teacher in his time: Levi, who i- a carpenti 
trade; Abraham, .lame-, ami William. 01 

David, Levi, and Abraham are living in Wi 

Daniel Stettler settled in Weissenberg. lb 

Elias, Jacob, John, Daniel, Benjamin, and Thomas, 

of wl i noil W living in the town-hip. An- 

drew Si led in Weissenberg. He left a num- 

ber of children, among whom were two sons, -Aaron 
and \ Of tins,, the former lives in Weissenberg, 

and the latter in Lowhill. 

Jacob Barner was of German de-cent, lie came 
tu Weissenbergin 1768, and bought the property which 
had be. n granted by virtui oi a warrant dated April 
5, 1748, unto Adam Mengel. Jacob Barner had three 
children, one son and two daughters. His Son's name 
was Michael. He bought his father's property April 
7, 1795. Michael had se\,-n children, viz., Catharine 
(married to George Danner . Nathan, George, Lydia 
(married to Solomon Bartz), Elizabeth (married to 
Henry Reitz . Leah (married to Isaac Levan . and 
Gedion. Nathan Barner married Maria Leibelspi 
He moved to Whitehall. He bad five children, viz., 
Harri-on who keeps the Sun Hotel in Salisbury), 
David (in Lower Macungie, win. served one term as 
county commissioner), .lame-. Stephen i who went 
to Salisbury), and Caroline (first married to 
Guth, but now the wife of llilarius Kennel). 

George Barner married .Maria Gackenbach, and set- 
tled on a farm oeai New Smithville, in the southern 

part of the township. He had four children, viz., 
David who lives at Allentown), Mary .who wa- mar- 
ried to Levi Walbert, and lives near Hynemans- 
ville), Amelina (married to Henry Siegfried , and 
Emily (married to Edwin Werly . Gedion Barner 
lives on the homestead. He is the youngest -on of 
Michael Barner, and the only one who is yet living. 

married to Hannah Bear, a daughter o: 
Bear. Gedion Barner ha- five children living, viz.. 
William, Amanda married to Benjamin Grim), 
Elmena imarried to Solomon Mohr\ Phaon, and 
Francis. 

Rev. Johann Heinrieh Helffrich, tin- progenitor of 
the Helffrich family in this county, landed a 
York on the 14th of January, 1772. He in company 
with bis step-brother, Rev. Albert Conrad Helffen- 
stein, and Rev. J. G. Gebhard, wen- sent to America 

as missionaries by the Synod of Holland to i 

establish the Reformed church. Lev. Helffrich was 
born t >ct. 22, 1739, in Moszbach-on the-Neckar, Palati- 
nate. His lather. Johann Petei Helffrich, was burgo- 
n Moszbach, a bailiwick of the Palatinate, and 
bis mother was Anna Margaretha, born Dietz. The 



f 



156 



BISTORY OF LEHICII COr.NTV. PENNSYLVANIA. 



II. Iffrich family dates from 150 V..D., and weri 
COrding to the Vienna family records of old nobility, 
living near the present Wiirzburg, where its Castle 

Berneck al 1. The ancestor of the family was 

known as Baldwin von Helffrich, and was duke and 
i of the Vangions, a tribeofthe Franks. Johann 
11. llrlil'ii.li was appointed by the Reformed Synod 
in preside over the congregations now in Heidelberg, 
Lynn, Weissenberg, Lowhill, Maxatawny, Long- 
swamp, l pper Milford, and others. He first lived in 
k'ut/.town, Berks Co. One year later, on Nov. 3, 1773, 
he was married to Miss Maria Magdalena Sassamanns- 
hausen, a daughter of Andreas Sassamannsbausen, 
■ it Maxatawny, Berks Co. UN father-in-law pre- 
sented bino witb a farm, on which he lived up to his 
deatb. His farm waslocated in Weissenberg township, 
to the left of Helffrichsville. From this point he pre- 
sided over the congregations Maxatawny, De Long, 
Lowhill, Weissenberg, Heidelberg, Longswamp, Zie- 
gel's, Upper Milford, Trexlertown, and Lynn. On the 
5th of December, INlu. as 1 [elll'rieh was about mount- 
inir bis horse to visit the sick widow of Rev. Lehman, 
be was stricken with apoplexy and died the same 
day, having reached the age of seventy-one years, one 
month, and thirteen days. In Europe he served 
eleven, and in America thirty-eight, years in the min- 
istry. In America be baptized five thousand eight hun- 
dred and thirty, and confirmed four thousand. Helf- 
frich was the first ordained minister in this section, 
and brought his congregations under the rules of the 
old Coetus. lit was blessed with twelve children; 
five died young. His oldest son, Johann Heinrich, 
was elected justice of the peace of Weissenberg, lived 
near the old homestead, and died in 1830. Daniel 
became a merchant also near the old home. His store 
was the principal one in Weissenberg township for 
many years ; he died in 1854. Samuel, the youngest 
son, became partowner of Balliet's Furnace, in Heidel- 
berg ; he died in 1830. Elizabeth, the oldest daughter, 
was married to Peter Hain, a farmer in Maxatawny ; 
died without issue. The second daughter, Maria G., 
was married to Conrad Knerr, of Lowhill, Claussville. 
The third daughter, Lydia, was married to Benjamin 
Schmidt, a farmer of Mucungie. 

The Rev. Johannes Helffricb was the third son of 
Rev. Johann H. Helffrich. He was born Jan. 17, 
L795, in Weissenberg. At this time the Reformed 
Church in America had no college nor seminary. All 
candidates for the ministry were obliged to study 
under private instruction, in 1805, when he was hut 

ten years old, he began the classical studies under his 
father's tuition, and continued till his lather died, 
after which he studied under the Lev. Dr. S. Helllen- 
stein, of Philadelphia, I Ielllrich's cousin. In 1811, 
when Helffrich went to Helffenstein, he was accom- 
panied by seven students, who also were fitting them- 
selves for the ministry, viz., Martin Brunuer, J. 
[bach, J. Scholl, .1. Weinbrenner, Daniel Zellers, 
John Zuilch, and A. Haaszberger. The student- of 



Dr. Helffenstein were obliged to join the old tier- 
mania Society of Philadelphia, in which they took 
active pari. Helffrich continued his studies till 1816, 

when he was examined and licensed at New Holland 

by the Synod of thai year. Aim th< death of the 
Rev. Helffrich, Sr., the consistory of his congregations 

met and decided that the young 1 1 elll'rieh w a.- to take 

his father's place as soon as he had finished Ids Btudies. 
Rev.H. Diefenbacb was accepted to serve the con- 
gregation pro tempore. \\uv Helffrich, dr.. was 
licensed Diefenbacb left the charge, and Helffrich 

was elected as their pastor. He served the Zeigel, 

Longswamp, Lowhill. and Weissenberg,- one con- 
gregation, — Heidelberg and Ebenezer. The rest of 

the "Id charge were formed in a new charge. Helf- 
frich labored in this field up to his death. April 2, 
1852. Helffricb bought a home in his younger years 
about one mile from the old homestead, near Hyne- 
mansville. On April lit, 1818, he was married to 
Miss Salome Schantz, daughter of Jacob Schantz, at 
the spring of the Cedar Creek. 

In his time fell two current movements which 
claimed his attention, viz., the Free Synod, a schism 
in the Reformed Church, and homoeopathy. The 
Free Synod he fought with all his power, denouncing 
them as rebels. In 1830, Dr. Wossi Ihoeft and Dr. 
Hering heralded homoeopathy into Lehigh County. 
Helffrich accepted the new science ardently, proved 
many remedies, and cured many cases. His oldest 
sod, Henry, graduated at a Philadelphia allopathic 
college, but afterwards studied homoeopathy, and at 
this writing is practicing his profession in Allentown. 
Helffrich baptized four thousand five hundred and 
ninety-one, confirmed two thousand five hundred, 
married one thousand, and buried twelve hundred 
persons during his ministry. 

Rev. William A. HelfTrich, D.D., second and young- 
est son of Rev. Johannes Helffrich, followed the pro- 
fession of his father. He was born Aug. 20, 1827, in 
Weissenberg. After finishing his studies, in 1845, he 
was examined and ordained by the Classis of East 
Pennsylvania, and placed as his father's assistant. In 
1852, after the death of his father, the charge elected 
him as their pastor. On Aug. 1, 1852, he was married 
to Miss Amanda H., daughter of Solomon Fogel, Esq. 
He moved to Fogelsville, being more central to his 
charge. Dr. John Helffrich and Dr. Calvin Helffrich, 
two sons of Rev. William A. Helffrich, are practicing 
homoeopathy in Fogelsville. 

Rev. Nevin A. Helffrich, the second son of Rev. 
William A. Helffrich, was born May 4, 1855; gradu- 
ated in Heidelberg College and in the Theological 
Seminary of Ursinus College. In 1879 he was exam- 
ined by the East Pennsylvania Classis, licensed, and 
appointed as his father's assistant. 

David Xander was a son of George Xander, of 
Whitehall, and a weaver by trade. He married Cath- 
arine Stettler, and received her father's homestead in 
1785. His children were Deobald, who received the 



WEISSENBERG TOWNSHIP. . 



157 



homestead ; David, who went to Whitehall ; I Daniel, 
who settled in Weiss* 1 1- my, who went to ECutz- 

town; Peter, to Penn'e Vallej ' to Mertztown; 

and Joseph, who settled in Greenwich. Deobald San- 
- children are Jonathan, who married Mollie Schu- 
macher, and received his father's h I >ewald, 
who went to Union Countj ; Jesa now deceased 
Lynn township; and Charles and Peter, who live in 
< arboc County, Jonathan Sander's children 
Jonathan, who has his father's homestead ; Mary 
Anna, now deceased, but was married to Jones 
Kreesly; Sarah Amanda, married to Jefferson Hol- 
ben; and Priscilla, married t<' Henry Frey. 

erick Hyneman, win* figured at one time con- i 
siderably in the history of Weissenberg, was an I ; 
lishman by birth. Be came from Philadelphia, and 
was married to Catharine Kline, of that city. He 
lei t Philadelphia in 17'.t:;. on account of the yellow 
fever, and went to Lancaster, and from thence came 
to Weissenberg, and bought out Mr. Bobst, at Byne- 
mansville. Frederick Byneman had eight children, 
— George, John, Frederick, Jacob. Kitty, Elizabeth, 
Sallie, and Mary. George, oldest son of Frederick 
Byneman, had three children, — John, William, and 
Elnora. They all lived in Philadelphia. Geo 
Byneman served for many years as school-teacher in 
Weissenberg and the surrounding townships. Be was 
one of the first teachers who taught English in this 
township. John Hyneman married at Reading and 
remained there. Frederick married at Reading and 
moved t" All en town. Be had two sons, — Augustus 
and Charles. Jacob died single. Kitty married a Mr. 
Goodman, of Philadelphia, and lived there. Eliza- 
beth died single. Sallie married Jacob Kramlich and 
had fourteen children. They lived for many year- 
near Bynemansville, in Weissenberg, but then moved 
t<> < >hio, except their son, George, who lived at Long- 
swamp, and Kitty, who had married Charles Weigh- 
net. Mary married Conrad Ihrie, of Philadelphia. 
They lived at Philadelphia until the death of Mr. 
Ihrie. when she came to 1 1 vnemansville. with her 
children. They had five children, viz. : Charles, 
Eliza, Catharine, Edmund, and Ann Louisa. 

Charles Hire went to Kentucky, married there, and 
came back to Allen town and was elected as sheriff* of 
Lehigh County, lie had one child, a daughter, 
named Mary Elizabeth. Eliza Ihrie married Robert 
Wallace, oi Easton. They had five children, — Dr. 
Frederick A., George, Amanda, William, and Kitty. 
Dr. Frederick A. Wallace married Mary Elizabeth 
Ihrie. daughter of Conrad Ihrie ; practiced medicine 
for a while at Bynemansville, and had a store at the 
e place; served as justice of the peace of Weis- 
Benberg. In 1850 he moved to Philadelphia, and later 
t<» Fox Lake, Wis., where he is now living, fieorirc 
Wallace went to California. Amanda lives at St. 
Paul, Minn. William died single. Kitty married 
Charles Lee, of Philadelphia, and now lives at St. 
Paul, Minn. Catharine Ihrie married Nicholas De 



Pew, B merchant of Ka-ton. Edmund Ihrie married 

i Mutterhard and lived at Bynemansville. 
Ann Louise Ihrie married John Leiser, of Schuylkill 
County, who moved to Bynemansville and kept the 
tavern there from L850 to l 356. 

Residents in 1781. — The com North- 

ampton County on Dec. 27, 1781, made the following 
cent for the township' of Weissenberg, which 
-hows who were then its taxable inhabitai 



Michael i 

■ 

John Bare. 

i man. 
I 

Bowermao. 

1 man. 
i rhristian Bra i 
Qodfrej ' 

\ : 1 1 ii i '■ 

Christian Itoger. 
Jacob Bawall. 

Bemer. 
Nicholas Bi.-" 
Conrad Beeainger. 
Philip Benninghofl 

. Bapp. 
John l '■■■ 
John Del 
Btofle Dn 
■ 
Adam Peel. 

le Ettinger. 
Baitser Frits. 
George Fritz. 

Fry. 

John Foch. 
John Fitter. 
William Fry. 
Jacob Greene". lid 

.Tolin (iachenbach. 
Nicholas Gisinger. 
Valentine Gramlich. 
Pan] i .i Bmlich. 

I iackenhach. 

Holby. 
Jacob Hoi by, Jr. 
Dnwalt Holby. 

Frederick Hi rah. 

George Helfrkh. 
John Jompert 

George Kiim. 
Jacob Krim. 

Conrad ; 
John E 

Seine. 



Christian K 

Jonathan Kuouse. 

Geor^ 

Jacob Shoewalter. 



Kilt/. 

■ 
Danii 

I I 
I 

*ter. 
Kroh. 
John Lichtenwalder. 
1 -larger. 

t i?e Lettsig. 
Killlan Lii 
John Maurer. 
Jacob Mnagennng. 
< Ihristian Martrarger. 
Henrj 

Valentine Killer. 
Le< ' i 

Nicholas Uyer. 
George NuDf 
1 Neff. 
Henry Notttine. 
Georg-- Richard. 
Ulchael Bisbel. 
Leonard Huppert. 
Uelcholr Selp. 
Abraham Bteinbi neb, 
George Shorn. 
John Sieger. 
Christian Siebeiling. 
Daniel Stealer. 
Philip BtetUer. 
-• David Zander. 
s Michael Shaller. 
John Shafer. 
Stofie Sterner. 
John Sbieferatein. 

Poter Trexler. 

Peter Trexl ■ 
Peter Weiss. 
George Wi I 
Sebastian Werle. 
Nicholas Werle. 
Andrew \\ 
Daniel Wirth. 

n irth. 

\V 1 1 1 

olil Eberhard. 
Jacob E low. 

Michael Werle. 
Henry Herl'-t . 

Single Frtem- n. 

Jacob Eddinger. 

Boger. 



Daniel K noiise is BJBSesaed nine p< iun 

paid >i\ pounds; all other- for lower amounts. 

The Taxable Residents of 1812 were as fol- 
low- : 



I> 



BISTORT OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Daniel \ 

Michael \ 

kcker. 

i. Jr. 

Peter Bear. 

Jacob !■ 

■ ■ 
l ;. .l! 
Adam K 

1 L I II f I . 

Philip Bobet 
Paul Bachman. 
Nicholas Bachman. 
-V t j ■ 1 1 1 aa Bachman. 
Peter Bachman. 
Mil bael Barner. 
Nicholas Bachman. 

Bachman. 
Jacob Billlg. 
Henry Reichard. 
< 'h i iatiaii Boger. 
i ihristiarj Boger, Jr. 
Aduni Boger. 
Henry Derr. 
John Dei ' 
Jacob Derr. 
Nicholas Derr. 
Leonard 1 >ei i 
David Eberhard. 
Jacob Edinger. 
Daniel Falk. 
Solomon Falk. 
Mathiae Falk. 
Jacob l'reih. 
George Froth. 

Abmham I-V-n.str-riti;i< h'-i 

Jacob Gachenbach. 
Jacob Geho. 
George Lorance. 
Paul Kramlicb, Jr. 
Ludwig Kachenbach, 
Gideon Grimm. 
Paul Kramlicb. 
Jacob Kramlicb, 
Abraham i rreenewald. 
Christian Greenewald. 
Jacob Gi iniiu. 
George Grimm. 
1 larlner. 
John i iariner. 
Charles Gachenbach. 
Henry Halfrich. 
Daniel Malfrich. 
Henry Hublor. 

Di i Hase. 

John Hartman. 
Peter Hartman. 
Friederlch Hope, 
Frledei Ich Hagneman. 
Andreas Hartman. 
Philip Hartman. 
Pel i i [olweln. 
Jacob Holwein, Jr. 
Laurence Holwein. 
John Hortman. 
cinihiiari Holwein, 
John Henry, 
Philip Hawer, 
George Heyneman 
Barnet Ji .■ i 
Adam Smith. 
Daniel Kranes. 

Jonathan KraUBS. 

Daniel Kuns. 



I leln. 

I 
■ 
Conrad k- k 

k utlll. 

Philip Kunt/. 
Kupp. 

.Li. oh R 
John Knerr, 
1 ■ 
Nicholas i hramer. 
Jacob Stahlnecker. 

i ■ !■. M akle. 
Peter \\ rommer. 
Peter Ki chi i 
Henry Kramer, 
> in ; i i.i I, i teibel. 
John Leibel. 
William Leibel. 
John I.' ibi i 
Balzer Lutz. 
Andrew Lindemutb 
Mathiae Leibelberger. 
John Lichten altei 
Jacol Llchtewalter. 
Jacob Mill'-r. 
\\ idow Merekle. 

Daniel Koj er, 

Daniel Moyer, Jr. 
Nicholas Moyer. 
\\ idow Mnthard. 
Jacob Mume. 
Peter Maurer. 
Ludwig Nolf. 
John Notestine. 
Peter Naff. 
JohnPlyler. 
Michael Plyler. 
Peter Pauley. 
Jacob Ply Lei 
Paul Plyler. 
Andrew Rupp. 
Philip Riiuch. 
IK-nry Rauch. 
Henry Reinsmith. 
Henry Reichard. 
Michael Reichard. 
Michael Rabenold. 
George Shubert. 
John Seigfried. 
Philip Statler. 
Jonathan Shoemaker. 
John Shoemaker. 
John Bauerwine. 
George Smith. 
Philip Smith. 
Jacol» Sasseman 
Frederick Sauberling. 

Anthony Stine. 

George Shoemakei . 
Michael Smith. 

Jacob Seigfried. 

John Seip. 
Daniel Shoemaker. 
Jacob Sittler. 
Christian smith. 
.Inst Shnyder. 
John Foge). 

■■ k Wilbraub. 
John Wonnemacher. 
Sa muel Welandt. 
Daniel Weiith, Jr. 
Frederick Wilbert. 

.' i ii.m Wolbert. 

Jacoi. Wolbert. 
M Ichael Worly, 
Henry Weis 



Michael Werly, Jr. 
Andreas Werly. 
Nicholas Werly. 

Christian W. 
Valentine Werly. 
Daniel Wurth. 

Andrew Wagener. 



Daniel E 
Solomon Kupp. 
Philip Rauch. 
1 
Michael Werly. 



Nicholas Wilt. 

Dewald Sander. 
Daniel £ai I 
Henry Xander. 
Peter Zimmerman. 

, Old. 
Geor^ 

■ 

■ . : .. mder. 

Pi tei Saubei Ifng. 

1 ■ ! II. 

William < !< I 

Reuben Selicb. 
George Beiltch. 



History of the Ziegel Church. 1 — On the south 
side of the Blue Mountains extends, parallel with the 

mountain range, a strip of mountainous land known 
as the " Gravel," which begins al the Delaware River 
in New Jersey, and intersected by the Lehigh and 

Schuylkill Rivers, reaches far into Lebanon County. 

Strictly speaking, this range is more hilly than 
mountainous, and its dales distribute the pureai springs 
and rivulets in all directions. In some places, as 
in Weissenberg, Lowhill, Lynn, and Heidelberg, in 
Lehigh County, where it includes these townships, ii 
is from thirteen to fourteen miles broad, at other 
places it narrows its borders to near the Blue Moun- 
tain. On its southern border it blunts into the beau- 
tiful valley known by the Indians as " Kittatinny," 
which reaches to another chain of mountains, known 
as the Lehigh Mountains. This large and fertile 
valley, which partly includes Northampton, Lehigh, 
Berks, and Lebanon Counties, is the richest and most 
beautiful in Pennsylvania. However, the "Gravel" 
surpasses it in springs, excellent water, and forest. 

When the first German Reformed and Lutheran 
emigrants came from Philadelphia by way of Ger- 
mantown, they went farther north, because the 
Quakers, through William Perm's instigation, had 
purchased the lands near Philadelphia; and wishing 
to he independent of these sects, and anxious to or- 
ganize a colony according to their own peculiar faith, 
they moved more to the interior of the country, 
founded Oley, Goshenhoppen, and other settlements; 
and from there started again, crossing the Lehigh 
Mountain, and arrived in the Kittatinny Valley early 
in the thirties of the last century. Yet fertile and 
grand as the valley was, these Swiss and Palatinates 
were saxifrages and not a1 home on level land, 
besides the present productive fields of wheat, and 
corn; and iron-mines were then a wild of shrub oak 
and other shrubbery, and lacked springs and water. 
Not finding the valley homogeneous to their earlier 
surroundings they wandered to the "Gravel." where 
were large forests, springs, and plenty of good water. 
Here in the dales where the rivulets riffled, where 
wood was in abundance, and especially lined by these 
hills and ravines which reminded them of the Father- 



' Written in German bj Rev. William A. Helffricb, and translated by 
James L. Schaadt, Esq. 



weissexhkin; township. 



459 



land, thej founded tlieir new homes. For this reason 
tlie "Gravel," with its Btony soil, was settled earlier 
than the valley with its atoneless and rich soil, now 
known as Macungie and Maxatawny townships, which 
the emigrants passed to reach the "Gravi Latei 

when other colonists came and settled in the valley, 
the rirh soil was appreciated, and a few families, Buch 
as the Fogels and others, moved back, taking in pos- 
session free land or bought sections. 

The tii>t emigration in Lehigh was in the v 

part of the county in Weissenberg, Lynn, and lleidel- 

and became the foundation of the Long Swamp 

congregation in Berks County, the Ziegel, VViessen- 

Lowhill, Ebenezer, and Heidelberg in Lehigh 

7, and Allemangel again in Berks County. 

In the years 1734 and L" oe still earlier, — 

several emigrant trains came from Oley and Goshen- 
hoppen to the Kittatinny Valley by the Indian path 
rig the Lehigh Mountain, through the Ritten- 
house Gap. Another Indian path lea. Is across the 
mountain more east, near Zionsville, in Dpper Mil- 
ford. Some of these emigrants settled in Long Swamp, 
Others moved north to the gravel region as far as the 
Schochary Ridge and surrounding country, where 
they became known as the "Allemangel settlement." 
From the Long Swamp Church across the valley lii 9 
the "Gravel." This highland forms itself through 
Weissenberg and Lynn townships towards the Schoch- 
ary hills in another ridge, over which was also a well- 
trodden Indian path. This ridge divides and forms 
the water-sheds of the Lehigh and Schuylkill Rivers. 
From it the summit of Lehigh County opens many 
dales and ravines which gradually sink deeper, form- 
ing high hanks covered with heavy timber and excel- 
lent creeks, which contribute on the right side to the 
Jordan, and on the left to the Antalaunee. The emi- 
grants followed this summit, and were attracted bj de- 
fine forests and clear water, which accounts for the 
early settlements of Weisscubcrg. Lynn, and the Ki-t 
lcr's and Antalaunee Valleys. Each following year 
brought small and largertrains of emigrants which en- 
larged and strengthened the colonies. The territory 
ot the Ziegel Church lay between the extremes of 
Long Swamp and Lynn, and especially where this 
summit begins. The ridge here inclines obliquely 
into the valley, and forms, towards northeast, the little 
valley of Macungie. with a creek bearing the same 

name, which gave the name to both the Mai 

township-. Toward the west of the Ziegel church 

extends another small valley from the north inclining 
to the large valley towards the southeast, forming the 

and Haas Knob. On the ridge dividing these 
two valleys stands the Ziegel Church. Many of the 

emigrants settled on the slopes and dales of the ridge 

on which the church stands, and built their log cabins 
pear springs and creeks. Hence, early in the begin- 
ning of the last century thi il the Ziegi 
negation was caused, making it one of the old. • 
gregations in the county. 



The proper organization of !l, in was 

i iii the year 171".. The church property was 
bought a few years later, and the building of the 
church occurred even later. In the mean wh 

• re held in the houses of the members, where 
sermons were read bj the schoolmaster, and 
ally by a minister from a dis I;. .Inn. 

The old church record registers baptisms in the thir- 
last century. In 1717 the Rev. Michael 
Schlatter visited the Ziegel Church on his missionary 
travels to thi German Reformed congregations of 
Pennsylvania, also the Maxatawny in Oley. and 

in Whitehall. The Ziegel i then called Ma- 
cungie) and the Allemangel (E 

gation in Kistler's Valley, was a Lutheran Church), 

unalzgasz. (tin- congregation of Salisbury town- 

township) were classed Oj Schlatter a- I 

pastoral charge. Having no church building and no 

minister for the iir-; ten year-, a pastor from a dis- 
tance came to administer the com nion. In this 

way the members had also requested Rev. Mr. Schlat- 
ter to visit them, and through his instigation i 
the erection of a church building. Rev. Bohm, per- 
suaded by Schlatter, accepted their invitation. 

In 174'.* the congregation met Ell red to build 

their first church. It was built of rough logs, with no 
floor and without any pretence. July 2'.'. 1750, the 
church was dedicated by the Rev. Philipp Jacob Mi- 
chael, Reformed minister, and Rev. Jacob Friederich 
Schertlein, Lutheran minister, as a ['nion t'lmrchfor 
the Reformed and Lutheran-. 

Among the families that organized the con:' 
i i. .ii were Adam Braus, Ludwig Reichard, Bernhard 
Schmidt, Nicolaus Mayer, l'eter Haas, Jorcb Sehaefer, 
Karl Oorn, Urban Friebel, Johann Merkel, Daniel 
Krau.-z. Michael Hotz, Johannes Hergerether, Egitti 
cus Grimm, Zacharias Heller, Friedricb Windisch, 
Adam Weber, Georg Bayer, Johann N. Gift, 
Wendel Zimmermann, Michael Old, Heinrich ' I 
bach, Melchior Ziegler, Philipp Breinig, Peter Heim- 
bach, Bartholomaus Miller, Georg A. Leibensp 
Jacob Kuntz., Albrecht Himmel, David Muszf 
Michael Contort, Ate: - -amanshausen, Georg 

Schumacher, Melchior Seib, Heinrich Miller, Johan- 
nes Vogel, Jacob Rummel, Johannes Hermann, Con- 
rath Neil'. Johannes Heider, Adam Schmidt. Philipp 
Wendel Klein, Johannes Bar, Jacob Goho, Franz 
Wesco, Yost Schlicher, Philipp l'enstermacher, Jacob 
Acker, Georg Falk. Daniel Hettler, Jacob Weit- 
knecht, Johannes Doll. 

Three years after the church was built 
BrauSZ, in the interest of the congregation. I 
warrant of tie' tract, consisting of t . > i t > - ' 
land. In 1771 the land was. through Adam 1 
(Reformed) and . I im (Lutheran . patented to 

the congregation. The lir.-t church was of raw mate- 
rial in primitive style; the pulpit was on tri 
The church contained a rough home-made table; 
the seats were huge logs resting on blocks; thi 






160 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



w:i- covered with manufactured tiles, made bj one of 

the mbers. While the church was in course of 

construction a school-house was built. Prior to the 

scl l-house children were taught in a bouse near the 

church and also in Biegfriedsdale, three miles distant 

from the church. The first scl I bouse was burned, 

but a more substantial one took its p 

Originally the Ziegel Church was called " Macun- 
being in the immediate oeighborhood of the 
Macungie Creek and Valley. Macungie, the abbre- 
viation of the Indian word " Mauckkuntshy," -iajiii- 
fies" eating hears.'" Leaving the barren, snow-covered 
gravel, the bears sought their pasture in this valley, 
and hence its name. Rev. Schlatter records the Ziegel 
Church under the name "Macungie," and by the Srsl 
surveys it was located in that township, but in later 
surveys that part containing the church was added to 
Weissenberg. The name Ziegel was then substituted 
on account of its tile-covered roof. Dr. Harbach er- 
roneously mentions in his book, " Schlatter's Lite and 
Travels," page 160, foot-note 3, the Trexlertowu as 
the Macungie congregation. The travels of Schlatter 
into the interior of Pennsylvania occurred in 1747; 
at that time there existed no other congregation in 
Macungie except Ziegel's, and Trexlertown was not 
organized till 1784. The old Macungie congregation 
was the Ziegel. 

Jacob Friedrich Schertlein (Lutheran) and Philip]) 
.1. Michael (Reformed), the ministers who dedicated 
the first church, were the first ministers of this con- 
gregation. Schertlein was an able Lutheran minis- 
ter, and of high standing. Michael was no minister 
by profession, not even a schoolmaster, hut a weaver 
by trade. However, he was not immoral ; yet, judging 
from his handwriting, especially as he kept the records 
of the churches, his education must have been lim- 
ited. Nor was he without talent, — the members lauded 
his preaching. But he was without ordinatiou, — a 
squatter in the church. He organized more congre- 
gations in Lehigh and Berks Counties. The Michael's 
Church, in Berks, was named in honor to him. Mi- 
chael influenced his members against the Coetus 
established by Schlatter, and withstood in all re- 
spects the synodical organization of the Reformed 
Church. 

Michael's successor was Peter Miller, an equivalent 
in propensities, also unordained, yet exceeded him in 
intelligence, being a schoolmaster from Europe. He 
had settled in Allemangel, near Ebenezer (now Trip- 
oli), taught school, read sermons for the congregation 
in Lynn and Heidelberg, and finally declared himself 
minister of the gospel. A iter serving Ziegel congre- 
gation he preached in Ebenezer, and died there, and 
is buried in the cemetery of that congregation. 

Who the Lutheran ministers were who served the 
congregation from the time of Schertlein's resignation 
to 1781 is not known. Very likely there were none 
lor some years. A certain Fritz served a short time, 
lie must have been a spiritus/rumenti subject, for in 



the De Long Church he fell from the pulpit, being 
too drunk to keep his balance. 

South from the church in a dale entering Kline's 
Valley was an Indian village, quite uear the farm of 
Jesse Grimm. The Indians had a burial-place here. 

Years ago many Indian relies, such as tomahawks and 
arrows, were found. Farther down the valley near 
Breinigsville lived old Father Trexler, with whom the 
Indians were on the mosi friendly terms. Mrs. Trex- 
ler often baked bread for them and gave them small 
present-, in exchange for which they brought game 
and smoked their pipes of peace. Later, when the 
gave way to civilization, the Indians left their 
village, and occasionally returned to visit their burial- 
ground. Between 17">4 and 1763, when the Indians 
became unruly, they disturbed also Ziegel's congrega- 
tion. 

The first years of the settlers wen full of hard- 
ship and adversity, and have much interest for us 
as their descendants. Among those adversities were 
the ocean passages, finding proper locations, cabins, 
furniture, cloth, their agriculture, mode of living, 
commerce, etc. The first emigrants were persecuted 
at home. The Palatinates and the Huguenots were 
still persecuted by the Catholics. Late wars, which 
devastated Germany and impoverished its subjects, 
drove many to emigrate. The emigrants of 172u to 
1729, who mostly located in Bucks County, were as a 
rule poor. Those following later were in better cir- 
cumstances. They sold their properties in Germany 
at better prices, but when they reached the seaports at 
Amsterdam or Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, their 
capitals were much drained. Those having no money 
for the passage to America were cared for by the ship- 
owners, and on their landing in Philadelphia were 
sold as servants for the passage, and had to serve from 
five to seven years. The voyage was made by the 
slowest Holland ships, and they were packed by the 
hundreds, governed by the strictest discipline, and 
even those that had the necessary money were obliged 
to submit to the worst adversities of a sea-voyage. 

Rev. John H. Helffrich, the first ordained Reformed 
minister of the Ziegel congregation, kept a diary while 
on his voyage to America, and the following is from it. 

On Sept. 6, 1771, in company with his step-brother, 
Rev. Albert C. Helffenstein, and Rev. I. G. Gebhard, 
three missionaries for the Reformed Church in Penn- 
sylvania, appointed by the Holland Synod, sailed 
from Amsterdam. The same day, at noon, the ship 
stranded, and necessitated the assistance of another 
large vessel to relieve them. Again on the third day 
they were overtaken by a storm, and as the Texel 
was reached the storm increased so much that three 
anchors were cast. The storm lasted seven days, 
and the vessel was so disabled that they were obliged 
to sail to Newcastle for repairs. From Newcastle 
they started again, only to be overtaken by a second 
storm. On the 21st of October the ship entered the 
Channel. They encountered the severest storm, which 



WKISSENBEKti TOWNSHIP. 



161 



drifted them to the coaal of France. The ship was 
obliged to sail to Caen lor repairs again, and after sis 
days' delay again set sail. On the 4th of November 
the Atlantic was reached. T\i -- than two 

months were required from Amsterdam by way of the 
English Channel to reach the ocean. On the ocean 
they were favored for several days with good winds, 
and their voyage was prosperous. ' in November 9th 
they encountered their enemy in a new form, viz.. 
thunder-storms and water-spouts '" their right and 
left. They were drifted near the islands of Azore. 
For eight days the wind was in direct opposition to 
them. Another storm overtook them, the rudder, 
masts, and rigging were destroyed, and all hopes of 
safetj abandoned, and the vessel given its own course. 

The next week following the voyage was tedious, ami 
the provisions and water ;e( low. On the 

27th of November a hog was slaughtered, for the beef 
was eaten, and ham. bacon, and pea-, and all the flour 
was ruined by the rat-, from L'Tth of November to 
the 11th of December, after the ship-carpenter's re- 
pairs, the voyage progressed finely. A dolphin and 
several large Ssh ware caught, which added to their 
limited -tore of provisions. On the 11th of Decern U r 
another storm destroyed the mainmast, anil many of 
the sails were lost and torn. December 12th a 
second mast and the -hip-beak were broken. The 
pro-peets were gloomy. The provisions were satur- 
ated with ocean water ami unpalatable. On Decem- 
ber 25th the drinking-water was distributed in small 
quantity; each passenger received for bis share two 
and a half glasses, which included their tea or coffee 
and soup. Their thirst, owing to the saturated and 
fast-decomposing meat, became intense. A few peas 
were left, which were served twice a week with 
bacon, and four ham- were on board. They suffered 
bunger and thirst, and ten days with favorable weather 
was required to reach New York. The 1st of January 
they bailed a whaler. On January 7th storm; the 
wave- washed the deck, and took overboard the last 
hog and sty, which was kept for an emergency, llelf- 
fenstein and Gebhard and two other passengers were 
also washed overboard, but were rescued. Thi 
drifted the vessel towards -bore: bin -i\ 1 1 ays later, 
while sounding, the weight sank twelve thousand feet 
and still no bottom. The next day they sailed one 
bundled and four miles, and sounded bottom at two 
hundred and ten feet. January Kith again one hun- 
dred miles, and saw the coast of New Jersey ; at 8 p.m. 
tin lights of, and at midnight anchored at. New York. 
On Jan. 14, 1771'. they stepped on American soil. 
The voyage was accomplished in four month- and 
eight days, encountering seven storm-, two water 
-pout-, thirst and hunger. Now the same voyage is 
made in nine day-. 

Having landed in America, the position of thi 
settlers was anything but agreeable and comfortable. 
t<till they weir in the land of their hope, but were 
now obliged to locate and find -uitable lands for 



homestead-. There was no want of locations and good 

land-. The -oil wa- fertile, and awaited the plow and 

farmer, but to reach the sections was difficult They 
lirected toward the Blue Mountains. To the 
Lehigh Mountains it was not so difficult, for road 
already broken, but over lie Lehigh Mountain-, the 
Kittanniny Valley, and aCTOSS it to the Blue Moun- 
tain- was an impenetrable forest-land. An Indian 
path leading through Kittenhou-e Gap wa- used, 
which was enlarged DJ axe and elbow-grease for the 
accommodation of wagons, and took Weeks till the 
settlers arrived at their destination. 

The first settlers of this Congregation were :i small 

party that started together from the Palatinate. They 

mostly brought money. Such families as the I Iran-/. 
Reichards, Haas, Gagenbach, Grimms, and I. i 
wallner- were even wealthy. They bought their 
horses, wagon-, stock, and agricultural implements in 
Philadelphia. The emigrants who had to pay for 
their sea-voyage came later, selected homesteads, and 
found encouragement from their already-established 
neighbors. The writer of this article was told by 
veterans, buried long ago, that after tin- settlers had 
decided on a homestead they drove their wagon under 
some trees near a spring or creek ; a kettle hung to a 
cross-piece, supported by two wooden forks, u ,- their 
kitchen, the wagon with it- covered roof the bed- 
room, and the forest with it- blue sky their house. 
Huts, equal to the modern charcoal-burner's, wen 
their next attempt, which they lived in till, by rota- 
tion, they could help each Other to imil'l log cabins 
which only bad one room, without floor, and covered 
with rush and sod. Cellar- were out of the question. 
Agriculture was the most important thing. As soon as 
the temporary cabin was finished they cleared portions 
of forest, and year after year they kept on until they 
were supplied with sufficient tillable land. While 
thus engaged their wives cultivated the gardens, 
—raised lettuce, turnips, cabbage, etc., — and the kit- 
chen soon bad the odor of greens and vegetables. 
Early with the building of their cabins they planted 
apple-seeds, and ill years afterwards thej had 
supply of apples, which they distilled into apple-jack, 
and exchanged in Philadelphia for necessaries or 
money. From experience during the winter they 
learned that their cabin- were not cold- and snow- 
pioof. so they improved and enlarged them. One of 
the first saw-mills was near the church, where the 
little rivulets combined enter the Maeungie Valley. 
later Called Schuyler'- saw-mill. As soon a- boards 

aodernized the cabins, 
added doors, rooms, and shingle-roofs. The log stable 
gave place to log bams with thrashing-floors, and on 
the right and left -idc- -tails for cattle and horses, 
and the usual lofts for grain and bay. The logs used 
in cabin- and bam- were "chinked'' with straw and 
clay, making warm houses; later they added cellars 
to store the which heretofore were covered 

with earth. The furniture was mostly brought from 



462 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Europe, some was bought in Philadelphia, and some 
the settlers made themselves, A table, chairs, bench, 

chests, stove, and bedsteads constituted a g 1 outfit. 

Linens thej brought from Germany. 

Flout was i he scarcest article, and not to be h id on 
this side of the Lehigh Mountains. They usually 
brought it from Goshenhoppen and Oley, and owing 
to break-neck mails could only bring small quantities 
at a time. This was remedied, however, for in Klines- 
dale a mill was erected, -the mill mow belonging to 
Charles Kline. This was the first in the settlement. 
Notwithstanding that flour was -ran.' they never 
ed for food. The forests were full of game, and 
the creeks abounded in fish. Deer, hears, wild tur- 
keys, doves, ducks, and quail were in abundance, and 
their tables were covered with these palatables. 

Their greatest wan! was clothes. Those brought 

from Europe were worn out. They bought g Is in 

Philadelphia usually used lor sails of vessels, which 
was of coarse fibre. It was made into garments, 
and in winter two or three suits would cover them 
to shield them from cold. But to buy required 
money, and their money was almost gone, so they 
raised llax lor supply. Spinning began early in the 
fall and continued till spring. Looms sprung up, 
and gradually increased till nearly every tenth house 
had its loom. The German wives prided themselves 
upon their chests lull of home-made linens, and their 
husbands were proud to wear the linen shirts of their 
own industry. Later they raised sheep and wool, 
which was interwoven with flax, and soon warm gar- 
ments were made from wool alone. 

Most of the settlers had learned a trade, and hence 
there were tailors, smiths, carpenters, shoemakers, 
and millers, wdio helped each other, and made the 
settlement rather independent. Physicians were 
wanting for many years. The strong, healthy Ger- 
man nature helped itself; a few domestic remedies, 
such as certain teas, etc., were all they had for medi- 
cines. A few old ladies acted the midwife. Chills 
and lever, very common at this time, were treated 
with soups and full doses of patience. 

All business and exchange were transacted in 
Philadelphia. All they needed was brought from 
there, and all their products which they wished to 
exchange lor money were taken there. And all was 
carried on by teams of individual parties, and passed 
through Goshenhoppen, from where a good road led 
to Philadelphia, making the trip to Philadelphia and 
return in five or six days. 

Before the church was built the settlers held ser- 
vices in their houses, at which the schoolmaster 
officiated by singing, prayer, and reading a sermon. 
While the schoolmaster was absent or wanting, one 
of the members would take his place. Gradually 
these schoolmasters improved, became a necessity, 
and were called "ihome-made ministers." But at the 
lime when this church was built the members went 
to Philadelphia to engage a real minister, but not 



succeeding, they were obliged to be satisfied with 
abstituted sermon-readers. They became rec- 
I to these readers, and thej served all the con- 
ions on the- north side < - Lehigh .Moun- 
tains. Before their church was built, and even long 
ere they had burial-places, they buried their dead 
on their own land, and hence tl Id farm burial- 
places of those times were enlarged by relatives being 
buried aside of their fathers and mothers, and many 
of these may be Been in the western pari of Lehigh, 
and especially Berks, County. It was necessary in 

the old times to have their services of reading, but 

the effects were not - I. Many id' the-,' readers 

finally declared themselves minister.-. And when 
the organized Coetus (Synod) of Rev. Schlatter sent 
calls to European ministers to serve these congrega- 
tions, and they came to take charge of these ch 
these very same readers influenced the members 
against the European ordained missionaries. 

A certain Michael was such a reader, and the 
first Reformed preacher of the Xiegel congregation. 

What spiritual food the congregation then had can 

easily he imagined. But for many years this was 
their onlj resource. Besides their public services 
they lacked Bibles, hymn-books, ami religious books. 
Family worship was forgotten, and the welfare of the 
soul was of secondary consideration. On such basis 
the congregation rested, and was to improve. Near 
the end of the period of these readers the Revolu- 
tionary war began. In the winter of 1777 to 1778 
Washington was quartered at Valley Forge. The 
winter was severe, and the situation for the soldiers 
heartrending. This congregation provided to the 
best of their limited means such articles as shoes, 
garments, and food, and sent them. In the following 
spring, when Congress provided more for its army, 
members of this congregation enlisted in the army 
and fought for liberty till the end, ami brought home 
with them corrupted morals of army life. 

Taking into consideration the conditions and sur- 
roundings of this and neighboring congregations 
which prevailed to the end of the Revolution, we need 
not be surprised at the decline of Christianity, which 
increased for many years. The first settlers had died. 
From th<' beginning there were few schools, and those 
only in session a few months every winter. Year 
after year they grew worse, for the European teachers 
died, and in their stead incompetent men were often 
appointed. Besides, many children lived too far from 
the school-houses, some five and six miles. Most 
parents objected to their children going such a dis- 
tance, and kept them home at work. The European 
school knowledge was buried with the early settlers, 
and the knowledge diffused by later teachers bail a 
strong taint of illiteracy. The church interests of the 
congregation lacked pastorship and fostering. They 
stood under the leadership of readers, who were the 

personification of ignorance and unordained, and con- 
I cerned themselves little about church government. 



WEISSENBERG TOW.YSII I P. 



163 



They Berved merely for the sake of pay, Battered the 
members, left their transgressions unchastised because 
tbey themselves often were guilty of the grossest mis- 
demeanors. Their stock of books was contracted to 
Arndt's "Wahres Chriatenthui hymns, a 

liu,,k of sermons, and prayer-book. Notwithstanding 
thesi books were of the besl kind, thej were -till not 
sufficient for their Christian furtherance. Thewaren- 
-ill more. Many returned from the 
war with their morals paralyzed, which resulted in the 
common frolics and gay living and games and spar- 
ring. The church, having lost it- stronghold and re- 
spect, could i) < > t interfere, and things took their own 
course. The church sunk to stupidity and spiritless- 
ness; members finally decided that they onlj i 
the sacraments and services every four weeks, and 
onies for i be dead, and u eddings. 
Alter a period of forty years the reign of the 
reader- md the Ziegel congregation was sup- 

plied with ordained ministers. In 177s. Rev. John 
II. Hi lii in b was elected as their pa-tor. Ee answered 

the call "I ' loetUS in 177L', and came as 

lie was brought from Philadelphia by the Kutztown 
congregation, and lived there two year.-, hui moved 
into the bounds of the Ziegel congregation. The 
Kutztown congregation had accepted the jurisdiction 
oi I oetus, but when Helffrich tried to bring the Ziegel 
egation under it- influence he met with oppo- 
sition. There wire two reader- -till iii the neigh- 
borhood. Hentzel was Helffrich's predecessor in 
EutztOWD, and v\a- disposed of On account of his 

loose i "als. The other, a certain Roth, for similar 

reasons, was discharged from the Weissenberg congre- 
gation, which also cbose Helffrich for their pastor. 
Stimulated by chagrin and jealousy, tiny succeeded 
in making the Ziegel obstinate and rebellious. Since 
Helffrich could not succeed, he resigned. Later. 
when the congregation -aw the progress of the other 
churches under the sway of able ministers, they con- 
sented to be admitted to Coetus, and elected Helffrich 
again as their pa-tor. 

The second church was built during the pastorship 
of Rev. .1. II. Helffrich. The small log church that 
wa- built in 171'.', and bad seen forty-live years of 
services, became too small, and had to make room for 
better accommodations. In 17ii"> the cough 
resolved to build a church befitting the times. The 
members were divided among themselves a- to where 
the new church was to be built. The old church was 
on the western corner id' the old burial-ground. 
Many wanted the new church opposite the burial- 
ground. It was finally decided that they vote by 
throwing their hat- to the place of their choice. The 
most bats were found on the place opposite the old 

church, and the new building wa- tin-re ere. b 

May Hi, ]7'.Mi, Revs. Helffrich and Obenhausen 

officiated at the Corner-stone laying, and in the fall of 
the same year the same ministers dedicate! the new 
church. 



Most of the churches erected about this time in 
Eastern Pennsylvania had something barmonio 
in common, in the manner in which thej 
Btructed. It may he -aid tin time had 
architecture entirely di des of con- 

struction. Alter this Btyle tie- second Ziegel Church 
was luiilt. Following ■ astruction : 

The building was of Btom . greater in width than in 
depth, yet almost a square. Large double door- opened 
on the front and on both of the sides, and on either 

side oi a oblong window, protected by 

shutters, was let into the wall. Over the doors was 
put a beautiful, artistic, and finely-carved lintel or 
pediment about a foot wide. On the second 
there were windows on three sides, all alike, and 
there wa- a round bow. The two middle 
Ones in the gable ends had also on the right and 
lift -mall window- at the sides, which lent an 
air of propriety to the whole, and gave the church 
throughout a sacred appearance. Each gab 
had also an entirely round window, -imilar to the 
roses in the old Gothic style. The rear wall of the 
church had in each story towards the sides only two 
windows, because in the middle stood the pulpit, above 
which a small window admitted light a- well as cool 
air in summer, 

flic arrangement of the interior wa- made with ref- 
erence to the doors. An aisle running in from each 
door divided the room into four parts. Near the side 
entrance were the Steps leading to the galleries. Along 
the long rear wall, upon pillars, stood the pulpit, in 
the form of a tulip, small, and containing room for 
only one person, with a sounding board above it. 
The pulpit stairs ascended from a small space in 
the wall about four feel long by three in width, 
which wa- known a- the pastor's seat, or room. In 
front of the pulpit, in a large clear space, stood 
the altar. This was not a vessel such as is generally 
found, but was rather an altar, constructed after the 
fashion of the Ark of the Covenant, and was covered 
with a black vestment, which was again covered 
during communion service with a white cloth. In 
later times the pulpit was covered with the same 
kind of a black vestment. The galleries, resting 
upon -even column-, extended around the three sides 
oppo-ite to the pulpit, and were so high that no one 
sitting in them could see the minister at the altar. 
At firs! the gallery on the right of the pulpit con- 
tained the organ, but later it was removed to the one 
immediately facing the pulpit. The congregation 
was divided according to age and sex between the 
different part- of the church. The front- only of the 
galleries, as well as of the doors and windows, and 
the -ides of the pews were painted white: the pews 
ve-. which formed the greatest part of what 
-truck the eye, were unpainted, and in the course of 
time obtained a dull brown color, which made a solemn, 
impression upon the mind. The frame-work 
of the roof was laid the longest way upon the wall-. 



m 



HISTORY OF LKHICII COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Although this Btyle of construction was clumsy and 
not ecclesiastical in appearance, yel the pulpit, with 
its sounding-board, made preaching deficient, alas ! 
in almost every respect an easy mutter in these 
churches. 

The efforts of i;i-\ . .1. H. Helffrich, as before stated, 
were especiall] directed towards bringing the con 
gation into alliance with the Coetus Synod , in order 
to obtain for it a Mirer and more certain establishment 
a- a Church. When this wa- accomplished lie devoted 
himself with all the energj of his nature towards es 
tablishing a higher and better order of things. His 

well-prepared sermon-. i with earnestness 

and in love; his strict discipline, without sharpness; 
his elementary instruction of the young, and his un- 
tiring industry bore then natural fruit. Yet the 
progress was only partial. The congregation ad- 
vanced in ecclesia-tieal matters, but the advance was 
mostly in forms. There was a lack of appreciation of 
the advantages of mental culture among the people. 
In fact, so limited was this appreciation that it was 
impossible to use the Heidelberg Catechism in its 
entire form in the instruction of the children. Neither 
were the young prepared by previous training to com- 
mit the larger answers, nor were they even inclined to 
do so. Many could neither read nor write, while 
others had never been within the four walls of the 
school-house. To overcome some of these difficulties 
Rev. Helffrich rewrote and simplified the Heidelberg 
Catechism, inserting the principal questions (with 
their numbers), so that every child could go over the 
whole catechism and commit many of the questions 
thus simplified. Through these means the Heidel- 
berg Catechism was prevented from falling into disuse 
in his congregation. The children were instructed 
.very Sundaj before divine service, and by the help 
of his explanations and illustrations were enabled to 
commit the catechism to memory. Later he had this 
abridgment printed, and every child was required to 
have one, as well as the Heidelberg Catechism. It 
is -till used as a catechism in Sunday-schools to this 
day. 

Externally also, through his labors, the church 
obtained new life. Veneration and love for the church 
sprang up in the people, and the church was con- 
stantly building a surer foundation. Towards the 
attainment of a complete revivification the proper 

Conditions were wanting, however. The schools were 
badly conducted, the literature necessary for the ad 
vancement of popular education was entirely wanting, 
and the spiritof the times tended downwards. Beyond 
all, there was a lack of spirit in the German < Ihurches 
of America which was everywhere more or less per- 
ceptible. It will be thus seen that it was mure neces- 
sary to check this downward tendency than to think 
of spiritual development. Yet the good seed was sown 

by willing ecclesiastical hands, and this self-same seed 
began to spread its roots, and in its own appointed 
time brought forth fruit in abundant e 



After Kc\. Helffrich's death, in 1810, Eeinrich 
Diefenbach was called to serve tl agregation pro- 
visionally. A son of Rev. Helffrich had begun to 
study theology, and it was agreed that Kev. Diefen- 
bach should serve until the former should receive a 
license to preach from the Synod. The congregat i 
of the Heidelberg, Lynn, and Lowhill Churches also 
joined in this provisional arrangement . and alter a ser- 
vice of five years Mr. Diefenbach peaceably surren- 
dered his charges to John Helffrich, when the latter 
had completed his studies in Philadelphia under Dr. 
Helfenstein, and had received 1 » I — license from the 
Synod. 

Johannes Helffrich was chosen as pastor in 1816, and 
served this and the other congregations above named 
for a period of thirty- five years, until his death, in 1852. 
During his long ministry he carried on the good work 
from the foundation upon which it had been laid. 
He pursued an objective course. His aim was the 
external presentation of the church as the bearer of 
the means of salvation, and through these of the grace 
of God. He sought to quicken Christianity, but onlj 
within these limits. He was the bitter enemy ol 
everything which tended even in appearance to sub- 
vert the old forms and methods, and energetically 
opposed all such in his congregations. On two occa- 
sions especially he maintained this position during 
his service. 

It was between 1820 and lSIJo that the schism known 
under the name of "the Free Synod" arose in the 
Reformed Churches of Eastern Pennsylvania especi- 
ally, the seed of which spirit was industriously sought 
to be sown also in the Ziegel congregation. Nor 
was it in vain: the seed took root, and not a small 
portion of the church-members were favorably in- 
clined to the idea. The Lutheran minister, Johann 
Konoskv, seceded about this time from the Lutheran 
Synod, and drew after himself all his congregations, 
among them the Lutherans of the Ziegel Church. 
Thereupon the Reformed congregations also wished 
to separate from their Synod. This purpose Rev. 
Helffrich opposed with all the earnestness of his 
nature. To disprove what the schismatics loudly pro- 
claimed, — that the old Synod de-ired to enslave the 
people, — he obtained from the Synod a written decla- 
ration, addressed to the Ziegel Church, that it should 
not at any time be obliged to do anything to the loss 
of its freedom. This writing, composed in the Synod 
at Lebanon, in 1829, and attested under the hands of 
the synodieal officers, was read to the Ziegel congre- 
gation, and the spirit of Free Synods, even if not en- 
tirely exterminated, lost its hold upon the people. 

The other disturbance which shook the church in 
his time was that created by the birth of the spirit of 
fanaticism. This excitement pervaded the wdiole Ger- 
man Church, more or less, everywhere. It took its 
origin from without the church, and sought to pres- 
its way from without into the church. It naturally 
tended to the establishment of the '• anxiou- bench," 



w K l ss !•: N i ;h hi; TOWNSHIP. 



465 



and ahowed in many congregations into which it was 
introduced its corrupt ami unchristian nature. From 

the rise .if this Bpirit, SO little in consonance «ith the 

spirit of the Reformed Church, Rev. Helffrich could 

the promise of but little good. He 'lid nol 
permit himself to give the movement any counte- 
nance, hut, on the other hand, took a position too far 
in the extreme, and too far. perhaps, behind the times. 
He constantly ~;i i«i to his flock, We will abide by the 
old customs; let us cultivate these. In the Ziegel 
Church, too, the fanatical spirit attempted to obtain 

a foothold, but, owing to the opposition of their pas- 
tor, the church remained unharmed by the storm. 
which -wept over other churches like a scorching 
blast. When the first fun of the storm had Mown 
over, man began the work of reformation by means 
nt the sermon and the accustomed Use of the means 
of grace. 

About the year 1840, Rev. Helffrich founded the 
fust Sunday-school in this congregation without any 
difficulty, the members willingly lending themselves 

to tie project. It showed the maturing of a healthy 
feeling of new life and greater activity. 

on Whit-Sunday and Whit-Monday, the 8th and 9th 
of June, 1851, the church celebrated the memory of 
its foundation l.\ holding a centennial jubilee. The 
church was splendidly adorned. The walls, windows, 
organ, pillars, pulpit, etc., were hung with evergreen, 
flowers, and fir-branches. Four sermons were preached 
to the immense concourse by Revs. C. G. Herman, 
Jeremias Schindel, and W. A. Helffrich. Historical 
tablets on each side of the pulpit showed the numbers 
17 |o and I s4">, signifying that a completed century laj 
in the past. In this period a rich and blessed congre- 
gation had arisen out of the wilderness. From the 
toil and cares of the old German fathers had sprung 
opulence and ease. There, at the side of the church, 
in the northeastern part of God's acre, sleep mostl] 
with unmarked graves, all of those who laid the first 
corner-stone of this church. Xo stone marks the last 
resting-place of the first departed of the fathers. And 
where were stones to be taken from and prepared? 
Later, slate were used as headstones, but these soon 
crumbled from rain, frost, and heat, and now scarcely 
any inscription upon them can be read. Still later a 
small number of sandstones were erected, which are 
still standing, and the inscriptions upon which are still 
legible, but fast decaying. As the number of graves 
increased farther down in the cemetery there first 
appeared memorial stones in marble, improving in 
form and inscription with time. 

In 1852, the year following the celebration, the pas- 
torate became vacant through the death of Rev. John 
Helffrich, and his son, William A. Helffrich, who had 
assisted his father in his clerical labors for -oven 
years already, was chosen as bis successor. 

Finally a better time came also to this church. The 
visitation of God's grace, awakening a more lively 
faith, which everywhere stirred our church at this time. 
30 



entered also here. Everything that was attained i 

was accomplished by the us, of the mean- of grace, 
and no artificial means helped to red end. 

First, di\ Lne sen ice began to be held more frequently, 
and there was i on the Reformed Bide every 

Other Sunday. The sermon had a known and active 

Christianity which became visible in practical results 
in the daily life of the people. A chandelier and 
lamp- were purchased for the purpose of bidding even- 
ing services, and it was here that the first of these was 
In Id. Theprejudiceagainst them quickly disappeared. 
The more frequently divine services were held the more 
industriously and in greater numbers came the con- 
gregation to the house of God, so that frequently there 
was not room for all. But what beyond all, even if 
slowly, assisted in surer progress was the instruction 
of catechumens, to which every attention was devoted, 
and which were attended even by many adults. The 
I leidelberg Catechism, although never omitted in this 
instruction, was now introduced in its full form, and 
made the groundwork of the church life. The prac- 
tice of the discipline inculcated by the catechism and 
constitution of our church met with approbation ; it 
was severely exercised upon the catechumens, and 
especially directed against the immoralities of tin 
corrupting " frolics. - ' The consecration of the con- 
sistories was now accomplished with genuflexion and 
the laying on of hands, according to the direction of 
the constitution, a thing which had never before been 
done. Communion service- were held more fre- 
quently, and kneeling in prayer during the prepara- 
tory services was now introduced. Many knees, at 
first very stubborn, learned in time to bend willingly. 
About the year I860 the Bible class came into exist- 
ence. Members assembled in each other's houses, and 
engaged in singing, prayer, admonition, and the read- 
ing of scriptural selections, upon which they made 
observations. Weekly prayer-meetings were held 
either in the church by the pastor or in their houses by 
the members themselves. There was also an increase 
of activity in regard to missions. The fruit of this 
varied labor did not fail. A new life began to bloom, 
which brought peace and joy to many a heart and 
home. 

During the fall of 1862, among all the excitement 
and disturbance- of our civil war, the congregation 
resolved to build a new church. The old edifice had 
stood for sixty-eight years, and its capacity had 
become too small. On Ascension-day, 18G2. the 
corner-stone of the new building was laid. The 
immorality of the so-called " Hucksters'' (generally 
prevailing at this time in Eastern Pennsylvania) 
became, during the construction of the new building, 
the occasion for an unholy strife. These hucksters, 
who sold cakes, drinks, etc., under booth- at all worldly 
gatherings of the people, had also for a long time been 
offering their wares, even at -acred festivals on the 
Sabbath-day. bidding defiance to the very face of 
the church. Under these tents or booths hundreds of 



466 



BISTORY OF LKUIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



people stood engaged in light, t r i 1 1 i 1 1 ir • 
and in buying, while within the church divine ser 
vice was being conducted. Bere there should be 
ntial worship of God, and yel right beside it 
there were Sabbath-breaking and a scandalous, frivo- 
lous, worldly traffic and barter, mocking everything 
sacred. The building committee took the ai 
ment of the corner-stone-laying festival out of the 
hands of the consistory and gave permission to the 
hucksters to carry on their immoralities. Under a 
resolution of the Eastern Pennsylvania Classis, no 
minister belonging to the Classis was permitted to bi 
present at any church festival at which huckstering 
was carried on. In obedience to this resolution the 
Reformed pastor remained absent from the cere- 
monies. The friends of the hucksters made this the 
pretext for a controversy which aroused no little ex- 
citement. When the church, on Whit-Sundaj in the 
following year, was to be dedicated, and the huck- 
sters again received permission from the same source 
to be present, the Reformed Consistory resolved not 
to hold their services in conjunction with the Luther- 
ans, who allowed themselves to be led by the friends 
of the hucksters, but appointed them for a later day. 
The dedication was then held on the 26th of June, 
1864, without hucksters. Revs. J. S. Herman and W. 
A. Helffrich, the Reformed minister, conducted the 
services. 

The new brick church is one of the largest in the 
county, and is a beautiful building. Its belfry and 
lowers arise high in the air from the spot where the 
old church stood. Five high Gothic windows on each 
side, and an addition to the building containing the 
pulpit, give it a sacred appearance. The galleries rest 
on iron pillars. Above the pulpit a Gothic bow runs 
along the small rear wall, and divides the addition 
from the main building. A hall at the entrance in 
the front part of the church, from which steps ascend 
to the galleries, prevents all disturbing noises from 
being heard within. All the wood-work of the inte- 
rior is artistically painted, and ceiling and walls are 
beautifully frescoed. The gentle half-light caused by 
the curtains at the windows and the dark colors of the 
paints leave a solemn impression upon the mind. 

The congregation pursued a new and excellent plan 
lor paying off the church debt, — apian which deserves 
to be adopted elsewhere. When upon the completion 
of the building it appeared a considerable debt re- 
mained, which would not be defrayed by the subscrip- 
tions, both consistories met and made a statement 

showing how much each member would I ompelled 

to contribute in order to pay oil' the debt at once, 
these statements being based upon the ability of each 
to pay. They then submitted this statement to the 
members, with an explanation of their plan, and but 
three or four were unwilling to pay the sums asked 
of them. To be free of debt is a blessing for any 
church and deserves emulation. 

The tri-centennial jubilee and anniversary festival 



in memory of the publication ,,| the Heidelberg 
Catechism was celebrated by this congregation dur- 
ing the construction of the church. The result, as 

far as the altar offerings were < :erned, was not 

what was desired. The contributions were meagre, 
and none at all were received from the friends of the 
hucksters. The large church debt, the hard times 
and the grinding substitute taxes occasioned bj the 
civil war, prevented the faithful and willing also from 
giving according to their wish. 

The Lutheran ministers of the congregation were 
led by Rev. Jacob Friederich Schertlein, who is 
remembered as a talented preacher. His hand- 
writing appears but seldom on the church records. 
His ministry must have continued but for a short 
time. Alter Schertlein there followed a succes- 
sion of preachers, of whom nothing is remembered, 
not even their names being known to posterity. 
They extended to the year 17S0, when Rev. Daniel 
Schumacher was reached. He lived among the 
Weissenberg people, and joined all his congrega- 
tion to the Lutheran Synod. His descendants still 
live in Weissenberg and Lynn townships. Rev. 
Schumacher's labors were continued till 1785, when 
Rev. Daniel Lehmann was chosen, who served for 
about fifteen or eighteen years. He was followed by 
Rev. Johann Friederich Obenhausen, who also had 
a charge in Eisenhard's Valley, near Grim's Mill 
He was also an organ-builder, and erected the fust 
organ tor the Ziegel Church, which was replaced in 
later times by the present one built by C. Hanzel- 
man. After Obenhausen Rev. Heinrich Geisen- 
hainer served for a short time, being succeeded by 
Revs. G. Wartmann and J. Daering, called by the 
common people the " little ministers." They served 
all their congregations in common, beginning with 
the one at the Jordan, where they lived. Rev. Johann 
Konoske followed them. He united the congrega- 
tion with his Kutztown charge, and led this and his 
other congregations into breaking their connection 
with the Synod. He composed a writing, now lying 
in the archives among other old papers, in which he 
gives the reasons which induced him to take that 
siep and endeavors to justify his course. Rev. Jere- 
mias Schindel, his successor, a preacher beloved of 
the people, assisted in sowing the seed of a better 
time, and his works have been greatly blessttd. His 
loving sermons thawed open many a cold heart. He 

was followed by Rev. Owen Leopold, the present 

pastor. 

The spiritual condition of the Lutheran portion of 
the congregation has from that time been on an equal 
footing with that of the Reformed. 

In the spring of 1879, Nevin A. Helffrich, a son of 
Rev. William A. Helffrich, was examined and licensed 
at the session of the Last Pennsylvania Classis, held 
at Lehighton, and in the year following was ordained 
at Allcntown by Lehigh Classis, which, during the 
course of the year, had been founded through the 



WEISSENBERG TOWNSHIP. 



167 



division of the Easl Pennsylvania Classis, and waa 
appointed t<- assist bis father. Rev. N"evin \. Helf- 
frich is the fourth preacher <>(' this family, who b 
served in unbroken succession for one hundred and 
eleven years. 

The Weissenberg Church. 1 — This church was also 
known during the last century as the Weissen < Ihurch. 
The church building stands in the northeastern cornea 
of Weissenberg town-hip, Lehigh <'<>.. Pa., near to 
the division-line between thai township and Lowhill 
township, in which latter the greater part of the con- 
ation reside. Ii is a union church, all the build- 
ings and lands of the church being owned in equal 
right by the Reformed and the Lutherans. The 
congregation spread on the north to Heidelberg, on 
the south to the Ziegel Church, and on the wesl to 
Jerusalem 111 em angel) Church. All the region in 
which the congregation dwell is very hilly, with 
narrow valleys, well watered by many small brooks. 
The well-wooded hills, the excellent water, and the 
rich meadows, irrigated by many springs, were the 
attraction- thai caused the firs! emigrants to settle 
there. 

Tin settlement took place contemporaneously with 
that in Allemangel, indeed properly belongs to it. 
The later arrivals who could not conveniently find 
room in Allemangel moved farther towards the east 
and founded this community. The first pioneers 
were Petrus Berber and Peter Weiss. The former 
first dwelt at Oley, in Berks County, where his son, 
John Jacob, married Dorothea, a daughter of Jost 
Heinrich Sassamanshausen. The wanderers to this 
region were Swiss, Palatines, and Wurtembergers, 
and many of them had dwelt some time at Oley. 
Goshenhoppen, Falkner's Swamp, and other places 
south of the Lehigh Mountains before they settled in 
this region. Their relatives and acquaintances, who 
had preceded them, had colonized these place-, and 
with them many tarried before they settled in W< - 
senberg. They could not find among them such farms 
as they cared to select; so the head- o€ families 
gathered together, hunted up suitable land and tracts, 
and later brought their families there. Many of their 
names appear on the colonial record-, showing that 
they wandered hither about the year 1730; but most 
-■t' them did not settle down here till about 17 1", 

ween which year and 1750 the principal settlement 
took plaee. Many of" the original families have died 
out entirely or moved away from this region, and their 
names have disappeared entirely. 

The following names appear on the church i 
as those of the tir-t settlers : 



Petrns i! 
Jacob Herter. 

■ 

enhard. 



Heinrich Krechloch. 
Johannes Krechlocb. 

lUchinami. 
[an U uller. 
I 

■ ral. 



/liiini.ruiftnii. 

Valeotl 

Belnricb Georg. 
Johannes Georg. 

■ 
: 

M.Si. 

Wendel Holben. 
Rfichael Braucher. 
Nicolaus Camp, 
Martin Bai bmann 
Valentin Graumllch, 

tel Bteber. 
Michael Bock. 
Jilrg Bm 
Andreas Sinckell. 
J 

Geor. - 

Eberfaard Schmidt 
Jilrg Kind, 
Jobaun Adam Klein. 



! 

nn, 
I 
MathHui 

tmann. 
Wilbeln 

Peter B 

-■ hopp. 
Pbilipp - 

Igand. 
1 
Jost Diohl. 

Michael Haiti al 

i l«l. 

Johann Mej i 

i: .hi. 

Daniel Stettler. 

Jobann \. • • ■ 

Jobaun Kii<>rr. 



William A. Hfllffrich. 



The following list is taken from the Colonial Re* 
ords, and shows the names of the settlers, the day of 
registry in Philadelphia, and the name of the ship 
upon which they arrived : 

Jacob Weiss, June 22, 1728, on sbip " Albany" from Rotterdam. 

Hans Ulrich Frey, Jane 21, 1729, on ship "Martenhouse" from Rot- 
terdam. 

Christoph Frey, June 21, 1729, on sbip "Martenhouse" from Rotter- 
dam. 

John Daniel Werly, June 21, I7::t, on ship " Martenhouse" from Rot- 
terdam. 

Michael Thomas, Aug. 29, 1730, on ship "Thistle of Glasgow" from 
Rotterdam. 

Caspei Bittner, & on Bbip "Thistle of Glasgow" from Rot- 

terdam. 

Ca.-i - . Aug. 29, 1780, on ship " Thistle of Glasgow" from 

Rotterdam. 

Jacob Bai N »n ship " Joyce" from Rol terdam. 

John B m ship " Joyce" from Rotterdam. 

iin - i r 26, 1732, on ship " Mary" from Rotterd 

Georg Schuesler, Sept. 26, 1732, 00 ship " Mary" fron I 

HanaJacol ipt.26, 1732, on ship "Mary" from Rotterdami 

Heinrich S t.26, 1732, on ship "Mary "from Rotterdam. 

Han- Peter Werly, Sept. 26, 1732, on ship " Mary" from It tfc 

Christian ii pt.30, 1732, on ship ** Dragon" from K-.it'-rdam. 

Leon hard Schlosser, Sept. 30, 1732, on ship "Dragon" from Rotterdam. 

Peter - □ ship " Dragon'" from Rotterdam. 

Dn ship " Dragon" from Rotter- 
dam. 

Georg Bar, Oct. 11, 1732, on sbip " Pleasant" from Rotterdam. 

Hans Petei Prey, Aug. 17, 1733, on ship "Samuel of London" from 
Rotterdam. 

Friedericb Leiby, Aug. 17, 1733, on ship "Samuel >( London" f i 

Rotterdam. 

ii Bra oner, M "Mercury" ii 

Joha . "i Bhip "Mercury" from Rotterdam. 

Gasper Blent ship "Mercury" from Rotterdam. 

Valentin Dlebl, Sept 12, 17)4, on ship "St. Andrew" from Rotterdam. 

Abraham Diebl.Sept 12, L734,on ship "St. Andrew" from Rotterdam. 

The congregation takes its origin from the year 
1747. Divine services had, however, been held at the 
homes of members before that time, undoubtedly by 

Rev, Kidenweiler, who resided in this neighbor] 1, 

and was known by the name of the "Swiss minister." 
B3 this time Jacob Holben had b« 1 an 

elder of the Weissenberg Church. The construction 
of the first church building dates from June, 1754. 



468 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Like all other churches in those early times it was 
built of logs, but was Bomewhal better constructed 
than most of them. In 1764 handicrafts were already 
better represented, and it is said there was at tiblki 

time already a saw-mill in operation in the Alle- 

mangel and Eistler'e Valleys turning out boards and 
Bhingles. The Rev. Daniel Schumacher is authority 
for the statement that it was dedicated by the Revs. 
Rudolph Kidenweiler and Jacob Friederich Schert- 
lein, the first two pastors ol' (he ehureh. Soon after- 
wards the building of the church a school-house was 
also erected. 

The primitive circumstances, the development of 
the people, the religious customs, and their decay 
were the same here as in all the neighboring com- 
munities. iSee the history of the Ziegel Church.) 

About 1765 there arose here an unfortunate tight, 
which increased till the greater part of the Reformed 
congregation seceded and formed the Lowhill Church. 
They were the original settlers, and numbered the 
most; but as they could not obtain any title for vari- 
ous reasons to the Allemangel Church in Kistler's 
Valley, they had moved farther towards the east, and 
really originated this church. They intended at the 
same time, however, to allow equal share to the 
Lutherans. Now, it happened that the latter, having 
abetter minister, Rev. Daniel Schumacher, obtained 
more influence than the Reformed members, who, 
under Rev. J. Michael, did not increase. This was 
the beginning of ill feeling. Soon there followed of- 
fensive expressions, and the fires of discord broke out. 
Whatever was desired by the one party was opposed 
by the other. So, after a while, the Bachman, George, 
Weiss, Mannebach, and a portion of the Holben fam- 
ilies separated from this congregation, and began the 
Lowhill as a purely Reformed Church. But some 
remained in Weissenberg, as the Herber, Frey, and 
a part of the Holben families. They could not tear 
themselves away from their old homes and their dead. 
The Weissenberg Church remained a union church, 
but the Reformed members formed but a small part 
of it, as they do to the present day. 

During the time of the Indian troubles this com- 
munity suffered greatly. Several dwellings were 
burned down, and the greater part of the inhab- 
itants fled to parts farther south. 

In the war of independence several members of the 
congregation served as soldiers. Their names are not 
known to the writer. When, in the winter of 1777-78, 
Washington's army lay encamped at Valley Forge, 
the people hereabouts sent down food and clothing to 
relieve its wants. 

It is peculiar that in most of the settlements made 
by the Germans in America, warrants for the lands 
taken were not obtained by the squatters from the 
proprietaries till twenty, thirty, and more years after 
they had possession. The reason was this, — because 
the immigrants were led to believe in Germany that 
in America all the land was free, and that it was 



only necessary to enter and take possession of it, 
in order t<> become the owners of it. Under this 
impression nearly all the wanderers arrived here, 
hunted out Buch farms as suited them, and where 
thej found them unoccupied, took possession of them 

without thinking they would ever be called on for 
pay. When the authorities insisted later on these 
squatters purchasing warrants for the lands taken, 
they did so gradually. The freeing of the land from 
the purchase-money imposed by the State, and the 
taking-up of their deeds patent consumed a great 
deal of time, and valid titles for much of the land in 
this community were not obtained till the presi Ql 
century. 

The gayety of the Palatines, from which has arisen 
the saving, "The Mcrn l'alatinate: may God preserve 
it so!" the kindly disposition of the Swabian, known 
over the whole world ; the tenacity of the Swiss, who 
does not permit himself to be beaten in any way. 
and the bard-headedness of the old-time German, — 
these are characteristics to be found in Weissenberg 
and Lowhill down to the present day. A merrier 
disposition will hardly be found anywhere, there is 
not a more hospitable people, but it will also be dilli- 
cult to discover harder and more obstinate beads than 
here. During the long winter evenings, and espe- 
cially in times of good sleighing, it has always been 
the custom for social gatherings, consisting of rela- 
tives and friends, and perhaps three or more families, 
to gather together at each other's homes. The large 
wooden sleighs are hitched up and loaded to their 
utmost capacity, and driven to the designated place, 
where already many of the invited have gathered. 
Then the evening is passed in enjoying the hospi- 
talities of the host and iu festivities, extending often 
into the early hours of the morning. Driving and 
visiting are among the established customs of this 
community, a custom, alas, which encroaches more 
and more upon the observance of the Sabbath. There 
can hardly be a place found elsewhere in our eastern 
counties where so much driving is done on Sunday as 
here in this neighborhood. 

In the time of Pastor Schumacher many baptisms 
were held at the homes of the members, and these 
were always celebrated with feasts, after the manner 
of the Palatines. The church record shows that fre- 
quently two or three pair of godfathers and god- 
mothers stood for one child. An example is taken 
from the church book : " At the baptism of Johannes 
Christianus Reiss, an infant son of Johann Daniel 
Peter, on the 1st of March, 1760, the following per- 
sons stood as godfathers and godmothers, viz. : Dan- 
iel Schumacher, the Lutheran minister, and Maria 
Elizabeth, his wife; Johann Heinrieh Widersheim, 
elder of the Reformed Church in Lynn, and the 
Widow Anna Elizabeth Yuncker ; Peter Bahl and 
Catharina, his wife; and also Johann Diel Hermann 
and Anna Barbara, his wife, — eight persons, besides 
the minister. 



WEISSENBERG TOWNSHIP 



469 



I '.tit a wedding was the occasion for the greatest dis- 
play of hospitality and merry-making. The sporl at 
was often mad and wild. The thrashing-floor 
was bedecked with greens and turned into :i dancing- 
Boor, where young and old swun rry circles. 

It is not wonderful that the long and numerous 
harvest-time festivitii required from six to 

eight large, fat bogs, and frequently more than an ox ; 
and thai old John Wickell, the butcher, who < 
many invitations to these feasts, said, "When t have 
butchered the hogs and mud.' the sausage, I get noth- 
ing lor it but the devil's thanks !" 

i in the 7th of November, 1803, the co 

o build ;i new church, m constitution 
was adopted, by which its construction and the future 
conduct of the church should be regulated. The church 
u as completed in the year 1804, and was dedicated with 
appropriate services, conducted by Rev. Johannes 
Heinrich Helffrich, the Reformed minister, and Rei 
J. 1-". Obenhausen, tin- Lutheran minister. 

The consistory lor that period who signed tin- at- 
testation wen Jacob Herber, Simon Georg, Heinrich 
Schneider, Mathias Sentell, Lorenz Holben, Abraham 
Grunewald, Philipp Herber, John Weiss, Heinrich 
Weiss, John Sieger, Heinrich Kreglob, Th 
Holben, Sebastian Werlein, Michael Werlein, An- 
dreas Buchmann, Georg Rau, Andreas Bittner, Nico- 
laua Werlein, Valentin Werlein. Jacob Schumacher, 
Peter Hallenbach, Peter Ran, Sebastian Ettel, Fred- 
erick Seiberling, and Theobald Werlein. 

The church was built of logs, was well constructed, 
and appropriate for those times. 

The third church was built in 1830, of stone. The 
congregation confirmed their old constitution, accord- 
ing to which this building also was put up. On the 
30th of May, 1830, the corner-stone was laid, with 
services conducted by Rev. Johannes Helffrich, the 
Reformed minister, and Rev. Georg Wartmann, the 
Lutheran pastor, both of whom preached sermons on 

that day. Ill the fall the same pastors conducted the 
dedicatory servicer The record of the building of 
the church is witnessed by the following: 

The building committee, viz.: Nicolaus Werly, 
Michael Ire,, Andreas Bittner, Philipp Herber. 

The Lutheran elders: John Weida, Peter Buch- 
mann. 

The Reformed elders: Andreas Rupp, Philipp 
Herber. 

The Reformed deacons, viz.: Jacob Blessler, Mi- 
chael Frey, Abraham Grunewald, Jacob Herber. 

The Lutheran deacons, viz.. : Johannes Seibert, 
Solomon Rabeneld, Friederich Dengler, Andreas 
Werly. 

The treasurer: Jacob Herber. 

The school-teacher : Heinrich Busse. 

The centennial jubilee was held by the congrega- 
tion on the L'l-t of September, 1851. In the morning 
Rev. Jeremiaa Schindel, the Lutheran minister, 
preached, and in the afternoon Rev. William A. 



Helffrich, the Reformed minister. The venerable 
lather. Rev. Johannes I [elffrich, was also present, and 

took part in the celebration. 

The fourth I and present | church was built of brick, 

in the year 1864. The corner-stone was laid bj 
A.J. Herman, of thi Reformed, and Rev. O. Leopold. 

16 Lutheran-. 

The Reformed ministers of th< ion were, — 

I. Rudolph Kidenweiler, a Swiss ; led the 

church: he preached also for tin- Long Swamp con- 

gation seven and a halt' years. He left thi- church 

in obedienci <ll from tin Schwamm" 

Church, south of tin- Lehigh Mountains, where he 

ried. lb- headstone -till stands 

iMt.n, of that church, with the following in- 
scription: "Here lies buried the departed ret 
Preacher, Johannes Rudolph Kitweiler; hi- a 

47 year-. 9 month-: lie wa- bow on th. 2d ,,f Janu- 
ary", 1717. and died the 2d of October, 1764." 
•2. Philipp Jacob Michael, who began his service 

I 7nl . 
:. Johann Heinrich Helffrich followed, and was 
the first preacher from the Synod, with which he 
brought thi- church into union. He served thi 
gregation with the Lowhill before the latter had the 
dispute with the Weissenberg. Father Jacob Herber 
was a brother-in-law of Rev. Helffrich, both having 
married daughters of Sassamanshausen. Friendli- 
ness induced Rev. Helffrich to serve this congrega- 
tion, and through bis efforts, directly, peace was re- 
stored. After the Lowhill Church became a Union 
Church the same minister- th that and this 

congregation, and the two were regarded as one. 

4. Heinrich Diefenbach preached from thi 
of Rev. Helffrich, in 1810, till 1816. 

5. Johannes Helffrich, the son of Johann II. Helf- 
frich, was, after the completion of his studies, in 1816, 
chosen, and preached up to the time of his death, in 

l"l- 15 his son. 

6. William A. Helffrich, was appointed his assist- 
ant by the East Pennsylvania Classis. He servi 

the year I860. 

7. Ufred .1. Hermann was chosen minister in the 
same year, and is now the pastor. 

The Lutheran ministers were, — 

1. Jacob Friederich Schertlein. 

2. Daniel Schumacher, an able and well-educated 
minister from Germany. He came to ibis region 
when a young man, and married here Maria Elizabeth, 
a daughter - gerwald. On the 11th of 

ber, 1757, he delivered his first sermon. He 
lived with this community all his lifetime, died here, 
and lies buried in the old graveyard, with no -tone 
marking hi- grave. 

:;. Hermann Jacob Schellhard, who preached here 
from 1770 to 1780. 

I. Daniel Lehman. 

5. J. F. < Obenhausen, who resided within the limits 
of the Ziegel community. 



470 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



6. Friederich Geisenhainer, minister here for some 
years. 

7. Georg Wart man and G. Daring, who dwelt with 
the Jordan community, and served together tl 
congregations. 

8. Jeremiah Schindel, elected in L837. 

9. Owen Leopold, the present pastor. 

School History of Weissenherg.'— No s r 

writ' the Palatinate and the Swiss i lerraans, who set- 
tled Weissenherg, established in their new homes 
than they began to establish schools and churches; 
but in this, a> in everything else, they had to contend 
against great difficulties. Being naturally poor, and 
but just settled in the wilderness, their means were 
scanty indeed. To cut down trees, build houses, clear 
the land, they were impelled by their bodily wants. 
Doing this was not the worl ot a day, and years of 
unremitting toil elapsed before they bad anything to 
sell, and then, when they bad it, there was no market 
at which to dispose of it. So, after they bad gathered 
together congregations and schools, they often had 
neither ministers, nor teachers, nor money to procure 
them. Hence churches and schools were few in num- 
ber and far apart. At first there seem to have been 
no schools except those at the churches. These were 
under the control of the men that led in singing on 
occasions of public worship, and were termed church 
schools. For a long time this township had only 
two churches and probably only two schools, so it 
often happened that children had to go four or five 
miles to school. After a while, probably in 1770, 
other schools were established in parts most remote 
from the churches, wherever suitable rooms could be 
obtained. At these the teachers at the churches, as 
well as others, taught annually for a certain time, 
after their schools at home had closed. This state of 
affairs continued for about fifty years, probably to 
near the close of the last century. 

During this time the schools were conducted en- 
tirely in the German language. The course of study 
was reading, writing, singing, arithmetic as far as the 
fundamental rules, and probably the catechism. The 
course in reading embraced the A, B, C book, the 
Psalter, and the New Testament. The girls it was not 
thought necessary should study more than reading, the 
catechism, and singing. Many children grew up with 
no schooling at all, others with very little. The rec- 
ords, still existing, of transactions done during those 
times show that scarcely any of the women and a 
great many of the men could not even write their own 
names. Of those born in Germany, nearly all of the 
men and some of the women could write. The teach- 
ers during the beginning of this period were all men 
that had been educated in Europe, but some of them 
became ministers, and less qualified men took their 
placesas teachers. So the schools suffered. From that 
time until the adoption of the common-school system 

■ By Henry F. Rupp. 



many taught school who had no qualifications what- 
ever to recommend I liem. 

Eilen Thai Schuhl Owl Valley School V— Prob- 
ably the tin nl -ehool In I he township \\:e- the KilenThal 
School. About the year 17-so a movement was set on 
foot to erect a church and a school-housi in the western 
pari of the township, about three-fourths of a mile 
southeast of the present village of St. in- Comer, in 
I. vnn. The next year SIX acres of land were bought 
In >i 1 1 I ri hi . i rrim by the lb-formed and Lutheran con- 
itions for tin- purpose ofbuilding thereon a church 
and a school-bouse. The school-house was built, but 
the church was not. Preparations had been made for 
building, and the stones had been hauled there, when 

the project was abandoned. The school-house stood 
upon a hill. It was built of heavy logs, and provided 
with a large stove, into which quite large logs could 
be put. 

Of the school we know but little, though it was kept 
up about forty years. The only teacher of whom we 
have any knowledge was a Mr. Widch, who taught 
there, about the year 1810. About the year 1820, the 

building having bee e old and dilapidated, and a 

road having been laid out through the valley, an ad- 
joining tract of land was bought from John Grim, and 
a new school-house was erected in the valley, a short 
distance from the site of the old one. This was also 
a wooden building, built of chestnut logs given by one 
Nathstein. It was a double building, one part for 
German school and the other part for an English 
school, or a dwelling for the teacher. Here the school 
was kept up until some time after the common schools 
had been organized. 

When the township was divided into school districts 
and school-houses built by the township, this school 
was discontinued, being succeeded by the Grim's and 
Gaekenbach's schools. Among the teachers who 
taught in this second school-house may be mentioned 
George Heyneman, who taught English school, Ring, 
Wenzel, Everitt, Joe Pike, David Stettler, and others. 
When the school was discontinued, the land was sold 
and the money divided among the adjoining churches. 
An amusing anecdote is related of one of the early 
teachers at this last school-house. It seems he had a 
particular place at which he always sat, near which 
there was a hole in the wall. Now the pupils, who were 
nearly all large boys, conceived the idea of having 
some fun at the expense of the teacher. So every day 
one of them would go out, get a pole, thrust one end 
through the hole and poke the teacher's ribs. He 
would then jump up, seize his hickory, and run out, 
but by the time he reached the outside the mis- 
creant would have disappeared in the woods. This 
continued for a long time, but at last the teacher suc- 
ceeded in catching one of them, and gave him such 
a thrashing as struck terror into the rest. 

Moyers School. — This was the fourth school in 
tin- township. The first school-house stood at a cor- 
ner of a field on the farm of Nicholas Moyer, now 



WEISS EN BERG TOWNS! 1 1 1'. 



■171 



occupied by Benjamiii Pries, near Willow Orei 
The district must havel rg mized and the school- 
house buill before the year 1800. The school-] se 

was buill of logs. The school was kepi up until the 
year 1880 or 1882, when thi building, being old and 
dilapidated, fell into disuse. The teachers who 

taught hero, as far as we know, were Don leer, 

Lauhenstein, and < lonrad I lower, all < lennans. 

i here the school was remi i old bouse 

on the t'ann of Jonathan Schumacher, now occupied 
and owned by Nathan Mobr, about a quarter ol 
mile north of the present village of Seipstown, where 
it was kept up for about seven years, the principal 
teacher being Conrad Dower. 

In thi 19 the district was reorganized, and a 

ni'u school-house, known as the "schuhl-haus am 
nidi schap" ('' school-house al the blacksmith- 
shop"), was buill on the land of Jonathan Wieand, 
now owned bj David Smith, Jr.. near Heberiy's 
blacksmith-shop. 

Sere the school was kept up until the spring of the 
year 1851. The teachers who taught here were John 
Hossy, Geigcr, Hermit, Henry, Muhlhaus, Charles 
Ziegler, Frank Haines (two terms), and Detweiler. 
The two last named taught common schools. 

When the common school-houses were built in the 
summer of the year 1852 this school was again re- 
moved to near its old site, a school-house being built 
on the land of Daniel Mover, at the cross-roads, above 
Bittner's mill, about a quarter of a mile from the 
original site. Among the teachers who have taught 
here may be mentioned Henry Quier, Frank llerber, 
Joel Bittner, Franklin J. Schumacher. Ralph P. Sow- 
den, Solomon F. Etupp, O. D. Quier, Benedict P. 
Weiss, Daniel \V. Benedict, Menno Heffner, Wallace 
Zimmerman, Isaac Haines, Franklin Stealer. 

These district schools were under the management 
of a committee of trustees elected by the patrons of 
each district. They employed the teachers, who re- 
ceived from two to three cents for every child present 
per day, which amount the teachers had to collect 
themselves. 

The teachers mostly boarded around. The German 
language was mostly taught, though the English lan- 
guage was introduced much earlier into these private 
district schools than into the church schools. The 
furniture of these school- was of the rudest kind. 
There were no desks, but a row of tables, like a huck- 
ster's stand, the whole length of the school-room. 

School at Weiss's. — This scl 1-house stood on 

the premises of Henry Weiss, now known as Weiss's 
tannery. The district was organized and the school- 
house was built probably some time between the years 
1822 and 1825. The Bchool was kept up at this place 
until the common schools had been in operation for 
several years, when it was succeeded by the Buck's 
school. The teachers at this place were Elanius 
Kramlieh. Amandas Stettler, David Stettler, and 

others. 



Smithville School. -This school had its 
about the year 1819, when a Bchool was opened in the 

dwelling-house of Mr. Kurt/, on what is now known 

as the Stine farm, owned by Mr. Ziegler, about one 

half mile northwest from Heynemansville. Thi 

.ts at this place were Ferdinand Bei r, Peter 

Maurer, Samuel Wagner, and other-. A tier some time 

this school was removed to the Maurer farm, where 
Nathan Moser was the principal teacher. 

Al t the year L843 or 1844 a school-house was 

buill on land ilnn owned by don.,- Metzger, now 
i. wind by Charles Donner, below where Frit/.'- -tore 
now is, by Gedion Barner, John Helffri 
Danner, George Eisenhard, Jacob Werly, Jonas 
Metzger, Benjamin Grim, and other-. The teachers 
here were Samuel Eisenhard, W. A. Fenckner (the 

I i lie man . Philip Belling, William Stettler. ami 

othi rs. When the common-school houses were built 

In- -el I was again removed, a school-house being 

built at the road between the present village of New 
Smithville and the Barner's farms, and known at first 
as the Metzger's, then as Barner's. ami now a- New 
Smithville School-. Among the teachers were Phaon 

Baer, Lichty, Samuel W. Hacock, etc. 

Acker's School. — Some time after the year 1800 a 
school was opened on the farm of Michael Acker, now- 
owned by Benjamin Grim. This school was kept up, 
with perhaps slight intermissions, until near the time 
when the common schools came into operation, when 
it was succeeded by the Apple's school. Some of the 

teachers at Acker's were Daniel Heltl'rich, Schrei- 

ber, and Fredericka Kengle. Among those at Apple's 
may he mentioned William Rupp, Franklin Acker, 
Amandas Knerr, Cyrus Rhodes, Heilman, and 

others. 

Seiberling's School. — About the year 1834 a school 
wit- opened in the village of Mount Pleasant (now 
known as Seiberlingsville), and was kept up, with 
perhaps slight intermissions, until after the common 
schools had been in operation for several terms, when 
it was succeeded by the present Seiberlingsville school. 
1'rohably the first teacher was Andrea- Riiur, who was 
followed by several English teachers from Bucks 
County, Elias Keiper (of Allentown), Joe Pike, and 
others. Among the teachers who taught common 
school here were Charles Leiser, Lavinius Holben, 
Emma Seiberling, and others. Gottlieb Souders often 
taught Bummer school here. 

Centre School. — Centre School was started about 
the year 1830 in an old house on the premises 
of John Bleiler, tanner. The building was an old 
dwelling-house that had become too dilapidated to be 
rented. The first two years the school was taught by 
Wilhelm Schreiber, a German. Then came Samuel 
Wagner. In 1SM4, the building having become too 
poor, the school was removed to another old house on 
the premises of Rev. John Heltl'rich. Here theschool 
was kept up two years. The teacher was < >rlanso 
Knapp, an Englishman. In 1886 the school was again 



17: 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



removed, this time to an old hatmaker's shop on the 
premises of Jonathan Sander, where ii was kepi up 
two years, the teacher being Amandas Stettler, Bui 
the shop becoming too small, the school was moved 
ii old house at Holben's (now Frank Knerr*s . Mr. 
Stettler continuing as teacher. During these ten 
year- the furniture of the school consisted of the 
rudest kind. The teachers received a certain amount 
per day for each pupil, and most of them boarded 
around. 

A 1m ,ut the year 1840 a school district was organized 
by Henry Kramlich, Benjamin Bear, Andrew Bart- 
man, Joseph Bear, Christian Kramlich, Benjamin 
Zimmerman, and others. Andrew Eartman gavethe 
la ml. ami lien jam in Hear ami Christian Kramlich were 
the builders. The school house thus built was a stone 
structure, about three-fourths of a mile northeast of 
Hcyneniansvillc, on the road to Lyon Valley, and re 
ceived the name Centre School-House. It continued 

to be used tor a period of thirty-three years, until the 
Seipstoun school-house was built, in 1873, when the 
Centre school was discontinued. 

The teachers who taught at Centre were William 
Wittemeyer (a German), William Tippe Cramer an 
Englishman, from Philadelphia), Frank Haines, 
Amandas Stettler, David Stettler, Elauius Kramlich, 
and several others prior to the adoption of the common 
schools in L849. After the adoption of the common 
schools, Mr. Gottlieb Souders, an educated man from 
Germany, taught here for many years, and the school 
had a very hic.li standing. Franklin Bender and some 
others also taught here. O. D. Quier was the last 
teacher. During the time of the Township Institute it 
was mostly held here. A debating society also held its 
meetings here during the winter of 1872 and 1873. 
The house lias since been torn down, and not a ves- 
tige of it now remains to mark the spot. 

Private Schools. — Besides the district and church 
schools, there were also a number of private schools 
at different periods in different parts of the township. 
Sometimes it happened that men of means had a 
large family of children, whom they wished to edu- 
cate better than was usual, so they fixed up a room 
and got a teacher, and had school in their houses for 
their own and their neighbors' children. Among 
these were the first English schools. Sometimes, also, 
it happened that persons of some education got out 
of employment, and, findings room at a suitable place, 
opened a school. Thus, about the year 1825 or 182(j, 
Mr. Jesse Grim fixed up a room on his spring-house, 
got teachers from abroad, and had English school 
kept for a period of about ten years. Killian Leiby, 
Jr., also taught English school in his house some time 
after the year 1800. This man was a sort of "Jack- 
al all trades." I Ie cultivated a small farm, was some- 
thing of a horse-doctor, taught music, and is said to 
have been an expert player on the violin, lie was 
also a nail-maker, having made all the nails used 
in building the second Ziegel Church. In his later 



years he was known to go around casting tin spoons. 
At the time when he taught school he lived where 
George Kuhns now lives. Nathan Moser also taught 

School of this kind sonic time about the year L880, in 
a small shop at his home, on lands now owned In 
Aaron Stettler, about a quarter of a mile south by 

east of ( 'laus.-ville. 

Henry Busse, the veteran teacher at the Weissen- 
berg Church, taught school at one time at Feldi 
Welly's, In the kitchen. At Dewald Wcrly's there 
was school for several terms in the garret of an old 
distillery. 

Some seventy years ago, one Martin Brechall, a 
Hessian, taught school at John Nicholas Werlj -. 
in the kitchen. Here the bustle of the school-room 
mingled with the hum of the busy housewife's spin- 
uing-wheel. He seems to have been an expert with 
the rod and pen. He wielded the former with an 
iron hand. His pupils were mostl) grown-up boys 
with some grown-up girls. They sat on hot h side- of 
a table, ranged through the middle of the kitchen, 
while he sat behind, with his hack to the pupils and 
his face towards the wall. Yet whenever a pupil did 
the slightest mischief he was sure to be detected and 
punished without mercy. Occasionally some young 
sharper would think, " Well, now, he won't see inc.'' 
and begin to make fun. The next moment "whack" 
came the hickory. For a long time the pupils could 
not see how he detected them so soon, but at last they 
found out. that while he sat with his back turned to- 
wards them, he was looking at a mirror which reflected 
the whole room. He was an excellent German pen- 
man, and many of his pupils attended school merelj 
for the purpose of learning to write. When he was 
not teaching he went around filling out baptismal 
certificates. 

Eupp's School. — This district is in the eastern 
corner of the township. The school-house stands on 

a hill once wholly overgrown with chestnut w Is. 

but now mostly cleared. For a long time this district 
had no school. That part west of the school-house 
belonged to the Moyer's district, while that part lying 
east of it belonged to a district of which the school- 
house stood in Macungie, on the hill, abo\e 1 
ville, at the public road leading from that place to 
Seipstown. The school-house above Fogelsville must 
have been built a considerable time before the year 
1800, for persons wdio attended the school there be- 
tween the years 1810 and 1820 say that it was an old 
building then. It had two rooms and a cellar, and 
served also as a dwelling for the teacher at various 
times. When this school was removed to fogelsville, 
this part of Weissenherg had no school until Nathan 
Moser opened his private school about 1830. This 
was not continued longer than a few years. While 
the Moyer's school was at Schumacher's, the children 
of this district attended there. About the year 1839 
a school was opened in an old house on the farm of 
Samuel Heffner, the teacher of which was Joe I'ike. 



WEISSENBEKG TOWNSHIP. 



it:: 



A few years later it was removed to an old building 
on the farm of Jonaa Kern (now known as the David 
Peter's farm), ab6u1 three-eighths of a mil.' south of 

tho present scl l-honae. Tin- building was one that 

had been used as a distillery. The school room had 
no desks, but some old tables and a carpenter's bench, 

at which the pupil- sat. I In.' thi 9i I I was kc|it up 

until tin' spring ni' [852, 

The principal teacher before the common schools 
was John Hossey. Jonas Kunkle taught common 
school here for two terms, and Levi Haas one term. 
In tin- summer • ► t" 1852 a new school-house was 
erected by the township. It was built bj David 
Moser, for three hundred and seventy dollars. It 
was built by the side of the mad, in the middle of a 
large forest, upon land of Jonas Kern, hence the 
school was long known as Kern's school. Reel ntly 
it has been called Rupp's. It is a stone structure, 
twenty-sis feet long and twenty-two feet wide. At 
first the di ska »' re ranged around the wall, but they 

have since been changed several times. The room 
was originally very cold, and many children have bad 
their feet frozen in Bchool. It was repaired some 
eight Or ten years ago and made more comfortable. 

For the first two terms the school was taught bj dona- 
Kunkle. In the tall of 1854 it was taken in charge 
by < diver Holben, since a professor in various Euro- 
pean and American colleges; now en-aged in a New 
York college. He hoarded in the school-house, and 
slept in the garret. He taught one term, and was a 
SUCi essful teacher. The school then numbered some 
nty pupils. The next teacher was Henry Knerr, 
term, then again Jonas Kunkle two terms. He 
was a u'ood teacher for those times. Next followed 
Daniel Kuhns, one term, lie is mm ; i country mer- 
chant at Weidasville. 

In the fall of 1859 the school was placed in the 
hand- of James Schumacher. lie was an educ 
and experienced teacher, but rather too severe, and 
often unreasonable in his punishment of pupils, hence 
he had great difficulties here. He taught one term. 
When tin- civil war broke out he became a soldier, 
and gave his life as an offering to his country. The 
next teacher wa- Oeorge Gosinan. He was a gradu- 
ate of Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio, and was an 
able teacher, but he -non fell into a misunderstanding 
with -one ..t his patrons, and had a vast amount of 
trouble. • When the term was over he went to Mary- 
land, thence back to ( >bio, and afterwards to Europe. 
He spent a considerable time in Switzerland, Italy, 
ami Greece, serving as professor in colleges at Kome 
and at Athens. He married in Switzerland, and re- 
turned to Tiffin, Ohio, where he practiced law for some 
time. When last heard from by his Pennsylvania 
friends he was in California. During the winter of 
1861 and 1862 the school was taught by David Y. 
Shaub, of Hereford, Berks Co. He was a professional 
teacher, and afterwards became a German Reformed 
minister. The next teacher was Engine Haberacker, 



son of Dr. Haberacker, of Fogelsville. He taught 
one term. He is now a physician at Tyrone, 1'a. 
■ it. >n B( rnhard, ol 1 nsl 1 1 xae 

In the tall of 1864 tin- school eame in the eh. 

John Kupp, now an attorney-at-law at Allentown. 

He taught here three terms. Then eame Benjamin 
Kupp, who taught two terms. The two last were pro- 
fessional teachers, and both of them law students at 
the time. The next teacher was Solomon I'. Kupp. 
one term. Tl - md ( Iwen D. 

Quier, each om In the fall of 1872 the Bchool 

came in charge of Henry F. Kupp, by whom it lias 

taught the last twelve winters. 
The Common Schools. — When the common schools 
were first established in Pennsylvania the people of 
Weissenberg were bitterly opposed to them; bene., 

whenever the question eame up at tin- annual town- 
ship elections, the people voted them down, though a 
few men like Joshua Seiberling madi str< ouous i 

to have the system adopted. But when the law was 
chan i bat the minority in a township could 

pt, things took a different course. [n 1849, 
Joshua Seiberling drew up a petition asking the 
County Court to appoint a board of Bchool directors 
for the township. This petition was given into the 
hands ol lu-e, wdio obtained some twentj 

iers to it. It was then presi i be court, 

when Joshua Seiberling, George Muse, Paul Bleiler, 
Frederick Wallace, George S. Eisenhard, and John 
Gehringer were appointed as a board of school di- 
rectors. They organized a system of public schools 

for the town-hip. The first School board was, bow- 
ever, in power but a short time, for at the next 
tion they were all defeated, and an entirely new board 
was elected. 

The second board consisted of Henry Werly. Jacob 
Walli.it. Samuel II. ■It'ner, I >aniel l.eiby. John I rri 
and Jeremiah Derr. 

The present board consists of Charles Kramlich. 
Benjamin Grim, Daniel Zimmerman, Frank Fritz- 
inger, Lewi- Bachman, and Levi Herber. 

School-Houses. — During the fir-t two or three years 
the common schools were held in the old buildings. 
In the year 1852 the township was dive! hool 

districts, and, with lew exceptions, new school-houses 
were built during this and the lew following years. 
These buildings were .-tone structures, poorly built by- 
contract, about twenty by thirty feet in size, with 
rooms eight feet high, and desks ranged around the 
wall. Some time later an independent district, called 
Grim's, wa- formed out of parts of this and Macungie 
townships, also a joint district with Lynn. Here 
larger and better buildings were put up, made of 
brick. 

In 1*7:'. the Seipstown district was formed out of 
parts of Rupp's i then called Kern-' . Ziegel's ( 'hur.h, 
and Centre. The school-house at Seipstown was 
built by contract, by Peter Seip. It is built of brick-, 
about twenty-six by thirty-two feet in size, with room 



171 



HISTORY OF LKHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



about eleven Feel high, furnished with board ilrsks. 
The house is not very durably built, and the room ie 
cold. Lt the Weissenberg Church the school was kept 
"'in in the dwelling-house until L877, when a 
n. -w brick school-house was built. It was built by 

contract bj William Bear, lof the directors. 

At Ziegel's Church the school was also kept in a 
room of the dwelling-house until 1878, when, a new 
dwelling-houBe having been erected by the congre- 
gation, the old house was repaired, the school-room 
was enlarged, and Furnished with patent desks. At 
present about half of the school-houses of the town- 
ship are old and dilapidated, and unfit fo] US( 

Terms and Salary. — When the common schools 
wire tirst started in this township the term was fixed 
at i ^iir months, of twenty-four days to a month. The 

salary paid to the teachers was eighteen dollars per 
month in the winter of 1852-53. From thai time it 
rose until 1860, when they received twenty-eight dol- 
lars per month. In 'he lull of 1863 the term was in- 
creased to five months, of twenty-two days each ; two 
days of each month being granted to the teachers for 
holding institutes. At the close of the civil war the 
salary had risen to from forty to forty-five dollars per 
month, according to the grade of the certificate. This 
was during the times when Jonas Ettinger, Jacob 
Madtes, David Peter, Solomon Knerr, Henry Ger- 
mau, Peter Seip, Charles Ziegler, and others formed 
the school boards. 

During the war this township furnished its quota of 
soldiers byway of substitutes raised by the school 
board. These cost an immense amount of money, 
which had to be raised by means of taxes, called 
bounty taxes, levied and collected hy the school 
hoard. For this the directors were blamed, though 
unjustly, and other men elected in their places; con- 
sequently the school suffered. The salary was de- 
creased, the term diminished, and the institute 
stopped. After several years had elapsed the term 
was restored, the salary again increased, and through 
the efforts of some of the teachers the institute again 
started. Then the schools again flourished. At the 
beginning of the great panic the salary was thirty- 
eight dollars per month for the professionals. In 
1880 it had dwindled down to twenty-four dollars per 
month all through, and the institute had died out. 
The past winter the salary was twenty-nine dollars 
per month. 

Teachers and Progress. — Before the common 
schools were organized the teachers were mostly Ger- 
mans, and the schools nearly all conducted in German, 
but with the advent of the common schools came the 
English language. At first it was taught in its ele- 
ments., that is, in a small way, but gradually it ob- 
tained a linn hold ami crowded the German out. He- 
fore the common schools the schools were few, and 
many children received only a few months' schooling 
in all their lives. The common-school system made 
schools more numerous, and brought the children 



into the schools. For when a person had to pay taxes 

he wanted to have the value of hi> n ey. The 

teachers at firs) were no better qualified than before, 

Several amusing anecdote- will illustrate this, it j* 

said that the first county superintendent for Lehigh 

■.ainined an applicant for a school, a German, 

in a neighboring township. It was in arithmetic. 
First he gave him a problem in addition, then in 
subtraction; these be solved, but when it came to 
multiplication, there he stuck. The superintendent 

asked, ''Mr. , did you never study this?" The 

teacher replied, " Da> addiren und das Mihtrahendire 
das babe ich gelernt. aber das multiplicire und das 
diffidiren babe ich noch nie gekant," — (" Addition 
and subtraction I learned, but multiplication and di- 
vision 1 never knew" i. Another one, on being asked, 
"lien- M , was wissen sic von Grammar?" re- 
plied, "Ich hab rnein lebtag nie gekramert,"— (" Mr. 

M , what do you know of grammar'. I never 

was a pedlar in my life"). 

Soon, however, young men began to go to semina- 
ries ! h mies, and later to normal schools, to pre- 
pare for teaching. Then the schools improved. 
The introduction of the English language into the 
schools was soon followed by the introduction of ge- 
ography and grammar in some schools as early as 
1852. The children studying geography and gram- 
mar were, however, the exception, not the rule, as 
late as 1860. About that time mental arithmetic was 
introduced, followed ten years later by history. The 
teaching of grammar was not a very great success in 
most of the schools until the introduction of " Bead & 
Kellog's Grammar," about eight years ago. Recently, 
also, algebra, book-keeping, and human physiology 
have been introduced into some of the more advanced 
schools. In some of the schools occasionally some 
children studied German exclusively, as late as 1870. 
In many of the schools the children still learn to 
read German, while from others the German has been 
banished entirely. The Sunday-schools and churches 
are still German ; but the children, nearly all of whom 
learn to talk English, are beginning to understand 
less of the High German than of the English, because 
they learn everything in school in English, and talk 
the Pennsylvania German, which is a mixture of the 
two, into which they bring more English words every 
year. 

The two things which hinder the progress of the 
schools are irregularity of attendance, caused by in- 
difference of parents, anil low salary to teachers, which 
annually forces some of the best teachers into other 
employments, thus making teaching only a stepping- 
stone to something else. 

Other Educational Institutions. — At every 
church, and at some of the school-houses, there are 
kept up Sunday-schools, which serve to prepare the 
children to become members of the church. There 
also have been at different times and places debating 
societies in the township. 



WEISSENBKRG TOWNSHIP. 



178 



\ boul seven years ago the teachers of the tow 
started up a township library, intending to make it a 
permanent institution, lmt not being properly sup- 
ported, if collapsed after an existent f al i four 

\i presenl there are eleven and one-ball 

bcI 1 districts in the township, of which the follow - 

i list, together with the teachers and the num- 
ber of pupils enrolled during the last term : 



Diatrict and i 



\ ami 
euioUed. 

Rupp'i i Rapp ~ 

■ l\ Bupp 40 

.Mover'-, Petef 1'. Beai i' 

Zlegel i ;. i 

Apple' i Id. 

W. Hacock 

II ■ i — :I9 

(.in : Grim 

Gackeol ai k'a Benedict P. w e u 

Buck's, Joel II Biltner J7 

Welaaenberg Church, Amandaa Holben. 

Hillert joint with I. yi. n . Ii.iiry KtaUer 

j in Hacui Mr. Fre] 

Justices of the Peace. — Prior in L840 I he jusl ices 
having jurisdiction over this territory were elected by 
districts, and their names will be found in the civil li-t 
oi tin- genera] history. 

Commissioned. 

... \i.iil 14, 1840 ii ling. April 

- Eieenbart... " 14,1840 Francis WeiM " 11,1865 

John W. Helflrich. ■' 11,1843 irling.. " 17,1886 

Joanna Sieberling.. " 15, l.-4. r > Francfa Wefaa " 8, 1870 

ri.'.l. A, Wi.l!;,. .■ '11 i : l.i.lil.V ■' 

v " 9, ls.-,o Fruncia Weiss March 13, 1876 

John H Helffrich... " 16, " 2\, 1-7C 

Francis Weiss " 10,1866 Jncob l.i.htv " 19,1877 

Henrj r Grim • I ; W. Hacock Ipril I li 

Francis Weiss " 10,1860 Frani 

Graveyards. — There i- a graveyard on the land of 
Jesse Grim, in Weissenberg township, which was 
started in 1801. Tin- first persons buried there were 
Daniel and Catharine Grim, who died only eight 
days apart. There are not many persons buried 
there. This is the only graveyard in the township, 
except those at the churches. In the earlier times per- 
sons were buried on their own farms, but the places 
were not fenced as graveyards, and are generally not 
known at the present; and those which are known 
are farmed a- any other land. There are also plans 
visible in some parts which are said to be Indian 
graves, particularly upon the lands of Jesse Urim. 

Manufactories— Mills.— Griin's grist- and saw- 
mills are situated at New Smithville, on Silver Creek, 
on a tract of land surveyed A.ug. 1 2, 1783, for John 
Gackenbach, Sr.. who built a log grist-mill and saw- 
mill on it, and sold it. July _1, 17'.'-t. to John Gacken- 
bach, Jr. Several years later (1797) he sold it to 
Abraham Smith, who had it till 1808, when he sold 
it to ( redion < irim, grandfather of the present owners. 
Gedion Grim built a stone dwelling-house there in 
1810, and a stone mill in 1817, both of which are still 
standing. From Gedion Grim the property passed to 
hi- -on, Benjamin, from whom his -on-, Jonathan, 
Gedion, ami Willoughby, obtained it. The mill is 
still in a good condition considering that it ha- been 
built over sixty years ago. It has a good water 
[lower, being run by water all the year round. It has 



a good run of business. Being active and em 

business n liny have built u ation, 

and are well patronized by the community, which 
they faithfully serve. 

Kline's mill is situated mi Schaeffer - Run, in the 
southern part of the township. About the year 177", 
I'eter Kline bought the property from Mr. Ell 

ami • afterwards erected a 1 i mill. \ few 

i lie mill en 1 ind burned down, and 

a second one was e > built of logs), which 

-I I until the year 1876, when a large frame mill 

wa- built. The present mill is conveniently air: 

and lias both water- and steam power. I'eter Kline 

gave the propi rtj to hi- -on, Lorentz, about th 

I son. Lorentz Kline having no children, gave the 

property to his nephew, Charles Kline, Charles 
Kline, several years ago, divided In- property be- 
tween hi- children, and gave the mill to hi- -on. 
William. Eighty years ago the water-power was 
much greater than now. 

Holben's mill i- situated on Willow Bun, near the 
central part of the town-hip. This L- a very old mill 
site. The mill is supposed to have been built by 
Joseph Siegfried. The first mill was built of logs, 
and stood till about forty years ago, when a new one 
was built, which is also built of logs. About eight] 
year- ago a dwelling-house was built adjoining tin 
mill, which is still standing. The mill is run only 
by water-power. It had many owner-. It- present 
owner and occupant is Jefferson Holben. 

Greenawald's mill is situated on Sweitzer Creek, in 
the western part of the township. There isagrist- 
.iii.l saw-mill here, both of which were built by Jacob 
Greenawald about one hundred years ago. The second 
mill is there now : it is built of logs. The first was also 
built of logs. The mill is run by water-power. Its 
present owner i- Edwin ( ireenawald. 

Bittner's mill is situated on Lyon Creek, in the 
eastern part of tin- township. It is at present owned 
by Willoughby -Bittncr. The fir-t mill had been built 
there about one hundred years ago. 1 1 was used for 
making linseed-oil, afterwards, also, for making chop 
and cleaning clover-seed. In 1881 a new mill was 
built there, which is used only for milling. Flour and 
chop is made. 

ler's mill, on Spring Creek, in the. -out hern part 
of the town-hip. wa- a mill that wa- used at one time 
for chop] ling, and also for cleaning elo\ er-secd. There 
was also a saw-mill there. The mill was built by a 
man named Knouse about 177U. It has not been used 
for the last twenty years. 

Bear's saw -mill is on Lyon Creek, in the eastern pari 
of the township. There has been a saw-mill there 
for a hundred years. The first one was probably 
built by Valentine or Paul Kramlich. The property 
is now owned by Solomon Hear, ami managed by his 
-Frank, James, and Phaon. 

Tanneries. — There is at present but one tannery in 
the township, viz., at Joseph Weiss'. It i- owned 



476 



HISTORY OF LKUKill COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



V 



and managed hv .1 1>^»-| >li Weiss. It w:is started :ilioul 
thirty yeai 

At one time there were also tanneries al Heffner's, 
-, Balliet's, and Greenawald's. All of which 
had been started about L810 or 1815, except G 
wald's, which was somewhat earlier. They ba 1 
discontinued from fifteen to thirty years ago. 

Distilleries. — There are seven distilleries in Weis- 
senberg township, viz. : one at Jones Bittner's, one at 

Levi YVerly's, nnc at Bcnro Wcrly's, one at Edwin 

Greenawald's, one at Jacob Holben's, one at Levi 
Weida's, and one at Fenstermacher's. They are used 
for distilling apple-jack. Perhaps there are several 
others that could be repaired with little costs SO as to 
be in condition lor use, but the above named are the 
only ones that are now or lime been lately used for 
the making of apple-jack. None of them are used 
for distilling grain. There was a time when there 
were perhaps more than fifty in operation. They 
were most numerous from 1800 to 1825. Among the 
old distilleries that were once used, but now torn down 
or discontinued, we might mention those on lands 
now owned by Silas Kershner, Levi Knerr, Schiller 
& Han-man, Rupp's estate, Nathan Mohr, Jones 
Diebl, Samuel Heffner, John Bleiler, Solomon Bear, 
William Gebhard, Jesse Grim, Solomon Grim, Dan- 
iel Gehringer, Solomon Knerr, estate of the lair Paul 
Bleiler, Joseph and Reuben Holben, and many more. 
Those at Jesse Grim's and Daniel Gehringer's were 
used for distilling grain, and did an extensive business 
in their day. Sixty years ago apples were very plenty 
in this region, and much apple-jack was made. But 
for a time people neglected the planting of apple-trees. 
The old t rees wore out, apples became scarcer every 
year, and one after another the distilleries were torn 
down, so that now only a few remain. Thus, what 
was at one time a large and lucrative business in this 
township fell, so that it is now hardly worth taking 
into consideration. At present people are again set- 
ting out trees, and orchards become more numerous, 
but distilling whiskey will hardly ever again reach 
the extent that prevailed from sixty to seventy years 
ago. 

Chocolate - Factory. — A chocolate -factory was 
started on the property now owned by William 
Schmale (then Rev. John Helffrich's) about the year 
1840 by W. A. Fenckner. He manufactured choco- 
late at Helffrich's for several years, and then removed 
to I 'avid Metzger's, where he continued the business 
for two years longer, and then closed out and went to 
other parts. The chocolate-beans were not raised 
here, but had to be brought from other parts. The 
business was probably a paying one. 

Villages, Stores, and Hotels— Seipstown.— This, 
the principal village of Weissenberg, is situated on an 
eminence in the eastern part of the township, on the 

road leading IV Allentown to Hamburg. It is a 

pleasant little village, containing a store, a tavern, a 
post-office, a church, a school-house, a carriage-shop, 



blacksmith shop, ami about twenty dwelling-houses. 
The village was founded by John Seip, whose grand- 
father, Mclchior Seip, came from Wiirteinberg be- 

tween the years 1733 and 1747 and settled in the eastern 
part of what is now Weissenberg township. John Seip, 

the founder of Seipstown, bought the property that is 
now Seipstown from Henry Mohr in the latter part of 
the year 1819, and moved there in the spring of 1820. 
At thai time there was only an old log house standing 
on the south side of the road at what is now the central 
pari "i the village. About five years later he com- 
menced keeping a temperance hotel. About the year 
1850 he obtained a license to keep a tavern, and about 
that time he built several new dwelling-houses. In 
L861 a store was opened iii the village by Thomas l>. 
Mohr, and the post-office was obtained by I 'eter Seip in 
the following year. Most of the houses in tie village 
have been built within the last twenty years. John 
P. Seip, a grandson of the founder of the village, is 
the present owner of the hotel and store. Hi keeps 
the store himself, but the proprietor of the hotel is 
Solomon C. Brobst, who carries on also the saddlery 
business. Carriage manufacturing is carried on by 
Sechler & Brothers, Peter Seip keeps the post-office, 
Levi Smith is engaged in blacksmithing, and Benja- 
min Seip in the wheelwright business. The school- 
house was built in 1873, and the church 1 1 nited 
Brethren) in 1876. The village at present has a 
population of eighty-five. Most of the houses in the 
village are built of wood, but a few are brick. The 
people belong mostly to the Reformed and Lutheran 
congregations. A tew are United Brethren, 

Churches— Zion's United Brethren in Christ— 
This church was organized in 1S74 by Rev. Samuel 
Etter. The original members of the organization 
were Nathan Mohr and his wife, Hannah, and his two 
daughters, Elmena C. and Mary S., Levi Stettler and 
his wife, Hannah, Christian Seip, Jones Walbert and 
his wife, Salome. The congregation was organized by 
the election of Levi Stettler as class-leader, and Na- 
than Mohr as steward. Nathan Mohr, Levi Stettler, 
and Jones Walbert were elected as trustees, In 1776 
the church was built; the corner-stone was laid in July, 
1776, by Samuel Etter and Benjamin Keek, and dedi- 
cated in December of the same year by Hezekiel 
Licht. 

The succession of ministers has included Samuel 
Etter, Benjamin Keek, John Lowry, W. Ihler. Henry 
Y. Spaeth, and Ephraim Licht, the present pastor. 

Hynemansville has a fine location near the central 
part of Weissenberg township, on the road leading 
from Fogelsville to Lynnville. It consists of a store, 
hotel, a few dwelling-houses, and a carriage-shop. 
This is the oldest village in the township, dating back 
to the time of the French and Iudian war. About 
17 In, Michael Bobst settled there, and soon afterwards 
commenced to keep a tavern, his place being known 
as Bobst's Manor House. The Manor House and its 
proprietor figured extensively in the early history of 






WEISSENBERG TOWNSHIP. 



177 



this region. Being situated on the trail followed by 
the [ndiane in passing from the Lehigh to the Blue 
Mountains, and the Bame trail being followed by the 
earliest settlers of this region, it became, long before 
any public roads were laid out, a highway of con- 
siderable use. When the main road in this region, 
passing from the easl to the west, was laid out, the 
Manor House, being situated upon it. irreatly pros- 
pered, and it- proprietor, "Sir. Bobst, became widely 
known. Later on he also engaged in the mercantile 

business, and (allied on both hotel and store. About 

the year 1800 he sold "tit to Frederick Hynemaii, of 
Philadelphia. Hyneman tlieu engaged for many 
j ears in the store business at that place. During the 
tim. that he kepi the -tore he rented the hotel, and it 
had many proprietors, among them Ktierr, Dorn- 
blaser, Schick, Leiser, Krasely, and others. In the 
year 1845, Dr. Frederick A. Wallace, of Baston, took 
possession of the store, and kept it till is.it i, when it 

ps 1 into the hands of Elias Wetherhold, its present 

owner. At present the hotel is kept by Dr. H. A. 
Say lor, who also practices medicine. Dr. Joshua 
Seiberling is also engaged in the practice of medicine 
at the same place. Carriage-manufacturing is car- 
ried on by Charles Ihrie. Hynemansville has had a 
post-office for some time. Its present postmaster is 
Elias Wetherhold. It is the place where the elections 
of the township are held. They have been held here, 
except a tew years when they were held at Seiber- 
lingsville, since Weissenberg and Lynn became sepa- 
rate election disl ricts. 

Seiberlingsville is situated on the road leading 
from Fogelsville to Tamaqua, about a mile northwest 
from Hynemansville. It consists of a tavern, post- 
office, and a lew dwelling-houses. It has a beautiful 
location, being situated on an elevated ridge, which 
gives a fine view of the surrounding country. About 
the year 1790, Jacob Mumi built a log house there in 
the woods. Soon after his son, Jacob, was licensed to 
keep a tavern there, which after several years he sold 
out to his brother, John Mumi, wdio kept the tavern 
for two years, and then sold the place, to Nicholas 
Werly, who rented the hotel to Michael Billig. Billig 
was followed by Philip Linden, and after him came 
Philip Bobst, a son of Michael Bobst, who for such a 
long time kept the Manor House at Hynemansville. 
Bobst was followed by Peter Young. After Young 
came Jacob Derr, who kept the hotel in 1815. Derr 
was followed by George Acker. 

In 1825 a store was started here by Gerhard Belo 
and Frederick Belo. They also had at the same time 
a store at Tripoli, in Lynn township. Frederick 
attended tin- -tore at Mumi'-. They were succeeded 
by David West, who had both the store and tavern. 
He was there for two years, when the store was dis- 
continued, and the hotel passed into the hands of 
John Schaller, who was succeeded by George Wagner, 
who gave place to Joshua Seiberling, who came 
there in 1836, and the same year commenced store. 



At the time Seiberling obtained the place it was 
called Mount Pleasant, bul was soon after cbanj id 

ingsville. After Seiberling came John O. 

Neil, then Solomon ( '. Brobst, A. II. Peter, John 
Delp, and Jones Fenstermacher, who is the prea 
landlord. 

The name of the post-office is Seiberlingsville. The 
postmaster is Joshua Seiberling, who ha- held 
post-office since I 363, in ben it was started. I >r. Fred- 
erick C. Seiberling was also engaged in the practice 
of medicine here for about ten yens. The 'lections 
were held here about thirty-five year- ago, but for 
only one year. 

St. Paul's Church stands in Seiberlingsville, in 
Weissenberg township. It is a Union Church, owned 

by Lutherans and Reformed. The foundation of the 
church was accomplished in the year 1857 by mem- 
bers of the Ziegel, Weissenberg, Lowhill, and Wes- 
nersville congregations. After organizing they pur- 
chased a piece of land and built upon it a church, of 
which the corner-stone was laid on the 7th of June, 
1857. In the following year the church was dedi- 
cated. 

Tin- Reformed ministers of the congregation have 
been the Rev. C. J. Hermann and his son, Alfred 
Hermann. The Lutheran ministers have been the 
same that have served the Ebenezer, Jacksonville, 
Jerusalem, and St. Peter's Churches, namely, Owen 
Leopold, F. Zuber, J. Klein, ami H. S. Fegley. The 
Reformed ministers of the congregation have been 
William A. Heltlrich, E. J. Fogel, and J. X. Bach- 
man. 

The Lutheran ministers have been the Revs. Owen 
Leopold, F. Zuber, J. Klein, and H. S. Fegley. 

New Smithville is situated on Silver Creek, in the 
southwestern part of the township. It consists of a 
store, a tavern, a grist-mill, saw-mill, and a few 
dwelling-houses. About the year 1812, Michael 
Reichert obtained license to keep a tavern there. 
The store was first kept by Aimer Leeland, followed 
by Elijah I Iwen, Mahlon Luther, Lcvan Metzger, and 
Solomon Smith. Reichert was followed in the hotel 
by David Metzger, and then Solomon Smith. The 
place had a post-office — Weissenberg — in 1868, but 
only one year. Benjamin Smith was postmaster. 

Werlysville lias a tine situation in the northern 
part of the township, on the road leading from t'lauss- 
villc to Lynnville. It contains a store, tavern, and a 
few dwelling-houses. It was founded by Daniel I'.itt- 
ner about forty year- ago. Its present owner is Elias 
Werly, after whom it is named. 

Buck Horn Hotel is in the eastern part of the 
township, on the road leading from Claussville to 
Kutztown. It was started by David Moser, who was 

licensed to keep a tavern there in 1862. He was fol- 
lowed by Michael Bleiler, who held it till 1875, when 
it passed into the hands of Jeremiah Schick. it> i 
ent owner and proprietor. 

Mohr's Store is near Zicgel's Church, in the south- 



478 



HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



era pari of the township. A hotel was started there 
i,\ Daniel Stettler about fifty years ago, and was kepi 
till 1875. The property was purchased by Thomas 
1 1. Mohr, iis present owner, in L865. He started a 
here, and kepi the store and hotel for about ten 
years, when he discontinued the hotel, bul -till keeps 
the store. 

Fritz's Store is in tin- southwestern part ol the 
township, on the road leading from New Smithville 
to Eamburg, and aboul one-quarter of a mile from 
tin- former place. lis present owner, Samuel Fritz, 
has kept store there since L850 (at first Samuel and 
Stephen Frit/ in partnership, and Samuel Fritz alone 
since 1867 <>r 1868). Samuel Fritz obtained a post- 
office there in 1853, known as Weissenberg, ami has 
had it since, except one year (1868), when it was at 
Smithville. 

Grim's Hotel was situated in the northwestern part 
of the township, near the Lynn township line, on the 
road io Allemangel. It was a very old hotel stand. 
A hotel wa> kept there prior to 1781 (probably sinee 
about 1760). It used to be the election-place for 
Lynn and Weissenberg townships in the long ago, 
both townships holding their elections at the same 
place, but depositing their votes in separate boxes. 
The elections were held there till 1817. The hotel 
was discontinued about the year 1812. Its proprietor 
was George Grim. 

Bobst's Hotel.— About the year 1812, Philip Bobst 
was licensed to keep a tavern at what is now Solomon 
Grim's place, on Silver Creek, in the western part of 
the township, on the road leading from Hynemans- 
villc to Hamburg, a road which was much used at 
that time, hut now seldom traveled, as other and bet- 
ter roads have been laid out leading towards the same 
place. The tavern was kept by him till 1819, and 
then abandoned. 

German's Store Stand. — At what is now German's 
store stand Dew alt, Werly was licensed to keep a tav- 
ern about the year 1830, and kept it for about twenty 
years, when it was discontinued. About thirty years 
ago Henry German started store there, and kept it 
till 1875, when he rented it to Isaac Dietrich, who 
kept store until April, 1883, when he moved away. 
The property is still owned by German. 

Post-Offices. Weissenberg post-office was ob- 
tained aboul the year 1840 by Michael Reichert (then 
Reichert's, now New Smithville), who was the first 
postmaster. After him Samuel Eisenhart became 
postmaster. In L848 the post-office was removed to 
Hynemansville, with Frederick A. Wallace as post- 
master; but two years later it was again taken to New 
Smithville, with Samuel Eisenhard as postmaster, 
who had it till 1853, when the post-office was removed 
to Fritz's stoic, with Samuel Fritz as postmaster. 

Hynemansville post-office was obtained by Elias 
Wetherhold in 1862. He has been the postmaster 

ever since. 
Helffrich's Stand. — Henry Helffrich obtained a li- 



cense to keep a tavern at what was then called Helf- 
frich's Stand mow Stine's) prior to 1815. Ibwa- a 

jeweler by trade, which business he carried on in con- 
nection with the hotel. About the year is::-, Daniel 
Helffrich, a brother of Henry, built a store-house 
there and commenced a store. Helffrich was followed 
m the -lore business by Stettler, then by IIer>k, Sig- 
fried, and .Mohr & Stine. There is now neither store 
nor hotel there. 

Werth's Store was on the road leading from l'o- 
gelsville to Hamburg, at the place where Kichard 
Worth now lives. The store was started hy Daniel 
Werth about the year 1820, and he kept it for about 
twenty years. Since that time there has been no store 
there. 

California House. — This was a hotel stand in the 
northern part of the township. About twenty years 
ago Jones Werly obtained a license to keep a tavern 
there. He was followed by Charles Cehriiiger. At 
present the hotel is closed. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 
WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 1 

Among the records of the Court of Northampton 
County, held at Easton, is the following: "Now, 
March 20, 1753, Whitehall township is returned and 
allowed." 2 It was situated along the Lehigh River, 
comprised a large territory, and included the present 
townships of Whitehall, North Whitehall, South 
Whitehall, and the northern and western portion of 
the present city of Allentown. 

Prior to this time settlements were made in various 
parts of the district. From the records above men- 
tioned, we learn that in 1752, at October term of 
court Michael Hoffman was appointed constable for 
" Egypta," and this seems to have been the name by 
which a large portion of the township was then 
known. Tradition, as well as the official records, 
point out Egypt as the earliest settlement in the orig- 
inal township, as it also remains within the bound- 
aries of the present township of Whitehall in its 
northern limit. The early settlers pressed forward into 
this region from Philadelphia, whither they had immi- 
grated from Europe, and settled in the more northern 
and western part of the township, in what proved to be 
the less productive and less attractive portion. These 
features are conclusively indicated by the significant 
term by which the parent settlement in Lynn town- 
ship, in this county, and Albany township, Bucks 



I I P. Diefenderfer, Esq., and F. J. Newhard, Esq. 
2 This is the only record concerning the erection of the township. At 
the term of court held the same vcar, Godfrey Knaiiss was appointed 
constahle of the township, and was the first official action of record con- 
cerning it. 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



m 



County, — Allem angel I "all want" -was then known. 

were in want of corn, and found it in the more 

fertile and the then more remote country along the 

Lehigh River. It was the sons of Jacob going to 

Egypt to buy corn, and the Lehigh was their Nile. 

The most Interesting and atriking Feature of this 
-riimu was "Grouse Hall," standing to this day, 
Lynford Lardner, Esq., a prominent citizen of Phila- 
delphia, and whose sister was married to Richard 
Pen n, came to this section of country in 1740. He 
was appoint) d k< eper of the Great Seal in 174<J, and 
held the office till 17"'"., when he moved to Lancaster 
County, and his name is prominently associated with 
the colonial history of that time. 

About 174<> he purchased a tract of land in Bucks 
County, now Lehigh, on the hank- of B branch of 
Lehigh Creek, now Jordan Creek, In 1744 he built 
a large house on this tract. It is built of stone, of 
dimensions twenty-eight by thirty feet, two atories 
high, with pointed root' and high ceilings. A deep 
cellar was built on the outside of the house of large 
dimensions. The house is -till standing and in good 
condition. On the tir>t Hour, through the middle of 
the house, and about two-thirds of the width thereof, 
was a hearth, which for many years served every pur- 
pose of the modern stove. 

This hearth was taken out by the presenl owner 
several years ago, when the mantelpiece was found 
to contain the inscription in figures " 174 I," the prob- 
able date of building by Lynford Lardner. Tradition 
points out this place as a summer resort for people 
from Philadelphia; and as -rouse were very numer- 
ous in the section, large parties from the city annually 
came to the place for the purpose of hunting, from 
which the place was known as "Grouse Hall." It 
ed to in Keith's "Provincial Council," 
in the life of Lynford Lardner, as his "shooting- 
box." 

This house from the beginning was painted white, 
and being at that time more conspicuous than any 
other house in this region, was called tl Whit'' Hall," 
and hence the name of the township. 

It is still in the memory of the oldest inhabitants 
that this house was surrounded by park- beautifully 
laid out, and other traces of a summer resort and 
public-house. 

It is not known at what time Lardner parted with 
this property, but a mortgage is i □ record at Easton, 
given in 1752, reciting that " Peter Droxell [Troxell), 
of Whitehall township, mortgaged to Lynford Lardner 
of Windsor, in the county of Lancaster, gentleman, a 
certain messuage, plantation, and two tracts of land 
situate in a branch of Lehigh * 'reek, etc.," each con- 
taining one hundred acres. This property continued 
in possession of the Troxell family over one hundred 
and is now owned by Michael Blinnich. 

The assessment made by the commissioners of 
Northampton County, Dec. -7. 1781, for the township 
of Whitehall was as follows : 



\rner. 

\i m-r. 

Stephen Balllet 

Balllet. 
John Balllet 
peter i ; i 

IbaoboM Bi i b 
Melcboii Bee ' . 
John B 
1 1 en i > I 
Jacob i ; 
John Bush. 
Christi 
1 
« In Istopher IMank. 
Michael Hindi. 

Peter Bargbalter. 
Uatthbu Brich. 
Philip Deel. 

Jacob Doi in- \ .1 . 
Geortf-' I 1 i mi 
Adam 1 1 i 
Henry Doi ney. 

, Doll. 
Peter l'roxel. 
Daniel Droxel. 
Nicholas Droxel. 
Adam Droxel. 
George Duin. 
Christian Bartch. 
George I 
vi.uu Eppler. 
Peter Foller. 
Jacob Flickinger. 
George Flickinger. 

I I Hit/. 

: Fry, 
Uichael Fry. 
David Frederick. 

I lexer. 
John Fubr. 
Andrew I 
Adam ■ I 
■ 
Laurence Good. 
Peter Good, Jr. 

■ 
Jacob l 
. . 

Martin G 
John Griaomer. 
Panl l 

Adam Bailer, 
Jacob Hartman, 
i Bartman, Jr. 

Deeter Hartman. 
.i icob ii.ii man. 
Andrew Beck. 
Christian Billman. 

i Beberly. 
Henry Heffelfinger. 
Dnwolt H.-rzog. 

i tenry. 

Benuingej. 

Bill. 

r~ — . »•— — 

inan. 

Barthol Hoffman. 

Peter Hoffman. 

man. 

Geo; i > 

Andrew Bower. 

Widow Booser. 

Jacob Hoosman. 



Barthol Buber. 
Christ tan 3m 

'■■ill. 
Andrew 

Jund. 
Jacob Jnnd. 
Jai ob Kern. 
Jacob Kern, Jr. 
Peter B 
< Ihrist | 
Daniel Kern, 

Id Kenner. 
Frederick Swanderi 
George Kin. us.-. 
Philip Knonse, and the mill. 

Geoff rev Kn i 

Uichael Kolb. 

Jacob Kobler. 

Petei Kohler. 
i'hilip Knappenberger. 
George Keakler. 
Peter Keakler. 
Jacob Kreahnian. 
Widow Krnmbach. 
Henry Koon. 
1 tub. 

Peter Lehr. 

John Lehr. 

■ is Limbert, 

Abraham Lii-ht'-n welder. 

William Lowry. 
Geoffrey Lowry. 
Conrad Leysenring. 
Conrad Marck. 

\-i:tUt U 

Philip Mowrer. 
Jacob Mickley. 
Martin Mickley. 
Jacob Miller. 
Sebastian Miller. 
Phillin Mink. 
Adam Miller. 
John Bforitz. 
John Mosser. 
■ 

i U onung. 

unrig. 
Widow Music. 
Peter Meyer. 

JobI Meyer. 
John Meyer. 
John Meyer. 

Petei N 

Laurence Neibard, 
Frederick Neibard. 

Xeibard. 
Benedict Neidlinger. 
Peter Rabinold. 
Daniel Bex, 

■ 
George Remelly. 
George Rick. 

iel Ringer. 
Michael Ringer, Jr. 
Ludwig Rishel, 
William Rishel. 
Martin Rialiel. 

■ 
Daniel Rhoad. 
Philip i 
Peter Rhoad. 
Laurent e Ruck, 
ler. 
Martin Samel. 
George E 
Satu is. | 



480 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 






Samuel Si 

Nicholas Seager, Jr. 
Adam Serfas. 

Andrew Siegfried. 
Widow Siegfried. 
Adam Shenrer. 
Peter siusser. 
Peter Slosser, -'i 
Conrad Se!p. 
William Seip. 
Bernard Smith. 
George Smith. 
.1 in Shad, 
Caspar Shenebrucb. 
Peter Sneck. 
Henry Sneck. 
Jost G. Sneck. 
Stephen Snyder. 
Widow Snyder. 
Michael Snyder. 
Daniel Snyder. 
Jacob Scbrieber. 
Herman Schrieber. 
Peter Steinberger. 
John Steinberger. 
Jost Steinberger. 



Peter Draxel. 
Jacob Draxel. 
John Draxel. 
Abraham Guisomer. 
Simon Hertly. 
Caspar Kennel. 
Juhn Kern. 
John Helfricb. 
George I. Miller. 
John Miller. 
Michael Miller. 
Peter Mickley. 
Nicholas Moritz. 
Peter Moiitz. 
Abraham Martin. 



Binglr 



Abraham Sterner. 
Tobias Steary. 
George Steary. 

<; ge Stei Dinger. 

i ■ mard Stelninger. 
John S imi I 
Michael Steeby. 
John Spead. 
Peter Steckle. 
Jacob Steckle. 
Jacob Swander. 
Adam Swander. 
George Slmerr. 
Andrew Winner, 
John Sweyer. 
George Winner. 
Jacob Winn. 
Jacob WIrth. 
Christian Wirth. 
George Willeman. 
Jacob WoIC 
Samuel Woodring. 
\ icholas Woodring. 
Abraham Bachman. 
George Focht. 
Anthony Stontegill. 
John Siglin. 

Freemen. 

Jacob Holstine. 
Martin Myer. 
David Myer. 
Nicholas Myer. 
Daniel Neihard. 
Nicholas Olker, 
Gottfrey Rhoad. 
Frederick Snyder. 
Henry Snyder. 
John Shlosser. 
Peter Shiner. 
Henry Steckle. 
Abraham Yund. 
Melchoir Dietrich. 
Jacob Kolb. 



Paul Grow, collector; amount of tax, £688 17s. 

Michael Snyder was assessed for thirty pounds. 
Peter Burgholter, Peter Droxel, John Gresomer were 
each assessed for twelve pounds. Adam Heberly and 
George Knouse were each assessed eleven pounds. 
Lawrence Good and Peter Steckle were each assessed 
ten pounds. John Hoffman, Peter Kohler, and Jacob 
Mickley each nine pounds. Adam Deshler, Jacob 
Good, Jacob Kern, John Steinberger, Leonard Stein- 
inger, and Jacob Schreiber each eight pounds. Nich- 
olas Droxel, Henry Heffenfinger, Jacob Miller, Sam- 
uel Saeger, and Christian Saeger each seven pounds. 
Henry Berger, Christian Blanch, Adam Dorney, Adam 
Good, Peter Good, Jr., Jacob Hartman, Barthol 
Huber, Jacob Kohler, Conrad Lysering, Martin 
Mickly, Stephen Snyder, Laurence Neihard, Freder- 
ick Neihard, and George Remelly each six pounds, 
and all others lower amounts. 

A petition was presented at January term of Court 
of Quarter Sessions of Northampton County in 1810 
praying for a division of Whitehall township. George 
Palmer, John Serch, and Michael Snyder were ap- 
pointed by the court to inquire into the propriety of 
the division of the township. At November term of 



court the same year they reported that they had 
divided the township. The court confirmed their 
action, and the township was decreed divided in ac- 
cordance with their report, " and one part lying 
northward of the division line, as per draft, i* named 
North Whitehall, and the other lying southward of 
the said line is named South Whitehall." (The ac- 
counts of the present townships of North Whitehall 
and South Whitehall, as also the sketches of tin- 
early settlers residing in the same, are contained in 
the history of those townships.) 

On the 4th day of February, 1867, a petition of 
citizens of North and South Whitehall was [.resented 
to the Court of Quarter Sessions of Lehigh County 
praying for a division of the townships. Same day 
the court appointed George Blank, Martin Kemerer, 
and Robert Yost commissioners to report as to the 
advisability of a division. Sept. 12, 1867, the report 
of the commissioners was filed, recommending a 
division of the townships. 

"And now, Oct. 31, 1867, on motion of Messrs. Metzger and Schall, 
tbe report of the commissioner** is confirmed absolutely, and it appear- 
ing by the returns of the 8th day of October, 1867, herewith presented 
to the court, that a majority of the voters are 'for a new township,' 
the court order and decree a new township agreeably to the lines 
marked out and returned by tbe commissioners. . . . That the said new 
township be known and called East Whitehall. Now, Nov. 6, 1867, the 
court changes the name of the township from East Whitehall to White- 
hall." 

The township as then laid out included the terri- 
tory beginning at the northwest corner of the city of 
Allentown (then the corner of Tenth and Liberty 
Streets) ; thence in a straight line north thirty-four 
and three-quarter degrees west, to the stone barn of 
John Schwartz, in North Whitehall; thence in a 
straight line north seventeen and one-quarter degrees 
west, to a stone ; thence in a straight line north sixty- 
seven degrees east, to the shore of the Lehigh River, 
on the north side of Zellis' mill; thence along the 
shore of the river to the city of Allentown ; thence 
along the city limits to Jordan Creek ; thence along 
the city limits to the place of beginning. It contains 
an area of twelve square miles. 

Natural Features. — The greater portion of the 
township is productive limestone soil, under a high 
state of cultivation, mostly level, except in the north- 
western portion, where it is interspersed with numer- 
ous hills with slate and gravel soil. The most numer- 
ous minerals are limestone, which is found in large 
quantities, especially along the Lehigh River, the 
Jordan and Coplay Creeks, where it is extensively 
quarried. Cement is abundantly found in the north- 
western parts, where extensive works are erected. 
Deposits of iron ore are also found in the limestone 
region, and fire-clay in the central portion in small 
quantities. Slate-quarries areopened in the northern 
part, where roofing-slate, flagging, fence-posts, and 
flooring-blocks are manufactured. 

The township is drained by the Lehigh River, which 
forms the northeastern boundary. The Jordan Creek 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



481 



flows through the southwestern portion, and like the 

Jordan iil' old, winds its courses along the hills in this 
section, and flows into the Lehigh River at Ailentown. 

Eelffrich's Springs arc situate near Ailentown, about 
three miles above the mouth of the Jordan. About 
three and one-half miles above the springs the waters 
of the Jordan sink into the I'm I during the 

dry -easons of the year, making the bed of the creek 
dry for that distance, and the waters thus disappear- 
ing seems to be the source from which Helfifrich's 
Springs are ted during this season. These springs 
and others along the batiks id' the creek supplj tin- 
water for the Jordan, making it from this place a Bow- 
stream throughout the whole year. 

('..play Creek (also known as Indian Creek i enters 
the township from North Whitehall, where it has 
its source near Unionville, flows in a southeasterly 
direction through Egypt and the central portion of 
the township, and empties into the Lehigh River below 
the works of the Thomas Iron Company, at Hoken- 
dauqua. It drains a large and fertile region of soil, 
flows throughout the whole year, and in its course i- 
used extensively for irrigating the rich meadow-lands 
along its banks. 

Mill Creek flows partly through the township at its 
northwestern boundary, and partly through North 
Whitehall ; has a number of tributaries in it- course, 
and empties into the Lehigh River at Yellis' mill, 
above Whitehall Station. 

The Lehigh Valley Railroad runs through the 
township along the Lehigh River, and in its course 
in the township are located the stations of Fullerton, 
Catasauqua, Hokendauqua, Coplay, and Whitehall. 

The Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad connects 
with the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Catasauqua, ex- 
tends through the township in a southeasterly direc- 
tion a distance of about three miles. The Ironton 
Railroad, now owned by the Thomas Iron Company. 
also connects with the Lehigh Valley Railroad at 
Coplay, extends from that place through the township 
along Egypt, and partly along the Coplay Creek, into 
North Whitehall. 

The early roads in the township were laid out from 
Northampton (now Allentownj to the small villages 
and ferries along the Lehigh River. Among them 
may be mentioned the one leading from Ailentown to 
Catasauqua, frequently referred to as leading to Jacob 
Yund'sand Ilartman's Ferry: also the road to Egypt, 
Balliet's, and Siegfried's Ferry. 

The Lehigh River is crossed by Bicry's bridge and 
the Crane Iron Company's bridge, at Catasauqua, 
Laubach's bridge at Coplay, and Seigfried's bridge at 
Whitehall Station, all of which are toll-bridges. 

The Jordan is crossed by Steckel's bridge on the 
road from Ailentown to Catasauqua, Newhard's 
bridge on the road from Ailentown to Siegfried's 
bridge, and Knauss' bridge on the road from Allen- 
town to Slatington, all of which are county bridges. 
The first bridge at Steckel's was built in 1832. Prior 
31 



to this time the creek was crossed by a ford at th 
place. The bridge was built by the county comm 

sioners, Jacob Marks, John Bast, and . It 

was a stone structure with three arches, In the early 
par! of 1- Ige was swept away by a freshet. 

! same summer steps were taken by the commis- 
sioners for tin- erection of a new bridge. Alter work- 
ing in vain for some time to obtain a firm foundation, 
the project was abandoned until the following sum- 
mer, when the new wooden bridge was built by Henry 
Leh, Jacob L. Derr, and Philip l'erson, county com- 
missioners. This was the first wooden bridge con- 
structed in the county, and it is still standing. 

The first bridge at Newhard's was built about L809. 
Trior to this dale there was a terry at the place, which 
was used during the seasons of the year when the 
stream could not be forded. The first bridge was of 
stone with three arches, and evidently of poor work- 
manship, as some year- afterward it was declared un- 
safe, and the arches were rebuilt in 1834, in which 
condition the bridge is still standing. 

Before the erection of Knauss' bridge the crossing at 
this place was known as Knauss' lord. The first 
bridge erected, which is still standing, is a stone struc- 
ture with two arches. The proceedings leading to the 
erection of the same were as follow- : 

" Petition for a county bridge over the Jordan < 'reek 
at Jonathan Knouse, dated Feb. 5, 1818, the court 
appointed Adam Good, John Sieger, George Eisen- 
hard, Peter Schroeber, George Yund, and Abraham 
Gangewere viewers as prayed for. The jury reported, 
May 13, 1818, in favor of a bridge. Same year, May- 
sessions, the Grand Jury reported ' no bridge.' 
" Feedeeick Joed is, 
" Forem 

May sessions, 1818, the court appointed George 
Rhoads, George Savitz, John Spanenberger, Peter 
Hauck, John Knecht, and John Boas viewers. The 
jury reported in favor of a bridge Aug. 15, 1818. 

Grand jury indorsed on report "rejected. 

The third petition was presented Feb. 7, 1822. The 
court appointed as viewers Stephen Balliet, George 
Gangawere, Anthony Music, Esqs., Peter Troxell, 
Mieha.l Track, and Peter Ruch. 

March 18, 1822, the viewers reported to the court 
in favor of a bridge. At the next sessions the grand 
jury made the following indorsement on the report : 
"Allowed, Solomon Steckel, foreman." 

Also indorsed on the report: 

' 1824, ffeb. I, recommitted to the same viewers, to cause the variation 
to be accurately surveyed and a map or plot thereof to be made, which 
is to accompany tbeir report, returnable tu the next Bel 

"John BUUer entered Into a contract with tin- county commissioners 
in 1822 to do the mason-work of the bridge according to a plan fur- 
nished t.y the commissioner!*, which he performed according to the best 
of bis abilities. That owing to some causes the arches of the bridge 
vr.iv-- w:ty shortly liter its completion, whereby it imiif incumbent on 
him to rebuild the same. That with the assistance he has race) I 
others, under mi impression that the county would not suffer him to be 
the loser, after suffering very considerable damages by two successive 
freshets, he has rebuilt and completely finished the sitme agaiu in a good 



482 



HISTORY OF LLIIHill COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and workmanlike manner. That he ha* kept an account of his labors 
and expense, whlcb he ie read} to exhibit to the Honorable ' '>>urt and 
the Grand Inquest, by wblch it will ui>]>.-ur that he has eustalnc 
tit-av tt your petltloi tndnuable to bear the losses 

bo has sustain.-! himself, and that therefore thej would be unavoidably 

injurious to compensal would he made to him by the 

•■ ity. 

(Signed 

" Mcuon. 
" And hy th> petitioners." 

Petition indorsed: 

" Che within hridRo as prayed for all v ind Jury, 

and one half to hi- paid on the 27th day of March. 1824, and tfe 
mainder one year after the first payment. 

•■ \\M. II. Long, Foreman. 1 ' 

Coplay Creek is crossed throughout tlie township 
In a number of small bridges, all of which are town- 
ship bridges except the one at Egypt. This was built 
by the county commissioners in 1850. It is con- 
structed of wood, about one hundred feet in length, 
and is still standing. 

Settlement. — The early settlements in the township 
were mostly made by emigrants from Germany, who 
landed at Philadelphia, ami in small numbers settled 
in various parts of the township as early as 1730. 
They took possession of the soil, and in many in- 
stances did not obtain their warrants and patents for 
the same until some years afterwards. 

Among the first settlers may be mentioned the 
Rohlers, Steckels, Troxells, Deshlers, Burkhalters, 
Mickleys, Leisenrings, Schreibers, Newhards, Millers, 
Yunds, Snyders, Kolss, Roths, Knauss, and others. 

Egypt was among the early settlements in the town- 
ship. 

Jacob Kohler (Coler) emigrated from Mill Hausen, 
Switzerland, and settled at Egypt between the years 
1720 and 1730, with his family of nine children, — two 
sons (Peter and Jacob) and seven daughters. 

Jacob Kohler built his first house prior to 1730, 
near the site of the present mill. This was a log 
house, and was replaced by a large stone house, 
which has since been taken away and the third house 
built. In 175o he built the first grist-mill at this 
place, partly stone and partly log, on Coplay Creek, 
and held the same until his death, in 1792. By 
his wdll he devised the grist-mill and a portion of his 
land to his son, Peter. In 1809, Peter Kohler built 
a new stone grist-mill near the site of the old mill. 
This second mill is still standing. In 1854, Peter 
Kohler sold the mill to his son, Aaron Kohler, who 
is still the owner of it. Other descendants of the 
original Kohler family -till reside in the township. 

Christian Steckel, the ancestor of the Steckel family 
in this place, settled at Egypt, Sept. 1, 1736, and ob- 
tained a patent for two hundred and sixty-six acres 
of land. In the year 1756 he built a stone house 
upon this tract, which served tlie purpose- of a dwell- 
ing-house and of a fort against the attacks of tlie In- 
dians. The dimensions are thirty-five by forty feet, 
with walls two and a quarter feet in thickness. It is 
standing to the present day in good condition, and is 



owned by Josiah Steckel, a descendant of tlie original 
family. 

He was married to Maria Bear. He had ten chil- 
dren, — five sons (John, Jacob. Henry, Daniel, Peter) 
and five daughters, who were intermarried respectively 
with John Peter Burkhalter, Mickley, Schneider, 
George Pinky, and Martin Mover. 

John Steckel settled in Whitehall, on Coplay Creek, 
upon a portion of the old farm, where he lived until 
his death. 

Jacob settled at Egypt, ami built tie- presi m hotel 
in 1791, and in connection with the hotel kept the 
store until 1821. 

Henry settled upon the old homestead, where he 
died. 

Daniel settled at Bath, Northampton Co., and died 
there at the age of one hundred and one years. 

Peter was born Nov. .'!, 1772, and settled in Moore 
township, Northampton Co., where he died Feb. 22, 
1866. 

The daughters of Christian Steckel all settled in the 
township. 

John had four children, — three sons and one daugh- 
ter, to wit: Daniel (who acquired the John Steckel 
homestead). Joseph (who settled in the township), 
Sally (wife of Jacob Biery, who moved West), and 
Peter. 

Peter was a blacksmith by trade, and carried on 
this business at Hartman's Ferry, along the Lehigh 
River, and at the Irish settlement in Northampton 
County until 1828, when he bought from Walter C. 
Livingstone a tract of one hundred acres of land 
along the Jordan Creek, in the southeastern part of 
the township, where he was engaged in farming until 
his death. He had also bought several other tracts 
in this vicinity. He was married to Esther Burk- 
halter, who survives him, and is now living at Allen- 
town. 

He had four children, — two sons (Robert and Reu- 
ben P.) and two daughters, — Amanda (now living 
upon one of her father's tracts) and Anna I now living 
with her mother). 

Robert occupied the farm upon the death of his 
father, and still owns it. He engaged in farming 
until 1873, when he removed to Allentown, where he 
is still living. He served two terms in the lower 
house of the State Legislature, in 1873 and 1874. 
Reuben P. and Robert are both members of the firm 
of M. S. Young, hardware dealers, in this city. 

Henry Steckel, who settled upon the tract of his 
father's (Christian Steckel), had several children, 
among them a son, Peter, who acquired the original 
Steckel tract near Egypt, and owned it until he died. 
He was married to Elizabeth Biery, and had thirteen 
children, to wit: Thomas, residing at Allentown; 
Peter, who settled in Ohio; Henry, in Illinois; 
David, in one of the Western States ; Joseph, in In- 
diana; Charles, who died here; Deborah, wife of 
Enoch Newhard, residing at Allentown ; Hetty, wife 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



4*:; 



of Thomas Gangewere, who settled in Indiana; 
Clarissa, wife of Jacob Weiss; and Surah, wife of 

Ephraim Steckel. 

John Jacob Mickley was bom in Europe in 1697, 
and came to America in the ship " Eope," of London, 
from Amsterdam, Holland, arriving at Philadelphia, 
Aug. 28, 1738. It appears thai the family is de 
acended from the French Huguenots, the name having 
originally been written Michelet, bul corrupted and 
variously written Miquelet, Miicklite, and finally an- 
glicized into t he present t'orni Mickley : thai during 
the persecution of the Huguenots in France they emi- 
grated to the bordering dukedom of Dens Ponta, a 
part of the German empire, where they were unmo- 
lested in the exercise of their religion. John Jacob 
Mickley settled al Egypt in Whitehall township, 
where he obtained warrants I'm- three tract- of land. 
the first of which is dated Nov.5, 174A 1 1 « - was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Barbara, daughter of Ulrich Burk- 
halter, and died in August, 1769. He had three sons 
and two daughters, to wit: John Jacob, who settled 
On a tract of land bordering on the village of Hoken- 
dauqua. He had six sons and four daughters. A 
number of his descendant- are still residing in the 
county. 1 

John Martin, the second son, continued to live on 
the homestead, and had the lands patented for which 
his father bad taken out the warrants. In 1794 he 
moved to Adams County and settled near Gettysburg. 
He had four sons and five daughters, whose descend- 
ants are still living in that county. 

John Peter, the third son. of whose escape from the 
Indians an account is given in the general history of 
the township, served in the military service against 
the Indians and in the Revolution during the whole 
time of its continuance, in the capacity of a liter. 
He was in the battle of German town. At the close 
of the war he was married, and settled in Bedmin-ter 
township, Bucks Co., about the year 1784. He had 
two sons and eight daughter-, some of whose de-cend- 
ants are still living in Bucks County and others in 
Philadelphia. 

One of the daughters of John Jacob Mickley was 
married to Andrew Miller, who resided in Lynn town- 
ship, and died without issue. The other daughter 
was married to Adam Deshler, a son of Adam Desh- 
ler, one of the original settlers of the township. She 
lived in Whitehall township until the death of Desh- 
ler, by whom she had three sons and one daughter. 
She afterwards married Michael Bieber, of Allen 
township, Northampton County. 

Adam Deshler, another of the early s,-ulers, immi- 
grated to this county with two brothers — Anthony 
and David — from Switzerland about the year 1733, 
and settled upon a tract of land in Whitehall town- 
ship, near Egypt. 



1 For full sketch of Mickley family, see biographical sketch, irllb 

Mickley portrait. 



John l.'einberry obtained a warrant for a tract of 

two hundred and three and a hah acre ow- 

anccs, daled June ■>' , I73S, which by non compliance 
became void. Fredi « ho subsequt ntly 

settled in the lower part of the town-hip obtained a 
warrant for the same tract, dated Feb. 1. 1742, which 
afterwards was vested in Adam Deshler, and to whom 
a patent was issued for the same. May 5, 1751, as al 
a patent bearing even date for an adjoining tract of 
acres, for which he had taken out a warrant 
dated June 5, 1749. Adam I»<-hler figures in the 
colonial period, having been employed to furnish pro- 
visions for the provincial forces in 1756, 1767, and 
1758. In 1700 he built a stone house upon this tract, 
w bich is still standing and in a good slate of preserva- 
tion. During the Indian troubles it was used as a 
military post, and the loop-holes in the thick walls are 
still visible. 

Adam Deshler had four sons, viz.: Adam. Peter, 
David, and George, and several daughters, among 
whom were Mrs. Peter Kern, who lived along the Jor- 
dan, and Mrs. Schreiber, of Allentown. 

Adam Deshler was the oldest of the three sous; 
had one son, David, and several daughters, to wit : 
Mrs. Schreiber, .Mrs. Stein. Mrs. Kern, Mrs. Daide- 
man, and Mrs. Woodring. 

Peter, the second son, had three sons, viz.: Peter, 
who first lived at the Irish settlement in Northampton 
I i unty, and subsequently moved to Whitehall ; David, 
called "Clover-seed" David, from the fact of his having 
a clover-mill at the Little Lehigh Creek ; and Jacob, 
who lived near "Nelig's in the Irish settlement." 

I 'avid, the third son of the original Adam Deshler, 
had a number of children. Adam, one of the 
(also called Han Adam i, settled at Easton. Among 
his sons are David N. Deshler, of Columbus, O., 
whose son, John < !.. lives at Buffalo, N. Y. George 
is the second son of Hau- Adam Deshler, and among 
his sons is Charles D. Deshler, who is a druggist, and 
inventor of the celebrated fever and ague pills called 
" Deshler's Pills," and reside- at New Brunswick, 
Js. J. The above-named David Deshler also had 
several daughters, among them Mrs. Christian Mick- 
ley and Mrs. John Wagner, of Allentown. 

David Deshler, the grandson of Adam Deshler, first 
above mentioned, had three sons, to wit: James, Da- 
vid, and John, who lives at Waterloo, N. V. James 
lived in Whitehall township, and had three sons, — 
Jacob, Peter, and D. J. F., — all of whom reside in the 
<it\ oi Allentown. David, the second son, was n 
in Whitehall township, and left home when about 
' year- of age. lie became a surveyor, and as- 
sisted in the government surveys of Kansas and Mis- 
souri, lie afterward- engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness in St. Louis, and then in Tuscumbia, Ala. He 
conceived the idea and successfully carried out the 
project of building a railroad from that place to De- 
j catur, — forty-two miles across the neck of a great bend 
; in the Tennessee River, connecting its navigable 



I- 1 



HISTORY OF LKHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



waters the water in the neck being shallow i, and thus 

materially enhanced the commerce of that region. 

was in 1884 or 1885, and the road was the first 

west of the A Mechanics, and prolialily I In- tliinl in the 

United States. It is now a link in one of thi 
southern railroads between Memphis and Charleston. 
The cars were at first drawn by mules. 

David Deshler had two sons and one daughter. 
Both the sons were students at West Point. David, 
one of the sons, was drowned while a student ; .Fames, 
the Other, graduated, served in the army, and los! his 
life in the battle of Chickamauga. 

Ulrieh Burkhalter, the ancestor of the family in 
the township, immigrated to this country in the ship 
"Samuel," of Sweden. Hugh Percy, master, from Rot- 
terdam, but last from Cowes, and landed at Philadel- 
phia, Aug. 11, 1732, with two hundred and seventy- 
nine persons. He subsequently settled in Whitehall 
township, and on Feb. 4, L748, bought from Richard 
Hockley a tract of three hundred acres of land near 
Egypt. This was a tract nearly square, rich and fer- 
tile soil, beautifully located, watered with two never- 
failing springs about two hundred and fifty yards dis- 
tant from each other, the water from which irrigates the 
meadows on this and adjoining tracts. It is in general 
one of the best and most desirable tracts in the town- 
ship. Ulrieh Burkhalter had one son, Peter, and one 
daughter, Elizabeth Barbara, intermarried with John 
Jacob Mickley, of whom a sketch is herein elsewhere 
given. 

Peter obtained from his father a deed of gift, dated 
Nov. 9, 1754, for the above tract, on which he built a 
large two-story stone dwelling-house, which is still 
standing. He also obtained warrants for two adjoin- 
ing tracts, the one called Somerville containing sixty- 
nine acres, the other called Petersburg containing one 
hundred and ten and a half acres. Peter had one son, 
John Peter (known as " Han" Peter), and two daugh- 
ters, Maria Barbara, intermarried with Able from 

Philadelphia, and the other intermarried with Stephen 
Balliet. 

On April 1, 1792, Peter sold this entire tract of four 
hundred and seventy-nine and a half acres of land to 
his son, John Peter. John Peter had nine children, to 
wit : Henry, Peter, Joseph, Charles, Daniel, and Polly 
(wife of Henry Mickley), Elizabeth (wife of Benjamin 
Boggs), Catharine (wife of Benjamin Kohler), and 
Salome (wife of Abraham Biery). Of these, Peter 
and Daniel moved to Indiana, Joseph to Ohio, Charles 
to Lower Milford (this county), Benjamin Boggs 
to Crawford County, Benjamin Kohler to Carbon 
County, where their descendants are still living. 
Abraham Biery obtained part of the original Burk- 
halter tract of land. 

Henry Bulk halter, the oldest son ol John I'eter, was 
born Aug. 2:(, 1780, on the Burkhalter farm. He and 
his brother, Peter, bought two hundred and sixty- 
four acres of the farm, Feb. 21, 1857, which they sold 
some time afterwards, including the homestead to 



>ix daughters, — 
Mary, and Chris- 



Breinig. Eenrj moved to Berks Canity, and sub- 
sequently returned to the old farm and settled upon 
a tract of ten acres, where he died in 1835. He had 
twelve children, six sons— Charles, Stephen, David, 
Henry, William, and Reuben — and 
Ksther, Sarah, Deborah, Elizabeth, 
tiana. 

Charles, Stephen, and Reuben at an early age 
settled in New York City, where they engaged in the 
wholesale grocery bir-ine--, which they carried on 
successfully for many years. Charles was married to 
Anna M. I lavermver, a sister of ex-Mayor William 
I •'. Havermyer, Esq., of New York City. The three 
brothers died in the city of New York. David moved 
to Crawford County, where he is still living. Henry 
settled in Hamburg, Berks Co., where be died many 
years ago. 

William moved to Tiffin, Ohio; served in the civil 
war, and died while a soldier. Esther, the oldest 
daughter, was married to Peter Steckel ; preferred to 
reside with the Steckel family. Sarah was married to 
( Iharles Ruch, a descendant of the Rush family, which 
settled at Ruchville, in North Whitehall. He bought 
his father-in-law's tract, and died there in 1854, 
leaving seven children, — six sons, to wit: Henry, 
Allen, Stephen, Solomon, Keuben, and Edwin, all of 
whom reside out of the township, except Solomon, 
who is married into the Schaadt family; and one 
daughter, Sarah, intermarried with John J. Rcil, 
living at Scranton, with whom the Widow Ruch now 
resides. 

Deborah, another daughter of Henry Burkhalter, 
was intermarried with Paul Newhard, and Elizabeth 
with Joseph Newhard, both of whom resided in the 
township, and of whom an account is given in the 
sketch of the original Newhard family. 

Mary (intermarried with William Beary), shortly 
after her marriage, settled in Seneca County, N. Y., 
at the place now known as Bearytown, where she 
died many years ago. 

Christiana, the youngest daughter of Heury Burk- 
halter, was married to John K. Clifton, and settled in 
Northampton County ; descendants of this family are 
still living at Easton. 

The first of the Leisenring family in this section 
was Johann Conrad Leisenring. He was born at 
Hildeburg Hause, April 27, 1727, and was baptized 
June 27, 1727. He emigrated to this country, land- 
ing at Philadelphia. He settled in Bucks County, 
and subsequently he resided with the family of Nich- 
olas Seager, in Whitehall township, for some years. 
In 17iiG he took into possession the Showalter tract, 
on the Lehigh River, at " Siegfried's Ferry," and 
bought this tract, containing one hundred and fifty 
acres, from them April 1,1771. He also obtained a 
patent, dated Feb. 19, 1788, for a tract of sixty-two 
and one-half acres, adjoining the Showalter tract on 
the north. The first house built here was of stone, 
erected in 1700, by Joseph Showalter, which was 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



485 



taken down byJohann Conrad Leisenring, and :i new 
stone house erected by him on the same Bite in 1796, 
which is still standing, and occupied by the Li isen 
ring family. The spring-house, partly -tone and 
partly log, was built by Johann Conrad Leisenring in 
17st',. ; i n< I is still in use. The barn now on the premises 
was built by Conrad Leisenring in 1794. The other 
stone hiiii-c. now occupied by the Leisenring family, 
was built by Conrad Leisenring in 1816. Aero 
road at this place is a luir house, painted red, of which 
there is no record, but evidently built by the 
alters many years ago. 

On this tract are located a number of springs, one 
at each of the old bouses, and others along the course 
towards the Lehigh River. The water is used in irri- 
gating the meadow-land on this and adjoining tracts, 
the water rights being reserved by the adjoining 
owners. The Showalter family moved to Virginia 
after selling their land to Johann Conrad Leisenring. 

Johann Conrad Leisenring died prior to the time 
of the Revolutionary war. His sou, Conrad, then at 
the age of seventeen years, living with and supporting 
his mother, was taken with his team to the war, in 
which he served as teamster for a number of years. 
Peter and John, son.- of Conrad Leisenring, served in 
the cavalry of Capt. Peter Kuch in the war of 1812. 
Of the survivors of the Leisenring family in the town- 
ship are William Leisenring, of Whitehall Station ; 
Catharine, Lydia, and Edward, still living at the old 
homestead; Mrs. George Daniel, and others residing 
in the vicinity. 

Of the other original families in the upper part of 
the township may be mentioned Ulrich Flickinger, 
who obtained patent.-, dated May 22, 1762, for three 
hundred and two acres of land at Mill Creek. He 
shortly afterwards sold his land and moved to the 
State of New York. John Koch, of Allentown, now 
owns a large portion of this tract. 

Also George Ringer, who obtained warrants for one 
hundred and eleven acres of land on Mill Creek, in 
the northeastern limits of the township. The de- 
scendants of this family still live in the township. 

On this original Ringer tract a stone grist- and saw- 
mill was erected by Leonard Miller, about tin 
1804. It was subsequently owned by Jacob Steckel, 
John Deichman, and Abraham Yellis, and the latter 
of whom, in 1855, rebuilt the mill, and it is now 
owned by . 

Michael Kelchner obtained a patent, dated Feb. IS, 
17117, for twenty-seven acre-, near Egypt. Among 
his descendants is Augustus K. Kelchner, who owns a 
tract of land near Egypt. 

Michael Hoffinan landed at Philadelphia from Ger- 
many Oct. 11, L782, and shortly after removed to the 
territory that later became Whitehall, and 1 
two hundred and tifty acres of land along Indian or 
Coplay Creek, taking out his warrants on the 10th 

■ •' November, 1744. Feb. 16, 1763, received the 
patents. The land is now owned by Samuel Bute 



and Adam Shirer. Michael Hoffman lefl tw< 
John and Michael, who continui tract 

by their lather. John had two BOns Petet 

and Joel — and two daughters, — Caroline, who became 
the wife of Henrj Guth, and Lydia, who married 

Long. Eli Hoffman, now living 
town, is the only survivor of Peter Hoffman's family. 
The- family of Michael I [offman, son of Michael 
grated to the West rn State-. 

The farm of John Hoffman was later owned by his 
son, Peter, and now belongs to Samuel Butz, of Allen- 
town, and the part that was inherited by .Michael be- 
long- to Adam Shirer. 

William Allen obtained from the proprietaries a 
tract of four hundred and fifty acre- in the upper part 
of the township along the Lehigh River, Dec. 12, 
1759. He shortly after sold this tract in small par- 
cels to Joseph Showalter, Christopher Kern, Gi 
Koehler, and Joseph Bosler. 

John Jacob Schreiber, the ancestor of the Schreiber 
family of Lehigh County, was born in Xiederbrunn, 
province of Alsace, in the early part of the eighteenth 
century. 

In a record, written by himself, it is stated that he 
was married to Anna Roth, of the same province, on 
the 28th day of April, 1733, and on the 4th of May 
following they set sail in the ship "Hope," of Lon- 
don, Daniel Reid, master, from Rotterdam, last from 
('owe-, for America, and landed, with two hundred 
and twenty-five others, at Philadelphia on the 28th of 
August, 1733. 

It i- stated in his record that they lived for some 
time in Schippach township now Montgomery Coun- 
ty), but the date and time are not given. From 
Schippach they removed to Lehigh County, and lo- 
cated on the west bank of the Lehigh River, where 
the village of Coplay now is. Here he located four 
hundred acres of land. 

In a record kept by his son, Philip Jacob, we have 
the following: 

" I, Philip Jacob Schreiber, was born on the 13th 
day of June, 1735, in Schippach township, Philadel- 
phia Co., and was baptized on the 15th of June in 
the same year.'' Tradition says that this son was five 
or six years old when the family took up their abode 
in Lehigh County. 

Catherine Maria Magdelen was born on the 6th of 
January, 1737. The date of her baptism is not given. 

but her -| -or- w. re John Schuck and his wife, 

Anna Maria. She was married to a -on of Peb r 
Troxi I. with whom she moved to the State of Mary- 
land, and settled near Hager.-town. 

John George, the youngest child id' John Jacob, 
was born on the 6th of December, 1739. He was 
baptized on the 2d of April, 1740. Hi- sponsors were 
George Ruch and Eve Catherine, wife of Michael 
Hoffman, lie was married to Elizabeth Julianna 
i, and lived iii Allentown up to the time of his 
death. He left no issue. 



486 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John Jacob Schreiber died a comparatively young 
man. He is buried in the graveyard at the Egypt 
Chunh. His widow afterwards married Peter Troxel, 
the father of her son-in-law. 

In the year 1756 or 1757 his eldest son, Philip 
Jacob, became the possessor of the homestead, which 
he held up to the time of his death. 

On the 1st day of May, 1759, he was married to 
Catherine Elizabeth Kern, with whom he had eleven 
children, of which three died young. He died on the 
5th of April, 1813, in the seventy-eighth year of bis 
age. His wife survived him, and died on the 3d of 
November, 1819. Roth are buried at the Egypt 
Church. Their children were: 

1. Eve Catherine, born on the 7th of May, 1761 ; 
baptized on the 24th of May in the same year. Her 
sponsors were Peter Burghalter, George Schreiber, 
Christopher Kern, Margaret Kern, Julian Deschler, 
and Julian Hoffman. She was married to Jacob 
Mickley, with whom she had sons and daughters. 
The late Joseph Mickley, of Philadelphia, a promi- 
nent antiquarian and numismatist, was her son. 

2. John Peter, born on the 27th of May, 1763. He 
was baptized on the 21st of September, 1763. His 
sponsors were George Koehler, Peter Deshler, Mar- 
garet, wife of Jacob Kern, and Eve, a single daugh- 
ter of Jacob Fatzinger. He was married to Susanna 
Deshler, with whom he had two daughters. Mrs. 
Aaron Dech, of Rittersville, is his daughter. He 
became the possessor of a part of his father's farm, 
where he died on the 24th of August, 1834. 

3. Maria Magdelen, born on the 29th of January, 
1767 ; baptized on the 12th of April in the same year. 
Her sponsors were Peter Deschler and Maria Eliza- 
beth Schreiber. She was married to Peter Deschler, 
with whom she had two sons and two daughters. 

4. Barbara, born on the 12th of July, 1769; bap- 
tized on the 1st of August, 1769. Her sponsors were 
Christopher Kern and Catherine, a single daughter of 
Jacob Kern. She was married to Henry Miller, with 
whom she had three sons and two daughters. Isaac 
Miller, of Weaversville, Northampton Co., is her son. 

5. Susanna, born on the 14th of July, 1777 ; bap- 
tized on the 24th of August of the same year. Her 
sponsors were Christopher Kern and his wife, Cath- 
erine. She was married to Peter Ruch (who served as 
captain of a cavalry company at Marcus Hook 
during the war of 1812), with whom she had four 
sons and one daughter. Capt. Thomas Ruch, of 
Whitehall, is her son, and Mrs. Stephen Graft', of 
Ballietsville, her daughter. 

6. Jacob, born Jan. 3, 1780; baptized on the 27th 
of February in the same year. His sponsors were 
Peter Deschler and his wife, Magdelen. He was 
married to Eve Catherine, a daughter of Conrad 
Leisenring, with whom he had two sons and six 
daughters. He became the possessor of the Schreiber 
homestead, where he died on Christinas-day, 1865, 
aged eighty -six years, less ten days. 



7. Elizabeth, born on the 7th of September, 1782; 
baptized on the 3d of November in the same year. 
Her sponsors wen- Jacob Kern and his wife, Marga- 
ret. She was married to John Balliet, with whom 
she had seven sons and two daughters. They re- 
moved at an early date to Northumberland County, 
this State, when' many of her offspring still reside. 

8. Daniel, born on the 4th of June, 1785 ; baptized 
on the 24th of July in the same year. J lis sponsors 
were Christopher Kern and his wife, Catherine. He 
was married on the 19th of June, 1808, to Barbara, 
daughter of Conrad Leisenring, with whom he bad 
four sous and live daughters. The sons were Reuben, 
Aaron, Daniel, and David, — all deceased but Aaron, 
who lives at Coplay. He died on the 9th of Decem- 
ber, 1857, aged seventy-two years, five months, and 
seven days. 

Jacob Schreiber, son of Philip Jacob, who got to 
be the possessor of the original Schreiber homestead, 
the husband of Eve Catherine Leisenring, was the 
father of the following-named children: 

1. Anna, married to Jacob Roth, with whom she 
had quite a number of children. Josiah Roth, of 
Whitehall Station, is her son. 

2. Salome was married to Jacob Dillinger, a sub- 
ject of a sketch elsewhere (in connection with a his- 
tory of the Allentown National Bank). She sur- 
vives her husband and one daughter, and has three 
living sons. 

3. Edward, born on the 6th of May, 1807. He was 
married to Magdelen Laubaeh on the 26th of March, 
1833, with whom he had six children, — three sons and 
three daughters. He received one-half of his father's 
farm, erected the necessary buildings, and followed 
farming for some years. He built a distillery, and 
for some time was quite extensively engaged in that 
business. Later he purchased a farm and mill in 
Salisbury township, on the Little Lehigh River, 
known as the Edleman property, where he carried on 
farming and the manufacture of flour quite exten- 
sively. He took a great interest in tine blooded stock 
of all kinds, and was the owner of some of the finest 
Durhams in the State. In the spring of 1869 he 
traveled over Europe, and visited Niederbrunn, the 
home of his ancestors. He purchased in the city of 
Paris, France, six of the finest Percheron horses he 
could find, brought them home for his own use, and 
kept them on his farm up to the time of his death. 
He located five thousand acres of land in Northern 
Minnesota, where the Northern Pacific Railroad 
crosses the Red River, at the city of Morehead, which 
is now owned and cultivated by his eldest son, Frank 
J. Schreiber. He traveled quite extensively through- 
out the United States, which gave him much prac- 
tical information. He was a man of much experience 
and more than ordinary enterprise. He died on the 
16th of September, 1871. 

4. Catherine, married to Joseph Eberhard, witli 
whom she has two daughters. She lives with her 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



487 



husband on a farm situated in North Whitehall 
township, on the banks of the Coplay Creek. 

5. Maria. This daughter is married to the Rev. 
Alfred J. G. Dubbs, pastor of Salem's Reformed 
Church, in the city of Allentown, where she, with her 
husband, have resided since the year 1857. 

6. Owen L., born on the !)th of July, 1820, married 
to Louisa S., eldest daughter of Rev. Joseph S. Dubbs, 
D.D., on the 23d of December, 1M7, with whom he 
has four children, one son and three daughters, lie 
lives on a farm, near the village of ( '"play, which is a 
part of the original trac) owned by his grandfather, 
Philip Jacob Schreiber. He is a fancier of blooded 
stock, and i- the owner of one of the finest herds of 
1 Mum cows in the .State. 

7. Eliza Julia. This daughter is married to Aaron 
i i. Reninger, with whom she has the children, three 

BODS and two daughters. Her husband is engaged in 
the mercantile business in the city of Allentown. 

8. Malvina. This the youngest daughter was never 
married. She remained with her aged parents and 
eared for their wants up to the time of their death, 
when she took up her residence with her brother, 
Owen L. Schreiber, where she died on the 8th of Feb- 
ruary, 1875. 

The Schreiber family strictly adhered to the church 
of their fathers. There is not a single one, at this 
time, hearing the family name who is not a member 
of the Reformed Church. 

George Frederick Newhard, the first of this family 
in the township, was horn at Zweibriicken, on the 
Rhine. He emigrated to this country in the "Saint 
Andrew" galley, John Stedman, master, from Rot- 
terdam, last from Cowes, with four hundred and fifty 
persons, landing at Philadelphia Sept. 26, 1737. He 
settled in Whitehall township, and in 1742 obtained a 
warrant for two hundred and three acres of land along 
the Coplay Creek. In 1746 he bought two hundred 
and fifty acres of land along the Jordan Creek, from 
John Eastburn. Here he settled and erected a log 
house, near the present mill-dam, iu which he lived 
until the time of his death, in 1770. He had nine 
children, five sons, to wit: Frederick, Lawrence, 
Christopher, Daniel, and Peter, and four daughters, 
to wit: Juliana (wife of Stephen Snyder, herein else- 
where referred to). Salome (wife of Mathias Albert), 
Sophia, and Elizabeth Barbara. 

By deed of release Frederiek and Lawrence, two 
of the sons, obtained the above traet of two hundred 
and fifty acres, as also an adjoining tract of one hun- 
dred and twenty-one acres, for which their father had 
in his lifetime obtained a warrant. 

The other children of George Frederick Newhard 
continued to live in this immediate vicinity. A pat- 
ent was issued to Daniel, dated Oct. 16, 1788, for 
eighty-six acres, adjoining tracts of Michael Kolb 
and Adam Miller, and which was afterwards owned 
by Godfrey Knauss and Henry Schneider. 

Peter bought an undivided portion of the Giles 






Winsor farm, along the Lehigh River, which is now 
owned by Jonathan Sterner. Frederick and Law- 
rence owned their tracts jointly until March 10,1789, 
when by i\rvd of partition of that date between thi 
Frederick took the northeastern portion, including 
the homestead, and Lawrence the southeastern 
portion. 

Frederick occupied his tract until his death, in 
17!»4. lie left nine children, — seven sons, to wit: 
Daniel, Henry, Peter, George Adam, Abraham, 
Frederick, and John, and two daughters, — Catharine 
(wife "1 Jacob Strauss) and Elizabeth. Of these, 
Henry, Peter, and Jacob Strauss moved to Monroe 
County, John to Montour County, and Abraham and 
Frederick to Ohio, Elizabeth died single, George 
Adam bought a traet of land known as the "Church 
Land," in the " Moyer Valley." He had four daugh- 
ters, — Elizabeth (wife of Michael Minnich, who now 
owns and occupies the original Lynford Lardner tract 
<" Grouse Hall"), along the Jordan, in South White- 
hall), Abbie (wife of Solomon George), Lydia (wife 
of Daniel George, who moved to the Western States), 
and Esther (wife of George Albright, who settled in 
Northumberland County). 

Daniel, the eldest son of Frederick Newhard, ac- 
quired the homestead of his father Nov. 13, 1795, 
and held it until his death, Sept. 14, 1840. He left 
eight children, to wit : Jonathan, Charles, Abraham, 
Henry, James, Reuben, Anna (wife of John Marcks), 
and Catharine. Of these, Reuben, Jonathan, and 
Henry occupied the land with the homestead, which 
is still owned by their families. Charles bought a 
tract in South Whitehall ; James settled near Egypt ; 
Abraham and Jonathan settled on the old homestead. 

The southeastern portion of the original George 
Frederick Newhard tract was owned by his son, Law- 
rence, until his death, in 1817. He had ten children, 
to wit : Frederick, Christian, John Jacob, Peter, 
John, David, Daniel, Elizabeth (wife of John Moll, 
who lived at Allentown), Anna Maria (wife of Daniel 
Yundt), and Sally (wife of John Yundt). Of these, 
the fir-t named moved West. Peter was a blacksmith 
by trade, and settled in Allentown, where his de- 
scendants are still living. John moved to Allentown, 
where he died in 1850, at the age of sixty-seven years. 
He had two sons — Paul and Joseph — and four daugh- 
ters, to wit: Deborah (wife of Thomas Clark, who 
settled in the township), Eliza (wife of Seligman 
Butz, who moved West), Caroline (wife of Jones 
George, of Allentown |, and Elenora i wife of William 
Mullen). 

Paul bought the original Philip Verbal tract, along 
the Jordan, and parts of tract- of Jacob Wert/, 
Stephen Snyder, and Daniel Newhard. which he oc- 
cupied until the time of his death, in 1858, at the age 
of forty-nine years. At the time of his death he left 
■ wo sons, — Franklin J. and Lewis P. By proceedings 
in partition, Franklin J. accepted the whole traet of 
land, and subsequently sold a portion of it to his 



488 



HISTORY OF LKIIIHII COUNTY, PENNSYLYANIA. 



brother, Lewis P., which they still own. In 1875, 
Franklin J. Newhard was elected clerk of the Court 
of Quarter Sessions ami Oyer ami Terminer of the 

county, and health officer for three years, lie is now 
seeretary of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of 
Lehi li < lounty. 

Joseph, the other son of John Newhard, accepted 
his father's farm, and lived at the old homestead, 
above the mill, until his death, in ISdX, aged fifty- 
eight years. He left surviving one daughter, — Susan 
I intermarried with Franklin Koehler, who now owns 
and occupies the old John Newhard tract). 

Daniel, the other son of Lawrence Newhard, ac- 
quired his father's homestead, which he occupied 
until his death. His widow still owns the old house. 
Hi- had four sons — Manasses (now living at Wilkes- 
barre), Menoni, Edwin C. D. (who is dead), and 
Lawrence J. (now living at Allentown)— and two 
daughters, who moved out of the township. 

On the Lawrence Newhard tract is erected a stoue 
grist-mill. In the partition proceedings between Fred- 
erick and Lawrence. Newhard in 1789, the rights are 
reserved by Lawrence for a mill-dam and mill-race 
upon the land of Newhard, the mill not then having 
been built. In 1790 the mill was erected by Lawrence 
Newhard, which is still standing. Upon his death 
the mill property was acquired by John and Daniel, 
his two sons. In 1834, Daniel sold his share to John, 
who held it until his death, in 1850. Under proceed- 
ings in partition in the estate of John Newhard, the 
mill was occupied by his son, Joseph, who, with his 
brother-in-law, Tilghman Butz, carried on the nulling 
business for some time. It subsequently passed into 
the hands of Peter Roth, who held it until his death. 
Shortly after this time it was sold to Thomas Strauss, 
the present owner. The mill is located on the Jordan 
Creek, which supplies the water-power. 

The mill with the surrounding houses constitute a 
small hamlet. In 1834, Daniel Newhard, having sold 
his share in the mill, erected a house at this place, 
and surrounded it with a "clapboard" fence. In this 
he was followed the same year by his neighbors, and 
nearly the whole place was inclosed by these paling 
fences, at that time seldom used. David Newhard, 
then living at Hamburg, Berks Co., paid his brother 
at the grist-mill a visit, and, being impressed with the 
novelty of these fences, called the place "Clapboard 
Town," the name which it bears to this day. 

The houses at this place, with few exceptions, were 
erected by the Newhard family and their descendants. 

In 1831, John Clark, a son-in-law of John New- 
hard, erected a large house at this place, This prop- 
erty was sold by the sheriff, May 6, 1*33, and bought 
by John Newhard and others, and sold by them, March 
19, 1834, to Christian Copp. The same year Copp 
petitioned the court for a hotel license at this place, 
which was granted, and the bouse was known as the 
California Hotel for many years. His successors in 
the hotel business were Jesse Ochs, John Vund, 



( lharles Beinsmith, ('apt. Weiand, Samuel Funk, 
and I'eter Roth, the latter abandoning the hotel some 
years ago. The bouse is now occupied by the widow 

of' Peter Roth as a dwelling. 

Godfrey Knauss the elder settled on the Jordan 

i Irei k, at the place now known as Bhreversville, He 
was living in this township before 1753, as in that 
year he was appointed by the court of Northampi 

County the constable of Whitehall township upon its 
organization. He obtained three patents, Jan. 12, 
17<i."., for two bundled and thirty-five acres of land. 
Upon this tract he lived till his death, which is not 
known. He was buried on his own farm, in the 
orchard. He also purchased land near what is now 
Slatington, adjoining Nicholas Kern, who had settled 
in this township in 1735, and moved to this place in 
1737. Prior to his death, July 10, 1771, he sold to his 
son, Godfrey Knauss, two hundred and seven acres of 
this land for six hundred pounds, payable in install- 
ments of fifty pounds per year. He left surviving 
six children, four sons — George Frederick, Philip, 
Godfrey, and Paul — and two daughters, — Eve Cath- 
arine and Mrs. Felix Griesemer, who lived in South 
Whitehall. George Frederick, Philip, and Paul 
Knauss, sons of Godfrey the elder, and brothers of 
Godfrey Knauss, Jr., removed to other parts of the 
county. Eve Catharine Knauss, their sister, was born 
in 1750, and married George Yundt, son of Jacob 
Yundt, who settled on the Lehigh River. She died 
April 22, 1818, aged sixty-seven years. Of these, 
Godfrey was born July 15, 1742, and settled upon the 
homestead. He patented on the 27th of May, 1789, 
a tract of thirty-two acres adjoining. His death oc- 
curred Feb. 15, 1806. He was a blacksmith by trade, 
and had a shop at what is now known as Knauss' 
Bridge, over the Jordan. He carried on business at 
this place for thirty years, as appears by his account- 
book kept in German, which is still in existence. 
His accounts commence in 1770, and contain the 
names of most of the families living at that time in 
the township. During the time of the Revolution 
the entries for several years are few. In 1797 he 
erected the stone barn still standing, and subse- 
quently the dwelling-house. He left surviving six 
children, one son — Jonathan — and five daughters, — 
Saloma, Maria, Catharine, Hannah, and Magdalene. 
Jonathan was born Oct. 18, 1778, married Elizabeth 
Faust, daughter of Jonas Faust, and upon his father's 
death, in 1806, he purchased the interest of the heirs 
in the homestead, where he continued to live until his 
death, March 22, 1826. He left twelve children, of 
whom Reuben lives near the old homestead; Edward, 
Joseph, Jonathan, and Peter moved to Allentown ; 
William was a volunteer in the Mexican war, and 
died at New Orleans on his way to the seat of war ; 
Sarah, wife of Henry Ilisky, settled near the home- 
stead, where she died; Adaline became the wife of 
Augustus L. Ruhe, of Allentown, and settled in that 
city; Mary, wife of David Stemm, also settled in that 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



489 



city, where for many years her husband kepi the 
American Hotel, and became sheriff of Lehigh 
County, ami subsequently removed to Philadelphia, 
where he still lives; Magdalena married Henry 
Schaadt, and in the division of property of hei father 
accepted the homestead of her fathei D 
where she settled. They had nine children, Wil- 
liam, Henry, Monroe, John, Esther, Magdalene, 

Eliza, Christiana, and .Mary Ann. William and 
Henry bought their farm in North Whitehall, where 
they located. Monroe acquired the old Godfrey 

Knauss homestead, which is still owned and occupied 

by him; John became the owner of a portion of his 

lather'- land, and re-ides in Allentown; Esther mar- 
ried David Troxell ; Magdalene became the wife of A. 
G. Balliet, of Allentown; Eliza, wife oi Reuben Cam- 
men and resides in Luzerne County ; Christiana mar- 
ried Franklin .1 . New hard, and resides in the township; 
and Mary Ann married Solomon Ruch, and lives with 
her mother on a portion of the original tract. 

Of the daughters of Godfrey Knauss, Jr., and 
sisters of Jonathan, Soloma was intermarried with 
Frederick Biery, who engaged in farming in the 
township for sonn years, and subsequently, March 
29, 1805, purchased land that now embraces a pint inn 
of the site of Catasauqua. Maria became the wife 
of Peter Mark, who resided on a portion of the orig- 
inal Jacob Wertz tract, herein elsewhere referred to. 
Catharine was married to John Keichley, who resided 
in the township, whose descendants are still residents 
in the vicinity. Among them are Edwin and Stephen 
Keichley, Soloma (widow of Jonas Biery, of Catasau- 
qua), Lovina (widow of Nathan Frederick, of Allen- 
town), Rebecca (wife of Adam Mover), and Mary 
Keichley, of Allentown. Hannah, the daughter of 
Godfrey Knauss, Jr., was married to Abram Zerfaas, 
and in 1*1!) moved to New York. Magdalene, an- 
other daughter, became the wife of George Knauss, 
Their descendants reside in South Whitehall. 

Daniel Both emigrated from Switzerland and landed 
in Philadelphia in 1740. then fifteen years of age. 
He came to this section with the early settler- and 
located on the Jordan Creek. While yet in his 
minority he obtained a warrant in right of Peter 
Troxell for one hundred and three acres of land, and 
subsequently three warrants in his own name for one 
hundred and sixty acres of land. Here he engaged 
in farming, and built the first log house on the tract 
now known as tin- Bortz or Liehteiiwallner. and in 
1798 built the second house, which was of stone two 
stories high, and still standing. He died Feb. 22, 
L817, at the age of ninety-three years. He had nine 
children, six sons — Jacob, Peter, John, Henry, Dan- 
iel, Abraham- -and three daughters. — Maria Eve, 
Barbara, and Catharine. 

Jacob married a daughter of Michael Culp, and 
purchased, March 10, 1813, the Gulp tract, where he 
-eti lid. He had seven children, --Daniel. Peter. 
Jacob, John, Jeremiah, Catharine, and Maria. Dan- 



tow n-hip, acquired fifty acres of his 
grandfather, and also portion of the tracts of 
Miller, Jacob Mickley, and Henry Biery, in all one 

hundred and forty acres, a portion of which is also 
owned by his -on, Edwin Knt h, and the leu 
Lewis Bogh. Peter, son of Jacob, bought porti 

the Culp and Blank tracts, where he resided tor some 
years. He afterwards moved to Clapboard Town, 
where he purchased the grisl mill and hotel, where 
In died. The hotel property is -till owned i 
w idow, and the mill by Thomas Strait--. John llotb, 
son of Jacob, bought his father - farm, where he 
died. He had one daughter, Adaline, who i- the 
wife of Charles Henninger, by whom the farm was 
inherited and is still owned. 

Jacob, son of Jacob, married Anna, daugb 
Jacob Schreiber, and lived in the township at Mick- 
ley's Church. 

Catharine, daughter of Jacob Roth, married Jona- 
than Marcks, settled in South Whitehall, where she 
is still living. 

Maria became the wife of Solomon Kemerer, and 
settled on Coplay Creek, on a portion of the Adam 
Deshler tract. 

Peter, son of Jacob, settled in South Whitehall 
town-hip, was a soldier in the war of 18L2, and was 
in the expedition to Marcus Hook. Among hi- -mi- 
were John, wdio inherited the homestead, when he 
died, leaving three children, — Paul, Polly (Mrs. Jona- 
than Semmel), Mary (Mrs. Abraham Worman), who, 
with their descendants, still own a portion of the 
Daniel Roth tract. 

Daniel, son of Daniel, was a soldier in the wai oi 
the Revolution, and was killed at the battle of Ger- 
mantown. John, Henry, and Abraham, sons of Dan- 
iel, resided in this vicinity. Their descendant- are 
still living. 

Maria Eve, daughter of Daniel, married Christo- 
pher Freyman, who bought forty-four acres id' land 
at Seiple's Station, March 31, 1827, which at that 
time wa- a wilderness of scrub-oak and pine under- 
brush. It is now owned by Tilghman Freyman, a 
descendant. They had seven children, — Joseph, 
Charles, Stephen, Tilghman, Maria (wife of Freder- 
ick I'.adcr), Catharine wife of Joseph Miller), and 
Lydia (wife of Hamilton Patterson, of Clapboard 
Town). 

.la. ob AVerlz settled upon a tract of three hn 
and eighteen acres of land along the Jordan Creek. 
Some time afterwards he obtained a warrant for this 
lated Dec. 0. 1749, which was followed by pat- 
ent dated March 5, 1750. Prior to this time John 
Aigander obtained two warrants for the same tract, 
one dated Dec. 7, 1784, tie' other Del. 12, 1737, which 

both became void. John Aigander is mentioi 

the Egypt Church records in 17:::: as sponsor at a 

baptism. 

Jacob Wertz sold this tract to George Hoffman, 
Sept. 4, 1751, and no further traces of the Wertz 



490 



HISTOKY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



family arc found in the township. Jan. 26, 1754, 
r Boffman sold to Michael Harlacher. Oct. 9, 
1 7<;t*>. Michael Barlacher sold to Daniel Harlacher, 
who sold i" < Ihristopher Blank, Nov. 27, 1770, and no 
further traces of the Harlacher family in the town- 
ship remain. Christopher Blank also obtained pat- 
ents for three other tracts, one adjoining tract of 
forty-one acres ; the other two tracts of seventy acres 
adjoined the original Michael Kolb and Adam Miller [ 
tract. Dec. 8, 1790, he sold to his son. Peter, one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of the Wertz tract and fifty 
acres of the seventy-acre tract. Of the balance he 
-old. same date, to hi> son, George Adam, seventy- 
live acres ; also to .John Snell, Dec. 19, 1778, one hun- 
dred and eighty-three acres of the Wertz tract, 

Peter Blank sold to his son-in-law, John Helffrich, 
June 1, 1799, his whole tract, John Helffrich held 
the same until his death, in 1829. He had children, — 
George, John, and Michael (the two latter never hav- 
ing been married), Lydia (wife of Peter Roth), Re- 
gina (wife of Daniel Roth), who both settled in the 
township. The other four daughters, after marriage, 
moved out of the township. 

George accepted the greater part of his father's 
land, and Peter Roth, a son-in-law, accepted the 
balance, fifty acres. 

George Helffrich lived upon the tract, and engaged 
in farming until his death. He left surviving two 
children — Reuben and Mary, wife of Paul Yundt — 
who both settled in the township. Reuben accepted 
the farm, which he still holds. 

The George Adam Blank tract was acquired by Peter 
Grim, April 2, 1802. He died, leaving an only daugh- 
ter, intermarried with James Deshler, to whom the 
property descended. In 1872, after the death of Mrs. 
Deshler, Reuben Helffrich also bought the mill prop- 
erty tract with fifty-five acres of land. 

The other portion of the Wertz tract was sold by 
John Snell, Dec. 19, 1778, to Benedict Weidelinger, 
who held it until March 10, 1784, when he sold it to 
Conrad Mark, who also bought a uumber of tracts be- 
side. He settled upon this tract, and afterwards moved 
to Montgomery County, where, by accident, he lost 
his life. He had previously sold this tract to his son, 
Peter. Peter died, leaving seven children, — Peter, 
Jonathan, John, Gideon, Magdalene (wife of John 
Wenner), Hannah, Mary (wife of David Burkhalter, 
who settled in Crawford County). Peter and Jona- 
than obtained the farm. Peter died, leaving two 
children, — Jesse, who resides in Allentowu, and still 
owns a portion of the land, and a daughter, inter- 
married with Thomas Yundt. 

Jonathan lived in South Whitehall. His only sur- 
viving son, Francis J., now owns the farm. John 
settled in Macungie, and Gideon in South Whitehall, 
wdiere he is still living. 

On the original Jacob Wertz tract is located a grist- 
mill, now known as Helffrich's mill. 

The first mill erected at this place was a log grist- 



and saw-mill. In 1751, Jacob Wertz sold his tract 
to George Hoffman, "miller." In 1753, Hodman 
obtained from John Johnson, of Germantown, a loan 
of two hundred and fifty pounds, and as security 
for the same mortgaged to Johnson his farm. It 
is probable that at this time (1753) this first mill was 
erected, as it also further appears that in 1770 relig- 
ious services were held in the " mill.'' This whole tract 
of land was for a long time being owned by one and 
the same person. No mention is made of the water- 
rights in the conveyances until 1790, when Christo- 
pher Blank sold a " portion" of the land to his son, 
George Adam Blank, and received the water-right for 
the " mill-race." 

In 1807 the new stone grist-mill was erected upon 
the site of the old mill by Peter Grim, the saw-mill 
being then abandoned. The only source of power 
for the mill until 1877 was the water from Helffrich's 
springs near by. In that year Reuben Helffrich, the 
present owner, erected a dam in the Jordan Creek 
opposite the mill, thus running the water from the 
two sources upon the same wheel, making an efficient 
power throughout the whole year. The mill was held 
by the Grim and Deshler families until 1S72, when it 
was sold to Reuben Helffrich. 

Upon the Helffrich farm, close by the mill, traces ot 
an old graveyard are still visible. Tradition points 
out that the early settlers had intended this place for 
a church and burial-ground, for the lower part of the 
township, Egypt being in the upper part, and Allen- 
town not then being settled. Religious services were 
held in the mill and barn. A uumber of graves are 
still visible, over which are erected red sandstones as 
monuments. The inscriptions upon most of these are 
worn off by exposure to the weather; one, however, 
remains in perfect condition, the stone standing, with 
the inscription on the lower side as follows : 

" Ilir Bullet 

" Anna Cadhiriua Mulrin, ist geboriu im jar a.i». 17;i:l, and gestorweu 
A.D. 1775, den ISten Angusti. 

" lUteill leib ruhet in der erd, doch komt entlicta uuch die zeit das ilir 
uiich doit sehen wert in der fioen ewigkeit." 

Michael Kolb obtained a warrant, dated Nov. 27, 
1787, for a tract designated as " Rags," containing 
one hundred and sixty-seven acres, and had the same 
patented Nov. 14, 1788. It was situated near the 
Jordan, adjoining lands of Stephen Snyder and Chris- 
topher Blank. He died in 1812, leaving two sons 

(Henry and Adam) and five daughters, , wife 

of Jacob Clader, who settled in Hanover township ; 
Catharine, wife of Jacob Roth, of this township; 
Barbara, wife of Abraham Roth, of the same place; 
Maria, wife of Samuel Kolb; Susanna, wife of Peter 
Wiand. Henry occupied the farm, March 10, 1813, 
and same year sold it to James Roth, his brother-in- 
law, and Adam settled in Hanover township. Some 
of the descendants of Henry are still living in the 
township, and own portions of the original tract. 

Before the proposed church was built Northamp- 



W II IT I] 1 1 ALL TOWNSHIP. 



491 



ton Mk'iiiown i was settled, and ground donated by 
James Allen to the German Reformed and Lutheran 
congregations for churches and burial-grounds. A fter 
tins time the church and burial-grounds al Helffrich's 
•a i ri abandoned. 

Adam Miller was burn in Europe in 1721, at an 

early age emigrated Into this country, and settled In 
Whitehall township. lit- located and obtained war- 
rants and patents for three tracts of land, one call) d 
"Stretford," another "Millhouse," the third "Mis- 
take," containing together two hundred and seventy- 
tour acres, adjoining land of Jacob Ynnd and Jacob 
Hartman, along the Lehigh River. Priorto this time 
led with the Indians, who had possession of the 

land, and bought their place for eight pounds. Not 
having sufficient funds to pay this, he went to Durham 
Furnace and chopped wood to raise this amount, leav- 
ing his family behind with the Indians. Be built his 

tirst house at the spring, near the present site of the 
Catasauqua Depot. He died in 1815, and is buried at 
Egypt Church. His wife, Anna, died in 1775, and is 
buried in the old graveyard at Helffrich's Mill, wdiere 
the tombstone still contains the inscription. Prior to 
his death he sold his land to his two sons, William 
taking the lower portion and Abraham the upper 
portion, who held these tracts until they died. Wil- 
liam hail three sons (Paul, William, and Joshua] and 
six daughters, three of whom (Magdalena. Osman, 
Catharine, widow of Peter Steckel, and Levina Hess) 
are still living, the former two in Allentown, the latter 
in Bucks County. 

Joshua acquired most of his lather's land. He 
lived at Biery's Bridge, where he died some years 
ago, his widow -till retaining the homestead, and a 
portion of the land divided among his three children. 
A large portion of the original Miller tract is now 
divided and laid out in building lots, forming a vil- 
lage partly known as West Catasauqua and partly as 
Pleasant Hill. Abraham Miller had several children. 
This land was divided between Peter and Joseph, the 
former taking the homestead and larger tract, which 
is now owned by Frederick Eberhard. 

Stephen Snyder settled in this township prior to 
T and located several tracts of land. He pur- 
chased from Jacob Shnarr a proprietary warrant, 
dated June 11, 1766, for seventeen acres, called 
" Stepheu's Burg," and for which he obtained a 
patent Sept. 5, 1780. Another patent was issued to 
him for eighty-five acres, dated Sept. 0, L786, called 
" Stephen's Green,'' and a third patent for one hun- 
dred and eighty-five acres, dated 17S6. These tracts 
adjoined lands of Jacob Winds, Giles Windsor, Fred- 
erick ami Lawrence Newhard, Jacob Wert/, Michael 
Kolb, and Christopher Blank, and extended from the 
Lehigh River west to the road leading from Allentown 

- 2 iried's Bridge, and almost to the Jordan Creek. 
He was married to .Juliana, daughter of Frei 
Newhard. He had three sons, — Henry, Frederick, 
and Peter, — among whom be divided his land before 



his death. Henry acquired one hundred and forty 

acres of his father's land along the Lehigh. II 

in 1826, and by his will divided his land among his 

-on-. 

He had eight children, to wit: Daniel, Felix, Henry, 
Salome (who was never married), Hannah wife of 
Reuben Knauss), Elizabeth wife of Jae 
who moved from the township), Magdalene (wife of 

Peter I'.eil, also removed from the township), and 
Anna. 

Daniel sold bis portion of the land and moved to 
South Whitehall, where he died. 

Felix bad a small tract in the township, where he 
died. His descendants are still living in this place 
and Catasauqua, Henry sold his portion of the tract 
and bought part of the original Daniel New hard 
and Godfrey Enauss tracts, -till owned by his ,ou, 
Edwin, and his son-in-law, Daniel Wright. Freder- 
ick and Peter, the other two sons of Stephen 
their tracts and removed from the township. 

A portion of the Stephen Snyder tract, along the 
Lehigh River, was laid out in building lots bj Fred- 
erick & Co., car-builders at this place, in 1870, and 
the village is now known as Fullerton. Another 
large portion of the Stephen Snyder tract was subse- 
quently owned by the Diefenderfers. 

Alexander Diefenderfer, the first of the family in 
this vicinity, emigrated from the " Palatinate upon the 
Rhine," and sailed with one hundred and nine fami- 
lies in the ship " William and Sarah," William Hill, 
master, from Rotterdam, but last from Dover, and 
landed at Philadelphia, Sept. 21. 1727. He settled in 
Bucks County. Among his children were Godfrey 
and Margaret, the latter of whom wa- born Sept. 18, 
1729. In 1750, Godfrey moved to Macungie. this 
county, where he lived until his death. He was mar- 
ried May 3, 1753, and had six children, to wit: John, 
born Jan. 25, 1754 : Gertraut, born July 19, 1757 ; Mar- 
garet and Jacob, twins, born June 26, 1759; Henry, 
born Feb. 3, 1764; and Philip, born Aug. 3, 1772. 
All these lived in Macungie tor some time at least. 
Henry, one of the sons, was married to Susan Jarrett, 
a (laughter of Henry Jarrett, of Macungie. 

John Diefenderfer. eldest son of Godfrey, was mar- 
ried to Charlotte Elizabeth Shankweiler, Feb. 6, 1781. 
She was the daughter of Jacob Shankweiler and 
Elizabeth, hi.- wife, of Griimbach, Germany, born 
March 25, 1759. Shortly after his marriage, in 17 s -. 
John Diefenderfer moved to Northampton (now White- 
hall 1 township, on the Lehigh River, the present site 
of the Allentown Furnace. There was then at this 
place a one-and-a-half-story log house of rude con- 
struction, the logs projecting al different lengths 
the one-sided roof almost slanting to the ground. A 
large black-walnut tree stood alongside of the house, 
which covered the entire building. Here he lived 
until his death, in 1815. He had five children, 
Margaret, intermarried with Peter Newhard. who set- 
tled at Allentown; Abraham, also settled at Allen- 



402 



HISTORY OF LEIIIOII COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



town; [saac and Jacob, both of whom died in their 
youth ; and John. 

John Diefenderfer, youngest son of John, was born 
inWhitehall township, Aug. 4,1787. Upon hi> father's 
death he continued to live at the homestead until he 
arrived at the age of forty-two years, when he moved 
about two miles northwest ofthis place, having bought 
a portion of the Stephen Snyder tract. Here he 
lived until the time of his death, June 5, 1802. He 
was married to Salome, a daughter of Abraham Ster- 
ner. He hit surviving ten children, to wit : Moses, 
Solomon, Esther (wife of Adam Berlin), Ephraim, 
John, Sally (wile of James Snyder), Lucetta (wife of 
Jesse Heiehard). Owen. Aaron, and Matilda (wife of 
Lewis Bierj . Of these, Moses, Solomon, John, Sally, 
Owen, and Aaron settled upon portions of their father's 
land, ( )wen taking the homestead and the largest tract 
of land. Esther settled at Berlinsville, Northampton 
Co. ; Ephraim at Allentown ; Lucetta upon a portion 
of the original Jacob Yundt tract in the township ; 
and Matilda also in the township, on the Coplay 
Creek. 

In 1868, Moses and Ephraim moved to Talbot 
County, Md., where they still reside. Owen still 
owns and occupies the John Diefenderfer homestead. 
Among the sons of Owen are John G. Diefenderfer, 
Esq., of Bethlehem, and Thomas F. Diefenderfer, 
Esq., of Allentown. Numerous descendants of this 
family reside in Macungie. 

The tract along the Lehigh River, immediately 
south of the Stephen Snyder tract, and known as 
" Giles' Last Purchase," was patented May 22, 1767, 
by Giles Winsor, containing one hundred and forty- 
three and a half acres. May 13, 1768, he sold the 
same to Francis Hartman, who sold to Peter New- 
hard and Abraham Sterner, Jan. 1, 1776, and subse- 
quently Peter Newhard sold his share to Abraham 
Sterner, Jan. 20, 1785. Abraham Sterner was born 
in 1750, and moved to Whitehall in 1776. He died 
April 4, 1835. Among his children were Adam, Henry, 
Salome (wife of John Diefenderfer, who settled upon 

a portion of the Stephen Snyder tract), (wife 

of John Scherrer, of North Whitehall), Catharine (wife 
of Henry Miller, of Allentown). Adam acquired from 
his father the Giles Winsor tract, and also bought 
several other tracts near by, including the land upon 
which the Allentown Iron Company's works are built. 
Adam was married to Polly Yost, of Salisbury, and 
left surviving four children, to wit: John, Jonathan, 
Lewis, and Elemina, wife of Levi Freeman. Each of 
the children obtained a part of the father's land, Jona- 
than taking tin 1 homestead, which he still owns. 
Henry, a son of Abraham, settled at , had thir- 
teen sons and three daughters, some of whom are still 
living in this vicinity. 

Jacob Yundt settled on the Lehigh River, and set- 
tled on a tract of two hundred and seventy-eight 
acres, which he took up in two warrants, one of which 
had been warranted by George Miller, Oct. 23, 1737, 



and vacated and granted to Yundt, May 9, 1750; the 
other bears date June 12, 1750. Another tract "i 
eighty-five acres, near the Jordan Creek, was war- 
ranted to Jacob Yundt, June 12, 1750. The tract 
of two hundred and seventy-eight acres extended 
from Biery's Bridge down to Stephen Snyder's farm. 
In 1757, Jacob Yundt erected a large two-story stone 
house :i -hort distance below Biery's Bridge, which 
is still standing and familiarly known as the Fred- 
erick Mansion. He lived at this place till his death, 
in 1760. He had six children, — Peter, George, Dan- 
iel, Jacob, Abraham, and Mary. In 1771 the prop- 
erly, through proceedings in partition, was accepted 
by George Yundt, who settled upon it, and died on 
April 13, 1828. He had ten children, — six sons — 
Abraham, John, Daniel, George, Jonas, Peter — and 
four daughters, — Catharine (wife of Frederick New- 
hard i, Soloma (wife of Henry Newhard), Elizabeth 
(wife of John Oehl), and Mrs. George Adam New- 
hard. 

The property was divided in 1813 among the six 
sons. 

Abraham had five children, — Enoch, Henry, Silas, 
Matilda, and Rufina. 

John had three children, — a son, John, and daugh- 
ters Elizabeth (Mrs. John Roth), Catharine (Mrs. 
John Richel). They moved to Northumberland 
County, the others remaining in the township. 

George Yundt had seven children, — Paul, Thomas, 
David, Francis, and Polly (Mrs. Reuben Helfrich), 
Rebecca (Mrs. Reuben Wenner), Elizabeth (Mrs. 
Nathan Eberhard). Of these Paul and David moved 
to Indiana, Thomas settled in South Whitehall, 
Francis in Carbon County, and Mrs. Wenner set- 
tled in South Whitehall, and Mrs. Helfrich and Mrs. 
Eberhard remained in the township. 

Jonas Yundt moved to Clapboard Town, where he 
kept the hotel for a time. 

A portion of the original Yundt tract was after- 
wards owned by George Frederick, who, in 1855, sold 
to Asa Packer. 

Henry Biery owned and settled upon a tract of land 
along the Coplay Creek prior to 1791. He was mar- 
ried to Salome Newhard, and had ten children, — Fred- 
erick, David, Henry, Jacob, Abraham, Barbara, 
Elizabeth, Margaret, Catharine, and Magdalene. 
Frederick settled in the township. In 1805 he bought 
from Marks John Biddle a tract of land upon which 
part of Catasauqua is now built, and lived there until 
his death. His wife died about fifty-two years ago, 
aged eighty -three years. David Biery acquired apart 
of his father's land, and engaged in farming until his 
death. He had nine children, — Joseph, Peter, 1 >avid, 
Stephen, Rebecca, Lydia, Catharine, Sarah, and Polly. 
Stephen moved to the State of New York, David to 
Reading, Peter to Allentown. Joseph took part of 
the farm and lived near Mickley's Church, where he 
died. Rebecca, wife of Peter Kern, who lived along 
the Coplay Creek. Lydia was married to John New- 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP 



493 



hard, who settled at Allentown. Catharine, wife of 
Jacob Scherer, who settled mar Mickley'a Church, 
where she is .-till living, and owns part of the original 
Biery trad. Sarah, wife of Ludwig Schmidt, who 
Bettled in Allentown, and was in the drug 

business. Polly, wifeof Samuel Marx, of Allentown. 

Henry and Jacob Biery, son- of Henry, moved to 
ite of New York and settled in Seneca County, 
— the pre-" at Bite of Bearytown. 

Abraham, another son of Henry, was married to 

Salome Burkhalter. and settled ii]".n a portion of the 
Burkhalter tract. He bad six children, — Joseph, 
Reuben, Anna (wife of Thomas Faust , Delias wife 
of Henry Frack), Sally (wife of Solomon Woodring), 
ibeth (wifeof Emanuel Eern). 

Joseph moved to Illinois, Reubeii to Missouri, 
Henry Frack to Iowa. Thomas Faust was a blacksmith 
by trade, and subsequently served as steward of the 
couniN poor-bouse for twenty-two years, and is now 
living at Allentown, eighty-one years old. Sally 
Woodring settled in Macungie; Elizabeth Kern 
settled in Iowa. 

Barbara was the wife of Henry Burkhalter, and 
Catharine the wife of Peter Burkhalter, son- of John 
Peter Burkhalter. Margaret and Magdalene, two of 
the daughters, were married into the Mickley family 
and settled in Adams County. 

Elizabeth, another daughter of Henry Hiery, is 
married to Peter Steckel. who settled in the township 
near Egypt, on the old Steckel homestead. 

A portion of the tract originally owned by William 
and Margaret Lowther was subsequently sold by Rich- 
ard and Henry Metz to Abraham Bute. Upon his 
death his son, Thomas Butz, acquired this tract, and 
also bought other tracts from John Paul and Peter 
Peary. The greater portion of this tract was sold by 
him to the Thomas Iron Company, and the other 
portion to his son, Thomas I". Bute, the latter of whom 
also bought an adjoining tract from the estate of 
David Biery. Thomas F. Butz now owns in this im- 
mediate vicinit; a tract of one hundred and fifty-one 
acres on Coplay Creek, and several other farms in 
this and Northampton County. 

Early Tavern Licenses granted in Whitehall 
township: Adam Deshler, 1757; Paul Balliet, 1759; 
Henry Berger, 1759; Leonard Heughle, 1760; Peter 
Kohler, 1764; Daniel Good, 1769; George Hoffman, 
Michael Snyder, Peter Kern, Jacob Hartman, Daniel 
Kern, Conrad Lintz, 1786. 

Licenses granted in 1812 for the Whitehall town- 
ships: George Gangewere, Joseph Levan, Henry 
Good, Peter Butz, Abraham Griesamer, Peter Dor- 
ney, John Moore, Michael Sieger, Christian Troxell, 
Peter Bumble. 

Schools. — The first school- in the township were in 
connection with the Egypt Church, of which an ac- 
count is given in the history of that church. In 1798 
the first school-house QOt connected with the church 
was erected at Mickley's, about two and a half miles 



Egypt. This was built of stone, and was 

in use until the acceptance by tin- township 
school law. when it was replaced by a larger -tone 
building, which was us ." t, since which I 

has been used as a dwelling. In the same year the 
present double brick school-house was erected, about 
a quarter of a mile from the old house. It is known 
as the East Hokendauqua school, and numbers about 
ninety pupils. 

The next house was built in 1809, at Jordan 
Creek, at Newhard's bridge, about four miles from 
Egypt. This was a -tone edifice, and was used until 
1856, when another stone house was erected about 
half a mile distant, near Clapboard Town, which was 
until 1 379, when it was n placed by the present 
brick building near the same site. This school is at- 
tended by about forty children. 

Of the early teachers before the new school sy.-tem 
tie names of the following have been obtained: 
Daniel Friezy. Janus McNeer, John Amie, John 
Kleckler, Henry Wilkin, Charles Springer, I 
Ethoads, John K. Clifton, and Henry W. Knipe. 

A stone school-house was erected at Schreiber's prior 
to 1830. This school-house was in use by the people 
now living at Coplay and Hokendauqua, and it was 
abandoned about 1869, and brick school-houses were 
erected at Coplay and Hokendauqua, which are still 
in use. A brick school-house was erected by sub- 
scription at what is now Whitehall Station, at the in- 
stance of Leslie Miller, B. Bates, and others. It was 
used by the district later, and in 1868 was purchased 
by the school directors, who took it down and erected 
upon its site the present two-story brick building. 

There are at present ten school districts in the 
township : 

Sterner's. This school-house was erected in 1870; 
addition was made in 1882. There are four schools, 
with one hundred and ninety-four pupil-. 

Pleasant Hill. The school is a double brick bin 
erected in 1876. It contains two school-, with one 
hundred and seven pupils. 

East Hokendauqua. The school-house at this place 
is also a double brick building, with spire and bi II. 
erected in 1879. It contains two schools and has 
about ninety pupils. 

Newhard's. This house was erected in 1878. It 
contain- one school, with twenty-seven pupils. 

Schaadt's. The first house was built in 1839. The 
present, of stone, in 1868. It contains one school and 
has about thirty-eight pupils. 

Bute's. At this place t he house was erected, of frame, 
in 1869. One school is kept, which has about thirty- 
t pupils. 

Egypt. In 1-71 the present house was built, ot 
brick, with steeple and bell. It contains two schools, 
with ninety pupils. 

K Iceliner's. In 1874 the school-house was eri 
of brick. It contains one school, with twenty-seven 
pupils. 



494 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Whitehall Station. This bouse was built in 1868, 
of brick, two stories, with spin- and boll. It contains 
two Bchools ; 1 1 1 < 1 has fifty-eight pupils. 

Hokendauqua Independent. This district became 
independent April 7, 1865. 

SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP FBOM OB 

G \NIZATION TO DATE. 
1868.— George W. Daniel, throe years ; A. K. Kelchner, three years; 

Owen Diefenderfer, t« ■ - Franklin J. Newhard, two yean; 

Adam Scheirer, one year ; l!|.lii tun Weiiiier, one year. 
I. Robert Steckel, T. v. Butz. 
! -■ '.', 1 1 tolw i i'. t \ Id \\ laser, Samui 1 E Ejeith. 
1870, October.— Clinton Breinig, Abraham 1.. Newhard. 
1871. — No election "f school directors. 
1872. — John it. Koona itwo years), Samuel Brown (two years), Robert 

Sta kel, Renben llelfrich. 
1873. — George W. Daniel, Samuel E. Leitb. 
1874.— C. B. Breinig, T. F. Butz. 
1875. — George W. Daniel, Owen Homel. 
1876— E. L. Dech, D. 1.. Bogh. 
1877.— Jonas M. Kern, Edwin BreiDig. 

1878.— William Yollia, James J. Kemerer, Francis J. Newhard. 
1879. — James J. Kemerer, Abraham Wieser, Edwin Roth (one year). 
1880.— Edwin Breinig, James P. Geiduer, Edwin Roth. 
1881.— R. Peter Steckel, Charles Radeline. 
1882.— Francis G. Bernd, James J. Kemerer. 
1883. — Thomas F. Butz, Lewis F. Koch. 
1884.— Charles Radeline, Tilghman Schaffer. 

s i, ihrimToHS "I 'I \1 FROM ORGANIZATION TO 

HATE. 

1869, October. — Levi Fehr, Joseph Fogel. 

1870, October. — B. S. Levan, S. A. Leinbach. 
1871. — No election. 

Is7'2, March. — E. H. Kuerr, 0. L. Schreiber, Jonathan Reinhart. 

1873. — M. Bothermel, Peter Quinn. 

1874.— David Meyer, Dr. C. W. Williams, B. S. Levan. 

1875.— L. P. Levan, C. H. Knerr. 

1876.— Eli Sieger, J. D. Schreiber. 

1877. — Tilghman Authony, Amos Wolf. 

1878. — David Meyer, C. H. Knerr. 

1879— Levi Fry, Eli Falk. 

1880. — Dr. V. G. Ileebner, Marcus Rothemel. 

1881.— Charles Troxell, Eli Sieger. 

1882. — John Allen, B. F. Conner, James Stuart. 

I - 3.— Eli Sieger, W. F. Levan, Marcus Rotharmel. 

1884. — David Brown, John Allen, Alfred Reinhard (one year), Charles 

Troxell (one year). 
SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF HOKENDAUQUA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL 

DISTRICT FROM ORGANIZATION TO DATE. 
1866.— S. II. Price, Jos. McMullen. 
1867.— S. L. Nevens, R. L. McNeil. 

1868.— Edwin Mickley, Theodore H. Green, Theodore J. Kline. 
1869, March.— .lames W. Mickley, Juhn Thomas, Jos. McMullen. 
1869, October.— -lun.-s w. Mickley, Samuel L. Nevens. 
1870, October. E. Hickley, Theodore H. Green. 
1871. — No election. 

1872.— John Thomas, Joseph McMullen. 
1873. — Theodore H. Green, Edwin Mickley. 
1874.— James W. Mickley, William H. Bairn. 
1875. — F. C. Eckensperger, Joseph McMullen, John Thomas. 
1876. — lohn Thomas, Edwin Mickley. 
1877.— James W. Mickley, Dr. E. G. Stoinmetz. 
1878. — F. C. Eckensperger, William Love. 
1879. — Edwin Mickley, John Thomas. 
1880.— Dr. E. G. Steimnctz, David II. Thomas. 

1881. — William Love (two years), F. C. Eckensperger, F. S. Hartman. 
1882. — John Thomas, Edwin Mickley, Perry Wannamacher (one year). 
1883. — Perry Wannamacher, William Love. 
1884. — F. C. Eckensperger, F. S. Hartman. 

Egypt Church. 1 — The earliest settlers in Egypt and 
its vicinity were almost exclusively members of the 

1 From Dr. J. It. Dubhs 1 " American Historical Record," vol. ii page 
39*. 



Reformed Church. The Polliets (now written Bai- 
lie Voeturns (now written Wotring or Wood- 
ring), and probably some others, were of Huguenot 
the Schreibers were natives of Niederbronn, 
in Alsace. The Schaadts, having emigrated from the 
province of Hannau, were long familiarly known as 
the Hannauere, but the greater number, among whom 
we might mention such names as Kohler, Kern, Burg- 
holter, Mickley, Troxel, Steckel, and many otliers, are 
said to have been generally natives of Switzerland, 
and Egypt was consequently often called a Swiss 
settlement. 2 

As these people had all been members of the Re- 
formed Church in Europe, it was but natural that 
they should organize a congregation holding to the 
same religious confession. There were indeed from 
the beginning a few Lutherans in the neighborhood, 
including such respectable families as the Saegers and 
the Ruchs ; but it was not till many years after the 
first settlement that they found themselves sufficiently 
numerous to organize a separate congregation. 

The oldest document in the possession of the Re- 
formed congregation is a baptismal record, bound in 
the most primitive manner, with strips of buckskin 
serving instead of clasps. The title-page bears the 
motto, "Omnia ad Dei gloriam Salutemque nos- 
trarum animarum," and a German inscription, of 
which the following is a translation: "Baptismal 
record of the congregation at the Lehigh, in which 
are to be recorded the names of the children baptized, 
the names of their parents, and also the names of their 
sponsors. Commenced March 22, 1733." 

Goetschius remained pastor of the Egypt Church 
until 1736, after which his name disappears from the 
record. About the year 1740 he returned to Switzer- 
land, and subsequently brought his family to Amer- 
ica, but where they settled is not definitely known. 

For a number of years after the organization of the 
congregation, and before the building of a church, 
religious services were held alternately in the houses 
of Peter Troxell and George Kern. 

The first baptism recorded in " iEgypten" by Rev. 
Mr. Goetschius was that of a son of " the respectable 
Peter Troxell, church censor of the Reformed congre- 
gation at this place," and his wife, Juliana Catharine. 
The child was baptized on the 26th of October, 1733, 
and was named Johannes. The sponsors were Nich- 
olas Kern, Johannes Egender, and Margaret Egender. 
It is not usual at present to have so many sponsors at 
baptism, and the office of " church censor" is now, we 
believe, entirely unknown in our American German 
churches. 

For several years after the resignation of Goetschius 
the Egypt Church was without a regular pastor. It 
was, however, occasionally supplied by the Rev. John 
Philip Boehm, who resided in Montgomery, nearly 
forty miles away. Mr. Boehm was a man of talent 



- .Map. if Edward Kohler. 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



495 



and influence, and took a prominent cart in the theo- 
logical controversies of the day. A sketch of Ins 
life may be found in I tarbaugh'a " Lives of the I alhers 
of the Reformed Church." 

i >ur n rd informs us that while the church was 

still vacant three children were taken to the Baucon 
Church, a distance of fifteen miles, and were then 
baptized on the 23d of September, 1740, by "Hen 
[nspectoi Peter Beinricb Torschius." V7e have qo 
hesitation in identifying this "Inspector" with the 
Rev. P. II. Dorstius, a minister of the Reformed 
(Dutch) Church, residing in Bucks County, who had 
probably been commissioned to visit and inspect the 
German churches, and to report their condition to 
the ecclesiastical authorities in Europe. 

The next pastor at Egypt was Rev. John Conrad 
Wuertz, who imitates Goetschius in styling himself 
Helvetia) Tigurinw. This minister had a fashion of 
varying the orthography of his name, changing from 
Wuertz to Wurtz. and finally settling down to Wirtz, 
— a bad practice, which in this, as in many other in- 
stances, has caused much confusion. He remained in 
charge from 1742 to 1744, when he removed to Spring- 
field, Bucks Co., and in 1751 to Rockaway. X. .1. It 
seems that he did not stand in any regular ecclesiasti- 
cal connection when he preached in Egypt, but was 
finally regularly ordained by the Presbyterian Pres- 
bytery of New Brunswick. 

After the resignation of Mr. Wuertz there seems to 
have been another vacancy, from 1744 to 1751, during 
which period the church was, in part at least, sup- 
plied by Rev. J. P. Boehm and the distinguished Rev. 
Michael Schlatter Boehm, who died suddenly on the 
1st of May, 1749, at an advanced age, after having, 
on the previous day, administered the Lord's Sup- 
per to the Egypt congregation. It is enough to re- 
mark that Schlotter was to the German Reformed 
what the elder Muhlenberg was to the Lutheran 
Church, — the ruling spirit that brought order out of 
the chaos of its early history. In his journal he has 
Hut little to say concerning the Egypt Church, prob- 
ably' on account of its inaccessibility, lying in the 
midst of what was then almost a wilderness. On the 
8th of November, 1748, he says, " I received a call 
for a minister from the congregations called Egypt 
and Heidelberg. They desire to have a permanent pas- 
tor, and obligate themselves for forty-two pounds, or 
two hundred and eighty Dutch guilders, as salary." 
In the same year he states that the charge, composed 
of the Heidelberg, Egypt, and Jordan congregations, 
is without a regular minister. In 1752 the vacancy 
was, however, supplied by the Rev. John Jacob Wiss- 
ler, a native of Dillenberg, in Nassau. He was one 
of six ministers whom Schlotter had brought from the 
Fatherland. Until recently it was supposed that he 
must have died soon after his arrival, as nothing was 
known of his subsequent history; but our record 
shows that he was pastor of the Egypt charge until 
17-"'4. About this time he probably died, as in the , 



• 'octal minutes of 1757 there is mention made of a 
gift to his widow. 

The records during Wissler' pastorate were well 
kept, and include eighteen baptisms and thirty-five 
confirmations, lie also solemnized several m n 
of which tie- following i- the first on the record: 

".lVyi'ten. November 28th, 17">l'. -( in this day Sam- 
uel, a legitimate -<>" hi Nicholas Saeger, and Anna 
Eva, a legitimate daughter o Frederick El>er- 

hard, were admitted to the stab Ot I loly Matrimony.'' 

Mr. W'isshr also entered on the records of the 
Egypt Church certain memoranda, which, strictly 
speaking, belonged to the history of neighboring 
congregation-. Of these the following may serve as 
a specimen : 

VI!. — Anna Margaret Hcilmann, on the 22nd of 
April. 1753 . presented the congregation at the Jordan 
a beautiful white altar cloth. May God reward this 
praiseworthy Christian work with the most abundant 
blessings." 

The records of the Reformed congregation now 
grow brighter and clearer, though it does not appear 
who were the pastors ir 1755 to 1763. At lin- 
early period the "church book" is our only guide, 
and where tlii- fail- us we are left entirely in the 
dark. 

The last entry on our record for the year 1763 was 
the baptism, on the 3d of April, of an infant daughter 
of Hans Schneider and his wife, Margaret. Poor 
child! On the 8th of October she was murdered by 
the Indians in her mother's arms. Father, mother, 
and three children were all scalped, but one child re- 
covered, and lived to an advanced age. 

In 17ti4 we can affirm with reasonable certainty the 
Lutheran congregation was first organized. Hitherto 
the Lutherans had been compelled to travel some dis- 
tance to attend a church of their own denomination, 
hut in this year the Reformed and Lutheran congre- 
gations agreed to build a church in concert. For thi- 
purpose Peter Steckel, of the Reformed, and Chris- 
tian Saeger, of the Lutheran Church, presented to 
each congregation, respectively, half an acre of laud, 
and the church was built on the line, so that it stood 
on land belonging partly to the Reformed and partly 
to the Lutheran Church. A sort of release is -till 
extant, written in English, in which the land is 
granted "for the united use of the High and Low 
Churches." This, of course, means Lutheran and 
Reformed, but I know of no other instance where the 
two confessions have been so designated. 

In the same year (1764) a Union Church was • n 
— a rough log building, in which planks laid on blocks 
of wood were made to serve a- pew-, and. though the 
church has since been twice rebuilt, the two congrega- 
tion- have at all times occupied the same church, 
though on alternate Sundays. Such alliances between 
different denominations arc not generally supposed to 
be auspicious, but it is mere justice to state that, so 
far as we know, there has never been the least disa- 



496 



HISTORY OP LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



greement between the Lutheran and Reformed con- 
gregations of Egypt. 

From 17(11 to 177i> the pastor of the Reformed con- 
ation was Rev. J. Daniel Gross (or Gros, as he 
sometimes spelled his name i. Though a man of great 
ability, Dr. Gross was not popular in his charge, and, 
as is usual in such eases, many things were said to his 
discredit, [n 1770 he removed to Springfield, Bucks 
Co., and in 1772 to the State of New York. His 
reasons for leaving his Pennsylvania congregations, 
according to a letter written in 1773, were " want of 
love, stubborn conduct, neglect on the part of the 
members in attending divine worship, etc." It is 
evident thai there was considerable bitterness on both 
sides. 

We are unable to state positively the name of the 
first pastor of the Lutheran congregation. The early 
records are lost, and the present writer may as well 
confess that he is not sufficiently familiar with the 
early history of the Lutheran Church to supply the 
deficiency from other sources. Possibly a certain Rev. 
Mr. Roth, who labored independently in the neighbor- 
hood, may have preached there until 1769, when Rev. 
Jacob Van Buskirk became the regular pastor. Van 
Buskirk was a man of ability, and especially excelled 
as a catechist. He had labored very acceptably in 
Germantown, Pa., but at the request of the minis- 
terium removed farther up the country, where several 
new congregations had lately been organized. [Hall- 
ische Nackriehtt n, p. 1125.) After laboring for several 
years, Van Buskirk resigned the Egypt Church, though 
he continued pastor of several neighboring congrega- 
tions. He was succeeded by a Rev. Mr. Yung, who 
remained but a short time, and is believed to have 
ended his days in Virginia. 

His successor, Rev. Daniel Lehman, was a man of 
considerable ability. He had been well educated in 
Germany, but on his arrival in America found him- 
self unable to pay his passage, and, according to the 
barbarous custom of the time, was sold as a redemp- 
tioner. Rev. Mr. Kunze, of Philadelphia, paid his 
passage, and set him free, and subsequently gave him 
some instruction in theology. Having become tutor 
in the family of Rev. Mr. Van Buskirk, he preached 
occasionally for vacant congregations, and in 1778 was 
ordained pastor of the Egypt charge. He remained 
but a few years at this place, and spent the rest of his 
life in Berks County, where he died Oct. 2, 1810. 

Rev. Jacob Van Buskirk subsequently became pastor 
the second time, and served the congregation faith- 
fully for many years. After the brief pastorate of the 
Rev. Mr. Plitt, Rev. J. Caspar Dill, in the year 1800, 
became Lutheran minister at Egypt. He was an ex- 
cellent man, and in our early youth the old people 
still spoke of him with the highest reverence. His 
successor was Rev. Henry Geissenhainer, who, how- 
ever, remained but a short time. 

For thirty years, from 1771 to 1801, Rev. Abraham 
Blumer was pastor of the Reformed congregation. 



He was a native of Switzerland, and had in early life 
served as chaplain in the army of the king of Sar- 
dinia. While he was pastor at Egypt he also 
preached at Allentown, Jordan, and Union Churches. 
During the Revolution the bells of Christ Church, 
Philadelphia, were hidden under the floor of the 
church in Allentown, in order to save them from the 
British. Mr. Blumer was a man of high culture and 
unblemished reputation. He died in 1822, aged 
eighty-five years. 

During his pastorate, in 1785, the second church 
was built. It was in its day considered a fine edifice. 
Like most of our old churches it was built of stone, 
having galleries on three sides, while the fourth was 
reserved for the tall pulpit, which was variously sup- 
posed to resemble a lily, a tulip, or even a wine-glass. 
Directly in front of the pulpit stood a large square 
altar. The building was fifty feet in length by forty 
in breadth, and its general appearance, as we remem- 
ber it, was solemn and impressive. 

It is rather remarkable that for ninety-seven years, 
from 1771 to 1868, the Reformed congregation had 
but three pastors, — Rev. A. Blumer, from 1771 to 
L801 ; Rev. John Gobrecht, 1 from 1801 to 1831 ; and 
Rev. J. S. Dubbs, D.D., from 1831 to 1868. Not one 
of these, however, held his office as long as Rev. W. 
Meendsen, who succeeded Rev. Mr. Geissenhainer as 
Lutheran pastor in 1810, and remained in charge 
until 1859, a period of forty-nine years. He died 
about 1872, in the ninety-third year of his age. 

During the pastorate of Dr. Dubbs and Father 
Meendsen, in the year 1851, the third church was 
built. It is a fine large brick edifice with tower and 
bell, and is, we think, a model country church. After 
the subscriptions for its erection had been collected, 
the additional expenses were proportionally assessed 
on the members of the congregation, and this assess- 
ment, I am told, was almost universally accepted 
without dispute, — a fact which speaks well for the 
peaceable disposition of the people. 

Father Meendsen was succeeded as Lutheran pastor 
by the Rev. Thomas Steck, who, after laboring suc- 
cessfully for some years, accepted a call to Wilming- 
ton, Del. The present Lutheran pastor is the Rev. 
Mr. Re ninger. 

In 1868, the Rev. S. A. Leinbach became the suc- 
cessor of the Rev. Dr. Dubbs as pastor of the Re- 
formed congregation. 

We cannot close our sketch of the history of the 
Egypt Church without some reference to its ancient 
congregational school. In those days the school- 
house stood near the church, and was in part occu- 
pied by the school, while the rest served as the resi- 
dence of the schoolmaster and his family. In those 
days the school was in some respects decidedly old- 

1 Kev. John Gobrecht, a Bon of Rev. John Christopher Gobrecht, of 
Hanover, Pa., died in 1831, aged fifty-seven. He was a man of nnblem- 
Iflhed life, and was greatly beloved. His remains rest in the Egypt 
churchyard. 



WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



197 



fashioned. The order of its religious services had 
probably remained unchanged for more than a cen- 
tury. From a literary point of \ Lew there has been a 
great improi ement . from a religions, we iloiilit whether 
i! could be improved. A large achool building with 
several apartments has since been erected, and the 
principal has competent assistants to aid him in his 
work. In imparting instruction the English lan- 
guage is now almost exclusively employed. 

In Egypt the teacher receives tor his services in the 
church, in addition to a small annual stipend, the use 
of a house and about ten acres of land. The present 
organist and teacher, Mr. Francis ( ;. Kernel, has held 
these offices for more than twenty years, ami still re- 
tains the respect and affection of the whole com- 
munity. 

The history ol the church from 1873 is here given : 

In 1874 the present church building was remodeled 
and rededicated Nov. 11. 1874. 

Rev. Leinbach continued as pastor of the Reformed 
congregation until Jan. 1, 1884, when his resignation, 
which he had previously tendered, took effect. Rev. 
\V. R. Hofford, the late president of the Allcntown 
Female College, was elected pastor of the Egypt 
charge of the Reformed Church Dec. I~>, 1883, and 
entered upon his duties Jan. 1, 1884. 

Rev. Renninger still continues as pastor of the 
Lutheran congregation. 

Justices of the Peace. — The justices who presided 
over this territory were elected in districts prior to 
1-10. Their names will be found in the civil list of 
the general history, and since that time their names 
will be found in the lists of North and South White- 
hall. Those elected since 1 st;s are here given: 
oimfaaioned. - ommj 

April 14, 1868 An-. K. Kelchner...Mafi I. .1, 1.-71 

Edward Kohler " 13,1869 James B. Snyder.... " 19,1877 

n U. Price " 13,1869 i. D. Kichline " Z! 

Henry Hartman 9,1872 James B.Snyder.... " 3' 

Villages— Whitehall.— The village near the north- 
western limit of the township, on the Lehigh River, is 
called Whitehall, which is also the name of the sta- 
tion on the Lehigh Valley Railroad at this place. 
The village is built upon the land patented by Wil- 
liam Allen, and subsequently sold by him to the 
Showalters, who later sold the same to < 'onrad Lei-. ai- 
ring. Trior to the building of the railroad the pli 
was connected with the village across the river in 
Northampton County called Siegfried's Bridge, and 
was also known by that name. 

In 1770, John Siegfried settled at this place and 
built a tavern, which was licensed from that time on. 
He served as colonel in the Revolutionary war, and 
died in L793 ami is buried near this place. The 
second house in this immediate vicinity was erected 
by Peter Leising in 1818. In L844, Jacob Jones built 
a store-house, ami kept in connection with the store a 
temperance house. The first bridge across the river 
at this place was built in 1828. Prior to this time the 
river was crossed by Siegfried's Ferrv. This bridge 
32 



was swept away by the flood in 1862, and the present 

• me erected shortly afterwards. 

A number of years ago the first hotel was 
down and the new one erected by Thomas McKee, 

which is now Owned and occupied by William Miller. 

the building of the railroad the villa 
sprung up. It now contains two stores, two hotel-, 
about three hundred inhabitants, ami one schi 
house with two schools. Steps have also heen taken 
for the erection of a Reformed and Lutheran < 'lunch. 
The Indians had a tl across the river from 

the place, from which they started out, crossed the 
river at what is still known as the "Indian Falls." 

and proceeded i ( , Egypt, where they massacred the 
Mickley and Schneider families. 

Coplay. — The name Coplay i- a corruption from 
" Eolapechka," which was the name id' an Indian, tin- 
son of the Indian chief l'axanosa. He lived at the 
head of the creek named after him. near the place 
now know n as Uniouville, in North Whitehall town- 
ship. 

liie borough of Coplay wa~ formed out of White- 
hall township in 1869. The following is the record 
of the court: "Feb. 10, 1869, petition of citizens of 
the village of Coplay presented praying for a charter 
of incorporation : same day petition ordered to be laid 
before the grand jury." 

" April 7, lMfiil. the grand jury returned the charter 
of incorporation approved. Charles Keck, foreman." 

" Now, April 7, 1869, tin irt confirms the judg- 
ment of the grand jury, and decree that the said town 
of Coplay be incorporated into a borough, in conform- 
ity with the prayers of the petitioners, and that 
the corporate style and title thereof shall he 'The 
Borough of Coplay.' " 

Tt is situated on the Lehigh River, six miles above 
Allcntown. 

The justices of the peace elected since the organi- 
zation of the town-hip are George P. Bates, ,\. F. K, 
Kraut (three terms), and Gottlob Meyle. 

The principal industries at this place arc the works 
of the Coplay Iron Company limited). 

The borough contains a population of -even hun- 
dred and seven t> four, a large public school building, 
with three graded schools. 

The borough has two churches, Reformed and Lu- 
theran. Trinity congregation of tin- Reformed 
Church was organized March 29, 1 s7 I . Prior to this 
time services were held by Rev. W. R. Hofford, of 
Allentown, in the puhlic school building. Through 
the liberality of B. S. Levan the congregation was 
led to build a church of its own. The corner- 
Stone of the new church was laid in 1S7l'. and dedi- 
I June 15, l s 73. The church building is con- 
structed of brick, of dim forty by sixty feet, 
with spire and bell, at a cost of twelve thousand dol- 
lars, and is free of debt. At the time of the organi- 
zation the congregation was united with the Egypt 
charge, of which Rev. S. A. Leinbach was pastor, and 



498 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



continued to be until I >ec 81, 1888, when he tendered 
his resignation. Rev. W. R, Bofford, the late presi- 
ded "l the Allentown Female College, was their 
chosen pastor, and entered upon his duties Jan. 1, 

1884, and still continues as pastor. 

The consistory of the congregation at the time of its 

organization were Owen L. Schreiber and B. S. Levan, 
elders; and A. F. R. Kraut, ( '. II. Knerr. Edward S. 
Haat. and Nathan Stofflet, deacons. The elders first 
elected have served the congregation to the present 
day. A Sunday-school was also organized in connec- 
tion with the church, which is in a nourishing con- 
dition. 

The Lutherans at this place also held services in the 
public school-house prior to the organization of the 
congregation. The proposed erection of a Reformed 
Churchin 1872, and the offer (on the part of the Re- 
formed congregation to the Lutherans) of the right 
to worship in the proposed new church, induced them 
to take immediate steps for organization. Through 
the earnest efforts of Rev. J. D. Schindel a meeting 
was held in the school-house May 22, 1873, and the 
congregation organized, a church council elected, and 
Rev. J. D. Schindel chosen as pastor. 

In the early part of 1882 the Lutheran congrega- 
tion began the erection of their own church building. 
The pastor, with an energy and business tact rarely 
found in a minister of the gospel and supported by a 
willing congregation, began to solicit subscriptions, 
and within ten months there stood on the brow of the 
hill "The St. John's Lutheran Church of Coplay," at 
a cost of $4280.45, and free from debt. 

The new edifice was dedicated Nov. 12, 1882. 
Upon the resignation of Mr. Schindel, in 1883, the 
congregation was united with Trinity Lutheran 
Church of Catasauqua, and on June 17, 1883, Rev. 
George W. Sandt was elected to fill the vacancy, 
under whose pastoral care the congregation is now 
continuing its work. A Sunday-school was organized 
in connection with the church. 

Hokendauqua. — The village of Hokendauqua ad- 
joins the borough of Coplay on the si mtheast. Hoken- 
dauqua is an Indian term, signifying " searching for 
land," and the name originally given to the creek in 
Northampton ( ounty flowing into the Lehigh River 
at Coplay. 

It is built upon the land for which William and 
Margaret Lowther obtained a warrant in 1733, and 
was subsequently sold by Thomas Butz to the Thomas 
Iron Company, which now owns nearly the entire 
village. It is beautifully located on an eminence on 
the west bank of the river, and adorned by the ele- 
gant residences oi John Thomas and Edwin Thomas 
on the brow of the bill. 

The village is supplied with water by the Thomas 

Iron Company, and also a lire department. 

The history of the village is more especially con- 
nected with the iron-works at this place, of which an 
account is presented elsewhere in this chapter. 



In 186"> the village was formed into an independent 
school district (out of Whitehall township , of which 
the following is the record : 

Sept. lti, 1864, petition of inhabitants of White- 
hall township, of the village of Hokendauqua, pre- 
sented, praying for an independent district. The 
court appointed John I). Lawall, Solomon (ireisemer, 
and » >. L. Schreiber commissioners to inquire into 
the propriety of the formation of the district. Jan. !), 
lie commissioners reported "that it would lie 
expedient to form, and the educational interests of 
the inhabitants of the district would be greatly pro- 
moted by forming a Beparate and independent school 
district, April 7, 1865, the court confirmed the within 
report absolutely." 

On the same day the court named the new district 
"The Hokendauqua School District." 

The district as then formed now contains one hun- 
dred and forty-five dwelling-houses, three stores, one 
school-house (with three schools), and one church, 
and about seven hundred inhabitants. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua 
dates its origin back to the year 1854, — about the 
time the iron-works at this place were started. 
Among those who resided here were seven of the 
Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, and services 
were begun by the Rev. Cornelius Earle. Prior to 
1869 the Old- and New-School Presbyterians held 
separate services, the one attending the services of 
Rev. C. Earle in the room over the Thomas Iron 
Company's office, and the other attending ministra- 
tions in private houses by Revs. Leslie, Irwin, 
James Lewers, and William Fulton. In that year 
the two schools were united, forming one good and 
quite strong congregation. They held their meetings 
first at the residence of Samuel Thomas, then in the 
company's barn, in an oil-house, in private rooms, in 
the old office of the iron company, and afterward in 
the new office erected in the summer of 1858. On 
application to the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh 
County the church obtained a charter Nov. 8, 1855. 
The original trustees named in the charter are Samuel 
Thomas, Walter W. Walters, Samuel Kinsey, David 
Thomas, Charles D. Fuller, and Jacob Mickley, Jr. 
In 1866 decisive action was taken with reference to 
erecting a suitable house of worship. Subscriptions 
were raised to the amount of two thousand three hun- 
dred dollars, and the directors of the Thomas Iron 
CoinpaDy gave three lots of ground one hundred and 
fifty feet square, on which the church building is 
erected. The directors also donated three thousand 
five hundred dollars in cash towards the church edi- 
fice. The corner-stone of the new building was laid 
Aug. 11, 1867, and the new church was dedicated 
Sept. 26, 1869. Rev. Cornelius Earle, of Catasauqua, 
continued as pastor of the congregation until 1869, 
when Rev. James A. Little was chosen pastor, under 
whose care the congregation is still flourishing, and 
now has about two hundred members. A Sunday- 



WHITEHALL TOWXSHIF. 



499 



school was also organized in connection with the 

church. Within the last year an elegant parsonage 
was erected alongside of the church. 

The district contains a large brick Bchool-houae, in 
which three Bchools are kept open during a term of 
ten months in the year. The school directors elected 
for this district since its organization are given else- 
where. (See list nf school directors.] 

Pleasant Hill, or West Catasauqua, is situs 
an eminence opposite Catasauqua, on the west hank of 
the Lehigh River. It i- built upon tin tract of land 
originally owned by Adam Miller, and laid out in 
building-lots by Joshua Miller and some of the other 
descendants of the Miller family within the last 
fifteen years. It has a population of five hundred and 
ninety-five, contains a school-house with two graded 
schools, one store, two hotels, ami private dwelling- 
houses. Tlie Catasauqua Station, on the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad, i- located in this village. 

The Village of Fullerton is located on the tracts 
originally settled ami patented by Jacob Yund, Ste- 
phen Snyder, and Giles Winsor, mi the Lehigh River. 
It has sprung up since the building of the iron-works 
and other industries at this place, within the last 
twenty years, the first of which was the rolling-mill, 
followed by the ear-works of Frederick & Co., the car- 
wheel works ami forge of McKee & Fuller, who have 
also since acquired the car-works. The village is 
named after James W. Fuller, a member of the latter 
firm. 

The upper portion of the village, known as Fern- 
dale, contains the " Ferndale Rolling-Mil], " owned 
and operated by the Catasauqua Manufacturing 
Company, under the superin tendency of Edward 
Edwards. 

The village now has a population of five hundred 
and fifty, one church 'known as the Ferndale Church), 
one school-house, with four graded schools and one 
hundred and seventy-four pupils, three stores, one 
hotel, railroad station, and a post-office called Fern- 
dale. 

The Ferndale Church. — Mr. David Thomas, the 
president of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company, 
moved by the uncared-for spiritual condition of this 
place, and aided by the liberality of the company, 
during the spring of 1871 had an old frame barn re- 
modeled and fitted up as a place of worship, in size 
twenty-four by twcnu -four feet ; yet being made neat 
and comfortably furnished, people and children were 
soon attracted thereto. A Sunday-school was also in- 
stituted underthecareof Edward Edwards. The build- 
ing was formally dedicated to the worship ot* God on 
Sunday, June 11, 1871, by the Rev. C. Earle, pastor 
of the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, who from 
that time, assisted bj Rev. 1 >avid Griffith, held regular 
Services every Sunday afternoon. Authority having 
been obtained from the Presbytery of Lehigh, a Chris- 
tian church was, by Mr. Earle, assisted by his ruling 
elder, Daniel Thomas, regularly organized Oct. 8, 



1871, according to the Presbyterian usage, under the 
Style and till, of the " Presbyterian Church of Fern- 
dale." There were at that time twelve members, to 

wit: Edward Edwards, Mr-. Mary .lam- Edwards, 
Joseph Davis, Mrs. Sarah Davis, William Barris, Mrs. 

Mary Harris, William Evans, Mrs. Jane Fvan-, 
Rachel Hopkins, Hannah Floyd. William Vaughn, 
and David Jones, of whom Edward Edwards and 

Joseph Davis were elected elders. 

Mr. Earle was, on account of ill health, at his own 

request, released firom the charge of the church in 
June, 1872, and Rev. James A. Little, of Hokendau- 

qua, was appointed stated supply, who continues in 
charge to this date. William Harris was elected elder 
March 24, 1878, to fill the vacancy caused by the 
resignation of Joseph Harris. In l77o tin church 
building was enlarged to accommodate the increasing 
numbers, 

The church now has a membership of eighty and 
a Sabbath-school of two hundred pupils, still under 
the superintendence of Mr. Edwards, in a nourishing 
condition. 

Egypt is a village on the Coplay Creek, one mile 
from the Lehigh River. Traces of its settlement are 
found as early as 1738. It is built upon the land 
originally owned by Jacob Kohler and Christian 
.-M.ckel. The Kohlers built the first houses in this 
vicinity, and also the grist-mill. The -tore ami hi 

building was erected in 1790 by Jacob Steckel, who 

obtained a license and kept the hotel in connection 
with the -tore until 1821, when the hotel was aban- 
doned, in 1847 a hotel license was again obtained, by 
William Leisenring, now of Whitehall Station, who 
kept the hotel and store for some years, and was suc- 
ceeded by David Fatzinger, Tilghman Kohler, and 
John Koch, who successively carried on the hotel and 
store business until 1874, when Ephraim Long, the 
present owner, bought the same and took possession 
of it. 

A tannery was erected at this place at an early 
date, and tin business carried on by William Wether- 
hold, William Burkhalter, Charles Troxell, Aaron 
Kechline, and A. D. Kechline, the present owner. 

The first English school in the township was estab- 
lished at this place in 1810. It was held in a one-and- 
a-half-story stone building, still .standing near the 
church. Among the masters who taught here were 
Thomas Fitzgerald, Michael Kraemer, Benrj Scholl, 
William Osman, Russel Ward, John K. Clifton, John 
II. Oliver, Alfred B. Schwartz, Erastus Rhoads, 
Amos Steckel, and David Stern. 

The village now contains thirty-seven houses, with 
hundred and seventy-five inhabitants. A post- 
officc i- kept in tin store, with a daily mail. The 
Union Church at this place dates back main years. 
The following is the history of the church as pre- 
pared by Professor J. H. Dubbs, of Franklin and 
Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa. 

In 1849 two new congregations were formed out of 



500 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the Egypt Church, and a new church built a1 Mick- 
ley's, in the central part of the township. 

South Whitehall Church. — South Whitehall 
Church, sometimes called Mickley '> Church, now in 
Whitehall township, was organized as a Union 
Church, Lutheran and Reformed, on April 1,1849. 
The two respective congregations, alter organization, 
elected the following as their first church officers. 
On the Lutheran side were elected, as elder; 
up. ii Keiiiiiieni and Reuben Paul; as deacons, Na- 
than Eberhard, David Gross, Jesse Reichard, and 
Thomas Paul: as trustee, George Kemmerer; and as 
presiding officer, John Sheirer. On the Reformed 
side were elected, as elders, David Bierj and Peter 
Roth; as deacons, Reuben Schreiber, Jacob Seipel, 
Henry Schadt, and Peter Butz; as trustee, John 
Schadt; and as presiding officer, Charles Troxell. 

Thomas Butz was elected treasurer for both con 

tions, ami -er\ed until after the dedication of th 
church, when David Eberhard succeeded him, and 
served until his death, Aug. 21, 1869. Since that 
date Nathan Eberhard has served up to the present 
both as trea-urer and secretary, 

At this same meeting for organizing the congrega- 
tions a building committee was also appointed, con- 
sisting of Jacob Mickley, Peter Miller, Peter Mick- 
ley, and David Eberhard, and Steps taken towards 
erecting a church building. The corner-stone of the 
new building was laid May 27, 1849, and the dedica- 
tion took place November 17th and 18th of the same 
year. The land on which the church building stand,-. 
as well as that used lor the old burial-ground and the 
adjoining woodland, were donated by Daniel Roth, 
David Biery, and Joseph Biery. No regular pastors 
were called until 1850. On Jan. 1, 1850, the Re- 
formed congregation called Rev. Joseph Dubbs, who 
served until 1852, when he was succeeded by his son, 
Rev. A. -1. G. Dubbs, who served until 1860, when he 
was succeeded by the second son of the first pastor, 
now Rev. Professor Joseph H. Dubbs, D.D., of Frank- 
lin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., who re- 
mained with the congregation until 1868. when the 
pies, in paster. Rev. William R. Bofford, took charge 
of the same. 

i in March 29, 1850, the Lutheran congregation 
elected as their first regular pastor Rev. Jeremiah 
Schindel, who preached his introductory sermon May 
9, 1850. Me served the congregation until 1859. 
From 1859 to I860, Rev. E. I!. Kramlich was pastor. 
He was succeeded by Rev. W. <i. Mennig as supply 
from Conference until 1861. From 18(11 to 1866 lie 
congregation was served by Rev. F. .1. F. Schantz. 
lie was followed by Rev. Carl Schlenker as supplj 
from Conference from October, 1866, to the spring of 
1867. On .March 17, 1867, Rev. J. D. Schindel, son 
of the firsl pastor of the congregation, was elected 
pastor, and has served the -nine to this date. 

The organists have been F. G. Berndt, Jacob Slem- 
mer, John S. P. Faust, John Leonhard, Benjamin 



Joseph Gackenbach, J. Alfred Fatzinger, and 
the present incumbent. James B. Snyder, Esq. 
In 1869 the building was beautifully repaired and 

lie- rued, a I a COSl Of a bin it live I h on -and dollars. The 

building committee consisted of Peter Miller, Thomas 
Butz, Jacob Mickley, George Kemmerer, Reuben 

Schreiber, George H. Stem, Charles Henninger, and 
Edwin llausiuan. The ladies' furnishing committee 
consisted of Mrs. Nathan Eberhard, Mrs. T. F. Butz, 
Mrs. D. L. Bogh, Mrs. Edwin Hausman, Mrs. Jona- 
than Semmel, Mrs. Peter Miller, Mr-. Reuben Schrei- 
ber, Mrs. F. Levau, Mrs. Charles Henninger, and 
Mr,-. George II. Stem, with T. Franklin Butz as 
treasurer. The rededication took place Nov. 28, 1869, 
jusl ten days more than twenty year- since the first 
dedication. 

From 1876, when the present basement was made, 
to 1881 various repairs were made, an organ for Sun- 
day-school purposes purchased, and the property 
much improved. In 1881 the splendid tower and 
steeple now adorning the building were erected. The 
steeple measures one hundred and thirty-nine feet. 
At the same time an organist-house was built by the 
side of the church. The building committee con- 
sisted of T. Franklin Butz, George H. Stem, Dennis 
Frey, Reuben Hausman, and Alfred T. Mickley. 
After the completion of the tower a magnificent bell 
of eighteen hundred pounds was placed therein, bear- 
ing these inscriptions: on one side, "The Thomas 
Butz Family Memorial," on the other, " Praise to 
God ! Donated to South Whitehall Church by Thomas 
F. Butz, Eliza A. Troxel, and Ellenore L. S. Weaver, 
1881." The dedication took place Jan. 8, 1881. 

During the summer of 1882 a line pipe-organ of 
eighteen -tops, made by Lahaugh & Kemp, of New 
York City, was presented to the church by Mr. ( ieorge 
H. Stem and family, of Stemton. The same was 
dedicated Sept. 24, 1882, and bears this inscription: 
"To the Praise and (ilory of God. Presented by 
George H. Stem and family to the Reformed and 
Lutheran Congregations of South Whitehall Church, 
1882." 

This church is showing a very healthy growth, is 
prosperous, peaceful, has a line church property and 
cemetery, and is considered one of the best country 
churches in the county. Its Sunday-school Is under 
the superintendence of Tilghman (i. Ilellliich, Luth- 
eran, and Edwin Haaf, Reformed, with T. Franklin 
Butz, president, and James Eberhard, secretary. 

The present church councils are composed of the 
following: on the Lutheran side, Elders, Charles Hen- 
ninger and Edwin Hausman; Deacons, Sylvester 
Hcltl'rieh, William Erdell, Franklin Wisser, William 
Ebberwein; Trustee, Reuben Hausman; Presiding 
Officer, Edwin llausiuan. On the Reformed side, as 
Elders, T. Franklin Butz, George H. Stern ; Deacons, 

Richard Lazarus, Edward Dual, K-i Roth, Lewis 

Diefenderfer ; Trustee, Alfred T. Mickley; and Pre- 
siding Officer, T. Franklin Butz. 



WIIITKIIAU, TOWNSHIP. 



501 



In connection with the burial-ground belonging to 

lurch Hi. re is also a cemetery association. The 

land for thi> purpose was bought from T. F. Butz, 

and ii"" contains two acres, all laid out in plots, and 

oy I bj bers of the i ons and i 

Industries in Whitehall Township— The Thomas 

Iron-Works at Hokendauqua. -< »i f thi most 

stanch and solid iron establishments in Penney! 

vania is that located in the lei industrial town of 

Hokendauqua, and bearing the name of the pioneer 
anthracite ironmaster of America. The works in- 
deed owe their existence in a very large measure to 
the i nterprise of Da\ i'l Thomas, and his sons, Samuel 
and John Thomas, have been ntly and ac 

lively identified with their financial and practical 
ement. The organization, afterwards incor- 
porated as the Thomas Iron Company, bad its incep- 
tion early in 1854. < in February 14th, at a meeting 
held at Mrs. White's hotel, in Easton, the following 
persons were present who had become subscribers to 

ock, viz.: David Thomas and Samui 
of Catasauqua; E. A. Douglass, of Mauch chunk; 
Charles A. Luckenbach, Michael Erause, and John 
P. Scholl, of Bethlehem; l>r. Henry Detwiler, Peter 
8. Michler, John Drake, Derrick Hnlick, Rnssel S. 
Chidsey, John T. Knight, Daniel Whitsell, and Car- 
man F. Randolph, of Easton; Benjamin G. Clark, of 
New York ; Ephraim Marsh and William II. I 

of New Jersey, respectively the president and super- 
intendent of the Morris Canal Company. David 
Thomas irave his views concerning the establishment 
of the projected works and the best place for theii 
location, and a committee was appointed to examine 
sites, with power to purchase. At the same mi 
the capital of the company was fixed at two hundred 
thousand dollars, and the present name was adopted 
in honor of David Thomas. Subsequently a board of 
directors was appointed, which was constituted as 
follows, viz.: E. A. Douglass, William II. Talcott, 
Ephraim Marsh, Peter S. Mi elder. John Draki . I; - 
3. < m|i'. \. Luckenbach. A complete 

organization was effected by the election of Peter S. 
Michler as president, the appointment of Carman F. 
Randolph as secretary and treasurer, and the eh., ire 
of Samuel Thomas us superintendent. 

Very SOOn after the tirst steps were taken toward, 
and resulting in, the organization of the company. 
David Thomas, acting in behalf of his associates, 
purchased the site on which the works and the village 
• •t' Hokendauqua have since been laid out. The first 
purchase included two farms, aggregating ahout one 
hundred and eighty-live acres, the prop, rty of Thomas 
Butz, who was paid at the rate of about two hundred 

dollar.-- per acre. Other purchases have been made 
from time to time until the Hokendauqua lands 

owned by the company amOUDl t.. about two hundred 
and forty acres, while tracts have also been bought at 
various points along the river between A lien town and 
Coplay. Ahout the time that the other officers 



el n. David Thomas was elected fa real 

estate, and invested with the sole legal authority to 

Convey any portion of that owned or afterwards ac- 
quired by the company. 
i in the i-t ..i March, 1854, Samuel Thomas, the 

superintendent, began the work of erectile.' the tirst 

two furnaci ., with the necessary accompanying build- 
ings, and at the same time the town was laid out, and 
the construction of houses for the employes com- 
menced. Furnaces No. 1 and No. 2 were skillfull) 
planned, and most substantially built. Each was 
sixty feet high, with eighteen-foot boshes. Two 
beam blowing-engines, of about five hundred ho 
power each, with their proper connections and appli- 
ance., were manufactured for these furnaces by 
Robert 1'. Parrott, of the Cold Spring Foundry, at 
West Point, X. Y. The steam cylinders of these 

fines were fifty-six inches in diameter, with 
nine-foot stroke, and the blowing cylinders wen- 
ninety inches in diameter, with the same stroke a- 
the former. Furnace No. 1 was put in blast June 1, 
1855, and furnace X". 2 on October 23d of the same 
year. They were operated successfully from the first, 
producing as good iron as any in the country. In 
1861 -•;•-' furnace. Nos. 3 and I were built. 'II 
were each eighteen feet in diameter, and fifty-five 
feet in height. They were subsequently increased to 
sixty-five feet in height. For the operation of these 
furnace, two very large blowin s were erected. 

n and blowing cylinders of which were re- 
itively of sixty-six and one hundred and eight 
inches diameter, with ten-foot -trokc. 

In 1867 the Lock Ridge Iron Company was organ- 
ized, by some of the directors of the Thomas Iron 
Company and a number of other gentlemen. This 
company commenced the erection of two lure 
near the junction of the East l'enn and the Cata- 
sauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, but before they 
were completed the organization was merged with 
the Thomas Iron Company. The furnace., each of 
fifteen-foot bosh and fifty-five feet in height, wer. 

subsequently raised five feet, and became the Nos. 

7 and S of the Thomas Company, the Nos. 5 and li 
being reserved for two furnaces which the man. 
ment contemplated building at Hokendauqua, and 
which were erected in 1872-78. These were each of 
eighteen-foot bosh, and sixty feet in height. An ad- 
ditional blowin size and stj '. 

those connected with furnaci and 1 was put 

in to furnish the blast for these furn 

in April, 1882, the company bought from I). Run- 
kleec Co. the Keystone Furnace, in Glendon borou 

near Fusion, and this furnace, of sixteen-foot b 
and sixty-three feet in height, became their No. 9, 
With these nine furnace, the company can 
about one hundred and twenty thousand ton- of pig- 
iron per annum, allowance of ample time being made 
for repairs, when I he furnaces must of course be i 
of blast 



502 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The company's capital lias been increased from 
time to time until it is at present two millions of dol- 
lars. Large ore-beds have been bought in Lehigh and 
Berks Counties, as well as extensive mines of magnetic 
ore in New Jersey. The company also leases ore-buds, 
and purchases great quantities of ore from mines 
operated by private unterprise. The enterprise of the 
company found exercise in joint operation with the 
Crane Iron-Works in the construction of the Cata- 
sauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, and in 1882 the com- 
pany became the sole owner of the Ironton Railroad, 
purchasing it from Robert L. Kennedy, of New York. 
The company owns sixteen locomotives, which are 
used in conveying ore, coal, limestone, and iron upon 
their railroads, and from one point to another about 
the furnaces. The work- are very conveniently 
arranged for the handling of material, and have ex- 
cellent communication with the markets by means of 
two railroads and the canal. The works are regarded 
by iron men as having few, if any, superiors, in regard 
to the thoroughly substantial plan of their construc- 
tion, economical arrangement, and perfection of detail, 
for which credit is largely due to Mr. Samuel Thomas, 
at first superintendent and then president of the 
company, and his brother, John Thomas, who has 
occupied the former position for the past sixteen years. 
In the great work on metallurgy, published in London 
in 18(54 by John Percy, M.D., F.R.S., the Thomas 
Iron-Works were the only ones in America which 
were represented, the account of them, accompanied 
by drawings in detail, being furnished by Professor 
George Brush, of Yale College. These works were 
selected because of their perfection as the model ones 
lor illustration of iron manufacture in the United 
States. 

Since the organization of the Thomas Irou Com- 
pany a number of changes have taken place among 
its officials, which we here note. The first president, 
Peter S. Michler, resigned in 1855, and was succeeded 
by C. A. Luckenbacb, who remained in office until 
1864, when be sold his interest and retired from the 
company. Samuel Thomas, who had been the first 
and only superintendent, was then elected president, 
and by re-election has held the office to the present, 
a period of twenty years. In May, 1856, John T. 
Knight succeeded Carman F. Randolph, the first 
treasurer and secretary, and lias held that office con- 
tinuously since. For some time after Samuel Thomas' 
election as president, he continued to fill his old office 
of superintendent, having as assistants at different 
periods his son David and Valentine W. Weaver. 
David Thomas, Jr., came to the works as assistant 
superintendent in the summer of I860. He had been 
educated to the iron industry under his father, and 
had previously been connected with these works, but 
for three years immediately anterior to the date men- 
tioned he had been in charge of a furnace, principally 
owned by the family, at Canal Dover, Ohio. In Sep- 
tember, 1861, a little over a year aftur assuming the 



duties of assistant superintendent at the Thomas 
Works, he received injuries by a fall from the top of 
the hot-blast oven, from which his death ensued on 
the 10th of November following. Had he lived, his 
natural ability and large experience would doubtless 
have made him one of the leading ironmasters of the 
valley. In 1867, John Thomas was elected to the 
office of general superintendent, which he has since 
filled, with Edwin Mickley as assistant. Mr. Mickley 
entered the employ of the company in October, 1856, 
and took charge of the mines. He has since continued 
to superintend this department, and is recognized as 
one of the most thoroughly practical metallurgists in 
the State. He has made many improvements at the 
mines, facilitating the economical handling of the 
ores, and has been a generally useful and valuable 
man to the company. 

The employes of the Thomas Iron- Works at the 
furnaces number about three hundred and fifteen, 
while enough more are kept at work in limestone- 
quarrying and ore-digging to swell the number to two 
thousand. At Hokendauqua and elsewhere the men 
in the employ of the company enjoy many advantages 
not usually found amid the surroundings of a great 
manufacturing establishment. The town, of which 
we have made mention, has been developed entirely 
through the operation of this industry. Its popula- 
tion, consisting of nearly a thousand people, is de- 
pendent upon the Thomas Works. At first the com- 
pany undertook to sell the lots in the town they plat- 
ted here, but perceiving that if they did so saloons 
would be established and various evils ensue, they 
changed their policy and began building extensively 
for their employes. The town as a result contains no 
place where liquor is sold, and the liberality and far- 
seeing policy of the management has provided the 
employes and their families with far better and 
pleasanter homes than most of them would have es- 
tablished for themselves. The long lines of neat and 
substantial houses have ample door-yards, neatly 
fenced, and they line broad, well-graded, tree-shaded 
streets. The company has introduced both hard and 
soft water, — the former from a fine spring and the 
latter from the river, — which is conducted by pipes 
along every street, and constantly Hows from syphons 
on each square, while those who desire can by a verj 
slight expense extend the pipes into their houses, as 
has been done in many instances. 

When the town was laid out lots were donated for 
a church and school-house, which are at present oc- 
cupied by fine buildings. Towards the establishment 
of the church the company gave live thousand dollars, 
and the first school-house was built entirely with its 
funds. The company has also built a church at its 
iron-ore mines in New Jersey, aud contributed to one 
at Lock Ridge. At Hokendauqua the second story of 
a large building is set apart by the company as a 
young men's library and reading-room, — a model in- 
stitution of the kind, well supplied with the best of 





\iZ6Cr-T<UU 



T^LCx&c^/ 



wuriT.iiAU, township. 



503 



reading matter, l»«ili in bonk, magazine, and news- 
paper form. The company has also buill a v< ry neat 
:um1 tasteful Btation for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, 
in which is also conveniently included the posl 
I ii short, the entire town exhibits the evidenci • 

liberality of the c pany, and the considerate regard 

of it- officials for the well-being of those in their em- 
ploy. The present board of directors is composed of 
Samuel Thomas, of < latasauqua ; B. < '>. Clark, of New 
York; William W. Marsh and David Runkle, ol New 
Jersey; JohnT. Knight, Samuel Drake, and Charles 
Stewart, of Easton. 

John Thomas, the son of David and Elizabeth 
Thomas, of Yni-eedw in, South Wales, was horn at the 
latter place, Sept. 29, 1829, and when a lad emigrated 
with his parents to America, landing in New York on 
the . r >th of June, 1839. He accompanied the family 
to Pennsylvania, and alter a brief residence at Al- 
lentown became a resident of Catasauqua, Lehigh Co., 
where hi* youth was spent. His early advantages of 
education were obtained at Allentown, after which be 
became a pupil of Nazareth Ball, in Northampton 
County, where a year was devoted to perfecting him- 
-elt'in the principal English branches. Having com- 
pleted his studies at the \ I lent own Academy, he deter- 
mined i" acquire a thorough knowledge of the business 
of an ironmaster, and with that end in view entered 
the blacksmith-shops of the Crane Iron-Works. Hav- 
ing become entirely familiar with this department of 
labor, he entered the machine-shops and furnaces 
and thus by his thorough and practical acquaintance 
with the business fitted himself tor the direction of the 
company's extensive interests. On the retirement of 
David Thomas from the active superintendence of 
the works, he was succeeded by his son, John, who 
filled the position with ability and marked success 
until 1867, when, in June of thai year, he resigned to 

accept the appointment of general superintendent of 
the Thomas [ron-Works at Hokendauqua. His rela- 
tion- with the officers and employes of the ( Vane Iron- 
Works, both in a social and bnsim city, were 
of such a character as to occasion general regret at 
his departure. I rider the efficient management of 

Mr. Thomas two new furnaces have been built, and a 

high degree of prosperity has been attained by the 
Thomas Iron-Works, while the social and moral in- 
fluence of his ' and that of his family in Ho- 
kendauqua is in a high degree salutary. 

Mr. Thomas was married on the 7th of Maj ,1855 
to Bliss Helen, daughter of Hopkin Thomas, of <'at- 
asauqua. Their surviving children are 1 lavid H. I who 
has charge of the Thomas [ron Company's furnaces 
at Lock Ridge . Miriam. Bessie II.. Samuel K., Kittie 
V"., and John W. Mr. Thomas is largely identified 
with other business interests, as director of the Cat- 
asauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, president for some 
years of the Catasauqua Manufacturing Company, and 
director of the Upper Lehigh Coal Company. As 
director for a long period of the schools of the borough, 



be has evinced much zeal in the cause of • dui 

He is in politics a Republican, and more or less active 

in the local issues of the day, but not with a view to 

personal advancement, Mr. Tin. mas i- in religion a 
Presbyterian and member of thi church at II 
dauqua, as are also Mrs. Thomas and five of their 
children. 

Edwin Miekley. the assistant superintendent of the 

- [ron-Works, is the great-great-grandsi 

John Jacob Michelet, who was a native of Deux-Ponte, 

and born in 1697. He married Elizabeth 

Burkhalter, and had five children ; John Jacob, whose 

birth occurred in 17-14 and his death in 1809, being 

lest son. He was united in marriage to 8 
Miller, who was the mother of five children. The 
name of John Jacob was perpetuated in their eldest 
son, born in 1766, who died in 1857. He married 

Eva Catherine Sehreiher, whose children were Jacob, 
Joseph J., Polly, Sarah, and Anna. Jacob, of this 
number, and the father of Edwin, was born in 171H, 
and married to Anna, daughter of Nicholas Kern. 
Among their eleven children was Edwin, whose birth 
occurred on the 20th of April, 1830, in Whitehall 
township, where, on the homestead, his youth, until 

his sixteenth year, was spent. The two succeeding 
years were devoted to stiuh at Kingston, in the 
Wyoming Valley, after which, on his return, he de- 
termined upon the development of his mechanical 
genius by acquiring proficiency in the trade of a 
master-machinist. With this in view he entered the 
shops oi i he ( frane Iron-Works, and aftei an extended 

experience in its various departments repaired to New 
York, where the winter of 1 B5 I wa- spent in the shops 
of the Globe Works. Meanwhile he assisted Mr. 
Samuel Thomas in the erection of the Boonton Iron- 
Works, in Morris County, N. J., and left them in suc- 
cessful operation. In the spring of 1854, Mr. Mick- 
ley removed to Fogelsville, and conducted a foundry 
and machine-shop, having lure constructed the first 
engine used in the zinc-mine- of the vicinity. 
two and a half years spent in connection with the 
latter enterprise, in October, L856, he became asso- 
ciated with the Thomas Iron-Works as superintendent 
of their mining interests. 1 1 is capacity and thorough 
knowledge of mechanics rendered his assistance in- 
valuable, not less in this than in other departments 
of the business. He aided in the erection of the fur- 
naces known a- Nos. '■'■ and I. and for a period had 
charge of the company's works. Ii is but just to 

say that Mr. Miekley has 1 te of the important 

in the success of the Thomas Iron-Works, and 
in the prestige they have gained among manufacturers. 
In directing his efforts towards the reduction in cost 
of production, he has been especially successful, and 
enabled the company to manufacture iron at cheaper 
rate- and of superior quality. During the late war 
Mr. Miekley served a- lir-t lieutenant of Company B, 

Thirty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania ninety days) 

Militia, then engaged in defensive operations. Ha\ ing 



504 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



earl; affiliated with the Whig part; in politics, he 
found the principles of the Republican platform in 
harmony with his convictions, though he has never 
sought official position. He has ever manifested a 
strong interest in the intellectual as well as the ma- 
terial growth of Hokendauqua, and Berved for twenty 
is president of the school board. He is a di- 
and was one of the chief promoters, of the 
[ronton Railroad. He is also a membei of the 
American Institute of Mining Engineers. Me is a 
Presbyterian in his religious faith, member ami elder 
of the Hokendauqua Church of that denomination, 
and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Mr. Mick - 
le\ was married in September, 1853, to Miss Matilda, 
daughter of Solomon Fogel, of Fogelsville. Their 
children are Anna D., Lillie E. Mrs. H. M. Chance, 
of Philadelphia), .Minnie F., and a son, John Jacob. 

The Coplay Iron-Works. — In the summer of 1853, 
Stephen Uallict, Stephen Kalliet, Jr., Aaron Balliet, 
and Benjamin S. Levan became associated together as 
Stephen Balliet & Co., for the purpose of erecting and 
operating an iron furnace. Twelve acres of laud on 
the west hank of Coplay Creek (where the works now 
are) were purchased of Daniel Schreiber, and the 
foundation of Furnace No. 1 was laid iu the fall of 
the year, and all was ready for the erection of the 
stack in the spring of 1854. A block of frame houses 
for the workmen was also built in the fall of L853, 
and the locality thus began to bear an appearance 
prophetic of future activity. Stephen Balliet, Sr., 
died on the 17th of January, 1854, and a reconstruc- 
tion of the firm became necessary. Joseph Laubach 
and Lewis A. Buckley were admitted as partners. 
The company was then incorporated as the Lehigh 
Valley Iron Company. Joseph Laubach was made 
president, and Benjamin S. Levan was elected to fill 
the office of secretary, treasurer, and superintendent. 
Wnik was resumed in the spring of 1854. and stack 
No. 1 was erected, being forty-five feet in height, and 
of fourteen-foot bosh. The company bought hema- 
tite ore-beds in Whitehall township, and afterwards 
others in Long Swamp, Bucks Co., as well as the 
Magnetic ( Ire-Mines, in Sussex County, N. J. 
\ superintendent's house was erected in the fall of 

• 

Furnace No. '2. the dimensions of which were fifty- 
five feet in height, sixteen feet bush, and seven feet tun- 
nel-bead, was built in 1862, and about the same time 
a block of eleven houses was erected. These dwell- 
ings were a combination of brick and frame, and were 
both substantial an.l tasteful structures. 

In 18G7 Furnace No. 3 was built to meet the in- 
creased demand on the company. This was fifty-five 
feet high, the bosh was sixteen I the tunnel- 

head eight feet, from seventy to one hundred men 
are now employed, and to give their workmen good 
homes the company put up ten more houses, building 
this time entirely of brick, on Third Street. 

The works were carried on without any further ad- 



ditions and with varying degrees of success until 
1878. In that year financial difficulties which had 
growing thick about the company for sonic time 
became so serious that business was discontinued. 
The furnaces were blown out in December, and re- 
mained idle until late in the year 1879, when their 
operation was resumed by the Coplay Iron Com pan j 
(Limited), which was incorporated June 18th of that 
year. This company consists of forty corporators, 
and has a capital of $200,000. Its officers are, Presi- 
dent, E. P.Wilbur; Secretary and Treasurer, William 
H. Ainey; Superintendent, Valentine W. Weaver; 
Directors, William H. Ainey. E. P. Wilbur, W. Dod- 
snii, Aaron Balliet, Y. W. Weaver, Joseph Laubach, 
I; M. Gummere, and Dr. John S. Wentz. The out- 
put of tin works is about thirty thousand tons of 
foundry pig-iron annually. 

Benjamin S. Levan is a descendant of a family 
of Huguenot blood, who were emigrants to America 
at an early date. John Le Van, the grandfather of 
the subject of this biographical sketch, resided in Berks 
County, where he cultivated a farm successfully. He 
was united in marriage to Miss Margaretta Kahler, 
and had children, — Daniel, John, Charles, I'eter, and 
two daughters. Daniel was born in Berks County, 
and later made Schuylkill County his residence, 
where his death occurred. He married Miss Hetty 
Stout, of Berks County, whose children are Lydia, 
Anna, Elizabeth, Hetty, Sarah. < latherine, Isaac, Ben- 
jamin S., Joseph, James, and William Augustus. 
Benjamin S. was born Oct. 26, 18oG, in Maiden Creek 
township, Berks Co., and at an early age removed to 
Eutstown. His first business experience was obtained 
in Philadelphia, where for five years be was employed 
as a grocer's clerk. From thence he removed to 
Lehigh County, and settled in Hallietsville. He sub- 
sequently became superintendent of the Lehigh Fur- 
nace, in Washington township, and in that capacity 
served the company faithfully for a period of twenty- 
eight years. He then removed to Whitehall town- 
ship, and erected the furnace of the Lehigh Valley 
Iron Company, of which he was for thirty years 
superintendent and general manager. On retiring 
from this official position the company, as a token of 
their appreciation of his invaluable services, presented 
him with a costly watch and chain, appropriately 
inscribed. Mr. Levan has had little leisure for mat- 
ters of a political nature. He was formerly a Demo- 
crat, and now votes the Republican ticket. He is an 
elder of the Reformed Church of ( loplay, and was the 
must liberal contributor to the erection of the church 
edifice. Mr. Levan is married to Miss Maria, daugh- 
ter of the late Stephen Balliet, Sr. Their children are 
Albert (deceased), Stephen - . Francis (de- 

ceased), Paul, James (deceased). Garret, and Susan 
Mrs. Charles I. Rader). 

Valentine W. Weaver, of the Coplay Iron-Works, 
is of an old family of this region. His great-grand- 
father emigrated from Germany to America, and 




^ 



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SP 





WIIITKIIAU. TOWNSHIP. 



506 



aettled in Virginia, from whence he removed to the 
State of Pennsylvania, and located in Lehigh (then 
Northampton] County. His son. Valentine, was 
united in marriage to a Miss Weygandt, and bad chil- 
dren, among whom was Charles, the father of the subject 
of thi* biography, born in Northampton County, and 
married to Catherine Hummel, whose children » 
three sons and four daughters. Valentine W., of this 
number, was born Jan. 9, 1826, in Northampton 
County. A portion of his boyhood was spent in Nor- 
thumberland County, with such advantages of educa- 
tion as were atlbrded in the neighboring schools. He 
early began a business career as clerk at I'.erlinsville, 
Northampton County, and subsequently acted in the 
same capacity at Milton, Pa., and also al Easton and 
Catasauqua. At the age of twenty be became an 
apprentice to the Crane iron-Works, and h:i \ 'hilt per- 
fected himself at o ' a machinist, speedily 
consummated an engagement with the same company, 
as the agent of their mining interests al Catasauqua 

and the vicinity. 

Mr. Weaver remained several years thus employed, 
and later removed to Hokendauqua as assistant super- 
intendent of the works of the Thomas Iron Company. 
He afterwards erected the Lock Ridge Furnaces for 
the Lock Ridge Iron Company, and managed them 

sure, -slully in the interest of the Thomas Iron Com- 
panv. ()n concluding his labors at this point he re- 
moved to Pine Grove. Cumberland Co., where the 
latter company had also an extensive property, and 
remained three years. His services were nexl in de- 
mand in connection with the works of the Millers- 
town Iron Company. In July, 1879, he removed to 
Coplay as superintendent of the Coplay Iron Com- 
pany's Works, where he is al present engaged. In 
these various fields of labor he has demonstrated his 
thorough knowledge of all departments of the buai- 
-. and contributed largely to the profitable results 
of the year's labor. Mr. Weaver was married, in 1848, 
to Mi-s Mary, daughter of Jacob Mickley, of White- 
hall township. Their children are William M., 
James \\\. Valentine W., Lizzie, Mary i Mrs. II. S. 
Bach mau), Catharine M., and Emily J. Mr. Weaver 
is a director of the Macungie Iron Company, and 
interested as a director in the .National Hanks of 
ington and Catasauqua. He is also a director of 
the Hokendauqua Bridge Company. Heisin politics 
a Republican, but not an aspirant for official position. 
Be is in his religious affiliations a Presbyterian and 

member of that church, as are also his family. 

i Balliet, the grandsi - phen Balliet and 

his wife, Magdalena Burkhalter, and son of Stephen 

Balliet and his wife. Susan Ihrie, was born March 7, 

1813, in Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., where his 

boyhood was passed. The advantages of education 

in the vicinity of his home being limited, he became 
a pupil of an excellent school at Milford, N. J., and 

m his native State. 
On returning to his home, in 1S;57. Mr. Balliet de- 



termined to follow an active business career, and 
ed in Carbon County a charcoal furnace which 

he successfully operated for twenty years, after which 
he purchased the homestead at Ballietsville. In con- 
nection with other partner-, he, in 1854, built a fur- 
at Coplay. the ownership of which has since 
passed into the hands of a company known as the 
Coplay Iron Company, in which he isa director. Mr. 
Balliet, on Aug. 21, 1845, married Sarah, daughter of 
John Dengler, of * larbon < tounty . To this union were 
born eight children, two of whom died in childhood. 
Those who reached adult years were I'rancis, Julia 

(Mrs. Augustus Hollershoff), Ella [Mrs. A. lid ■ 
hot!' i. Kin in a Mrs. ( ). P. I.ampher i, Anne Mrs. 0. 
E.Holman , and Susan Ida. Mr. Balliet was a second 
time married on March 6, 1867, to Miss Catharine, 

daughter of David Housman, of Whitehall township, 
whose children are \aron. Harvey, and Ada M. 
Mr. Balliet, while devoting his attention to the man- 
ufacture of iron and the development of iron mines, 
has also been interested in farming occupation-. He 
has always been cither a Whig oi a Republican in 
politics, and has served as justice of the peace, -ehool 
director, and in various minor capacities. He is a 
member of the German Reformed Church of I'liion- 
ville, which he aided materially in building. 

The Coplay Cement-Works. In a region oo( pos- 
sessing the immense riches of coal and iron which are 
contained in nature's vast vaults along the l.ehigh, 
the great deposit of nick suitable for manufacture 
into cement would have- attracted far more attention 
than it has here, and alone would have sufficed to 
have made the locality famous. But here the impor- 
tance of the-e rock-beds has been ill a ll -ure 
dwarfed by the colossal operations in coal upon one 
side, and iron upon the other. Nevertheless, it was 
by men engaged in mining the former, and seeking 
a way of placing it in the market, that the cement 
rocks were first discovered and their value demon- 
strated. The Lehigh Coal and Navigation!' pain. 

which operated the mill'- on Summit Hill and I 
where in Carbon County, and after establishing a 
slack-water navigation, finally constructed a canal 
along the river, made use of the rock which nature 
had placed so conveniently near, about the year 1829. 
They quarried it on the east side of the river. just abi 

fried's bridge, and manufactured from it the 
cement which they used in building the dams and 
of their canal. The company continued the 
making of cement until is;:;, when the bi 

leased to Gen. James Selfridge, who. after enlarging 
the capacity of the works, carried cm business for two 
or three years, arid then discontinued it. 

Many years prior to the latter date, however, the 
cuts made for the track of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road had laid bare along the west side- of the river an 
extensive formation ol rock similar to thai which bad 
t so long used upon the east side, and possessing 
all of the qualities desirable' for the manufacture 






HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



the best cements. The value "I the deposit thus 
revealed was a i recognized by Messrs D. 0. Bay- 
lor, Esaias Rehrig, and Adam Wbolever, who organ- 
ized early in lsiifi the Coplay Cement Company. 
They obtained possession of a large amount of desir- 
able property, and in the spring took measures towards 
realizing upon their investment. Thej built two 

small kilns for burning the stone, and fitted up an 

old distillery building near Coplay Station for a 
grinding-mill. They at first utilized the rock in the 
small knobs and ridges left between the railroad cut 
and the river, hauling it about one mile to their 
works. The business, though small, was profitable, 
and, as soon as it was practicable to do so, the enter- 
prising proprietors enlarged it. In 1869 they built a 
frame and stone mill near the small kilns, and then 
proceeded to erect two additional kilns, which in- 
creased the capacity of their works to about two 
hundred and fifty barrels of natural cement per day. 
In 1870 the company opened a new quarry and a 
slope in the greater mass of rock west of the railroad 
cut, from which they are still taking their supply of 
stone. In 1871 they built an addition to their mill, 
which largely increased the effectiveness of their 
operations. 

Up to this time only the ordinary, or what is called 
the natural cement, had been manufactured, but in 
1872, Mr. D. 0. Saylor, the president of" the com- 
pany, discovered a process by which an improved 
cement could be made, and secured a patent upon it. 
The product of this process is known as the " Anchor 
Cement." In 1873 the company commenced the 
manufacture of Portland cement, in which they had 
reached a most satisfying success after many failures 
in experiment. This was named for the market 
"Savior's Portland Cement." This new manufacture 
became very popular and necessitated greater enlarge- 
ment and improvement of the works, the introduction 
of new machinery, and the employment of a greater 
force of hands. 

The company erected an additional kiln in 1873, 
two more in 1874; a pug-mill and drying-floors, ne- 
cessary to manufacture, in 1875; three more kilns in 
1877, six iron grinding mills, and a new steam-power, 
exerting the strength of one hundred and fifty horses, 
a uew crusher, and lour additional kilns. In 188:2 the 
capacity of the Cop lav Cement- Works was increased 
still further by the erection of three kilns and two more 
mills. Thus seventeen kilns were brought into use, 
thirteen of whirh are employed in the work of making 
Portland cement, and four in making cement of the An- 
chor brand. The latter are of the kind known as draw 
kilns. About six hundred barrels ofeement are made 
per day ; the quantities of Saylor's Portland cement and 
of the Anchor brand being almost exactly equal. The 
number of employes, including coopers, quarrymen, 
and mill-hands, is upwards of one hundred and fifty. 

A cooper-shop was built aboul 1870, and twelve or 
more coopers employed. The stock of heading and 



Stave lumber is brought from Maine and tin 1 hoops 

from New York. The milling capacity consists of 
four run of four-feet and eight run of three-feet buhr- 
stones ; also three iron crushers to prepare the mate- 
rial for the mill>, and four tempering machines to 
temper the raw material for Portland cement. They 
have thirteen kilns to burn Portland and four to burn 
natural cement. The factory contains o\er nineteen 
thousand square feet of iloor-rooni for spreading and 
drying the tempered material for Portland cement. 
The rooms are all heated by steam, four thousand five 
hundred feet of one-and-a-half-inch wrougbt-iron 
pipe and one hundred and sixty feet of six-inch cast- 
iron pipe being used for the purpose. There are also 
over twenty thousand square feet of floor-room for 
storing the manufactured cement, and about three 
hundred and seventy-five feet of iron conveyors are 
in use to convey the cement from the mills to the huge 
bins. In connection with the storage capacity at the 
works they have, a large storehouse on the dock of the 
Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, at Com- 
munipaw, two hundred and fifty feet long, with a 
cooperage on the second floor. The cement for the 
New- York market is sent in bulk to this establish- 
ment, where it is packed in barrels. This house is in 
charge of the general selling agents, Messrs. Johnson 
& Wilson, 91 Liberty Street, New York. Orders to 
them will receive prompt attention, as well as at the 
office in Peter's building, Centre Square, Allentown. 

To the Coplay Cement Company is due the credit 
of having first introduced into this country the manu- 
facturing of Portland cement on a large scale. Their 
peculiar advantageous position, in having inexhaust- 
ible stores of the raw material in its cheapest and 
simplest conditions, coupled with the advantages of 
shipment by rail and water, enables them to supply 
the article in abundance to all parts of the country 
at a comparatively low price. The Portland cement 
is recommended by the most prominent architects and 
engineers, and the trade generally, to be fully equal to 
the best foreign brands. It is of uniform quality and 
always reliable. Capt. J. B. Eads, the distinguished 
engineer, used Saylor's Portland Cement exclusively 
on the jetty works of the Mississippi, at New Orleans, 
having used upwards of thirteen thousand barrels up 
to this time, and recommends it highly. It is used in 
the river and harbor improvements and fortifications 
on the South Atlantic coast, fortifications on Staten 
Island and New York Harbor, under the superinten- 
dency and management of Gen. Gillmore, who prefers 
it to all others. In the Centennial Exhibition there 
were fourteen Portland cements, all of which were 
tested under Gen. Gillmore's direction, and Saylor's 
cement stood among the best. It is used in the de- 
partment of public works in New York and Brooklyn, 
and the architect of the United States Capitol at 
Washington, Mr. Edward Clark, says it is as good as 
the best English article. Recommendations from 
other equally distinguished engineers and architects 



WHITEHALL TOWNS II II'. 



507 



could be quoted, but the aboi e will suffice to show the 
superiority of the cement, 

The present officers of the < '"play < lement ( 'orapany 
are D. 0. Bajlor, president ; Esaias I 
and treasurer ; and John Eckert, cheinisf and assist- 
ant superintendent. 

The Lehigh Valley Portland Cement Company. 
— In 1880 a Dumber of New York business men asso- 
ciated themselves in a partnership for the manufacture 
of Portland cement on the Lehigh. They purchased 
a small tract of haul — a portion of the Troxell farm 
— between ('"play and Whitehall, upon which they 
erected two kilns and a small mill. The work was 
abandoned after the expiration of about a year, but 
in the winter of 1883 84 the company was reorgan- 
ized, and new buildings are now in process of con- 
struction, in which it is purposed to curry on a large 
manufacture. 

Lehigh Car-, Wheel-, and Axle-Works.— McKee, 

Fuller & Co., the Owners of this plant, manufacture 
broad- and narrow -gauge-, freight-, coal-, and ore-cars 
Of every description, and wheels for freight, locomo- 
tive-truck, tender, and passenger service, also best 
wrought, scrap, and other hammered axles. 

These works were established in 1866, as a car-wheel 
works, with a capacity of fifteen wheels per day. The 
business was large!) increased every year until 1879, 
when a forge and car-works were added, and the busi- 
Qess increased to such an extent that, in the first -i\ 
months of 1882. they built, complete, one thousand 
eight hundred and seventy-nine eight-wheel cars, the 
business amounting t" two million eight hundred 
thousand dollars for the year. The capacity of the 
works at present is sufficient to do a business of four 
million dollars per annum. 

The works, in 1869, consisted of one building 
i foundry and machine-shop', fifty by sixty feet, while 
the plant now consists of the following buildings: 
Car-wheel department, foundry, fifty by two hundred 
and eight feet, with wing, thirty by eighty feet: ma- 
chine-shop, fifty by two hundred feet. Forge de- 
partment, main building, fifty by one hundred and 
ten feet, with wing, fifty by thirty-six feet. Car de- 
partment, erecting and wood-working building, fifty 
by tour hundred and twenty feet; blacksmith-shop, 
fifty by two hundred feet, with wing, thirty by sixty 
feet; machine-shop, fifty by eighty feet, three stories; 
boiler-house, fifty by eighty feet; paint-shop, an iron 
building, one hundred and twelve by five hundred 
feet : and a building containing the furnaces and 
bending machinery, forty by ninety feet. The works, 
when in full operation, employ fifteen hundred men. 
The buildings are lighted with the Kdi-on incandes- 
cent electric light. 

Steel-Works.— At Biery's Bridge, opposite Cata- 

sauqua, is carried on an industry which has but one 
rival in kind in the Tinted States. This is a manu- 
factory of bright cold-rolled steel, which is used by 
sewing-machine manufacturers, for (dock and watch 



springs and hand-, flat keys for Yale and similar 

great many other articles, which it is 
desirable to have with smoothly-finished Bteel sur- 
faces, also for others which an live nickel- 
plating. The work- were established in 1- 
llenry Johnson, a Dative of England, who had previ- 
ously carried on a similar manufacture in New York. 
Be established the industry in an old building which 
bad been used as a tool manufactory, and bis I", 
was so successful that be was compelled to enlarge it. 
Mr. Johnson dying in Decembi r, 1882, the- establish- 
ment came into the possession of his - 

Johnson, who has sine.' managed it with g I results. 

The steed bandied lure is received in the form of bil- 
lets from Bethlehem and other places, and is rolled 

into bars varying from one to five inches in width, 
and from ten t" one hundred and fifty one-thousandths 
of an inch in thickness. These bars are ann 
and then polished by the acid-pickling process, and 
then shipped to manufacturers in the East. About 
twenty tons per month is the output of the- works. 

The Allentown Manufacturing Company 
of the leading industries in Whitehall tow aship is the 
Agricultural Chemical Works of the Allentown Manu- 
facturing Company, successors to Messrs. Breinig & 
Heltlrieh, and now under the management of T. G. 
Hclffrich, president, and A. J. Breini iry and 

treasurer, with the main office at Allentown. Pa. 
These works were established in l*t>7. The main 
precincts of the establishment are bone phosphate 
and oil paints, the former being the outgrowth of the 
fertilizing business started in Allentown in 1860, and 
the latter of the paint business established in Phila- 
delphia in 1855, both of which were originally con- 
ducted by Jacob Breinig >V A. .1. Breinig, in connec- 
tion with different associated firms. The brands of 
Allentown Complete Bone Phosphate and Breinig's 
Ready-Mixed <>il Paints have become well known 

throughout this and adjoining State-. 

The factory is located several miles out of the city. 
The slope id' a hill against which the buildings are 
erected gives most favorable opportunities for hand- 
ling the material, from ption in the> raw state 
to its conveyance to the warehouse or depcts. The 
situation is such as to afford a separate- wagon road to 
each one of the stores which arc included in the 
main building. The main building contain- the 
boiling department, drying-floors, grinding, packing, 
and storing-rooms. Besides the main building there- 
are sheets lor storing raw material, weighing-house. 
foreman's residence, and commodious warehouses on 
the track of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and in close 
proximity to tin- Lehigh Canal. The factory is sup- 
plied with improved machinery, I from time 
to time 1 > > ih, experience of the propriet 

The paint department in its manufacture is entirely 
independent of tin' phosphate business, a- the ma- 
terials required lor the former have no dependence 
whatever upon the materials used in the latter. The 



508 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



paints manufactured are pure linseed-oil paints pro- 
duced in all tlif varied shades required for house- 
painting, with a line of metallic paints in general 
use for cars, bi idges, bai as, fences, eti . 

With b small beginning as to manufacturing facili- 
ties, thi> establishment has grown steadily to meet 
the wants of a growing business until now it ranks as 
the largest of the kind in the State outside of Phila- 
delphia and Pittsburgh, and promises fair to keep 
pace with the growing industries of the famous 
Lehigh Valley. 



HIOCi; AMIICAL SKETCHES. 



THOMAS l Bl IX. 
Thomas F. Butz is the son of Thomas and Maria 
But/., and was born on the 25th of July, 1826, in 
Whitehall township, and spent his youth at the borne 
of his parents. The earliest advantages of education 
were received at the school of the neighborhood; after 
which he became a pupil at Still Valley, Warren Co., 
N. J. He had already become familiar with the labor 
of the farm, and on returning resumed this occupa- 
tion. During the year 1S49 he cultivated the farm 
on shares until his purchase in 1855 of his present 
residence. Since that date Mr. Bute has been an en- 
terprising, intelligent, and successful farmer, availing 
himself of the improved methods which have light- 
ened the labor of the agriculturist, increased the an- 
nual yield of his land, and made his occupation both 
congenial and profitable. In 1S76 he retired from the 
active management of the farm, having placed it in 
charge of his son, though still retaining his resi- 
dence. Mr. Butz was married in 1840 to Miss Dianna, 
daughter of Jonathan Ott, of Hanover township. 
Their children are Thomas J. and Anna (Mrs. James 
P. Geidner), deceased. He was married again in 1852 
to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Solomon Heinley, of 
Northampton County, and has children, — Savannah 
I',. M rs. Edwin C. Kramlich i, Ida L. (deceased), Sin- 
cerilla F. (deceased), Benjamin F. (deceased), and 
ii A. Since his retirement from active labor 
Mr. But/, has been occupied in the superintendence 
of his landed interests, and in the duties which have 
devolved upon him as executor and guardian. He is 
not in any sense a politician, though strongly partisan 
in his adherence to the Republican party. Ife has 
for successive years been a school director of his 
township, and an earnest friend to the cause of edu- 
cation. He is also actively interested in all projects 

for the advancement of religion and morality, and an 
elder id' the Whitehall German Reformed Church. 
He is also a supporter of the Lutheran Church, of 
which Mrs. Butz is a member. 



JACOB MH'KLKV 

John Jacob Mickley, the great-grandfather of Jacob 
Mick ley, was a native of Alsuv, and, with a company 
of Huguenots, emigrated to America to escape relig- 
ious persecution. Among his children were four 
sons, — John Jacob, John Martin, John Peter, and 
Henry. John Jacob, the grandfather of the subject 
of this biography, was born in Lehigh County, and 
married Mi" Susan e Miller, whose eldest son. Jacob. 
also a native of Lehigh County, married Miss Eva 
Catherine Schreiber, of Whitehall township. Lehigh 
Co., then a portion of Northampton County. Their 
children were Jacob. Joseph J.. Polly (Mrs. Daniel 
Mover), Sarah (Mrs. John Swart/, i, Anna (Mrs. An- 
drew Sheldon i. Mr. Mickley, who was a volunteer 
during the famous whiskey insurrection in Pennsyl- 
vania, spent his life in tanning occupations in White- 
hall township, and died at the home of his son. Jacob, 
during the year 1857, in his ninety-fust year. This 
son. a soldier of the war of 1812, was born on the 
27th of March, 1794, on the homestead farm, and de- 
voted his life to the congenial pursuits of an agricul- 
turist. After limited advantages of education at 
home, and a brief period at school in Warren County, 
N. J., he began active labor, having at the age of 
twelve years become familiar with the plow. In 1826 
he purchased the homestead farm, which he continued 
to cultivate until 1851, when he built and removed 
to his present residence, the farm meanwhile be- 
coming the property of his son. Mr. Mickley was 
married, in 1817, to Miss Anna Kern, daughter of 
Nicholas Kern, of the same township, whose children 
are Mary (Mrs. Valentine W. Weaver), Rebecca 
(Mrs. Samuel Thomas). Catherine, Eliza (Mrs, David 
Kuntz), Jane (Mrs. Enoch Phillips), Francises (de- 
ceased), Lavinia (deceased), Ephraim, James, Edwin, 
and William. 

The death of Mrs. Mickley occurred in April, 1880. 
Mr. Mickley was during the existence of the Whig 
party one of its devoted adherents. On the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party he at once indorsed the 
articles of the platform, and, as its representative, has 
held various local offices, though not an active worker 
in the political field. Mr. Mickley was largely instru- 
mental in the erection of the Whitehall German Re- 
formed Church, familiarly known as "Mickley's 
Church," in which he formerly officiated as an elder. 
He has ever been a willing and liberal contributor to 
religious enterprises, though debarred by the infirmi- 
ties of years from regular attendance upon the ser- 
\ ices of (he church. 



JOSEPH REEFER. 
Mr. Keefcr, who is of German descent, is the son of 
Elias Kccfcr, a native of Northampton County, and a 
soldier of the war of 1812. The latter married Miss 
Lydia Solt, to whom were born li\e children, — Eliza- 
beth (Mrs. Louis Guttendake), George, John, Joseph, 




Jf j£. 





Pcu^Jt^Adj 





X. cns^x^c*^ 



& 



X^du^c^ 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP 



509 



and Samuel, die last named being deceased. Joseph 
was born on the 9th of April, 1844, in the township 
of Allen, Northampton Co., and when a lad of nine 
years rendered himself independent by employ- 
ment mi the Lehigh Canal. This was continued for 
four successive seasons, when hia services were called 
into requisition among the farmers of the nei 
hood. At the age of fifteen he removed with his 
parents to Lehigh County, and located in North 
Whitehall township, where, after a brief period of 
labor, he determined to acquire the trade oi bis rather. 
tbatot'a blacksmith. Before completing his appren- 
ticeship he enlisted in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania 

Cavalry, and rontiimed in the service until his dis- 
charge in August, 1865, participating meanwhile in 
the battles ol Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wil- 
is, Petersburg, and several skirmishes and minor 
inters. He res ed his .trade in 1865 and con- 
tinued thus employed for seven years. Mr. Keefer 
was, in 1866, married to Miss Mary, daughter of WiL 
liam Eleckner, of Lehigh Count] . whose children are 

George William, Sarah Ann. and .Mary Aliee, living, 
and John Henry, Joseph Elias, and Samuel Lewis, 
di i eased. Mr. and .Mrs. Keefer have also an adopted 

son, Alfred Lewi-. During the year 1X71, Mr. Keefer 
became a workman at the Hokendauqua Fui oace, and 
remained thus employed for three years, when he en- 
gaged in the mining of iron ore, and -till continues 
the business, To this he has added the cultivation 
of a farm, which he purchased in 1XXC), and which is 
his present home. Mr. Keefer is in polith 
lican, but imt a politician, and does not encourage the 
use of his name as a candidate for official place. He 
is both a member and trustee of the Egypt Reformed 
Church, and was formerly a deacon oi the Reformed 
Church of Coplay. 



TIlo.M IS SI B \l SS. 

Peter Strauss, the grandfather of Thomas, resided 
in North Whitehall. He married Clara Wint, a Ger- 
man by birth, as was also her husband, and had chil- 
dren, seven in number, among whom was John, the 
eldest, a resident of Lehigh town-hip, Northampton 
Co., Pa., where he devoted his life to agricultural 
employments. He married Lydia Laubach, dai 
of Adam Laubach, of Allen township, Northampton 
Co., to whom were born two sons, — Thomas, the sub- 
ject of this biographical -ketch, and William, who 
died in childhood. The death of Mr. Strauss oc- 
curred in L852. Tin' widow survives and resides with 
her eldest son, who was horn April 29, L828, in Lehigh 
township, upon the homestead farm. Here hie earlj 
years were -pent, and such advantages of education 

enjoj ed a- the common schools afforded, suppli mented 

by a brief period at Easton, Pa. He subsequently 
engaged in farming with his father, by whose death 
he became owner of the property, which was success- 
fully managed for a period of about seventeen years, 



when Whitehall township became bis home, ii 
he purchased a valuable milling property, to the im 
i proven lent and conduct of which he has since devoted 
his energies. He was the firs) miller in the Lehigh 

Valley to introduce Spring wheat in milling, and also 

the first to sell Minnesota Hour, for which he has 
since gained a large trade. He has confined himself 
entirely to milling interests, and, having remodeled 
the mill twice, has recently introduced the roller 

process, which he uses alternately in connection with 

the former mill-stone method. Mr. Strauss was mar- 
ried in 1851 to Eliza, daughter oi Conrad Keek. 
Their children are lame jed), Henrietta (de- 

edi, Ann (Mrs. A. J. Kleppinger), John A., and 
Martin II. Mrs. Strauss' death occurred in 1866, and 
he was a second time married, in L868, to Isabella 
Weiler, of Allentown, whose children an Marj Jane 
and Isabella Lydia. Mr. Straus- is in politics a Re- 
publican, but in no senses politician. Mrs. Strauss 
and he are both members of the Zion Reformed 
Church, of Allentown, in which the latter is an 
elder. 



CHA PTE R XXXI V. 

NORTH H till l II ml tOWNSHIP." 

The limits of the present township of North White 
hall formerl ed, together with what are now 

Whitehall and South Whitehall, a township called 
simply Whitehall, which was created on the 20th oi 
March, I7">:;, the year following the separation oi 
Northampton County from Bucks. The original 
town-hip of Whitehall was a part of Northampton 
County, and received its name from the hunting lodge 
of Lynford Lardner, Esq., of Philadelphia, which was 
erected between Cedar and Jordan Creeks, and is 
supposed to have stood in the vicinity of the present 
Iron Bridge, in South Whitehall township. Mr. 
Lardner owned a large area of land in the neighbor- 
hood of these -i i i be and his friends were 
accustomed to come every year to hunt and fish. For 
their accommodation in these wilds he built, in 1 7 to. 
a house, which is oamed on Scull's map of 1770 
" Grouse Hall." This bouse was painted while tnd 

from this was derived the name of the new township. 
Whitehall, formed in 1753. 

At the January term. L810, of the Court of Quarter 
Sessions of Northampton County, a petition was pre- 
sented asking for the division of the township of 
Whitehall. Upon this, (ieorge Palmer. C.S., John 
l.ereh. and Michael Snyder were appointed to in- 
quire into the propriety of making the division i 
for. and were empowered to divide the township, if they 

should think it advisable to do so, At the November 

1 By JaniM I*. Scliaarlt, Esq. 



510 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



term following, they reported that they had divided 
the township, which report was read, accepted, and 
confirmed absolutely, no one making an objection to 
it. The township was accordingly divided according 
to their report, and the part lying northward of the 
division line, which was a straight line passing as 
nearly as possible from cast to west through the centre 
of the township, was named North Whitehall and the 
other South Whitehall. The former was also vul- 
garly known as Ober Wheithall, or Upper Whitehall. I 

From the eastern portion of these two townships, 
along the Lehigh River, a new township was cut on 
the 31sl of October, 1867, which received the original 
name, Whitehall. 

As at present limited, the township of North 
Whitehall lies north and east of the central portion 
of Lehigh County, and is bounded on the north by 
Washington township and the Lehigh River, on the 
west bj Washington and Lowhill townships, on the 
south by Whitehall and South Whitehall townships, 
and on the east by Whitehall township and the Le- 
high River. North Whitehall is about seven by 
eight miles in width, has an area of twenty-seven and 
three-fifth miles, and is the secoud township in the 
county in point of size. The surface is undulating, 
and the soil is fertile, and in portions impregnated 
with valuable deposits of iron ore, limestone, and 
slate. The main portion of the township is devoted 
to the pursuit of agriculture, for which it is well 
adapted. Forests of oak, chestnut, and pine are still 
standing intact in parts. The surface is drained in 
the western part by the Jordan Creek, which flows 
into the Lehigh River at Allentown, and in the 
northern and eastern portions by Rock, Fell's, and 
the picturesque Mill Creeks, all of which discharge 
into the Lehigh. Rock Creek was so named by John 
George Helffrich. It was also known as Helffrich's 
and as Sand Creek. Formerly a very deep hole ex- 
isted at its junction with the Lehigh River, so deep 
that bottom could not be sounded with a line one 
hundred feet in length. Fell's Creek was named 
after a surveyor of that name, sent to this region 
about 1830 by the Baltimore Slating Company. It 
supplies the water-power for Knouse's mill, now 
owned and operated by H. F. Beidler, Esq. Laury's 
Station is situated at its mouth. Mill Creek winds 
through the most picturesque valley in the township. 
On its banks were committed the Indian murders in 
1763. The greater portion of its course lies immedi- 
ately south of the boundary line between North White- 
hall and Whitehall townships. Upon Mill and Fell's 
Creeks arc found beds of the finest roofing slate. 

Running south through the centre of the township, 
and turning east when near the southern boundary 
line, is the famous Coplay Creek. This name is vari- 
ously traced. Some derive it from Kolapechka, the 
name of a Shawanc se chief, whose hut stood near lial- 
lieteville; others from Copeechan, a word signify- 
ing, in the Lenni Lenape tongue, " that which runs 



evenly," or " a fine running stream." In a deed from 
Samuel Morris and wife to Adam Romich, executed 
in L790, the stream is called " Ingecoppehms." The 
creek flows through one of the most fertile and rich- 
est regions to be found anywhere. Woodring's and 
Romich's grist- and saw-mills and Knecht's saw- 
mill are driven by it. 

Along the course of Coplay Creek, near Romich's 
mill, a portion of the stream formerly disappeared 
into the ground, and reappeared near Balliet's mine, 
distant overland about a mile, as pure spring water. 
Chaff thrown iuto the opening did not come out at 
the exit till after twenty-four hours. It was formerly 
so full of trout that they could be caught by simply 
dipping a basket into the water. After the mine was 
opened it was choked up with the dirt from the 
washings, and they disappeared. 

The Early Settlers, Title to their Lands, their 
Modes of Living and Characteristics.— The early 
settlers were Swiss or Germans, with here and there a 
sprinkling of wanderers .from Alsace or Lorraine. 
Their. travels in search of suitable lands made them 
ascend the Lehigh River, and then its tributaries, 
which they instinctively knew must flow through fer- 
tile and easily-tilled valleys. Thus the course of set- 
tlement and colonization spread from the western 
bank of the river, up the Jordan and Coplay Creeks 
especially, and later along the smaller streams, such 
as Mill, Rock, and Sand Creeks, along all of which 
the new-comers found water and pasturage in abun- 
dance. Coplay Creek proved particularly attractive 
to the tired wanderers, and many dropped their bur- 
dens along its green banks. A number settled as early 
as 1730, at a spot which they called by the old bibli- 
cal name of Egypta, because of its fertility. From 
this, as from a centre, the settlements spread, but still 
principally along Coplay Creek, along the course of 
which all the most desirable sites were located be- 
tween 1735 and 1750. Among the pioneers were the 
families of Steckel, Saeger, Schaadt, Burkhalter, 
Ruch, Bear, Scheurer, Woodring, Kennel, Balliet, 
Schlosser, Gross, and Schueck, some of the latter 
touching upon the settlements already made from the 
northern parts of the county, along the Blue Moun- 
tains. At about the same time the families of Lich- 
tenwallner, Sieger, Seip, Semmel, Kern, and others 
located along the Jordan, in the western part of what 
is now North Whitehall, while along Mill Creek 
George Ringer, Ulrich Flickinger, John Jacob Mick- 
ley, Nicholas Marks, John Schneider, and Nicholas 
Troxell settled upon land, most of which is now in- 
cluded in Whitehall township. The settlements 
along Rock and Sand Creeks, which were farther 
north, were made later, principal among the colon- 
ists along the former being the Miller, Newhard, and 
Laury families, and along the latter the Yehls and 
kuntzes. 

Among the oldest settlers was Paulus Balliet, born 
in Alsace, in the year 1717. He landed in America 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



511 



from the ship "Robert Oliver,'' Walter Goodman, 
commander, on the Huh of September, 17:iS; applied 
for ninety-seven acres one hundred perches of land, 
comprising the old Bailie) farm, on the 12th of April, 
17 19, for the surveying of which a warrant was granted 
9th October, 1769, and deed for same made 7th Sep- 
tember, 1761. Besides the above, he acquired seven 
hundred and thirteen acres one hundred and thirty- 
one perches, between 1749 and 177 1. < >n the loth of 
April, L759, be was naturalized, at the age of forty- 
three years. He married Maria Magdalena Wotring, 
a native of Lorraine, France, and she died in 1802. 
After a life of great usefulness and activity, Paulus, 
on the 19th of March, 1777, died at the age of sixty, 
and was buried in the southeast section of the old 
burial-ground of Union Church. lie is still com- 
monly referred to among the people as " Bowl" Bal- 
liet, a name which, according to tradition, he received 
from the Indians, to whom he was accustomed, as 
landlord at Ballietsville, to furnish refreshments from 
a wooden bowl. He left live sous and four daughters, 
named Jacob, Nicholas, Stephen, John, Paul, Catha- 
rine, Susan, Eva, and Magdalena. Of these, Stephen, 
born in 1753, was a colonel in the Revolutionary army, 
ami engaged in the battle of Brandywine, in 1777. 
In 1789 he was elected a member of the House of 
Representatives at Harrisburg, and in 1797 was ap- 
pointed revenue collector for the Second District of 
Pennsylvania, lie died 4th August, 1821. His wife 
was Magdalena Burgaltcr, a daughter of Peter Burg- 
alter, who settled near Egypt about 1740. The descend- 
ants of old Paulus Balliet are numerous, and are scat- 
tered over the whole country. Among those who are 
now deceased are Stephen Balliet, Hiram Balliet, and 
Asa Balliet, Esqs., and prominent among those at pres- 
ent living in North Whitehall are Aaron Balliet. Esq., 
Paul Balliet, Esq., of Ballietsville; Mr. Horace Balliet, 
of Ironton; and Dr. Lewis B. Balliet, of Unionville. 
The name is variously written Balliot, Paulyet, Pal- 
liot, Palyard, and Balyard in the old record, but by 
Paulus himself either Baliet or Balliet. 

Johann Nicholas Saeger came from Reichenbach, 
Bavaria. He landed at Philadelphia on the 22d of 
September, 1733, and in the same month took up above 
five hundred acres of land on Coplay Creek, which 
land is now owned by Tilghman Weaver, Benjamin 
Breinig, and Eli J. Saeger, Esq., one of his lineal 
descendants. His wife, Behesty, a native of the same 
place, and his five sous accompanied him to the New 
World. Two of these, named ( ihristian Nicholas and 
John Nicholas, ..I. mined possession of their father's 
land on his death, and remained in North Whitehall, 
the rest of the boys removing to New York State. 
Nicholas, the son of John Nicholas, born between 
1760 ami 1765, was the father of Joseph K - 
Esq., who in his time was prominent in local matters 
in the township, attaining the rank of general of 
militia. He died Nov. 1 1. ]K55, at the age of sixty- 
three. His wife, Mary Magdalena Saeger, a blood 



relative of hi-., was born April IS, [792, and died Aug. 

15, 1836. Joseph K. Saeger established the first 

foundry and machine-shop and put up tie firs! -team- 
engine in Lehigh County. The machine-shop is now 
included in the extensive works of Allen, Barber & 
folium, at the corner of Third and Walnut Streets, 
Allentown, 1'a. Eli .1. Saeger, Esq., president of the 
National Bank of Catasauqua, is one oi Joseph K. 
Saeger's sons, and i> tin present owner of one hun- 
dred and eighty-five acres of the original Saeger 
tract. 

Paul Gross, born at Zweibriicken, in < lermany, came 
to America in 1754, and settled upon a tract of land 
in North Whitehall, in the vicinity of the present 
village of Schnecksville, which tract ha- always, 
wholly or in part, been in the possession of the fam- 
ily. His wife, a Miss Gutb, from the same place, ac- 
companied him. He died at the age of forty-six 
years, leaving a daughter, who was married to Mi- 
chael Deibert, and a son named Peter. The latter 
was justice id' the peace for forty-five years, begin- 
ning with the year 1S12. He was married to Barbara 
Troxel, and eight children were the result of the 
union, only one of whom, John Gross, is now alive, 
residing near Allentown, in Salisbury township, at the 
advanced age of eighty-three years. Daniel Gross 
was another of the children, whose -oris, Peter Gross, 
Esq. (president of the Slatington National Bank], 
Jonathan Gro-s (of Fogelsville), Rev. Simon K. Gross 
(of Sellersville, Pa.), and Joel Gross, Esq. (of Allen- 
town i survive him. Peter and Joel Gross are in 
possession of eighty acres of the original tract, being 
the old homestead. Peter Gross was married on the 
26th of March, 1843, to Mary Rudy, a daughter of 
Duro Rudy, and has held many offices of public- 
trust in the gift of the township, notably that of 
justice of the peace for fifteen years, beginning in 
1862. In 1876 he married Mrs. Henrietta Price, 
widow of Samuel Price, Esq. His son, Joseph P. 
Gross, Esq., is an attorney-at-law in Philadelphia. 
Oi Joel Gross' sons, Henry D. Gross i- at present 
justice of the peace at Schnecksville, and William < !. 
Gross, Esq., of Philadelphia, and Thomas F. Gross, 
Esq., of Allentown, are lawyers. 

The first id' the Siegers, whose Ihristian name is 
supposed to have been Melchior, came from Wiirlem- 
berg, Germany, about 1750, and settled, in company 
with the Gro-s and the Gutb families, on a tract of 
land upon which Siegersville stands. He built a ! ■_ 
residence on the road leading from Philadelphia to 
the Blue Mountains, laid out in the time of King 
George III. in a portion of country well watered, but 
own with scrub-oak. At hi- death his son, 
Samuel, succeeded him in the ownership of the farm. 
He built the old stone- hotel at Siegersville, still - 

bag. The latter died in 1835, at the age of seventy- 
five, leaving a large family of children, among whom 
were John, Michael, l'eter, and George. John Sieger 
was a prominent man in the township in his day, 



512 



HISTORY OF LKIIHill COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



being elected a justice of the |><-Mt-e. He also had a 
large tannery, and, in connection with his brother, 
Michael, did a leal towards building up Sie- 

gersville. He died in 1820, at the earlj age of thirty- 
five. Among liis sons are James Sieger, of Allen- 
town, Joseph, .liilm, Charles. Reuben, and Samuel; 
the latter two are deceased. Among the son 
George Sieger arc Nathan, Ephraim, and William, 
all residing at or near Siegersville, and Frank G.Sie- 
ger, of AUentown. Lewis, John, and Amandes arc 

of Samuel Sieger, and all live at Siegers\ ille. en- 
gaged in extensive ore-mining. The last named is at 
presi nt a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly. 

Johannes Schaad landed in America from the ship 
" i v itieen of Denmark,'' Georg l'arrish, commander, on 
the 4th of October, 1751, and is supposed to have been 
the first of the family in the township. He came from 

Hanau, in Prussia, and was ace panied by twosons, 

named Georg Adam and Johannes, and three daugh- 
ters, who married into families } , \ the names of Fink, 
Folk, and Fritzinger, in Heidelberg and Lynn town- 
ships, lie took out a warrant for one hundred and 
eight) dive acres of land on Coplay Creek, on the 24th 
of January, 1754, and on this the family settled. Georg 
Adam, the elder son, later took up the land now form- 
ing in part Thomas Kuch's farm, but in time his por- 
tion of the family disappeared, going West. From 
the second son, Johannes, are descended all of the 
family at present residing in the township. His son, 
Johannes, is the father of Moses B. and Tilghman 
Schaadt, of AUentown. Another son, Lorenz, who 
died Oct. 4, 1855, at the age of sixty-four, left Reu- 
ben Schad, of Greenville, Mercer Co., Pa. ; David 
Schaadt, of AUentown ; Charles Schadt, of Philadel- 
phia, and other children. From Henry are descended 
William Schadt, of Indiana; Monroe Schadt, of 
South Whitehall township; and John J. Schadt, of 
AUentown ; while Abraham Schadt, the youngest 
son, was the father of Owen Schadt, of Ruchsville, 
Pa., whose son, Milton E. Schadt, Esq., is an attor- 
ney-at-law in AUentown; and of Thomas Schadt, re- 
siding on a large farm near Coplay, formerly the 
Deshler farm. 

George Kueh came from Alsace, but when or upon 
how much land he located cannot be distinctly told. 
He was born in 1664, and died at the age of one hundred 
and the years. The. land he settled upon descended, on 
his death, to his sun, Lawrence Ruch, horn on the 14th 
of November, 1744, who added to it until at his death 
he was theou ner of two hundred and twelve acres, part 
of which was the estate called Westminster (contain- 
ing ninety-two acres), for which lie received a warrant 
on the 22d of April, 1773. All of these lands lay in 
the neighborhood of where Ruchsville now is. He 

died On the 27th of October, 1825, aged eighty-two 
years less nine days. He was strong and courageous, 
and was a prominent man in the community, and his 
favorite expression of " Jetzt hundert" is still remem- 
bered. He married a Miss Knouse, and left two son 



— Christian, who removed to Xew York, and Peter, 

who was born on the 28th of February, 1799, and who 
succeeded to the possession of his father's land. For 
many years he kept the hotel at Ruchsville, and was 
a man widely known in the community. He held 
many positions of public trust, and was a leading 
spirit in militia organizations, in which he held differ- 
ent ranks, from captain to that of brigadier-general 
of volunteers, being appointed to the latter in 1821. 
During the war of 1812 he commanded the Whitehall 
Troop, which for a while was iii acti\e service in 
the second war with Greal Britain. (!en. Ruch died 
on the loth of November, 1838, aged fifty-nine years. 
He married, on the 13th ol March, 1801, Susanna 
Schreiber, with whom he lived in holj wedlock for 
thirty-seven years. Of their children three are ,-till 
living in the township, — William, David, and Mai. 
Thomas Ruch. 

Johanil .Michael Watering (now often written Wot- 
ring or Woodring, and is derived from the French 
Voidwrain, "one who attends to horses") came from 
Lothringen (Lorraine), and located on a tract of two 
hundred acres, near Sand Spring, about 1740. He 
built the first grist-mill in that vicinity. He left two 
sons, named Michael and Samuel, of whom the latter 
built, in 1773, the mill since known as Woodring's 
mill, of logs, which were contributed, ready for use, 
by the neighbors. The old mill is still standing, and 
was in 1837 converted into a dwelling-house, now oc- 
cupied by Jacob Woodring, being superseded by the 
present mill of stone constructed in 1834. Samuel 
also built the first saw-mill on Coplay Creek. He 
left three sons, — John, Michael, and Samuel. His 
brother, Michael, died in 1862, at the age of eighty- 
four. Of his children, there are still living in the 
township D. K. Wotring, of Unionville, Jacob and 
Eli Woodring. 

Christopher Hear came from Germany, and between 
1743 and 1754 took out warrants for six tracts of land 
along Coplay Creek, amounting altogether to four 
hundred and titty-six acres one hundred and twenty- 
eight perches, for which he received a deed from the 
proprietaries on the 9th of October, 1756. He con- 
veyed all his lands to his sons, Melchior and John, 
in 1781. The former died about 1792, leaving a 
widow, Julianna, and four children, named Henry, 
Catharine, Susanna, and Magdalena, of whom the 
first named received most of the land. Of the chil- 
dren of Henry, who married Susanna Herman, Adam 
Bear is still living on a portion of the original tract. 

The first of the numerous family of Kennels (or 
Kendalls, as they are styled in old deeds) was Joseph 
Kennel, who is named as the grantee in a deed, dated 
Nov. 2, 1757, for one hundred and forty acres one 
hundred and fourteen perches, "near Macungy, in 
the county of Bucks, uow Whitehall township, in the 
county of Northampton," from Peter Koeher, who 
obtained a warrant for it on the 8th of November, 
1745. This land Joseph Kennel conveyed on the 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



513 



7ili cii' June, 17tit>, to his Bona, Dewall and Jacob 
Kennel. Of Joseph Kennel aothing can now be 
exactly told. Theobald, ot Dewalt, as lie is above 
called, was born in Europe, '>n the llili of January, 
1787, and came to Lm erica at thi i e of fourteen with 
his father, Joseph. He was naturalized on the 12th 
of October, 1765, and died Nov. 26, L808. He was 
twice married : first to Maria Hoffman, with whom he 
had four sons, Peter, Johannes, Loreoz, and M 
and afterwards to Eliza Erdman, with whom he also 
had tour sons, Dewald, Jacob, Daniel, and Conrad. 
Theobald added great)} to the possessions he received 
from his lather, Joseph, and the greater portion of his 
land, including the original tract, passed into the 
hands of his aon, Jacob, and is now owned by bis 
son. Eli. Within the limits of the township there 
reside at present of the Kennel family Eli, Hilarius, 
and David Kennel. 

George Christian Jacob, horn on the 25th of De- 
cember, 1745, came to America from WUrtemberg, 
Germany, in 1764, and settled upon ninety-seven 
and one hundred and thirty-eight perches of 
land upon the Coplay Creek, which he bought from 
Lewis Bishel, about 1778, for twenty pounds. He 

died in 1822. He was married to Eva Guth, and had 

children, Abraham, Hannah, and Susan. The 

first named, who was born June 29. 1775. inherited 
the land, upon which he lived till his death, on the 

8th of February, 1857, at the aire of eighty-one years. 

He was married to Elizabeth Peters in 1 so (-, and had 

eleven children, of whom Aaron livi en town, 

ami Abraham and bis si-ter. Catharine, live upon the 
old place. 

Adam Romich, a resident of Saucon township, Le- 
high Co., Pa., bought, in 1790, alarm of one hundred 
and" twenty-six acres on the hanks of Coplay Creek, 
where he built a saw-mill, still standing, ami after- 
wards a grist-mill, which was later torn away, and re- 
placed, in 1826, with the [.resent mill of stone. Both 
mills have always been known a- Romich's mill. 
Adam Romich did nol move here, hut his son, Peter, 
cane here in 1790, and lived here till his death, in 
August, L844, at the age of fifty-seven years. He was 
married to Hannah Jacob, and his son, John Komieh, 

is now living on the old place, at the advanced age • ■. 
seventy-three year-. 

The Graff family i- descended from Jacob Graff, 
who emigrated in L760 with his son, Martin, from 
Alsace. The latter was horn in that province in 174S, 
and consequently was twelve years of age on his arri- 
val in thi- country. He received a patent from the 

Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on the 
28th of February, 17s:;. for a tract of one hundred 
and six acre- in North Whitehall, called Grafton, 
and another for forty-eight acres one hundred and 
eighteen perches on the 13th of March following. 
He died in 1885, aged eighty-seven years. Of his 
descendant-. Peti i Graff is now living upon a portion 
of the old tract. 
33 



Martin Semmel came from Franklort-on-the-Main, 

and was married to Margaret Heiner, from tie 

place. Hi- located aboul one hundred acre- on the 
Jordan, a mile above Kernsville. He had three sons, 

named i leorge, John, and Tobias, all of whom - 

in the neighborhood. Hi- lands descended to Tobias, 
w lio was married to a Mi-- Wolf, and whose -on 
Michael. Tobias, Martin. George, and John, of whom 
Michael received sixty-six acre-, and John the re- 

t of the original tract. Of 
Tobias was born on the 22d of February, 1 780, and 
died on the 5th of July, 1847, aged one years, 

rried to Anna Maria Klotz. The if 
ants of the family are numerous, and among those 

in the township are Jo-iah, Reuben tl 
Stable , Benjamin, Francis, Oliver, Henry, and Den- 
iii- Semmel. 

Michael Laury was born in Scotland, and with his 
wife. Barbara, a native of Wiirtemberg, Germany, 
emigrated in L 755, and while in Philadelphia, hi- -on, 
Godfried, was born on the 22d of November in that 
year. Michael settled on a tract of land on Fell's 
Creek, on which Knou-e's mill, now owned by H. F. 
Beidler, Esq., stands. At the aire of sixty, feeling 
lonely because all of his -mis had joined the i: 

tionary army and left him at home alone, he also 
became a soldier under Washington. He was killed 
in an engagement near Mount Bethel, X. .)., where he 
lies buried. Godfried Laury. his -on. was also a sol- 
di. ]■ in tie |;,-\ olutionary army. He died on the 27tb 
of June, 182-1, aged sixty-nine year.-. He married 
Susanna Rockel on the 4th of April, 1781, and lived 
with her in wedlock for forty-three ytars. She was 
born on the 7th of June. I7">7. and died Nov. 9, 1829, 
aged seventy-two year-. Their son, Johannes Laury, 
was born on the 12th of September, 1784, and on his 
father's death inherited tin- old tract mi Fell's Creek. 
He was married to Maria Magdalene Kuhns in 1804, 
and with her lived in matrimony for thirty one years, 
rearing eleven children. He died on the 25th of 
April. 1886, aged fifty-one years. His wife, Maria, 
wa- born on th<- 18th of June, 1783, and died Sept. 
i i il titty-two year-. Of their children, the 

oldest, David Laury, born on the 1st of June. 1805, 
became the most prominent in township and county 
affairs. He wa- married on the 12th of August, 1827, 
to Maria Kline, and died on the 28th of September, 
1883. IF- was identified with every movement 
ing towards the development and improvement of the 
village named alter him, and spent the whole of an 

active and useful life in adv ;ing the welfare of his 

fellow-men. For many years he wa- the landlord 

rekeeper at Latin's, and was the postmaster 

from 185:; to the end of his life, with the ex© 

oi one year (1864), when he was causelessly ren 

only to be implored again to accept tl Ilice the fol- 
lowing year. In 1855 he was appointed e\ 
freight, ticket, and station agent I'm- the Lehigh 
ley Railroad at Laury's, which duties he faithfully 






514 



HISTORY OP LEHIGB COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



performed to the time of his death, wlien lie « 
oldest official in the service of the company. He 
held military commissions, from captain < jI' t 1i> North 
Whitehall Rifle Rangers to major-general of volun- 
53, he was elected to the House of 
sentatives of Pennsylvania; in 1865, a justice 
of the peace; in 1868, associate judge of the courts of 
Lehigh County; and, in 1873, re-elected to the same 
position. In 1844 he was foremost in having the 
common-school system adopted in the township. He 
always took a lively interest in religious matters, 
assisting, in 1838, in establishing the first Sunday- 
school outside of Allentown. In 1872 he was one of 
the building committee of St. John's Church, near 
Laury's. He was called to discharge many respon- 
sible trusts, and in every one proved faithful to the 
letter, and his influence upon all public affairs was 
undoubted. His son, A. C. P. Laurv, Esq., now re- 
sides upon a portion of the old farm, and has suc- 
ceeded to many of the position- of trust formerly 
held by his father. 

The first of the Schemers about whom anything 
definite can be told is Adam Schemer, who occupied 
a farm of four hundred acres (upon part of which 
Iroutou now stands . all of which be acquired through 
his individual industry. He was a teamster in the 
Revolutionary army, and after the conclusion of the 
war of independence he erected several looms for 
weaving at this house, now occupied as a hotel by 
Joseph Koeber, at Ironton, which he erected in 1773. 
The first discovery of iron ore was made upon his lands. 
The ore was exchanged by him for iron at the Ham- 
burg Furnace, and the iron was manufactured into 
nails by hand at a smithy which he opened, aud at 
which a number of men were employed by him. He 
died in 180G, aged seventy-eight. He married Anna 
Eliza Hertzog, and left thirteen children, of whom 
one son, named Jonas, is still living at the advanced 
age of eighty-eight years with his son-in-law, David 
Hausman, near Ballietsville. The rest of his sons, 
named Adam. John. Peter, Daniel, John Jacob, 
Nicholas, Solomon. David, and George, are all de- 
ceased. The last named was for a time justice of the 
peace in North Whitehall. Of the sons of John Jacob 
Scheirer, James and Reuben are living near Ironton. 

The Frantz family derives its origin from Anthony 
Frantz, who located on the Antalaunee Creek, near 
the Blue Mountains, and who with his brother, a 
soldier in the French and Indian war, was killed by 
the savages. Immediately alter that war his son, 
Jacob, being told that there was better land farther 
south, where there was less danger of attack from 
i he Indians, took up four hundred acres of land 
below Unionville, about three-quarters of a mile be- 
low which village he erected a hotel and store build- 
ing and distillery, and here he lived until his death, 
in 182ti, at the age of eighty-four, when his lands 
passed into strangers' hands. Two of his sons, John 
George and Henry Anthony Frantz, purchased a farm 



rl\ owi 
ri loll. 



on Mill Creek in 1801, formerly bwned by Hans 
Schneider, and later by G. Reinch. John George 
Was born June 13, 177"'. was married for forty-eight 

years to Catharine Kuhns, with whom he had ten 
children, and died June 8, 1S48. Another son, 
Jacob, removed from the township, and John, the 
youngest, died in the neighborhood of his father's 
farm. Lewis Frantz, a grandchild of Geoi 
living in North Whitehall, while of the -ons of Henry 
Anthony Frantz, William, Abraham, Henry, and 
Daniel reside on farms in the town-hip. 

Sebastian Miller came from Germany, and, after a 
residence for some time in Montgomery County, Pa., 
located with In- -on, Jacob, on a tract of land called 
.Mount Nebo, comprising one hundred and fifty-five 
and one-half acres, situated on the Lehigh River, 
above Laury's Station, for which he obtained a war- 
rant on the 25th of October, I74'.». This he granted 
by will to his son. Jacob, above named, who acquired 
in addition three hundred and seventeen and one-half 
acres adjoining the Mount Nebo tract, in three par- 
cels, — one of forty-five acres, by deed-patent from the 
province on the 18th of February, 1768; the second, 
of one hundred and fifty-three and one-half acres, by 
patent under date of May 31, 1784; and the third, of 
one hundred and nineteen acres, by patent dated May 
18, 1784. He also located other tracts about the year 
1758, which passed into the ownership of strangers. 
He was a teamster in the Revolutionary army. His 
relations with the Indians, who had an encampment 
on his land, were of the most friendly nature. He 
was in the habit of presenting them with milk, in re- 
turn for which they were accustomed to assist in herd- 
ing his cattle. At the time of the Indian disturb- 
ances, in 17H3, he, with the rest of his neighbors, fled, 
with his family and effects, to Deshler's fort for safety, 
but returned almost immediately, upon receiving as- 
surances from his savage friends of their kindly dis- 
position towards him. They helped to return him 
and his household to the farm, and for a time be was 
the only wdiite man who dared to dwell in the neigh- 
borhood. When the Indians finally withdrew from 
this region they took their last dinner with him be- 
fore departing. During his residence in Montgomery 
County he was married to Elizabeth Miller, a native 
of Germany. He died about 1810, at an advanced 
age, and was buried at Egypt. He had but one 
brother, named Sebastian, who lived and died a bach- 
elor with the first Sebastian. Jacob Miller left four 
sons, named Jacob (who moved to Susquehanna 
County, Pa.), Sebastian, Peter, and John. Of these, 
Sebastian received the first-mentioned tract of one 
hundred and fifty-five aud one-half acres (now owned 
by Joel Peter), while to Peter and John he conveyed 
the three hundred and seventeen and one-half acres 
by deed'on tin- 26th of May, 179S, reserving for him- 
self a life estate. The land was well overgrown along 
the Lehigh River with a fine forest of poplar-trees. 
The entire farm is still in the possession of his de- 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



515 



Bcendants or their near relatives by marriage Por- 
tions of the farm are at presenl owned bj Bamnel 
Miller, of North Whitehall, and by William and 
Jacob Miller, of Allentown, Pa., the latter of whom 
ow ns the original homestead. 

The first of the Newhards i- supposed to have bi 
Michael, who took out warrant- for about two hun- 
dred and fifty acres of land along the Lehigh, in the 
vicinity of Laury's Station, between 1738 and I7ii">. 
It descended to his sons, Frederic): and Peter New 
hard, or Nyhan!, as the nam. is occasionally found 
written, who had purchased from their lather forty- 
three acres one hundred and three perches on the 18th 
of January, L768, and une hundred and sixty acres 
one hundred and twenty perches on the 8th of Jan- 
uary, 1770, and also bought a tract of fifty-five acres 
thirty-five perches from Jacoh Miller, on the 8th of 
January, 1770. Peter Nyhard besides located a trad 
called " Fairfield," of eighteen acres sixty-six perches, 

on the ltith of Noveiuher, 1788. Portion- ol these 

lands are held at present by Owen, Joseph, and Al- 
fred J. Xewhard. who are descendants from them. 

Adam Schneck i3 known to have taken out war- 
rants for land in the vicinity of Schnecksville in 1766, 
and i- supposed to have been the founder of the family, 
and to have come from Wurtemberg, ( rermany. The 
descendants of the family residing in the town-hip are 
numerous, and prominent among them are John B. 
Schneck, who has a portion of the original tract, 
Joseph Schneck, and Nathan Schneck. 

Of Leonard Schluzer, who is supposed to be foun- 
der of the Schlosser family, and to have settled in 
North Whitehall about 174<J. tradition -ays that he | 
was the own.r of large tracts of land, extending in a 
belt from the Lehigh River to Unionville. His son 
Jacob had three sons, named Stephen, Jonas, and 
John. The latter two removed from the State, and 
Stephen, who was born on the 30th of January, 1813, 
came into the possession of a part of the original tract. 
He died on the 14th of January, 1881. He was mar- 
ried to Eliza Jacob, and his sons living are Henry 
and John Frank (the marble-cutter), of Unionville; 
Benjamin and Orville, of Allentown, Pa. 

Along Jordan Creek. John Lichtenwalner obtained 
a warrant for three hundred acres in 1738, a portion 
of which is in North Whitehall, owned by Henry 
Geiger. Hans I'lrich Ahlner located one hundred 
and five acres one hundred and thirty-eight penhe- 
on the 27th of February, 174). Philip Diel took 
out warrants on the 18th of April, 175:{, and the 
2oth of August, 1754, for two hundred and seventy- 
six acres; and Felix Arner obtained warrant- on the 
18th of October, 1752, for forty-three acres, on the 
2oth of August, 1765, for seventy-nine acres, on the 
28th of January, 1771, for twenty-nine acres fifty- 
live perches, and on the 14th of September, 1772, 
for thirty-nine acres one hundred and twenty-nine 
perches. These families have disappeared from the 
township, and of the last named only it is known 



from his tombstone at Union church that he was 
born October, 1726, and died in 1776. Large t> 
of land were also located in the vicinity of [ronton 
by John Nicolaus Hertzog, who lived near the present 
of Brown's ore-beds. Hi- family have also dis- 
appeared from the township. 

Among the early Bottlers were also Peter Burk- 
holder. who, in 1754, applied lor a tract of land, a 
part of which lay in what is now North Whitehall ; 

b Seager, who in December, 1796, received a 

pat. nt deed for a small tract; Nicholas Mark-, who 
obtained a patent lor two hundred and one acn 
tin- 23d ol February, 1773, and another foi seventy- 
two and -half acres on the 4th of May, 177:;, 

which land lies on both sides ol the present boun- 
dary line of North Whitehall and of Whitehall town- 
ships; Jacob Mickley, whose tract of thirty-eight 
acres also lies on both side- of th.- line, and John 
Snyder, whose title afterwards vested in Nicholas 
Allemang. The Troxells also early located a tract 
of fifteen hundred acres in the neighborhood of 
Egypt, a portion of which now lies in North White- 
hall. 

The assessment-lists for 1781 disclose the names of 
the following as real-estate owners in that year in*the 
town-hip : 

Mi had Bruch. Peter Neuhard. 

Stephen Balliet. Frederick Neuhard. 

JobnBallleL ' nrren - v.ihard. 

Paul llalliet. Peter Neuhard. 

Henry Bei - Lawrence Ruch. 

i icob Bergor. ! ' Hi nt'er, Jr. 

Christopher Blank. Nicholaj Seager. 

Henry Bear. Nicholas Seager, Jr. 

I'liilip Deal. Samuel Seager. 

Petal Draxel. Chrietiau Seager. 

Danlal Draxel. Patel 31 

Nicholas Draxel. Jacob Steckle. 

Adam Draxel. J ohu Shad. 

! ,„ tz . Adam Serfasa. 

Jacob Flickinger. Stephen Snyder. 

George Flickinger. Widow Snyder. 

Martin Graff. Michael Snyder. 

Lawrence Good. Daniel Snyder 

Paul Gross. Conra I 

Widow Houser. William Selp. 

Jacob Harmon. Adam Sheurer. 

John Hoffman. Peter Sneck. 

Bartbol Hoffman. Henrj 

Peter Hoffman. let G. Sneck. 

George Hoffman. Martin Samel. 

1 1 effelfinger. George Samel. 

Andrew Jeal. ' i ob Sander. 

i | | Kobler. im Sander, 

John Sander. 



Peter Eobler. 

Theobald Kennel. 
Henry Eoon 
I . .mi ey Laury. 
Conrad t.eysering. 
Peter Meyer. 
Jacob Mill -i 
Sebastian Klllai 
Adam Miller. 






Widow Siegfried. 

Andrew Siegfried. 
Samuel Woodrlng. 
Nlcbolai Woodrlng, 

Wolf. 
Philip Knappenberger. 
John Mosaer. 



An accounl of the steps by which the early settlers 
obtained the right, title, and possession of these lands, 
all of which originally belonged to the Delaware or 
Lenni Lenape Indians, may not be uninteresting. 



516 



HISTORY OF LEIIKJII (BOUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Having cast about for any unoccupied land that 

pleased bis Fancy, the colonist made application to the 

of the proving o P< ansj Ivania for a warrant 

for tlif survey of the land selected, paying at the 

same time a certain per cent, of the purchase money 

down. The prices of the land varied at different 

Thus, between the years 1744 and 1758 the 

per hundred acres was fifteen pounds ten shil- 

or forty-one dollars and thirty-three cents, or 

four dollars and thirteen cents per acre. About L762 

and 1763, the time of the Indian troubles, the price 

sank to nine pounds, or twenty-four dollars, and in 

1765 it rose to its former price of fifteen pounds ten 

shillings, al which figure it remained for but a short 

time. The value fell again to five pounds sterling, or 

twenty-two dollars and twenty-two cents, in July, 

1765, at which price it was sold till alter the clo e oi 

the Revolutionary war and the return of peace, in 

1784. 

\ltrr taking out the warrant the settler had a pre- 
sumptive title to thf Land, which he secured by paj 
ing a portion of the purchase money down as already 
stated. The warrant in reality was only an instrument 
giving the surveyor-general of the province authority 
to survey a tract of land corresponding in quantity to 
what was asked for in the settler's application. The 
survey was then made, generally a few months after 
the issuing of the warrant, and a return made to the 
land ofiice, with a draft attached. Then, at the con- 
venience of the colonists, sometimes not for many 
years alter the first steps were taken, the settler paid 
the balance of the purchase money, and received from 
the proprietaries of the province a deed-patent for the 
land surveyed for him. The full title to their lands 
was thus often not secured by the early settlers till 
after the lapse of twenty or twenty-five years, or even 
more, from the time when they first settled. For ex- 
ample, the land of Nicholas Seager, who took out a 
warrant for two hundred and fifty acres on Coplay 
Creek on the 28th of October, 1737, was not surveyed 
till the 14th of November following; and he did not 
ask for or obtain his deed for the same till the 6th of 
April, 1702. So with the second tract of forty-three 
and one-half acres, for which he applied on the 24th 
of January, 1739. This was not surveyed till the 8th 
of May in that year, and a deed for it was not received 
by him till the 6th of April, 1762. Thus it will be 
seen that Seagerwas in the full enjoyment of the first 
tract twenty-live years, and of the second twenty- 
three years, before the title fully vested in him. This 
was the general practice of the early settlers, some of 
whom in fact nevei received a deed for the lands for 
which they had taken nut warrants, selling their title 
to the warrants, so that often the deeds were made to 
i heir venders. This seeming looseness was permitted 
by the proprietaries for the greater encouragement of 
colonization. 

It may be of interest also to know what was the 
form of tin- patent deeds which the proprietaries of 



the province of Pennsylvania granted to the early 
settlers in pursuance of Burveys made under these 
warrants, and we accordingly subjoin a copy of one 
in possession of Dr. Lewis B. Balliet. It read- as 

follows : 

"Thomas I'inv AM> Riohabi I'inn, Bsqrs., True and absolute Pro- 
prietaries aud Governors In Cbiel of thi Provii i i Pennsylvania and 
Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware. 

"Toall unto whom these Presents shall < i Whereas in 

equence of the Application ol Paul Polyard, dated tbe Twelfth day 
ol April, 1749, for '<"]:,'; acres of land in Whitehall Township, Northamp- 
ton i ounty, a survey hath been made of the Tract of Land hereinafter 
mentioned and intended to be hereby granted. And whkbbas, In pur- 
suance of a warrant, dated the Ninth day of October, 1759, requiring 
oui Surveyoi General to accept the said survey into his office, and make 
n thereof into oui Secretary's 4 tffice, in Order foi Confirmation to 
did Paul Polyard, on the terms in the Bame warrant mentioned, be 
bath accordingly made Return thereof, thereby certifying the Desi rip- 
tion, Bounds and Limits, of the land as aforesaid, surveyed to be as fol- 
lows, viz.: Beginning at a small marked Cheetnul Oak, thence by vncant 
land North thirty-five Degrees, West one hundred and fortj perches to 
a poBt, South Be vent j degrees, west eighty perches to n post, and South 
oue hundred and fortj fi ut perches and a half to a post, thence by land 
of Caspar Wistar, North seventy degrees, East one hundred and sixty- 
five perches to the place of beginning, containing Ninety-seven ^ci 
and One hundred Perches, and the usual allowance of Six percent, for 
Ron i ad Highways. 

■' Now at the instance and request of the said Paul Polyiird thai we 
would be pleased to grant him a Confirmation of the same. fCru 
that in consideration of the sum of six Pounds and Two Shillings, Ster- 
ling money of Great Britain and lawful money of Pennsylvania, to out 
Use, paid by the Said Paul Polyard, (tbe Receipt whereof we hereby ac- 
knowledge and thereof do acquil and forever discharge the Baid Panl 
Polyard, his Heirs and Assigns, by these Presents,) and ol the j 
Quit Bent hereinafter mentioned and reserved, We Ham given, granted, 
released and confirmed and by these Presenl ,i j,oui Hein and Suc- 
cessors, l'" give, grant, release and confirm, unto the snid Paul Polyard, 
his heirs and assigns, the said Ninety-seven Acres of I. and, ;<> the 
are now set forth, bounded and limited an aforesaid; With all Mum-, 
Minerals, Quarries, Meadows, Mai ties. Savannahs, Swamps, Cripples, 
Woods, Uutli'i ■« ]-, Tmihpi', and Tires, \Va\ s. Waters, "Wat 

| Liberties, Profits, Commodities, Advantages, Hereditaments and Appur- 
tenauces whatsoever, thereuuto belonging or in any w ise appei taiuing 
and lying within the Bounds and Limits aforesaid (Three full and i teai 
fifth Parts of all Royal Mines free from all Deductions and Reprisals for 
digging and refining the same; and also oue- filth Part of tbe Oreof all 
other Mines, delivered at the Pit's mouth only excepted, and Inreby re- 
served i and bIbo Free Leave, Right, and Liberty, to and for the said Paul 
Polyard, his Heirs and Assigns, to hawk, hunt, fiBh, and fowl, in and 
upon the hereby granted Land and Pi emises, 01 upon any Pari thereof: 

" To /lave tint/ !•• livid He said ahove-described Tract Of (-and and 

Premises hereby man!-,] (except as before excepted), with their Appur- 
tenances unto the said Paul Polyard, hia Hein u I \ ns, forever, To 
the only use ami behoof of the Baid Paul Polyard, His Heirs and a 
forever; To be Holdtn of us, our Heirs and Successors, Proprietaries of 

Pennsylvania, as of our Manor of Fei nun', in tin- County of Nurtltumptoii 
aforesaid, in free and common Socage, by Fealty only, in lieu of all Otll i 
Services, Yielding and Paying therefore yearly unto Ob, oui Heirs and 
•-mis, ai the town of Boston; in the Baid County, at oi npi.ni the 
first Day of March En every year, from the firei day ol March last, Oni 
half-Penny Sterling for every Acre of the same, or Value thereof In 
Coin current, according as the Exchange shall then be between out 
said Province and the City of London, to such Person or Persons as 

shall Imia Time to Time b< i appointed In receive the same. And In case 

of Non-payment thereof within ninety Days next after the Same shall 
become due, that then it shall and may he lawful for its, our Heirs, and 
Successors, our and their Receive) 01 Receivers, Into and upon the 
hereby granted Land and Premises to re-enter, and the Bame to hold 
and Possess until tbe Baid Quit-Rent and all the Arrears thoreof, to- 
gether with the charges accruing hy Menus id -inh Nun |i;iv nl ;nni 

Re-entry, be fully paid and discharged, 

" Witness, James Hamilton, Esquire, Lii uti nan I Governor of the said 
Province, who, by Virtue of certalu Powers and Authorities to him for 
tin- Purpose, Utter <di<>, grunted by the said Propi letariee, hath hereunto 
Be i his I land, and caused the Great Seal of the said Province to be here- 



NOKTII WIIITKll AM. TOWNSI 1 1 1'. 



517 



unto niiivvi], at Philadelphia, itn* Seventh Daj e in the 

yi-iir <>f mil i.. rt i in.- i iimiH.iii't SevL'n IInndredandSlxty>one, the First 
Fear of the Reign ol ICIng Qeorge t li>> Thfrd ( OTei Qreal Britain, &c, 
dnil the Forty-fourth y.-ar of the e> tarles' Government 

'•Jami:< HAMILTON." 

After thus obtaining possession, the early settlers 
devoted themselves with mighl and main to the clear- 
ing of the land, so as to make it suitable for agricul- 
ture. In 177.'! there were in the entire township of 
Whitehall (that is, the region now included in the three 

Whitehall*) six thousand and seventy acres ofeleared 
land, of which twelve hundred and twenty-three acres 
were covered with grain, which was sown bj the one 
hundred and seventeen fanners then in the township. 
Of Other trades and occupations, there were at the 
same time three landlords, one weaver, two smiths, 
and one tailor, while the poor numbered seven. La- 
borers received from ten to twelve cents a day; 
houses were rented from four to eight dollars a year, 

which included fuel and the use of several acres of 
land. Taxes were light : a farm of two hundred 
acres paid from eighty cents to one dollar and a half. 
Between 1790 and 1800 a tract of land containing 
eighty acres, with a saw-mill, grist-mill, and other 
improvements, paid nine dollars tax. 

The tir*t duty which occupied the early settler* was 
the clearing of a space sufficiently large for a dwell- 
ing-house and garden. Their houses were built of 
log*, the interstices between which were tilled up 
with saplings, and sometimes roughly plastered with 
mud. At first the bare ground, trodden down hard, 
served as a floor, but later rough boards were laid. 
The roof was thatched with straw, and in the course 
of time covered with boards and shingles. The 
bouses were one story and a half in height, and the 
same model was observed by all in the method of 
their construction. On the ground-floor there were 
two rooms, — a larger, used as a kitchen, dining-room, 
and for general family purpo.>cs; the other smaller, 
and occupied as a bedroom. The latter opened into 
a still smaller room, called the " kamnier," which 
was without a window, and was used by the head of 
the family and his Spouse as a bedroom. In the 
kitchen there was a huge fireplace, generally in the 
partition-wall between the two lower room*, and a 
chimney reared itself from the middle of the 
roof. 

On the right hand a hake-oven was inserted into 
the fireplace and chimney, ami in the loft over the 
oven there was a smoke-house for drying meat. 
Later, mall-stoves were used, which were square 
boxes of rough cast iron, without a cover, inserted 
into the wall. The loft was all one room, and was 
used by the children as a bedroom, and for storing 
grain and flax. Small windows, with four panes ,,| 
glass, were let into the walls, and heavy plank doors 
guarded from external assault. In the loft there 
were also loophole*, from which to repel the attacks 
of hostile savages. The furniture was simple, and 
roughly made out of logs. It generally consisted of 



a heavy board i'or a table, ami several rude benches 

and bedsteads. 

They next began constructing barn* and out-build- 
ings, al the sa iii learing more land. Thrash- 
ing Soon wen of mud. leveled and beaten down hard. 

I I the new land the far rs raised wheat for the 

first and second crop, and afterwards rye and buck- 
wheat, and, after 1780, Indian corn. Upon a whole 
farm, in the early days, no more of these grains was 
raised than is now produced by a single field. The 
rye and buckwheat were used for bread, wheat being 

the only ( imodity passing current as money. The 

wheal was carefully garnered and ground into flour, — 
not for the u>e of the farmer and his family, but to be 
sold. Flax was also raised, but only in such quantity 
as was needed for clothing, for which purpose flax 
and wool were the only materials used. 

It may well be imagined that it required men of 
great bodily strength to engage in a contest with 
nature such as the early settlers undertook, and tales 
of the strength and endurance of the North White- 
hall settlers are told to this day. Their lives were 
simple and well regulated ; their food was corn-mu*h, 
game, and fish. The richer farmers treated them- 
Selves of a Sunday to pies made of bread-crust anil 
beef. The Coplay and the other creeks abounded 
in trout, and shoals of shad ascended the Lehigh 
River every spring. These wen caught by parties 
who elected what were called shad-hounds, the idea 
of which was received from the Indians. In the cen- 
tre of the stream, some distance above a fall, a large 
circle, not entirely closed, was made with stone*, 
rising above the surface of the water. From the 
broken ends of the circle, wing-walls of stone ex- 
tended to both banks of the river, thus effectually 
preventing the return of the fish down stream. The 
party of fishermen then went some distance up the 
river, and with twigs and branches frightened the 
shad into swimming into the circle, where they were 
easily caught. It was a common occurrence to take 
two hundred fish out of a circle, many of which 
weighed ten pounds. Some of these Indian bounds 
we're standing as late as L825. The clothing used by 
the early settlers was mainly of flax, which was woven 
by the women and the younger sons of the family. 
Children went barefooted, and when grown up were 
presented with a pair of cowhide *hoes or boot*. 
Later a pair of these was given each fall. Agricul- 
ture was a rude affair, and farming implements were 
of the simplest description. Plows were made of 
wood, the point of the share being tipped with iron ; 
hoes and forks were clumsily made and heavy out of 
all proportion. 

The early settlers were neighborly and kind, honest 
and simple in disposition. They were always ready 

to extend a helping hand to a neighbor in distress. 
Their accounts with each other they kept in chalk 
upon the smoke-browned rafters. They required no 
bonds of each other when loaning money, and when 



518 



HISTORY OF LE1IIC1I COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



promissory notes were lirst introduced to their un- 
sophisticated minds, they had great difficult} in 

mining whether the borrower or the lender should 

hold the security. 

Nof all the land was at lirst taken by farmers and 
improved. Large tracts were also applied for by 
speculators, who held them tor a time only for the 
purpose of realizing a profit mi their sale. One of 
the principal of these was Samuel .Morris, of Phila- 
delphia, who owned a large estate in the neighbor- 
hood of Romich's mill. He stationed a watchman 
by the name of John Hcnn upon his land, to pre- 
vent depredations upon the wood. John was fond of 
hi- toddy, and the neighbors were accustomed to 
humor this weakness of his to such an extent that 
lie would forgel his duty and assist them in carting 

away the wood he was appointed to guard. He is 

still remembered by the name of" Elsenhaus," which 
he received bi cause of hi- so doing. Another famous 
land speculator was Nicholas K raemer, who flourished 
between 1800 and 1817. lie was entirely uneducated, 
but bis skill and aptness in buying and selling the 
land still tills those who dealt with him with admira- 
tion, and he will long be remembered under the 
quaint title of the " land merchant," which the people 
gave him. 

In 1752, when Northampton County was formed, 
the upper part of what is now Lehigh County, com- 
prising at present the townships of Lynn, Weissen- 
berg, Heidelberg, Lowhill, and the three Whitehalls, 
contained about eight hundred people. In 1810 the 
population of the district which is now North White- 
hall, South Whitehall, and Whitehall contained thir- 
teen hundred and thirty-eight white males and twelve 
hundred and fifty-one white females, or a total of two 
thousand live hundred and eighty-nine people. In 
L820 ihc population of North Whitehall was eigh- 
teen hundred and seven; in 1830, two thousand and 
fourteen; and in 1840, two thousand three hundred 
and twenty-four. The census of 1870 showed a popu- 
lation of four thousand one hundred and seventy 
per-. .us, anil at present it is above live thousand. 
North Whitehall has at present a cultivated acreage 
of twenty-one thousand one. hundred and twenty 

The Aborigines—Indian Troubles— The Massa- 
cre of 1763.— The valleys through which the Coplay, 
Fell's, and Mill Creeks How were favorite hunting- 
and camping-grounds of the 1 Delaware and Shawanese 

Indian-. Kolapechka, a cbicd' of the latter tribe, and 
the son of I'axaiKisa, also a chief, dwelt on the banks 

of Sand Spring, one of the tributaries of Coplay (.'reck, 
near Ballietsville, on land now owned by Joseph 
Balliet. He was a good man, and was frequently 
employed by the government as a messenger. The 
us of the foundation walls of his hut are still 
pointed out. There were Indian villages on Laurence 
Troxell's (now Jeremiah Ritter's) land, on land now 
owned bj James Sehetirer, and upon that of llilarius 



Kernel) and the Woodriugs, near Schneeksville. 

Another encampment was located on land now owned 
b\ Jerry Kuhns, and the spring flowing bj thi 

\et known as Indian Spring. At tin month of Rock 
( 'reek there was also a village, and at tin same point 
there was a lord iiur- place used bj the Indians in CrOSS- 

ing the Lehigh River. Some distance farther down 

the Stream were rapid-, which were known by the 

name oi the Indian Falls until they were flooded by 
the erection of Kuntz's dam, two miles above Laury's. 
There were burial grounds on land now owned by 
Tilghman Schneck and beyond I'nionville. Near 
Romich's mill there is a field on the -id. of the hill, 

well exposed to the sun, upon which the savages raised 

Indian corn. In the neighborhood of these places 
there are -till found stone arrow-heads, axes, toma- 
hawks, hoes, etc., in abundance. Traces of Indian 
paths are still visible in the vicinity of .•sand Spring, 
and from Siegl'ried's bridge to Egypt, thence to the 
Blue .Mountains, near the Hake < I veil Knob. The latter 
runs due east and west, and its course is still plain 
from the cleared space where there are woods. At 
the upper end of the village of Whitehall, in White- 
hall township, about a quarter of a mile north of the 
bridge at Siegfried'-, the Indians were accustomed to 
cross the Lehigh River. On the Northampton County 
side of the river numerous skeletons, beads, toma- 
hawks, etc., were discovered in digging the road-bed 
<>l the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, about four- 
teen years ago. Numerous Indian paths branched 
out on this side of the river from this fording-place, 
one of which, leading along Mill Creek, was taken by 
the Indians on their murderous journey in October, 
1768. 

The relations of the early German settlers were 
peaceful and friendly with the Indians. The latter 
plaited baskets for their white neighbors, and received 
in return the necessaries of life, while the children 
..I both played and grew up with each other. After 
the defeat of Braddock in 17. r >:;, the murderous in- 
stincts of the savages were aroused, and the settlers 
were constantly disturbed. It was a customary thing 
for the former, rifle in hand, to ascend some high point 
near his house before retiring, and look for blazing 
cottages. In 17o.S peace was made and kept unbroken 
till 1763, when Indian fury again broke out. 

On the 8th of October, 1763- a dear, delightful fall 
day, — a baud of twelve Indians crossed the I, .high 
River at the spot where Whitehall now stands, fresh 
from an attack upon the whites in Allen township, 
Northampton Co., and proceeded along Mill Creek to 
the farm of John Jacob \l ickley, three of whose chil- 
dren they nut in the woods gathering chestnuts, and 
immediately murdered two id' them. They then pro- 
ceeded to the house of Nicholas Marks and Hans 
Schneider, both of which they burned down after 
they had killed Schneider, his wife and three children, 
and wounded two daughters, scalping one of them, 
and leaving both for dead. Marks and his family 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP 



519 



iped. Another oi Schneider's children "u> taken 
captive, and never restored, A lull account of these 

murders will lie found in the general history. Thi 
murdered Mickley children were buried en the farm, 
and the spot where they are interred at the foot ..I a 
large chestnut-tree is still pointed out. For nineti 
years tie scene of these cruelties remained entirely 
deserted by whites. In 17*4. '<■ Remeli bought the 
land and erected upon it a small Btone house, which 
> standing. A portion of the land i- n^w owned 
by the venerable Daniel Frantz. The blackened 
foundation walls of Schneider's house were standing 
twi nt\ years a 'jo. but have now been entirely carried 
off by relic-hunters, or used for building purposes. 
iut thirty year- ago some buckwheat see.l> were 
found in the ruins, which were planted and grew. 

Thcd aneider, who were wounded 

by the Indian- and left lor dead, one being scalped, re- 
covered from their injuries. In 1765 the Assemblj of 
the province passed a hill tor their relief, a- they were 
very poor. They never enjoyed -mind health, and 
the one who had been scalped was a pitiable object 

with her head uncovered with hair. 

During these troubles the settlers would leave their 
homes and seek refuge in what were called torts, as at 

Siegersville, Ballietsville, ami in Deshler's Fort, near 
Egypt and Coplay. Paulus Balliet and Adam Desh- 
ler were very active in the protection of the commu- 
nity from the attacks of the Indians, ami formed and 
equipped c paniesof soldiers to fight with the In- 
dians, receiving for their services in the hitter's behalf 
substantial reward from the Assembly of Pennsylva- 
nia. Deshler's fort is still standing in a good state of 
preservation, on land now owned by Thomas Schadt. 
It is a two and a half story building of stone, and 
on a little eminence overlooking the meadows 
through which Coplay Creek flows. The building is 
forty feet long by thirty in width. The walls are 
eighteen inches or two feet thick, and heavy timbers 
support the interior. There were a few small windows 
in the sides, with four panes of glass, and in the gable 
end- there were square loopholes. A large hearth 
and chimnej occupies the centre of the house, and di- 
vidi - 'lie low it and upper stories into two apartments. 
In the mantelpiece above this can be seen the bullet- 
holt- made by the Indian-. It was the place of refuge 
for the entire neighborhood upon an alarm being 
sounded, and at the time of the Indian murders in 
L763 was occupied by twenty men at arms. who. on 
receipt of the ill tidings from the fugitives, started in 
pursuit of the savages, hut without overtaking them. 
A number of captives were taken by the Indians 
during the disturbances, and those with black hair 
and eyes were generally spared and adopted. One 
of the Mayers, his wife ami his son, were captured 
and received into a tribe. In 1760 a girl by the name 
of Margaret Frantz was taken prisoner by the In- 
dians while washing flax in company with another 
girl named Solt, who was also captured in the creek 



near her father's house, On land owned by the late 
Jonas Kitter, near Ballietsville. She was fifteen 

pears ol age, and lived with tin Indians for 

;ntil exchanged. Her companion, Solt, lived 

with an Indian as his wife, and had two childl 
whom -he wa- permitted to retain the girl on her 
being restored to the whites. Henry Frantz, the 
father of Margaret, wa- killed by the savages ami 
scalped. The Indians pricked a mark resembling a 
ben's loot, or, as some say, leaves, on the right wrist, 
rubbing it in with powder. Two year- after her 
return from captivity, on the 9th of .May, 1769, she 
was married to Nicholas Wbtring. she became noted 
far and wide for her knowledge of herbs and simples, 
which - red from the Indians, and her services 

in curing the sick were in great demand. Her jour- 
ney-, while on these errands, she always accomp 
on horseback. She died on the 29th of June, 1829, 
aged seventy-eight years, one month, and twenty-one 
days. Among her descendants are Mrs. Jonas Kitter. 

Mrs. Joseph Steckle, Samuel A. Brown, Esq., and P. 
Frank Brown, Esq, 

Civil Organization. — Prior to 1840, North White- 
hall formed with other townships a district for the 
in and jurisdiction of justices of the peace. The 
and term- of those who were elected or ap- 
pointed before that year will he found in the civil list 
of the general history ol' the county. Those who have 

tilled ii. since in the township are enumerated 

below, with the date of their commission. Thej arc 
as follows : 



Edward Kohler ' 

Daniel S 
H <> Wj 


■ 

\pri 


14, 1S4II 
11. 1840 

9, 1- iO 

1 t, 1851 
10, 1860 
16. 1862 




Comm i 
■ April 11,1665 


Samuel A. Brown. 

William Maxwell, 

William s.-il 

Beidlei - 
Henry I». Grooa 2 .. 


" 13, I8C9 


Edward Kohler... 

■ 


" 


.March 24, 1874 

. " 

J7, 1 s7'< 
. " 30, 1882 



The first constable was Michael Hoffman, who was 
appointed tor Egypt in 17ol>. He was succeeded by 
Godfried Knauss, who was the firs: appointee after 
the erection of Whitehall township. The list of the 
constables after the formation of North Whitehall 
township, in 1810, includes the following: 



1813-15. Henrj G 
1816. Henry Bear. 
1-17-ls. Daniel Shelrer. 
1819-21. John Boyer. 
i. as Hecker. 
i. Leonard l.orash. 
1825. John Lentz. 

Jacob Frantz. 
1830-31. Leonard Lorosh. 

John Lentz. 
1833. Daniel Binger. 
1834-35. Leonftnl Lomsh. 

Im Berger. 
1837-39. John Boyer. 



1839-40. Paul Brown. 

1841. Paul Brown. 

twin Keiper. 
JacoIi Lindennan. 
184a. Edwin Keiper. 
Beaben fontz. 

1844. George Miller. 

1845. Reuben Faust. 

1848. Simon Sterner. 
Joseph Freyman. 

1849. Sine.ii Sterner. 
Paul Balli.-t. 



1 Kohler aiel Seagor were recommifflionetl April 
• The latter two hold the office at present. 



520 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



-i rnon Sterner. 
Peter Miller. 
Reuben Yontz. 
i Roth, 
Samuel Both. 

1854. Simon Sterner. 

1855. S. Wright. 



1856. Daniel Boyer. 

■ mmel. 
i- ■■.> Jacob Miller. 
i860 83. Reuben Semmel. 
i Bfl i Lei i i .u i ■ 
1865-f.T. Charles Schadt. 
1868-8-1. Reuben Semmel. 



lists of supervisors of highways and overseers 
of the poor comprise the following: 



vizors. 

N Echolaa Troxel. 
Henry Baor. 

Henry Baer. 

Peter Steckel. 

Peter Newhard. 
Daniel Gross. 

John Lanry. 

George Ringer. 

John AnewaM. 
John Newhard. 

John Anewald. 
George Ringer. 

Peter Steckel. 
John Anewald. 

Jacob IX Kuntz. 
John Miller. 

John Schneck. 
John Metzger. 

Henry Baer. 
Daniel Steckel. 

Peter Steckel. 
John Bertsch. 

William Lentz. 

Qi i a. Newhard. 

Henry Rookie. 
Peter Lainberger. 

Godfrey Peter. 
George Frantz. 

Peter Kern. 

William Long. 

Joseph Steckel. 
Tobias Semmel. 
Ell Soeger. 
Tobias Deibert. 

Andrew Walb. 

Tobias Semmel. 

Elias Saeger. 

Anthony Laudeuslager. 

Inian 
Peter Ke 
Join] Xander. 
George Roth. 



1825. 



1838. 



Overseers. 

George shout. 
John Schaadt. 

Samuel Woodring, 
John Boyer. 

George Shelrer. 
John Deichman. 

i kmrad Kennel. 
Martin Semmel. 

Peter Steckel. 
John Laury. 

John Laury. 
Michael Newhard. 

Jacob D. Kuntz. 
Michael Newhard. 

Nicholas Seager. 
Peter Romig. 

Thomas Kern. 
Daniel Steckel. 

Solomon Steckel. 
Thomas Kern. 

Abraham Steckel. 
John Schneck. 

Benjamin Breinig. 
Eli Saeger. 

George Kohler. 
George Xander. 

Daniel Saeger. 
John Sheirer. 

Daniel Saeger. 

John Sheirer. 

John Sheirer. 
John Kidman. 



Henry Kesby. 
Henry Baer. 



Henry Keshner. 
Henry Baer. 



Supervisor*. 

i er. 

John Schneck. 

Charles Miller. 
John Erdman. 

Daniel B 

Thomas Fatzinger. 
Adam Leinberger. 

Jonathan i Imv 



Daniel Kohler. 
Thomas Fatzinger. 
Peter Lefnberger. 
Adam Leinberger, 



1847. 



Overseers. 

George Rhoads, 
Shell -l , 



Elias M. Kuntz. 



Eliatt M. Kuntz. 



The elections of overseers of the pom- were discon- 
tinued in 1848. Since that year the following have 
served as supervisors of highways: 



1848. Henry Rockel. 
Peter Leinberger. 

Daniel Kohler. 
Adam Leinberger. 

1849. John Onewold. 
Joseph Freymau. 
Peter Steckel. 
John Bertsch. 

1850. Peter Steckel. 
John Bertsch. 
John Onewold. 
Abraham Bear. 

1851. Henry Jacob. 
David DeLong. 
David lin.h. 
Tobias Diebert. 

1852. Daniel Serfage. 
Elias Lentz. 
George Roth. 
John Miller. 

1853. Henry Frack. 
Charles Miller. 
Gabriel Scheirer. 
Daniel Serfass. 

1854. Edwin Keiper. 
David Serfass. 
John Miller. 
John Metzgar. 

1855. George Hoffman. 
John Bertsch. 
James Kern. 
Tobias Diebert. 

1856. Michael Kelchner. 
Solomon DeLong. 

i Jeoi ge Roth. 
David DeLong. 

1857. Michael Kelchner. 
Solomon DeLong. 
UoseS Lentz. 
Tobias Diebert. 

L858. I'eter Helffrich. 
Hoses Lentz. 
Daniel Kohler. 
John Miller. 

1859. Peter Leinberger. 
David Ludwig. 
William Jacoby. 
Reuben Helffrich. 

1860. Joseph Steckel. 
Thomas Fatzinger. 
Simon Sterner. 

John Miller. 

1861. Joseph Steckel. 
Simon Sterner. 

David Si 

Thomas Fatzinger. 



1862. Reuben Frantz. 
Daniel Serfass. 
Aixam Kennel. 
Henry Rockel. 

1863 Hit bael Kelchner. 

Daniel Serfass. 
Reuben Frantz. 
Abrani Kennel. 

1864. Michael Kelchner. 
Daniel Serfass. 
Reuben Frantz. 
Abrani Sheirer. 

1865. Michael Kelchner. 
Reuben Semmel. 
David Serfass. 
Abram Sheirer. 

1866. Tobias Deibert. 
George Haaf. 
Reuben Semmel. 
Michael Kelchner. 

1867. Stephen Miller. 
Daniel Ritter. 
David Serfaws. 
Reuben Semmel. 

1868. David Serfass. 
Gabriel Sheirer. 
William Litzenberger. 
Thomas Rucb. 

1S69. Daniel Serfass. 

William Litzenberger. 
Daniel Ritter. 
James Schneck. 

1870, Wm. Litzenberger. 

Daniel Serfass. 

Gabriel Sheirer. 

1871. Daniel Rftter. 
Abram Sheirer. 
William Litzenberger. 

Stephen Miller. 

is;::. David Frey. 
Charles Kern. 
Daniel Serfass. 

William Litzenberger. 
1873. Charles Kern. 

David Frey. 
Peter Knecht. 
Jeremiah Schneck. 
1874 Charles Kern. 

I'eter Knecht. 
Nathan Sell. 
Jeremiah Schneck. 

1875. Nathan Sell. 

Jacob Woodring. 
Thomas Shafer. 
Charles Kern. 

1876. Jacob Watring. 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



521 



1876. Joseph II 

S. ill, .11, -.'II 

Tbomal Both 
1S77. Joalah Hoiiam 

ThomnH Shafer. 

Reuben Fantz. 

Solomon Heberly. 
1878. Josbna Honsman. 

- loi II 

Thomas Sharer. 

Reuben Yuntz. 

! 

Thomas Sb&ter. 
Reuben Yuntz. 
s..|. mi. in Heberly uri<] 
Thomas Quth, tie, 

1880. 'I : ■ l .mil. 
Reuben Yuntz. 



L880. Levi II 

Ellas M Kuntz, 

1881. Levi 1 1. .ii-in. m. 
Tin 

Willi. Illl I.il. 

Ueono I " 

1882. I 

Reuben Santa. 

Lev: 1 

William I. tzenbergei 

l I, in. i I . Qnth. 

. Baei 
Charles Kern. 
1884. Charles Kern 
John Schm 
Henry Drukenmlller. 
Thomas G I. 



Military Spirit and Militia Organizations.— The 
early settlers were no doubt most heartily inclined 
to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, to follow 
which most of them had fled from war and persecu- 
tion at home in the old country. Not a score of years 
had elapsed after their settlement in the wilds of 
America, before they found themselves surrounded 
bj new in'-, spurred on by the bitterest feelings of 
hate against the new-comers who squatted upon their 
favorite bunting-grounds. The struggles with these 
j&vage enemies developed fighters of no menu ability, 
and from North Whitehall came a number, such as 
George Gangwere ami the Frantzes, whose fame has 
descended to this day. The short interval of peace 
succeeding the French ami Indian war was busily 
employed by the farmers in improving their neglected 
lands, which bad lain in enforced idleness during the 

reign of Indian terror. This quiet was rudely dis- 
turbed by the exactions of England, ami the conse- 
quent outbreak of the war of independence. The 
cause of freedom was eagerly embraced by all of North 
Whitehall's settlers, all of whom had been impelled 
tn come to these wilds by their love of freedom. Not 
a few hastened to the ranks of the patriot army. 
Lmong them were Stephen Pallid, who was in com- 
mand of a regiment at the battle of Brandywine; 
Michael I.aury, who gave his life at Mount Bethel, 
N. J., for his country,' and hi- -hi-, one of whom 
was named Godfried; Christian Acker, from near 

Unionville; John Eepp, < leorge Semmel, ftfoyer, 

and otheis whose names an- not remembered. Of 
those who did not enlist ami engage in active service, 
nearly all hastened with teams to the army, and freely 
contributed their time and their means to the relief 
of the patriot army, and the advance of freedom's 
cause. Among them are remembered Peter Knhn. 
Johannes Schad, ami Adam Scheirer. The success 
of tin A merican arms again permitted them t" return 
to the cultivation of their lands, from which they wen 
again aroused by the exciting example of Heiney, 
Pries, ami Gebman, who rebelled in 1798-99 against 
the imposition and collection of the house-tax, and 
whose cause was eagerly embraced by the stunk ami 
independent yeomen "i North Whitehall, nearly all of 



whom, with the . xception of the Saeger and Palliet 

families, and -nine other- win. held offices under the 
government, joined in resistance to a tax intended, in 

their opinion, to oppress them. .Many of them were 

captured by the National troops ami brought to trial, 
but all were released without punish mi nt. 
Their experience during this insurrection ti 

tin in the value of trained military organization, ami 

the formation of military companies began, it is safe 
iii presume, to be agitated during the first decade of 
the present century, although it is claimed thai Capl 

George Dinkey's company of volunteers was organ- 
ized as early as 1790, and assisted in the liberation of 
some of the rebel prisoners who were being tried by 
court-martial at Bethlehem in 1799, During the 
war of 1812-14, Capt. Dinkey offered the services ol 
his company to the government, and the com piny 
was attached to the regular line. What si 
they rendered cannot now be told. Among the mem- 
bers of the company at the time were William Sieg- 
fried, Daniel Boyer, Samuel Snyder, Jacob Rinker. 
Adam Lembcrger, Adam Schreiber, Michael Mus- 
selman, Daniel Seager, John AuiHWalt, Peter Lainlt u- 
schlager, and Daniel Sensinger. The organization of 
the company was continued after their being mus- 
tered out of service, under the nam. of the North 
Whitehall Rifle Rangers. Their commander in 1826 
was Capt. Daniel Seager, at which time tin- company 
was known as the Whitehall Volunteer Hangers; in 
KS29-:;i by Capt. Leonard Larosh; in 1836 b} Capt. 
David I.aury: in 1848 by Capt. Reuben Frantz. 
Who tin commanders were in the intervals cannot 
now be discovered. On the 19th of June. 1850, Da- 
vid Laury was commissioned captain, ami was proba- 
bly t lie last commander of the company. 

In the beginning of the war of 1812, Peter Ruch 
organized a cavalry company, which is claimed to 

have been the oldest in Pennsylvania. He was c - 

missioned captain on the 1-t of August, 1^14. On 
the first roll appear the names of Joseph Seager, 
Peter Troxell, Solomon Steckel, John Deichman. 
Peter Burkholter, Michael Frack, John Schwartz, 
John Schrciver. Daniel Leisenring, Pi I' i Leisenring, 
ami William Boas, lir-t lieutenant. They proceeded 
to Philadelphia on the 8th of September, 1814, in 
response to Governor Snyder's call for volunteers to 
repel the threatened invasion of Pennsylvania, and 
their services were immediately accepted. They were 
mustered in, ami lay encamped at Bush Pun, near 
Philadelphia, till the 1st of October. On that day 
they struck tents, and on the 3d marched to Marcus 
Hook, twenty -three miles below the city, where thej 
were engaged upon fortification and guard duty till 
the last week ot November, when they were mustered 
out. They reached their homes in North Whitehall 
about the middle of December, and wen- the heroes 
of the population, which flocked to welcome them. 
The organization wa- continued under the nan 
the Whitehall Troop, the North Whitehall Cavalry 



522 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Troop, !in- Lehigh County Cavalry Troop, the North 
Whitehall Light-Horse, the North Whitehall Cav- 
alry, ami the Troop of Dragoo irding to the 
caprii -c of the various commanding officers. Everj 
young man in the township at some time <>r other 

belonged to the i pany, and its fame extended far 

and wide. The uniform was of blue cloth trimmed 
with rod. white Wits, and leather helmet with red 
and white plume, and was furnished by the m< 
at their own expense. They met six times a year for 
drill and field practice. 

The captains of the Whitehall Cavalry begin with 
Peter Ruch, the founder, who held the office from 
1814 to 1821. He was succeeded by Solomon Steckel, 
Sr., from 1821 to 1828; Joseph Steckel, L828to 1835; 

Solomon Stckcl, Jr., 1835 to 1842; Tl as Ruch, 

L842 to L854 ; Edward Scheidy, L854to 1859; William 
Lichtenwalner and Elias Cuntz, 1859 to 1862. Dur- 
ing the captaincj of the last the name was changed 
to that <'t the Washington Troop, which it hore until 
disbanded, in 1862. In midsummer of this year the 
company tendered its services to Governor Curtin for 
assistance in the suppression of the Rebellion. The 
officers came to Allentown and took the oath of alle- 
giance to the United States, and the troop held itself 
ready to march to the place of rendezvous at a mo- 
ment's notice. A dispatch was received from the 
Governor telling the company to come without their 
officers. This the- men refused to do. In August, 
1862, came the draft, and that disbanded the troop, 
after a balf-century of honorable service. 

Other companies were also formed at different 
times in the township, but they were generally of an 
ephemeral existence. The loDgest-lived of these were 
the North Whitehall Jefferson Guards, of whom 
George Schmidt was captain during 18:i!» and 1840, 
Reuben Seager in 1844, and Reuben Frantz in 1845 
and 1848. A m« rifle company was formed in 1828 
by ( 'apt. Daniel M oyer, of which he remained the 
commanding officer till 1844. 

These early organizations served to keep alive a 

martial spirit a og the people, which was increased 

by frequent battalions and musters and shooting con- 
tests, at which the general challenge, " Nord Wheit- 
hall gegen die Welt" (North Whitehall against the 
world , was broadly made, and always well sustained. 
Many were the heroes who arrived at high degree in 
the early militia annals. Foremost among them was 
Gen. Peter Ruch. Then came Gen. Peter Steckel, 
Gen. David Laury, Col. Jacob Seager, Col. Thomas 
Ruch, and majors and captains by the dozen. 

Of those who enlisted for service in the Mexican 
war, William .Mink, of Schnecksville, is remembered 
as having returned with a bullet in his body, which 
he carried to the grave. 

Many soldiers enlisted from North Whitehall in the 
Union army during the late civil war, but only two 
companies wire mustered into the service composed 
distinctively of citizens of this township. These were i 



" 1>" and "G" companies of the One Hundred and 
Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Drafted Mili- 
tia. The officers of the former were David Schaadt, 
captain; Samuel A. Brown, lir-t lieutenant; and Dr. 
Joshua Cem second lieutenant ; and of the latter, 

Lewis I'. Hecker, captain: Joseph P. Cornet, first 
lieutenant : and William F. I [ecker, second lieutenant, 
all of whom were from North Whitehall. They en- 
listed in October, lS«i2, and were mustered out in 
August, 1863, alter nine months' service. Man] 
more were soldiers in the Union army from North 
Whitehall, but these were the only two organizations 
distinctly from the township. 

Ore-Mines and Slate-Quarries.— In natural ad- 
vantages North Whitehall is not equaled by any 
other township in Lehigh County. That portion of 
the township lying south of the centre contains the 
most valuable deposits of red and brown hematite 
ore. while along Coplay Creek are found hills of the 
most desirable blue limestone. Farther toward Egypt 
is found cement, and along .Mill and Fell's < Ireeks, in 
the direction of Latin's, beds of the finest slate in the 
world are uncovered. In the northeastern portion of 
the township, in the vicinity of Rockdale, along the 
Lehigh River, a clear white sand is dug, which is 
much sought after for moulding and building pur- 
poses. Indian traditions also indicate the existence 
of silver in this region, but the discovery ha- so far 
been only traditional. 

Iron ore was first found in North Whitehall about 
the end of the last or the beginning of the present 
century, upon land originally owned by the Scheurers 
and the Woodrings, upon which Irontou now stands. 
It lay in lumps upon the surface, some of which were 
large bowlders weighing several tons, and was found 
in such profusion that its presence was a serious im- 
pediment to the prosecution of agriculture. Some of 
this surface ore when first found was taken to the 
Richard and Regent Furnace at Hamburg and ex- 
changed for pig-iron. Some was turned into nails by 
hand at the forge of Adam Scheurer, some was loaded 
upon four-horse teams and sold at twenty-five or fifty 
cents a load, some was taken to Matich Chunk with 
teams and exchanged for equal weight of coal. Be- 
tween 1812 and 1826 the ore was taken to the old 
David Heimbach forge at Hampton, in Milford town- 
ship, and to Clarissa Furnace near the Little Gap, on 
the Aquashicola Creek, in Lower Towamensing town- 
ship. About 1826 the Lehigh Furnace at the base of 
the Blue Mountains was built by Stephen Balliet and 
Samuel Helffrich, and about the same time the surface 
ore was exhausted, and digging was commenced by 

Reuben Trexler and Lesher. Their venture 

proved unprofitable, and the work they began was 
continued by the managers of the Maria Furnace 
near Parryville, and of the Henry Furnace at Naza- 
reth. These furnaces lor a time received all the pro- 
ducts of the mines. Some of the ore was also taken 
to the Lehigh Furnace, which was filled with this ore 



NORTH WIIITK1IALL TOWNSHIP. 



523 



from North Whitehall, and lir-i blown in during the 

fall <>f Isl'iJ. The mining was carried on by sinking 
a shaft and thru drifting, taking out lump "re only. 
These original mines are the ore-pits styled Nos. 1 
and 2, imn north of [ronton, and now belong- 

ing to the Thomas [ron Company of Hokendauqua. 
The Joseph Balliel mini below [ronton was next 
opened, which is now owned by his heirs and Frank 
P. Miekley. In opening this the miners came across 
several of the tunnels which were made in developing 
the original [ronton mines. The first apparatus for 

oing the ere was made by Fritz < kith, an ing 
ious German, who was persuaded bj Stephen Balliet 
to immigrate to this country, and who lived for many 
years near Buchsville. He was also the inventor of 
an improved way of improving the blast in the char- 
coal furnaces used at that daj 

Many pits have been opened during the last half- 
century, and tlii\ are most easily ment id and de- 
scribed by following the course of the [ronton Rail- 
road, beginning with the eastern boundary line of 
the township. 

In going fr Coplay to [ronton the lirst unties 

met are the three openings on the land formerly 
owned by Daniel Steckel, and now the property of 
Joseph K i •■tli t . lie. were extensively worked in 
l.sil.'l and 18114, and a large amount of ore shipped 
from them. They are held under lease by the Coplay 
Iron Company, who operate only one of the openings 
at present. The next mine is what is known as the 
Weaver mine, which proved to contain only a small 
quantity of ore, and. alter being worked for a short 
time, was abandoned. The next is what is known as 
the Kennel mine, now owned jointly by the Thomas 
Iron Company and F. J. Miekley. The ore is of a 
superior quality, and is said to exist in a large quan- 
tity. The next we come to IS the .Miekley mine. 
This was worked a long time, and a large quantity 
ood ore taken from it. It was abandoned several 
years ago. and i- now filled with water. The next is 
wdiat is known as the Joseph Balliet Mine, which, 
notwithstanding it contains a large amount of ore. 
en idle for a number of J 

The next are the pits of the Thomas Iron Company, 
at [ronton, known a- Nos. 1 and 2, which have al- 
ready been referred to as the oldest openings in the 
township. They have proven to contain the most 
valuable deposits of ore in this region. Between 
18(10 and ISsn there was taken from these two open- 
. three hundred and twenty-three thousand 

tons of clean, merchantable ore. How much was taken 
out In tore I860 cannot now be told, although it is 
evident the quantity must be large, as mining at No. 

1 has been going on since ls°i;. Its present depth is 

one hundred and twenty feet. These two min.s are 

now regarded as practically exhau-ted. although there 

'1 some ore to lie found on the south bank of No. 

1. Adjoining this is the mine owned by the heirs of 

lien Balliet, which ha- been worked for twenty- 



live years, am I ha- proved very productive. Next are 
the : H Balliel Brol on, Paul, and 

John Balliel . Thi yield from these has been very 
ifits from these two pits have in a single 
year during wai timi d the large sum of thirty- 

five thousand dollars. Next i- tin- mine of Paul 
n's heirs, viz., Samuel A. and I'. Frank Brown, 
Bsqs. The average yearly yield from this for the last 

ten y.ars has been about eight thousand ton-. 

The last mine on this range is (he Jeremiah Hitter, 
about one-quarter of a mile east of the Brown mine. 
This is om- of the oldest openings in the neighborhood, 
a.- well a- ..in of the richest. About L870 rhomas 
Fagan, who was then working it, abandoned mining, 
considering it exhausted, and the mini- lay idle for 
about a year. The late Capt. Joseph Andrew- then 
made a contract with the Crane Iron Company, the 
leaseholders to resume operations, and from 1871 to 
the time of his death, in May, 1875, be removed about 
thirty-four thousand tons from this seemingly 
bausted mini-. The work was then continued by his 
brother, William Andrews, until .Ian. 1, ISM, by 
which time forty-six thousand tons additional were 
mined. I' i- now abandoned, heavy covering and 
much water making it expensive to mine. 

Along the Siegersville Branch of the Ironton Rail- 
road are found a number of ore-mines, the first of 
which, after leaving the junction, is on the lands of 
Jonathan Henninger, leased by the Thomas Iron 
pany. The bed has been worked for a number 
of years, and a large quantity of ore of a superior 
quality is upon it. The annual yield for a number of 

years has been about seven thousand tons. One-third 

• it a mile below this, towards Siegersville. is the Allen 
S. Balliet mine, which has been worked for at least 
twenty years, and I ed yearly a yield of five 

thousand to seven thousand tons. West ol this, at a 
distance of about half a mile, is the Levan mine, now 
owned by the Thomas [ron Company. The mine of 
Thomas Schadt also belongs to this belt. South of 

the Levan mine, and about hall' a mile distant, is 
found the David Ruch mine, opened about four years 
ago upon lands ol' Lewi - >f which the aver- 

age annual yield for the last three years has been 

: thousand tons. Southeast of Ruch's are ! 
mine- of Daniel Henry and Horace Guth. The de 
posits here are not considered as large, although the 
or,- is hi a- good quality a- those before mentioned. 
Next, and last, are the mines of the Sieger Brotl 
at Siegersville, which were opened in 1840 by Samuel 
Sieger. The opening i- large, and the mine is con- 
sidered one of the hest in the county. It is held under 
lease by the Bethlehem Iron Company. 

A number of slate-quanies have ned at 

various times all along Fell's and Mill Creeks, in the 
eastern part of the township, in the vicinity of Laury's 
Station. (July one of these is in active operation at 
pre-ent. that of Messrs. Crump & Brereton, on Mill 
Creek. This quarry was originally opened abi 



524 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



aimed thai this and the Union Slate- 
Quarries (of which more below | were the first quarries 
uncovered in this country. The opening of the North 
Peach Bottom Quarry was made, as stated, about 1828, 
by Jacob Dinkey, who manufactured roofing-slate of 
iln best quality for about one year, when he leased 
the quarry to John T. Schofield. The lattn operated 
it for another year, ulna it came hack into the hands 
of Dinkey, who then sold two-thirds interest in ii to 
Anthonj PrestoD, of Washington, D.C., and William 
Bailey, of Baltimore. This was on the -1st of .Ian- 
nary, 1830, and they operated it forabout fifteen years, 
when Jonas Kinker became the owner. Both he and 

his predecessors occupied themselves mainly with the 
manufacture of table-tops ami mantels and trimmings 
for buildings, furnishing I among others) the dressing 
lor the public buildings at Washington, I >. 0. In 1853, , 
1 1. M. Bunk, Esq., of Allentown, acquired the title of 
Mr. Rinker, and devoted himself to the full develop- 
ment of the quarry, and through his exertions the true 
value and character of tin' quarry were shown. Roof- 
ing-slate were now manufactured, and they were found 
to be of a quality unexcelled in the world. The North 
Peach Bottom Slate Company was firmed about 1877, 
having obtained Mr. Bunk's title, and continued opera- 
tions until February of this year (1884), when Messrs. 
John Crump and Richard Brereton, of Philadelphia, 
the present owners, purchased the quarries. They are 
now manufacturing ten squares of roofing-slate per 
day, and the slate have the best reputation of any in 
the market. Tiny are of a deep unfading blue color, 
and for strength and durability are not surpassed by 
any in the world. 

At the mouth of Fell's Creek, ten miles north of 
Allentown, the bed of the Lehigh presents a smooth 
and level surface, being slate-rock. The Lehigh Coal 
and Navigation Company built at this place a dam, 
fourteen feet high, which soon became widely known 
as the "Slate Dam." This attracted the attention of 
Mr. Thomas Lymington, an experienced slater, of 
Baltimore, who, in 1828, came to the Slate Dam in 
search of roofing-slate. About a mile west of the 
river, along Fell's Creek, he discovered a place where, 
in his opinion, roofing-slate might be found. He took 
a sample to Baltimore, and it was found good. He 
soon after leased a few acres of land and commenced 
quarrying. The same year the Baltimore Slating Com- 
pany was formed, with a capital of thirteen thousand 
dollars. They purchased the farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres, on which Mr. Lymington had his 
lease. He transferred his interest to the company, and 
a large quarry, under the name of the Union Slate- 
Quarries, was opened. The company operated the 
quarry with indifferent success for tin years, when 

they began leasing it to different parties, a tig them 

Messrs. Fell & McDowell, until 1849, when they sold 
all their interests to Messrs. Stephen lialliet, Jr., and 
Stephen Graff, who worked it for a time ami then 
abandoned it. The slate produced were of a brownish 



color, and were not of the beat quality. An effort 
was again made, about 1872, by Messrs. Freeman, 
Knecbt, and other-, to operate the quarry, but it was 
found unprofitable, and was abandoned, and has 
since lain idle. 
On Coplay Creel,, about a mile south of Fronton, a 

slate-quarry was opened about 1868 by llie Orant Slate 

Company, of which William Fry. Esq., of Tamaqua, 
was the president, who purchased fourteen acres of 
land from Henry B. Schadt. The slate formation 
was of the cement order, ami were not used except 

for posts, mantels, etc. The quarry was discontinued 
after three or four \ ears' operating, no market being 
found for the slate. 

Large quarries of the best blue limestone are found 
along Coplay Creek, in the neighborhood of the old 
Grant Slate-Quarry. The stone is used for fertilizing 
purposes, and is also sold to the furnaces along the 
Lehigh. Those of Charles Lobach, of George Kleek- 
ner, and Lewis Falk,and of Monroe New hard, Frank 
J. Newhard, and Solomon Ruch are the largest and 
most productive in the township. Smaller quarries 
have also been opened in other parts, as along Mill 
Creek. 

Cement-stone is also found in the direction of 
Egypt, but has not been developed to any extent in 
North Whitehall. In the northeastern part of the 
township, especially upon the lands of Daniel Peter, 
vast fields of clean white moulding ami building 
sand are found. 

Roads and Bridges— The Ironton Railroad and 
Siegersville Extension. — It is very probable that the 
oldest road in the township is wdiat is known as the 
old Mauch Chunk road, leading from Allentown over 
the Blue Mountains to Mauch Chunk, and passing 
through Buchsville, Ironton, Ballietsville, and Union- 
ville. In the time of King George III. a public high- 
way was laid out from Philadelphia to the Buckhorn 
Tavern, at Shimersville, thence through Siegersville 
and Schnecksville to the country north, crossing the 
Blue Mountains at the Bake Oven Knob. In 1753, a 
road was laid out from the Bake Oven Knob to Allen- 
town, past Helffrich's Springs, in South Whitehall 
township. These were the principal of the old high- 
ways running north and south. A number ran in a 
westwardly direction from the Lehigh River, princi- 
pal among which was the one from Siegfried's bridge 
to Kohler's mill, at Egypt; thence to Ruchsville and 
Siegersville. On the 22d of September, 1761, a peti- 
tion was presented to the court of Northampton 
Countj lor a road leading from Paul Polyard's tavern 
to Jacob Coller's mill, thence to Willson's mill, thence 
to Easton. It is probable that this is the highway, 
branching oil' from I lie Mauch Chunk road about 
one-fourth of a mile below Ballietsville to Egypt, 
running thence to Siegfried's bridge, crossing the 
Lehigh there and proceeding to Easton. On the 4th 
of May, 1813, George Yundt, Esq., Jacob Mickley, 
Peter Linker, John Helffrich, Peter Grimm, and Henry 



NORTH WIIITKIIAI.L TOWNSHIP. 



525 



Schneider, viewers, appointed at the preceding - 
hums to lay out a road to lead from Siegfried's ferry up 
the river Lehigh through the landsof Conrad Leisen- 
riiiLr, David Miller, Peter Lobach, George Scheurer, 
and John Metzger to thi ' leading from 

Stephen Balliet's to Neiglehardt's ford, at the bank of 
said river, reported the road as laid out 

In the northern half of the township the soil is of 
a slaty shale formation, and the road beds in this por- 
tion, which is called "the Gravel," are not surpassed 
li\ any macadamized or paved way. At all seasons 
of the > iar and in any kind of weather they present 
the same smooth, well-drained surface. 

The .Ionian ( In < k flows through tin' western portion 
of the township, and is crossed by three or four small 
bridges. I he Coplay Creek flows in a southern direc- 
tion nearly through the entire length of North White- 
hall, and mar the southern boundary line deflects 
eastwardly. There is one small covered stone bridge 
tliis stream, near Mai. Thomas Ruch's; it was 
erected in 1833, a1 a costoffour hundred and twenty- 
ii! dollars. 

Tlu> Lehigh River forms the greater portion of the 
eastern boundary line of North Whitehall, but no 
bridge al pn 91 nt crossi - the river within the limit- of 
the township. An effort was made about 1831 to 
build one at Kuntz's lord, and a company was 
formed for that purpose, but the project tailed of ac- 
complishment. Lately a charter has been obtained 
h\ a new association lor a like purpose, ami twelve 
thousand dollar- have been subscribed towards the 
expen-e of building. The corporation i- now re- 
ceiving proposals tor the work upon the brid 
« hich is to he of iron, ami is to he located at Cherry 
Ford, about one mile north of Laury's. 

The I ion ton Hail road extends through the southern 
and central portions of tiie township, ltv termini 
are Irontou and Coplay, ami it- course follows in the 
main that of Coplaj ('reck. The contract to grade 
it was awarded about the latter part of July, 1859, and 
work was begun in the following month. The con- 
struction of the road was divided into five sections, of 
til one mile each. The contract for building the 
lir-t two was given to .lames Andrews, of Mauch 

Chunk ; for number three, to William Andrews; ami 
for sections tour ami five, to Messrs. Chapman, Simp- 
miii & Brady. The road was projected by anil built 
under the personal .-upcrinlen fitish-y Jeter, 

. then of Philadelphia, ami now of Bethlehi 
Pa., and it was intended for the convenient transpor- 
tation of iron ore from the beds at [ronton, and of 
limestone from Coplay Creek to the furnaces alo 
the Lehigh Uiver. 

The Siegersville Branch of the [ronton Railroad 
was graded in 1861, ami put into running order early 
the following year. It is about three and one-third 
miles in length, and follows closely the course of Cop- 
lay Creek, along the southern boundary line of the 
town-hip, to the ore-heds at Siegersville, tor the pur- 



pose of con' products ol which it was 

structed. 

Mr. .Icier first -old a part of hi- interest in 

mad- i>. E. W. ('lark <S: Co., who afterwards dis| 

of it to Robert Lennox Kennedy. Ai t 1866, Mr. 

Jeter and Mr. Kenned} owned the whole of the roads, 
and in that year the latter became the sole on ner, and 
so continued until the 1>i of February, 1882, when he 
sold all his interest in the roads, as well as in the 
mines at I ronton, to the Thomas Iron Company, the 
1 owners. 
The Villages of North Whitehall are Ballietsville, 

(Jnionville, and NeM'sville I which in reality form only 

one, commonly known by the former name, hut called 
by the latter hy the postal department , [ronton, 
Ruchs\ ilie. Siegersville, Schnecksville, Laury's, Rock- 
dale, ami Kernsville. 

Ballietsville is the oldest. It lies near the centre 
of the township, upon land formerly owned by Paulus 
Balliet, alter whom it is named, lie settled here in 
174'J, and possibly converted a portion of his dwelling- 
intO a 1 1..0 I .1 lew years after ; lor the old court 
-how that a license was granted to him to 
keep a hotel on the L'2d of June, 1756, ami again at 
June term, 1759. It was built of logs, and in later 
year- was v. arded. It was known as the 

Whitehall Hotel. Standing on the old Mauch Chunk 
road it attracted considerable custom, and its Bign oi 
the flowing howl cheered the heart of many a traveler 
of the olden days. It was also 8 post station lor many 
years, wdiere the daily stage coaches changed horses, 
until David Frantz's hotel, about three-fourths of a 
mile above, was substituted tor that purpose. The old 

log hotel Stood until L840, when the main portion was 
torn down by Stephen Balliet, Jr., and the present 
hrick edifice ere. ted in its place. The residue of the 
house, comprising the kitchen, was leveled about 
April of the present year (1884). The landlord- fol 
lowing Paulus Balliel were Stephen Balliet, Paul Bal- 
liet 1 since is.".; . Dr. Jesse Hallman, John Schauta, 
Joel Lentz, David Kline, Charles Lemberger, John 
Schmidt, Edwin Deibert, ami Sylvester VVoodring. 

In connection with the hotel a Store wa- also gener- 
ally kept by the landlords, beginning with Paul Bal- 
liet in the frame building in liately helow the 

present store. Thi- -tore stand is one of the oldest 
in the county, and in its time took the lead of all 
other country stores for doing business. Before the 
Revolution it was a station from which the Indians 

received their supplies. It was kept 3tephen 

Balliet, Paul Balliet alone and in partnership with 
Dr. Jesse Hallman, John New-hard, John G. Wink & 
Co., and others, and is now kept by Benjamin 
& Brother. 

From the earliest times a post-oflBce was estab- 
lished here, the only one in Whitehall township. It 
was known a- Whitehall post-office, and later as 

North Whitehall post-office. About 1861 it wa- re- 
moved to [ronton, hut after a short interval retrans- 



526 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



ferred to Ballietsville. Among the postmasters have 
been Stephen Balliet, who held the office for nearly 
his entire lifetime, and up to the time of his death ; 
Paul Brown, Stephen Groff, with Charles Lemberger 

as assistant, for sixteen years; and John Newhard 
for six years ; Benjamin Ritter is at present the post 
master. 

About 1840 the polling-place for the township was 
removed from Hersh's tavern, about three or tour 
miles west of Ballietsville, to the village, where all 
township elections have since been held. 

The tannery was built by Nicholas Seager in 1794. 
It was afterwards owned and operated by Peter Graff 
w ho purchased it from Seager in 1801), after him by 
Stephen, his son, and then passed into the hands of 
Allen Handwork. It is now the property of Edwin 
Kuhns. 

The people of Ballietsville aud the vicinity were 
always eager for the promotion of educational mat- 
ters. They early erected a log school-house in the 
valley along the road leading to Siegersville. This 
gave way to the brick building erected by the Eng- 
lish School-House Society, and the latter was used for 
twelve years, until its foundations began to weaken, 
when it was transformed into a dwelling-house, and 
the school transferred to the top of the bill. 

Ballietsville is pleasantly located on several small 
hills, and is well supplied with the springs of pure 
water which form part of the sources of Coplay 
Creek. It has about a dozen dwellings, and its popu- 
lation in 1880 was fifty-four. Among the residents 
are Samuel A. Brown, Paul Balliet, Aaron Balliet, 
P. Frank Brown, and Franklin P. Mickley, Esqrs., all 
of whom occupy fine houses, perched on the slopes of I 
the hills. 

UnionviUe and Neffsville. — These two villages in 
reality form but one place, to which the former name 
was always given, until the Post-Office Department 
gave it the latter name, since which time it has been 
known indiscriminately by both. They are situated 
in the northern part of North Whitehall, near the 
Washington township line. Jacob Snyder built a 
residence here, in the vicinity of the Union Church, 
in 1815, which he sold to John Ringer, who received 
a license to keep a hotel in 1821, at which time he 
transformed the old Snyder dwelling-house into a 
tavern, and continued in that business till his death, 
in 1831, when the property was bought by Peter Butz. 
The latter was the landlord till 1847, when he was 
succeeded by David K. Watring, who has kept the 
hotel since that year, becoming the owner of the 
property in 1869. The store is older than the hotel, 
its origin dating from 1815. It has been kept by John 
Ringer, Stephen Ringer (his son), Enoch Butz, Abra- 
ham Woodring and Solomon Boyer, Eli Kuhns and 
Daniel Woodring, and since 1847 by David K. Wat- 
ring, the landlord. 

Neffsville is named after Abraham Neff, who lived 
here and carried on the coach-making business for 



many years, and who, about 1840, laid out the village. 
In 1855 he received a license to keep a hotel in the 
house built by Andreas llausman. He has been suc- 
ceeded as landlord by bis sons, Edward and Peter 
Nell', and by Nathan Eck, and the hotel is now kept 
by Lewis Bittner. A store was opened in the spring 
(if this year by Andreas & Cole. The business of 
stone-cutting is carried on by Frank Schlosser, and 
P. .v. R. Semmel are engaged in the tannery business. 
There are also two coach manufactories, conducted by 
Wright & Shoemaker and by Frantz Brothers. 

Abraham Neff was the first postmaster, and con- 
tinued in service, with Clinton Metzger as assistant, 
until his death, in 1881, when Frank Schlosser, the 
present postmaster, was appointed. 

Neffsville is the terminus of a mail-route and coach- 
line from Allentown, carried on by Abraham Mosser. 

There are seventeen dwellings at Neffsville, and the 
village has telegraphic connections. 

Ironton is a village of comparatively recent origin. 
It is located in the heart of the iron district and in 
the midst of the ore-mines, to the development of 
which industry it owes its origin and growth. Mining 
had been going on here since 1835, but it was not till 
1859-60 that it was carried on with vigor. In that 
year Tinsley Jeter, Esq., of Bethlehem, Pa., laid out 
the village in regular building-lots, which were rap- 
idly taken by the laborers in the ore-mines, and it 
may be said Ironton was built up in one year. 

In 1860, Horace Balliet erected a brick hotel and 
store building, and he has since been the landlord 
and storekeeper, as well as the postmaster. The other 
hotel, kept by Joseph Kocher, was formerly the 
dwelling-house of Adam Scheurer, who originally 
owned the land upon which Ironton is located, and 
who erected this house in 1778. It was licensed as a 
hotel in 1858, and was kept for a number of years by 
Abraham Lucas. He and a few Germans and Irish 
comprised the first residents of Ironton. 

Deep excavations at the northern extremity of the 
village mark the ore-pits of the Ironton Railroad 
Company, the terminus of whose line, extending from 
Coplay on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, is at this 
point. 

There is a school-house here, and a Catholic chapel. 
The dwellings number forty-nine, and the population 
is two hundred and seventy-seven. 

Ruchsville is situated at the intersection of two of 
the oldest roads in the township, and up to the time 
of the construction of the Lehigh Valley Railroad 
was one of the liveliest villages in the county. The 
old hotel stooil on the same ground as the present 
one, and was built by John Saeger about 1800. It 
afterwards passed into the possession of John Troxell, 
and later of Lawrence Troxell, who were also for 
some time the landlords. The latter was succeeded 
by Gen. Peter Ruch, an active militia officer, after 
whom the place was named. In his time all the bat- 
talion musters and military parades were held at 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



527 



Ruchsville. It was also the sceue of many a fair and 
horse-race, the coarse for the latter extending from 
the cross-roads down the Egypt road to William 
Ruch's house, which was a distance of exactly one 
mile. ( in these occasions many people were attracted 
from near and far, many of them coming long before 
dawn of the gala day. (<en. Ruch was succeeded as 

landlord by his son, Thomas Kneli. and the latter 

by Eli Bteckel, both of them militia captains of no 
small renown. Reuben Bahl was then theinnkeeper, 
and on his discontinuing the business it passed, in 
1858, into the hands of Owen Schadt. The latter 
erected the present three-Story double brick tavern in 
that year, and has been the landlord continuously tor 
thirty-six years. Mr. Schadt also built the brick 
store building opposite to the hotel, in I860, and be- 
sides this and the hotel, has erected a brick barn and 
two double frame houses. The store has been suc- 
cessively kept by David Kaull, David Scholl, Edmund 
Erdman. Alfred Ruch, Henry Kern, then by Erd- 
man & Brother, and is now again conducted by Ed- 
mund Erdman. 

The post-office building is next to the store, and 
was established about 1S44. The storekeepers were 
generally also the postmasters. The list includes 
Hiram Kaull. Martin Seipel, and Oweu Schadt, after 
whose term the station was removed to Mechanics- 
ville, about half a mile below. After it was re-trans- 
ferred to Ruchsville, Mr. Schadt again became the 
postmaster. After another removal to Mechanicsville 
it was finally transferred to Ruchsville, where it now 
remains, with Mr. Alfred Ruch as postmaster, and Mr. 
Schadt as his deputy. 

There are altogether about eighteen houses in 
Ruchsville, and the population, according to the last 
census report, was ninety-two. The village is con- 
nected by telegraph with neighboring communities, 
and efforts are being made at present to establish 
telephonic communication besides. 

Siegersville lies partly in North Whitehall and 
partly in South Whitehall townships. It is located 
on land originally owned by the first of the Siegers, 
namely, Melchior Sieger, who settled hereabout 1750, 
if not earlier, being attracted to the spot by the never- 
failing springs of water and the abundance of scrub- 
oak among the heavier timber, to clear which required 
a less expenditure of time and labor. About that year 
he built a residence of rough hewn logs, the floor and 
sides nt which were packed with smaller timber and 
plastered with mud. It was used both as a dwelling, 
granary, and store-house, and as a fortress for the 
protection of the neighborhood against the assaults of 
the Indians, being provided for that purpose with 
narrow port-holes. Being located on the old road 
leading from Philadelphia to the Buckhorn Tavern, 
at Shimersville. thence 1 1 1 r< hilt li Siegersville to tie 
Bake Oven Knob on the Blue Mountains, and thence 
to the country beyond, which road was laid out in the 
time of King George III. long before the Revolu- 



tionary war, the Sieger farm-house was early found 
to be a convenient stopping-place for travelers on the 
highway, and it was, therefore, soon converted into an 
inn. Il is -aid to have been the first country hotel in 
the county. After the death of Melchior Sieger the 
old hotel and store were enlarged with a stone addition, 
and were kept by In- SOtl Samuel, after him by Michael 
Sieger, and then by Elias Sieger. Ii was abandoned as 
a hotel ami store about 1856, when the present brick 
hotel, kept by Franklin Schlauch, on the oppo 

of the street, was erected, the store being removed 
to its present location on the corner, diametrically 
opposite. The old building still stand-, and is used 
as a shoe-factory, tinware-shop, and a- a dwelling- 
house. 

The store has been kept by George Miller, Michael 
Seligsohn, John Faust, Aaron Eisenhard, Thomas 
Ruch, and Frank Guth, and is at present conducted 
by A. Victor Diefenderfer. 

Siegersville was made a post-office about the 28th 
of February, 1833, and Elias Sieger appointed the 
first postmaster. His successors in the office have been 
Aaron Eisenhard, George Roth, Frank Guth, and A. 
Victor Diefenderfer, who holds it at present. 

The village is surrounded by iron-ore pits, and the 
operations at these sustain in part its life and activity. 
Being situated at the intersection of two main thor- 
oughfares, it has always been a thriving place, inde- 
pendent of the support derived from the ore-mines, 
and in the olden days it was the scene of many a festal 
gathering. One especially is remembered, — a grand 
celebration on the 4th of July, 1817, which was en- 
livened by the presence of Capt. Keller's rifle com- 
pany. On that memorable occasion Gen. Henry Mertz 
presided, and John Sieger, Esq., was the vice-president. 
The Declaration of Independence was read by George 
S. Eisenhard, and a staggering number of toasts were 
drunk, and patriotic speeches by the dozen were made. 
Siegersville had also always been a great rallying- 
place during political campaigns. The village has tele- 
graphic communication, and the Siegersville Branch 
of the Ironton Railroad connects it at Coplay with 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad and the great outer world 
of commerce. 

A school-house stands at the upper end of the vil- 
lage, in the upper story of which services have bi 
occasionally held by Rev. E. J. Fogel and others for 
the past score of year-. 

Siegersville had in 1880 oue hundred and sixty in- 
habitants. Its dwelling-houses number thirty or 
thirty-five, and among them is the residence of Hon. 
Amandes Sieger, at present a member of the House 
of Representatives of Pennsylvania. The village 
owes its greatest and earliest improvement to Squire 
John Sieger and his brother, Michael, the former of 
whom conducted a large tannery here. 

Schnecksville was laid out about 1840, by Daniel 
Schneck, who owned all the land upon which the vil- 
lage stands, and after whom it i- named. He and his 



528 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



son, Moses Schneck, erected the first hotel and nearly 
all the buildings. George Rau opened the first store, 
selling it to Daniel Schneck, who leased it afterwards 
to Michael Deibert. In 1843, Joel and Peter Gross 
leased the store from Schneck, and after a few years 
purchased it from him, continuing in the business till 
1874. 

A post-office was opened here about the 4th of 
March, 1846, with Peter Gross as postmaster. Be 
served tor sixteen years, when he was succeeded by 
Joel Gross, who retired in 1874, after twelve years' 
service. He was succeeded in that year by Daniel 
Bertolet, the present postmaster. 

The population of Schnecksville, according to the 
census of 1880, is one hundred and sixty. There are 
in the village two hotels and a store, and about twenty- 
two dwelling-houses. There is also a school-house 
and a frame church building, in which the United 
Brethren hold services, and occasionally also those of 
other congregations, under the guidance of Rev. J. 8. 
Reninger. 

The village is neatly laid out, and presents an at- 
tractive appearance. Owing to the travel on the main 
road, which runs through the middle, considcrahlc 
trade is done. 

Laury's lies along the eastern line of the township, 
at the junction of Fell's Creek with the Lehigh River. 
It was first known by the name of the Slate Dam, the 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company having erected 
a dam, about 1830, in the Lehigh, which at this point 
tlows over a smooth bed of slate formation. In 1832 
the late Judge David Laury erected a hotel here, 
which he kept till 1871, when it passed into the hands 
of A. C. P. and George F. Kimball, who kept it till 
1875, when Mr. Kimball obtained sole control. It is 
a favorite summer resort. In 1832, Judge Laury also 
opened a store in partnership with Messrs. Rupp and 
Shifferstein. The store building was after some years 
torn away, and the business discontinued till 1S73, 
when Judge Laury erected the present store building, 
in which Charles Ritter carried on the mercantile 
business for some time, until it was taken by Herman 
Carlinsky, the present storekeeper. In 1839, Mr. 
Laury erected on the hanks of the Lehigh a grist- 
mill, the original of the present roller flouring- 
mill, receiving the power from the river, under a 
lease from the Coal and Navigation Company. This 
mill, after being operated by Mr. Laury for some 

years was purchased by Jonathan Kline, and after 

several other transfers, came, in 1861, into the pos- 
sc-moti of John R. Schall, the present owner. In 
1877 the entire mill was remodeled and changed into 
a "New Process" mill. About 1880 roller-mills were 
introduced into this country, and Mr. Schall at once 
determined to obtain the machinery necessary to 
transform the mill into one of the new kind. Upon 
plans devised by Mr. X. W. Holt, the improvements 
were made. The building was enlarged to almost 
three times its original size. The new mill was com- 



pleted and started in February, 1882, and was one of 
the first three in Pennsylvania. Additional rolls and 
improved machinery have been obtained during the 
present year. The mill now contains a full line of 
Stevens' rolls, four run of buns, purifiers, bran-dusters, 
a weed- and oat-extractor, centrifugal reels, an aspira- 
tor, flour-packers, etc., all of the latest improved pat- 
terns. Its capacity is almost two thousand bushels a 
day, and the mill is run night and day. The Hour 
produced is without a rival anywhere, and is pro- 
nounced b\ competent judges absolutely perfect. 

In 1853 a post-office was opened, to which Judge 
Laury was appointed post master, a position which he 
held continuously to the time of his death, in 1883, 
with the exception of one year, 1864, when he was re- 
moved for political reasons, and Jonas Kline was ap- 
pointed in his place. Mr. Laury was reappointed 
the following year, without solicitation on his part, 
and accepted the office against his wishes, and in 
compliance with the urgent requests of his friends 
and neighbors. His son, A. C. P. Laury, who was 
his deputy for twenty years, received the appointment 
on his father's death, and is now the postmaster. 

In 1855 the construction of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad quickened the life of Laury's. A station 
was opened, and Judge Laury was appointed to take 
charge of the company's interests. He served in this 
capacity until his death, in 1883, at which time he 
was the oldest agent in their employ. Mr. A. C. P. 
Laury, who was bis assistant for seventeen years, now 
holds the position. The railroad company has a sup- 
ply-house and repair-shop here, and is now erecting 
a new and handsome depot. 

There is here also the large ice depot, formerly 
owned by the Knickerbocker Ice Company, of New 
York, and now the property of G. F. Swift, of Chi- 
cago. Here all the West-bound cars, on which Chi- 
cago meat is brought to the Eastern markets, are 
replenished with ice. 

There are about thirty-five dwelling-houses at 
Laury's, and the population is probably two hundred 
at the present time. 

Laury's lies in the midst of beautiful natural 
scener\', and is a favorite resort of summer boarders. 
Immediately opposite, in the Lehigh River, lies Kim- 
ball's Island, a favorite picnicking spot. 

Rockdale is situated at the junction of Kepp's 
Creek with the Lehigh River, at an old Indian ford- 
ing-place. It owes its origin to the impulse given to 
trade along the Lehigh River by the construction of 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and was at first called 
The Sandbank, owing to the large quantities of ex- 
cellent moulding and building sand in the neighbor- 
hood. This name was changed in 1856, at the sug- 
gestion of Robert II. Sayre, Esq., general superin- 
tendent of the railroad, to its present one of Rockdale. 
It was originally only a freight station, used by Chris- 
tian Pretz and Stephen Balliet, who owned all of the 
twenty-four acres of land now occupied by the village. 



NOKTII WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



529 



This station building was erected lor Pretzand Balliet 
by Mr. Eli Lentz, now of Allentown. Pa., and is not 
yet owned by the railroad company. Mr. Lentz also 
built the first hotel at Rockdale in 1856, of which he 
was the landlord tor five years. Nearly every other 

building in the village is also the work of his hands. 
including the saw-mill above, which was formerly 
owned bj Stephen Balliet, but afterwards became the 

property of Mr. Lent/.. 
In the spring of 1871 a post-office was established 

here, with Alfred Long as postmaster, in which office 
he has continued since. 

In this connection it may not lie out of place to 
speak of two discoveries made by Mr. l.entz during 
his residence at Rockdale, which, ai the time, excited 
wide-spread com men t, and awakened I he liveliest curi- 
osity. The first was as follows: In 1856, the year in 
which he moved to Rockdale, he and a laborer by 
the name of John Frederick were engaged in ele 
vating a coal-hank, which lay so low as to be fre- 
quently flooded by the river. While, digging into the 
side of the sloping bank of the creek, about sixty 
yards from the river short', Mr. Lentz's companion 
struck and turned up a coin with his pickaxe. This 
proved to be the top one of a pile of nineteen coins 
buried about two feet beneath the surface. They 
were round and as large as a Bland dollar, and about 
a- thick as a silver half-dollar. The substance ap- 
peared neither like gold nor silver, and gave out a 
clearer, more ringing sound than either of those 
metals. The spot where they were found was thickly 
overgrown with old beds of bushes, with tangled roots, 
and about eight feet south of it stood a Large licorice 
tree. No remains of any box or covering could be 
found about the coin, and they seemed to have been 
placed in the ground by design, just as found. Upon 
the coins, all of which wen- exactly similar in ap- 
pearance, appeared inscriptions in what seemed to be 
Chaldaic characters. Much speculation was indulged 
in as to what they were, and how they came to be de- 
posited there, but no one was found who could read 
the inscriptions. There was a great demand for 
them, and Mr. Lentz presented all of them except 
one to friends, among them Governor Asa Packer, 
Mr. Christian Pretz, and Hon. Henry King. The 
latter sent his to a distinguished Jewish rabbi, and it 
\\as returned with the information that they were a 
coin used by some nation contemporaneous with the 
second Hebrew king, about two thousand four hun- 
dred years before the birth of Christ. The last one 
of the coins Mr. Lentz had in his possession for 
eighteen year-. He then intrusted it to a gentleman 
for the purpose of sending it to a Philadelphia nu- 
mismatist, and it was lost. Lately Mr. Lentz has 
obtained another of the coins from the late Christian 
l'retz, who, it seems, had received two of them. 

About three months alter the above discovery Mr. 
Lentz made a second one, about sixteen feet from the 
-pot where the money was found. It happened in 



this wise. Mr. Thomas Ruch was taking away coal 

with a four-horse team from the bank alri red 

to. a ft er load in \j. and while driving away, the wngon- 
wheels sank deep into the made ground of the bank, 
which was, besides, soft from recent rains. One of 

the hind wheel- turned up a s< • of peculiar shape, 

about ten and a half inches long and two and a half 
inches in thickness, the '-nd- of which were perfectly 
round and smooth. At one of the ends, what had 
been an opening was Bealed up with a solid i [po- 
sition made of some matter resembling crushed oyster- 
shells, which resisted all efforts made with a punch to 
pry it open. The -tone was then broken into frag- 
ments on an iron rail, and at the other end, at the 
bottom of this composition, was found a substance, 
which, under the microscope, proved to be a coil of 
coarse, black human hair. That the hair was design- 
edly sealed up in this -tone \\a- clear, but for what 
purpose, and by whom, and whether by the. same par- 
tics who deposited the coins in the vicinity, are all 
questions which will perhaps forever remain unsolved. 

Kernsville is the smallest village in the township, 
and lies on the Jordan Creek close to the South 
Whitehall line. It was named after Peter Kern, who 
built a grist-mill of stone here in 1806. It contains 
the mill, a school-house, and seven dwelling-houses, 
and the population is about forty. Formerly there 
was a post-office, but there is none now. The store 
was originally opened by Owen Kern, and was discon- 
tinued for some time after he retired from business, 
but is now again kept by Peter Lerch. 

Religious History— Union Church.— Most of the 
early settlers were compelled to leave their European 
homes because of their religious convictions, and to 
indulge these, became one of their first cares on es- 
tablishing themselves in the land of their adoption. 
The earliest inhabitants of what is now North White- 
hall, including those of contiguous territory, seem to 
have been mostly of the Reformed faith, although it 
is true there were some holding to the faith of Luther. 
The early history of Union Church, or Schlosser's, as 
it was early called, is involved in considerable ob- 
scurity ; and there are no written records to throw 
light upon it. In the very early times the settlers 
attended services, which were held at private dwell- 
ings or in the school-houses, and often consisted only 
of prayer, singing, and reading of Scripture. After 
their number increased somewhat, those of the Lu- 
theran faith began attending services at the churches 
that were nearest, such as Jordan and Heidelberg, 
where such pastor- as Revs. Justus Jacob Pcrgen- 
stock. Schumacher. Dheil, Geisenhainer, and others, 
ministered to their spiritual wants. Those of the Re- 
formed belief, on the contrary, being greater in num- 
bers than their Lutheran brethren, early united in 
forming a congregation and building a house of wor- 
ship. The exact date when this was done cannot 
now be ascertained, but it probably happened in the 
decade beginning with 1750; for there is a record, of 



.-..■ill 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



date 1748, in which t he Heidelberg, .Ionian, and 
Egypt Churches are mentioned, and there is another 
made in the year 1764, in which mention lirst occurs 
Schlosser's (now Union) Church. This building, 
erected by the Reformed communicants, and the 
original of the present [Jnionville congregation, stood 
just outside the southeastern wall of the old bury- 
ground, was constructed of logs, and was about 
fifty feet in length. It was plastered within, and 
contained galleries along the sides, with benches of 
equal heigh) placed on the level iloor, so that it was 
impossible for those who Occupied the rear seals to 

see the minister at the altar or the worshipers on the 

'I below. The chancel was laid with flagstones, 

and altogether the structure was an improvement 
upon those of that day. This lirst building was com- 
monly known as Schlosser's Church, being located on 
land which was donated by the first of the Schlosser 
family. 

In 1767 the congregation united with the Reformed 
congregations of Egypt, Jordan, and Northampton 
borough in purchasing six acres of land and erecting 
a common parsonage, at a total expense of £52, or 
$345.62. This, it is supposed, stood on what is 
Moyer's land, on the road from Mechanicsville to 
Mickley's Tavern, in South Whitehall. 

In 1768 an application was filed in the land-office 
of Pennsylvania lor a tract of land by Daniel Gross 
and Paul Balliet for the use of the Reformed congre- 
gation, although both in this application aud in the 
patent-deed afterwards granted for the land, the con- 
gregation is denominated Presbyterian, under which 
name they held the land until April, 1879, when 
action was taken looking towards the changing of the 
name from Presbyterian to Reformed, as it should be ; 
and in December, 1881, Alexander, Peter, and Moses 
Hollenbach were appointed a committee to have the 
change legally made. A deed for their lauds was con- 
firmed to the congregation on the 27th of May, 1827, in 
pursuance of the 7th section of an act of Assembly 
approved the 17th day of April, 1827, which enacts 
" that the officers of the laud-office are hereby author- 
ized and required to issue a patent, free of the pur- 
chase-money and fees, to Peter Romich and Christian 
Houseman, Sr., and their successors, in trust and for 
the sole use and benefit of the congregations of North 
Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., known by the name 
of Union, alius Schlosser's, Church, composed of Lu- 
therans and Presbyterians, for a certain tract of land 
situate in North Whitehall township aforesaid, sur- 
veyed to them by virtue of an application dated June 
second, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-eight, 
numbered three thousand three hundred and seventy- 
lour." Three drafts of church lands are contained 
Qg the church records, — the lirst of three acres, 
surveyed in 1795, at the request of Michael Hoffman ; 
the second made in 1796, at the request of Peter 
Romich, in which the church tract is shown to con- 
sist of eighty-seven acres and allowances; and a 



third was made on the 11th of April, 1839, by Daniel 
Saeger, Esq., by request of the consistory. The 
latter appears to he the only legal one, and on it the 
church land is shown to consist of ninety-four acres, 
eighteen perches. 

(In the 7th of November, 1795, the congregation 
then consisting wholly of Reformed members, held 
a meeting and decided to erect a stone church in 
place of tin old log building. It was also resolved to 
mvite their Lutheran neighbors to form a congrega- 
tion, and unite with them in erecting the new build- 
ing, which should then be held in common by both 
faiths. As an inducement, the Reformed members 
offered the Lutherans a half interest in forty acres of 
their lands, which tract should after that time be held 
in commonalty by both, and also agreed to sell all of 
their lands above these forty acres, and devote the 
proceeds towards the expense of construction. On 
the 27th of May, 1796, being the occasion of the lay- 
ing of the corner-stone, the Lutherans accepted these 
propositions, formed a separate congregation, and 
united with their Reformed brethren in constructing 
; the new church. None of the church lands were sold, 
however, the cost of constructing being liquidated 
with free-will contributions. 

This second church building, at Unionville, stood 
in a line with the old stone school-house, still standing, 
and the yard .of the present brick church, on ground 
lying between the two. It was solidly built of rough- 
hewn stone, with galleries running around three sides 
of the interior. The carpenters were Jonas flicker, 
Chr. Harn, Andrew Knerr. Thomas Dodsou, Jacob 
I Herman, Jacob Harn, Jacob Mickley, Jacob Miller, 
1 John Keck, Adam Sterner, Jacob Wehr. The build- 
ing was completed in the following year (1797), and 
since that time has, together with the church lands 
aud other temporalities of the former Reformed con- 
gregation, been held and owned in common by the 
members of the Reformed and Lutheran congrega- 
tions of this vicinity, each, however, being perfectly 
free to worship after its own fashion, aud holding 
divine services on alternate Sundays. From this date 
the church and congregation have been known as the 
Union Church, although among the people it was 
also called the Grund-Eichel Kirche, or Scrub-Oak 
Church, owing to the large quantity of scrub-oak and 
low timber growing around the building. 

The stone building served all the purposes of the 
united congregations until the 11th of February, 1871, 
when they resolved to erect a new and substantial 
brick building, fifty feet in front and eighty feet in 
depth. It was found, however, a task of no small 
importance to tear down the old stone church. So 
solid was the masonry, and so thick were the walls, 
that it required the use of blasting-powder and the 
united efforts of a large crowd of people, who had 
collected by invitation from the neighborhood and 
even from distant parts of the township, to overthrow 
the walls. The timbers were found in part still sound 



NORTH WHITEHALL, TOWNSHIP. 



531 



and dry as when first laid. When the comer-stone 
was reached, it was found entirely empty, although 
many articles, besides pieces of money, had been de- 
posited in the walnut box, with sliding lid, which was 
placed in the cavity of the stone, nearly a century 
previous. It was ascertained that it had remained 
uncovered and unprotected over night, when laid, and 
the supposition is that it was then titled of its contents 
by sacrilegious thic, - 

On the 28th of -May. 1871, the corner-stone of the 
present building was laid with imposing eeremoi 
and in the presence of a large throng. In the corner- 
stone was placed a zinc box, resting on a plate of 
heavy glass, and packed on all Bides with powdered 
charcoal and plaster of Paris. In it were placed 
church records, hooks of worship, silver and copper 
coins, and other mementoes of members of the con- 
;ji editions, and the whole coven d with a second plate 
of heavy glass. 

The new building is of brick, and is hand- elj 

finished within and without. It has a spire one hun- 
dred and sixty-five feet in height, in which hangs a 
bell of about two thousand pounds weight. Around 
the three sides extend galleries, and a basement room 
lies under the whole, used for Sunday- and singing- 
school purposes. In appearance it resembles a city 
church, and its equal will hardly be found anywhere 
in any country parish in Eastern Pennsylvania. Spa- 
cious grounds inclose it on all sides, and a forest of 
noble pines protects it from northern blasts. 

The new building was dedicated to the service of 
God on Whitsuntide, 1872, with impressive cere- 
monies, conducted by Rev. Dr. Notz, Rev. E. Boner, 
and Rev. A. K. Home, Lutheran ministers: and Ri \, 
III-. Bomberger and Gerhard, Reformed mini- 
It is enjoyed by both congregations under certain 
additions to the church constitution, proposed at a 
m.cting of the church councils on the 11th of Feb- 
ruary, 1871, and formally adopted by the congrega- 
tions on the L'oth of February following. They were 
as follows: 'The present church shall be for the ex- 
clusive use of the Reformed ami Lutheran congrega- 
tions. A- long as one single member Of either of 
these denominations remains faithful to its doctrines 
and practices, the church property cannot pus- out of 
his hands." These additional rubs were signed by 
the church councils, consisting of William Gernert, 
Moses Hollenbach, Hilarius Kennel, and Peter Gross, 
elders; and Tilghman Samuel, Thomas Casey, Tilgh- 
maii F. Sch neck, Stephen Dei bert, David Hensinger, 
Lewis Clauser, Alexander Peter, deacons. 

The building committee consisted of Ben 
Lemuel and Emanuel Kiau-e from the Lutherans, 
and Elias Hoffman and Aaron P.alliet from the 
formed. The cost of erecting the present building 
was about thirty-lour thousand dollars, and was paid, 
in part, with labor, collections, and free-will offerings. 
The remainder of the debt was paid by the levying of 
a tax upon the basis of the county and Stale rates and 



levies, no adult male member paying less than five 

The Lutheran Church record begins with 1797. and 
is headed as follows: "Church Record of the Evan- 
al Lutheran Brethren in the Faith of the Union 
Church in Whitehall, Northampton." The first entry 
is that of the baptism of a child of Christian and 
Magdalene Bausman, under date of March 5, 1797. 
Immediately following are the records of the baptisms 
ill families by the names of Adams, Helffrii : 

I leibert, Mosser, Fenstermacher, Walb,Semmel, I'um- 
bel, etc. In 1806 there were ninety-three communi- 
cants on the Lutheran side, and in L821 twenty-one 
chumens, by the names of Mosser, Miller. Laury, 
Semmel, Seiss, Scheirer, Jacobs, Deibert, Housman, 
Zellner, and Herbster, were confirmed. 

The very early records of the Reformed congrega- 
tion were placed in the corner-stone of the second 
church, and when that was opened, had disappeared, 

together with the rest of its contents. Nearly every- 
thing, therefore, that can be told of its early history 
has been transmitted by oral tradition, and not much 
can be stated with certainty, except that in point of 
numbers the Reformed congregation has always been 
Stronger than the Lutheran, and it maintain- its lead 
at the present day. In lxns the Lutherans had 68 
communicants, the Reformed more than twice that 
number. In 1 atter bad 309 communicants, 

while the Lutheran- numbered a little more than half 
a- many. In 1872 there were '2>'A heads of fami 
of the Reformed faith and 155 of the Lutheran, or, 
altogether, 419. In 1874 the Reformed had commun- 
ing members to the number of 615, while the Luther- 
ans had 419: the former had Molt contributing mem- 
bers and the latter 225. In L881 the number of 
Reformed communicants was 650 Lutheran, 450, 

and of Reformed contributing members was 335, of 
Lutheran. 250. The present strength of the con- 
gregation is ]o7ii. composed of 622 Reformed com- 
municants and of l"'l Lutheran. 

ore. — The first record of these 

ns on the 20th of December, 1764, with Rev. Jo- 

hann Daniel Cross, who served until Feb. 17. 1771. 

when Rev. Abraham P.luiner took his place, and min- 

istered till the 10th of May, 1801. On the 18th of 
October following Rev. Johann Gobrecht began his 

ministry here, and continued in it till the 13th of 
February, 1831. He was succeeded by the Rev. Jo- 

seph S. Dubbs, D.D., who served from the 2 1 st of 
.Inly, 1831, till 1866. In the latter year Rev. E.J. 
Fogel was elected the pastor. He began the duties 

of his office on the 1 -i of January, 1867, ami con- 
tinues faithfully in them to this date. 

». — The Lutheran- of the ear- 
lime not ha\ in" a separate organization at Onion- 
ville were included in the Moselm charge, which in 
1762 was under the care of the Rev. John H. Schauta. 
Between 170'.' and 1772, the Rev. John George dung 
became the pastor of' this .barge, and between 1779 



532 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and 1782 the licentiate Franz was the minister. He 
was succeeded in 17sT> l>y the Rev. Henry Schellhard, 
and the latter in 1791 by Rev. Caspar Diehl, who with 
Revs. Geisenhainer and Schumacher served till L808. 
During their ministry the Lutheran congregation 
attained a separate organization at Unionville at the 

time of the construction of the second church. Revs. 

I >oering and Wartman served the congregation up to 
June, 1837, when Rev. Jeremiah Schindel began bis 
ministry, continuing to serve for a period of twenty- 
one years. In the spring of 1859, Rev. Thomas Stock 
became the pastor and preached till theclose of L866. 
At the beginning of his pastorate the Lutheran con- 
gregations of Union, Heidelberg, Friedens, and Egypt 
Churches united in purchasing a parsonage at 
Schnecksville, and in the spring of 1867 Rev. J. S. 
Reninger, the present pastor, began bis service for the 
congregation. 

The present church consistory is composed of the 
following on the Lutheran side: Manoah Hausman 
and Stephen I >eibert, elders; and Levi Heltfrich, John 
Schneck, Oliver Semmel, and Lewis Hausman, dea- 
cons ; and on the Reformed side. Frank P. Mickley , 
and William Kennel, elders; and William Reber, 
Francis Peter, Charles Wootring, and Willoughby 
Hoffman, deacons. 

The congregations possess a large pipe-organ, which 
was originally purchased in 1821, and formerly stood 
in the old stone church. When that building was torn 
down, it was removed and repaired and two registers 
added ; it was then placed in the present church, and 
rededicated with it in 1872. 

Thirty-eight years ago I in 1846) a Sunday-school 
was begun at Union Church by the late Rev. S. K. 
Brobst, Peter Gross, Esq., and others, which has re- 
mained in full life ever since. For the past thirty 
years it has been under the superintendence of Mr. 
E. D. Rhoads, the organist of the church. 

Many of the earliest settlers buried their dead on 
their farms, where their remains now rest, unmarked 
by any stone, upon spots undiscoverable at present. 
After the organization of Egypt and Union Churches 
nearly all the interments took place on one or the 
other of the burying-places provided by these two 
congregations. The first burial-ground lay to the rear 
and side of the old log church, and comprised the 
area occupied by what is now known as the old ceme- 
tery. The latter lies on the side of tbe road opposite 
to the present church building, and is inplosed with 
a low stone wall. The inscriptions upon many of the 
old headstones, which were often at first of com- 
paratively soft stones and later of slate, have yielded 
to the influence of wind and weather, and are now 
partially or wholly undecipherable. The oldest 
legible one on the ground is that of Follatin (Val- 
entine) Remeli, 1776. On the 18th of May, 1866, 
the two congregations decided to lay out a new ceme- 
tery upon the church lands, and on the 9th of No- 
vember following, rules for the regulation of the same 



were adopted. The present burial-ground contain- 
an area of two acres of land in the rear of tin- church, 
and was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies by 
Rev. Jacob Schindel and Noah Strassburger. It is 
finely located and systematically arranged. Many 
beautiful shafts of marble already mark the resting- 
places of departed worshipers. 

During the past year (1883) the congregations 
erected upon the church land a commodious barn. 
This is used for storing the hay and crops raised upon 
the glebe, the use of which, together with the old 
stone school-house, is enjoyed tinder a lease from the 
congregations by the schoolmaster and organist. Mr. 
Rhoads. The cost of erecting the barn has been fully 
paid, and tbe Union Church presents the commenda- 
ble example of a community of Christian workers, 
owning large possessions entirely free from debt. 

St. John's Church, at Laury's. — For several years 
previous to 1872, Rev. J. S. Reninger preached occa- 
sionally both to the Lutherans and Reformed of 
Laury's and the vicinity, and during 1871 he began 
holding services both in German and English regu- 
larly. His labors were fully appreciated by those 
under his ministrations, and on Christmas of that 
year they presented him with a substantial token of 
their esteem and love. Rev. S. A. Leinbach had also 
begun, about May, 1869, to hold services both in Ger- 
man and English in the school-house at Laury's, and 
continued to hold them every four weeks. 

Most of the members belonged either to the Re- 
formed or Lutheran congregations of Union and 
Egypt Churches, but their desire to have a more con- 
venient place of worship became so strong, and their 
numbers increased so much that it was resolved to 
form a separate church, and to that end Hon. David 
Laury and Mr. David Scbeirer were appointed a 
committee to draft a plan of organization and a con- 
stitution. This draft was submitted to the members 
in February, 1872, and unanimously adopted, and an 
organization effected on the 12th of May, 1872, with 
Rev. S. A. Leinbach as the Reformed, and Rev. J. S. 
Reninger as the Lutheran pastor. The first Church 
Council consisted of Jacob D. Miller, Henry Heffel- 
finger, Reformed elders ; Charles Loeser and Reuben 
Yantz, Lutheran elders ; and of Moses Newhard, 
Thomas Newhard, David Scheirer, and Samuel 
Heiney, Reformed deacons; and Jacob B. Mauser, 
Thomas Schaffer, Samuel Shoch, and Eli Schumacher, 
Lutheran deacons. 

Jacob Miller, Samuel Miller, and Moses Newhard 
each offered the two acres of land from their fauns, 
which were desired by the association for church 
lands. That of Jacob Miller was finally accepted, 
after due consideration, and thus it happens that this 
church is sometimes called Miller's Church. 

It was decided to erect a church building at once, 
and a building committee was appointed, consisting 
of Joseph Roth and Joseph Peter from the Reformed 
side, and William J. Keck and David Laury from the 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



533 



Lutheran. < >n the 28d of June, 1872, the corner- 
stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies, con- 
ducted by Revs. William Notz and Noah Strassb 
assisted by the pastors, Revs. Leinbach and Reninger. 
The church was finished in the following year, and 
..n the L3th and 1 -4 1 1 1 days of September, 1873, was 
dedicated to the service of Hod by Revs. L. Groh, 
J. B. Fox, and J. S. Reninger, Lutheran mini-ins. 
and Revs. Thomas Leinbach, A. J. G. Dubbs, and 
8. A. Leinbach, Reformed ministers. The collections 
amounted to $175.08. 

The church is of frame, forty feet in width by sixty 
in depth, and has a basement and steeple. It is 
painted white, and. standing <>n a commandis 
nence, resemble- a -Inning ark of refuge f..r the 
weary and sin-laden. The contract for its construc- 
tion was awarded to Tilghman Zellner, and the cost 
of construction was about six thousand dollars. 

Tiie congregation Dumber about one hundred and 
-ixly members, evenly divided between Lutherans 
and Reformed. 

Rev. Reninger is still the Lutheran pastor. Rev. 
Leinbach resigned his office as Reformed pastor on 
the 10th of November, 1883, the resignation to take 
effect on the 1st of January, 1884. On the latter day 
he was succeeded in the office by Rev. William R. 
Hoft'ord, of Allentown, Pa. 

The church council consists at present of Henry 
Heffelfinger and Samuel Miller, Reformed elders; J. 
B. Mauser. Lutheran elder; Moses Newhard and 
Henry Broder, Reformed deacons; and A. C. P. 
Loury, Calvin I-'. Keck, and August H. Eichler, 
Lutheran deacons. The trustees are David Swart/ 
[Reformed] and Adam Anthony Lutheran i. Mr. 
David Scheirer has been the choir-leader since May. 
1-71'. 

A cemetery was laid out immediately after the 
purchase of the church land-, and rules for it- reg- 
ulation were adopted by the congregations in the 
spring of 1872. 

In 1838, the Hon. David Laury and Robert Mc- 
Dowell (both now deceased i established a Sunday- 
school, which held it- meetings in the schpol-house, 
near Laury 's, and which was known as the "Slate- 
Quarry Sunday-school." The exercises were at first 
conducted entirely in English, bu( later in English 
and German. It was the first Sunday-school projected 
in Lehigh County outside of Allentown. After the 
completion of St. .John's Church the meeting-place 
was transferred to the basement of the latter build- 
ing, and there the meetings have since been held. 
Judge Laury was the superintendent up to the time 
of his death, in 1883. 

Preaching- Station at Ironton.— A preaching sta- 
tion was established early in the fall of 1867. Services 
were held regularly the tir-t Sabbath-days of each 
month in the old school-house, near Ballietsville, by 
the Rev. Dr. J. W. Wood and Rev. Richard Walker, 
then Presbyterian ministers at Allentown, Pa., both 



now deceased. This place of meeting was only t< 

porary, and about the i-' of January, 1868, soon after 

thepublicscl 1 buildings al Ironton were completed, 

the services began to be held there, and have been 
held in them ever since. About the 1st of April, 1868, 
Rev. Richard Walker began preaching, coming regu- 
larly on the third Sabbath of every month, and con- 
tinued in this service for tour years, when he was 
succeeded by Rev. J. A. Little, of Hokendauqua, Pa. 
Dr. Wood continued in his labors here until about 
the 1st of ' >cl when he was also succeeded 

bj Rev. Mr. Little. Since that time the latter has 
held servi irlyon the first and third Sab- 

bath afternoon- of every month. The salarie- of these 
pastors have always been paid out of the treasury of 
the I root.. n Railroad Company. In the month of 
March, 1876, the Rev. S. A. Leinbach, ofCoplay, Pa., 
began preaching here, and continued to do so until 
Jan. 1, 1884. He preached once a month, and re- 
ceived fifty dollar- a year tor his services, which sum 
was raised by subscription. 

No church organization has been attempted. The 
worshipers are members of congregations of different 
faiths. The services are not sectarian. No denomi- 
national book- are used, the lessons being drawn di- 
rectly from the Bible. Communion services are not 
held, and there is no interference with the pastors of 
neighboring churches. The faithful labors of Rev. 
Little, as well as those of Rev. Leinbach. are bearing 
rich fruit in increased membership and more living 
interests. Among the prominent workers both in the 
meetings and the Sunday-school are Mr. William An- 
drew-, of the Presbyterian Church of Allentown ; Mr. 
P. Frank Brown, of Egypt Reformed; and Mr. Walter 
M. Kuhns, of Jordan Lutheran. Of the original 
leading spirits in the work, Capt. Joseph Andrews 
(Presbyterian , Mr-. William Andrews (Presbyte- 
rian . and Mrs. P. Frank Brown i German Reformed), 

have i besides Dr. W 1 and Rev. Walker departed 

to a better home, while John G. Wink Evangelical) 
and Dr. J. X. E. Shoemaker have moved away. 

About tlie same time with the [.reaching station, 
the Union Sunday-school was organized, being so 
called by reason of the uniting of members of dif- 
ferent churches for the purpose of organizing. Many 
in the neighborhood were opposed to the project at 
the beginning, but despite their opposition the work 
Was successfully begun on the second Sunday ot 
January, 1868, with .1. Calvin Welling as superin- 
tendent. He was the prime mover in this labor of 
love, and in his efforts was ably seconded by those 
named above. He was then a clerk in the railroad 
office at Ironton. and now resides at Chicago, 111., 
holding a responsible position with the Illinois Cen- 
tral Railway. He held the office of superintendent 
for two years, and was succeeded by G. <i. Roney for 

a half \ear. Mr. William Andrews then held 
office for one and a half years, and was succeeded by 
Mr. George Spence, who served for six months. Mr. 



534 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



P. 1". Brown was then elected, and has aerved con- 
tinuously from that time to this, a period of eleven 
and a half years. To his activity and faithfulness 
are due much of the present prosperity of the school. 
The average attendance each Sabbath from the open- 
ing to the present time 1ms been sixty-five. The roll 
now numbers one hundred and twenty, and the school 
is in a flourishing condition. Denominational books 
are not touched, the Bible and the puMications of the 
American Sunday-School Union alone bein;; used. 
The pastors have always assisted in the work. The 
present organist is .Mr. Alfred Kuhns, a member of 
Jordan Lutheran congregation. 

The amount of good that this preaching station 
and Sunday-school have done for the people of Iron- 
ton and the vicinity is incalculable. 

St. Patrick's, at Ironton, takes its origin from the 
meetings of Catholics held at James Reilly's house, 
in Ironton. in March, 1863. Monthly services were 
celebrated by the Rev. Father McKee, now of Phila- 
delphia, for a period of two years, beginning with 
this date. In I860 the present chapel, which had 
been built by John Campbell, and had been used for 
some time by the Methodists, became the property of 
Horace Balliet, and was by him sold to the Catholics. 
The church was called St. Patrick's, in memory and 
honor of Patrick Dempsey and Patrick McCann, who 
were prominent among the original members. Ser- 
vices have been held regularly by Father McKee 
since 1865, and later by Fathers John and Burns. 
The Rev. Father McFadden has at present charge of 
the church. A parish school, with a large number of 
pupils, is conducted in connection with the church. 

At Schnecksville and Saegersville preaching 1 
stations have also been established. At the former 
place Rev. J. S. Reninger has been preaching since 
the spring of 1876 to meetings of members of the 
Union Church, held in the school-house. No organ- 
ization as a congregation has yet been effected. 

The United Brethren also have a small church at 
Schnecksville. This has taken the place of a church 
building which formerly stood on Henry Leh's land. 
The congregation consists of about half a dozen fam- 
ilies, and has been holding services regularly since 
1872. 

In the year 1S52 members of the Jordan Reformed 
and Lutheran congregations, residing at or near 
Saegersville, associated themselves, under the name , 
of the Union School and Meeting Institute, for the 
purpose of erecting a school-house, which should also 
serve as a meeting-place for holding divine services. 
Samuel Saeger (now deceased) and Reuben Gackeu- 
bach were appointed a building committee, and the 
cost of construction was defrayed by the collection of 
contributions. After its completion, a bell was placed 
in the steeple by the late Peter Sieger, of Philadel- 
phia. After a number of years the original owners 
turned the property into a stock arrangement, of 
which the principal shares are now held by the , 



Siegers, the Bleilers, the Mrtzgers, and other-. No 

regular organization has yet been made. Rev. 
Joshua Derr, of Allentown, was the first pastor. He 
was -ucceeded by the Rev. Thomas Steck, and he by 
the Rev. O. N. Leopold, after a vacancy of several 
years. Rev. K.J. Fogel commenced preaching about 

six vear- ago, and still continues to do so. 

The Sunday-School.— Besides the Sunday-schools 
at Union Church, Ironton, and Laury's, already men- 
tioned, others have been organized in various parts of 
the township. As a general rule, the meetings are 
held in the public school-houses. At Schnecksville 
a Sunday-school was organized in the spring of 1847, 
by Peter Gross, Esq., and Henry Rockel. It is in a 
flourishing condition, and is at present under the 
superintendence of Henry I). Gross, Esq., and Jonas 
Acker. Following is a list of all the Sunday-schools 
in tin township, with the name of the superintendent, 
the number of scholars, and the faith which is taught: 

Schnecksville, Frank Scherer, Lutheran and Reformed 60 

NefT's, Kichard D. WotrinfC, Lutheran and Reformed 70 

Schnecksville, Hiram Croll, Evangelical 

Laury's, William S. Haas, Lutheran and Reformed 85 

Laury's, H. A. Frantz, Lutheran and Reformed 66 

Neff's (Union Church), E. I). Rhoads, Lutheran and Reformed 71) 

Schnecksville, H. I). Gross, Lutheran and Reformed 65 

Ballietsville, or Ironton, F. P. Brown, Lutheran and Reformed 05 

Ballietsville, John Kuehner, Lutheran and Reformed 45 

Si 1 ckaville, Asa Knerr, Lutheran and Reformed 55 

Laury's, Jacob Liuderman, Lutheran and Reformed 45 

Rockdale, E. W. Yehl, Lutheran and Reformed 40 

The love of the church instilled by the original 
settlers into the breasts of their descendants has not 
died out, but, on the contrary, has increased with the 
passing of generations, and to-day hardly any adults 
can be found in the township wdio are not members 
of the Christian Church, and living in the open pro- 
fession of the principles, as well as in the practices, 
taught by Luther and Calvin. 

The Schools. — The early German and Swiss set- 
tlers came with a fair share of common-school learn- 
ing, and there were but few among them wdio could 
not read and write. They recognized the advantages 
that instruction, even of a primary nature, would con- 
fer on their children. Hardly were they established 
as a community before they resolved to erect a place 
of worship, and with it the school-house. This, as 
elsewhere, was the case in North Whitehall. The 
oldest school-house within the present limits of the 
township was the one erected at what is now Union- 
ville, about the year 1755. It was a low building of 
logs, with small windows, and consequently poor light 
and ventilation. It stood in the meadow opposite the 
church building, near a walnut-tree, which is still 
preserved. The building was double, one side being 
occupied by the teacher and his family, and the other 
being used for school purposes. Instruction was "i 
the most primitive description, and entirely in Ger- 
man. The only books used were an A, B, C book, or 
primer, the Psalter, and the New Testament. Some 
of the teachers were educated men from Germany, 
but generally their qualifications for the position of 
teacher were of a limited degree. Besides having the 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



535 



charge of tlic Bel 1, the teachers were also the organ- 
ists of the congregation. There maj have been other 
schools in the township al I date, but we have 

mil found any record of them. This first house al 
TJnionville was succeeded, ahoul 1808, by a more pn - 
tentious structure of stone, the expi erecting 

which was defrayed by holding a lottery, authorized by 
an act of Assembly pass.. I the 15th day of February, 
1808. This was successful!} conducted by a commit- 
tee composed of Daniel Snyder, Frederick Hausman, 
Peter Kern, Michael Deiber, Stephen Balliet, and 
Peter Butz. Like its predecessor, il was a parochial 
school, and was ciuiilurted upon the same methods. 
It is still standing, owned by the Unionville congre- 
gation, and i- now used as a residence by Mr. E. D. 
Bhoads, the present teacher of the public school at 
Unionville. 

The present school-house is a brick building, 
and has been constructed since the passage of the 
school law of 1834. It -lands on land owned by the 
congregation, devoted to this purpose. There are 

two schools, graded. The teachers at Unionville 

since the earliest times have been Diehl, 

Krout, Adam Gilbert, Yost Muckenhaupt, Daniel 
Koener, and John Kinker. 

As already stated, German was the only language 
taught in all the schools up to 1816, when the tirst 
English school was established at Ballietsville. In 
that year the English School Society was formed, and 
at a meeting held on the 29th of March. Stephen Bal- 
liet was elected president, and George Deichman, 
Jacob Schneider, and Christian Troxell were elected 
managers. Peter Romich and Peter Butz were the 
secretaries of the meeting. It was resolved to build a 
house, twenty by twenty-four feet in extent, and that 
each of the twenty subscribers to the house deliver 
oneshortand one long log towards its construction by 
the 1st of May following. Besides the officers already 
named, the subscribers were composed of the follow- 
ing: Nicholas Wotring. Peter Wotring, Samuel Sny- 
der, Abraham Jacob, Wilhelm Rinker, Nicholas 
Scheirer, Michael Track, Peter Graff, Joseph Balliet, 
Frederick Hausman. Solomon Graff, George Frantz, 
Peter Rumble, and John Laury. The building was 
erected about one hundred yards southeast of Balliets- 
ville, and was plastered within. Along the three 
wails of the interior were placed long desks, sloping 
up to the wall, with high benches without backs. 
One of these benches was occupied by the grown-up 
boys, another by the larger girls, and the third by the 
smaller boy- and girls who were just beginning to 
read and write. In the centre of the room, around a 
clumsy wood-stove, sat on two rows of benches with- 
out backs the smallest children, who had nothing but 
their primers to handle. Near the stove, and along 
the fourth side of the building, was the teacher's desk, 
painted red, about five feet high, with a bench of cor- 
responding altitude. Behind his desk, on the wall, 
were hung the hats, shawls, and scarfs of the scholars. 



[n the corner - loden bucket filled with water, 

to which the children often journeyed during the long 
school hours, wl id from eight in the morning 

till half-past four or five in the afternoon, with an in- 
termission of an hour at noon for dinner. This was 

generally taken by the children inth n.and 

dining school hours the baskets and receptacle- in 
which ii was brought stood in a tempting row, Hank- 
ing the water-bucket. The teachers were chosen by 
the neighbors, or sometimes began ki iool 

without consulting the wishes of the community in 

the matter at all. I f t he teaching of on. .Iter 

kind was not agreeable to the parents they would not 
send their children, and thus I th dually freeze" Out 

the self-constituted master by stopping his salary. 

Soi I the teachers were well educated, but many 

were nothing better than the "tramp'" of the presi nt 
day, who, being out of a job, opened a school for 
lack of other employment. The course of instruct ion 
in these early schools embraced reading, writing, 
spelling, and arithmetic. The book- used were < -on 
"Primer and Spelling-Book," Murray's "Introduc- 
tion to the English Header," "English Header, and 
Sequel," Fro-t'- " I nited States History," and " Pike's 
Arithmetic." Grammar and geography were unknown 

sciences. The discipline in the early scl 1- was un 

necessarily severe, and at times even cruel. School 
terms were seldom longer than four months, and 
many of the children were not sent to school Ion 
than for one-fourth of that time. The schools were 
opened and closed with - ad prayer, after the 

good old German fashion. The exercises for each 
half of the day consisted of reading twice and spell- 
ing once, with writing and ciphering at their seats in 
the intervals by the older scholars. Little attention 
was paid to penmanship, writing was done with 'pulls, 
and the making and mending of these was one of the 
principal qualifications demanded in the teacher. 
The teachers of the early parochial schools were paid 
by the parent- of the pupils, but took out a great por- 
tion of their remuneration by "boarding around," as 
it was called. 

The English school building at Ballietsville was 
used till aboul 1 365, when, upon the erection of a sub- 
stantial new brick school-house on top of the hill 
overlooking the village, it was transformed into 
dwelling-house, and is now so used. The teacher- at 
Ballietsville have been Dalton, Wallace, Roberts, 
Custis, Ellis, McCarthy, llandwcrk. Donahue, Frazer, 
Bissing, John Barton, Peter Weida mow living at 
Allentown , Ldolph Booking (of Dusseldorf, Prussia), 

C. William-. M.H. Ol Coplay . John Clifton [of 

East Revs. Alfred Dubs and J. II. Dubs, How- 
man. Pflueger, Kluge, T. F. Emmens at present 

editor of the / , Ward, i lruv< r, H. 8 

Moyer, George I ■'. Hottel, and Wilson. 

Other school-houses, generally of logs, with no pre- 
tensions to architecture, and with no regard to light 
or ventilation, were also erected in the early part ol 



536 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



this century at the Union Slate-Quarries, in Deibert's 
Valley, at Schnecksville, and near Siegersville. 

The poor were often unable in the early times to 
Bend their children to the schools provided, even 
for the short terms they were, and we find in the ac- 
counts of the county treasurer the following credits 
allowed for amounts paid for the education of the 
poor in North Whitehall, in accordance with the pro- 
visions of the act of March 29, 1824: For the year 
1828, $15.01 ; for L830, $13.29; for 1833, $8.07; for 
1834. $25.59; for 1835, $73.91; for 1836, $51.35; for 
1837,$121.2I ; for 1838, $114.15; and for 1839, SI 18.05. 

Previous to the enactment of the general school 
law of 1834 it was the custom in communities which 
had erected school-houses to elect, generally in the 
spring, trustees to take charge of the school interests. 
Thus the records of the court show that on the 19th 
of May, 1825, no trustees having been elected in 
North Whitehall, the following were appointed for 
that purpose by the court, viz. : Peter Ruch, to serve 
for one year, Peter Gross, Esq., for two years, and 
George Scheurer, for three years. The first full board 
of which there is a record was composed of Dr. Wil- 
liam Kohler, Dr. H. O. Wilson, Daniel Seager, Esq., 
Kev. Joseph S. Dubbs, and David Laury. 

After the acceptance, in the year 1843, of the pro- 
visions of the act of 1S34, the schools attained a 
degree of prosperity and discipline they had not 
known before. More and better school-houses were 
built, until at the present time they number seven- 
teen, all substantial buildings of brick, and mostly fur- 
nished with modern school appliances. These accom- 
modate eight hundred and two children, who are 
divided among twenty schools, fourteen of which are 
mixed and six graded. These schools are generally 
named after the localities in which they are found, 
and follow below, with the teachers in charge during 
the winter of 1883-84: 

Teacher. 

1. .Si<?trprsviHe B. M. Henninger, 

•_'. Litzeuberger's, near Kern's Mill E, <; Giith. 

:'.. Sandy Peter's Wiliiani H. Semmels. 

4. Sclmecksville (Primary)... Mi&s Anna A. Alosser. 

5. Sclmecksville (Secondary Charles A. Kerschner. 

6. .- ill Spring J. George Kerschner. 

iv E. D. Rboads. 

S. Uiiionville Secondary A. M. Kline. 

9. Long's, hi Etenninger's C. F. Kuder. 

Valley H. S. Bitter. 

11. aockdale L. M. Beidler. 

12 Keek's H. D. Keck. 

] .:. Lanry's A. H. Bieber. 

14. Model, or Kern's H. A. Frantz. 

15. SchMdy's O.E. Kuhns. 

16. Ballietsville J. M. Mover. 

17. fronton (Primary) "'. E. Frantz. 

is. Irunton (Secondary) ' < ;.. Schucker, 

19. Coplay Creek, t.i Ruchsville C. D. Werley. 

'in. LeViiu'B Miss Amelia C. Wotring. 

The school hoard for the year 1883 consisted of 
Edwin Kuntz (president), A. \V. De Long (secretary), 
Willoughby Koch (treasurer), A. J. Breder, Dr. A.J. 
Erdman, and H. P. K. Roraich. 

The official records of the Court of Quarter Sessions 
of Lehigh show the following to have been elected 
school directors : 



1840.— Conrad Kennel, Isaac Herniany. 
184U — Charles Wearer, Siuion Hankey. 
1842.- John Bbeirer, 'William Lents. 

,i.. ■ ph Eberbard, John Miller. 
L844, 1-1 '. L846. — No returns recorded. 
1847. — David Laury, Aamn Kohler. 
1848. — Stephen Groff, John Schantz. 
1S49. — James Newhard, Aaron Eisenhard. 
1850. — Abraham Neft, David Laury. 
L851. Stephen Saeger, Paul Balliet. 
1852.— A. J. G. Dubbs, Henry Kockel, Joseph V w hard, William Leisen- 

ring. 
1853. — John Romig, William Leisenring, Martin Seipel, Abraham Yellis. 
L854. -Paul Brown, Joseph New hard. 
1855.— E. M. Kuntz, M. Woodiing, W. J. Keck, E. Kern. 
1856. — Peter Hendricks, Simon Kemerer. 
1857. — Reuben Saeger, Jonathan Scbneck, Owen Komig. 
1858.— Franklin P. Mickley, Daniel Levan. 

M..ses B. Schaadt, Georga J. Snyder, Jr. 
I860.' William J. Keck, Joseph Eberhard. 
1 B6f.— Josiah Lanry, Thomas Morgan. 
1862.— Francis Breinig, D. K. Wotring. 
1863.— David Sheirer, L. A. G. Whartmau. 
1864.— Samuel Sell, Keuben Cole. 
181*5. — Moses Heilman, Eli Hoffman. 

Samuel Miller, Edward Kohler. 
18G7. — Edmund Erdman, William lustier, E. Long. 
ISi'.S.— John Croll, Nathan Schneck. 

1869. — Joseph Keller, William Andrews, Reuben Steckel. 
Is7u.— S. A. Brown, John Seiberling. 
1871. — Jeremiah Kuntz, Joel Gross. 
1872.— Joseph Keller, A. W. De Long, Thomas Bertsch. 
1873.— Keuben Meckel, William Deibert, 
1874. — Joel Clauser, Henry Romig. 
1875. — Joseph Keller, Josiah Scbeirer. 
1876.— Hiram Balliet, Geur^e Boss. 
1S77.— David M. Scbeirer, F. P. Brown. 
1878.— Wiliiani Brown, Francis P. Semmel. 
1S79.— Tilgbman Scbneck, John Houser. 

1S80.— A. De Long, David Scbeirer, Elias Deibert, Frank P. Brown. 
1881.— Willonghby Koch, Allen Brader. 
1882.— Edwin Kuhns, John Hauser. 
1883.— Henry Romig, A. W. De Long. 
1884.— A. C. P. Laury, Dr. A. J. Erdman, Willoughbj Koch, Joel Clauser, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



DAVID LAURY. 

The Laury family are of Scotch lineage, Michael 
Laury, the great-grandfather of David, having been a 
native of Scotland. He married Barbara Goodshall, 
born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and with his wife 
emigrated to the United States in 1756. Among their 
children was Godfrey, born November 22, 175G, in 
Philadelphia, and married April 4, 1781, to Susanna 
Rockel, whose son, John, the father of David, was born 
September 12, 1784, in Lehigh County, and married in 
1804 to Maria Magdalena Kuhns. Their son, David, 
was born June 1, 1805, in Lehigh County, Pa. He 
vras raised as a farmer-boy, his schooling, which was 

1 In this year there were seventy-seven votes cast in favor of the 
acceptani e of the common-school law of 1834, and seventy-seven votes 
ngalnst. 

- lit tin- year eighty-six votes were cast for having common schools, 
and eighty against, resulting in the township's accepting the provisions 
of the act uf ls:i4. 




U a-fr-l^V Jia 



0-*^ /y 



i: 



NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



537 



in German, being quite limited, Alter attaining a 
suitable age he learned the blacksmith trade, and 
during this time employed his leisure hours in study 
and reflection. While by self-application he gained 
in book-knowledge, he also educated himself by close 
observation, judgment of men and things, and keen 
perceptions. On the 1-th of August, L827, he was 
married to Maria Kline, a daughter of Jacob Kline. 
of Lowhill township, with whom he lived happily for 
a period of over fifty years, and during which time 
they were blessed with ten children, — four sons and 
six daughters, — of whom seven survive. In the year 
1832 he moved to Laury's Station, then called Slate 
Dam, and there engaged in the mercantile business 
in copartnership with .Messrs. Rupp & Shifferstein. 
Later on the firm dissolved partnership, and Mr. 
Laury continued the business on his own account. 
Encouraged by his well doing, and believing' that a 
grist-mill was a need in that section, he erected one. 
The enterprise proving a sui stablished not 

only a business reputation, but also a credit which 
lew men in those days enjoyed. In company with 
James Xewhard he at the same time held the agency 
<d' the Union Slate Company, of Baltimore, Md., and 
did so well that in the year 1844 he associated with 
himself Hon. James M. Porter, Samuel Taylor, 
Thomas Craig, Sr.. and Piobert McDowell in the slate 
quarrying business at Kirn's Mill, in Washington 
township, the spot now known as Slatington. His 
business prospered amazingly, and when yet a young 
man he manifested an interest in polities. He also 
connected himself with the military companies of 
the county when the volunteer organization was a 
power, and afterwards held various commissions from 
captain to major-general. Being a warm Democrat, 
his military association led him to an active partici- 
pation in the politics of the county, and gradually he 
acquired considerable influence in his party, and ulti- 
mately shared it- honors. 

In 184ti he was nominated for the Assembly by his 
party for the legislative district then composed of Le- 
high and Carbon, the district being entitled to two 
in. tubers jointly, the Democrat- of Carbon having at 
the same time put in the field Peter Bowman. Mr. 
Laury was, however, defeated. In 1850 he was re- 
nominated for the Legislature, r and elected, and so 
also in the year- 1851^53, in each instance contrary to 
his own wishes, and without opposition. In 1856 he 
was elected Presidential elector of the district, and 
on the electoral college meeting al Harrisburg. on 
December 3d of that year, he was present and recorded 
his vote lor James Buchanan tor President of the 
United Stales. In 1853 he was appointed postmaster 
at Laury's Station, and held the position until a 
the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln. A year later 
he was reappointed to the position, without his con- 
sent, by the very party that had charged him with 
disloyalty, and reaccepting the commission forwarded 
he held the position until his death. In 1865 he was 



elected justice of the peace of his township, and in 
1867 was appointed by the conn- of Lehigh and 
Northampton to represent the district in the Hoard 
of State Revenue Commissioners for adjusting the 
amount of taxation to be raised in the different 
tions and counties in the State. In 1868 he was 
elected associate judge of the courts of the county, 
and five year- later, after the expiration of his term, 
was re-elected to the same position. In 1855 he 
was appointed express, freight, ticket, and station 
agent at Laury'.- by the Lehigh Valley 1 ' <>m- 

pany, and held the position until his death. 
In 1870 Mr. Laury was elected president of the 

North Whitehall Loan and Building Association. 
which he carried successfully through in less than nine 
years. In the year 1838 he and Robert McDowell 
established a Sunday-school, known as the Slate- 
Quarry Sunday-school. It was at first exclusively 
English, though the exercises were later conducted in 
English and German. It was the first Sunday-school 
projected in Lehigh County outside of Allentown, and 
Mr. Laury maintained his love for the cause to the 
end of his days, having at the time of his death been 
the superintendent of the St. John's Sunday-school 
near his own home. In the year 1844 he w:is fore- 
most in having the common-school system adopted by 
his township, and aided in overcoming a strong and 
violent opposition to it. He was elected one of the 
directors of the first school board chosen, and being 
made its treasurer, he retained the position for six 
years successively. In 1872 he was made one of the 
building committee of St. John's Church, and gave 
much valuable assistance to the furtherance and com- 
pletion of the project. He also manifested great in- 
terest iu the projection of the Lehigh Valley Kail- 
road. He was called to discharge many responsible 
trusts, and in every one proved faithful to the letter. 
His career was interesting and extended. Perhaps 
uo citizen of the countj bad more influence in public 
affairs during his life than he. In the Democratic 
parly of tin county lie was when in his best years a 
power, — his reputation, sagacity, intelligence, and 
force of character giving him tin influence that did 
much to shape its character and policy. He possessed 
enormous energy, and wonderful activity, lie was a 
born leader of men. His ma physical pro- 

portions and the dignity of his appearance gave him 
a hold upon other men which rendered the task of 
directing them comparatively easy. He was a man 
of decided convictions and of great courage. He did 
not believe in concealing his convictions for policy's 
sake. He never hesitated between two opinion-. 
His personal welfare was never for a moment taken 
into consideration. That a thing was right was enough 
to commend it to his hearty support. That a certain 
policy was wrong was sufficient to command his in- 
-tani and unrelenting opposition. While in the Leg- 
islature In- -tood pre-eminent among the public' men 
of this State for the peculiar straightforwardness of 



538 



HISTOKY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



his views, for the tenacity with which he >i<» " I by 
them alter having arrived al a conclusion, and for his 

unswerving fidelity to the doctrines of the De cratic 

party. A man well informed on public matters, he 
was notable for his interest in debate, and for the un- 
mistakable directness of his arguments. Be was 
characterized by quick perception, an excellent mem- 
ory tor facts, ami an unusual correctness of judgment. 
He lived emphatically a blameless life, whether as a 
private citizen or as a public official. His religious 
convictions were as strong as his political convictions, 
He felt a deep interest in the welfare of his church, 
and was ever ready to jive his time and means for its 
advancement, lie was a man of genial, sociable dis- 
position, formed strong attachments toward his friends 
and neighbors, and possessed those estimable qualities 
which endeared him to all classes. He was wonder- 
fully liberal in his gifts to every deserving cause, 
but for doubtful objects he had nothing. He loved 
truth and manliness. He hated falsehood, humbug, 
and cowardice. He was not a man to regard with 
complacency anything which savored of evil. Dubi- 
(iu- or immoral projects were always sure of his unre- 
lenting hostility. But those movements which had 
tor their object the advancement of religion and the 
benefit of humanity could always count upon his sub- 
stantial aid. 

The death of Mrs. Laury occurred March 12, 1878. 
From this great loss Mr. Laury never fully recovered. 
His death followed that of his wife on the 28th of 
September, 1883, in his seventy-ninth year. 



PAUL BALLIET. 

The family of Balyards were of French extraction 
and nourished as warriors and statesmen in France, 
England, and later in Germany. During the seven- 
teenth century there lived a branch of this family in 
the province of Alsace, on the Rhine, of whom a 
descendant known as Paulus Balliet was bom, in the 
year 1717. At the age of twenty-one he, with many 
other Huguenots, was compelled to flee from the re- 
ligious persecution which followed the revocation of 
the Edict of Nantes. He embarked for America on 
the 10th of September, 1738, and located in Lehigh 
(then Northampton) County, Pa. He married Maria 
Magdalena Wotring, who was born in 1727 in the 
province of Lorraine. Fiance. His death occurred 
in 1777, and that of his wife in 1802. Both are 
buried in Whitehall township. Their children arc 
five sons — Jacob, Nicholas, Stephen, John, and Paul 
— and four daughters, — Catherine, Susan, Eva, and 
Magdalena. Stephen Balliet was born in 1753. He 
was by occupation a merchant, and active in public 
affairs as member of the House of Representatives 
at Harrisburg in 1780-90, and as United States rev- 
enue collector for the Second District of Pennsyl- 
vania. Tradition relates that he was also a Revolu- 



tionary patriot, lie married Magdalena Burkhalter 
then spelled Burgalter), born in 1765, and had two 
sons, — Stephen and Joseph. Mr. Balliet died in 
1821, and his wife in 1805. Their son, Stephen, was 
born Oct. 27, 178], and married, Jan. 22, 1804, to 
Susan, daughter of Conrad Ihrie, of Easton, Pa., 
whose birth occurred Oct. 7, 1784. Their eleven 
children were Stephen, Susan, Stephen (2d), Paul, 
Aaron, .Maria. George, John, Charles, Sabina, and 
Caroline. The death of Mr. Balliet occurred in 1854, 
and that of his wife in 1852. Their son, Paul, the sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch, was born on the I lth 
of May, 1811, in Whitehall township, at the hamlet 
known as Ballietsville, where the years of his youth 
were spent. His education was chiefly obtained at 
home, with later advantages at Easton, Pa. On re- 
turning from the latter place he assumed charge of a 
store in Heidelberg township, which he managed in 
connection \\ ith a furnace belonging to his father, and 
remained several years thus employed. Preferring the 
life of a farmer to the sedentary employment of a 
merchant, he cultivated his father's farm, of which he 
later became owner by purchase. He has continued 
the labors of an agriculturist from that time to the 
present. In connection with his brothers. Aaron and 
John, he subsequently embarked in mining enter- 
prises in North Whitehall township, which interest 
he still retains. At a later day he became and is still 
a stockholder in a furnace at Coplay in the vicinity 
of his home. Mr. Balliet was married to Sarah, 
daughter of Peter Moyer, of North Whitehall town- 
ship, whose surviving children are Paul E., Sabina 
(Mrs. James D. Schall), Josephine (Mrs. Harry H. 
Trumbower), Catherine (Mrs. David Kline) Ella M., 
and Amanda M. (Mrs. James Roney). Mrs. Balliet 
died Feb. 11, 1800. and Mr. Balliet was married a 
second time (on the 20th of May, 1878), to Mrs. 
Kate Emery, daughter of John Haines. In politics 
Mr. Balliet is a Republican, and has served as 
county commissioner, though the excitement attend- 
ing active political life is not congenial to his tastes. 
He is a supporter and member of the German Reformed 
Church of Unionville. 



SAMJJEL A. BROWN. 
Adam Brown, the grandfather of Samuel A., was 
descended from German ancestry and a native of 
Northampton County, from whence he removed to 
Lehigh County. He was united in marriage to Miss 
Margaret Spait, wdiose son, Paul, born on the 24th of 
February, 1807, in Northampton County, resided in 
North Whitehall township, Lehigh Co. He married 
Miss Maria Wotring, of the same county and town- 
ship, and had children, — Elizabeth, Samuel A., Ste- 
phen P., Kiltie Ann, Louisa R., P. Franklin, and 
Hiram Evan, of whom five survive. Samuel A. was 
born Oct. 2, 1833, in North Whitehall township, where 
his boyhood was spent upon the farm of his father. 




rf**jL#"> e *>"X> ' 




' y^TW^- 





-^ 





& 



SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



:,:;:i 



His education was obtained at the scl Is in the im- 
mediate neighborhood of his home ami at the Allen- 
town Seminary. Hie health being far from robust, 
necessitated, for a period i>t' several years, cessation 
from active labor, though he was eventually able to 
perform the duties oi a clerk or accountant. In 1862 
he entered the army as lirst lieutenant of the line 
Hundred and Seventy-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, and remained in the ight months, 

u hen ill health compelled him to relinquish his com- 
mission. He then became an employ,' of the Iron- 
ton Railroad Company, where he remained for three 
years, performing the active duties of his position. 

Mr. Brown was in 18US married to Miss Amanda 
M., daughter of Stephen Graff, of North Whitehall 
township. He was before his marriage, and is still, 
engaged in mining in North Whitehall township, 
having, in connection with his brother, leased the 
iron-ore beds from the estate of his lather. He has 
encouraged also a taste for agriculture, and devotes a 
portion of his time to farming, bringing to bear 
in this, as in other employments, both intelligence 
and enterprise. He is in his political associations a 
pronounced Democrat, and has served as justice of 
the peace and school director of the township. He 
was formerly associated with the Allentown National 
Bank as a director. Mr. Brown, with a view to the 
benefits arising from travel and change of scene, in 
1880, made the tour of Germany, Austria, France, 
and Belgium, and experienced much benefit from the 
journey. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, 
though also a supporter of the German Reformed 
Church, with which Mrs. Brown is connected. 



AMAMU-:- s| i ,,| i; 



Samuel Sieger, the grandfather of Amandes Sieger, 
was by birth a Prussian. Among his children was a 
son, Samuel, born in Siegersville, Lehigh Co., when' 
he resided during his whole life. He married Miss 
Hattie (iuth, of Gutln ille, Lehigh ( o., and had I hil 
dren, — Edwin, Tilghman, John, Josiah, Lewis L., 
and Amandes. The last named was horn at Siegers- 
ville, on the 24th of April, 1840, where his early 
youth was -pent. At the age of eighteen his educa- 
tion was continued at Allentown. and subsequently 

at the Mount Holly Academy. Mount Holly, N. J. 

Alter - ■ time -pent in travel, he located at the 

place of his birth as a coal and lumber merchant, and 
continued this pursuit for four year-, when he again 
gratified his taste for travel. Having, together with 
his brother-, an interest in ore-beds, he engaged in 
the miniiiL' of iron ore. which is still continued, to- 
gether with the mining and manufacturing of slate 
for rooting purposes at Tripoli. Lynn township, where 
he is president of the Tripoli Slate Company. Mr. 
Sieger also for a brief period embarked in the grain 
and coal business. He was married on the 26th of 



December, 1874, to Miss Catherine, daughter ol Petei 
Hendricks, of I nion County. Their children are 
Virginia Ann. Hattie. and Bessie. .Mr. Sieger has 

hi factor in the politics of hi- county 

and a zealous exponent of the principles of his party. 

A- a Democrat he was elected in 1880 to the Stale 
lature, and by a loyal ncy re-elected to 

the same position in 1882, serving on the I 
on Printing, Ways and Meat utional Reform, 

and I ity Passenger Railroads, and Mining. He is a 

Lutheran in his religious faith, and a member of the 

Jordan Lutheran Church. He is connected with the 
order of Masonry as member of Lehigh Lodge, No. 
oL'ii. of 1 tee and Acci pted Masons. 



STEPHEN P. BROWN. 
Stephen P. Brown, the grandson of Adam and 
Margaret Spait Brown, and the son of Paul and 
Maria Wotring Brown, was Jiorn July lit, 1835, in 
North Whitehall township. The neighboring school 
afforded him the rudiments of learning, and Allen- 
town Seminary later enrolled his name among its 
pupils. .\t the age of seventeen be learned the trade 
of carpenter and that of mining engineer, finding 
employment for five years in this connection with the 
[ronton Railroad Company. <>n his removal, at the 
expiration of this period, to Allentown, he engaged 
with Barber & Co. as a builder of mining machinery 
and a pattern-maker. Three years after he entered 
the establishment of William F. Mosser & Co. in the 
same capacity. He subsequently erected much of the 
machinery for the slate-quarries, and was also occu- 
pied in the superintendence of the Brown Iron Mine, 
owned by his father's estate. In 1879, .Mr. I'.eewi 
returned to the homestead, made it his permanent 
home, and has since been interested in the cultivation 
and improvement of the land embraced within its 
area. He was married in 1859 to Miss Elmina, 
daughter of Thomas Ruch, of North Whitehall town- 
ship, whose children are Edward S-, Laura C, Annie 
C, and Elmer J., living, and Hiram T., Wilson P., 
and Lizzie, deceased. Mr. Brown affiliates with the 
Democracy in politics, though neither hi- tastes nor 
his life of ceaseless activity have encouraged partici- 
pation in the busy scenes attending public life. He 
is in religion a Lutheran, and member of the church 
of that denomination at Egypt. 



CHAPTER \ X X V.' 

I II WHITEHALL Township. 

Tins township i- in (he Lehigh County. 
It has the -hap, of a rhouabllS, with it- angle- lying 
in the direction of the point- of the i ipasS. It i- 

1 By Ber. F. K. Btrml. 



.VI (l 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bounded on the northwest by North Whitehall, on the 
northeast by Whitehall, on the east by the city of 
Allentown, southeast by Salisbury township, and on 
tin southwest by the townships of Upper and Lower 
Macungie. Its greatest Length is the diagonal from 
west to east, which is about seven miles. The north 
and south diagonal is six miles long. It contains 
eighteen thousand five hundred and sixty acres of 
laud. With the exception of Huckleberry Ridge, 
which runs east and west for about lour miles, the 
surface is nearly level. The soil is generally fertile. 
The greater portion of the township is in a high state 
of cultivation. 

The township is watered by two streams or creeks, 
— the Jordan and the Cedar. The former runs through 
the northern portion of the township from west to 
cast, and furnishes power lor one grist-mill in this 
township. This stream is very wild and turbulent 
some seasons of the year, overflowing its banks and 
carrying along everything in its way; at other seasons 
it is perfectly dry. Hence it is very unreliable for 
manufacturing purposes, — the grist-mills generally 
require steam-power during certain parts of the year. 
It is gradually decreasing in its volume of water. 
Cedar Creek runs from west to east across the south- 
ern portion of the township. It has its source just 
:iit"" the boundary line in Upper Macungie. There 
we find a large spring, which has a sufficient power 
to run a grist-mill only a few hundred yards from its 
fountain. Cedar Creek is a very remarkable stream. 
" Its volume appears invariable in wet or dry weather. 
It never freezes, and the grass, which grows to the 
water's edge, appears green all seasons, and is always 
uncovered, the water dissolving the snow as it falls." 

Early Settlements.— At the organization of North- 
ampton County, in March, 1752, the territory which 
is now South Whitehall was included in that portion 
of land known as the " back parts of Macungie," or 
"the Heidelberg District." By referring to the his- 
tory of old " Whitehall township," which included the 
present Whitehall, and North and .South Whitehall 
townships, there will be found much matter which 
beats upon the early settlers of this township. An 
assessment-roll given there also contains the namesof 
those who were living within the limits of this town- 
ship at that time (1781). Among the settlers who 
then came to this township, and of whom we have 
obtained accounts, we would mention the following : 

One of the earliest tracts of land purchased in this 
township was by Nicholas Kern. He took out war- 
rants for lands Dec. 3, 17::."., and I let. 28, 1737. Some 
of these lands he sold to Laurence Good (or Lorenz 
Guth), Feb. 27, 1739. He afterwards, Nov. 24, L737, 
and March 15, 1738, warranted lands on the south 
side of tin- nine Mountains, now Slatington. There he 
-ruled and died in 1747. A portion of his large fam- 
ily settled at his home south of the Blue Mountains, 
and others on lands he retained in this township. In 
Mir .ear 1783, Jacob Kern, son of Nicholas, was in 



>n of tract- of land known as " Kern's Folly," 
'Kernsburg," and "Delay." A part of these lands 

he Sold to l'eter Meyer (or Moyer). This land lies in 
North Whitehall and in the northeastern part of this 

township. Mechanicsville lies on a part of it. In 

IM9. l'eter Meyer sold one hundred and twelvi 
to his son. l'eter, who resided in North Whitehall, 
where Henry Lazarus now lives. Simon If 
miii of Peter, now lives at Meyersville, and kept the 
hotel on the property to within a few months. It is 
now kept by his son. In 1852, Simon Meyer bought 
it from George Gangwere. l'eter Kern, whose sketch 
comes later, is not known to have been related with 
this family. 

Lorenz Good (or Guth) was a native of Germany, 
and came to this country prior to July 27. 1739. On 
that day he purchased from Nicholas Kern and hi> 
wife, Mary Margaret, three tracts of land, warrants 
for which had been granted to Mr. Kern Dec. 3, 1735, 
and Oct. 28, 1737, and one hundred acres Feb. 24. L737. 
The former embraced two hundred acres. All these 
tracts lie in South Whitehall. These tracts were pat- 
ented to Lorenz Guth by Thomas and Richard Penn, 

prietaries, May 28,1760. On June 12, 1741, Guth 

took out a warrant again for forty seven acres. This 
was embraced in the s;une patent. He also took out 
a warrant for other lands ; the date of one was Nov. 
1, 1749, containing forty-six acres, known as the 
"(Jul It's Pleasure." It adjoined the lands of Peter 
Troxell and Nicholas Kern. On the 10th of April, 
17"."., another warrant was issued to him, called "The 
Spring." It contained sixteen acres, and adjoined 
lands owned by John Weaver and Nicholas Kern. 
Still another warrant of fifty acres is dated Oct. 23, 
1755. It is called " Guth's Delight," and adjoined 
the Reformed Church property. These lands were 
patented to Guth March 17, 17(10, and Dec. 13, 1760. 
Aug. 12, 1793, he bought of Peter Kohler one hun- 
dred and twenty-three acres. By the year 1800, 
Lorenz Guth had in his possession nine hundred and 
ninety-six acres of land. 

He erected the house in which his great-great-grand- 
son, Elias Guth, now resides. Its walls are two feel 
thick, with small windows. Logs were fitted to these 
and made so as to wedge in tightly. These were to be 
used in case of attacks by Indians. In times of danger 
the neighbors used to gather here. An acre of ground 
surrounding this house was inclosed with a stone 
wall two feet thick and seven feet high, within which 
the cattle were kept. It is not known whether any 
attack was ever made upon this house. The time of 
the death of Lorenz Guth, Sr., is not known, but it 
must have been after the year 1800, for in that year a 
deed was given by him to his son, Lorenz. In this 
deed are also mentioned the other brothers, Adam 
and Peter. As far as we know, these three — Lorenz, 
Adam, and Peter — were his only sons. 

Lawrence (or Lorenz), Jr., settled on the homestead, 
where Levi now resides. His sons were Lorenz (3d), 



SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



541 



Peter, Daniel I... Solomon, Henry, John, and Adam, 
besides four daughters. Lorenz, Jr. i2d', was 

in 1748, was married twice, the lirst time to Sal 

Dorenifen, and the second ti to Marie Dorenifen. 

He .lied in 181 I. 

Hi- son Lawrence (3d) lived for s while in the 
neighborhood, thi a lefl for the West. Peter, another 
son of Lorenz (2d setl li d on a part of the homi 
He left a numerous progeny, of whom Charles is the 
only one in this township. Daniel I,., another son of 
the same, was born in 1787, and died in L887. His 
son, Levi, lives at present on the other old homi 
Edward and Sy Ivester are also sons, and live at pres- 
ent in the township. Henry, -til] another son "t 
Lorenz (2d), also settled ami died in the township. 
Mr. Calvin Guth, now living in the township, is one 
of his sons. Another -on. Horace, lived in Upper 
Macungie. John, also a son oi Lorenz 2d), settled 
on a part of the original tract, and died there. His 
grandchildren reside in Saegersville and Allentown. 

Tin re-t of the' -on- of Lorenz 2d) either died 
young or else moved out of the State. This closes 
the account of the progeny of Lorenz (2d). 

Adam, a brother of Lorenz (2d), or son of Lorenz, 
Sr.. settled at or near Guthsville. His children were 
Joseph, Henry, George, Daniel A.. John, Jonas, 
Peter. Emmeline. 

The family of Joseph is scattered and lost. Henry 
had a -on. Aaron, and daughter, Melinda, who mar- 
ried Daniel Stettler. George married Lydia, daughter 
of Daniel Guth; two daughters were born to them. 
Daniel A., horn in 1787, and died in 1861. had three 
sons, Mana-se-, Ephraim, and Benjamin ; the former 
live- on his father's place. John, born 17S4, has a 
son, Gideon, who lives in Wennersville. The re-t 
have no descendants in the township. This closes 
the history of the Guth family. 

Before 1743 Caspar Wistar was in possession of 
seven hundred and thirty-eight acres of land and six 
per cent, allowance. This land lay in what i- now 
Whitehall, North Whitehall, and South Whitehall. 
In the same year he sold to Peter Troxell two hundred 
acres: in May, 17!»2, he sold to Peter Kern three 
hundred and eighty acres, and in May, 1798, he sold 
of the remainder of his tract one hundred and eighty- 
eight acres, to Godfrey Haga. The Troxell land is 
situated in Whitehall and South Whitehall, and is 
still owned by the family. The old house built by 
Peter Troxell in 1744 still stands. .\ further account 
of this family belongs to the history oi Whitehall. 
The land bought by Peter Kern lies in South and 
North Whitehall. A portion of it is now owned by 
Jeremiah Kern, a grandson of Peter. The tract pur- 
chased by Godfrey Haga was in 1804 bought by Sam- 
uel Sieger, of Siegereville, and is now owned by the 
descendant-. 

Jacob Henninger, the first of the Henninger 
family living in this section, was born in Alsace, 
Germany, in 1739, came to this country in his youth, i 



and was in his sixteenth or seventeenth year already 

the soldiers who went to the relief oi th< 
sionaries who had settled at Gnadenhiitten (now 

'on . Be helped to garri-on 1'oit Allen 

He subsequently purchased 
the trai on which Peter Wenner now live-. 

He married Catharine Kemmel, of Berks. He died 
Sept. 22, 1823, aged eighty-four years, she survived 

him many year-, and died in 1839, aged seventy-nine 
years. He had live sons.- Jacob, John George, Dan- 
iel, < ihristian, and John. Jacob, the eldi 
where his son, Tilghman, now lives. He had 
sons and one daughter,— Jonathan, Jacob. Elias, 
Reuben, Tilghman, Charles, Moses, franklin, and 
Annie now Mr-. Christian Housman. They all, 
with the exception of Jonathan and Mosi -. settled in 
this township. Jonathan removed to Whitehall and 
died in 18S4. and Moses lives in Saucon. John 
George, the second son of Jacob, Sr., settled at Wen- 
nersville, where Gideon Guth now lives. He married 
Catharine Meyer, who was born in 1784, and died in 
1848. Their children were three daughter-, who are 
now Mr-. Jonathan U i-s, r . Mrs. Kli- Schearer, and 

Mrs. Joel Scheirer. 

Daniel, the third son of Jacob, Sr., settled on a 
part of the original tract. He had two 
Thomas and Daniel — and one daughter, — Lucinda 
.Mrs. John Albright!. All settled at or around the 
old homestead. 

Christian, the fourth son of Jacob, Sr., settled 
where Elias Henniger now lives. His children — 
Daniel. John, Peter, Christian, William, Mrs. Solo- 
mon Kline, and Mrs. Marcks— left this township 
after they were grown up. 

The last son of Jacob. Sr. John), settled on the 
Daniel Guth farm, now owned by his son, Josiah. 
John, known as (apt. John Henninger, married 
Susanna, daughter of Daniel Guth. She died in 
1884. Their children were Josiah (of whom a sketch 
appears at the conclusion of this chapter), Zephaniah, 
Solomon, J. George, Edwin, and Brigetta. Zephaniah 
removed to Dauphin County : Solomon went to Clay- 
ton, Del.; J. George lives on a portion of his grand- 
father's tract: Edwin reside- in Allentown; and 
Brigetta mow Mrs. Edwin Heilman) lives in the 
township, mar the old home. 

Peter Kern, a native of Germany, came to this 
township prior to 17'Jl'. He bought. May 21, 179:.', 
three hundred and eighty acres of land on the north 
bank of the Jordan, above Cross-Keys, ot Caspar 
Wistar. He built a house below the present farm of 
Jeremiah Kern, his grandson. He had seven chil- 
dren, five sons and two daughters, Peter, Joseph 
Daniel, Thomas, Julia (Mrs. Michael Sieger), 
and Bailie (Mrs. Herman . 

Peter removed to Hamburg, and subsequentlv to 
Philadelphia. 

Joseph married a daughter of one of the Romigs 
(near Lehigh Church . settled on a part of the home- 



542 



BISTORT 01 LEHIGH COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA. 



stead two hundred and one acres), which be bought 
of hi- fathei Dec. 8, L818. His descendants are 
living in the township. 
Jonas moved to Hamburg. I>r. Josiab Kirn, of 

geraville, is a Bon. 

Daniel settled al I lamburg, and Thomas moved to 
North Whitehall, at what is known as Kern's Mills. 
Mrs. Michael Sieger settled in Siegersville. 

Before 1800, Petei Dome] I ghl one hundred and 

fifty acres of land of Peter Ehler, embracing the site 
of Dorneysville. A hotel, then already at the place. 
was continued by him. He hud two sons and two 

(laughters, — John, William, .Mrs. Henry Shanty, and 

Kate, who remained single. John moved to the hotel, 
kept it for some time, ami then gave it into other 
hands. ll<- died in 1871. Since the time he left the 
hotel it has been in the hands of John Saeger, Edwin 
Romig, Edwin Muse, Willoughbj Kline, Nathan 
Frederick, and (since 1877) David Gilbert. John had 
eight children, — Daniel D. (who lives in the town- 
ship), Tilghman H. (of Allentown), Man (Sirs. 
James A. Saegeri, Lavinia (Mrs. Adam Marfcle), 
Lydia (Mrs. Edwin Romig), Matilda (Mis. Edwin 
Muse), Sallie A. (Mis. Willoughby Kline), and Eliza- 
beth (Mrs. William Root). Mrs. Saeger, Mrs. Markle, 
Mrs. Romig, and Mrs. Muse reside also in the town- 
ship. 

William, a brother of John, and son of the original 
Peter, lived on the homestead farm, and died in 1882. 

George Wenncr was one of the early settlers of the 
township. lie is said to have bought one hundred 
ami twenty-six acres of land from Lynford Lardner. 
He settled and died at. what is now Wennersville. 
lie had four sons and two daughters, — George, Wil- 
liam, John, Jonathan, Mrs. Peter Romig, and Mrs. 
Peter Butz. 

William settled and died on the homestead. He 
left a large family, of whom Reuben remains on the 
old home, where his sons, Thomas and George, still 
live. 

Sarah, daughter of William, married Gideon Guth, 
and remained in Wennersville, where he still lives. 
Lydia, another daughter, became the wife of Levi 
Guth, and lives in the township. Solomon lives in 
Lower Macungie, and the rest of the family are in 
Seneca County. ' fhio. 

John, a son ol (icorge and brother of William, set- 
tled on land adjoining the homestead. He (in 1837) 
bought the Jacob llenninger farm. He had three 
sons, — Peter, Charles, and Ephraim. Peterstill lives 
and resides in the township. The rest are in other 

townships. 

Daniel Guth was not connected with the original 

Lorenz Guth of L739. Nevertheless he was an early 

settler in this township, and lived on the property 
now owned by Mr. .losiah Henninger. lie erected 
the -lone house, which still stands on the premises, 
in 1812, having many years previous occupied a log 
house near the site of the present stone dwelling. 



His daughter, Susanna, married Mr. John Henninger, 
and settled on the old place. She died in L88 I. Dan- 
iel had another daughter, Lydia, w ho hecaiue the wile 

.i George Guth, son of Adam, 'flex also settled in 

the township. Daniel left no male heir-. 

Dee. 15, 1804, Samuel Sieger bought of Andrew 
Beck thirty-five acres of the original Caspar Wistar 

tract. Later, his son. George, became the owner of 
the tract. George left live -on- and three daughters. 
The sons are Nathan, Ephraim, William, Owen, and 
Franklin. All hut William and Franklin settled in 
the township. In 1862, Ephraim built a -tone grist- 
mill on the Jordan. It was burned down in lSSil, 
but rebuilt at once. Limestone is found plentifully 
on this tract, which is used for curbstones and lime. 

Michael Snyder came from Zweibriicken in 1750, 
when he was nine years old. He was sold for his 
passage, and served with a Mr. Zimmerman, Deal 
Kutztown, I'.erksCo. In 17iio he married Miss Kliza- 
beth Beaver, and moved to New Tripoli. He served 
in the Revolution, and afterwards bought a portion of 
the Wistar tract, near Guthsville, this township. He 
died at the age of ninety-one. Hi- children are 
George, Peter, Daniel, and Michael, also two daugh- 
ters, — Mrs. Solomon Leukel and Mrs. Biege. The 

children of George are George, Jr., Michael, Soh n. 

and Peter. George. No. 2, had three children, — John, 
i reorge, and Delia. John remains in the township as 
the sole representative of this large family. The rest 
have all moved to other parts of the State. 

John Griesemer emigrated from Germany in 1730. 
He took out warrants for hind in Bucks County, where 
he settled. Of his sons, Abraham settled in what is 
now South Whitehall before 1781. In 1806 he erected 
the tavern stand now at Griesemerville, which he kept 
many years. He was one of the first commissioners 
of Lehigh County in 1812. He had one son, Solomon, 
who settled on the homestead. He was commissioner 
of the county in 1835. The daughters of Abraham 
i do -einer became the wives of Abraham liieher, of 
Salisbury, John Reed, John Keep, Jacob Scboll, and 
James (iephart. Solomon died in 1877, aged eighty- 
sis years, and had five sons and five daughters, ol' 
whom Solomon and William are now living. Solomon 
rebuilt the tavern in 1861, and kept it till 1S77, when 
his sun. Allied Griesemer, the present proprietor, took 
possession. 

The Troxell family settled in Whitehall township, 
on the Coplay Creek, at Egypt, prior to 17:17. John 
Troxell obtained a warrant dated Oct. 28, 17117, for a 
tract of two hundred ami fifty acres of land, which, 
by non-compliance, became void. Hans Peter Trox- 
ell obtained a warrant for the same tract dated Jan. 
20, 174:;, and had a patent issued Nov. 28, 1748. This 
tract was sold to Peter Steckel, by deed dated Ma\ 13, 

1768. Peter Troxell also obtained two patents dated 
I iee. 23, 1760, for two adjoining tracts together con- 
taining one hundred and thirteen and three-quarter 
acres. These original Troxell tracts are now cut up 



/ 



SOUTB WI1ITKH ALL TOWNSHIP 



543 



into a number of small tracts, and owned by different 
parties. 

The Troxell family settled also at an early date on 
the Jordan Creek, in what is dow South Whitehall. 
In 17 18, Peter Troxell boughl from < laspar \\ istar a 
trad of two hundred acres of land. This Peter Trox- 
ell is said to have emigrated t<> this country at 1 1 
(it* thirteen years with bis father, and had also i 
in this vicinity. Peter Troxell, the son of the above- 
named Peter, was born March 28, 1751, and bis wife, 
Julia Barbara, was born May 5, 1758, They had 
nine children, to wit : John was born tag. 9, 1784; 
Daniel, born in L78l Peter, in 1788 ; Abraham 3 Oct. 
L8, 17-:' Magdalena, Sept, ( .', L791 . Jacob, Jurj 
L794; Solomon, Aug. 26, L796; Elizabeth, June 12, 
L799 : Susannah, . 

John settled in the township, on the Jordan, and 
obtained a portion of his lather's land. Daniel set- 
tled on the old homestead, where he lived until the 
time of his death, w h 1 Daniel, obtained I he 

farm, where be lived for some years, and subsequently 
sold the same to Michael Minnich, the presenl o 
and moved to Alleutown, Pa. Peter also obtained a 
portion of his lather's land, where he settled. M 
lena was married to — Schadt, and moved to the 

rn States. Jacob settled in Salisbury, and 
mon in Northampton County. Susannah was inter- 
married with < reorge Adam Kemmerer, and settled in 
Whitehall township. A mong the sons of Peter Trox- 
ell last above mentioned is Aaron Troxell, now residing 
in the city of A lien town, lie is intermarried with An 
geline Jarret, a descendant of John .la net, the a 
tor of the Jarret family in this vicinity, from York- 
shire, England. Aaron Troxell was elected treasurer 
of Lehigh County in ls.Vl, and held the office for 
three years. 

Organization of Township.— South Whitehall, 

together with Whitehall and North Whitehall. 
nally formed Whitehall township, of Northampton 
County. A petition was presented to the January 
term of Northampton County court in 1810, asking 
for a division of Whitehall township. The court ap- 
pointed George Palmer, John Lerch, and .Michael 
Snyder to inquire into the propriety of a division, 
and if thought advisable to divide it. This committee 
made a it puri in November of the same year, in which 

they declared they had divided the township. In due 

course of time, in the same term of court, it was de- 
clared that the township be divided according to the 
report, and one part, lying northward of the division 
line, is named North Whitehall, and the other South 
Whitehall. The assessment-roll for the township w as, 

however, not made until late in the year of 1812. 
The follow i utes the first assessment-roll : 

iSSl —Ml. vi R01 i. FOB l-i .'. 
ai Albrecbt 

Leber, limy. 

D 11 !■! Beer) . Ja< ob B 

Abraham Bats. Bats. 

Frederick Braumiller. Daniel Butz. 



Petei D 

; Hilt/. 

Samuel B 
Daniel i. 
Abraham Blu i 
' I lumer. 

ll-ni> B 

John Bllllg. 
. sber. 
i Brown. 

Adam Di 

. Oilman. 
John I" 
Jacob I' 

; Droxaell. 
Petei Droxaell. 
Peter Droxaell, Sr. 
Peter Droxaell. 
' 

Doruey. 
. ■ in 
John Dome] , 
1 csell. 

■ 

ird. 

U i bael Freyman. 
\ alen tine Fasold. 
J i 
Obrlatopfa i'i ej man. 

1 lexer. 
Law rei 
I 'etei ' ■ 

aware, 
ware. 
■ 
1 

!l num. 
Abraham Grelaemer. 

.i.i, 
Daniel Glti k. 

Glfi i. 
Daniel Gl 
Adam Glick, Sr. 
Adam < fill u . 

• Ink. 

John Glick. 
Petei Glick, Sr. 
Petei i 
Adam * Web 
Henry • 

ll.'iniinger. 
Hartman. 

Mill. 

Hoffman. 
Adam Bel 
Jacob ihibler. 
Hem y Hoffman. 
Petei H 'inn in . 
■ Men. 
I Helfrich. 
Philip Ham met. 
1 ! I t>n dinger. 

Frederick Hill. 

Bill. 
Jose] h Benry. 

Ja< i Mf nninger. 
Christian F. Henniuger. 
Widow Baman, 
Jacob 1 1 

i i tzell. 
Jacob Jodder. 
Jacob Jnnd. 

Jund, 
Daniel .Jund. 



Abral I 

i ■ 

John K 
Josepli Kern. 
Petei i. 

mer. 
Jonatha 
Adaui K 
IT 1,1 y Kolb. 

Philip Krach. 

i rick Knanm. 

■ m ICnausa. 

i. 

Philip B 

Gottlieb Keiper. 

icier. 
i . 

i Dguth. 

■ d 

a nthouy Uusiok. 
William Miller. 
Abraham Miller. 
Benry Bffickley. 
Jacob U 

I ■ kley, 
■i i kley. 
Daniel Miller. 
Petei U 

Hlller. 
Hi nek. 
I nek. 
! m.i nerer. 

Chriaroph Wobr. 
Pett r W ft 
,i ,■■ b M 

Benry Hertz. 

M-'i t/.. 

I - ; 

Laurence Neuhart. 
John Keufaai t. 
I'i-i. i Neuhart. 
i ■ k Neuhart 

ird. 
■ V iuhar<d. 
Daniel Neuhart. 
Paul. 

Widow Babenold. 
Peter Bboads. 

loads. 

John R 

Daniel Bhoads. 

ij 
John i, 

B ioada. 
Petei iMioads. 
i i. 

nold. 
s tcholaa Bal ei 
William Bohn. 
i Butt 

mi tiger. 
Abraham - I 

Philip Steininger. 
Philip Schautz. 

- 
Peter Schneider, 

bantz. 
Samuel Si 

band. 
Samuel - 



544 



HISTORY OK LKIIIC.H t'Ol'NTY. l'KNNSYLVANIA. 



-tmUSS. 

gelfrled. 
dd Seifried. 

Henry Sclmeldor. 

- henenbonch. 

- hnerr. 
Abraham Sterner. 
John Smith. 

Idam Swander estate. 
Jacob Swander. 
Adam Swander, Jr. 

Ian Steininger. 
John Stephan. 
Abraham Sterner. 
Henry Swander. 
John Strauss. 

-tiaiiBS. 
John Shiffert. 

i tephen. 

James Segreaves. 
Henry Schoener. 
Lndwig Sauerwine. 
Henry Sterner. 



Ulohai i Sauerwine, 

J] |Bert 
J ha W 

\\ enner, Sr. 

e Wenner. 
Nicholas Wolf. 
Peter Frantz, Jr. 
George Ueberroth. 

Rhoad. 
Rfichael w.-ider. 
Petei Derr. 
George Shuyder. 

Adam Sterner. 

Henrj Rhoad. 

Guataf [bach. 

i in Repp, 

Chat lea ' langeware. 

John Laudenslagor. 

. I. .tin l:tn, ,iil. 

John Knechel 

Christian Fenstermacher, 

I'liilip Fenstermacher. 



Peter Woodring. 
John Swander. 

Henry Dorney. 
Daniel KuauS3. 
Daniel Troxell. 
Daniel Good. 
Daniel Good. 



Single Freemen. 

Joseph Good. 
i ieorge Good 
John Good. 
John Rhoad. 
Christian Hoffman. 
John Siegfried. 
Michael llelfrieh. 



At a later period several attempts were made to 
again cut the two Whitehall townships so as to make 
three out of them. After a number of failures to 
make such a division, the petitioners were finally 
successful iu 1864. Then the eastern portion of 
South Whitehall anil the southeastern portion of 
North Whitehall were detached from their respective 
townships, and were formed into the township of 
Whitehall. When Allentown was incorporated into 
a city a small portion of the eastern corner of the 
township was again separated from it and attached 
to Allentown. leaving it then as it is now formed. 

Villages— Cedarville. — The site of Cedarville was 
one hundred years ago in possession of the Knauss 
family. In 1858, James A. Seager erected a brick 
hotel at the place. At that time but one other house, 
owned by Elias Muse, was here besides the Union 
Church (Lutheran and Reformed). A grist-mill was 
erected by one of the Knausses on Cedar Creek, at 
Cedarville. It was rebuilt by Charles Mertz in 1852. 
It is now owned by Mr. Lichtenwalter. In 1852, Mr. 
Mertz owned the property which is now Cedarville. 
He sold to Asa Balliet about one hundred acres and 
the mill for thirty-two thousand dollars. About the 
year 1858, Mr. Mertz laid out his land in lots. 
These lots were gradually disposed of, and Cedarville 
begun. 

A store was started in 1872 by Solomon Domey. 
Two years later it passed into the hands of his son- 
in-law, Hiram O. Weaver. A post-office was estab- 
lished in 1872. Mr. Domey became the first post- 
master, and Mr. Weaver has held the same since 
1874. A telegraph-office was opened in 1878. This 



mat little village qoti contains about twenty dwell- 
ings. 

The town contains two churches. The older i- a 
Union Church I Lutheran and Reformed). Thiscon- 
gregation was organized in 1865. It is a daughter of 
the Jordan congregation, situated :i 1 »< <n t three or four 
miles ui-l of the village. A liriek building was 
erected in 1855, at a cost of admit live thousand * 1 « • 1 - 
lars. The Brs1 Lutheran pastor was Rev. Jeremiah 
Schindel. lb' was succeeded by Rev. William Rath, 
who was again succeeded by Rev. < >. Leopold, the 
present pastor. The first Reformed pastor was Rev. 
Joseph |iiiMi~. He wit> followed by Rev. Mr. Fogel, 
the present pastor. 

The other church was built of brick, in 1855, tit a 
cost of aboul time thousand dollars. The land on 
which it stands was owned by Alexander Knauss. It 
is of the Albright Evangelical persuasion. It belongs 
to the Lehigh Circuit, and forms a charge with Texas, 
Macungie. and Wescosville. 

Crackersport. — This tract of land was many years 
ago owned by John Billig. He opened a tavern and 
kept it for several years. Later it fell into the hands 
of Jeremiah Troxel and Joseph Kelchner. It was 
then discontinued. A store was opened for a short 
time by Charles and William Hittle. Several years 
ago a carriage-factory was erected, and it is still in 
operation by Mr. Stauffer. A public school-house, a 
temperance hall, a coach-factory, and ten dwellings 
comprise the hamlet of to-day. 

South Whitehall Division, No. 391, Sons of 
Temperance, was founded in 1849. The original 
charter members were Simon Keck, Ephraim Rein- 
hard, Solomon Fries, Josiah Strauss, Henry Hertzel, 
Aaron Kepp, Benjamin Moyer, Alexander Knauss, 
Gideon Guth, Daniel Kerchner, Jonas Reinhard, 
William Eisenhard, Henry Dannberger, Edwin 
Acker, John Huber, Joseph Hammel, and Amos 
Fries. This organization is still living, gathers into 
its body a few additional members from time to time, 
and has at one time been very energetic. Its build- 
ing at Crackersport was erected soon after its organi- 
zation. 

Griesemerville. — In 1806, Abraham Griesemer 

built a tavern at this place, and kept it for many years. 

His son, Solomon, succeeded him until 1877, when it 

| fell into the hands of Alfred Oriesemer, a son of 

I Solomon. He is still the proprietor. A tannery was 

1 erected in 1829, by Peter Ludwig ; subsequently it 

was operated by his sons, Solomon and Charles. At 

the present time it is in the bands of William Young, 

of Allentown. 

Guthsville. — This pleasant little village was settled 

j by Adam Guth, son of Lorenz, Sr., about 1780. His 

! granddaughter, Mrs. Daniel Stetler, still resides in the 

place. She is about the only representative of the 

Guth family still living here. In 1782, Michael 

Snyder also came to the place. Other old residents 

were Henry Guth and Stetler. Henry Guth, son 



snl Til WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



546 



of A<i:un, erected a hotel in this place manj years i 

The date of it* building ia lost. S thirty years 

ago this old hotel was t'>rn down, and the present One 
brick hotel put up. This was in 1851. The old hotel 
stood farther back. The present proprietor is Jere- 
miab dotz. A large store-house with hall was erected 
in lsr,. - .. The first blacksmith-shop was erected in 
1852. The oldest building now standing in the place 
is the stone dwelling-house owned by Widow Kern, 
and occupied by Mr. Diehl. It was built in 1830. 
At present the town contains a large hotel, a store, 
three blacksmith-shops, machine-shop, carriage-man- 
ufactory, large shoe-store, post-ol S itlersville 
post-office, established in 1883), telegraph-office, and 
about thirty I'm- or forty dwellings. 

Mechanicsville. — This town is situated on the 
northeastern border of the township. It contains a 
hotel, a store, two carriage-shops, and seventeen 
dwellings. About the year I829j John Scheierer 
erected the first house at this place on a part of the 
old Peter Mover tract. It was a log house, and stood 
where the dwelling of Samuel Troxell now stands. 
In 1850, or thereabouts, John Scheetz erected a car- 
riage-factory, and employed a number of hands. He 
conducted a large business. From the number of 
hands (mechanics | he needed in hi- business the place 
received the name Mechanicsville Later Paul 
Kratzer opened another carriage-factory. The one is 
now owned by William Bberwine, and the other by 
Henry Albright. In 1849, John Minnicfa erected the 
hotel now in the hands of John E. Overholt. Min- 
nich also soon afterwards opened a store; it is now 
kept by Henry C. Kelchner. 

Orefield. — The land on which this hamlet is sit- 
uated was a part of the Peter Kern tract. In 1813, 
Joseph Kern, a son of Peter, purchased from his 
father two hundred and one at res. He erected a 
brick house, which is still standing. This dwelling 
passed into the hands of Nicholas Kramer, and later 
into those of John Hoffman. The last-named gen- 
tleman changed the dwelling-house into a hotel. 
Additional houses were erected, and the name Hoff- 
mansville given the place. In 1859 the hotel was sold 
to Frank C. Balliet, and later to George Keiser. In 
1868 it was discontinued as a hotel. In 1872, John 
Kuntz bought the property, and at once opened a 
hotel again. Alter his death, in 1879, it went into 
the hands of his sons, Nathaniel and Edward. They 
are the present proprietor-. 

In 1841 iron ore was discovered near the place by 
Joseph Kern, on land of George Guth. This brought 
new life to the place. At the same time the name of 
the place was changed from Hoffmanaville to Ore- 
field. A post-office was also established near the 
hamlet, at Siegersville, and the name Orefield post- 
office given it. To-day the hamlet contains a hotel, 
a carriage manufactory, and some eight or ten dwell- 
ings. 

Walbert's Station. — This village grew up in 1857, 



when the Oatasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad was 
built, and when at this point the road established a 

station. At that time there was bul a hotel. Now 

the place contain- nearly a dozen QOU8I - The hotel 
i from the hands of Klia- Heiininger into tb 

of his son, Amandas, and in 1870 it was purchased by 
E. C. Jacoby, the present proprietor. An old resident 

of this place m- Solomon Walbert, after whom the 
place was named. A store was kept here for some 
time, but did not prosper, 

Wennersville. — This village is located on the farm 
of George Wenner. His Bon, William, bought, in 
1837, a portion of the original tract and opened a 
hotel. It pa— ed into the hands of Charles and 
Gideon Guth, Alexander Loder, J- auss, and 

Jonas Renninger. A brick school-house was eri cted 
in L861. 

In 1840 store was kept at the place by Hideon 
(tilth, but was discontinued soon afterwards. A 
blacksmith-shop was opened in I8-">8. In 1866, 
Thomas Wenner started a machine-shop. Another 
one was put up in 1873. 

In this place is also located a German Baptist 
Church. It was organized in the fall of 1870. It 
then contained twelve members, and was under the 
pastoral care of Rev. William Desh. On the 21st 
of November, in the same year, a lot was purchased 
at the place on which was erected the present frame 
church edifice. Its membership at the present time 
is some twenty. Rev. Desh preaches every two 
weeks, and Rev. William Moore once in eight weeks. 

Snydersville. — In 1835 the hotel there was erected 
by George Snyder. Since then it has grown into a 
hamlet of ten or twelve houses. 

Guth's Station. — This is a place of from fifteen to 
eighteen houses. It began to grow since the Cata- 
sauqua and Fogelsville Railroad passes through. It 
has a hotel, a store, a fine school-house, and a num- 
ber of dwelling-houses. Its people are principally 
engaged in the ore-beds which surround the place. 

Roads. — In " ye olden time" two main roads passed 
through this township. One was known as the Allen- 
town and Easton road, and the other as the Mauch 
Chunk road. The former came into this township 
from Weissenberg and Lowhill townships, at or near 
Snydersville, traversed this portion on top of the hill 
back of the chureh property, and at its corner wound 
toward- Gnthsville, pa-sing through between M. <;. 
Hoffman and Tilghman Schantz's houses. At Guths- 
ville it turned towards the Reformed Church: G 
thence towards the row of old dwellings lying in the 
line of Reuben Henninger's bouse, which now stands 
Bome distance from the main road ; from there ii passed 
through Wennersville to Albright's hotel. The Mauch 
Chunk road connected with the former at Guthsville, 
and from thence went to Siegersville. 

The road which now passes from Snydersville passed 
the Jordan Lutheran Church to Walbert's; passed 
Capt. John Henninger's and Tilghman Henninger's, 



546 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



through Wennersville, to Albright's hotel ; was laid 

out by George Snyder soon after tin- year IS:).">. He 
did it to gel the trade from the upper townships to 
Allentown. The road from Walbert's to Bastian's 
hotel is also quite old. 

Railroads. — Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad 
passes through this township from east to west. The 
Btationsof this road in the township are Seiple's, JordaD 
Bridge, Guth's, and Walbert's. Tbe iron bridge which 
spans the .Ionian is quite an ingenious piece of work- 
manship. It is mentioned more fully in the general 
history of the county. A branch of the Fronton Rail- 
road extends into this township at Orefield. 

Churches — Lutheran.— In 1727 many Germans 
came to Pennsylvania from the Palatinate, from Wur- 
temberg, Darmstadt, and other parts. A number of 
them settled along the Jordan Creek. These colonies 
were long without regular pastors, but they had 
trained school-teachers who taught and who served as 
readers on Sundays. Such we had in this township. 
These were the means of forming the nucleus around 
which shortly afterwards the present Jordan Lutheran 
congregation began to form. There were Lutherans 
here prior to 1734, but not yet an organized congre- 
gation. In that year (1734) a certain Rev. Stober 
baptized children for John Lichtenwalter. He was 
not stationed here, but no doubt visited the few Lu- 
therans from Falkner Swamp and Goshenhoppen. In 
1736, Rev. Schmidt occasionally preached to these 
Lutherans. In 1738 we meet with the name of Rev. 
Streiter in connection with this congregation. In 
1739 there was a regular pastor here by the name of 
Rev. Berkenstock. In the year 1744 the congrega- 
tion was regularly organized, and a tract of land con- 
sisting of fifty acres warranted to them. The follow- 
ing is the form of receipt: 

" Phila., April 25th, 1744.— Rec'd of Geo. Steininger 
and John Lightwater 2£ 10s. in partof the considera- 
tion for 50 acres to be surveyed to them at Macungy, 
in the Co. of Bucks, for the use of a Burying ground 
for the Lutheran Cong, there. 

" Rec'd for the honorable Prop. 

"Lynfosd Laudnek, Rec. Gen." 

About the year 1749 the first church building was 
erected here. It was a log building. The Reformed 
people also worshiped in it for a short time. The 
second building was erected in 1771, and in 1842 the 
present brick structure. Among the old members of 
this congregation we meet with the following names: 
Lichtenwalter, Saeger, Kuntz, Schlosser, Robinold, 
Heberly, Ruch, Schlang, Schantz, Litzenberger, 
Koch. 

In 1757 the German Reformed separated again and 
settled about half a mile east. 

The pulpit was filled successively by Revs. Berken- 
stock, Schumacher, Diel, Geisenhainer, Wartman, 
and Doring, iiom 1836 to 18 — ; by Rev. Jeremiah 
Schindel, from 18— to 1883; by Rev. O. Leopold; 
and since June, 1883, by Rev. F. K. Bernd. 



Until a year ago (June. 1883) this congregation, in 
connection with five additional congregations, formed 
a pastoral charge. But since that time it is self-sus- 
taining. It numbers sis hundred communicant mem- 
bers, has two German and two English services per 
month from its pastor, and is connected with the 
Ministerium of Pennsylvania. 

Jordan Reformed. — There were < ierman Reformed 
in these parts as early as 1 7 \-l. At that time a certain 
Rev. J. HenricusGoetschius was in charge of three con- 
gregations, of which Jordan was one. The Reformed 
then worshiped in the same liuilding with the Luth- 
erans, where the Lutheran Church now stands. But in 
the year 1752 a separation was effected between these 
two congregations. It was then that Lorenz Guth 
presented the Reformed with a tract of land of fifty 
acres, about half a mile east of the Lutheran Church. 
He also erected a log church building on the premises. 
This log building was put up on four weeks' notice. 
Naturally it can hardly have been a palace. It had 
small windows. Logs sawed lengthwise, resting at 
either end on blocksand stumps, served as seats. But 
soon this building was too small. Therefore a second 
and larger log building was erected soon afterwards. 
It stood until 1808, when the present stone building 
was put up. 

This congregation is a daughter of the old Egypt 
congregation in Whitehall township. Siuce its separ- 
ation it has been in the hands of Revs. J. J. W. Dil- 
lenberger, J. D. Gross, A. Blunter, J. Gobrecht, J. S. 
Lubbs, and since 1867 Rev. E. J. Fogel, the present 
efficient pastor. It has a membership of several hun- 
dred, has services twice a month, and is in every re- 
spect an active, wide awake, and earnest congregation. 
There still stands on the premises the old Gemeinde- 
Schulhaus. Here the congregational school was kept 
until the township accepted the school law. Then the 
school directors had rented the school building until 
within a few years, when a handsome brick school- 
house was erected near the same place. Thus the old 
marks of Gemeiude-Schulen are gradually effaced ; 
only here and there can the old buildings be met 
with. 

Rev. Jeremiah Schindel was pastor of Jordan Lu- 
theran Church for twenty-four years, from 1837 to 
1861. He was the son of Rev. John Peter Schindel, 
the pioneer Lutheran pastor of Northumberland and 
adjoining counties of Northern Pennsylvania. On 
May 15, 1807, he was born in the town of Lebanon, 
Lebanon Co., and when five years old, in 1812, he 
removed with his parents to Suubury, Northumber- 
land Co. He was baptized by Rev. George Lochman, 
D.D., pastor of the Lutheran Church at Lebanon, and 
in later years confirmed by his father in Sunbury. 
The educational facilities which he enjoyed were such 
as were offered then, at best very limited. When 
seventeen years old he was serving an apprenticeship 
as printer in Harrisburg, and had for his associates 
the now Hon. Simon Cameron, and the brothers 



SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP. 



:.IT 



John and William Bigler. His mind was then 
already occupied with thoughts of the ministry, and 
before his apprenticeship was over he was under the 

instruct! f Rev. Dr. Lochman, who was then pastor 

of the Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, and wa 

very gifted and learned divine. Dr. Lochman nol 

only instructed him in his preparatory course, bul alsi i 
in theology. His theological studies were, however, 
completed under his father at Sunbury. 

In April, 1S28, he was married to -Miss Elizabeth 
A. Masser, of Sunbury. In 1830 he was licensed to 
preach the gospel, and in 1831 he was regularly or- 
dained to the holy ministry, the Rev. Dr. Demuie and 
his own lather officiating. His first charge was in 
(then) Columbia County, where he served congrega- 
tions at different times at Danville, 151 isburg, 

Catawissa, Roaring Creek, Mifflinsburg, Berwick, 
Briar Creek, Conyngham, and other plai 

In 1837 he was called to Lehigh County, taking 
charge of Jordan, Heidelberg, Union, Weissenberg, 
Ziegel's, Lowhill, and Trexlertow n. He also served 
part of this time at Fogelsville, Tripoli, Friedens, 
Macungie, Millerstown, Longswamp, in Berks County, 
and Hecktown, in Northampton County. Healso or- 
ganized and served Morganland, Cedar Creek, Mick- 
Icy',, and St. Paul's, Catasauqua. From 1859 to 1861 
the charge was cut down to Jordan, Weissenberg, 
Morganland, and Cedar Creek, when he served as 
State Senator for Lehigh and Northampton Counties. 
In 1st! 1 he resigned and entered the United States 
army as chaplain of the One Hundred and Tenth 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, serving under 
Gens. Banks and Shields, in their Shenandoah Val- 
ley campaigns. In 1864 he returned home, and 
accepted a call to congregations in Lyken's Valley, 
Dauphin Co., where his father had preached for 
twenty-eight years. Here he labored until March 17, 
1870, when he was taken ill with asthma and dropsy. 
He was brought to his home at Allentown, where he 
gently and peacefully fell a-leep on July 2, 1870, aged 
sixty-three years, one month, and seventeen days. 
His remain- rest in the Allentown Cemetery. His 
family consists of nine children, four sons and five 
daughters. The oldest son and second daughter 
preceded him to eternity, and their remains lie 
near old Jordan Church. The second son is now a 
captain in the Sixth United States Infantry, the third 
a Lutheran clergyman, serving Mickley's and St. 
Paul's, Catasauqua, two of his father's congregations, 
and the fourth son is engaged in railroading, living 
in the old Schindel homestead in Sunbury. The re- 
maining fijUI daughters, as well as the aged widowed 
mother, live at Allentown, Pa. 

United Brethren.— This religious sect began its 
activity in these parts about the year 1867. At that 
time a congregation of eight members was organized. 
Its first services were held in the hall above the store 
building at Guthsville. In 1869 a church building 
was erected in the town of Guthsville. Here services 



were held until 1872. when the building was sold to 
the South Whitehall school district for school pur- 
poses, and immediately afterwards the present frami 

building at Orefield was erected. Rev, Mr. Hoffman 
was the firel pastor. The congregation is small, but 

keeps up its activity, and has regular services once 
a month. 

Schools. — The early schools of the town-hip were 
connected with the Lutheran and Reformed Churches. 
We can, therefore, trace t bese parochial Lutheran and 
Reformed schools to a very early date. We read that 
at the organization of these congregations they were 
at first supplied, not by pastor-, but bj teachers, wdio 
used to read sermons for the congregations on Sun- 
days. Since we can trace the baptism of children in 
the Lutheran Church bach as far as the year 1739, we 
can readily conclude that schools existed prior to this 
date. Thus did these noble German forefathers, at a 
time when they could not yet afford to be supplied by 
a regular pastor, feel tin necessity of having their 
children taught in parochial schools. There still 
stands alongside of the German Reformed Church 
the old school-house, which was used in the past 
tor the double purpose of a dwelling-house lor tin- 
organist and also a school-house. Coming down to a 
more recent date, we find that a school-house was 
erected on a lot of land near Simon Mover's hotel. 
The lot was a gift from Nicholas Kramer. A society 
wa- formed, and stock was issued at nine dollars per 
share. The following was the form of a certificate of 
stock, dated Nov. 20, 1833: 

" Whereas, An English school-house i u :tod on i | ' <<f land given 

by Nicholas Kramer for said purpose, situated in South Whitehall town- 
ship, Lehigh Co., adjoining lands of George Gangwer ami John Troxel, 
by the members of a society composed in part of a society of North aud 

South Whitehall. 
" Stock company, shares $9. 

"John Scbbbeb, Pra." 

How early this house was built is not known. It 
was, however, used for quite a number of years. On 
May 26, 1877, this lot was exchanged with Samuel 
Hermony for another one near by, on which, how- 
ever, no house was erected. 

From the year 1828 to L839 the township of South 
Whitehall appropriated the following amounts for 
the education of poor children within its limit-: 



1828 

1830 10.87 



1834 25.G1 



S70.85 

IS36 4X50 







From this time all children were educated under 
I he new school system. 

In 1839 the township accepted the bcI 1 law. 

The officers of the first board of directors were George 
Ibach, president; George Frederick, secretary: and 
Solomon Grisemer, treasurer. There wire then four 
hundred and thirty-eight taxable citizens, and the 
first State appropriation amount 14.24 At 

once arrangements were made to erect school-houses 
from term to term. There was considerable opposi- 
tion on the part of the patrons to the public schools 



548 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



for quite a time. Consequently we find, even as late 
as 1847, an attempt made to abolish the system again. 
( )n the 29th of May, in that year, a meeting of the 
citizens was called to convene at the public-house of 
Alexander Loder, at Wennersville. The object of 
i he meeting was, if possible, to rescind the previous 
action nl' the township on the school question and re- 
jecl the school law. This, however, failed, and the 
schools were continued. In 1855 the township had 
15 schools and 813 pupils; tax, $1514.98. In 1877, 
number of schools, 12; pupils, 650; tax, sl>i',33. In 
1883, number of schools, 13; pupils, 689; tax, 
S.-.711.91. 

The following statement is of dates, locations, and 
cost of school-house lots in South Whitehall town- 
ship: • 

Dei 1S39. Directors bought of Solomon Griesemer, ffl.00 

Jan. 1870. Directors bought of E. F. Butz lot adjoining above, $28.79. 

Dec. 25, 1839. Directors bought of Isaac Troxell, SI .00. Jordan Bridge 
School-House. 

Not. :t, 1866. Directors bought of Benjamin Robenold, Snyderville, 1 
$375. 

Juoe 10, 1800. Directors bought of Reuben Butz, Cedarville, $1500. 

June 10, 1861. Directors bought of John Kratzer, ¥1.00. 

June, 1801. Directors bought of William Wenner, SI. int. 

Jan. 1866. Directors bought of John Heitman, Crockerport, 824,00. 

Jan. 1870. Directors bought of Frank Marsteller, $22.50. 

Jan. 1870. Directors bought of Thomas Hertzell, ¥58.12. 

Jan. 1871. Directors bought of Daniel Stetler, Guthsville, $1650. 

Sept. 1, 1882. Directors bought of Alexander Guth, Guth's Station, 
$125. 

Sept. 23, 1882. Directors bought of Edwin C. Jacoby, Wolbert's Sta- 
tion, $98.99. 

A brick school-house was erected in 1883 at Wol- 
bert's Station, at a cost of $1673.98, and one at Guth's 
Station, at a cost of $1662.53. 

Justices of the Peace.— Prior to 1840 the justices 
having jurisdiction over this territory were elected in 
districts, and their names will be found in the civil 
list of the general history. The names of those from 
1840 to the present are here 2'iven : 



Solomon Gaeble... 

Daniel J. Roth 

John Eisenhard.. 

Daniel I. Rhoads. 

Daniel I. Ithoads. 


Comn 
. Apri 


lissioned. 
1 14, 1840 

14, 1840 
12, 1842 

9, 1844 

15, 1845 
14, 1846 

10, 1849 
9, 1850 

11, 1864 
10, 1855 

2, 1869 
1 10, 1860 


Flank J. Newhard. 
John II. Nolf , 
William Wolbert 
Moses G. Hoffman 
Calvin Guth 


Commissi 

..April 12 

" 11 

" 17 

. " 14, 

" 14 

. " 15, 

..Mar. 25, 

" 25, 

\pril r. 

.. " 6 


• lied. 
1864 
1865 
1860 
1868 
1868 
1873 


Moses (». Hoffman. 
Moses ii. Hoffman. 
Miton R. Schaffer... 
Miton R. Schaffer.. 
Moses G. Hoffman 


1873 
1878 
1878 

is.v: 


Daniel I. Rhoads, 
James F. Kline... 


....May 
....Apri 


1883 



At present mines are operated by Kline & Albright, 
Calvin Guth, Koch & Balliet, Daniel Henry, Sieger 
Brothers, Frank P. Guth, and one near Scherersville 
is worked by Thomas Rhoad. 

In 1847, Peter Moyer, a blacksmith, invented an 
ore-washer, which came into general use. Later it 
was improved and patented by Samuel Thomas. 

Mills. — This township has live mills. The Sieger's 
mill is on Jordan Creek, of which we have already 
spoken in the Sieger sketch. 

On Cedar Creek there are four grist-mills : 

1. The old Caspar Weaver mill, now owned by M. 
S. Bortz. It was erected by Caspar Weaver in 1794. 
It passed through the hands of Daniel Butz, Reuben 
But/., David Bortz, Charles Weaver, and now M. S. 
Butz. 

2. Mertz's mill. This is also very old. It was in 
the hands of Mr. Ochs, Mr. Gernert, and now E. H. 
Blank. 

3. L. H. Lichtenwallner's mill also dates back very 
far. It was rebuilt. 

4. Below Cedarville is John Butz's mill. 

Indian Troubles. — Like most of the early settle- 
ments, this township also had its share of troubles 
with the Indians. This was especially the case in 
1763. Then we find that " Governor Hamilton called 
the attention of the Assembly to the sad condition of 
the settlers" of this township. " Their houses were 
destroyed, their farms laid waste," etc. 

We also notice in the Hattische Nachrichten, page 
1125, German edition, that in 1763, at the meeting of 
Synod of the Lutheran Church at Philadelphia, no 
representatives or delegates could attend that body 
from the Jordan congregation in this township, on 
account of the dangers in connection with the In- 
dians. Synod was asked to pray for the safety of 
Rev. Scharthir, who was then the pastor in these 
parts. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



Iron-Ore Mines. — In 1833 iron ore was discovered 
on the laud of Daniel A. Guth. Mining was at once 
began by Reuben Trexler, who owned a furnace in 
Long Swamp, Berks Co. The ore was taken to that 
furnace. 

In 1841, Joseph Kern discovered ore on land of 
George Guth, near Orefield. He began mining on a 
small scale. 

Other mines were soon afterward opened in different 
parts of the township. 

I \ srhool-house had been previously erected on this ground, which 
the directors had leased. 



JOSIAH HENNINGER. 
Mr. Henninger is of German descent, his grand- 
father, John Jacob, having emigrated from the prov- 
ince of Alsace, in Germany, and settled soon after his 
arrival in South Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., 
where he was a farmer. He married Miss Catherine 
Kimmel, and had children,— John George, Jacob, 
Christian, Daniel, John, and one daughter (Polly). 
John, of this number, was born in South Whitehall 
in 1793, and spent his life, with the exception of a 
brief interval of travel, in that township, where he 
followed the trade of a tailor. He married Miss 
Susan Good, whose children are Josiah, Zephaniah, 
Solomon J., Edwin D., and Brigitta. Josiah was 
born on the 17th of December, 1824, in South White- 
hall township, where he remained a resident until 





^s^ 




t*' 



7 ^^yz^La 



7^> 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 



549 



1873. After receiving ;i limited education lie ™ 
in farm labor, first assisting his father, and later taking 
the farm on shares, lie was, April 1, 1873, appointed 
high steward of the Lehigh County almshouse, in 
which capacity he still officiates. He was in 1847 
married to Miss Sarah, daughter of John Grim, of 
Weissenberg township, Lehigh Co., and has children, 

William Richard, Dora (Mrs. Edwin Bortz), and 
Oliver J. (living), and two who are deceased. 

Mrs. Henningei died in September, 1878, and is 
buried in the Jordan I lemetery. 

Mr. Henninger is in politics a Democrat, and has 
held various niinoi offices in the township. lie is in 
religion a Lutheran, member of the Jordan Church, 
as are also his wife and children. Mr. Henninger lias 
been since 1851 a member of the Macungie Lodge, 
No. 231, of Independent Order of odd-Fellows. 



CHAPTER X X X V I. 

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 

Organization. — The territory now included in 
Washington was a part of the large township of 
Heidelberg, erected in 1752, and was not organized 
as it now exists until 1847. At the November term 
of eourt in that year the following report was made: 

"August 31, 1847, Jesse Samuels, Benjamin Fogel, ami Charles B. 

Sbeimer, Commissioners appointed by ah order of this Court to enquire 
into the expediency of dividing ttie township <d Heidelberg Into two 
separate Townships. Report, That, having Ant given the notice re- 
quired by Law of the time and place of their meeting, they met at the 
house of Charles and David Peter, in said township of Heidelberg, on 
the sixteenth day of August, instant, «nd having first been sworn ac- 
cording to law and ttie order of said Court, did inquire into the propriety 
of granting the prayer of the petitioners, and having deemed the division 
of the said township of Heidelberg to be necessary, they did proceed to 
divide tli'' same by making the proposed division-line therein, which 
they have designated by sufficient landmarks, as follows ; Beginning at 

the point at which ttie division-line between the tOWDSbipS of North 
WhltehUl and Lowhill intersect the line of said Heidelberg, said point 
being Bast distant eleven perches from the dwelling-house of Jacob Hen- 
singer, and m mi in- thence by magnetic bearing north twenty-four and 

a quarter degrees wesl bj a line of marked trees and other m< ments 

through lands of Jacob Hensinger, John Hausman, George Hoatz, Fred- 
erick Krause, Philip Hardwerk, Andrew Peter, Jonas Peter, Godfrey 

Peter, It. -my Bloss, <i _■■ Uetzger, John Boeder, Hanoi ami Ellas 

Boeder, Mutii. George Bex, William Rex, Jacob Bachman, Jacob 

Bex, Kllas Snyder, Christian Bnyder,Jonas Bloas,John Bloss, Stephen 
Bolllet, and others . twenty-four hundred and twenty perches t" a point 

on the sum in 1 1 of the Ulne M nun tain on the line of the township of East 

Penn, Cat bon < lount] , sail point f i is! 

distant one hundred ami twenty-five perches from a stone sel for a cor- 
ner on the East -"le 'd tin pill. In' Boad leading from the Lehigh fur- 
nace, ill lid Heidelbei I ■■ ■ hip, to Dinkey's Tavern, in said Town- 
-hip nf East Penn. . . And thi I would also beg have to 

report it as their opinion, thai it I expedient that tin 

Township of Heldelue I uld be divided into 1 aably 

t itii ni and the draft hereunto annex- I ' 

litis report was read in open court Sept. 1, 1847, 
ami held under advisement, and on the lith id' Decent - 

■•I. 1*47, it was confirmed, and it was ordered "that 

the township id' Heidelberg lie divided into two sep- 



arate townships, agreeably to the division-line afore- 
said, and that the western division of said township 
retain the original name of Heidelberg, and thai the 
eastern <li\ ision oi portion of said township be .tilled 
' Dallas' township." 

'I'he first election in Dallas township was held 
March 17. L848, the officers elected being as follows: 
Moses I, int/ and Nathan Miller, constables ; Joseph 
Paten, judge; John Bailie! and Tilghman Kuntz, in- 
spectors; Thomas Kuntz, assessor ; George Ilex, audi- 
tor; Stephen Schlosser, justice of the peace; Benja- 
min S. I.evau, Jacob F. Hailer, John Lex, and John 

Raher, school directors. These were th well 

as the first officers elected for Dallas township, for, 
by act of the Assembly, the name was changed to 
Washington on April 21, 1848. 
Early Settlers.— Caspar l'eters, one of the earliest 

settlers in that part of Heidelberg which is now 
Washington, came here about 1742, from Switzerland. 
and took up three hundred acres of land between 
1 nionville and Slatington, and about four miles dis- 
tant from the latter place. His log house was built 
where is now the residence of his great-grandson, 
Daniel Peters. The date of the death of this pioneer 
progenitor of the Peters family is not known. He 
was buried in the Union Church Cemetery. He left 
several sons, among others, John and Caspar. The 
name of Jacob Peter- appears in a list of warrants, 
in which it is indicated that he took up land Jan. 28, 
1752. Rudolph Peters took up land in 1754. It is 
not known that these two men were sons of the first 
Peters, but it is presumable that they were. Caspar, 
son of Caspar, was a native of the township, born in 
1754. He married Elizabeth Rachel, the daughter of 
an early settler, and settled on the homestead farm. 
He died in 1811, and was buried in the Union church- 
yard, as was also his wife. They had sons, — Jonas. 
John, Caspar. Godfrey, Henry, and Daniel. Jonas. 

wl arried Sally Ann Hoffman, a daughter of Wil- 

helm Hoffman, lived most of his lite near the old 
homestead. He died in 1873, aged eighty-three years, 
leaving two sons, David and Charles, the former of 
whom lived on the Fenstermacher farm, where he 
died about 1840, and the latter moved to Slatington 
in 1857. 

John l'eters, about I sl':;. iuo\ed to Luzerne Count} . 
where he died about 1X40. leaving a large, family. 

Caspar married a Miss Roth, of this township, and 

settled in Weissenberg. lb- was buried at Fop 
ville. 

Godfrey, who married a Miss Fenstermacher, set- 
tled in North Whitehall. He died there, and was 

buried in the old Egypt Churchyard. 

Henry married a daughter of Adam German, and 
settled in Heidelberg. He died there, and was buried 
in the New Tripoli churchyard. He left a large 
fainiU . but its members are scattered, 

Daniel, who married a Miss Siegfried, settled on the 
old homestead farm, where hi- -on. Daniel, now lives. 



550 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Descendants of several brothers of Caspai Peters 
are living in the township. < >ne of the brothers had 
sons, — Joseph, John, George, William, Daniel, Henry, 

and John. The first named lived on the h stead, 

near Best's Station. He died March 9, 1876, at the 
age of eighty-one years, and left thirteen children, 
seventy-seven grandchildren, and forty-nine great- 
grandchildren. John Peters, brother of Joseph, died 
in 1881; Daniel settled near Millerstown; Henry 
settled at Freichlersville, and died there May 5, 1879, 
at the age of sixty-seven years. His sons were John, 
who settled at Lowhill, and Jacob, who removed to 
the West. Tilghman, a son of Jacob, lives on the 
homestead. The Rev. William J. Peters, of Slating- 
ton, is also a son of Jacob. 

Dewald Peters lived on the Lehigh River. He 
died a number of years ago, leaving two sons, — Jonas, 
who is on the homestead, and Jacob, who resides in 
Slatington. 

Henry Hoffman, who was from Switzerland, came 
here prior to 1749, for we find that in that year he 
procured a warrant for one hundred and eight acres 
of land. At various subsequent dates he took up 
other tracts until he had an aggregate of more than 
eight hundred acres. This land lay near Unionville, 
and adjoined that of Peters. Henry Hoffman had a 
son, Wilhelm, and others of whom little is known. 
He was born Jan. 14, 1749, and married Elizabeth 
Gerber, of Weissenberg, in 1770, when she was only 
thirteen years of age. They received a part of the 
homestead farm, on which they lived, near Union 
Church. He died there in 1824, and she in 1841. 
They left eight children, — Jonas, Daniel, Henry, 
Peter, Sally Ann, Elizabeth, Catharine, and Eve. 
Jonas settled anil died upon the homestead farm, 
where his son, James, now lives. Another son, David, 
has long been deceased. 

Daniel, brother of Jonas, removed to the West. 
Henry lived nearly all of his mature years near 
Unionville, and died there. David and Stephen both 
reside upon the old farm. Peter moved to Schuylkill 
County. Sally Ann (Mrs. Jonas Peters) and Eliza- 
beth (Mrs. Henry Bare) removed to Luzerne County ; 
Catharine (Mrs. Christian Holben) removed to Seneca 
County, Ohio; Eve is the wife of Christian Troxell. 

John Rachel obtained a warrant Feb. 10, 1755, tot 
one hundred and twelve acres of land near the river, 
and about one mile and a half from the site of Sla- 
tington. How long In had been settled here prior to 
taking out the warrant is not known. Adam Rachel 
wa- also in the township in 1755. Caspar Peters mar- 
ried his sister. John, Henry, and George li 
cendants of this family. 

John Rober, a native of Wurtemberg, settled in that 
pari of II eh lei berg which is now Washington, on what 
is at present known as the Hallenbaeh place. His 
son, John, a native of the township, was born in 1771, 
and died on the old homestead in 1.S58. Another son, 

Daniel, settled near the- homestead, George removed 



to the Susquehanna, and Philip located in White- 
hall. 

The Res family were among the earliest settlers of 
this township. They came originally from Germany, 

but had prior to their appearance here been forsev- 
eral years resident at Germantown. Locating in the 
northern pari of Washington, along Trout Creek, they 
became in a short time the largest land-owners in that 
region. Jacob Rex, in 1752, built a stone house, which 
is still -landing, and owned by Stephen Rex, son of 
I reorge, and grandson of the builder. A stone set in 
the wall bears the inscription, "Anno 1752 — J. R., 
M. S." He was born in 1724, married Elizabeth 
Ornerin May lo'. 1 74G. lived in matrimony thirty-six 
years, and died in 1782, leaving eleven children, fifty- 
five grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. 

Wilhelm Fenstermacher at an early day took up 
land three miles southwest of Slatington, which is 
now owned by David Peter. At the time the canal 
navigation bill was before the Pennsylvania Legisla- 
ture Fenstermacher was a member of that body. It 
is related that when he set out for the capital his son 
took him in a private conveyance to Reading, when 
he first saw a genuine Concord stage-coach. When 
the stage rolled up at the door of the hotel dinner was 
announced, and the tired travelers vacated the great 
vehicle. Fenstermacher, anxious not to be left, ate 
hurriedly, and upon going to the door and finding the 
stage there, determined to secure a seat. He helped 
the driver stow away his baggage in the boot, and 
then looking around for an entrance to the coach 
could find none, except that offered by the open win- 
dow in the door. Nothing daunted, and supposing 
that the regular entrance, he crawled through it and 
seated himself. When the other passengers came out 
the driver turned the catch, the door was opened, and 
they entered much more easily than had the member 
of the General Assembly from Lehigh, who, quite 
astonished, exclaimed, " Thinner wetter, a door to a 
wagon !" 

Fenstermacher was a man of affairs and a prominent 
citizen. He kept a hotel and carried on a distillery, 
was for many years a justice of the peace, and in 1812 
was elected as one of the commissioners of Lehigh 
County. He had three sons, — John, Jacob, and 
Charles. John died upon the homestead farm, and 
Charles died near here, never having married. Jacob 
removed to Schuylkill County. 

Peter I landwerk, one of the early pioneers of the 
township, located about six miles from the site of 
Slatington, on what afterwards became the line of the 
Berks County Railroad. The present owner of the 
farm is Martin Handwerk. Peter had three sons 
(Abraham, Martin, and Jonas) and two daughters, 

—Mrs. Daniel, Rex and Mrs. John Raber, both of 
whom now live in the township. Abraham, who set- 
tled on a part of the old homestead, died in 1865, 
leaving a family of eight children. Levi, John, and 
a daughter, Mrs. Susanna Hanncger, are in Indiana: 



WASHINGTON TOWNS I II IV 



651 



Martin is living cm the old homestead ; Jonas died in 
the township many years ago 

Michael Wehr, one of the old-time residents of 
Washington, lived about three miles from Slatington, 
on the Saegergville road, and died there about I 
i Dear)} eighty years. He was a descendant of 

Simon Wehr, who took a wan-ant lor land as early 

as 1753. Michael has Bons, .Michael. Daniel, Wil- 
liam, Solomon, and Eli, and a daughter, who married 
Jonas Kern, Daniel retained his father's farm. Solo- 
mon is in Iowa, and Eli in Schuylkill County. 

The Kunkle family was represented in the town- 
ship as early as 1769 by John and Michael. How 
much earlier thej were here is not definitely known. 
George Kunkle lived at one time mar the Lehigh 
Furnace, but moved to chestnut Hill. Andreas 
Kunkle lived on the Lehigh Furnace road. He bad 
two sons, Charles and Abraham, of whom the latter 
died young. Charles lived and died on his father's 
homestead. His son, Samuel, now resides in Slating- 
ton. 

Heiir\ Geiger settled here some time prior to 1765, 
and took out a land-warrant in that year. He had 
four sons, — Jonas, Jacob, John, and Henry. Jonas 
and John both settled in Heidelberg, bu< none of their 
descendants are now living there. Jacob removed to 
the West, and Henry located on the homestead farm, 
where his son, David, now lives. Another son, Henry, 
lives in Lowhill, Manuel in Heidelberg, and Lewis 
in this township. 

Ambrose Remaly and George Remaly came from 
Germany about the year 1775. They were not brothers 
nor relatives. A mbrose Remaly settled where the old 
log house is yet to be seen upon Elias and Daniel Rc- 
maly's farm, a short distance south of the borough of 
Slatington, on the public road along the Lehigh River 
to Andrew's saw-mill or to Rockdale. Ambrose Re- 
maly took up two hundred and thirty-two acres of land, 
t leorge Remaly settled where now Gabriel Kern's 
farm-house is, nearly south of the Slatington borough 
line, and took up two hundred acres or more of land. 

Ambrose Remaly had two sons,— Jacob and John. 
Jacob bad five sons, — Stephen, ( 'harles, Jonas. David, 
and Adam Remaly. Hi- also had four daughters, — 
Susan, Polly, Lydia, and Carolina. John Remaly, 
son of Ambrose Remaly, bad two -mis and two 
daughters, — Elias, Daniel, Lucy, and Sarah. Geo 
Remaly was married to an English woman by the 
name of Pollj Kocher, and they had four sons and 
four daughters, Michael, Henry, William, and Jacob 

George, and Kate (married to Jacob Remaly, son of 
Ambrose Remaly), Elizabeth (married to John 
Ringer , .Maria (married to Peter Newhard), and 
Sarah (married to Daniel Brown). After Geoi 
Remaly's death bis son, Jaco gen- 

erally called Georgi Remal) . boughl bis father's 
land, and was married to Mary E. Benninger, and 
had four BOnS and two daughters, — John, William. 

Paul, Jacob, Kate, and Elizabeth. 



In 1850, Jacob Georgi Remaly by deed sold to his 
olilist son, John Remaly, fifty acres of his farm, 

bounded by lands of ' Jonas Kern. 

Jacob Remaly, Jacob Georgi Remaly, George Was- 
Bum, and : [ern. <>n this land John Remaly 

-on oi Jacob ' leorgi built in 1850 the first bouse in 
Upper slatington <at that time there was only one 
house in Lower Slatington). Then John Remaly 
.started the first bote), now called the Slatington 
I I ol el, and got the lii -I mo n-r in I pper Slalinjlon ill 

January, 1851. He then commenced laying out 
and building bouses, and SO started the borough of 
Slatington. In 1862,- January 3d,— John Remaly 
died, leaving a widow, two daughters Sarah A. now- 
married to J. C. Mack now married to 

G. T. Oplinger) -and one son,- .lame-, who died in 
1S72. 

Land-Warrants. — Following is a list of warrants 
for land, with name of parties and date of warrant. 
for that portion of Heidelberg township now Wash- 
ington : 

Adam German, Nov. 10, 1TS0 II 

Adam German, No\ 16,17*6 101 

Adam German, April 17, 17','i 15 

Adam German, kpril 17,1792 36 

Benry Geiger, Oct. 25, 1765 46 

Henry Btoiin i, April i5, 17-H 107 

Hem j BoffmaD, Jan. 20, 174<i Ms 

John Bandwerk, Nov.9, 1758 57 

Elizabeth Huffman, Not. 30, 17'.". lfi 

Nicholas Bandwerk, log. 12, 1766 11" 

George Bofc, Jan 2, 1769 29 

Frederick Kern, Ua 149 

John Kuotz, Not. 17,1790 ! 

Jobai s Kunkle, Oct. 29, 1769 CI 

Hlcbae] Kunkle, 0i I II 

John Kern, Man I. 27, 1769 

Jac ob Moyer, March 24, 1749 100 

Jacob Mover, Dec. 6, 174'.* Km 

Jacob Mowrer, 15, 174.: 

.In. ill Mowrer, Dec. 1"), 1743 

Jacob Mowrer, May 15, 1746 

Petei Miesemer, I eb. 7. 17.'.j 

Petei Missemer, Dec.l4JI753 17-1 

Petei Mi--, in. i , Dec. 31, 177:5 

Peter Missemer, kug. 12, 1770 

- ■ Ni hart, Hay 30, 1760 112 

Oswald. Jan. 31, 1749 63 

i Peters, March 12, 1762 31 

Rudolph Peters, Jan. 28, 17 .1 71 

Adam Recdei : 27 

J..hn Rochel, Feb. 10, 1765 

Wiiii.m, Rex, Oct. 31, 17.'.:; 86 

Michael Remaly, Aug. -->. 1707 

.i ihn i: 

Peter Rnch.OcI 24, 1765 

SI ii Wehr, 161 

Simon Wehr, kpril 6, 1787 6 

rd Waasun, a<il- .. 1766 

- ... .-i n i 

Schools. — The earliest information obtainable con- 
cerning the schools of this township relates to the 

year 1812, and is received from Jonas Kern, who in 
that year and in 1813 attended a school held in a log 
building situated where Stephen and Edward Kern 
now live. The teacher was one Mover, and the D 
diuni of education was exclusively German. Later, 
about 1815, Dorsey Rudy held school in a log build- 
i mile back from the river, n 

i luinh now is. Like Mover, he imparted instruction 

•■ 

in the German language. In L818, Mover had a sch 
where Joseph Scheffler now b 

Tin- first English school in the township was doubt- 
less that which was Opened by William Kern about 



552 



HISTORY OF LEIIKill COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1820 in the old mill which stood in the middle of the 
road at the end of the Trout Creek bridge. The next 
English Bchool was opened in L847 at the house of 
David ; i r ] . 1 Charles Peters l>\ George Reynhart, and 
was taught at a later period by Cochran Sterling, who 
received eight dollars per month and "boarded round." 

He had on the average eight pupils. 

German schools were kepi up regularly after 1812 
(and probably for a considerable period prior to that 
date). Joseph ( tberholtzen taught where the Friedens 
Church now is about L837, and was followed by I reorge 
Haley. Reynhart, Rhodes, and others. 

The school law providing lor free education passed 
the Legislature in 1834. Heidelberg, of which Wash- 
ington was then a part, voted against ils acceptance 
year alter year, and public opinion progressed so 
-lowly that it was not until 1S48 that it was accepted. 
By that time that portion of the law providing l'or 
annual appropriations from the county funds for the 
maintenance of schools in the accepting districts had 
been revoked, and the amount which had accumulated 
for Heidelberg since 1834 was lost. Washington, on 
becoming a separate township, was divided into seven 
districts, — Friedens, the Furnace, Peter's, Bachman's 
(Rex's), and two in union with Heidelberg and White- 
hall. 

In 1865 the township had eleven districts and six 
hundred and fifty-five pupils. By 1874 another dis- 
trict had been set off, making twelve. The number 
of pupils in that year was six hundred and seventy- 
eight. 

There are now twelve districts, one or two of which 
contain two schools. The school-houses now in use 
are all good hrick structures, about twenty-five by 
thirty-five feet, and costing on an average one thou- 
sand dollars each. 

In Friedens District the old building was retained 
in use until the present substantial brick house was 
built in 1881. 

In Newhart's District school was kept for many 
years in an old log building about half a mile from 
the present one, on land of Henry Peters. The new 
school-house was built in 1876. 

Rex's District was supplied with a new and well- 
furnished building in 1872. The old school-house 
was about a quarter of a mile from the present one, 
on land of Jacob Rex. 

The old school-house in the Furnace District gave 
place to the present one in the summer of 1876. 

The first school house in Peter's District was built 
in 1*72, but being an inferior building was supplanted 
with the present one in 1878. 

In the Williamstown District a school came into 
existence as a result of the quarrying operations. 
The first house, built there about twenty years ago, 
gave place to the present brick structure recently. 

There have been three school-houses in the Lehigh 
Gap District. It was there that the pioneer peda- 
lie Moyer, to whom allusion has already been 



made, taught school in 1812. A fairly good frame 
building succeeded the one in which he taught, and 
in turn was supplanted by the present brick build- 

edale District has two school-houses. Many 
years ago frame structures were built, which were 
ample for the needs of the few children of the neigh- 
borhood then, hut as the development of the slate- 
quarries brought an influx of population, more room 
was demanded, and the present brick school-houses 
were erected in 1882. 

Franklin District contains school-houses numbers 
12 and 13, both built in 1876. Schools had formerly 
been kept in such rooms as the hoard could rent. 

In the Renninger District the present school-house, 
built quite recently, was the first. 

The school in the Rcmaly District I No. Ill was 
an outgrowth of the village of Friedensville. The 
present school-house was built in 1870. 

Justices of the Peace. — The justices elected for 
this township since its organization have been as fol- 



Commifififoned. 

Stephen Schlussei... April 11, 1S48 

Boas FliiiiBmati " 9, 1850 

Lewis C. Sriiitl " 9, I860 

Levi BZraueer " In, 1856 

Henry Kuntz " 10,1856 

William F. Moser...Mav 2, 1869 

Henry Kuntz April In, 1860 

Alexander Peter.,.. " 14,1863 

Benj. J. Schlosser... " 11,1865 



Alexander Peter April 14, 1868 

Lewis C. Smith " 8,1870 

Lewis H. Reth " 9, 1878 

Alexander Peter.... " 15, 1873 

Lewis 11. Roib " 1 

Alexander Peter March 26 

Lewis H. Ruth " 3", 1882 

Orville S. Peter April 6,1883 

Alexander Peter " 6, 188a 



Mills. — The first grist-mill within the present limits 
of Washington township is thought to have been lo- 
cated on Trout Creek, near the site of Slatedale, and 
to have been built before the first of the Kern Mills, 
which stood where the ruins of the old saw-mill are, 
above Trout Creek Bridge. The second Kern Mill 
was built in the middle of the road, and the third 
and present one was erected in 1850, by Jonas Kern. 

About 1860, George Krauss built an extensive grist- 
mill at Slatedale, on the site of the old one, but it was 
destroyed by fire in 1881, and has not been rebuilt. 
Another grist-mill was carried on near the saw-mill 
on the creek by Jonas Bloss. 

A large grist-mill was built by Frantz, on a 

branch of Trout Creek, about 1814. It became the 
property of Jacob Kuntz, and was sold by him to his 
son, Tilghman Kuntz, and passed into the possession 
of the present proprietor, Mr. Oswald, about 1873. 

The first saw-mill was on Trout Creek, above the 
present Trout Creek Bridge, and was built before 
1756, and subsequently removed to where the mantel- 
factory now is. This was where Franklin got his 
timher sawed lor Fort Allen. In 1S44, George Kern, 
son of John, repaired the mill, and when ready to 
run, lie wanted something to kei p his accounts on. 
He went to the store of David and Charles Peter, who 
then kept a variety store, three miles from Slatington, 
to buy a slate. They had them to sell, but George 
thought forty-live cents " sicsaen zu hoch" ("too 
high"), and went home without buying one, took an 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 



553 



axe, ami unit "in to the ledge back of the mill and 
split off a piece of the outcrop of rock, smoothed it 
off a tittle, squared it, and hung it up as his account- 
slate, and used it three years before he knew be had 
slate mi hi- ground. 
At present there are five saw-mills in the township. 

Thomas Weiss lias a steam-power mill near Slatl dale ; 

Jonas Bloss has one on Trout Creek; Caspar Hewitt 
.V Co. operate one near the old Lehigh Furnace; 
Sti phen Andrews lias one below Slatington, on the 
Lehigh River, and near this is another owned by Elias 
Andrew-. 

Lehigh Furnace.— In 182ii, Stephen Balliet and 

Samuel Helffrich purchased from Christian Snyder 
and Christian Bloss about twenty-five acres of land, 
lying at the toot of the Blue Mountain, upon which 
in the same year they erected a furnace, the dimen- 
sions of which were: height, thirty feet ; bosh, (about) 

eight feet. It was "blown in" in the latter part id' the 

summer of 1826, the ore used being brought by wag- 
ons from a bed in South Whitehall township owned 
by Messrs. Balliet & Helffrich, and now the property 
of the former's heirs. Mr. Helffrich died in 1880, and 

two years later his interest was purchased by Stephen 
Balliet, who operated the- furnace until his death, in 
1854, after which it was carried on by his heirs for 
several years, and sold by them to Cooper & Hewitt, 
of New York, who still own the property. It has 
been out id' blast tor several years. The location for 
the furnace was chosen near the Blue Ridge because 
of the quantity of wood on the mountain for making 
charcoal. Other tracts of land adjoining were pur- 
chased soon after the furnace wa- blown in. One 
Applehaeh was the first superintendent, but was soon 
succeeded by Samuel Lewi- i now of All en town), who 
conducted the business about four years, when Benja- 
min S. Levan (now of Co play) took charge, and con- 
tinued till the death of Mr. Balliet, in January, 1S.">4. 
when he became the superintendent of the Lehigh 
Valley Iron Company now Coplay Iron Company) at 
( loplay. 

The Slate Interests. — The most important industry 
in this town-hip, after fanning, i- the quarrying of 
slate. An account of the first operations appears in 
tile (diapter upon Slatington. and we here give facts 

i several quarries and companies or in- 
dividuals operating them. 

The Lehigh Slate Company was chartered in 1854, 
and began business with a capital of one hundred and 
titty thousand dollars. The first quarry opened by 
this strong organization was the Washington. Tin 
Franklin was added soon afterwards, the Mantel in 
1860, and the New Bangor in 1868. The company 
continued in business until 1881, when the property- 
was sold to the Easton stockholders under the name 
of J. HeSS & Co. It is now principally owned by Mr. 

Hess. Caskie & Ei the present lessees of 

Washington Quarry, and the Franklin, owned by the 
Williams estate, is leased to and operated by the firm 



of Hunt/ ,\. Jacobs. The .Mantel i, at present aban- 
doned. This quarry, located on Trout ''reel 
hundred feet wesl of the Lehigh Valh j Railroad 
station at - was opened by George and 

I Lobar in 1 848, and when it became the prop- 
erty of the Lehigh Slate Company in 1868 ii wa 
ued at fifty thousand dollars. Robert McDowell has 

uperintendent from the first. It was here that 
Samuel Caskie conceived and put into practical use 
the idea of tunneling for slate. Tic quarry was 
about io be abandoned in 1860 on account of its 
heavy top. when Mr. Caskie took the matter in i 
and drove a tunnel, and a- the market 

was supplii d from tin- quarry lor years with the very 
besf quality of slate for mantels, blackbot 

The Williams Quarry, on the railroad, four hundred 
feet north of the station at Slatington. was opened 
by David and Owen William- in I 368. This quarry, 
which ha- been valued at one hundred thousand dol- 
lar-, i- now ow 1 by Henry Fulmer. of Easton. It 

affords excellent school slate. 

I hi Keystone, fifteen hundred feet north of 81a 

ton Station, was opened by H. O. Wilson, J. Hoffman, 
William Peters, L. C. Smith, and H.J. Bankel in 
1863. In 1868 the proprietors assumed the name of 
the Keystone Slate Company. The quarry, now val- 
ued at eighty-five thousand dollars, is owned by 
Dodson Brothers, and leased by Cassel & Co. 

The Douglass Quarry, on Trout Creek, one-third of 
a mile west of Slatington Station, was opened by 
Robert McDowell in 1S4H. and in 1868 was owned by 
Morgan Jones. It is now the property of Henry 
Kuntz and family, but is not worked. 

Owen Jones and William Roberts, in 1845, opened 
on the west branch of Trout Creek, half a mile from 
the station, which was called the Welchtown Quarry. 
By 1868 the property had passed into the possession 
of Benjamin Kern, and was worked by R. R. Hughes 
& Co., under Mr. Hughe-' superintendence. Mr. Kern 
now leases the property to John T. Roberts & Co., 
who work the quarry by tunneling. 

I'll.- Franklin Quarry was opened subsequent to 
1852, and purchased by Jones .V Williams in 1867 
iny-nine thousand dollar-. The machinery here 
is propelled bj a twenty-five horse-power engine. 

The Eagle Quarry, three-fourths of a mile from 
Slatington, was opened in 1867, and Philip Woodring 
and Henry Kuntz soon became its proprietors. 

David Williams in 1869 opened a quarry two hun- 
dred yard- from the Slatington Station, and erected 
a school-slate factory , in b hich he employed a twenty 

horse-power engine. He built also, in 1877, a school- 
slate and mantel-factory . 

I be tirst derrick used in the slate-quarries was 
erected at the old Washington Quarry in 1857, by 
Charles Peters and Boas Houaman. 

ben Daner in 1867 opened the Monitor Quarry, 

on the west branch of Trout Creek, three-fourths of 
a mile from Slatington Station. R. Knechl was as-.- 



554 



HISTORY OF LEHIGB COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



ciated with him, under the nameofthe Monitor Shite 
Company. The quarry is not now worked. 

The Madison, near the quarry jusl mentioned, was 
opened by J. Shifely, S. Daner, and D. Coward in 1867, 

but was sold the succeeding year to the Rochester 
Slate Company. Benjamin Kern now owns this and 
also tli" Monitor. 

Bangor Quarry, on Trout Creek, half a mile from 
Slatington Station, was opened in 1 s<'.7 by It. McDow- 
ell. It was considered worth forty thousand dollars. 

Washington Quarry, which has been heretofore 
mentioned, was also opened by R. McDowell in the 
L848. Ii is now owned by James Hess, of Easton, 
and leased by Caskie & Emack. 

Blue Vein Quarry, on Trout Creek, three-fifths of a 
mile from Slatington Depot, was opened by D. D. 
Jones, 0. Saylor, and others in 1866. Two years 
later it was owned by the Blue Vein Slate Company, 
which was chartered with a capital of seventy -five 
thousand dollars, and was then considered worth fifty 
thousand dollars. It is now owned by Melcbior 
H. Horn, and leased to William Siebert. 

Near the last mentioned is the Penryn Quarry, 
which was opened by Hugh Hughes and D. D. Jones 
in 1864. In 1868 it was owned by D. D. Jones alone, 
and the little hamlet which grew up at the place was 
called Jonestown. The quarry is now owned by D. D. 
Jones and Amos Bonnall,and is leased to William H. 
Siebert. 

Demarara Quarry, near the above, was opened in 
1856 by Nelson Labar and F. Smith, and owned in 
1868 by the Demarara Slate Company. It is now 
owned by Warthman & Peters, but is not worked. 

The Eagle Quarry was opened by H. Kuntz, T. 
Kern, and others in 1866, and is now owned by Kuntz 
& Jacobs, but is not worked. 

The American Quarry, four-fifths of a mile from 
the depot, was opened by Thomas Kern in 1864. 
Later it was mi ned by the American Slate Company, 
chartered with a capital of one hundred and twenty- 
five thousand dollars. The value of the quarry, lauds, 
and buildings is placed at one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars. The present owner is Dr. Johu J. 
Detweiler, of Easton, and the lessee Joel Neff. 

The quarry known as the Harry Williams, on Trout 
Creek, nearly a mile and a quarter from Slatington 
Station, was opened by William J. Roberts in 1850, 
and subsequently was operated by the Blue Mountain 
Slate Company. Ii lias been valued at one hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. This quarry is now owned 
by the estate of Henry Williams, and leased to Kruni, 
Mosser & Co. 

A little farther up Trout Creek is a quarry named 
after it, and opened by /.. Thomas and I >. McKenna 
in 1865. It subsequently passed into the possession 
of the McDowell Slate Company, and is now the 
property of the I lime Savings-Bank. It is not worked 
at present. The properly is valued at one hundred 

and twenty Bve thousand dollars. 



The Franklin, still farther up the creek, was opened 
bj Dr. II. (). Wilson in 1865, and soon became the 
property of D. D. Jones and II. Williams. It is now 
owned by the Williams estate, and leased to Kuntz 
& Jacobs. Value is stated as one hundred and forty 
thousand dollars. 

The slate-quarry a little distance above the last 
named was opened by Daniel Thomas in L868, and is 
now owned by the Star Slate Company, and leased to 
Owen A. Williams. It is valued at sixty thousand 
dollars, with lands and buildings. 

The Glencoe, on the west branch of Trout Creek, 
two miles from the station in Slatington, was opened 
by M. D. George and others in 1856, but soon the 
Glencoe Slate Company was organized, with a capital 
of forty thousand dollars, to operate it. The value 
of the property is about thirty thousand dollars. 

The Conway Quarry, about two miles up the creek, 
opened by Dr. H. O. Wilson in 1866, subsequently 
passed into the possession of the Conway Slate Com- 
pany, who are its present owners. 

The Brooklyn, near that just mentioned, opened by 
D. McKenna and Mr. Thomas in 1866, is the property 
of the Brooklyn Slate Company. It is valued at fifty 
thousand dollars. 

The Humboldt, a short distance from the Brooklyn, 
was opened by Henry Wert in 1866, and passed into 
the ownership of the Humboldt Slate Company. It 
is not now worked. 

North of the quarry just mentioned is the Hoffman, 
opened by William Weiss and William Roth in 1868. 
This quarry, not now worked, has been valued as high 
as forty thousand dollars. 

The Locke Slate-Quarry, at Slatedale, three and 
one-half miles from the station at Slatington, now 
owned by Francis Shenter, was opened by George 
and Wilson Labar in 1848, and subsequently owned 
by the Locke Slate Company. The value of the 
property has been estimated at one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars. 

Enterprise Quarry, near Slatedale, was opened by 
Francis Shenter in 1868, subsequently operated by 
the Enterprise Slate Company, and is now the prop- 
erty of Joseph German, who leases to John Bauer & 
Co. The property is valued at seventy-five thousand 
dollars. It is now being worked. 

Hope Quarry, on Trout Creek, four miles from 
Slatington, was opened by Owen Lloyd in 1861. It 
subsequently passed into the hands of the Hope Slate 
Company and the Saegersville Slate Company, the 
present, owners. This quarry is also now operated, 
and the property is valued at sixty-five thousand 
dollars. 

Diamond Quarry, on Trout Creek, five miles from 
Slatington, was opened by Schall .V Balliet in 1848, 
and in 1863 passed to the Diamond Slate Company. 
It is now owned by William Herbst, hut is not 
worked. 

The Kern Quarry, on the creek, one mile from the 




^f^r^ /^K^L^C 



WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 



station at Slatington, was opened bj J. Kern, Morgan 
A Co. in I s n7. [t is now owned by D. D. Jones, but 
is nut worked. 

Two and a quarter miles up the creek, T. Wi 
1847, opened the J03 Quarry, which he Btill owns, 
but does not operate. 

Three-fourths of a mile up the creek i> the Laury 
Quarry, opened bj Laury & Co. in l-"'\ and now 
owned and operated by John Williams & Co. 

The Blue Mountain Quarry, on Trout Creek, two 
and a half miles from Slatington Station, was opem 'I 
by Dr. 11. O. Wilson in 1866. It has been owned by 
several persons, and is now the property of the Blue 
Vein Slate Company. Work is now going on 

About a quarter of a mile from the quarry just 
mentioned is the Excelsior, opened by T. Weiss in 
18(14. and still owned by him. The Excelsior is not 
now operated. 

Besides these quarries which have been mentioned 
there are several newer ones. 1). D. Jones and Robert 
R. Roberts opened valuable beds in 1883, which arc 
now worked to good advantage. 

Man; of these quarries have been exhausted and 
abandoned. Others, though long operated, are still 
yielding well, while new ones are frequently opened. 
The quarries from which sehool-slates are now being 
taken arc those of David Williams & Co., the Lehigh 
Slate Company, .lotus A: Town, the Locke Slate Corn- 
pain, and Glencoe Company. These companies take 
out about two hundred and eighty-five thousand 
school-slates per month in the rough, and something 
over fifty-three thousand squares of roofing-slates. 
More than five hundred men are employed in the 
industry. 

The deposit of slate in thi> region extends from 
Trout Creek to the Blue Mountain, and is practically 
inexhaustible. 

Besides the borough of Slatington, to which a sepa- 
rate chapter is devoted, there are in Washington 
township several small villages, concerning which a 
few facts remain to be presented. 

Friedensville.— The land on which this hamlet is 

situated was owned at an early date by John Peters. 
The place contains about a dozen houses, a Union 
Church, and a school-house. The location of the 
church here in 1847 may be considered the begin- 
ning of the hamlet. It was built by the Lutheran 
and German Reformed congregations, which were 

organized by tin' 1 pie of the neighborhood. The 

pastors of the Lutheran congregation have been as 
follows: Revs. Jeremiah Shindel, William B. Roth, 
Thomas Steck 1859 67), .1. S. Renninger (1867 to 

date . The congregation has about two hundred 
and fifty members. The Reformed congregation, 
which number- but few less than the Lutheran. 
has been ministered to by the following p 
\i/.; Revs. Erasmus Helffrich, Alfred .1.1;. Dubbs, 
William Helffrich, Levi K. Derr, and William .1. 



Slatedale has two hotels (kept by John Lewis and 
John Balliet , tw< blacksmith-shop, a 

;wo churches, a depot building of the Lehigh 
Valley Branch Railroad, and a post office. In popu- 
lation is aboul seven hundred. Thi post-offic. was 

established in June, 1883, with Lewis I'. Fink as 

postmaster. 

Of the churches here, the Methodist is thi 
and besl sustained. The walls of the house erected 

by this denomination were put up in 1856, but the 
structure was not completed until 1858. Tb'- trustees 
were Owen W. Owens and Stinson lb ad they 

constituted the building committee. The firsl 
was Uev. John Joins, and the succeeding ones 

Schliehter, McGee, Barr, S. Powers, V B. 

Durell, and E. Townsend. The church is served in 
connection with that at Slatington. 

Evangelical Association.— The first meetings were 
held in private houses in the year 1858, by itinerant 
preachers sent out by the Evangelical Association. 
An edifice twenty-four by thirty feet was erected in 
1860, under the direction of the Rev. John Schell. 
The society grew in numbers until more room was 
required. Iu 1881, under the pastorate of tfa 
J. C. Bliem, a new brick church, thirty-four by fifty 
feet, was erected. The church is under care id' the 
pastors of the church at Slatington. 

A Lutheran Church was organized here in 1876, 
but has not been actively maintained. 

Th. Presbyterian Church, organized several years 
ago, now has no preaching and maintains no active 
organization. 

Williamstown is a small hamlet, with a popula- 
tion of less than three hundred, and, like the Other 
hamlet- in this township, had its origin in the -late 
development. There is a brick church here, owned 
by tin' Welsh Baptists, and built in 1862, by Henry 
Williams. It has at present twenty members, ami no 
pastor. The hamlet contains also a store and a 
school-house. 

Franklin contains a population of about four hun- 
dred. There is a hotel here, ki pi by W. P. Williams, 
a mantel-factory, a store, and two school-housi - 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKKTCH. 



JOHN BALLIET. 

John Balliet. grands. ,n of Stephen and Magdalena 
Burkhalter Balliet, and son Step el and 

bis wile, Susan Ho in . was bom Nov. 13, 1819, 
lietsville, North Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., and 
remained during boyhood at the home of' his parents. 
After limited advantages of education be entered the 
Lehigh < iharcoal Furnace, owned by his father, and in 

various capacities made his services valuable while 
becoming familiar with the business. In connection 



556 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



with his brothers, Paul and Aaron, he ultimately be- 
came owner of the property, and later its superin- 
tendent, lie afterward made Bast 1'enn township, 

Carbon Co., his residence, in connection with the 
position of superintendent of the East Penn Charcoal 
Furnace. Alter its partial destruction by a freshet 
it was rebuilt, and subsequently leased bj Mr. Balliet, 
who for many years operated it successfully. Aside 
from these interests, he is the owner of a planing- 
mill and lumber-yard, and largely engaged in real 
estate operations, and the erection and improvement 

of buildings. He is a considerable land-holdei ind 
the possessor of main farms under successful cultiva- 
tion. He removed to Bowmansville, where he has 
large interests, in 1872, and which for many years 
was his residence. Mr. Balliet was united in mar- 
riage to Amanda Rehrig, of East Penn township, to 
whom were horn children, — Isabella (Mrs. Victor 
Bowman), Alice Emma (deceased), Lewis F., Emma 
Jenetta (Mrs. John Semmel), Amanda Sabina (de- 
ceased), John William, Benjamin Matthias (deceased), 
Martha Sophia, Harry Charles, and Charles David 
(deceased). Mr. Balliet is in politics a Republican, 
but not a strong partisan. He is a director of the 
Slatington Bank, and one of the shareholders in the 
Lehigh Furnace, at Allentown, and the Lehigh Val- 
ley Furnace, at Coplay. He is also, with his brothers, 
interested in extensive iron-ore beds in Lehigh County. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 
BOROUGH OF SLATINUTON. 

Settlement of the Kerns. — On the west side of the 
Lehigh River, about two miles below the gap in the 
Blue Ridge, at a point where the famous " Warriors' 
Path" crossed the stream, and where is now the 
thriving borough of Slatington, one Nicholas Kern, 
as early as 1737, took up land on which he subse- 
quently made his home. His first warrant was dated 
Nov. 24, 1737, and his second March 15, 1738. The 
two tracts amounted to five hundred acres. It was 
described as being on the west branch of the Dela- 
ware (as the Lehigh was then called), and was ad- 
joined on one side by land of Gottfried Knauss (who 
thin lived near the site of Emaus), and upon the 
other by vacant land. 

Nicholas Kern, after raising a large family of chil- 
dren, died in 1748, leaving a widow, six sons — ■ 
Henry, Frederick, Nicholas, John, William, George 
— and one daughter, —Caroline (Mrs. Martin Sing- 
ling). A will left by Kern directed that the property 
should he divided into eight equal parts between the 
widow and children. All of the family remained at 
this place until the youngest children had arrived at 
maturity, when some of them removed to the lower 
part of the county, where their descendants still re- 



side. William and John remained at the homestead, 

and look care of the farm and the mills which had 
been erected on Trout Creek. 

In the Evans map of 1755, and in Edward Scull's 
oi 177o, one of these mills NV ;is designated as " Truck- 
er's Mill." Benjamin Franklin, in his report to Gov- 
ernor Morris, in January, 1756, states that he procured 
boards and timber for the building of Fort Allen, at 
Weissport, from " Trucker's Saw-Mill." Many state 
papers, letters, or reports from officers wdio were sta- 
tioned in this region from 17">6 to 1764, bear date 
"Kern's" or "Trucker's." Mrs. Michael Ramaly, 
long since dead, gave information many years ago to 
Charles Peters, of Slatington, concerning this name 
" Trucker," stating that it was given to William Kern 
to distinguish him from others of the same name, and 
that he was of a jovial turn of mind, much given to 
joking. " Trockemr," in German, signifies a joker, a 
wit, and that was doubtless the term originally ap- 
plied to the miller, winch in time was corrupted to 
" Trucker." 

In the year 1761 a road was laid out on the line of 
the old Warriors' Path, crossing Trout Creek, and 
running through the site of Slatington. 

On the 4th of January, 1770, William and John 
Kern bought of the other heirs considerable of the 
land left to them. The former had one hundred and 
forty acres, for which he paid three hundred pounds, 
and John two hundred and twenty-six acres, for 
which he paid two hundred and fifty pounds. Wil- 
liam purchased other lands, and on Oct. 1, 1799, he 
and his wife, Salome, deeded to Nicholas and John 
Kern, their sons, two tracts of land near the home- 
stead. One of these tracts (one hundred and seventy- 
two acres) had been patented Jan. 16, 1784, and an- 
other, of two hundred and ninety-five acres, March 
10, 1794. Frederick Kern, a brother of William, took 
up a warrant for land the year his father died, and 
John, another brother, took up one hundred and 
forty-nine acres March 27, 1769. 

The mill heretofore spoken of originally stood above 
the iron bridge that crosses Trout Creek, but subse- 
quently was removed to the place where now stands 
Hess & Co.'s mantel-factory. William Kern's house, 
built of logs and possessing the distinction of a double 
porch, stood where the residences of Benjamin Kern 
and Henry Kuntz now are It was torn down about 
1858. The old stone barn, built about 1807, is still 
standing. 

Reverting to the Kern family, we can -state that 
William, who lived until about 1810, had at least 
eight children, viz. : William, Stoffel (or Christo- 
pher), Nicholas, John, Jacob, Elizabeth, Salome, and 
Julia, by two wives. William lived at Lehigh Gap, 
and kept tavern there many years. He died near 
Stemlersville. Stoffel settled about midway between 
the site of Slatington and the Blue Mountain and fol- 
lowed farming. His sons were Henry, Daniel, Charles, 
Levi, and Stephen ; Levi alone is now living, and is 



BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON. 



557 



located north »{ the mountains. There were also 
three daughters, of whom Elizabeth Mrs Stephen 
Smith), of Schneckville, is th Ij one living. Nich- 
olas Kern lived at the homestead until L819. He 
married Hannah Best, the daughter of an earlj Bel 
tier, and built a house on a portion of the "Id farm, 
about a mile from the site of Slatington. He had 
four sons. -Henry, Jacob, Adam, and Stephen, ■ 

whom Adam and Jacob are the only ones living, and 

are located respectively in Illinois and in Heidi 
township. Two daughters are also living, — Polly 
Mrs. Eli Hoflman) in Lowhill, and Anna (Mrs. Eli 
Kern in Washington township. 

John Kern, son of William, was born in 1777, and 
died here in 18r>0, aged seventy-three years. He i ai 
ried on the farm and also the second mill (of which 
more extended mention will presently be made). His 
sons were Jonas, Daniel, Thomas, Reuben, and Jo- 
seph, and his daughters. Susanna (Mrs. Jonas Hoff- 
man), Hannah (Mrs. I». U'ehr), Lydia Mr-. William 
Opp), and Leah (Mrs. Eli Hoffman). 

Jonas settled at the homestead, and conducted the 
mill and farm until 1861, and now lives in Lower 
.Slatington with his son, Benjamin. The mill was 
given to Airs. Henry Kuutz, whose husband rented it 
for a time. It now belongs to H. A. Kern, son of 
Charles, son of < Ihristopher. 

Jacob Kern settled about two miles down the Le- 
high from the old home, on a farm which Nathan 
Kern now owns. The only one of this family now 
living is Elias Kern, of Quakertown. 

John Kern, brother of William, in L755 lived on 
land which is now cut up and owned by various per- 
sons, but principally by Williams & Co. Daniel, 
John, and George were his sons. Daniel removed to 
Indiana, and John to New York. George settled on 
the river and followed farming. He also built the 
stone tavern and barn which still stand in the lower 
part of Slatington and are inscribed with the figures 
of the year in which they were reared, 1824. He died 
about I860. Hi' had two sons, — George and Con- 
rad. 

There were no other settlers than the Kerus at what 
is now Slatington until the discovery of slate. The 
family lived here quietly as farmers and millers. 
Concerning the mills, it may not he out of place to 
state that the first grist-mill stood on Trout Creek, 
where now are the ruins of the saw-mill built in 1703, 
and still to be seen. It is said that William Kern was 
attacked here by the Indians the year that the mill 
was erected, but the onslaught could not have heen a 
very .desperate one, if it is true, as alleged, that he 
drove them away with a cart-whip. The second mill, 
a -tone structure, a story and a half high, was built in 
the centre of the present road, at the end of the bridge 
over Trout Creek. It was torn down in 1 Sod, ami the 
present mill was then erected by Jonas Kern. 

At that time the only people who lived hen wen 
Jonas Kern (who had a double house and the mill 



already mentioned , John Kern, his father, Henry 
Kuutz. and Robert McDowell, who had d a 

store. This slight increase of population, and the 
subsequent building of a town on this spot, were 
caused by the discover} of the great deposit oi -' 
valuable for various commercial purposes. 

The Discovery and Development of the Slate 
Deposits. 1 —In 1844 two Welshmen, William Robert* 
and Nelson Labar, who were traveling in this region, 
became instrumental in bringing into existence a 
greal industry and incidentally the town of v. bit b 
write. While making the journej on foot from 
Easton to Mauch Chunk by the old stage route along 
the Lehigh, they discovered at oneof their resting- 
places, opposite the site of Slatington, some pieces 
of stone, leaning against the ham of Peter Heimbach, 
in which they recognized a close resemblance to the 
merchantable slate of their native country. They 
learned from Mr. Heimbach where it bad been ob- 
tained, and upon leaving his house went to the -pot, a 
little distance down the river, and made investigations 
which fully satisfied them of the value of the material. 
The slate was found on the land of John Bennin; 
in Northampton County, and the two Welshmen im- 
mediately leased the property. In the spring of 18 16 
the] opened a quarry a little below where the works 
of Caskie & Emach now are, and in A.ugus! of the 
same year John Benninger opened Quarry No. 1 of 
the Heimbach vein. 

The same season Nelson Labar and William Rob- 
erts came over to the west side of the river, in the 
vicinity of Slatington. to look for slate, but they de- 
cided that there wa.- none there. A short time after- 
wards, however, it was discovered by Owen Jones. 
Boberts then united with him, and they leased land 
from Jonas Kern for fifteen years. Following is a 
portion of the agreement which they drew up: 



i In this connection tie* following statement by D. I>. Jones, concern- 
ing early slate discoveries, proves interesting: 

" The in. i digging for slate began In this count* (which was then 
Northampton) as earl* as the beginning of 'lie century. We read that 
a number of capitalists wore organized under a charter granted bj th 
Legislature to open and work a slate Quarry Dn the Delaware, below the 
Wat r Gap, as aai '.* as l.d. IS06. The organization of this company no 
doubt stimulated others to new enterprises and further discoveries. 

"After slate had heen quarried along the Delaware for a number of 
, it was thought it might be found farther along the Blue Moun- 
tain, near the Lehigh Gap. Accordingly, in 1M4, a few Welsh and 
Miieu, from near the Delaware Water Gap, emigrated to tlri.- 
vi njitv, where they made the first opening on the east side of the 
Lehigh, near the present quarries of the Heimbach Slate Company. 
Iloo also explored front i c, and In 18*6 opened the first 

quarry, situated on the lull near Welshtown, which is worked atpn 

lease bj Bugh L. I'a.i- & Co. Some of the pioneers in this en- 
terprise were William Roberta, Robert af. Ji nee, Owen Jones, Nelson 

and i.eorgc Labar, and, later. Hugh L. I'.ivi-. H.-nry Williams, and 
others, some of whom arrived here direct from v 

'* I should mention that previous to the above explorations a party of 
gentlemen from Haiti more, >M . in 1828, opened aslate-quarry in White- 
hall township, weal of Laury'a Station, end in 1881 s portion of them, 
accompanied by our townsman, B tt< Dowell, Esq., discovered slate on 
the farm of Thomas Benninger, near the Lehigh Wal uarry 

was opened and worked for several years, after which slate of a better 
quality was elsewhere discovered, and the old opi loneoV' 



-,5S 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



"Articleof agreement made and concluded upon this thirtieth da> 
of August, 184 ■. between Jonas Kern, "t" the township of Seidell 
in the Count) of Lehigh, State of Pennsylvania, and Owen Jones and 
William Roberts of the same place,— Term of IS rears, toi the'making 
u quarry ol slate-Atone to make Blute shingles,' to ' pay to the said Jonas 

Kern, Uiller, twenty-eight i ents for each and i very t t slate shiu- 

Jonas Kern to have the light to have as many of the large state 
that could n"t be ii-.-. I for Bhingles . . . ' And further, the al in said 

parties agree that it theeaid Jonas Kern, Hitler, has a i i to begin 

to quarrey himself, he can't take nobody to him as a partner except- 
ing Owen Jones 01 William Roberts; therefore nobodj has d i Right to 
Commence to make a qtiarey on the aforesaid land.- but Owen Jones and 
William Roberts or Jonas Kern, Miller, himself, with the aforesaid i 'wen 
Jones and William Roberts. 1 

Signed) 

" Job i e i d 
"Owen Jones. 
" William Roberts. 
" Witness at signing, 
"Geohge Kex." 

Jones and Roberts then opened a quarry in the face 
of the hill, on the east side of the road leading to 
Welchtown, This opening, now known as the " Tun- 
nel Quarry," is worked by John B. Roberts. In the 
fall of 1848, Robert McDowell bought a third interest 
of Owen Jones and William Roberts. Mr. Jones 
soon after engaged in the slate business, went to 
Wales and brought his family to this country. He 
lived here many years, and then removed to Daniels- 
ville, where he was killed by the fall of a derrick. 
Mr. Roberts, who has been mentioned in connection 
with these pioneer operations in slate, also established 
the first school-slate factory. The Mr. McDowell 
who entered into partnership, as already stated, with 
Jones and Roberts, became a prominent merchant of 
the town, and one of the leading slate dealers. 

The second lease of Jonas Keru's land was to a 
company (in which he had a place) composed of 
James M. Porter, Samuel Taylor, John Williams, and 
Robert McDowell. They formed a partnership for 
the purpose of carrying on the mercantile business, 
and also for quarrying. The store was to be opened 
March 25, 1847, but was not until a later date, because 
of Mr. Kern's withdrawal, and other reasons. It was 
finally opened in the double house which was owned 
by Jonas Kern, and built many years before by Wil- 
liam Kern. This was occupied until Kern built a 
new structure (the west end of the Kern block), when 
McDowell & Co. took possession of it. They kept 
here until 1851, and then sold out to Kern, and 
opened a store in Upper Slatington, where Mr. Kuntz 
now is. 

Under the second lease the Douglass and Washing- 
ton Quarries were opened, Thomas Craig uniting with 
the original lessees in operating them. The lands 
were subsequently bought. 

The second house on the hill was built by Boas 
Housman, who was book-keeper fur McDowell & Co. 
It was of stone, and stood where the stores of Kreitz 
and Seibert now are. The office of the company was 
where J. C. Mack's store is. The second office — a 
brick building — is now the office of Caskie & Emack. 

In 1851 the town was regularly laid out by D. D. 



Jones and Robert McDowell, and lots were sold. By 
1860 i lie place, which had but two or three buildings 
in 1851, had gained a population of five hundred, and 
in 1869 it had reached two thousand. One of the 
buildings alluded to was a stone tavern, built by 
John Ramaly in 1849. The first store was started in 
Upper Slatington iu 1852 by Robert McDowell. From 
this time on the growth of the town, at first called 
Waverly, is shown in the history of its schools, 
churches, and other institutions. (The numerous 
slate-quarries are mentioned in the chapter on Wash- 
ington township.) 

In connection with this account of the operations 
in slate and the development of the town, we subjoin 
sketches of three of the men most prominently en- 
gaged in the industry, while others will be found at 
the close of the chapter. 

Daniel D. Jones is of Welsh descent. His mater- 
nal grandfather, Smith, a native of Northamp- 
ton County, with his wife, removed to Philadelphia, 
where he engaged in the hauling of lumber. Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith were, iu 1798, the victims of an epidemic 
of yellow fever prevailing in Philadelphia, and died 
in one night, leaving two infant daughters, who were 
adopteil by friends of the family. One of these, 
Sophia, married Peter Jones, a seafaring man, whose 
son, Daniel, the only survivor of four children, is the 
subject of this sketch. He was born April 1, 1827, 
in Philadelphia, and having been left an orphan at 
the age of nine years, was bound for four years to a 
farmer in Bucks County, where he remained two 
years beyond the specified time. Having determined 
to acquire a trade, he removed to Bethlehem and per- 
fected himself in that of a house- carpenter. In 1849 
he followed the tide of emigration to California, and 
there found his trade a remunerative one, skillful 
workmen receiving for their labor sixteen dollars per 
day. Mr. Jones, later, engaged iu the mining of gold, 
and subsequently in traffic on the Sacramento River. 
In 1850 he embarked in mercantile operations, which 
were continued until his returu, the following year, 
to his native State. Mr. Jones made Bethlehem his 
residence, and subsequently removed to Philadelphia. 
He had meanwhile invested capital in the slate busi- 
ness at Slatington, and was among the first to develop 
these extensive interests, having erected the first house 
within the present borough limits, and bestowed upon 
the hamlet the name it bears. He enlisted in 1861, 
and during the late war served in the quartermaster's 
department, first as regimental quartermaster and 
later, in the same capacity, connected with a brigade 
and a division. In 1867, Mr. Jones married Miss S. 
Jenny Mott, daughter of Elijah Mott, of Moutrose, 
Susquehanna Co. Their children are Harry D., 
Freddy M., Hiram Belford, and three who died in 
childhood. Mr. Jones has been actively identified 
with business enterprises and with affairs of a public 
and official character. He was the first postmaster 
id' Slatington, appointed in 1851, president of the 





A / <t s f />< (Uo-w 




g^Lry/l Z&Qjt&^CJ 



BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON. 



559 



Dime Savings-Bank of Slatington, for nine yean 
director of the Manufacturers' National Bank of 
Philadelphia, and one of the organizers of the Lehigh 
Slate Company. Hi repre ented the city of Phila- 
delphia in the directorship of the North Penn Rail- 
road, is a life-member of the Historical Society of 

Pennsylvania. BE also of its publication fund, having 

ever manifested much interest in matters of a his- 
torical and antiquarian nature. He is a Republican 
in politics, and as such was elected burgess ol Slating- 
ton and member of its Bchool board. Mr. Jones is 
also an active Mason, and member of the Meridian 
Sun Lodge, No. 158, of Philadelphia, and of the 
Girard Mark Lodge, No. 214, as also of the Columbia 
Chapter, No. 91, of Philadelphia. 

David Williams ib of Welsh descent, and the son 
of William Owen and Elizabeth Williams, who re- 
sided in Park, near P.ethesda, North Wales. Their 
son, David, was horn Sept. 9, 1822, and spenl his 
boj hood in 1 'ark, the place of his birth. He received 
such advantages of education as the common schools 
afforded, and at the age of fifteen Bought employment 
at the Penryn Slate-Quarries, where he continued to 

labor until the age of twentj , when, in c pany with 

his brother, he emigrated to America, landing in New 
York City. Seeking the slate-quarries of Northamp- 
ton County, Pa., he prosecuted his trade for two yeais 
with Owen fivans, and during the succeeding six years 
varied this with other occupations. 

In 18-)',) he located iii Northampton County, having 
purchased slate-quarril s. which he operated until the 

property was sold, [n 1865 be became the owner of 
quarries at Slatington, which were successfully worked 
for a period of years, when, in 1881, he disposed of 
the interest and purchased the epiarries in North- 
ampton County, which he now works. He still 
retains his residence at Slatington. where he is the 
proprietor of an extensive factory tor the manufac- 
ture of school-slates. Mr. Williams is one of the 
most extensivi slate-workers in the county, and lias 
been largely identified with the development of this 
important interest in Pennsylvania. His factory 
produces annually one million three hundred thou- 
sand school-slates, which find a ready market in the 
various State.- of the Union. Mr. Williams was 
married in 1851 to Miss Julia Ann Brown, daughter 
of Peter Brown, of Northampton County. Their 
children are .lames M., Llewellyn E., Walter I... 
Allavesta, and Cinderella. In politics he is a Re- 
publican, and represented his party for fivi 
as burgess of the borough of Slatington. He was 
educated in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, 
though a supporter of all religious denomination-. 

Hugh L. Davis is the son of Edward I 'avis, who 
was of Welsh lineage, and resided ill Mont) 

County, North Wales, where he was an agriculturist. 
He married Ann Lumley. of the same county, and 
had children (eleven in number). — John, Jane, 
Mary. lice-. Edward, Ann, Hugh L., David. Eliza- 



beth, Samuel, and one who died in youth. II b 

I... of this number, was horn on the 2d of November, 
I Mo. in Montgomery County, North Wales, mid re- 
mained, during boyhood and youth, upon the farm 
of his father, whom be assisted in hi- daily roul 
labor. Desiring a wider field of action than was pos- 
sible in his native country, he. in I -II, emigrate. I to 

America. Landing in New 5fork, hi made 

ite of Pennsylvania the objective-point, tarry- 
ing for a brief period :it various places which o 
advantageous employment, lie eventual)] loi 
at Summit Hill. Carbon Co., and remained for twenty- 
two years as superintendent of the collieries of Daniel 
Bertsch. Mr. Davis then made Slatington his place 

of residence, and became interested in the Upper 
Lehigh Coal Company, as well as in Blate-quarries 

i sdiate vicinity. In connection with other 

parties, and under the firm-name of Abbott & Davis, 
he leased the coal-mines at i arbon Run, and continued 
for lour years to operate them. His interest in the 
I mineral products of the State gradually in- 
creased, and Mr. Davis became one of the stock- 
holders in the Conuellsville Coke and Iron Com- 
pany, at Connellsville, Pa., and still retains connection 
with this influential company. Mr. Davis having 
devoted the larger part of his life to business pur- 
su its, and by fidelity to the trusts imposed in him. 
and great technical knowledge of the industries with 
which he wa- connected, rendered his career a - 
C( ssful one, some year- since retired from active 
business, though still retaining hi- connection with 
many important industries. He wa- married April 
1 28, 1858, to Miss Mary, daughter of William Mor- 
gan, of Summit Hill. They have had four children, 
of whom Annie, wife of Rev. J. Elwy Lloyd, is the 
only survivor. Mr. Davis is a member of the Welsh 
Presbyterian Church of Slatington, in which he has 
officiated as an elder. He is identified with the Ma- 
sonic fraternity as a member of Slatington Lodge, 
No. ttu, of F. and A. M. 

Mr. I). D. Jones thus speaks of early improvements 

in and about the town : 

' In L854 the Slatington Bridge Company was char- 
tered, the bridge built, and in November opened to 
the public. The Lehigh Slate Company, formerly 
R. McDowell cc Co., was also chartered this year by 
the Legislature, increasing their capital, whereby 
many buildings and other improvements were added 
to tin town. In 18o(J the Lehigh Valley Railroad 
wa- Iii -I opened. The same year the hotel near the 
railroad depot was opened, one or more dwellings 
added, and the settlement called Liberty. Building- 
lots up-town were sold by adjoining land-owners at 
remunerative prices, and from this date the town grew 
rapidly. In 1859 the mantel-factory of the Lehigh 
Slate Compain wa- creeled. Some of the largest 
machinery introduced was brought here t'r Ver- 
mont. A smaller building bad been put up on the 
opposite side of the creek in 1852 by Jones & Co., 



560 



HISTORY OF LKHIGII COl'NTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



wherein the fir>t mantels were made and finished 
The propertj subsequently passed into possession of 
the Lehigh Slate Company, and the available ma- 
chinery removed into the new factory, the old build- 
ing taken down and turned into dwellings, to 
1862 the Riverside Slate-Quarry was opened. In 1863, 
David Williams & Co. opened a quarry near the 
ii River, and their school-slate factory pul up in 
1865, which was destroyed by fire in 1874, and the 
largi and substantial structure erected in its 
place in 1875." 

Incorporation as a Borough.— In 1864 an impor- 
tant step was taken in the advancement of the town. 
Conflicting interests arose, and to harmonize them it 
was deemed V>esi to incorporate the town. Accord- 
ingly, a petition was presented to the Court of Quarter 
Sessions of Lehigh County at the April term, pray- 
ing for the incorporation of a borough, to be known 
as Slatington, by the following bounds, viz. : Begin- 
ning at a white-oak tree on the west bank of the 
Lehigh River and forty-eight perches south of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad bridge across Trout Creek ; 
thence through lauds of D. and E. Remely, Jacob 
Remely, R. McDowell, and D. D. Jones south seventy- 
seven degrees west two hundred and forty perches 
to a stone ; thence through lands of said R. Mc- 
Dowell and D. D. Jones, John Remely (deceased), 
the Lehigh Slate Company, and Thomas Kern north 
thirteen degrees west one hundred and thirty perches 
to a stone; thence through land of Henry Kuntz, 
Benjamin Kern, Elias Kern, and Williams & Hall 
north seventy-seven degrees east two hundred and 
sixty-eight degrees to the west bank of the Lehigh 
River; thence down the said Lehigh River one hun- 
dred and thirty-two perches, more or less, to the 
place of beginning. 

The petition was granted, and a decree of incorpo- 
ration issued Sept. 7, 1804. 

The first eleetion was held in pursuance of the de- 
cree at Charles Peters' in November, the judges being 
Robert McDowell and Henry Kuntz. Robert Mc- 
Dowell was chosen burgess, and Henry Kuntz, 
Charles Peters, Jonas Hoffman, Henry Haudwerk, 
and Abraham Person, councilmen. The early meet- 
ings of the Council were held at the Lehigh Slate 
Company's office, and later ones at the Slatington 
Hotel. One of the first actions of the Council was to 
rent "the little corner house," on Main Street and 
Centre Alley, for a lock-up, and to appoint Henry 
Handwerk to fit it up for that purpose. The borough 
was surveyed by A. J. Hauman some time during the 
winter of 1865-60, and the plan or map which he 
drew was approved in March, 1800. 

On Aug. 1, 1800, the Council leased a piece of laud 
of Benjamin Kern for the purpose of establishing a 
market. This lot was on Front (or River) Street, and 
extended to Second. No market-house was built 
upon it, however. The enterprise of the authorities 
seems instead to have been directed toward the 



building of a station-house and council-chamber, 
which was finished in the fall of 1867. The borough 
was presented, in the spring of 1868, with a fire- 
engine and hose-carriage by the Slatington Cin En 
terprise I lompany, and the engine still remains in the 
old school-house. Thus the conveniences needed by 
a thriving town were gradually secured. It was not 
until some years later that the building known as the 
town hall was built by Hugh L. Davis, and the 
armory building erected by the Slatington Rifles 
Company II of the National Guard). 
Following i- a list of the principal borough officer-: 



1804. Robert McDowell. 
181 66. A. P Stc-ckel. 

1867-68. D, D. Jones. 

1 36 I, w ill: mi Morgan. 
1870-71. Robert .McDowell 
is72 7::. I>. D. Jones 
IS74. Thomae Kern. 



BURGESSES. 

1875-76. DavH William! 
1S77. Benjamin Kern. 
i*7s-79. David Williams. 
[880. Samnel Caskie 

1881. Joel Hi ii 

1882. Samuel Oaskie 

1883. Joel Ned 



COUNCIL. 
1864. — Henry Kuntz, Charles Peter, Jonas Hoffman, Ibnry Handwerk, 

Abraham Person. 
1865. — Daniel It. Williams, Jesse Labar, John Handwerk, Benjamin 

Kern, William Morgan. 
1866.— William Morgan, Benjamin Kern, William Et. Williams, Evan 

Williams, Aaron Peter. 
1867.— Aaron Peter, William R. Williams, Ii. II Scholl, William H. 

Kress, A. Berkemeyer. 
1868.— A. Berkemeyer, Aaron Peter, O. H. Scholl, Hugh L. Davis, VVib 

Ham H. Kress. 
lSt,9. — A. Berkemeyer, J. F. Kress, Jonas Hoffman, Abill Heilman, J. C. 

Mack. 
1870. — A. Berkemeyer, Benjamin Kern, David Ross, J. F. Kress, J. I,. 

Schreiber. 
1871. Kern, A. Berkemeyer, .1. F. Kress, John L. Schreiber.David 

Ross. 
1872. — Thomas Keru, Jesse l.abar, James Anthony, Benjamin Kern, 

John F. Kress, Duane Neff. 
1S73. — Owen E. Mank, Griffith Ellis, Jesse Labar, Jonas Hoffman, Wil- 
liam Kern, Alleu Xauder. 
1874.— J. C. Mack, Joel Neff, S. A. Santee. s. II. Sahneck, William 

Morgan. 
1875.— John T. Roberts, William II. Houser, E. B Neff. 
1876. — William H. Houser, Hugh L. Davis, Jonas Hoffman, Benjamin 

Kern, J. C. Mack, Thomas Kern. 
1877.— Thomas Kern, Hugh L. Davis, Jonas Hoffman, Joel Neff, D. F. 

Snyder, Griffith Ellis. 
1878.— Dr. J. F. Miller, William H. Houser, Joel Neff, J. C. Mack, Fred. 

Welz, Hugh L. Davis. 
1879.— Jonas Hoffman, William Ruch, Joel Neff, K. B. Nell, D. D. Jones, 

Aaron Peter. 
1880.— J. C. Mack, I.. Campbell, Bd. Etauch, D. D. Jones, Joel Neff, David 

Lutz. 
1881.— L. Campbell, E. B. Nell, Hynian Peters, J.C. Mack, D. D.Jones, 

Jonas Hoffman. 
1882.— J. Labar, William Morgan, J. F. Hunsicker, John Balliet, Evan 

Williams, E. D. Peter. 
1883. — William Morgan, John G. Davis, Thomas Kern, Walter B.Grosh, 

Phaon A. Semrnel, Evan Williams. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEAI'i:. 

Commissioned, i 



Henry Kuntz April 17,1866 

Lewis C.Smith " 17,1866 

Jobn F. Kress " 14, 1868 

John F. Kress " IT,, 1873 

Henry Kuntz March 21, 1876 

John F.Kress " 26, 1878 



• ommissioned. 

Isaac M. Cassell Dec. 2, 1880 

Hiram J. Hanker April 9, 1881 

F.J. Stetler " 9, lssl 

Oscar A. Neff May '.'. 1882 

Arthur W. Miller April 6, 1883 



The Trout Creek Bridge.— The county records 
show that viewers appointed io 1814 for the purpose 
of ascertaining the expediency of building a bridge 



HoltOT'CII OF SLATINCTON 



561 



nvcr Trout Creek at this |iuirit, reported in favor of 
tlic project, but for gome reason the work was not done 
until lsi't;. two years after building the bridge ovei 
the Lehigh at the Hap. The bridge then built was of 
stone. The commissioners were John Etinker and 
Conrad Knerr. This bridge was torn down in 1869, 
and the present iron structure was then thrown across 
the stream. 

Hotels.- -The first hotel in what is now Slatington, 

n stone building, still standing on Main Street, in the 

lower part of town, and occupied as a private resi- 

, was built byOoorgo Kern in IS^t. The bttild- 

ipposite, now used as a carriage-shop, was thi 
barn in connection with this hotel. Kern kept the 
hotel until about 1840, ami then closed it, for, although 
upon the road between Philadelphia and Maueh 
Chunk, it was but little patronized. 

The second hotel was built by Jonas Kern in L847. 
It was kept by Henry Kuntz, Dennis Hunsickcr, Ed- 
ward Raeber, and Jesse Miller, the last mentioned 
being landlord in 1866, when it was closed. The 
building is now used as a dwelling. 

The next hotel, and the first in Upper Slatington, 
was a stone building ereeted in ;- din Ramaly. 

It was kept at first by Hubert L. Roberts, and by 
Richard 11. Dyer in 1857. About that time Charles 
Peters bought it, and kept it until 1869, when In- 
leased it to Edward B. XefT, who was landlord until 
1871. Charles Peters was then the host until 1877, 
when the property was bought by E. B. Neff. 

The Railroad Hotel, at the depot, was built by 
Thompson West in 1851. It has been kept by Eli 
1'rantz. Jonas Hoffman, Amandus and Henry Bittner. 

The Eagle Hotel was built. by Israel Rudv about 
1856. 

The United States was built by Dunkle & Snyder. 
It had many landlords, and for the past two years has 
been conducted by Oby Keiser. 

The Mansion House, built a number of years ago, 
was taken possession of in 1876 by 1". M. Ringer, 
The Broadway, erected and kept for a time by Peter 
Breyfogel. now has as a landlord Tilghman H. Yehl. 

The American was built by Benjamin Kern in 1868. 
It has had as landlords Jonas Hoffman, M. Heilman, 
Peter Keiser, Benjamin F. Peter, and Tilghman H. 
Yehl. The present landlord is Walter Peters. 

Churches— The Evangelical Lutheran Congre- 
gation. 1 — In the spring of the year 1868 it happened 
one day that some five or six members of the Lutheran 
faith met, and the conversation turned to the con- 
sideration of the propriety of beginning a German and 
English Sunday school in the borough of Slatington. 
The result was the appointing of a committee to obtain 
the old school-house on Church Street for this purpose. 
Rev. J. 8. Renninger, of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church and pastor of the Schnecksville charge, was in- 
vited to deliver an address on the subject of Sundav- 



I By Rer. J S. Erb. 



36 



schools, to which request be responded. The address 
was delivered in the Presbj terian < Ihurch of tbie 
I he Sunday -school was opened with t 

On the Second Sunday the number had il 

sixty-four, and continued to increase bo rapidly that 

the place was -non too small, and it b'ecami 

to procure a more commodious building. This want 

was met by obtaining the public school-house of the 

borough. 

\ Bible class was also organized about the same 
time, and was instructed every other week by Rev. J. 
s. Renninger. By and by Rev. S. A. Leinbach, of the 
Reformed Church, commenced his mission in thi 
mutually assisting in the enterprise. By the efforts 
of these men, the members of the Sunday-school and 
Bible class were induced to see the necessil 
spiritual home, — i.e., of building a house of worship 
in this rapidly-rising town. 
A meeting was called on the 17th of July, 1- 

take into consideration the building of a Union 
Church, Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed. Mr. 
Charles Peter was chairman, and Henry Kuntz -eere- 
tary of the meeting. A subsequent meeting was held 
on the 31st of July, 1868, at which meeting a com- 
mittee on site and plan of ihurch was appointed. 

On Sept. 19, 1868, this congregation was organized, 
adopting a constitution and electing as a church coun- 
cil, Elders, Henry Handwerk and David Ross; Dea- 
cons, Amandus Young, John Handwerk, and Jacob 
Unruh. The building committee consisted of David 
Ross and Henry Handwerk of the Lutheran congre- 
gation, and Jonas Kern and Philip Woodring of the 
Reformed. The corner-stone of the church was laid 
on the 27th of June, I860. Ministers present, Isaac 
Loos and S. A. Leinbach, of the Reformed Church, 
and L. Groh and J. S. Renninger, of the Lutheran 
Church. 

The church was dedicated on the 25th and 26th of 
December, 1869. Ministers present, Revs. J. D. 
Schindel, F. Berkemier, of the Lutheran Church, and 
Revs. D. Brendcl, L. K. Derr, and S. A. Leinbach, of 
the Reformed Church. 

In the spring of the year 1871, Rev. D. K. Cepner 
was elected and became the pastor of the Evangelical 
congregation. At about the same Lime, Rev. L. K. 
Derr was elected and became the pastor of the Re- 
formed congregation. Rev. D. K. Kepner resigned 
this congregation on the 1st of January, ls7. r ,. The 
Evangelical Lutheran was now without a regular pas- 
tor for about one year. The congregation was sup- 
plied with the word and sacrament by Rev. J. D. 
Schindel, and four students of the Evangelical Semi- 
nary at Philadelphia. During the summer of 1875, 
J. S. lab, a student at the seminary, supplied the 
congregation during his vacation, and continued doing 
so during the last year of his seminary course. In 
the spring of the year 1876, he was unanimously 
elected a- pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran congre- 
gation. In the year 1880 the union arrangement be- 



562 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



tween the Lutheran and Reformed was dissolved, the 
Reformed buying the old church building. It then 
became necessary for the Evangelical Lutheran con- 
gregation in build for themselves a bouse of worship. 
April 25, 1871, the congregation met and decided 
to build a church. They commenced in good earnest 
to break ground, <>n a lot on Second Street, which lot, 
along with a parsonage, was donated to the congre- 
gation by Mrs. David Ross. On July 2, L881, the 
corner-stone was laid. The pastor, J.S. Erb, was as- 
sisted by Professor \Y. \V. Wachemagle and Rev. S. 

A. Zeigenfuss. The basement of the church was dedi- 
cated Nov. 6, 1S81. Ministers present, Rev. I. N. S. 
Erl) and G. A. Brengel. The andienee-roora of the 
church was dedicated Dec. 2, 1883, Rev. Professor 

B. Sadtler, D.D., and .1. D. Schindel assisting the 
pastor. The congregation has a beautiful bouse of 
worship, with a parsonage alongside of the church, 
and is in a prosperous condition. The present pastor 
is Rev. .1. S. Erb. 

The Reformed Church.— Th is congregation with 
the Lutheran was organized as a Union Church in 
1869, and a house of worship was built the same vein, 
and dedicated December 25th. The church had sup- 
plies until 1870, and after that time until 1880 it was 
in charge of the Rev. L. R. Derr. In March, 1880, 
Rev. William J. Peters became pastor, and has since 
served in that capacity. The church has a member- 
ship of two bundled and twenty. A Sunday-school 
in connection, of which Robert F. Mushlitz is super- 
intendent, has, counting teachers and pupils, two 
hundred and seventy-five members. This congrega- 
tion, upon the separation of the Lutheran element in 
1880, retained the church building. 

Methodist Episcopal Church,— In the month of 
July, 1869, it was determined to build a church at 
this place. The building committee, consisted of Rev. 
J. W. Knapp, pastor in charge ; James Anthony, 
James Thomas, David Evans, Harrison Evans, George 
S. Coffin, and William H. Gisb. Rev. J. W. Knapp, 
chairman ; William H. Gish, secretary and treasurer. 

The corner-stone was laid Sept. 12, 1869, Rev. 
Jerome Lindermuth officiating. The house was dedi- 
cated Dec. 19, 1869, the ministers officiating being 
Rev. Jerome Lindermuth, Rev. William H. Fries, 
Rev. Kimble, and Rev. J. W. Knapp. The trustees 
for Slatington and Slatedale, — Harrison Evans, David 
Evans, Owen W. ( Uvens, William H. Gish, and George 
S. Coffin. The following have been the pastors in 
charge: Rev. J. W. Knapp, 1869; Rev. E. H. Hoff- 
man, 1870; Rev. J. T. Folsom, 1871-73; Rev. James 
Richards, 1874; Rev. Harrison Evans, 1875; Rev. L. 
P.. Hoffman, 1876; Rev. G. L. Schaffer, 1877-79 ; Rev. 
Josiah Bawden, 1880; Rev. W. F. Shepperd, 1881-82 ; 
Rev. F. Illman, 1883. 

The Preshyterian Church.— This church was or- 
ganized in 1850 (the precise date is not obtainable, as 
the records have been lost) by a committee of the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, consisting of the Rev. 



Dr. Gray, of Easton, Rev. Leslie Irvine, of the Allen 
Township Church, and .lames Kennedy, ruling elder 
of the latter body. There were thirteen original 
members; Robert McDowell and James Marshall 
were the ruling elders, and W. S. Crosbie and W. 
.lone- deacon-. Meetings were held during 1850 anil 
1851. From its organization until 1855 the church 
had no stated supply, but was favored with occasional 
preaching. 

The house of worship was built in l^"'l 55. the 
corner-stone being laid in July of the former year, 
and the building dedicated in February of the latter. 
Rev. Dr. D. V. McLean, then president of Lafayette 
College, officiating. 

In the autumn of 1855, Rev. T. M. Adams, of New 
York, began to serve as supply, and continued until 
1857. During the latter year Rev. A. G. llarned, of 
Summit Hill, was called as pastor and accepted. He 
remained about nine years, and was succeeded by the 
Rev. George J. Porter, who served until 1869. In 
March, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. John Mc- 
Naughton, of New York, who accepted, and was in- 
stalled in April. 

In 1874, the church building having fallen into bad 
condition, it was decided to build a new one, and the 
corner-stone was laid that year. On Oct. 1, 1875, Mr. 
McNaughton resigned, and the church was again 
without a pastor. It was supplied during the summer 
by Thomas M. Boyd, a Princeton student. During 
that period services were held in the basement of the 
uncompleted edifice. The church was finished and 
dedicated Sept. 29, 1876, Lev. Dr. William Ormisston, 
of New York, preaching the sermon. The structure 
cost about seven thousand dollars. The building com- 
mittee consisted of Robert McDowell, D. D. Roper, 
D. D. Jones, Jesse Labar, and Samuel Caskie. Rev. 
S. Stockton Burroughs was called to fill the pulpit, 
and accepting, served until 1870, since which time 
there has been only supply preaching. The present 
membership is about seventy. 

There is a Sunday-school in connection with the 
church, which was started by Mr. McDowell in 1854 
with only six members, and grew to two hundred and 
seventy-three in eleven years. 

Evangelical Association. — The society of this de- 
nomination was organized in Slatington in 1S(!2, and 
meetings were held in private houses at first, and later 
in a hall rented by Lewis Henritzy, in the lower town, 
where the society met until 1870, in which year the 
present church edifice, thirty-four by fifty-five feet, 
built of frame, was erected on Second and Washington 
Streets. The corner-stone was laid on the 19th of 
June, 1870. From the time of the organization the 
churches of Slatedale and Slatington have been one 
field of labor, and have unitedly two hundred and 
sixty-four members. 

The following are the preachers that labored in 
this charge: Revs. John Schell, George Knerr, J. 
Specht, D. Yingst, R. Deisher, 1874-75 ; Moses Dis- 



I'.okoi <;ii (if si.attnctox. 



563 



singer, 1-;'; 78; J. C. Bliem, 1879 31; and the Rev. 
<;. W. Gross, the present pastor, 188 

The Welsh Churches. -The Welsh of this 
organized abonl 1 B 16, and worshiped in dwellings until 
1851, when they buill a Btone house oni story high, 
now standing and used by the borough. This thej 
used till 1858, when the congregation divided into 
the Welsh Congregational and Welsh Presty 
bodies. The latter, which was named " Salem Chun h 
built a brick house of worship on the same lot. a lit- 
tle west. This was destroyed bj fire in 1st; I, and was 
rebuilt of brick on the same site. 1" 1888 the congre- 
gation desired a larger house, and the present brick 
edifice, thirty-four by sixty-sis feet in dimensions, 
was built. The i tion numbers one hundred, 

and is without a regular pa-tor, being supplied by 
missionai 

Bethel Church.— The members of tin church, after 
the division in 1858, received as a dona! ion a lot on 
West Church Street for church purposes. A frame 
house was erected there, which was used till 1883. 
The close proximity and encroachments of l 

Quarry led them to seek another lot, and one on 
Fourth and Franklin Streets was Bel ec ted, and the 
corner stone of a brick building, thirty-two by sixty- 
four feet, was laid Nov. 25, L883. The basement of 
the church is now used. This church has about sixty 
members, and is under the care of the Hev. D. C. 
Griffith-, of ' Jatasauqua. 

The Catholic Church is of very recent origin, 
having been established in 1883. The corner-stone 
was laid September loth, and the house was dedicated 

November 25th. The congregation is under the charge 

of Father Heinan. 

Schools. — Prior to 1858 the children of Lower Sla- 
tington attended a school half a mile north, on the 
river, and the children of Upper Slatingtou attended 
the Friedensville school. The first school within the 
I limits of Slatingtou was kept in the old stone 
mill in Lower Slatingtou in the year 1820 by William 
Kern, but it was only sustained for a year or two. The 
next was opened in 1858. At this time the Welsh 
Church had become divided, and the school directors 
of the town-hip rented the stone church which the 
congregation had built. This was used until 1868, 
when the new building was completed. During this 
period the following persons were teachers: G 
Berke, Xantippe Kohler, one Jones (a Welshman , 
Miss Susan Kuan--, .Mi— M. I). Baker (of New Jer- 
sey . Mi-- .lane Mott (of Susquehanna County . and 
others, whose names are now forgotten. A school 
was kept for a time in the second story of the Lehigh 
Slate Company's office, and taught by M 
Ml lowell. Another was held in the house of Moses 
Kuntz. 

Rev. A. G. Earned, daring his term of service as 
pastor of the Presbyterian congregation, from 1857 to 
1866, kept a -chool in the church. It was taught a 
portion of the time by a Mr. Berry, of Connecticut. 



Other schools were held in private houses, but by 
1868 most of them gave way to the common schools. 

In that year, as we have already stated, the school- 
house was erected. This was substantial 
structure, forty-seven by fifty feet in dimension! 
(TWO -torie- high, built at a COSt ol about -even thou- 
sand dollars. It was dedicated Sunday, August 30th, 
and soon afterward schools were opened in it. A.t 
this time the -chool- were divided into tour grades, 
—primary, secondary, grammar, and high school! 
There were about two hundred pupils, till under the 
superintendence of H. A. Kline. He wa- -ucceeded 
in 1869 by Professor Atwater, who in turn gave place 
to Professor J. P. Roland in 1871. Be Berved until 
1872, when Professor J. II. Deardorff became prin- 
cipal. In 1875, Professor F. J. Stetler, who had lor 
two years been in charge of the grammar school, 
became the principal. He regraded the schools, 
established a better classification, and introduced a 
regular course of study. At this time there were 
over three hundred pupils in attendance, and a sec- 
ond primary school was opened in McDowell Ball. 
Higher studies were also introduced for advanced 
pupils. 

In the year 1879 the number of pupils had so in- 
creased that more room was demanded. Consequently 
an addition, two stories high and twenty-five by forty- 
five feet in dimension-, was built, at a cost of about 
two thousand five hundred dollars. The room- were 
the same year furnished with the latest improved fur- 
niture, at a cost of one thousand dollars. The grounds 
were also improved by grading and tree-planting, and 
a wall was built along Main Street. Thi 
became very popular, and were attended by pupils 
from Northampton and Carbon Counties, as well as 
from the adjoining districts in Lehigh. During Pro- 
fessor Stetler's administration over fifty young men 
and women have gone out from the high school as 
teachers, most of them securing positions in Lehigh 
and the adjoining counties. The number of pupils 
at present is over five hundred, ami the overcrowded 
condition of the schools demands more room, which 
the board is now taking steps to supply. 

Besides the common schools, Professor Stetler has 
two night schools, one attended by the quarry and 
factory boys to the number of nearly thirty, and held 
two evenings of each week, and the other for advanced 
pupils and teachers, of whom about fifteen are in 
attendance. 

Following is a list of the school directors of the 
borough from 1865 to 1884: 

1865.— Richard H. Dvei l ■'./., William Peter, David Heint/le- 

iiihii, l.t-wi- C. Smith, Nixon Lewis, At 
186G. — Henrv Knots, Jonas Huffman. 
1867.— David McKenua, H. W. Pai 

186S. — G. R. Davis ' resigned \ David Baintzleman, David William*. 
1S69. — William H. Giah, Alexander V Lewta Eelo.. 

riuy. 

George Brown, John Morgan, 
1-71. — Thomu Kern, James Anthony. 



564 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1872.— David Williams, Philip Woodring. 
1873.— David McKenna, L. C. Smith. 
1874.— A. P. Btackel, Robert McDowell. 
1875.— D. II. Jones, Robert F. App. 
1876. — David McKenna, Aaron Peter. 
1877.— D. D. Roper, Samuel H. Schneck. 
1878.— D. M. Casseil, Thomas Kern. 

1879.— A. P. S kel, Daniel It. WiliianiB. 

1880— H. J. Hnnkie, .lohu T. Roberts. 
1881.— G. T. Oplinger, H. L. Davis. 
1882.— Dr. A. P. Steckel, Dr. .1. F. Miller. 
1883.— John F. Roberta, David McKenna. 

Physicians.— The first physician who located here 
was Dr. H. O. Wilson, who came to the embryo town 
in 1852 from Maryland, and made an arrangement to 
attend the employes at the slate-quarries whenever 
needed, each one to pay him fifty cents per month. 
He subsequently entered into general practice, became 
postmaster, and died in 1S79 while holding that office. 

Dr. A. P. Steckel came here from Whitehall in 
1864, and is still in practice, as is also Dr. J. F. Miller, 
who came from Easton the same year. 

Dr. Stephen Ruch, of Whitehall, practiced in Sla- 
tington about four years and then removed to Scran- 
ton, and subsequently to Elmira, N. Y., where he 
died. Dr. Joseph Grosscup was also a practitioner 
here for some time. Dr. R. W. Young came here 
from Northampton County and studied with Dr. Wil- 
son. Dr. M. J. Holben (homoeopathic physician), at 
present located here, came from Lynn township. 

Banking. — The Dime Savings Institution was or- 
ganized Sept. 9, 1868, with D. D. Jones, H. Williams, 
Robert McDowell, David Williams, L. C. Smith, 
Jacob Renninger, Abraham Gist, Philip Woodring, 
and John T. Kress as directors; D. D. Jones was 
elected president ; R. McDowell, vice-president; and 
in December A. J. Schnackenberger was chosen 
cashier. The company purchased the Carr property, 
fitted it up, and began business Jan. 11, 1869. The 
bank was closed Dec. 19, 1873. 

The National Bank of Slatington was organized 
May 22, 1875, with the following as directors : Peter 
Gross, Robert McDowell, Valentine W. Wearer, Dr. 
Henry H. Riegel, John Craig, David D. Roper, Sam- 
uel J. Kistler, William Andrews, Thomas Kern, John 
Balliet, and John Henry. Peter Gross was elected 
president, and William H. Gish cashier. The charter 
was dated Aug. 11, 1875. The paid-up capital was 
fifty thousand dollars ; authorized capital, one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. The bank commenced busi- 
ness Monday, Aug. 31, 1875, with Abraham Gish the 
first depositor. The building of the late Dime Sav- 
ings-Fund was purchased by Robert McDowell for 
this bank, and in the spring of 1876 was remodeled 
and a fireproof vault built. The present directors 
are P. Gross, V. W. Wearer, H. H. Eiegel, John 
Craig, D. D. Roper, S. J. Kistler, Thomas Kern, John 
Balliet, J. F. Miller, David Henry, E. D. Peters; Peter 
Gross, president; Wm. H. Gish, cashier. 

Business Interests. — The manufacture of school- 
slates was commenced about 1866, on the site of the 



present building, by the firm of D. & H. Williams. 
The old building burned down in 1876, and the 
present our was then built. This building is forty by 
eighty feet, and three stories high. About ten thou- 
sand cases of slates are manufactured here per year, 
or one million two hundred thousand slates. Thomas 
Kane & Co., of Chicago, rent a part of the Williams 
building in the manufacture of tin' Victor Noiseless 
Slate. They use annually about thirty thousand 
square yards of scarlet felt, fifteen hundred miles of 
linen laces for binding, and about twelve hundred 
pounds of thread. 

Henry Fulmer & Co., of Easton, bought of Williams 
& Harper, in the summer of 1882, a piece of land, on 
which they erected their present building, three 
stories high, and one hundred and seventy-five feet 
long by thirty-six in width. They leased half of it 
to the Hyatt Slate Company, who began, in the fall 
of 1883, to manufacture their patent school-slates, for 
which they obtain the material from the old Fulmer 
Quarry. Mr. Fulmer intends to manufacture black- 
boards, mantel stock, and roofing-slate during the 
present year. Marcus Gardiner is the secretary, 
treasurer, and general manager of the Hyatt Slate 
Company. 

M. H. Horn, who owns the Blue Vein Quarry, fur- 
nishes his slate to John D. Emack, of the New York 
Slate and Novelty Company, who, at the factory here, 
dresses and prepares them for the market. The busi- 
ness was begun in April, 1S83, and since that time 
over three thousand five hundred cases of slates have 
been shipped. 

Willoughby Kern started the manufacture of car- 
riages in the building opposite the depot in 1871, and 
in 1874 moved to the site of the building now occu- 
pied by Berkemeyer & Co. In 1880, Newhart & 
Berkemeyer bought him out, and, after a year, the 
first-named partner sold to John Berkemeyer. The 
business is now carried on by the firm of Charles 
Berkemeyer & Brother. 

In 1869, James Knecht commenced the manufac- 
ture of carriages in the old stone building, and con- 
tinued until 1872. The business passed through va- 
rious hands, and is now carried on by Samuel 
Berkemeyer. 

The Horlacher Beer Bottling establishment was 
started in 1880 on Second Street, and in January, 
1884, moved to a building on McDowell Street con- 
structed especially for it. 

Post-Office and Postmasters.— Previous to 1851 
the nearest post-office was at Craig's store, in the Le- 
high Gap. Business having by the year mentioned 
so increased, it was inconvenient to travel to the Gap 
for the mail, and as it was also evident that this place 
would grow to a town of importance, application was 
made to the Post-Office Department at Washington 
for an office to be located at " Waverly." Informa- 
tion was returned that inasmuch as there was one 
office by that name, another should be selected, as the 



BOKOn.lH OF SLATI.M.ToN. 



565 



Post-< tffice Department could not duplicate names in 
tin same State; hence originated the more appropri- 
ati name of Slatington, and D. D. Jones was ap- 
pointed the first postmaster. The mail then [passed 
through here daily from Philadelphia, arriving 
o'clock P.M. On its way to Mauch ( 'hunk, and returned 

here at two o'clock in the *ning on its way b 

the city. The total receipts for the first year were 
less than fifty dollars, half of W hich went to the gov- 
ernment and half to the postmaster for his services. 
The receipts at this office have since then inereased, 
so that the govern in en t pay- the postmaster an annual 
salary of one thousand dollars, and makes it a Presi- 
dential appointment. Robert McDowell was ap- 
pointed postmaster in L852, and served until 1861. 
M 08i - Kuntz held the office from 1861 to May lo, 
1869, and Dr. H. 0. Wilson from the latter date to 
1879. 1 L. C. Smith, the present incumbent, was ap- 
pointed in the latter year. 

Water-Works.— In 1853, John and George Ham 
aly. who owned the spring from which a portion of 
the present water-supply is obtained, laid wooden 
pipes from it down to the town, and supplied a few 
customers with water. In 1859 they leased the sys- 
tem to Moses Kuntz for five years, at eighty-five dol- 
lars per year. In 1861, D. D. Jones bought the farm 
on which the springs are located, and two years later 
Kuntz gave up to him the lease. Mr. Jones then 
transferred the lease and privilege which it covered 
to the Slatington Water-Work- Company, who put in 
iron pipes. A second water company was organized 
later, and brought water to the village from springs 
below 1). li. Jones' house. Subsequently they con- 
nected with the upper pipes, in the tall of 1883 the 
borough bought the works, and also the spring prop- 
erty of the Dorward estate, from which eight-inch 
pipes were laid. The water-works now have a ca- 
pacity ol twenty gallons per minute, and are fully 
adequate to the demand upon them. 

The Slatington News.— The Slatington Nt 
its first issue to the public the 2d day of Septem- 
ber, 1868, under the firm-na idshalk & Bright. 
After flourishing five months under the management 
-e gentlemen, it was transferred, Feb. 3, 1869, 
to the possession of Schlauch & Smith, who mat 
its affairs until the 22d daj - ember, when Mr. 
Smith retired and Henry A. Kline became partner 
with Mr. Schlauch. ruder their management the 
paper inereased in circulation and popularity. On 
the 22d of June, L870, Mr. Kline retired, and D. D. 
Roper, Esq., became one of the proprietor-, and the 
News flourished under the firm-name of Roper iV 
Schlauch, Mr. Roper managing the editorial depart- 
ment and Mr. Schlauch the job and printing estab- 
lishment. Mi. Roper at th. same time followed the 

1 On Feb. 26, 1S79, Oscar A. Neff was appointed deputy postmaster, as 
Dr. WilAon vu then lying seriously ill. He died about the 1st of March, 
and Mr. N.-fl bald the office until the appointment of L. ('. Smith, Muivh 
IT, 1879. 



practice of his profession, and for three years labo 
successfully a- lawyer and editor, until May 7,18' 
wdien the Newt again chi iprietors, Mr. Roper 

retiring, and Mr. G. B. Fickardt, of Bethlehem, enter- 
ing into partnership with Mr. Schlauch. The former 
remained with tin paper a little over a year, w hen he 
retired, and on tie 1-t of August, 1874, Mr. Benjamin 
Patterson joined his fortunes with Mr. Schlauch. The 
latter gentleman, whatever the changes, was alv. 
relied upon to draw the load through, being an old 
experienced printer. 

<)n Jan. In, ls;s. Mr. I.. E. Schlauch pur< 
Mr. Patterson's interest in full, this giving him entire 
i'ol of the paper. Since that time he has been 
the sole manager and editor. On May 1, 1879, he 
reduced the price of subscription on the paper from 
two dollars t ie dollar per annum, and the circula- 
tion has about doubled. Tlie.Vow is now a fixture and 
permanently installed in good and handsome rooms. 

The paper has been enlarged, its circulation greatly 
increased; and as it makes a specialty of publi-hing 
the weekly shipments of all kinds of slate from this 
vicinity, together with other statistics and matters of 
slate interest, it maybe looked upon as the slate organ 
tor this valley. 

The Lehigh Valley Branch Railroad.— In 1868 
the first survey was made by the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road Company for a branch road up Trout Creek to 
Slatedalc, and in 1870 the same was opened for carry- 
ing slate from the several quarries which it passes to 
the main road. This improvement was solicited by 
the slate operators, and while they acknowledge quite 
a saving over the expense.- of carting, to obtain this 
advantage they were obliged to furnish a free right 
of way to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, be- 
sides sutler a tax of forty cent- per ton for carrying 
the slate in full ear-loads a distance of one and a half 
miles. 

- ce then, the Berks County Railroad Company 
have built a road from Leading to Franklin, where it 
connects with the Slatedale branch, making a west- 
ern outlet tor carrying -late in competition with the 
Lehigh Valley and Erie. This road was subsequently 
leased and is now managed by the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company. 

Societies— Independent Order of Odd-Fellows. 
— A charter was granted on April 1"', 1868, to insti- 
tute Slatington Lodge, No. 1124, Independent Order 
of Odd-Fellows, and on May 12. 1868, a meeting of tin- 
Grand Lodge officers was opened by District Deputy 
Grand Master John McLean, assisted by Past Grands 
W. F. Woolie, George B. shall, E. J. Knauss, and B. 
F. Wonderly, alter which the hall, fitted up for the 
use of Slatington Lodge, No. 624, Independent Order 
of Oild-Fellows, was duly dedicated, when the lodge 
was opened in regular form and the following officers 
installed : G. F. Kimball, N. G. ; S. W. Ruch. V. G. ; 
John S. Weigandt, Sec; W. H. Miller, Asst. Sec; 
Daniel Kress, Treas. 



566 



IIISTOKV OF LKHTGII COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The ball where the meetings were first held h 
uated on lots of William Carr and Robert McDowell, 
and in February, 186!', tbe lodge rented a hall from 
Mr. J. C. Mack, which is occupied at the present time. 
The following are the present officers ; John 1 1 . Lloyd, 
V (,. ; 0. S. Peter, V. G.; L. Campbell, Sec; R. II. 
Dalby, Asst, Sec; Thomas Kern, Treas. 

The following arc the Pasl Grands of the lodge: 
Thomas Kern, Duan Neff, Owen E. Mank, L. Camp- 
bell, R. G. Russell, D, F. Kressley, William Thomas, 
Robert F. App, John G. Davis, Leon Hunsicker, 
Evan E. Evans, John Eaughton, R. H. Dalby, Daniel 
Thomas, Joel Neff, W. P. William-. A. Leibfried, W. 
W. Ellis. 

The lodge at present has seventy-six members in 
good standing, and is in a prosperous condition. 

Slatington Encampment, No. 231, Independent 
Order of Odd-Fellows, was instituted mi tbe 12th of 
September, 1872, with eighteen charter members. A. 

B. Steckel was chosen as Chief Patriarch ami John 
G. Dyer as Past Chief Patriarch, by dispensation, and 
High Priest. 

The Past Chief Patriarchs have been A. S. Steckel, 
Thomas Kern, Dr. L. Campbell, C. W. Horn, F. .1. 
Steller, S. A. Santee, Charles Peter, R. H. Dalby, and 
Allen Leibfried, Tbe society has twenty-one mem- 
bers; William W. Ellis, present Chief Patriarch. 

Masonic— Slatington Lodge, No. 440, A. Y. M., 
was chartered July 10, 1869. The officers first in- 
stalled were: W. M., John L. Schreiber ; S. W., J. T. 

C. Williams; J. W., Abiel Heilman ; Treas., Charles 
Peters; Sec, L. C. Smith; Chap., A. J. Martin. 
Meetings were first held in the town ball, but in 
1880 a Masonic hall was fitted up in Mack's building, 
in which the lodge has since met. 

Past Masters: John L. Schreiber, Allen J. Morton, 
David McKenna, William G. Grosscup, Lewis C. 
Smith, John Morgan, Owen A. Peter, Jesse Labar, 
Daniel Thomas, Robert H. Daley, Luther Campbell, 
Thomas Kern, Moses M. Rice. 

The present officers are Robert G. Russell, W. M. ; 
Charles L. Burkemeyer, S. W. ; Alexander Caskie, 
J. W. ; John Morgan, Treas. ; Robert H. Dalby, Sec. 
The lodge has thirty-one members. 

Grand Army of the Republic— Farragut Post, 
No. 214, was organized in July, 1870, with sixty mem- 
bers. The Post Commanders have been Clement C. 
White, A. M. Miller, Owen E. Mack, and William 
D. Kane. Meetings were first held in the town hall, 
and later in tbe bant building and in Wehr's ball. 
The post disbanded in 1878. 

Samuel Kress Post, No. 284, was organized in 
August, 1882, with twenty members. The first Com- 
mander was A. M. Miller. This post, which now lias 
fifty-two members, holds regular meetings in Burgen- 
iih-\ er's hall. 

The Slatington Rifles.'— In June of 1875, a peti- 
tion consisting of seventy signers, who were desirous 



1 By Corporal P. E. Schlauch. 



of entering the National Guard of the State, was for- 
warded to the adjutant-general's office by < 'apt. D. < '•■ 
Rhoads, with a requesl for permission to organize a 
military company in this borough under the State 

military law-. 

The petition was favorably received, and, at a meet- 
ing held in town ball on July 17, is;."., the company 
was temporarily organized, with I). G. Rhoads as 
captain, O. E. Mank, first lieutenant, and < leorge Mc- 
Dowell, second lieutenant. Weekly drills wire or- 
dered, so as to lose no time in preparing for the fall 
inspection. On Aug. 9, 1875, the company, consist- 
ing of fifty men and three officers, were mustered into 
service for five years, by Maj. New hard, of Gen. Bol- 
ton's staff, under the name and title of the Slating- 
ton Rifles, Company II, Fourth Regiment, National 
I ttiard of Pennsylvania. 

After the mustering ceremony was over tbe com- 
pany paraded through town, and were highly compli- 
mented by the mustering officer, Maj. Newhard. 

The organization being thus formally completed 
and organized by the State authorities, the ladies of 
the borough presented the company with a handsome 
silk field flag on Sept. 4, 1875. 

Sept. 13, 1875, the company paraded with the Sec- 
ond Division at Reading for inspection. At this in- 
spection the company numbered three officers and 
thirty-nine men. In the adjutant-general's report of 
1875, these remarks appeared : " Company H, Capt. 
D. G. Rhoads, an officer who with his new command 
has done well. He looks and acts the soldier. Pieces 
clean; men steady. Neat in general appearance." 

The remainder of 1875 and the first few months of 
1876 were occupied in weekly drills for the perfection of 
the members in the science and art of military tactics. 
On Saturday, July 21, 1877, at half past one o'clock 
p.m., the company assembled in its armory to par- 
ticipate in a picnic in Kuntz's Grove. On the bul- 
letin board was posted an order from Col. T. H. Good, 
commanding Capt. Rhoads to keep his company ready 
to move at a moment's notice in case of any more seri- 
ous difficulties with the strikers. On Sunday, July 
22d, the situation of affairs became more critical. 
and at about seven o'clock p.m. Capt. Rhoads re- 
ceived a telegram to move his command at once to 
Allentown. The men were notified to move as soon 
as possible, and were formed in the armory about ten 
o'clock, marched to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Depot, 
where they embarked on a special train en route for 
Allentown, where they arrived at half- past eleven 
P.M., and were assigned quarters at the Centennial 
Hotel (a baker's dozen to each room). In the after- 
noon of Monday, July 23d, the regiment was formed 
for regimental drill. After a short drill the command 
was halted and the following orders read : 

■' Norristown, Pi.., July 23, 1817. 
"Brxg.-Gen. Frank Rebder: 

"Take Fourth Iti>gimont to Reading at onoe. Report immediately 
ou arrival. " Boiton, 

" Maj or- General." 



BOROUGH OF SLATINGTON. 



567 



Col. T. II. Good ordered the d company 

i imanders to have their commands read] to mo 

in fifteen minutes, With as little delaj as possible 
the regiment assi mbled and was marched to the Fast 
Pennsylvania depot, and embarked for Beading about 
half-past five p.m., reaching there about half-past 
i. Ilir regiment disembarked about five hun- 
dred yards from the depot, where it was formed and 
marcl lepot, n hich was found in quiet po 

session oi thi Coal and [ron Police, the rioters ha\ 
withdrawn into the " cut," through which the rail mad 
passi - upon Seventh Street, and where they had just 
previously captured a pa I aent 

was hi once moved forward to the mouth of the 
"cut," where it was halted, ordered tu load, and 
music sent to the rear. This was done amid •'• jeei 
and yells of the mob, who, with much profanity, 
iiir-i'il at their supposed blank-cartridges. Alter load- 
ing the command was moved forward, and on enter- 
ing the "cut" was greeted with a volley of stones, 
steamboat-coal, and occasional pistol shuts, which 
continued to fall in perfect showers during the march 
through about two-thirds of the " cut." By this time 

ten men hail been injured, Lieut. I I. K. Mank and 

private O. I". Mumbower seriously. It was with diffi- 
culty that the latter kept up with his company, using 
his rifle as a crutch. The men, dow thoroughly ex- 
asperated, began firing, which at oner became gen- 
eral along the line, resulting in serious loss to the 
rioters, eleven being killed and over titty wounded. 
The regiment kept moving, and was halted in front 
nl the Mansion House, on Pemi Square. The hotel 
was used as a hospital tor portion of our wounded. 
The regiment then moved back to the depot, which it 
guarded during the night. The night was eventful 
for a number of false alarms, calling the boy- into 
line, and the arre-t of two of the principal rioters by 
Corp. Medlar and private II. A. Schertzinger, of II 
company. About eight o'clock a.m., July 24th, five 
companies of the Fourth and foure paniesof theSix- 

teeiith Regiments i which regiment reached Reading 
at six o'clock a.m. of the 24th) were ordered to march 
to Seventh and Penn Streets in order to cover repairs 
to the railroad track intended to be made that morn- 
ing. The companies of the Fourth Regiment marched 
on one side of the " cut," and those of the Sixteenth 
on the other. In passing under one of the bridges 
spanning the pavement. II company was saluted 
with a .shower of stones from the rioters, who were 
assembled in great force. One of tin- missiles struck 
Capt. D. (I. Bhoads on the head, knocking off h 
and nearly felling him to the ground, lie ordered 
his Command forward. It was formed in a hollow 

square, inclosing the damaged track. The mob be- 
coming momentarily more furioi i mies D and 
H of the Fourth Regiment were wheeled to the rear 
and came to a ready. At thi- movement the mob in 
their front broke and scattered in all directions, when 
the Sixteenth assumed a threatening attitude and 



ordered I he I ourl h d< The rioters hailed 

i with -bout- of approval, and gave three 

teenth, The repair-men not making 

their appearance, and the i in 

lisioii between lie Fourth and 

only separated bj the width of tin 
from. prudential motives they were ordered back to the 

a here the breach between tin inentS 

so open tlcit orders were issued to the Fourth 

to remove to Lyons, there to await orders. At about 

i. orders were | ■ i to Allen- 

town. I pun reaching Era; railroad officials 

lg to Iran-port the men any further, lie 
mand was compelled to march to Allentown, arriving 
at that phe OCk P.M. They went into 

camp mi the fair grounds, where they remained until 

the evening of the :;l-t of .Inly, when they broke 
camp and left by rail for I Iarrisburg, to do guard 
duty at the State arsenal, Arriving at Barrisburg 

about ten o'clock L.M., AugUSl Ut , I hey remained On 

duty until relieved bj Special Order No. I", from 
headquarters National ( hi. ml of Pennsylvania. They 
left camp early on the morning of the 1 lth of At 
arriving at Slatinglon at nine o'clock in the evening. 
They were marched to the armory, of which the gen- 
erous-hearted citizens had taken possession, and were 
given a warm welcome home,- fond mothers, loving 

wives, sisters, and sweethearts being assembled to 
greet them. After partaking of a splendid collation, 
which had been prepared by the ladies, they dispersed 
with heartfelt feelings for the kind welcome tendered 

by the citizens of the town after this the first expe- 
rience of a warlike na.ture. 

A most successful undertaking of this company was 
an encampment of soldiers from .Inly 4 to 8, 1878. 
Invitations were issued lo a number of military dig- 
nitaries and different companies of the National 
Guard, and were accepted by the following: Brig.- 

Gen. Frank Reeder ami staff, Col. T. II. Good ami 
staff, Gen. Bertolette, Companies B, 1>, E, I, and K, 
of the Fourth Regiment, il company, of the Ninth 
Regiment, and the Lily Cadet- of Mauch Chunk 
Tents were pitched in a beautiful grove opposite the 
borough, and the camp christened " < 'amp Good," in 
honor of Col. T. II. (bind, commander of the Fourth 
Regiment. Upon the arrival of the different com- 
panies they were immediate!} assigned quarters, and 
the regular routine of camp duty entered into. Thus 
the encampment continued until July 8th, when the 
visiting companies returned li '. being highly de- 
lighted with th. hospitable entertainment, and feel- 
ing that the time had been most pleasantly and very 
profitably -pent, flu encampment was pronounced 
b\ all a grand success, and it- success must be attrib- 
uted to the indefatigable exertion- of Capt. D. G. 
Bhoads, 

On Sept. .",. L878, Capt. D. G. Rhoada tendered his 
resignation as captain of Company H, which was very 
reluctantly accepted, and the captain honorably dis- 



568 



HISTORY OF LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



charged. ^V special order from brigade headquarters 
ordered Capt. II. S. Hart, of Company I, Fourth 
cm. to hold an election for a captain of Com- 
pany II on Friday, Oct. 11, 1878, to till the vacancy 
caused by the acceptance of the resignation. At this 
election 1st Lieut. < teorge Mel >owell was elected cap- 
tain, 2d Lieut. Walter L. Williams was elected lirst 
lieutenant, and 1st Sergt. James M. Kress was elected 
second lieutenant. On Nov. 25, 1878, the company, 
with the Fourth Regiment, paraded in Allentown for 
inspection. At this, the first inspection under a new 
captain, the company, in the " Adjutant-General's Re- 
port of 1878," received the following: " Company H, 
Capt. George McDowell commanding; fine in all re- 
spects, and one of the impressive commands of the 
regiment. Discipline, good : appearance, good ; arms, 
very good and well handled." 

Arrangements were effected to have a parade inci- 
dent to the inauguration of Governor-elect Henry M. 
Hoyt, of the entire guard of the State, in Harrisburg, 
on Jan. 21, 1879. Company H participated in this 
parade, and received its due share of applause for ex- 
cellent inarching and manoeuvring. The company 
also participated in one. of the largest parades ever 
held in the State, viz., — the parade in Philadelphia, 
on Dec. 6, 1879, incident to a reception tendered Gen. 
U. S. Grant, on his return from Europe. If hanfl- 
clapping is a criterion of approval, then surely H 
company received its full share on this occasion. 
The National Guard of Pennsylvania having received 
an invitation from the Executive Committee on inau- 
gural ceremonies to participate in the parade in Wash- 
ington, D. C, on March 4, .1881, incident to the 
inauguration of President-elect James A. Garfield, 
and it having been accepted, this company, as usual, 
carried oft' some of the honors for its soldierly appear- 
ance. Another great parade that this company par- 
ticipated in was the one in Philadelphia during the 
bi-centennial week, on Oct. 27, 1882, at which its 
high standard was again made manifest by the storms 
of applause that greeted it on the march. 

Having mentioned the principal parades this com- 
pany participated in since its organization, the follow- 
ing are the averages allotted the company by the 
adjutant-general in his report to the Governor of the 
State, at the several fall inspections and encampments. 
At Camp George G. Meade, Fairmount Park, Phila- 
delphia, Aug. 7-12. 1880, the company received 98.6; 
at Camp .lame, A. Garfield. Wilkesbarre, Aug. 23-29, 
1881, 93; at Camp John Fulton Reynolds, Lewis- 
town, Aug. 5-12, 1882, 100, that being perfection. 
Not having received the adjutant-general's report for 
L883, we are unable to give the average allotted at 
Camp Andrew A. Humphries, Williamsport ; but it is 
confidently believed that the record of 1882 was fully 
maintained. 

When the company was organized it occupied a 
room on the second floor of a three-story building 
kuowu as the Town Hall, situated in Lower Slating- 



ton. Not knowing how long it could be retained and 
being desirous of obtaining a permanent place, a lease 
ol' an old building situated in the outskirts of Lower 
Slatington was effected, to which the company re- 
moved in the spring of 1877. They went to consid- 
erable pains and expense in properly lilting up this 
place for a drill-room, and occupied it nearly four 
years. It was found, however, very inconvenient, 
being at the outer end of the borough and in a place 
difficult of access. The room in winter was very cold 
and extremely hot in summer. Being confident that 
the organization was likely to remain intact for years, 
the men resolved on building a new armory if a suit- 
able site could be obtained. The matter being once 
brought to the attention of the public, quite a number 
of the citizens of the borough encouraged the project, 
offering both aid and counsel in favor of the proposed 
new armory. A number of locations were spoken of, 
and finally a committee was appointed to confer with 
the Borough Council in regard to a borough lot sit- 
uated on the corner of Church Street and Middle 
Alley. Several propositions were made to the com- 
pany for said lot, and finally, on March 15, 1880, it 
was agreed upon between the committee for the com- 
pany and the Borough Council to lease the lot for ten 
years, with the privilege of purchasing it within that 
time for five hundred dollars. A plan was at once 
obtained from architect William A. Fink, of Reading, 
and ground broken for the new armory on May 1, 
1880. It was completed and ready for occupancy 
Jan. 1, 1881, at which time the company removed all 
State and company property from the old into the 
new armory. On Feb. 22, 1881, it was dedicated with 
very appropriate ceremonies. 

The new armory is of brick, thirty-nine feet front 
and one hundred feet deep, with a basement-wall of 
a thickness of eighteen inches. The front wall is 
thirty-two feet high, built in parapet style, and ter- 
minates at the top in a dome ; this is surmounted by 
the "Stars and Stripes" of our Union. The front 
surface of the dome is ornamented with handsome 
cornice work, and through its centre, describing a 
half-moon, the word "Armory'' is painted in promi- 
nent letters. Immediately below the dome in the 
centre of the wall is a small window, after the. 
French Gothic order, designed both for beauty and 
ventilating the gallery of the main hall. Beneath 
ibis window is the main entrance to the building, and 
on each side of this entrance is a handsomely-corniced 
window of fair dimensions. The entrance is six feet 
wide, and is gained by ascending steps from the pave- 
ment to a set of double doors, over which is a large 
and shapely transom. The steps rise from the pave- 
ment at two separate places, forming a half-circle, in 
the centre of which is a large door leading to the 
basement. The basement is a room thirty-six feet 
wide by fifty-six feet deep, with a row of pillars 
through the centre. The ceiling of the basement 
is nine feet high. It is fitted up as a restaurant, and 




robbrt Mcdowell. 



BOROUGH OF 8LATINGTON. 



569 



the rental of same brings in a handsome income. 
The pavement in front of armory is hud with flagging 
and is twenty it''' wide. 

()n each Bide of the hall leading to the main por- 
tion i- a small room sixteen by eighteen f "• - < • t . The 
one on the ri used as the business hi 

quarters of the company, and the our on the left Bide 
i- used as the meeting-room of the Borough Council. 
A Btairway also on the lefl side of the entrance leads 
up to a gallery, the dimensions of which arc eight* i n 
by thirty-sb feet. At the inner end of the hallway 
leading from the outside doors is the entrance to the 

main hall. This r i has a floor thirty feel wide by 

sixty five feel long, and the ceiling is al a height of 
twenty feet, making the largest and most desirable 
room in town Cor the purpose of entertainments and 
for drilling exercises of the company. At the farth- 
est end of the hah i i seventeen by eighteen 
feet, with a dn iom on each side of the stage, 
of nine by seventeen feet. The entire hall is illumi- 
nated by a large and handsome chandelier, and by 
wall-lamps placed at regular interval- on each Bide of 

the room. We have lately purchased sectional opera 
-eat-, and now having a seating capacity of about 
four hundred. The cost of the hall, with all the 
fixtures, including basement, is very near seven 
thousand dollars. We are now one of the few com- 
panies in the State which own their own armory. 
The idea of building SO spacious a hall was indeed a 
good one, for not only does it give the company an 
attractive and ample headquarter-, bul it supplies a 
need long felt in Slatington. The hall is an ornament 

to the town, ami reflects credit upon the community, 
gives the company pride in themselves and pride in 
the good cause they are serving. 

Following is the roster of active members: 

.apt.. George McDowell; 1-t licut., V. 1: Hoffman; 2d lieut., 11. \v. 

r«ts., James B. Hunt, B. V. Hunt, James Hull, Murk 

Jouee, and William II. Keener; corps., Lafayette Bnmaly, William 

II. Breisch, P. E. Schlauch, \v. M. Benninger, Archibald E. Hum, 

John K Griffith, El. I". QousBman,and Henry II. Ki 



B10GRAPHK \l. SKETCHES. 






William Ilacbmau. 

J. P. Bn i- I. 
itello. 

- K. Frederick. 
Jobn u< 
I It. Henritsy. 

M lloats. 
I,. W. Hunt. 
John B. Jones. 
Alfred Keener. 

A. I .. K 

James D. Kern. 

K. Peter Krauso. 
H. W. Krause. 
Aaron Leibenguth. 
John 1*. I. ink. 
Lloyd. 



i twen l.loyd. 

C. Mailer. 

- w Marshall. 
1 I Montz. 
William H. Morgan. 

I VI!. 

William Parry. 

William .1. Parry. 

Thorn 

iii 
John Pi 
Cyrus Bamarj . 
Benjamin ft. Koberts. 

rd J. Roberts. 
v a Bchoenberger. 

0. Thomas. 
William II. W'assman. 



BERT M DOWELL. 

The name McDouall i- held by the family to be de- 
rived fi Douall of Galloway, who lived two hun- 

nd thirty yi • the birth of our Saviour, 

ami having killed Nathatus, the tyrant, established 
another as king in his stead. 1 louall is said to be sim- 
ply Dhu Alan (the Black Alan), and hence the Mc- 
Doualls are " sons of the Black Alan." Of thi 
antiquity of the family there is no manner of doubt 
Without attempting to trace flic li" Cent, it 

may be -fated that from thi- distinguished ancestry 

-prang 1: irl McDowell, who was born in the sul.- 

urbs of Wigtown, Wigtonshire, Scotland, March 14, 
1811. Three broth rs ol the familj attained distinc- 
tion either in business or public life,— James, a- Amer- 

ii i onsul at Edinburgh and. later, at Dundt ■ . 
land: Hugh, of Castleford, Yorkshire, England, a 

prominent potter and an influential citizen ; and 
Robert, the subjecl of this sketch. The latter pa--, d 
his early years at the home of his father, wdio was an 
active farmer, and later repaired to England, where 

a brief period was spent in business pursuits 

which he sailed for America, and landed in New- 
York, after a tedious passage in a sailing-vessel, on 
the -1st of June, 1833. He came at once to the Le- 
high Valley, in the development of whose rich >tores 
of -late his business life was spent. An uncle and 

brother were then engaged in a slate enterprise at 
North Whitehall, and there he at first located. After 

; residence at Whitehall he removed to"The 
Settlement," near Bath, and in 1854 made Slatington 
his permanent abode. In 1846 he, with other-, opened 
the old Douglas Quarry, and in 1848 the Wash 
Quarry, introducing at about the same date the o 

of school-slates. Me. with other-, in 1860, 
made the first purchase of -late land, upon which 
ground was afterwards located the now thriving bor- 
ough of Slatington. [n 1854 the Lehigh Slat. 
pany was chartered, Mr, McDowell becoming its 
superintendent and treasurer, positions held until liis 
death. When. p. I - igton was incorporated 

In was elected the fir>t burgess of the borough, and 

frequently held the office afterwards. II cupied 

man] other positions of public trust, was prominently 

connected with the Slatington Bridge and Wat. I 
panic-, and was vice-president of the Dime Sai 
Fund. 

In r. ligious no less than in business life was Mr. 
Mil). .w.ll especially active. He, in 1834, united 
with the Allen Town-hip Presbyterian church, and 
was for live years one of its trustees. He organized 
at Whitehall the first Sabbath-school in Lehigh 
County outside of Allentown, and this good work 
once hegun never ended until the close of his life. 
He also organized the Presbyterian Sunda 
Slatington in 1856 with six scholars, and remained its 



570 



HISTORY OF l.l'.HHill COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



superintendent until his death. Under bis auspices 
the Presbyterian Church was Pounded in 1851, of 
which Ik- was an elder ami a leading supporter. 

Mr. Mil lowell was known as a man of rare shrewd- 
rid sagacity in all business relations, while his 
liberal nature pi pted him to encourage many laud- 
able commercial enterprises. II'- was well read, kepi 
himself informed on current events and important 
questions of the 'lay. was a close student "!' finance, 
and pn his views with clear and cogent 

He did much for the improvement of the morals 
of those who i_ r riw up about him, ami was both re- 
i for the consistency of his character and be- 
loved foi liis kindly ami affectionate nature. He was 
open-hearted ami philanthropic, ami entirely free 
from dissimulation. 

\ Democrat in his political predilections, ami 
active in the arena of polities, he was unacquainted 
with the de> ions ways of the politician. 

Mr. McDowell was married to Miss Sarah E. Mill- 

hallon, of Northampton County. Their children are 
four daughters — Augusta (wife of David McKenna). 
Helen (wife of William Gish), Elmira, and Nancy 
(wife of Lieut. Jefferson Moser) — and one son, R. 
Murray McDowell, who now continues the business 
extensively at Slating ton. This gentleman, after a 
course at Princeton and Lafayette arid an extended 
tour through Europe, settled in the old McDowell 
mansion, where, surrounded by hooks and pictures, 
he leads a quiet and literary life. He makes patent 
school-slates a specialty in his business, and has for 
several years supplied the boards of education in 
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other cities 
with these articles. The death of Robert McDowell 
occurred on the 24th of August, 1878, in his sixty- 
eighth year. 



PETER GROSS. 



The great-grandfather of Peter Gross was Paul 
Gross, a native of Zweibrlicken, Germany, who came 
to America in 17."4. He located in North Whitehall 
township. Lehigh Co., and married a Miss Guth, also 
of Zweibriicken. Their children were a son, Peter 
Gross, and a daughter married to Michael Diebert. 
Paul Gross died in his forty-sixth year. Peter mar- 
ried Miss Barbara Troxell, whose children were four 
sons — Daniel, Joseph. Solomon, and John — aud four 
daughters. John, of this number, still survives in his 
eighty-fourth year, while the remainder of the family 
died at an advanced age. Peter Gross was appointed 
by Governor Simon Snyder justice of the peace in 

1812, and held the office tor forty-live consecutive 
years. His son, Daniel, learned the trade of a hatter, 
ami followed it until failing health compelled its aban- 
donment, when he became a successful fanner. He 
was twice married, his first wife being Catherine 
Kuntz, daughter of Jacob Kuntz, justice of the peace 
of Northampton County. His children wen- four 



Jonathan, Joel, Peter, and Simon K.— and 
seven daughters, all of whom, with the exception of 
Mrs. Shaffer, are deceased. Peter Gross, tin- subject 
of this biography, was born July Id, 1816, in North 
Whitehall township. Lehigh Co., and confirmed in 
the German Reformed Church by Rev. Joseph S. 
Dubbs. Hi- i -.mis received at private si 

there being no public instruction at that early day. 

after which he assisted, until twentj years of age, in 
the labor of the farm. He then removed to Bunter- 

' OUnty, N. J., and for one year followed the car- 
penter's trade. In 1838 In entered the employ of 

Stephen Balliet, Jr., as salesman in his store at Bal- 
lietsville, and was the ime year appointed assistant 
postmaster of North Whitehall post-office. In 1841, 
in connection with Godfrej Peter, he leased astore- 

house at I. amy's Station, and embarked in the -tor, 
business, and in the following year, having sold his 
interest, became clerk for Dnrs Rudy, in Washington 
township. He was next employed by Nathan Ger- 
man, ot Germansville, for whom he purchased g [a 

and opened a store. 

.Mr. Gross was, on the 20th of .March, I*4:i, married 
to Miss Mary Rudy, daughter of the late Dure Rudy, 
whose only son, Joseph P. Gross, graduated with 
honor at Dickinson College, Carlisle. Pa., and pursued 
a course of French and German in F.urope. He read 
law with Professor James Pierson, of Philadelphia, 
attended lectures at the Law Department of the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar 
soon after. He is the author of two valuable works 
on topics connected with the profession. Mrs. Gross 
died Feb. 7, 1874, and Mr. (iross was again married 
to Mrs. Henrietta Price, widow of the late Simon H. 
Price, and daughter of the late Samuel Maxwell, of 
Allentown. In 1843, in company with his brother, 
Joel, Mr. Gross became a landlord and merchant at 
Schnecksville, where he was appointed postmaster, 
and held the office for sixteen years, resigning in 
favor of his brother Joel. 

In 1846 he was elected one of the managers of the 
Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of North- 
ampton County, and for many years acted as its 
treasurer. He has also been, for an extended period, 
one of the managers of the Slatington Bridge Com- 
pany, and was in 1878 appointed its treasurer. 

He was elected, in 1862, justice of the peace for 
North Whitehall township, and twice re-elected, serv- 
ing a continuous term of fifteen years. In 1873, Mr. 
(iross was appointed one of the committee of the 
board of charities of Lehigh County, of which he was 
chosen chairman, and held the office for ten years. 
\ Iter a residence of thirty-one year- in Schnecksville, 
during which he conducted tin extensive and success- 
ful business, he sold his interest at that point, having 
meanwhile been largely engaged in surveying and the 
settlement of estates. In 1875, on the establishment 
of the National Bank of Slatington, he was elected 
its president, and still holds the position. He is also 





C^^u^s 





I o 



Ji^iJ^Oi^AjUL 



BOROUGH OF 8LATTNGTON. 



.".71 



a member of Gross, Fritzinger & Co., of Slatington, 
dealers in hardware. In politics Mi Grose is a con- 
aiatenl I lemocrat, and has acted a~ chairman of man; 
important n Be is a member of the German 

Reformed Church, and active in Sabbath-scl I 

work, having been for years superintendent of various 
Sabbath-schools. 



HIRAM I. HANK] 
Mr. Hankei h let. 1,1829, in Lehigh town- 

ship, Northampton Co., now Walnutport, on the 
banks of the Lehigh. Believing arly age that 

industry and self-reliance were the powerful weapons 
with which the battle of li m, he, when 

a youth, became a boat-boy, and thus rendered him- 
self independent. Later he engaged in teaching, and 
on attaining his majority entered the employ of the 
h Valley Railroad, where he was for eleven 
years superintendent of a portion of the line of that 
company. He then embarked in the business of slate- 



mining, which for several yeai 

tion, and in ] 867 opened a real which 

he has since devoted his , Mr. Hi 

siill engaged in the mining of slate, and identified 

with Ot her in, 

ton. He has brought to bear during bis active life 
application, vigor, and fidelity to the trusts imposed in 
him, which I i ibuted in uo little degree to his 

standing as a citizen a man. Hi ■■<- 

married on the 13th ol May, 1855, to Miss Elis 

B rg township, 

h Co. Their children an I ., Lansford 

F., Catharine A.. Hiram W., Eva ' .. Ella N., and 
ne (who died in youl 
Mr. Hankee is identified with the Republican party 
in politics, and, while keenly alive to its 
rarely active beyond the limits of hi> own borough, 
where be has been chosen justice of the pea 
school director. Both Mr. and Mr.-. Hankee and 
their children are members of the German He I 
Church of Slatington. 



574 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the affections of the Mohegans from the missionaries 
had for Borne time been making by the Shawanese 
and Delawares on the Susquehanna, who had begun 
to waver in their allegiance to the English, ami doubt- 
less looked forward to the time when they could boldly 
raid the settlements. The ( 'liristian Indians hud until 
now steadfastly refused to leave Guadenhiitten, and 
when finally some of them did so, it was doubtless 
through the influence of that eloquent, wily, and ac- 
tive chieftain of the Delawares, Teedyuscung. 1 The 
Indians who remained were joined by the converted 
Delawares from Menialagemeka. 

This same year (1754) the mission was removed to 
the northeast side of the Lehigh, where, upon the site 
of Weissport, a village, called New Guadenhiitten, 
was built.- The dwellings were removed from the 
opposite side of the river and a new chapel was 
erected. Loskiel says, " In the removal of the build- 
ings (the chapel only excepted) the Indians were 
kindly assisted by the congregations at Bethlehem, 
Nazareth, Christianbrunn, and Guadenthal, who fur- 
nished not only workmen and materials, but even 
contributions in money. Unanimity and diligence 
contributed so much towards the progress of this 
work that the first twenty houses were inhabited by 
the 4th, and the foundation-stone of the new chapel 
laid on the 11th of June. Bishop Spangenberg offered 
up a most fervent prayer and delivered a powerful dis- 
course on this solemn occasion. The houses were soon 
after completed, and a regulation made in all the fam- 
ilies for the children of each sex to be properly taken 
care of. The dwellings were placed in such order that 
the Makikaws (Mohegans) lived on one and the Del- 
awares on the other side (of the street). The Breth- 
ren at Bethlehem took the culture of the old land on 
the Mahoning upon themselves, made a plantation of 
it for the use of the Indian congregation, and con- 
verted the old chapel into a dwelling, both for the use 
of those brethren and sisters who had the care of the 
plantations, and for missionaries passing on their visits 
to the heathen. A Synod was held in New Gnaden- 
hiitteii from the 6th to the 11th of August (1754) and 
the chapel consecrated. Many Indian assistants were 
invited to this Synod, the chief intention being mi- 



1 Teedyuscung was born near Trenton, N. J., about 1700, and was a 
Bon of the Delaware chief, old " Captain" John Harris. He came to the 
region of the Delaware and Lehigh about 1730, and thence roamed be- 
yond the Blue Kidge. TeedyUBCiing was converted by the Moravians 
and baptized at GnadenbUtten, March 12, 1750. He lived among them 
until 17. r >4, when he joined his wild brothers, and soon afterwards took 
up the hatchet. He exerted great power among his people, and was 
called the Delaware King. 

■^ Tbe land on which the town was built was part of a five-thouBand- 
acre tract granted t,\ William Penn to Adrian Vroesen, of Rotterdam 

Holland, in March 1682, d lc-d by him to Benjoban Furley, of the same 

city, and surveyed for bis heirs in 1":!5. It was conveyed in its entirety 
in March, 174, r >, by Thomas Lawrence, of Philadelphia, attorney-at-law, 

f 0I ii thea, widow of Benjoban Furley, and Elizabeth and Martha 

co-heirs of Benjoban Furley, to Edward Shippen, of Philadel- 
phia, merchant. By Shippen it was conveyed, in September, 171o, to 
Richard Peters, of Philadelphia, who in turn deeded it to Charles Brock 
den, of the same city, for the use and behoof of the Moravians. 



turely to consider the situation of the Indian mis- 
sion."* 

The Indian Uprising and the Massacre at Gna- 
denhiitten. — The Moravians fondly hoped that the 
prosperity of their little colony might he increased, 
and thai ii should remain a permanent abode of peace 
and of Christianity. But destiny ruled otherwise. 
With tbe year 1755 came a change in the attitude of 
the Indians, and consequently in the welfare of the 
province. The Indians may have lost confidence in 
the descendants of the " good Penn," whose memory 
they revered ; they may have felt that they bad been 
injured in "the Walking Purchase" and other nego- 
tiations; they may even have indulged a wild long- 
ing to regain their lost ancestral lands ; but it is ex- 
tremely doubtful whether they would ever have re- 
sorted to acts of open hostility had they not been 
incited by the French. French intrigue provoked 
the first war in which the descendants of William 
Penn and the people of the province he founded en- 
gaged with the aboriginal tribes. The French well 
knew that by securing as allies the tribes which lived 
in Pennsylvania the possibility of successfully carry- 
ing on their military operations in the Ohio country 
would be largely enhanced. It was for that reason 
that they flattered and cajoled the Delawares and the 
lesser tribes. Ultimately this course of action had 
the effect of winning their allegiance from the Eng- 
lish, and was the cause of many deeds of blood in the 
white settlements of the entire frontier. Braddock's 
defeat on the 9th of July, 1755, proved the direct 
means of encouraging the disaffected Indians to make 
indiscriminate war upon the whites, which they fol- 
lowed with savage zest for several years. The mas- 
sacre at Guadenhiitten was only one incident in the 
series of border horrors, but it is the principal one 
with which we are concerned. 

"The Indians in the French interest," says Loskiel, 
" were much incensed that any of the Moravian In- 
dians chose to remain at Gnadenhiilten, and deter- 
mined to cut oft' the settlement, After Braddock's de- 
feat the whole frontier was open to the inroads of the 
savage foe. Every day disclosed new scenes of bar- 
barity committed by the Indians. The whole coun- 
try was in terror ; the neighbors of the Brethren in 
Guadenhiitten forsook their dwellings and fled ; but 
the Brethren made a covenant together to remain un- 
daunted in the place allotted them by Providence. 
However, no caution was omitted, and because the 
white people considered every Indian as an enemy, the 
Indian Brethren at Gnadenhiitten were advised, as 
much as possible, to keep out of the way, to buy no 
powder nor shot, but strive to maintain themselves 
without hunting, which they willingly complied with." 
The Moravians were suddenly and horribly aroused 
from their sense of comparative security. Late in the 



a For many details concerning the Gnadenhiitten mission, see histories 
of Lehightou and Weissport. 



SKTTLKMKNT BV MORAVIANS IN CAP. HON COUNTY. 



575 



evening of the 24th of November the mission-house 

was attacked by the Indiana who were allies of the 
French, burned to the> ground, and eleven of its in- 
mates murdered. 
"The family, being al supper, heard an uncommon 

barking of dogs, upon which Brother Senseman went 
out at the back door to see what was the matter. < >n 
the report of a gun several ran together to open the 
house-door. Here the Indians ~to<« ( ] with their pieces 
pointed inwards the door, and firing immediately upon 
it- being opened, Martin Xitchman was instantly 
killed. His wife and some other- were wounded, hut 

fled with the rest up-stairs into the garret, and barri- 
caded the door with bedsteads. Brother Partsch es- 
caped by jumping out of a hack window. Brother 
Worbas, who was ill in bed in a house adjoining, 
jumped likewise out of a back window and escaped. 
h the enemies had placed a guard before his 
door. Meanwhile, tin' savages pursued those who had 
taken refuge in the garret, and strove hard to burst 
the door open; but finding it too well secured, lhe\ 
set fire to the house, which was soon in flames. \ 
boy called Sturgeons, standing upon the flaming roof, 
ventured to hap nil. and escaped, though at first, upon 

opening the back door, aball had grazed his cheek, 

and one side of his head was much burned. Sister 
Partsch, seeing this, took courage, and leaped likewise 
from the burning roof. She came down unhurt and 
unobserved by the enemies, and thus the fervent 
prayer of her husband was fulfilled, who. in jumping 
out of the back window, cried aloud to God to save 

his wife. Brother Fabricius then leaped also off the 

roof, hut before he could escape was perceived by the 
Indians, and instantly wounded by two balls. He was 
the only one whom the\ seized upon alive, and having 
dispatched him with their hatchets, they took his 
scalp, and left bim dead on the ground. The rest 
wire all burnt alive, and Brother Senseman, who first 
went out at the back door, had the inexpressible grief 
to see his wife consumed by the flames. Sister 
Partsch could not run fax for fear and trembling, but 
hid herself behind a tree upon a hill near the house. 
From thence she saw Sister Senseman, already sur- 
rounded by the flames, standing with folded hand-. 
and heard her calling out, ' 'Tis all well, dear Saviour. 
I expected nothing else.' The house being consumed, 
the murderers set fire to the barn- and stables, by 
which all the corn, hay. and cattle were destroyed. 
Then they divided the spoil, soaked some bread in 
milk, made a hearty meal, and departed, Sister Partsch 
looking on unperceived. 1 



I retired the remains "t those killed at the nn-- 
BloD-honee were colled barred miinand interred. A mar- 

ble elab in the grat i-v.tn south ' f Lehighton, placed there in 1788, and 
a email uliit<- obelisk on a sandstone base, erected at a more recast 
date, tell in lirief ttie storjf ol GoaddeDbUtten and ihs'tvc tho mtmes 
of those who fell as victims t Tie- in-. Option on the slab 

reads : 

To THE MEMORY 0* GOTTLIEB AN AM,M:S, WITH THEIR 

CHILD JoIIANN .. 



" This melancholy event proved the deliver. 
tie Indian congregation i idenhiitten, 

for, upon hearing the report o) 
Barnes, and soon learning the dreadful cause from 

tlio-e who had escaped, the Indian brethren immedi- 
ately went to the missionary and offered to attack the 
enemy without delay. But being advised to the con- 
trary, they till tied into the woods, and GnadenhUtten 

wa- cleared in a tew moment-, some who already 
a bed having scarce time to die-- them 

Brother /.< iabi i ;er, who had just arrived in Gnaden- 
hUtten from Bethlehem, hastened back to give notice 
of this event to a bodj of English militia who had 

inarched within live miles of the spot, but they did 
not venture to pursue the enemy in the dark. 

Such is the matter-of-fact description of this bor- 
iccui renci gn en by Loskiel. 

At Bethlehem the people had been in an agony of sus- 
pense, lor all had -ecu the lurid glare beyond the Blue 
Ridge made by the burning buildings and had known 
that evil news of -..me kind would be borne to them 
in a few bout.-. The alarming news did conic after 

midnight, caned by tho-.- who in terror tied from 
the fire-illumined scene id' murder. Towards night 
of tlie day after the tragedy eight of the wdiite people 
and between thirty and forty of the Indians, men, 
women, and children, who had made their escape 
from .New GnadenhUtten, arrived in Bethlehem. 

From this time on for several days the people of the 
upper part ol' Northampton County and along the 
Lehigh Valley down to the Irish Settlement and 
below were precipitately pushing southward into the 
older and larger settlements of Bethlehem and Easton. 
They were filled with the wildest alarm, and many 
came with scarcely clothe- enough upon their backs 
to protect them from the cold, while till were entirely 
destitute of the means to obtain the necessities of 
life. There was a general hegira from the i 
beyond the Blue Kidge, and hundreds ol' farm-houses 
below the mountains, in what i- now Northampton 
and Lehigh Counties, wen abandoned by their inhab- 
itants. 

To these panic-stricken people the utmost kindness 

was shown by the citizens of Bethlehem and Easton. 

The Moravian lirethren of the former place kept their 

• plying to and from between the town and 



Martin am. Scsanna NitshuaN. 

Ann CaTHABIHB Skn-FWAN. 

. \TTF.RMYER. 
Chiu-tian FabBICTOS, chrk. 
Gf.ORGE BOHWEIGZBT. 

JOHM FBEDEBIGE I.E-EEY AM" af.AB.TUI PkF.SSER, WHO LIVED AI 
ITO THE LORD, AMD LOST THEIR LIVE- IN A SUR- 
PRISE FROM lNI-IAV WABRIOBS, NOVEMBER Till 

"Precious in the biobi >ethe Lord is the death 01 his saints." 

i. 15. 
The inscription on the marble obe 

'I,. BOHOB VM PI SPETUATB Til, | V 

MARTYR- ,|km | S 

kiel, ii. 165. 



576 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



point- eight or ten miles up the road, bringing in the 
women and children who had become exhausted in 
their flight and sank down by the way. 

The military which has been alluded to as being 
within five miles of Gnadenhiitten at the time of the 
massacre was doubtless Capt. Hay's company from 
the Irish Settlement, in Northampton County. Thej 
are said to have come to the hill overlooking the hol- 
low where Parryville now is and to have fired down 
into the bushes, 1 and then to have departed. How- 
ever this may have been, thej subsequently repaired 
to the scene of the nmrdi -r~. and were probably re- 
inforced by another company under Col. Anderson. 
Capt. Wilson, of Bucks County, with a company of 
sixty or seventy men. also marched northward two 
days after the massacre. The troops were stationed 
at the forsaken village to guard the Brethren's mills, 
which were filled with grain, and the property of the 
Christian Indians from being destroyed. They were 
expected also to protect the few settlers who remained 
below Gnadenhtltten. A temporary stockade was 
built, ami the frontier at this point would have been 
well defended had the militia been governed by offi- 
cers who had a thorough knowledge of Indian ma- 
noeuvres, but none of those in authority seem to have 
possessed this all-essential qualification, and hence 
disaster followed. On the 1st of January, 1756, a 
number of the soldiers fell victims to an Indian strat- 
agem. They were amusing themselves by skating on 
the ice of the river, near the fort, when they caught 
sight of two Indians farther up the frozen stream. 
Thinking that it would be an easy matter to capture 
or kill them, the soldiers gave chase, and rapidly- 
gained upon the Indians, who proved to be decoys 
skillfully manoeuvring to draw them into an ambush. 
They bad got some distance from the fort, when a 
party of Indians rushed out behind them, cut off their 
retreat, and falling upon them with great fury, as well 
as with the advantages of surprise and superior num- 
bers, quickly dispatched them. Some of the soldiers 
remaining in the fort, filled with horror by this murder 
of their comrades, deserted, and the few remaining, 
thinking themselves incapable of defending the place, 
withdrew. The savages then seized upon such prop- 
erty as they could make use of and fired the fort, the 
Indian houses, and the mills. Thus again the red 
glare against which the Blue Ridge loomed up told 
the people of Bethlehem and of all the lower county 
that another hostile act had been committed on the 
northern border. 

This was by no means the first one after the Gnaden- 
hiitten massacre. The lull of peace had lasted but a 
few days. A few scattered settlers from New York 
and New England had located on Pohopoko Creek, 
in Upper Towamensing township, Carbou Co., and 

1 This locality became known as " the fire lino," and the road laid out 
there in after-years is to this day called " the fire-line road." The name 
arose from the circumstance ahove referred to, but its appropriateness is 
difficult to discern at the present day. 



here the Indians made one of their forays on the loth 
of December. 1755. The marauding party appears 
fust to have visited the plantation of Daniel Broad- 
head, on Broadhead's Creek (in what is now .Monroe 
County and not far from the site of Stroudsburg) ; 
but the proprietor and his sons succeeding in barri- 
cading themselves in the house and repulsing their 
attack, the little war-party left to fall upon other set- 
tlers, — the Hueth, Culver. McMichael, and Carmichel 
families, — wdiere their bloodthirstiness was gratified 
in a number of murders. The attack upon the Hoeth 
I family, which comes more especially in the province 
of this work than do any of the contemporaneous in- 
cidents, appears to have been made by five or six In- 
dians, a straggling division of a much larger band. 
At the house of Frederick Hoeth, which was about 
twelve miles east of Gnadenhiitten, the family was at 
supper, when shot- were heard just outside the walls, 
and two of the family fell to the floor, — Hoeth him- 
self dead and a woman wounded. Several more shots 
were fired, and then all who could do so ran out of 
the house. The Indians immediately set fire to the 
house, stables, aud adjoining mill. Hoeth's wife ran 
into the bake-house, which was also set on fire. The 
poor woman ran out through the flames, was very 
much burned, and in a mad effort to relieve her agony 
ran into the creek, where she died. The Indians mu- 
tilated her in a horrible manner with their knives 
and tomahawks. Three children were burned, one 
daughter was killed and scalped, and two or three 
more were carried away into captivity. One of the 
Indians was killed and another wounded in this at- 
tack. 

The state of affairs produced by these and other 
murders is well described in a letter written to Gov- 
ernor Morris by Timothy Horsfield, of Bethlehem, 
December 12th. He says, — 

"In the night an express arrived from Nazareth 
acquainting me that there is certain people in Naza- 
reth who fled for their lives, and informs us that one 
Hoeth and his family are cut off, only two escaping, 
and the houses of Hoeth, Broadhead, and others are 
actually laid in ashes, and people from all quarters 
flying for their lives; and the common report is that 
the Indians are two hundred strong. 

"Your honor can easily guess at the trouble and 
consternation we must be in, on this occasion, in these 
parts. As to Bethlehem, we have taken all the pre- 
caution in our power for our defense. We have taken 
our little infants from Nazareth to Bethlehem for 
their greater security, and these, with the rest of our 
children, are nearly three hundred in number. 

" Although our gracious king and Parliament have 
been pleased to exempt those among us of tender 
conscience from bearing arms, yet there are many 
among us who make no scruple of defending them- 
selves against such cruel savages. But, alas ! what can 
we do, having very few arms, and little or no ammuni- 
tion, and we are now, as it were, become the frontier? 



SETTLEMENT BV MORAVIANS IN (AKBON COUNTY. 



577 



and, as we ate circumstanced, our famil] being so 
large, ii is impossibli for us to retire to any othei 
i for security. 

"I doubt not your honor's g Iness will lead you 

to eonsiilrr the distress we are in, and speedily to 
afford us what relief shall be thought necessary 
against these merciless savages." 

Intelligence of the massacre al Gnadenhiitten had 
induced the government to undertake strong meas- 
ures lor the protection of tin' frontier, an<l the subse- 
quent outrages had the elicit of ha-tening their exe 
cution. The people of the lower settlements, in 
ind Northampton Counties, had been thor- 
oughly aroused to the danger that was thre: 
them, and had recruited volunteer companies for the 
repulse of the -;e:iL'i'-. It only remained to effect an 
organization of the scattered elements of strength, and 
to carry them forward for systematic defense. For 
this r< and difficult task the government 

brought forward no less a personage than Col. after- 
wards 1 >r. Benjamin Franklin. 

Benjamin Franklin builds Fort Allen.— < ol. 
Franklin was appointed to take charge of the frontier 
- earlj in December, 1755, and he lost no 
time in undertaking the work, arriving at Bethle- 
hem upon the 18th of that month, with Commission- 
ers Hamilton and Fox. With them came Capt. 
Trump's company of fifty men from Buck* County, 
whose "arms, ammunition, and blankets, and a hogs- 
head of rum lor their use. had been forwarded I" 
Easton in advance.'' Franklin divided his time be- 
tween Easton and Bethlehem while he was muster- 
ing troops ami making ready to advance into the 
wilderness. From the 7th to the loth of January, 
1766, he made hi- headquarters at Bethlehem. " I 
had no difficulty,'' he say-, in his autobiography, "in 
raising men. having soon five hundred ami sixty under 
my command." These soldiers, or rather minute-men, 
were comprised in the following companies: Capt. 
William Parsons' company, twenty-four men. and 
.McLaughlin's detachment, twenty men. from Easton ; 
('apt-. Trump'-. A-ton'-, and Wayne's companies, of 
titty men each, except the last, of fifty-five, from 
Bucks County; Capt. Volck's (or Foulk's) company, 
of forty-six men, from Ailemangel, now Lynn town- 
ship, Lehigb Co.; Capt. Trezler's company, of forty- 
eight men, from townships of .Northampton, now in 
Lehigh County ; Capt. Wetterhoit'a company, of forty- 
four men. from the same region; Capt. Orndt's, of 
fifty men, from Bucks County; Capts. Craig, Martin, 
and Hays' companies, from the Irisli Settlement, in 
Northampton County; and ('apt. Van Ettan's com- 
pany, from Upper Smithfield. Besides these, there 
was a company of sixty men from .New Jersey under 
command of Col. John Anderson, and no doubt a 
number of smaller bodies of which no record has been 
preserved. Some of these companies served without 
pay, and furnished their own arms and ammunition. 
Capt. Volck's company arrived at Bethlehem from 



Allemiingel, and was mustered into service on Janu- 
ary 11th. Capt. Wetterholt's had been pre\ 
red, 
'in the 15th Of January, Col. franklin broke camp 
at Bethlehem, and moved hi- little army in the dil 

tion of Gnadenhiitten, where it was hi- purposi 

build one of a chain of forts for lie "ii of the 

frontier. A good description of the march and of 
tent operations is afforded by a better 
from Benjamin Franklin to the Governor, dated Fort 
Allen, at Gnadenhiitten, Jan. 25, 1756: 

' D: ar Sir, — We got to Hays' the same evening 
we left you, and reviewed Craig's company by the way. 
Much of the next morning was spent in exchanging 
the had arms for the good. Wayne's company hat 

pined ii-. We reai ever, that night to Up- 

linger's, where we got into good quarters. Saturday 
morning we began to march towards Gnadenhiitten, 
and proceeded near two miles; but it seeming to Set in 
for a rainy day, the men unprovided with great-coat.-. 
and many unable to secure effectively their arms from 
the wet. we thought it advisah about and re- 

turn to our former quarters, where the men might dry 
themselves and lie warm; wdiereas, bail they pro- 
ceeded, they would have conn- in wet to Gnadenhiit- 
ten, where shelter and opportunity of drying them- 
selves that night was uncertain. In fact, it rained all 
day, and we were all pleased that we had not pro- 
ceeded. The next day, being Sunday, we marched 
hither, where we arrived about two in the after- 
noon, and before five had inclosed our camp with a 
strong breastwork, musket-proof, and with the boards 
brought here before, by my order from Dunker's mill, 1 
got ourselves under some shelter from the weather. 
Monday was so dark, with a thick fog all day, that we 
could neither look out for a place to build nor see 
where material- were to be had. Tuesday we looked 
round us. pitched on a place, marked out our fort on 
the ground, and by ten o'clock began to cut timber 
tor stockades and to dig the ground. By three o'clock 
in the afternoon the logs were all cut ami many of 
them hauled to the spot, the ditch dug to set them in 
three feet deep, and many were pointed and set up. 
The next day we were hindered by rain most of the 
day. Thursday we resumed our work, and before 
night were perfectly well inclosed, and on Friday 
morning the stockade was finished, and part of the 
platform within erected, which was completed next 
morning, when we dismissed Foulk's and Wetter- 
holt's companies, and sent May's down for a convoy 
of provisions. The day we hoisted the flag made 
a general discharge of our pieces, which had been 
long loaded, and of our two swivels, and named the 
place Fort Allen in honor of our old friend.- It is 

1 Thin mill MU \\ illi.iiu Kern's, who lived at whnt is now SlattDgtOD. 
His mill was on Trout Creek. In some reports it is mentioned us Truck- 
er's mill, and in others Kern's mill. 

2 Juilgc William Allen, father of James Allen, who laid out Alleutowu 
In 1792 



578 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



one hundred and twenty-five feel long, fifty feet wide. 
the stockades most of them a foot thick. They are 
three feet in the ground and twelve feet out. pointed 
at the top. This i> an account of our week's work, 
which I thought might give you some satisfaction. 
Foulk is gone to build another between this and 
Schuylkill fort, which I hope will be finished (as 
Trexlcr is to join him) in a week or ten days. As 
soon as Hays returns I shall dispatch another part} 
to erect another at Surfas's, which I hope may be 
finished in the same time, and then I purpose to end 
my campaign. < rod willing, and do myself the pleasure 
of seeing you in my ret urn. I can now add no more 
than that I am with great esteem and affection your 
friend. Yours affectionately, 

'•B. FltAXKJ.IV" 

In his autobiography Franklin thus describes Fort 
Allen: 

"The next morning our fort was planned and 
marked out, the circumference measuring four hun- 
dred and fifty -five feet, which would require as many 
palisades to be made, one with another, of a foot diam- 
eter each. Our axes, of which we had seventy, were 
immediately set to work to cut down trees, and our 
men being dexterous iu the use of them, great dispatch 
was made. Each pine made three palisades of eighteen 
feet long, pointed at one end. While these were pre- 
paring our other men dug a trench all round of three 
feet deep, in which the palisades were to be planted, 
and, the bodies being taken off our wagons, and the 
fore and hind wheels separated by taking out the pin 
■which united the two parts of the perch, we bad ten 
carriages, with two horses each, to bring the palisades 
from the woods to the spot. When they were set up, 
our carpenters built a platform of boards all round 
within, about six feet high, for the men to stand on 
when to fire through the loop-holes. We had one 
swivel-gun, which we mounted on one of the angles, 
and fired it as soon as fixed, to let the Indians know, 
if any were within hearing, that we had such pieces; 
and thus our fort, if that name may be given to so 
miserable a stockade, was finished in a week, though 
it rained so hard every other day that the men could 
not work. This gave me occasion to observe that 
when men are employed they are best contented, for 
on the days they worked they were good-natured and 
cheerful, and, with the consciousness of having done 
a good day's work, they spent the evening jollily; but 
on our idle days they were mutinous and quarrelsome, 
finding fault with the pork, the bread, etc., and were 
continually in bad humor, which put me in miml of a 
sea-captain, whose rule it was to keep his men con- 
stantly at work, and when his mate once told him that 
they had done everything, and there was nothing 

further to employ them about, 'N ,' said he, ' make 

them scour the anchor.' This kind of fort, however 
contemptible, is a sufficient defense against Indians, 
who have no cannon. Finding ourselves now posted 



securely, and having a place to retreat to on occasion, 
we ventured out in parties to scour the adjacent coun- 
try. We met with DO Indians, but we found the places 
on the neighboring hills where they had lain to watch 
our proceedings. 

"There was an art in the contrivance of those 
places that seems worth mentioning. It being winter 
a fire was necessary for them, but a common fire on 
the surface of the ground would, by its light, have 
discovered their position at a distance ; they had, there- 
fore, dug holes in the ground about three feet iu diam- 
eter and somewhat deeper; we found when' they bad, 
with their hatchets, cut off the charcoal from the sides 
of burnt logs lying in the woods. With these coals 
they had made small fires in the bottom of the holes, 
and we observed among the weeds and grass the prints 
of their bodies, made by their laving all around, with 
their legs hanging down in the holes to keep their 
feet warm, which with them is an essential point. 
This fire so managed could not discover them, either 
by its light, flames, sparks, or even smoke. It ap- 
peared that the number was not great, and it seems 
they saw we were too many to be attacked by them 
with prospects of advantage. . . . 

" I had hardly finished this business and got my 
fort well stored with provisions, when I received a 
letter from the Governor, acquainting me that he had 
called the Assembly, and wished my attendance there, 
if the posture of affairs on the frontiers was such that 
my remaining there was no longer necessary. My 
friends, too, of the Assembly, pressing me by their 
letters to be if possible at the meeting, and my three 
intended forts being now completed, and the inhab- 
itants contented to remain on their farms under that 
protection, I resolved to return ; the more willingly 
as a New England officer, Col. Clapham, experienced 
in Indian war, being on a visit to our establishment, 
consented to accept the command. I gave him a com- 
mission, and, parading the garrison, had it read before 
them, and introduced him to them as an officer who, 
from his skill in military affairs, was much more fit to 
command them than myself; and, giving them a little 
exhortation, took my leave. I was escorted as far as 
Bethlehem, where I rested a few days to recover from 
the fatigue I had undergone. The first night, lying 
in a good bed, I could hardly sleep, it was so different 
from my hard lodging on the floor of a hut at Gnaden- 
Huettcn, with only a blanket or two." 

Thus, after nineteen days' absence from Bethlehem, 
closed the military services of a man destined to 
achieve vastly greater renown in civil life. He had 
no experience in actual warfare, but in the provisions 
which he made for the protection of the frontier, in- 
cluding the building of the line of forts or stockades, 
of which Fort Allen was one, be exercised the same 
strong common sense and varied ingenuity which in 
other fields did much to make his fame. 

James Young, commissary-general, who visited the 
fort in June, 175G, coming through Allemangel (Lynn 



SETTLEMENT BY MORAVIANS IN CARBON COUNTY. 



579 



township, Lehigh Co.), from which it was distant 
about fifteen miles, says in his diary, " The first seven 
miles of this road is very hilly, barren, and swampy; 
no plantations. The other part of the road is fur the 
most part through a rich valley, chiefly meadow 
ground; several settlements, but all the houses 
burned and deserted. At noon we came to tb 
. . . This stands on the river Leahy (Lehigh), in this 
pass through the very high hills, is, in my opinion, a 
very important place, and may be of great Bervice if 
the officer does his duly. It is very well stoekaded, 
with four good bastions. i in our is a swivel-gun. 
Tin works are elear all around it for a considerable 
way, and is very defensible. Within are three good 
barracks and a guard-room. I found here fifteen men 
without any officer or commander. They told me 
Lieut. Jacob Mier and two men from the fort were 
gone this morning, with two gentlemen from Bethle- 
hem and four Indians, fifteen miles up the country, 
to bring down some friendly Indians, and that the 
sergeant with throe men were gone to Capt. Foulk's, 
ommander bore, to receive the pay that is due 
them. ... I was informed that a captain with a new 
company was expected there in a day or two to take 
posl at this ion."' Young also speaks of finding "a 
farm-house with a small stockade around it" at Le- 
high I Jap. A sergeant and eight men. a detachment 
of Capt. Wctlirrholt's company, were stationed here. 
The captain with twelve men was at this time at an- 
other farm-house south of the gap. 

Either because they were sated with blood, or be- 
cause the thoroughness of Franklin's plans of border 
defense had shown them the futility of making further 
inroads upon the whites, the Indians desisted from 
hostilities. Settlers returned to their homes, and the 
usual avocations were resumed. But. although the 
scattered pioneer farmers breathed more freely, they 
did not for many succeeding years enjoy a feeling of 
absolute security. Even as late as 17.S0, as we shall 
presently show, the Indians made a hostile raid into 
thai portion of Northampton County which is now- 
Carbon. 

Fort Allen - was garrisoned for five years 1756 
61), and after the expiration of that period was 
oiially occupied by soldiers. During the time 
that regular garrisons were maintained at this tort 
(and also at Forts N. mis and Hamilton) large quan- 
tities of provisions were of course needed. These 
were furnished in part by Adam Deshler, the noted 
pioneer of Lehigh County. 

Governor Morris made efforts to establish peace by 
treaty in July, 1756, when a council was held at 



1 Col. James Bard, who visited Fort Allen in 1758, says, "Tliis is a 
Tery po ' 

1 'I'll,- uulv r.-lic of the old fori which remains at the present day is 
til.- well, Which can be seen in the yard of the Fort Allen House at 
\\ .i.sport. 

3 Adam Deshler, as commi-- sbler and Balliet, aod 

-repaid at various times, daring 1766-68 suijj ■ 
from £tT 11-. 2d. t.. £1364 it. id. 



Easton, but without success. The council was ad- 
journed after much ineffective talking on the part of 
the government officials and the chiefs and sachems 

of the Indian tribes. Another meeting was held in 
1757, but it was as futile as the first, and it was not 
until Oct. 26, 17os. that a general treaty of peace - 
entered into. And this was ruthlessly broken by the 
red warriors, by the perpetration of murders in Lehigh 
County and elsewhere in 1763. 1 

Captivity of the Gilbert Family in 1780,-The 
hegira of the inhabitants following the Gnadenhiitten 
massacre and other -Indian atrocities left the trans- 
montane region a desolate solitude, but as years passed 
on in comparative tranquillity the few who had been 
settled in what is now Carbon County returned, and 
were reinforced by others, who opened farms in the 
fertile valleys. Among the latter class was Benjamin 
Gilbert, who, in l77o, located on Mahoning Creek, 
and built a mill a few miles from where Fort Allen 
was erected. He was an old man, married to his 
second wife, who was the widow of Bryan Peart, and 
had been, like himself, a resident of Byberry, fifteen 
miles from Philadelphia. Their united families of 
children made a large household. In this same 
neighborhood lived the Dodsons and a number of 
other families. 

" On the 26th of April, 1780, the Gilberts were sur- 
prised by a party of eleven Indians, whose appear- 
ance struck them with terror; to attempt an escape 
was death" I says the writer of an elaborate narrative 
of this incident of pioneer times),'' ''and a portion of 
distress not easy to he supported the certain attend- 
ant on the most poteut and submissive conduct. The 
Indian- who made this incursion were of different 
tribes or nations, who had abandoned their country 
on the approach of Gen. Sullivan's army and fled 
within command of the British forts in Canada, pro- 
miscuously settling within their neighborhood, and, 
according to Indian customs of carrying on war, fre- 
quently invading the frontier settlements, taking cap- 
tive the weak and defenseless. 

"The names of these Indians, with their respective 
tribes, are as follows : 

"Rowland Monteur, first captain ; John Monteur, 
second in command, who was also styled captain, — 
these two were Mohawks, descended of a French- 
woman; Samuel Harras, a Cayuga Indian; John 
Huston and his son, John Huston, Jr., Cayugas; 
John Fox, of the Delaware nation. The other five 
were Seneca-. 

" Ai this place they made captives of the following 
person-: Benjamin Gilbert, aged sixty-nine year-; 
Elizabeth, his wite. fifty-three years: Joseph Gilbert, 



* See chapter on Indian raid in the Lehigh CV.untv department of 
tills, work. 

Hat rnship. 

•The account here given of the captivity of the Gilbert family is 
taken from HaHmTs liejuter ..f May, 1820, in which the narrative, 
written a few years after the occurrence, was republished. 



580 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Iiis son, forty-oii! years; Jesse Gilbert, another son, 
nineteen years; Sarah Gilbert, wife to Jesse, 
aged nineteen years; Rebecca Gilbert, a daughter, 
aged sixteen years; Abner Gilbert, a son, aged four- 
teen years; Elizabeth Gilbert, a daughter, aged twelve 
years ; Thomas Peart, son to Benjamin < Mlbert's wife, 
aged twenty-three years; Benjamin Gilbert, a son of 
John Gilbert, of Philadelphia, aged eleven years; 
Andrew Barrigar, of German descent, hired by Ben 
jamin Gilbert, aged twenty-six years; Abigail Dodson 
(daughter of Samuel Dodson, »ho lived on a farm 
near one mile distant from the mill, who came thai 
morning with grist, aged fourteen years. The) then 
proceeded to Benjamin Peart's dwelling, about half a 
mile farther, and brought himself and family, viz. : 
Benjamin Peart, son to Benjamin Gilbert's wife, aged 
twenty-seven years; Elizabeth Peart, his wife, aged 

twenty years ; their child, about nine mouths old. 

" The prisoners were bound with cords, which the 
Indians brought with them, and in this melancholy 
condition left under a guard for the space of half an 
hour, during which time the rest of the captors em- 
ployed themselves in plundering the house and pack- 
ing up such goods as they chose to carry off, until 
they had got together a sufficient loading for their 
horses, which they took, besides compelling the dis- 
tressed prisoners to carr\ part of their plunder. 
When they had finished pluudering, they began their 
retreat, two of their number being detached to fire 
the buildings, which they did without any exception 
of those belonging to the unhappy sufferers, thereby 
aggravating their distresses, as they could observe the 
flames and the falling of the roofs from an adjoining 
eminence called Summer Hill. They cast a mourn- 
ful look towards their dwellings, but were not per- 
mitted to stop until they had reached the farther side 
of the hill, where the party sat down to make a short 
repast, but grief prevented the prisoners from sharing 
with them. 

" The Indians speedily put forward from this place, 
as they apprehended they were not so far removed 
from settlements as to be secure from pursuit. Not 
much further was a large hill called Mochunk, 1 which 
they fixed upon for a place of rendezvous. Here 
they halted near an hour, and prepared shoes and 
sandals, which they called mockasons, for some of the 
children. Considering themselves in some degree re- 
lieved from danger, their fear abated so that they 
could enjoy their meal at leisure, which they ate very 
heartily. At their removal from this hill they told 
the prisoners that Col. Butler was no great distance 
from them, in the woods, and that they were going to 
him. 

" Near the foot of the hill flows a stream of water, 
railed Mochunk Creek, which was crossed, and the 
second mountain passed, the steep and difficult as- 
cenl of which appeared very great to the much-en- 



' Mauch Chuuk. 



feebled and affrighted captives. The\ w.re permitted 
to rest themselves for some minutes, and then pressed 
Onward to the broad mountain, at the foot of which 
runs Nescaconnab ' < 'reek. 

"Doubly distressed b\ a recollection of past hap- 
piness and a dread of the miseries they had now to 

I'lm , they began the ascent of litis mountain with 
great anguish, both of mind and body. Benjamin 
Gilbert's wife, dispirited with the increasing difficul- 
ties, diil not expert she was able to pass this mountain 

on foot, but being threatened with death by the [n 
dian- if she did not perform it, with many a heavy 
step she at length succeeded. The broad mountain is 
said to be seven miles over in this place, and about 
ten miles distant from Benjamin Gilbert's settlements. 
Here they halted an hour, and then struck into the 
Neskapack 3 path, the unevenness and ruggednessof 
which rendered it exceedingly toilsome, and obliged 
them to move forward slowly. Quackac' Creek runs 
across the Neskaprck path, which leads over Pismire 
hill. At this last place they stopped to refresh them- 
selves, and then pursued their march along the same 
path, through Moravian Pine Swamp, to Mahoninah 
Mountain, where they lodged, being the first night of 
their captivity. 

" It may furnish information to some to mention the 
method the Indians generally use to secure their pris- 
oners: they cut down a sapling as large as a man's 
thigh, and therein cut notches in which they fix their 
legs, and over this they place a pole, crossing the pole 
on each side with stakes drove in the ground, and in the 
crotchet of'the stakes they place other poles or riders, 
effectually confining the prisoners on their backs; be- 
sides which they put a strap round their necks, which 
they fasten to a tree ; in this manner the night passed. 
Their beds were hemlock branches strewed on the 
ground, and blankets for a covering (which was an 
indulgence scarcely to have been expected from sav- 
ages). It may reasonably be expected that in this 
melancholy situation sleep was a stranger to their 
eyelids. 

" Benjamin Peart having fainted in the evening, 
occasioned by the suft'eriugs he endured, was threat- 
ened to be tomahawked by Rowland Monteur. 

" 26(/i. Early this morning they continued their 
route, near the waters of Teropin Ponds. The Indians 
thought it most eligible to separate the prisoners in 
companies of two by two, each company under the 
command of a particular Indian, spreading them to a 
considerable distance, in order to render a pursuit as 
impracticable as possible. The old people, overcome 
with fatigue, could not make as much expedition as 
their severe taskmasters thought proper, but failed in 
their journey, and were therefore threatened with 
death by the Indian under whose direction they were 
placed ; thus circumstanced, they resigned themselves 
to their unhappy lot with as much fortitude as possible. 



2 Nesquehouing. 



N. -kopeck. 



< Quakake. 



SETTLEMENT BY MORAVIANS IN CARBON COUNTY. 



581 



Towards evening the parties again met and encamped. 
Having killed a deer, they kindled a 6re, <-:m 1 1 one 
roasting piei ea of the flesh upon sharpened switches. 
The confinement of the captives was the same with the 
first night, but, as they were by this time more re- 
in d to the event, they were not altogether deprived 
of sleep. 

"27th. After breakfast a council was held concern- 
ing the division of the prisoners, which being settled, 
they delivered each other those prisoners who fell 
within their several allotments, giving them dire* 
timis in attend t<> the particular Indians whose prop- 
erty they became. In the day's journey they passed 
near Fort Wyoming, on the eastern branch of the Sus- 

ijUehanna, about fortj miles from their late habitation. 

The Indians, naturally timid, were alarmed as they 
approached this garrison, and observed great caution, 
not suffering any noi-e. hut Mopped on the stones that 
lay in the path, lest any footstep should load to a dis- 
cover] . Not far from thence is a considerable stream 
of water, emptying itself into the Susquehanna, which 
tiny crossed with great difficulty, it being drop and 
rapid, and continued here this night. Benjamin 
Gilbert, being bound last with cords, underwent groat 
sufferings. 

" 28//(. This morning the prisoners were all painted 
according to the custom among the Indians, some of 
them with rod and black, some all red, ami some with 
black only. Those whom they -mut with black, with- 
out any other color, are not considered of any value, 
and are by this mark generally devoted to death. 
Although this cruel purpose may not be executed im- 
mediately, they are seldom preserved to reach the 
Indian hamlets alive. In the evening they came to 
the Susquehanna, having had a painful and wearisome 
journey through a very stony and hilly path. Here 
the Indians sought diligently for a private lodging- 
place, that they might be as secure as possible from 

any scouting parties of the white people. It is un- 
necessary to make further mention of their manner 
of lodging, as it still remained the same. 

" 29th. They went in search of the horses which 
had strayed from them in the night, and after some 
time found them. They then kept the course of the 
river, walking along it- side with difficulty. In the 
afternoon they came to a place wdiere the Indians had 
directed four negroes to wait their return, having left 
them some corn for a subsistence. These negroes had 
escaped from confinement, and were on their way to 
Niagara when first discovered bj the Indians. Being 
lenged by them, answered, 'they were for the 

king.' upon which they immediately received them 
into protection. 

"8(MA. The negroes who were added to the com- 
pany the da\ I gan cruelly to domineer and 
tyrannize over the prisoner-, frequently whipping 
them for their spirit, and treating them with more 

severity than even the Indians themselves, having 
had their hearts hardened by the meanness of their 



condition and long subjection to slavery. In this 
day's journey they passed the remains of tin I 
town, Wyaloosing. The lands around these ruins 
have a remarkable appearance of fertility. In the 
evening thej made a lodgment by the side of a large 

"5th Month 1st. After crossing a considerable hill 

in the morning, they came to a place where two In- 
dians laj dead. A partj of Indians had taken some 

white people, whom they were carrying oil prisoners; 

they rose upon the Indians in the night, killed 
of them, and then ell'ected their escape. The women 
.nt forwards, and the men-prisoners com- 
manded to draw near and view the two dead bodies 

which remained (the other two being removed) ; they 
stayed to observe them a considerable time, and were 
ill en ordered to a place where a tree was blown down. 
Death appeared to be their doom'; but after remain- 
ing in a state of sad suspense for some time, they 
were ordered to dig a grave ; to effect which thi 
a sapling with their tomahawks and sharpened one 
end. with which wooden instrument one id' them 
broke the ground, and the others cast 'lie earth out 
with their hands, the negroes being permitted to beat 
them severely while they were thus employed. After 
interring the bodies, they went forward to the rest, 
and overtook them as they were preparing tor their 
lodging. They were not yet released from their sap- 
confinement. 

" 2d. Having some of their provisions with them, 
tho\ made an early meal, and traveled the whole day. 
They crossed the East Branch of the Susquehanna to- 
wards evening in canoes, at the place where Gen. 
Sullivan's army had passed it in their expedition. 
Their encampment was on the western side of this 
branch of the river; but two Indian-, who did not 
cross it, sent for Benjamin Gilbert, Jr., and Jesse 
Gilbert's wife, and as no probable cause could be as- 
signed why it was so, the design was considered as a 
\cry dark one, and was a grievous affliction to the 
others. 

" 3</. The morning, however, dispelled their fears, 
when they had the satisfaction them again, 

and understood they had not received any trei 
harder than their usual fare. The horses -wain the 
Susquehanna by the side ol «. This day the 

Indians in their march found a scalp, and took it 
■■■. ith them, as also some old corn, of which they 
made a supper. They frequently killed deer, and by 
that means supplied the company with meat, being 
almost the only provision they ate, as the flour they 
took with them was expended. 

Alh. The path they traveled this morning was but 

little trodden, which made it difficult for those who 

not acquainted with the w 1- to keep in it. 

rossed a creek, made up a large fire to warm 
themselves by, and then separated into two com- 
panies, the one taking the westward path, with whom 
were Thomas Peart, Joseph < lilbert, Benjamin <iil- 



582 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bert, Jr., and Jesse Gilbert's wife, Sarah ; the others 
went more to the north, over rich level land. When 
evening came, inquiry was made coi i the four 

captives who were taken in the westward path, and 
they were told that 'these were killed and scalped, 
and you may expect the same fate to-night.' An- 
drew Harrigar was so terrified at the threat that lie 
ill upon leaving them, and as soon as it was 
dark took a kettle, with pretense of bringing some 
water, and made his escape under favor of the night 
He was sought after by the Indians as soon as they 
rved him to he missing. 

" 5th. In the morning the Indians returned, their 
search for Andrew Harrigar being, happily for him, 
unsuccessful. 1 

" The prisoners who remained were therefore treated 
with great severity on account of his escape, and were 
often accused of being privy to his design. Capt. 
Row land Monteur carried his resentment so far that 
he threw Jesse Gilbert down and lifted his tomahawk 
to strike him, which the mother prevented by putting 
her head on his forehead, beseeching him to spare 
her son. This so enraged him that he turned round, 
kicked her over, and tied them both by their necks to 
a tree, where they remained until his fury was a little 
abated ; he then loosed them, and not long after bid 
them pack up and go forwards. They passed through 
a large pine swamp, and about noon reached one of 
the Kittereen towns, which was desolated. Not far 
from this town, on the summit of a mountain, there 
issues a large spring, forming a very considerable fall, 
and runs very rapidly in an irregular, winding stream 
down the mountain's sides. They left this place and 
took up their lodging in a deserted wigwam covered 
with bark, which had formerly been part of a town of 
the Shipquagas. 

•' 6th, ~lli, and 8th. They continued these three days 
in the neighborhood of these villages, which had been j 
deserted upon Gen. Sullivan's approach. Here they ! 
lived well, having, in addition to their usual bill-of- i 
fare, plenty of turnips and potatoes, which had re- 
mained in the ground unnoticed by the army. This 
place was the hunting-ground of the Shipquagas, 
and whenever their industry prompted them to go out 
hunting, they had no difficulty to procure as many 
deer as they desired. 

" Roast and boiled meat, with vegetables, afforded 
them plentiful meals. They also caught a wild tur- 
key and some fish called suckers. Their manner of 
catching fish was to sharpen a stick, and watch along 
the rivers until a fish came near them, when they 
suddenly pierced him with the stick and brought him 
out of the water. 

" Here were a number of colts; some of them were 
taken, and the prisoners ordered to manage them, 
which was not easily done. 



kndrew Harrigar endured man; hardships in the woods, and at 
mi mil in ill. settlements, and gave Hie iirst authentic Intelli- 
gence *>f Benjamin Gilbert and tiia family to their friends. 



"9th. When thej renewed their march they placed 
tin mother upon a horse that seemed dangerous t" 
ride, but she was preserved from any injury, In-tliis 

day's journey thej came to meadow ground, where 

they stayed the night, the men being confined, as be- 
fore related, and I lie negroes lay near them 
guard. 

" IQth, A wet swamp that was very troublesome 
lay in their road, after which they had to pas> a rug- 
ged mountain, where there was no path. The under- 
brush made it hard labor for the women to travel, but 
no excuse would avail with their severe masters, and 
they were compelled to keep up with the Indians, 
however great the fatigue. When they had passed it 
they tarried awhile for the negroes, who had lagged 
behind, having sufficient employ to attend to the 
colts that carried the plunder. When all the com- 
pany met together they agreed to rendezvous in an 
adjoining swamp. 

"11th. A long reach of savannas and low ground 
rendered this day's route very fatiguing and painful, 
especially to the women. Elizabeth Peart's husband 
not being allowed to relieve her by carrying the 
child, her spirits and strength were so exhausted that 
she was ready to faint. The Indian under whose care 
she was, observing her distress, gave her a violent 
blow. When we compare the temper and customs of 
these people with those of our own color, how much 
cause have we to be thankful for the superiority we 
derive from the blessings of civilization. 

" It might be truly said days of bitter sorrow and 
wearisome nights were appointed the unhappy cap- 
tives. 

"12th. Their provisions began to grow scant, hav- 
ing passed the hunting-grounds. The want of proper 
food to support them, which render them more capa- 
ble of enduring their daily fatigue, was a heavy trial, 
and was much increased by their confinement at 
night. Elizabeth Gilbert was reduced so low that 
she traveletl in great pain all this day, riding on 
horseback in the morning, but towards evening she 
was ordered to alight and walk up a hill they had to 
ascend. The pain she suffered, together with want 
of food, so overcame her that she was seized with a 
chill. The Indians administered some flour and water 
boiled, which afforded her relief. 

" 13r7i. Last night's medicine being repeated, they 
continued their march, and after a long walk were so 
effectually wore down that they halted. The pilot, 
John Huston, the elder, took Abner Gilbert with 
him (as they could make more expedition than the 
rest) to procure a supply of provisions to relieve their 
necessity. 

" 14M. The mother had suffered so much that two 
of her children were obliged to lead her. Before noon 
they came to Canadasago, where they met with Ben- 
jamin Gilbert, Jr., and Jesse Gilbert's wile, Sarah, 
two of tlie four who had been separated from them 
ten days past, and taken along the western path. This 



SETTLEMENT BY MORAVIANS IN CARBON COUNTY. 



583 



meeting afforded them greal satisfaction, the doubt 
and uncertainty of their lives being spared often dis- 
tressing their affecl ion ions. 

"John Euston, Jr., the [ndian, under whose care 
Benjamin Gilbert was placed, designing to dispatch 
him, painted bim black ; tl 

the family, bul entreaties of theirs being likelj to 

prevail, the] resigned their cause to Him whose power 
can control all events. Wearied with their weakness 
and traveling they made a stop to recover themselves, 
when the pilot, returning, assured them they should 
soon receive some provisions. The negroes were re- 
duced so low with hunger thai their behavior was dif- 
ferent from what it had been, conducted with more 
moderation. At their quarters, in the evening, two 
white men cam< to them, one oi which was a volun- 
teer among the British, the other had been taken 
prisoner some time before; these two men brought 
some hominy, and sugar made from the sweet maple, 
the sap being boiled to a consistency, and is but little 
inferior to the sugar imported from the islands. Of 
this provision, and an hedge-hog which they found, 
they made a more comfortable supper than they had 
enjoyed for many days. 

" 15th. In the morning the volunteer having re- 
ceived information of the rough treatment the prison- 
ers met with from the negroes, relieved them by 
taking the four blacks under his care. It was not 
without much difficulty they crossed a large creek 
which was in their way. being obliged to swim their 
horses over it. Benjamin Gilbert began to fail ; the 
Indian whose property he was, highly irritated at his 
want of strength, put a rope about his neck, leading 
him along with it ; fatigue at last so overcame him 
that he fell on the ground, when the Indian pulled 
the rope so hard that he almost choked him. His 
wife, seeing this, resolutely interceded for him, al- 
though the Indians hid her go forwards, as the others 
had gone on before them ; this she refused to comply 
with unless her husband might lie permitted to ac- 
company her They replied 'that they were deter- 
mined to kill the old man,' having before this sel him 
apart as a victim. Hut at length ber entreaties pre- 
vailed, and their hearts were turned from their cruel 

purpose. Had not an overruling Providence preserved 
him from their fury, he would inevitably have per- 
ished, as the Indians seldom show mercy to tl. 
whom they devote to death, which, as has been before 
observed, was tie case with Benjamin < rilbert, whom 

they had smeared with black paint from this motive. 
When their anger wa- a little mod. rated, they sel 

forwards to overtake the rest of the company. Their 
illations, who had been eye-witnesses of the former 
part of this scene of cruelty, and expected they 

would both have been murdered, rejoiced greatly at 
their return, considering their -a!et\ a- a providential 

deliverance. 
"16th. Necessity induced two of the Indians to sel 

off on horseback into the : <>untrv in search of 



provisions. mers, in the mean time, were 

lig up a root, something resemblin 
toe-, which tin- Indian- called 'whoppan 

tarried at this pi ■ until towards the ever. 

ling day, and made a soup of wild onions 

and turnip tops; this they ate without bri 

it could not then u -I'd sufficient sustenance, 
either for young or old; th ing 30 very light 

h daily wa-ted. 

"17th. They left this place and tlenesee 

which empties its waters into Lake Ontario) 
on a raft "f logs, bound together by hickory withe-. 
This appeared to be a dangerous method of ferrying 
them over such a river to those who had 
customed to such conveyances. They fixed their 
station near the Genesee banks, and procured more 
of the wild-potato roots, before mentioned, for their 
supper. 

"18th. (Inc.. I the Indian- left t In company, taking 
with him the finest hoi-e lhe> had, and in some hours 
after returned with a large piece of meat, ordering 
the captives to boil it; this command they cheerfully 
performed, anxiously watching the kettle, fresh meat 
being a rarity which they had not eaten for a long 
time. The Indians, when it was sufficiently boiled, 
distributed to each one a piece, eating sparingly 
themselves. The prisoner- made their repast « 
bread or salt, and ate with a good relish what they 
supposed to be fresh beef, but afterwards understood 
it was horse-flesh. 

"A shrill halloo which they heard gave the prison- 
ers some uneasine-s ; one of the Indians immediately 
rode to examine the cause, and found it was Capt. 
Rowland Monteur and his brother John's wife, with 
some other Indians, who were seeking them with 
provisions. The remainder of the company soon 
reached them, and they divided some bread which 
they had brought into small pieces, according to the 
number of the company. 

" Here is a large extent of rich farming land, re- 
markable for its levelness and beautiful meadows. 
The country i- so flat that there are no falls in the 
rivers, and the waters run slow and deep, and when- 
ever showers descend they continue a long time 
muddied. 

"The captain and hi- company had brought with 
them cakes of hominy and Indian corn. Of thi- 
they made a good meal. He appeared to be pleased 
the prisoner-, having been absent from them 
several day-, and ordered them all round to shake 
hand- with him. From him they received informa- 
tion respecting Joseph Gilbert and Thomas Peart, 
who were separated from the others on the tth inst., 
that they bad arrived at the Indian settlen 
time before in safety. 

" The c panj stayed the night at this place. One 

of the Indians refused to suffer any of them t> 

near the fire, or converse with the prisoner who, in 

the distribution, had fallen to him. 



58J 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



"19M. Pounding hominy was this day's employ- 
ment. The weather being warm made it a hard task, 
rhi y boiled ii and prepared ii for supper, the [ndians 
sitting down to eat first; and when they had con- 
cluded their meal, they wiped the spot i the sole 

of their mockason and then gave it to the captives, 
Hmijlrr alone could prevail on an\ our to eat after 
such tilth ami Hastiness. 

■• 20th. Elizabeth Gilbert, the mother, being o 

to ride alone, missed the path, for which the Indians 
repeatedly struck her. Their route still continued 
through rich meadows. Alter wandering for a time 
out of the direct path thej came to an Indian town, 

and obtained the necessary information to pursue 
their journey. The Indians ran out 6f their huts 
to see the prisoners, and to partake of the plunder, 
but no part of it suited them. Being directed to 
travel the path back again for a short distance, they 
did so, and then struck into another and went on 
until night, by which time they were very hungry, 
not having oaten since morning; the kettle was again 
put on the fire for boiling hominy, this being their 
only food. 

" 21sl. The report of a morning gun from Niagara, 
which they heard, contributed to raise their hopes. 
They rejoiced at being so near. An Indian was dis- 
patched on horseback to procure provisions from the 
fort. 

" Elizabeth Gilbert could not walk as fast as the 
rest. She was, therefore, sent forwards on foot, but 
was soon overtaken and left behind, the rest being 
obliged by the Indians to go on without regarding 
her. She would have been greatly perplexed when 
she came to a division path had not her husband lain 
a branch across the path which would have led her 
wrong, an affecting instance both of ingenuity and 
tenderness. She met several Indians, who passed by 
without ;,peaking to her. 

"An Indian belonging to the company, who was on 
tin horse Elizabeth had rode, overtook her, and, as be 
went on slowly, conversing with her, endeavored to 
alarm her by saying that she would be left behind 
and perish in the woods. Yet, notwithstanding this, 
his heart was so softened In lore he had gone any 
great distance from ber, that he alighted from the 
horse and left him that she might be able to reach 
the rest of the company. The more seriously she 
considered this the more it appeared to her to be a 
convincing instance oi the overruling protection of 

Hiin who can ' turn the heart of a man as the hus- 
bandman turneth the water-course in his field.' 

" Tl<i. As the Indians approached nearer their hab- 
itations they frequently repealed their halloos, and 

after 9ome I i thej receh ed an ansv er in the - 1 

manner, which alarmed the < ipanymuch; but they 

soon discovered it to proceed from a party of whites 

and Indians who were on some expedition, though 
their pretence was that they were for .New York. 
Not long after parting with these the captain's wife 



came to them. She was a daughter of Siangorochti, 
king of the Senecas, but her mother being a Cayuga, 
she v i among that nation, the children gen- 

erally reckoning their descent from the mother's side. 
This princess was attended by the captain's brother 
John, one other Indian, and a white prisoner who 

had been taken at Wyoming by Rowland Monteur. 

Shi was dressed altogether in the Indian manner, 
shining with and silver baubles. They 

brought with them from the fort a supply of pro- 
visions. The captain being at a distance behind 
when his wife came, the company waited for him. 

Alter the cust ary salutations he addressed himself 

to his wife, telling her that Rebecca was her daughter, 
and that she must not be induced by any considera- 
tion to part with her. whereupon she took a silver 
ring off her finger and put it upon Rebecca, by which 
she was adopted as her daughter. 

" They feasted upon the provisions that were 
brought, for they had been several days before 
pinched with hunger, what sustenance they could 
procure not being sufficient to support nature. 

" 23rf. Their spirits were in some degree revived by 
the enjoyment of plenty, added to the pleasing hope 
of some favorable event procuring their releasement, 
as they were not far distant from Niagara. 

" The Indians proceeded on their journey and con- 
tinued whooping in the most frightful manner. In 
this day's route they met another company of In- 
dians, who compelled Benjamin Gilbert, the elder, to 
sit on the ground, and put several questions to him, 
to which he gave them the best answers he could ; 
they then took his hat from him and went oft'. 

"Going through a small town near Niagara, an In- 
dian woman came out of one of the huts and struck 
each of the captives a blow. Not long after their de- 
parture from this place, Jesse, Rebecca, and their 
mother were detained until the others had got out of 
their sight, wdien the mother was ordered to push on, 
and as she had to go by herself she was much per- 
plexed what course to take, as there was no path by 
which she could be directed. In this dilemma she 
concluded to keep as straight forward as possible, 
and after some space of time she had the satisfaction 
of overtaking the others. The pilot then made a 
-hort Stay, that those wdio were behind might come 
up, and the captain handed some rum around, giving 
each a dram, except the two old folks, whom they did 
not consider worthy of this notice. Here the cap- 
lain, who had the chief direction, painted Aimer, 
Jesse, Rebecca, and Elizabeth Gilbert, Jr., and pre- 
sented each with a belt of wampum, as a token of 

their being received into favor, although they tool; 

fr them all their hats ami bonnets, except He- 

becca's. 

"The prisoners were released from (he heavy loads 
they had heretofore been compelled to carry, and was 

it not for the treatment they expected on their ap- 
proaching the Indian towns and the hardships of 



SETTLEMENT in MORAVIANS IN CARBON COUNTY. 






separation, their situation would have i n tolerable; 

bul the horror of tluir mind- arising from the dreadful 
yells of the [ndians as they approached the hamlets 

is easier ( ceived than described, for they were no 

Btrangers to the customary cruelty exercised upon 
captives on entering their towns. The Indians, men, 
women, and children, colled together, bringing clubs 
and stones in order to beat them, which they usuallj 
do with great severity by way of revenge for th< 
lationa who have been slain ; 1 1 1 i - is performed imme- 
diately upon their entering the village where the 
warriors reside. This treatment cannot be avoided, 
and the blows, however cruel, musl be borne without 
complaint, and the | I ire sorely beaten until 

their enemies are wearied with the cruel sport. Their 
sufferings were in this case very great ; they received 
several wounds, and two of the women who were on 
back were much bruised by falling from their 
which were frightened by the Indians. Eliza- 
beth, the mother, took shelter by the side of one of 
them, but upon his observing that she met with some 
favor upon his account he sent her away: she then 
received several violent blow-, so that -he was almost 
disabled. The blood trickled from their heads in a 
stream, their hair being cropped close, and the clothes 
they had on in rags, which made their situation truly 
piteous. Whilst they were inflicting this revenge 
upon the captives the king came and put a stop to 
any further cruelty by telling them ' it was sufficient.' 
which they immediately attended to. Benjamin 
Gilbert and Elizabeth, his wile, Jesse Gilbert and his 
wile were ordered to Capt. I tow land Monteur's house ; 
the women belonging to it were kind to them and 
gave them something to eat. Sarah Gilbert, Jesse's 
wile, was taken from them by three women in order 
to be placed in the family she was to be adopted by. 

" Two officers from Niagara Fort. ('apt-. Dace and 
l'owel, came to see the prisoners and prevent SO I hey 
were informed) any abuse that might be given them. 
Benjamin Gilbert informed those officers that he was 
apprehen-he that they were in great danger of being 
murdered, upon which they promised him they would 
send a boat the next day to bring them to Niagara. 

"'J4M. Notwithstanding the kind intention of the 
officers, they did not derive the expected advantage 
from it. for the Indians insisted on their going to the 
fort on foot, although the bruise- they had received 
the day bi the many severe blows given 

them rendered their journey on foot very distress- 
it. Capt. Monteur obstinately persisting, they 
dared not long remonstrate or refuse. 

" When they left the Indian town several 
from their lints after them, with sticks in their bauds, 
yelling atel tig in the most dismal manner; 

but through the interposition oi four Indian women, 
who had come with the captives, to prevent any 
further abuse they might receive, they were pre- 
served; one of them, walking between Benjamin Gil- 
bert and li is wife, led them, and desired Jesse to keep 



as near them a- he could : the Other three walked lie- 
hind, and prevailed with the young Indiai 

They had not pursued their route Ioiil' before they 

saw ('apt. John Powell, who eame from hi- I, out. and 

persuaded (though with some difficulty) tie- [ndians 
to get into it with the captive-, which relieved them 
from the apprehensions "f further danger. 
reaching the tort. Capt. Powell introduced them to 
Col. Guy Johnson and Col. Butler, who asked the 
i- many questions in tin presence of the In- 
dians. They presented tin- captain with a belt of 
wampum, which is a constant practice among them 
when they intend a ratification of 'he peace. Before 
their connection with Europeans these belts were 
made oi shells found on the coasts of New England 

and Virginia, which were sawed out into beads of an 
oblong shape, about a quarter of an inch long, which 
were strung together on leathern -trim;-, and these 
strings, fastened with fine threads made of sinews, 

[posed what is called a belt of wampum; but 

since the whites have gained footing among them, 
tiny make Use of the common glass beads lor this 

purpose. 

•'The Indian-, according tfi their usual Custorj 
ceremony, at three separate times ordered the prison- 
ers to shake hands with Col. Johnson. 

"25th. Benjamin Gilbert, Elizabeth, his wife, and 
Jesse (iilbertwere surrendered to Col. Johnson. This 
deliverance from such scenes of distress, as they had 
become acquainted with, gave them a more free op- 
portunity of (lose reflection than heretofore. 

"The many sorrowful days and nights they had 
passed, the painful anxiety attendant on their fre- 
quent separation from each other, and the uncer- 
tainty of the fate of the rest of their family, over- 
whelmed them with grief. 

. Expression i- too weak to describe their dis- 
tress on leaving their children with these hard mas- 
ters; they were not unacquainted with many of the 
difficulties to which they would necessarily be exposed 
in a residence among Indians, and the loss which 
the young people would sustain for want of a civilized 
and ( hrisf i education. 

' L'7'/.. In this desponding situation the kindness of 
sympathy was awakened in one of the Indian women, 
who even forgot her prejudices, and wiped away the 

tears which trickled down Elizabeth Gilbert's cheeks. 
"The particular attention of Col. Johnson's house- 
keeper to them, from a commiseration of their dis- 
tres> claims their remembranci . Benjamin, his wife, 

and Jesse Gilbert were invited to her house, where 
the old folks her best room, but ad- 
ministered to their necessities, and endeavored to 
soothe their Borrows. 

Gilbert was favored to get employ, which, 
as it was some alleviation of his misfortunes, may be 
1. red a- a providential kindle 

lays after they came to the fort they 
had information that Benjamin Peart was by the river 



586 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



— i < 1 ■ - with the rndians. Upon hearing this report hi- 
mother wenl to see him, but everj attempt for his re- 
lease was in vain, the [ndians would by no means give 
him up. From this place they intended to march 
with their prisoners to the Genesee River, about a 
hundred miles distant. As the affectionate mother's 
solicitations proved fruitless, her son not only felt the 
afflicting loss of his wife and child, from whom he had 
been torn some time lie tore, but a renewal of his grief 
on this short sight of his parent. She procured him a 
hat, and also some ~:ili . which was an acceptable 
burden for the journey. 

"Benjamin Gilbert, conversing with the Indian 
captain who made them captives, observed thai he 
might say w bat none of the other Indians could, ' that 
he had brought in the oldest man and the youngest 
child.' His reply to this was expressive, ' It was not 
I, but the great God who brought you through, for 
we were determined to kill you, but were prevented.' 

"The British officers being acquainted that Jesse 
Gilbert's wife was among the Indians, with great ten- 
derness agreed to seek her out, and after a diligent 
inquiry found that she was among the Delawares, and 
went to them and endeavored to agree upon terms for 
her releasement. The Indians brought her to the fort 
the next day, but would not give her up to her rela- 
tions. 

" 29//i. As the cabins of" the Indians were but two 
miles from the fort, they went thither, and Jesse and 
the officers used every argument in their power to 
prevail upon them, representing how hard it was to 
part these two young people. At length they con- 
sented to bring her in next day, with their whole 
tribe, for a final release. 

" 30//(. They accordingly came, but started so many 
objections that she was obliged to return with them. 

" 31st. Early next morning Capt. Robeson gener- 
ously undertook to procure her liberty, which, after 
much attention and solicitude, he, together with 
Lieut. Hi 11 yard, happily accomplished. They made 
the Indians several small presents, and gave them 
thirty pounds as a ransom. 

" When Sarah Gilbert had obtained her liberty she 
altered her dress more in character for her sex than 
she bad been able to do while among the Indians, 
and went to her husband and parents at Col. John- 
son's, where she was joyfully received. 

"Col. Johnson's housekeeper continued her kind 
attentions to them during their stay here, and pro- 
cured clothing for them from the king's stores. 

" 6th Month 1st. About this time the Senecas, 
among whom Elizabeth Peart was captive, brought 
her with them to the fort. As soon as the mother 
heard of it she went to her and had some conversa- 
tion with her, but could not learn where she was to 
be scut to. She then inquired of the interpreter and 
pressed on his friendship to learn what was to become 
of her daughter. This request he complied with, and 
informed her thai she was to be given away to another 



family of the ^ as, and adopted among them in 

the place of a deceased relation. Capt. Powell inter- 
ested himself in hei case likewise and offered to pur- 
e her of them, but the Indians refused to give hei 
up, and as the mother and daughter expected they 
should Bee each other no more, their parting was very 
affecting. 

"The Indian woman who had adopted B 

her daughter also came to the fort, and Elizabeth 
Gilbert made use of this opportunity to inquire con- 
cerning her daughter. The interpreter informed hei 

there was no probability of obtaining the release- 
ment of her child, as the Indians would not part with 
her. All she could do was to recommend her to their 
notice as very weakly, and in consequence not able to 
endure much fatigue. 

"2nd and 3rd. Not many days alter their arrival at 
Niagara a vessel came up Lake Ontario to the fort 
with orders tor the prisoners to go to Montreal. In 
this vessel came one Capt. Brant, an Indian chief, 
high in rank among them. Elizabeth Gilbert im- 
mediately applied herself to solicit and interest him 
on behalf of her children who yet remained in cap- 
tivity. He readily promised her to use his endeavors 
to procure their liberty. A short time before they 
sailed for Montreal they received accounts of Abner 
and Elizabeth Gilbert, the younger, but it was al.-o 
understood that their possessors were not disposed to 
give them up. As the prospect of obtaining the re- 
lease of their children was so very discouraging, it 
was no alleviation to their distress to be removed to 
Montreal, where, in all probability, they would sel- 
dom be able to gain any information respecting them, 
on which account they were very solicitous to stay at 
Niagara; but the colonel said they could not remain 
there, unless the son would enter into the king's ser- 
vice. This could not be consented to, therefore they 
chose to submit to every calamity which might be 
permitted to befall them, and confide in the great 
Controller of events. 

" Here they became acquainted with one Jesse Paw- 
ling, from Pennsylvania, who was an officer among 
the British, and behaved with kindness and respect 
to the prisoners, which induced them to request In- 
attention also to that part of the family remaining in 
captivity ; it appeared to them of some consequence 
to gain an additional friend. The colonel also gave 
his promise to exert himself on their behalf. 

"After continuing ten days at Col. Johnson's they 
took boat in the forenoon of the 2d, being the Sixth 
day in the week, and crossed the river Niagara in 
order to go on board the vessel (which lay in Lake 
Ontario) for Montreal. The officer procured necessa- 
ries for their voyage in great plenty, and they were 
also furnished with orders to draw more at certain 
places as they might, have occasion. These civilities 
may appear to many to be too 1 ii \ ial to be mentioned 
in this narrative, but those who have been in equal 
distress will not be insensible of their value. 



SETTLEMENT BY MORAVIANS IN CARBON COUNTY. 



587 



"4th. The vessel sailed down the lake mi th< 
day of the week, and on first day following, being the 
Fourth daj o) the Sixth month, 1780, came to Charlton 
Island, where there were such a number of small boats 
which brought provisions that it had the nppi 
pf a Bert, Benjamin and Jesse Gilbert went on shore 
to obtain leave from the commanding offi< er to go to 

M 'eal in the Bmall boats, as the vessel they came 

in could proceed no farther. They met with a kind 
reception, and their request was granted. 

"5t h. On the second day following they left Charlton 
[si and, which lies at the mouth of Lake Ontario, and 
took their passage in open boats down the rivei St. 
(Lawrence, and passed a number of small islands. 
■There is a rapid descent in the waters of this river, 
Which appears dangerous to those unacquainted with 
these kind of fells. The Frenchman who rowed the 
boats kept them near the shore, and passed without 
much difficulty between the rocks. 

" 1'itlt, 7th, Benjamin Gilbert had been 

much indisposed before tbej left the tort, and his dis- 
order was increased by a rain which fell on their pas- 
sage, as they were without any covering. They passed 
Oswagatchy, an English garrison, by the side of the 
river, but they were not permitted to stop here; they 
proceeded down the St. Lawrence, and, the rain con- 
tinuing, went on shore on an island in order to secure 
tin in. elves from the weather. Here they made a 
shelter for Benjamin Gilbert, and, when the rain 
ceased, a place was prepared for him in the boat that 
he might lie down with more ease. His bodily weak- 
ness made such rapid progress that it rendered all the 
care and attention of his wife necessary, and likewise 
called forth all her fortitude; she supported him in 
her arms, affording every possible relief to mitigate 
his extreme pains. And although in this distressed 
condition, he, notwithstanding, gave a satisfactory 
evidence of the virtue and power of a patient and 
holy resignation, which can disarm the King of Ter- 
rors, and receive him as a welcome messenger. Thus 
prepared.be passed from this state of probation the 
eighth day of the Sixth month, 1780, in the evening, 
leaving his wife and two children, who were with him. 
in all the anxiety of deep distress, although they had 
no doubt but that their loss was his everlasting gain. 
Being without a light in the boat, the darkness of the 
night added not a little to their melancholy situation. 
A- there were not any others with Elizabeth Gilbert 
hut her children, and the four Fn Di hmen. who man- 
aged the boat, and her apprehensions alarmed her 
lest they should throw the corpse overboard, as they 
appeared to be an unfeeling company, she therefore 
applied to some British officers who were in a boat 

behind them, who dispelled her fears, and received 
her under their protection. 

"9th. In the morning they passed the garrison of 
pcBur de Lac. and waited for some considerable time 
some distance In-low. Squire Campbell, who had the 
charge of the prisoners, when he heard of Benjamin 



Gilbert immander of this 

garrison to gel a coffin, in which they put 

ry hastily liim under an oak ni 

from the fort. The boatmen would not allow his 
widow to pay the last tribute to his memory, but re- 
gardless of her affliction, refused to wait ; her d 
on this occasion was great indeed, bu osible 

was her duty to submit to the dispensal ii 
an over-ruling Providence, which are all ordei 
wisdom, -he endeavored to support herself undi 
afflictions, and proceeded with the boatmen. 

" Near this place they passed bj a grist-mill which 
was maintained by a stone wing extended into thi 
St. Lawrence, the stream being very rapid, acquires 
sufficient to turn a wheel without the further 
expense of a dam. 

"The current carried the boat forward with amaz- 
ing rapidity, and the falls became ao dangerous that 

the boats could proceed no farther; they tie 
landed in the evening, and went to the commanding 
officer of Fort Lasheen to request a lodging; but the 
houses in the garrison were so crowded that it was 
with difficulty they obtained a small room belonging 
to the boat-builders to retire to, and here they stowed 
themselves with ten others. 

"10th. Tin- garrison of Lasheen is on the Lsle ot 
Jefu, on which the town of Montreal stands, about 
the distance of nine miles; hither our travelers had 
to go by land, and as they were entirely unacquainted 
with the road, they took the advantage of an empty 
cart I which was going to the town i for the women to 
ride in. 

"The land in this neighborhood is very .tony and 
the soil thin ; the cattle small and ill favored. 

" When they arrived at Montreal they were intro- 
duced to Brig.-Gen. McClean, who after examining 
them, sent them to one Duquesne, an officer among 
the loyalists, wdio being from home, they were desired 
to wait in the yard until he came ; this want of polite- 
ness gave them no favorable impressions of the master 
of the house ; when he returned he read their pass, 
•and gave Jesse an order for three days' provisions. 

" Daniel McUlphin received them into his 1 
by him thej were treated with great kindness, and the 
women continued at his house and worked five weeks 
for him. 

" Jesse Gilbert met with employ at Thomas Busbj '-. 
where he lived very agreeably for the space of nine 
nemths. 

" Elizabeth Gilbert had the satisfaction of an easy 
employ at Adam Scott's, merchant, having the super- 
intendence of his kitchen, but about six weeks after 

I in his service, Jesse's wife, Sarah, was 
taken sick at Thorn is Busl '-, w Inch made it necessary 
tor her mother to dis> rself from the place 

w here .-he was so agreeablj situated, in order to nurse 
her. These three were favored to be considered as 

the king's pris re, having ration- allowed them; 

this assistance was very comfortable, but Elizabeth's 



588 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



name being erased out of a list a( the time when they 
i eedi d an addil ional supply, i hi j n ere much strait- 
ened. Upon an application to one i !ol. < lampbell, he, 
juire Cam pbell, took down a 

■ ' her sufferings and situation, and afti 

paring a concise narrative, they applied t'> the- briga- 
dier-general to forward it to Gen. Saldimand a1 
siring his attention to the sufferers, who 
ily issued his orders, that the rcleasement of the 
family should be procured, with particular injunctions 
tor every garrison to furnish them with necessaries as 
they came down. 

" A< soon as Sarah Gilbert recovered from her indis- 
position her mother returned to Adam Scott's family. 

" Thomas < romersom hearing of their situation came 
to -ee them ; hewasedueateil a < Quaker, and had been a 
merchant of New York, and traveled with Robert 
Walker in his religious visits, hut upon the commenco- 
inent of the war had deviated from his former principles 
and had lost all the appearance of a Friend, wearing a 
sword. He behaved with respect to the prisoners, and 
made Elizabeth a present. The particular attention 
of Col. Closs, and the care he showed by writing to 
Niagara on behalf of the captives, as he was entirely 
a stranger to her, is remembered with gratitude. 

"As there was an opportunity of hearing from 
Niagara, it gave them great pleasure to be informed 
that Elizabeth Gilbert was among the white people, 
she having obtained her release from the Indians 
prior to the others. 

"Sarah Gilbert, wife of Jesse, becoming a mother, 
Elizabeth left the service she was engaged in, Jesse 
having taken a house, that she might give her daugh- 
ter every necessary attendance; and in order to make 
their situation as comfortable as possible they took a 
child to nurse, which added a little to their income. 
After this Elizabeth Gilbert hired herself to iron a 
day for Adam Scott. Whilst she was at her work a 
little girl belonging to the house acquainted her that 
there were some who wanted to see her, and upon 
entering into the room she found six of her children ; 
the joy and surprise she felt on this occasion were be- 
yond what we shall attempt to describe. A messen- 
ger was sent to inform Jesse and his wife that Joseph 
Gilbert, Benjamin Peart, Elizabeth, his wife, and 
young child, Abner, and Elizabeth Gilbert, the 
younger, were with their mother. It must afford very 
pleasing reflections to any affectionate disposition to 
dwell awhile on this scene, that after a captivity of 
upwards of fourteen months so happy a meeting 
should take place. 

"Thomas Peart, who had obtained his liberty, and 
tarried at Niagara that he might be of service to the 
two yet remaining in captivity, viz., Benjamin Gil- 
bert, Jr., and Rebecca Gilbert. 

"Abigail Dodson, the daughter of a neighboring 
farmer who was taken with them, inadvertently in- 
formed the Indians she was not of the Gilbert family ; 
all attempts for her Liberty were fruitless. 



" We shall now proceed to relate how Joseph Gil- 
bert, the eldest -on of the deceased, fared amongst 

th.- Indians. He, with Thomas Peart, Benjamin Gil- 
bert, Jr., and ilhert's wife. Sarah, were taken 
along the westward path, as before related. After 

some -li'irt Continuance in this path, Thomas Peart 
and Joseph Gilbert wen taken from the other two, 

and by a different route, through many difficulties, 
they were brought to i i, where they received 

the insults of tin- women and children whose husbands 

or parents had fallen in their hostile excursions. 

•' Joseph ( rilbert was separated from his companion, 
and removed to an Indian villa called Nundow, about 
seven miles from Caracadera; his residence was for 
several weeks in the king's family, whose hamlet was 
superior to the other small huts. The king himself 
brought him some hominy, and treated him with 
great civility, intending his adoption into the family 
in the place of one of his sons who was -lain when 
Gen. Sullivan drove them from their habitations. As 
Xundow was not to he the place of his abode, his 
quarters were soou changed, and he was taken hack 
to Caracadera; but his weakness of body was so great 
that he was two days accomplishing this journey, 
which was only seven miles, and not able to procure 
any other food than roots and herbs, the Indian econ- 
omy leaving them without any provisions to subsist 
upon. Here they adopted him into the family of one 
of the king's sons, informing him that if he would 
marry amongst them he should enjoy the privileges 
which they enjoyed; but this proposal he was not 
disposed to comply with, and as he was not over- 
anxious to conceal his dislike to them, the sufferings 
he underwent were not alleviated. The manner of 
his life differing so much from what he bad before 
been accustomed to, having to eat the wild roots and 
herbs before mentioned, and as he had been lame from 
a child, and subject to frequent indispositions, it was 
requisite for him to pay more attention to his weak 
habits of body than his captors were willing he should. 
When the master of the family was at home the re- 
spect he showed to Joseph, and the kindness to him, 
rendered his situation more tolerable than in his ab- 
sence. Frequently suffering with hunger, the privi- 
lege of a plenteous table appeared to him as an ines- 
timable blessing which claimed the warmest devotion 
of gratitude. In such a distressed situation the hours 
rolled by with a tediousness almost insupportable, as 
he had no agreeable employment to relieve his mind 
from the reflections of his sorrowful captivity. This 
manner of life continued about three months, and 
when they could no longer secure a supply by their 
hunting, necessity compelled them to go to fori 
Niagara for provisions. The greater number of the 
Indians belonging to Caracadera attended on this 
journey, in order to obtain a supply of provisions, 
their want of economy being so great as to have con- 
sumed so early as the eighth month all they had 
raised the last year, and the present crops unfit to 



SETTLEMENT Bx MORAVIANS IN CARBON COl NTY. 



.-.*:> 



gather; their profuse manner of using their Bcan( 
pittance of provisions generally introducing a famine 
after a shorl time of feasting. Thej compute the 
distance from Caracadera to For) Niagara to 
hundred and thirty miles; on tins journey they were 
upwards of five days, taking some venison on t li«-i r 
route, and feasting « itb great greediness, as they had 
been :i long time without meat. 

"When they reached the t ■ > r t they procured cloth- 
ing from the king's stores for Joseph < rilbert, such as 
the Indians usually wear themselves, — a match- COS t, 
leggings, etc. His indisposition confined him at Col. 
Johnson's for several days, during which time the 

British oflfici vored to agree with tin: Indians 

tor his releasement, but they would not consent. The 
afflicting account of the death of his father, which 

was here communicated to him, spread an additional 

gloom on his mind. After continuing at the foi 

four weeks the Indian- ordered him back with 

This was a sor<- stroke, to leave a degree of ease and 

plenty and resume 'he hardships of an Indian life. 

With this uncomfortable prospect before him. added 
to his lameness, the journey was toilsome and painful. 
They were five day- in their return, and when they 
arrived their corn was ripe for use: this, with the 
advantage of bunting, as the game was in its great) si 
perfection, furnished a present comfortable subsist- 
ence. 

"Joseph had permission to visit his fellow-captive. 
Thomas Peart, who was at a -mall town of the In- 
dians about seven miles distant, called Nundow, to 
whom he communicated the sorrowful intelligence of 
their mother'- widowed situation. 

"At the first approach of spring Joseph Gilbert and 
his adopted brother employed themselves in procuring 
rails and repairing the fence about the lot of ground 
they intended to plant with corn, as this part of the 
preserving the grain was allotted to them ; the plant- 
ing and culture was assigned to the women, their 
husbandry beinu' altogether performed by the hoe. 

'The Indian manner of life was by no means 
agreeable to Joseph Gilbert. Their irregularity in their 
meals was hard for him to bear; when they had pro- 
visions in plenty they observed no plan of domestic 
economy, but indulged their voracious appetites, 
which soon consumed their stock, and a famine suc- 
ceeded. 

" In the early part of the sixth month, 1781, their 
corn wa- spent, and they were obliged to have re- 
course again to the wild herbage and roots, and were 
so reduced for want of provisions, that the Indians, 
having found the carcass of a dead horse, they took 
the meat and roasted it. 

" An officer from the fort came down to inquire 
into the situation of the Indians, and, upon ob- 
serving the low condition Joseph wa- in. not being 
likely to continue long without some relief, which 
the officer privately afforded, he being permitted to 
frequent his house, he advised him by Sight to en- 



deavor an escape from the Indian-, informing him 
that he had no other expedient foi : se. This 
firmed him in a resolution he had for some time 
been contemplating, hut hi- lameness and we 
ness, for want of propei ndered it im- 
practicable ' ke SUCh an attempt at that ti 

and it would require much care and attention to bis 

Own health and strength for such 

an undertaking. He therefl ade use of the lib- 
allowed him to visit the officer and partake 
his kindness and assistance, that he might be pre- 
pared for the journey. 

"Embracing a favorable opportunity, when the 
men were generally from home, some in their war 
expeditions and some out hunting, In- left them one 

night while the family slept, and made the best ofhit 

wa\ towards Niagara Fort, following the path,:. 
had once before gone along it. Ha mall piece 

which he took from the hut, he made a i 

repast, traveling day ami night, in order to escape 
from the further distresses of captivity. Asheneither 
took an] sleep or other food by the way than the piece 
of bread mentioned for the two days and nights be 

pursued his journey, he was much fatigued when he 
reached the fort, and experienced the effects for sev- 
eral day-. Upon his applying to Col. Johnson he 
was ho-pitahly entertained, and the next day saw 
three of the Indians whom he had left at the town 
when he set off. 

" After a few days' stay here, as most of the family 
were discharged from captivity and waiting lor a pas- 
sage to Montreal, a vessel wa- fitted to take them on 
board in order to proceed down the lake. 

" We next come to Benjamin Peart, who remained 
the tirst night after his arriving at the Indian huts 
with his wife and child, hut wa- separated from them 
the next day, and taken about a mile and a half and 
presented to one of the families of the .Seneca nation, 
and afterwards introduced to one of their chiefs, who 
made a long harangue, which Benjamin did not uu- 
dei-tand. The Indians then gave him to a squaw, in 
order to be received as her adopted child, who or- 
dered him to a private hut, where the women wept 
over him in remembrance of the relation in who-, 
stead he was received. After this he went with his 
mother by adoption to Niagara River, about two 

miles below the great tails, and -laved here several 
days, then went to the fort, on their way to the I 
esee River, wdiere he had tin- pleasure of conversing 
with hi- mother, and received information concerning 
his wile and child; hut even this satisfaction was 
short-lived, for be neither could obtain permission to 
visit hi- wit,-, nor wa- he allowed to converse freely 
with his mother, a.s the Indians hurried him off on 
board their bark canoe, when, having placed their 
provisions, they proceeded with expedition down the 
lake to the mouth of the ' die jee Ki , r. the computed 
distance from the small village to the mouth of the 
river being one hundred miles, and from thence up 



.V.HI 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the Genesee to the place of their destination, thirty 
miles. In their passage up the river they were ;ihimt 

five days, and as the falls in this river near 
trance into Lake Ontario has made a carrying-place 
of about two miles, they drained their canoe this dis- 
tance tn the place of boating ahove the falls. There 
nine Indians of the party with them. They fre- 
quently caught tish by the way. 

" When the party arrived at the place of their de- 
signed settlement, they soon erected a small hut or 
wigwam, and the ground being rich and level, they 
began with their plantation of Indian corn. Two 
white men who had been taken prisoners, the one 
from Susquehanna and the other from Minisinks, both 
in Pennsylvania, lived near this new settlement, and 
were allowed by the Indians to use the horses and 
plant for themselves. These men lightened the toil 
of Benjamin Peart's servitude, as he was frequently 
in their company, and he had the liberty of doing 
something Cor himself, though without much success. 

"His new habitation, as it was not very healthy, 
introduced fresh difficulties, for he had not continued 
here long before he was afflicted with sickness, which 
preyed upon him near three months, the Indians re- 
peatedly endeavoring to relieve him by their knowl- 
edge of simples, but their endeavors proved ineffec- 
tual ; the approach of the winter season afforded the 
relief sought for. Their provisions were not very 
tempting to a weakly constitution, having nothing 
else than hominy, and hut short allowance even of 
that, insomuch that when his appetite increased he 
could not procure food sufficient to recruit his 
strength. The company of his brother, Thomas 
Peart, who visited him, was a great comfort, and as 
the town he lived at was but the distance of eighteen 
miles, they had frequent opportunities of condoling 
with each other in their distress. 

"The Indian men being absent on one of their war 
excursions, and the women employed in gathering 
the corn, left Benjamin Peart much leisure to reflect 
in solitude. 

"Towards the beginning of the winter season the 
men returned, and built themselves a log house for a 
granary, and then removed about twenty miles from 
their settlement into the hunting country, and pro- 
cured a great variety of game, which they usually ate 
without bread or salt. As he had been with the In- 
dians for several months, their language became more 
familiar to him. 

" Hunting and feasting, after their manner, being 
their only employment, they soon cleared the place 
where they settled of the game, which made a second 
removal necessary, and they are so accustomed to 
this wandering life that it becomes their choice. 

"They fixed up a log house in this second hunting 
place and continued until the Second month, when 
they returned to their first settlement, though their 
stay was hut a few days, and then hack again to their 
log hut. 



" \ heavy rain tailing melted some of the snow, 
which had covered the ground about two feet. 

"The wdiole family concluded upon a journej to 
Niagara Fort by land, which was completed in seven 
days. At the fort he had the satisfaction of con- 
versing with his brother, Thomas Peart, and the same 

day his wife also came from Buffalo Creek with the 

Senecas to the fort. This happy meeting, alter an 
absence of ten months, drew tears of joy from them. 
The Indians not approving of their conversing much 
together, as they imagined they would remember their 
former situation and become less contented with their 
present manner of life, they separated again the same 
day, and took Benjamin's wife about four miles away ; 
but the party with whom he came permitted him to 
stay here several nights, and when the Indians had 
completed their purpose of traffic they returned, 
taking him some miles back with them to one of their 
towns ; hut upon his telling them that he was desirous 
of returning to the fort to procure something he had 
before forgot, in order for his journey, he was per- 
mitted. As he stayed the night with his adopted 
brother, the Indian came for him, but upon his 
complaining that he was so lame as to prevent his 
traveling with them, they suffered him to remain 
behind. 

" He continued at the fort about two months before 
the Indians came hack again, and as he labored for 
the white people, he had an opportunity of procuring 
salt provisions from the king's stores, which had been 
for a long time a dainty to him. 

"When one of the Indians fa second adopted 
brother) came for him, Benjamin went with him to 
Capt. Powell, who, with earnest solicitations and 
some presents, prevailed upon the Indian to suffer 
him to stay until be returned from his war expedi- 
tion ; but this was the last he ever made, as he lost 
his life on the frontiers of New York. 

" After this another captain (a third adopted 
brother) came to the fort, and when Benjamin Peart 
saw him he applied to Adjt.-Gen. Wilkinson to inter- 
cede lor his release, who accordingly waited upon Col. 
Johnson and other officers to prevail with them to 
exert themselves upon his behalf. They concluded 
to hold a council with the Indians for this purpose, 
who, after some deliberation, surrendered him up to 
Col. Johnson, for which he gave them a valuable com- 
pensation. 

"Benjamin Peart, after his release, was employed 
in Col. Johnson's service, and continued with him 
for several months. His child had been released lor 
some time, and his wife, by earnest entreaty ami plea 
of sickness, had prevailed with the Indians to permit 
her stay at the fort, which proved a great consolation 
and comfort after so long a separation. 

"About the middle of the Eighth month there was 
preparation made for their proceeding to Montreal, 
as by this time there were six of the prisoners ready 
to go in a ship which lay in Lake Ontario, whose names 



SETTLEMENT BY MORAVIANS IN CARBON COUNTY. 



591 



were Joseph tiilbert, Benjamin Peart, his wife and 
child, Aimer Gilbert, and Elizabeth Gilbert, the 
younger. These went on board the vessel to Charl- 
ton [aland, which is as far as the large vessels they 

use on tin' lake can proceed; the remainder of the 
waj on account of the frequent shoals] they are 
obliged to go in smaller boats. 
"The commanding officer at Niagara procured a 

suitable supph of provision, and furnished them with 
orders to draw more at the several garrisons as OCCa- 
required. 
"In two days they arrived at the upper end of 

Charlton Island, and went to the • "tnmander-in-chief 

tn show their pa—, and obtain what they were in need 
of. Afterward- they continued on to the garrison of 
Oswagotchy, by the side of the river St. Lawrence, in 

an i. pen boat rowed bj four Frenchmen, this class of 

people being chiefly employed in laborious services. 

" The Stream was BO rapid and full of rocks that the 
prisoners were too much alarmed to remain in the 
boat, and concluded to go on shore until they passed 
the danger, but the Frenchmen, who had been accus- 
tomed to these wild and violent rapids (the Ion 
which is known by the name of the Long Sou) kept 
on board. This surprising scene continued for the 

distance of sis miles, and thej viewed it with a 
of horror, their head- becoming almost giddy with the 
prospect. When theboat had shot the falls they again 
went on board, and continued down the river to I toeur 
de Lac. No meat distance below this they anchored 
and landed at the place where their father was in- 
terred, shedding many tear- of filial affection to his 
memory. They afterwards applied to the command- 
nicer of the garrison for provisions and other 
necessaries; they then bid adieu to this solemn spot 
of sorrow, and proceeded to Lasheen, which they 
reached the twenty-fourth day of the Eighth month, 
having been eight days on their voyage. 

''Alter refreshing themselves at this garrison they 
set forward on fool for .Montreal, which they reached 
tin same day. The\ went to the brigadier-general 
and showed him their passport, and as soon as at 
liberty waited on their mother at Adam Scott's, as 
had been already related. 

"The situation of Elizabeth Peart, wife of Benja- 
min, and her child i- next to be related: 

"Alter she and the child were parted from the 
husband. Abigail Dodson and the child wire taken 
several miles in the night to a little hut, where they 
stayed till morning, and the day following wen- 
taken within eight mile- of Niagara, where she was 
adopted into one of the families of the Senecas ; the 
mony of adoption to her was tedious and distress 
ing: they obliged her to sit down with a young In- 
dian man, and the eldest chieftain of the family re- 
peated a jargon of word-, to her unintelligible, but 
which she considered as some form of marriage, and 
this apprehension introduced the most violent agita- 
tions, as she was determined, at all events, to oppose 



any 9t< p of this nature ; but after the old Indian con- 
cluded his speech she was relieved from the dreadful 
embarrassment she had been under, as she was led 

away by another Indian. Abigail Dodson was tin- 
same day given to one "I the families of the Cayuga 
nation, so that Elizabeth Pearl saw her no m >i 

"The man who led Elizabeth from the com] 
took her into the family for whom thej adopted her, 
and introduced her to her parents, brothers and sis- 
ters, in the Indian style, who received her very kindly, 
ide a grievous lamentation over her according 
to custom. After she had been with them two days 
the whole family left their habitation and went about 
two miles to Fort Slusher, win-re they stayed several 
days. This fort i.- about one mile above Niagara 
Falls. 

' A- -he was much indisposed, the Indians were de- 
tained several day- for her; but as they cared lil 
her, she was obliged to lie on the damp mound, which 
prevented her speedy recovery. As soon as her dis- 
order abated of its violence they. set oil" in a bark canoe 
which tiny had provided, intending tor Buffalo < 'reek. 
and, as they went -lowly, they had an opportunity of 
taking sonic fish. 

" Winn they arrived at the place of their inti 
ment they went on shore and built a house. 

" A t.w days after thej came to this new sett I 
they returned with Elizabeth to Fort Slusher, when 
-he was told her child must be taken away from her; 

this was truly afflicting, but all remonstrances \\< re 
in vain. 

" From Fort Slusher she traveled on foot, carrying 
her child to Niagara, it lieu , n miles, and in 

sultry weather, rendered it a painful addition to the 
thoughts of parting with her tender offspring. The 
intent of their journey was to obtain provisions, and 
their stay at the fort was of several day-' continuance, 
('apt. Powell afforded her an asylum in his house. 

"The Indians took the child from her, and went 
with it across the river to adopt it into the family they 
had assigned for it, notwithstanding Capt. Powell, at 
his wife's request, interceded that it might not be re- 
mind I from its mother, and, as it was so young, thej 
returned it to tin- mother after its adoption, until it 
should be convenient to -end it to the family under 
whose protection it was to be placed. 

"Obtaining the provisions and other necessaries 

they came to .Niagara to trade for, they returned to 
Fort Slusher on foot, from whence they embarked in 
their canoes. It being mar the time of planting, they 
used much expedition in this journey. 

"The labor and drudgery in a family falling to the 

share of the \\ en, Elizabeth had to assist the squaw 

in preparing the ground and planting corn. 

"Their provisions being scant they Buffered much, 
and a- their dependence for a sufficient supply until 
the gathering of their crop was on what the} Bhould 
receive from the tint, they were under the necessity of 
making a second journey thither. 



592 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



"They were two days on the road at t h i-. time. A 
small distance before they came to the fori they toot 
her child from her and sent it to its destined family, 
and it was several months before she had an oppor- 
tunity of seeing it again. After being taken from her 
■ 1 1 1 1 . to lose her darling infant was a severe stroke, 
She lamented her condition and wept sorelj . for which 
one of t lie I ml i an- inhuman] \ Btruck her, Her Indian 

father seemed a little moved to behold her so dis- 
ci and iii oilier to console her assured her they 
would bring it back again, hut she saw it not until the 
spring following. 

" Alter they had disposed of their peltries they re- 
turned to their habitation by the same route which 
had come. 

"With a heart oppressed with sorrow, Klizabeth 
troil back her steps, mourning for her lost infant, for 
this idea presented itself continually to her mind; but 
as she experienced how fruitless, nay, how dangerous, 
solicitations in behalf of her child were, she dried up 
her tears ami pined in secret. 

" Soon after they reached their own habitation, 
Elizabeth Peart was again afflicted with sickness. 
At the first they showed some attention to her com- 
plaints, hut as she 'lid not speedily recover, so as t.. 
be able to work, they discontinued every attention, 
ami built a small hut by the side of the corn-field, 
placing her in it to mind the corn. In this lonely 
condition she saw a white man who had been made 
prisoner among the Indians. He informed her that 
her child was released and with the white people. 
This information revived her drooping spirits, and a 
short time after she recovered of her indisposition, 
but her employment of attending the corn continued 
until it was ripe for gathering, which she assisted in. 
When the harvest was over they permitted her to 
return and live with them. A time of plenty com- 
menced, and they lived as if they had sufficient to 
last the year through, faring plenteously every day. 

" A drunken Indian came to the cabin one day, and 
the old Indian woman complaining to him of Eliza- 
beth, his liehavior exceedingly terrified her; he 
stormed like a fury, and at length struck her a violent 
blow, which laid her on the ground. He then began 
to pull her about and abuse her much, when another 
of the women interposed, and rescued her from fur- 
ther suffering. Such is the shocking effect of spiritu- 
ous liquor on these people; it totally deprives them 
both of sense and humanity. 

"A tedious winter prevented them from leaving 
their habitation, and deprived her of the pleasure of 
hearing often from her friends, who were very much 
scattered; but a prisoner, who had lately seen her 
hushand, informed her of his being much indisposed 
at the Genesee River, which was upwards of one hun- 
dred miles distant. On receiving this intelligence, 
Bhe -tood in need of much consolation, hut had no 
source of comfort except in her own bosom. 

" Near the return of spring, their provisions failing, 



they we nopelled to go oil' to the fort for afresh 

having hut a -mall portion of corn, which they 
allowanced oul onci each day. 

"Through -now and severe frost they went for Ni- 
agara, suffering much from the excessive cold; and 
when they eat m within a iv\x miles of the fort, which 

they were four days accomplishing, thej struck up a 
small wigwam for some of the family with the prison- 
er- to live in until the return of the warriors from the 
fort. 

" A- soon a- Capt. Powell's wife heard that the 
young child's mother had come with the Indians she 
desired to see her, claiming some relationship in the 
Indian way, as she had also been a prisoner among 
them. They granted her request, and Elizabeth was 
accordingly introduced and informed that her hus- 
band had returned to the fort, and there were so 
expectations of his release. The -aim- day Benjamin 
1 Peart came to see his wife, hut could not he permitted 
! to continue with her. as the Indians insisted on her 
going hack with them to their cabin, which, as has 
1 been related, was some miles distant. 

" Elizabeth Peart was not allowed for some days to 
go from the cabin, but a white family who had 
bought her child from the Indians to whom it had 
been presented, offered the party with whom Eliza- 
beth was confined a bottle of rum if they would bring 
; her across the river to her child, which they did, and 
i delighted the fond mother with this happy meeting, 
as she had not seen it for the space of eight months. 
"She was permitted to stay with the family where 
her child was for two days, when she returned with 
the Indians to their cabin. After some time she ob- 
tained a further permission to go to the fort, where 
she had some needle-work from the white people, 
which afforded her a pjea for often visiting it. At 
length Capt. Powell's wife prevailed with them to 
suffer her to continue a few days at her house and 
work for her family, which was granted. At the ex- 
piration of the time, upon the coming of the Indians 
for her to return with them, she pleaded indisposition, 
and by this means they were repeatedly dissuaded from 
taking her with them. 

" As the time of planting drew nigh she made use 
of a little address to retard her departure ; having a 
small swelling on her neck she applied a poultice, 
which led the Indians into a belief that it was im- 
proper to remove her, and they consented to come 
again for her in two weeks. 

" Her child was given up to her soon after her arrival 
at Capt. Powell's, and her husband came frequently to 
visit her, which was a great happiness, as her trials in 
their separation had been many. 

" At the time appointed some of the Indians came 
again, but she still plead indisposition and had con- 
fined herself to her bed. One of the women interro- 
gated her very closely, but did not insist upon her 
going hack. Thus several months elapsed, she con- 
triving delays as often as they came. 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



593 



" Win n the vessel w bich was to take the other five, 
among whom were her husband and child, was ri adj 
tu -ail, the officers at Niagara concluded she might 
also go with them as they saw no reasonable objection, 
and they doubted not it was in their power to satisfy 
those [ndians who considered her as their property." 

Eventually all of the captives were redeemed, and, 
reaching this country in safety, assembled at Byberry 
to recount in a happy reunion their strange adven- 
tures during a captivity of two years and five months. 



CHAPTER II. 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL IM 
PROVEMBNTS IN CARBON County. 

Beginning of Permanent Settlement — Tlie Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company — The Canal — Railroad Building, etc. 

Hi have seen, in the preceding chapter of this 
work, that the white man made his advent in what is 
now Carbon County as early as 1746. It is of a later 
influx of immigration, and one of a distinctly marked 
era, that we now propose to treat, — in brief, that in- 
COining of people which may be regarded as the 
second settlement of the region, the people who re- 
mained permanently, developed the resources of the 
county, and ultimately, as one of the natural results 
of their great enterprises, brought about the organiza- 
tion of < 'arhon ( lounty. 

But first we will remind the reader in a few words 
of the earlier history of the region, which has already 
been given in detail. That little Moravian mission 
and eolony, fouuded on the site of Lehighton, in 174G, 
and its sister settlement on the opposite side of the 
river, where Weissport now is, were not destined to 
long remain undisturbed. They were in reality very 
minute dots of civilization in the great mountainous 
wilderness north of the Blue Ridge, on which was 
bestowed by the proprietaries the Indian name " I ow 
amensing," and a savage horde wiped them out on 
Nov. '1\. 17-Vi, as completely as if they had been 
characters written on the Band. When the Indians 
made their onslaught with tomahawk and fire, those 
of the people who were not massacred tied from the 
burning village southward toward Bethlehem, and 
although some of them who had secreted themselves 
in the neighborhood returned after the immediate 
danger was over, they did so only to gather up such 
articles as the savages and the flames had left, and 
the] soon made their way down the river to the 
parent colony, which they knew to be a place of 
security. Col. Burd, who crossed the Blue Rid 
his way to Fort Allen, in 1758, Bays, " When I ar- 
rived on the top of the mountain, 1 could see a great 
distance on both Bides of it : the northern pari of the 
county is an entire barren wilderness, not capi 
88 



improvement." The Indian name of the region, 
" Towamensing," we will here remark, was an ap- 
propriate one, a- its meaning is literally ''a wilder- 
Four or five years after the destruction of the 
Moravian mi — ions some men hail returned into this 
wild country and taken up lands, hut their number 
was very small. In 1762 the whole district of " Tow- 
Bg, " embracing all of what i- now Carbon 
County and a porli.ni of the present county of 
Schuylkill, contained but thirty-three persons who 
were subject to taxation and who-e names were 
placed upon the assessment-roll. The region had 
been practically deserted. 

Soon after the division of Towamensing, by the set- 
ting off of Penn township, in 1 7<>s, a few other fami- 
lies settled in what is now Carbon County, mi 
them locating on the east side of the river. Among 
their number were the Salt. Ilaydt, I'.eltz, Amcr, and 
Buyer families, which, in common with others who 
arrived later, arc made the subjects of brief sketches 
in the township histories. 

In 177"' there came to Penn township, on thi 
side of the river, the Gilbert, Dodson, and Peart 
families. The capture of the Gilbert family by the 
Indians, which has already been related at length in 
the preceding chapter of this work, led to a general 
exodus of the settlers from that immediate locality, 
and again the region was left as the almost undis- 
puted ranging-ground of the Indian and of wild 
beasts. Some of the settlers farthest removed from 
the river, along which the Indians most frequently 
roamed, still retained possession of their cabins and 
small clearings, trusting to their remoteness from the 
war-path for security. The assessment-list of Penn 
for 1781 (given in the history of that township shows 
the names of quite a large number of inhabitants, 
but it must be borne in mind that Penn then stretched 
westward tar beyond the presenl 'nouinlary of Carbon 
County, and that the assessment-lisi was made in the 
early part of the year. The Dodsons appear to have 
remained until 17%, or the following year, when they 
removed to Shamokin. 

From that time until 1803 OS 1804 there appear to 
have been no settlements of importance made in 
Penn township. Following the discovery of coal at 
Summit Hill in L791, 1 the lands including that im- 
portant spift wen- taken up bj Hillegas, Miner, and 
fi-t, and in 1793, 17'.' baud 1795 other large tracta of 
land wen- taken up by various persons living in Phila- 
delphia and Easton, on the supposition that they too 

, contained coal. These tracts were on both side- of 
the river, and some of them were south of the Blue 
Ridge. 

\b out 1804 enterprising men, who had the hardi- 

. hood to take up the work of making homes in the 
forest, began to come into Penn and Towamensing 
townships, and then really was commenced what we 



.pter mi the Borough of M.iuch Chunk. 



594 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



m:i\ call the enduring settlement of Carbon County. 
Gradually the frontier population extended north- 
ward, civilization each year encroaching upon and 
effacing a little more <>t' the great wild. By 1808 the 
assessment-lists -bowed quite a largo number of p.r- 
tnanently-settled pioneers. 

Settlements were also soon made on the west sideof 
the river, ami the population slowly spread through- 
out the Lizard Creek and Mahoning Valleys, where 
agricultural pursuits were commenced and so well 
carried on that in a lew years the people were in 
comfortable circumstances. North of them were 
commenced, in 1818, the gigantic operations of the 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company in Mauch 
Chunk township. Still farther north in the Quakake 
Valley a few farmer pioneers located themselves, 
chiefly in what is now Packer township. West of 
Packer, in what is now Banks township, coal was 
discovered, which has in later years been mined by 
numerous companies, who have expended vast sums 
of money in that region. North of Packer, in what 
is now Lehigh township, the mountains were covered 
with valuable timber, and about 182G that district 
was temporarily settled by the Coal and Navigation 
Company's employes, who took out great quantities 
of timber for the making of boats, on which anthra- 
cite coal mined farther south was sent down the 
river. 

What is now Penn Forest, and Kidder townships 
was a vast tract of valuable pine and hemlock timber, 
which was called the Pine Swamp, the greater part of 
its surface being very wet, notwithstanding its moun- 
tainous character. This was a portion of the extensi \ e 
uninhabited region which tor many years was com- 
monly called the "Shades of Death." These lands 
were not permanently settled, but in 1838 the forest 
was invaded by timber companies, who purchased 
large tracts from the warrantees, built mills and 
tenant-houses for their armies of lumbermen, and 
began the work of cutting timber and sending lumber 
to the market. After they had denuded the country 
of its splendid growth of forest these companies re- 
moved to other regions, which were still in the pris- 
tine condition in which they found this, and the 
townships which we have named were almost wholly 
abandoned by the people who had found employment 
there for a long term of years. 

Most important among all of the settlements 
founded in the county were those which were planted 
by Josiah White and Erskine Hazard, the leading 
spirits of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, 
and as indomitable characters as ever penetrated any 
portion of Pennsylvania. They were, to be sure, not 
in the common sense pioneers of this region, but in 
another sense they were the princes among pioneers, 
the pioneers of an era of tremendous activity and 
marvelous advancement. One writer, dwelling upon 
this period in the history of the region, says, . . . "In 
the wilds of Upper Northampton, where the Lehigh, 



yet an untamed mountain stream, frets in its rocky 
bed, brave >pirits were lighting the powers of nature 

as men of old fought dragons — if, peradventure, 
they might wrest from her enchantments and share 
with their fellow-men the treasures she fain would 
keep to herself in her savage solitudes. It needed 
brave spirits indeed to pioneer the way for that inex- 
haustible traffic which now pours a continuous stream 
of merchandise through its great artery in the valley 
of i lie Lehigh to the emporiums of the Western 
world. Such spirits were Cist, Miner, While, Haz- 
ard, and Hauto, whose names an inscribed upon the 
title-page of the almost fabulous history of anthra- 
cite coal. Exchanging the amenities of civilized life 
for the hardships and denials of life in the woods, 
these men toiled year after year in a howling wilder- 
ness (on the land and in the water), hewing roads 
through its sombre forests, clearing its river-channel 
of obstructions, hoping against hope, and yet perse- 
vering until they had accomplished what they de- 
signed should not be left undone." 1 

Internal Improvements— The Descending and 
Ascending Navigation of the Lehigh.— The story 
of the discovery of coal at Summit Hill in 1791, of 
the several endeavors to mine and place it in the 
market, and of the successful though difficult opera- 
tions of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, 
under White and Hazard, is given, for obvious reasons 
of convenience and propriety, in the chapter on 
Mauch Chunk Borough, and it is our purpose to 
here present an account of the successive enterprises 
of internal improvement undertaken by the company, 
and also those in later years carried out by other or- 
ganizations. The great carrying traffic of the Lehigh 
Valley had its inception in the measures resorted to 
by the Coal and Navigation Company to place the 
product of their mines in the market, and has ad- 
vanced from the crude system of river navigation, 
through the better one of the canal, to the most per- 
fect mode of transportation known, that of the rail- 
road. 

The task which Josiah White and Erskine Hazard 
undertook, that of making the Lehigh a navigable 
stream, was one which had before been several times 
attempted, and as often abandoned as too expensive 
and difficult to be successfully carried out. The 
Legislature was early aware of the importance of the 
navigation of this stream, and in 1771 passed a law 
for its improvement. Subsequent laws for the same 
object were enacted in 1791, 1794, 1798, 1810, 1S14, 
and 1816, and a company had been formed under 
one of them which expended upwards of thirty 
thousand dollars in clearing out channels, one of 
which they attempted to make through the ledges 
of slate about seven miles above Allentown, though 
they soon relinquished the work. 



l William 0. Eoiohel, in Ilia monograph on the "Crown Ian," built 
near Bethlehem, in 1745. 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



595 



No sooner had White, Hazard, and II auto obtained 
a leaaeoftheco.il lands in what is now Mauch < 'lunik 
township than they applied to the Legislature for an 
act authorizing them to improve the navigation of the 
river. They stated in their petition their ob 
getting coal to market, and that they had a plan for 
the cheap improvement of the river navigation, which 
they hoped would serve as a model lor the improve 
ment of many other streams in the State. Their pro- 
ject was considered chimerical, the improvement of the 
Lehigh being deemed impracticable from the failure 
of the various companies who had undertaken it under 
previous laws. The act of March 20, 1818, incorpor- 
ating the Lehigh Navigation Company, " gave these 
gentlemen the opportunity of ruining themselves, as 
many members of the Legislature predicted would be 
iin i sultof their undertaking." The various powers 

applied for ami granted in the act embraced the whole 
scope of tried and untried methods of effecting the 
object of getting "a navigation downward once in 
three days for boats loaded with one hundred barrels, 
or ten tons,'' with the reservation on the part of the 
Legislature of the right to compel the adoption of a 
complete slack-water navigation from Easton to Stod- 
dartsville should they not deem the mode of navi- 
gation adopted by the undertakers sufficient for the 
wants of the country. 

After the outlines of the company had been agreed 
upon, they published in pamphlet form at Philadel- 
phia " A compendious View of the Law authorizing 
the Improvement of the River Lehigh," in which the 
following advantages were sanguineh set forth as the 
prospective results of the navigation by the improved 
plan : 

"The city of Philadelphia can lie supplied with 
coal which is ascertained to be twenty per cent, 
purer than any of the same species which has come 
to this market from any other source and at a reduced 
price. 

"A market will be opened tor an immense body of 
timber which is now so completely locked up as not 
to be considered worth stealing, owing to the expense 
that would attend getting it to market. 

" When the first grand section of the river is im- 
proved (which can he done in a few months) the land 
carriage to the Susquehanna at Berwick will be only 

thirtv miles over a turnpike now made, which will 

i 
immediately command the trade of that river and 

turn it to Philadelphia. When the second grand ! 
section is finished the portage will be reduced to 
only ten or twelve miles by a railroad contemplated ' 
to be made on excellent ground. By the Susquehanna 
and Lehigh the western counties of New York will 
be nearer in point of expense to Philadelphia than to 
Albany, and consequently a large portion of the pro- 
duce, which now goes down the North River to New 
York, may he calculated on for the supply of Phila- 
delphia. 

"The New York Grand Canal, when completed, 



will bring the produce from the shores of Lake 1. 
This produce can come from the point where the 
canal crosses Seneca River to Philadelphia in nearly 
half the time and consequently at half the expi 
that ii can go by canal and North River lo \ 
York." 

The pamphlet containing these statements was pub- 
lished chief!) with a view to arousing the interesl of 
those who might become subscribers to the stock of 
the company, hut it exerted that influence only in a 

limited degree. 

We will remark here that the Lehigh < !oal ( lompany 
was incorporated by act of Oct. 21, 1818; that its 
■ iding characters were the same as those of the 
Navigation, While, Hazard, and Hauto; that the last 
named was bought out by his partners in March, 1820, 
and that on April 21. 1820, the two companies were 
consolidated under the title of the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company. 

The history of the mining operations being given 
in the chapter on Mauch Chunk, we shall confine this 
narrative to the improvement of the river begun by 
the Lehigh Navigation Company, and continued and 
completed by the amalgamated company above al- 
luded to, which is the one still in existence. 

The plan, says Josiah White, who was its origina- 
tor, was to "improve the navigation of the river by 
contracting the channels funnel fashion, to bring the 
wdiole flow of water at each of the falls to as narrow 
a compass as the law would allow, by throwing up the 
round river stones into low walls not higher than we 
wanted to raise the water for the required depth of 
fifteen or eighteen inches by the natural flow, to make 
artificial freshets to supply the deficiency; that is, by 
making ponds of water of as many acres as we could 
get, and letting it off periodically, say once in three 
days. 1 supposed we could gather water enough to 
secure the required quantity, and thus secure a regu- 
lar descending navigation. The plan for locks and 
gates for letting out the freshet in a proper manner 
was left for the present to be devised in due time if 
found necessary." 

The artificial freshets alluded to were effected by 
constructing dams in the neighborhood of Mauch 
Chunk, in which were placed peculiarly-constructed 
sluice-gates invented by Josiah White, by means of 
which the water could be retained in the pool above, 
until required for use. When the dam became full 
and the water had run over it long enough for the 
river below the dam to acquire the depth of the 
ordinary flow of the river, the sluice-gates were let 
down, and the boats which were lying in the pools 
above passed down with the artificial flood. 1 About 
twelve of these dams and sluices were made in 1819, 
and with what work had been done in making wing 



1 This description, with much of tlie matter which follows, is derived 
from the "History of to oal and Navigation Company," pnb- 

< iiany facte are added from Richard Richardson's 
"Memoir of Josiah White." 



5% 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



dams absorbed the capital of the company before the 
whole of tin- dams were completely protected from 
ice-freshets. They were, however, so far completed 
as to prove in the fall of L819 that they were capable 
of producing the required depth of water from Maucb 
(.'hunk to Easton. 

Disaster came with the spring of 1820, the ice 
ly injuring several of the dams, and carrying 
away some of the sluice-gates. From the necessity 
for additional funds created by this damage, arose the 
plan of consolidating the coal and navigation com- 
- which, as we have before stated, was consum- 
mated in 1820. As one of the conditions of that 
union, an additional twenty thousand dollars' worth 
of stock was subscribed l< >r . nearly three-fifths of 
which was taken by White & Hazard. The dams 
and sluices were repaired with this sum, and in the 
year 1820 the first anthracite coal was sent to market 
by the artificial navigation, the whole quantity being 
three hundred and sixty-five' tons, which completely 
glutted the Philadelphia market, and was with diffi- 
culty disposed of during the year. It was sold for 
twenty-one dollars per ton. During 1820 the com- 
pany again expended all of its capital. The work 
was done with the exception of one place at "the 
slates" (above Allentown), where the channel and 
wing walls were made over the smooth surface of 
slate ledges rising within a few inches of the surface 
of the water. It was impossible there from the na- 
ture of the ground, to make the wing walls remain 
tight enough to keep the water at the required height, 
and it became evident that a solid dam must be built 
by which the water could be raised to a sufficient 
height to bury the ledges completely and perma- 
nently. Additional subscriptions to the stock were 
only secured by a sacrifice on the part of White & 
Hazard, who transferred as a bonus to those who 
would subscribe an amount of the stock held by 
them, equal to twenty per cent, on the new subscrip- 
tion. With the money thus finally secured, the dam 
and lock at " the slates" were erected, and one thou- 
sand and seventy-three tons of coal sent to Philadel- 
phia in 1821. An uneasiness among the stockholders 
with regard to their personal liabilities led to the in- 
corporation of the company in February, 1822. In 
that year new confidence being given by the charter- 
ing of the company, subscriptions were received 
amounting to nearly eighty-five thousand dollars, and 
the affairs of the corporation assumed a more prom- 
ising aspect than they had ever worn. Two thousand 
two hundred and forty tons of coal were sent to 
market during the year. 

Two years after it came in use the descending navi- 
gation was inspected, and on Jan. 17, 1823, license 
was obtained from the Governor to take toll upon it. 
was charged, however, until four years later. 



1 ii the chapter upon ttauch Chunk township the total shipments for 
I iown to 1SS4 lire given. 



The boats used in this sy9tem of navigation, com- 
monly called " arks," were simply great square-cor- 
nered boxes from sixteen to eighteen feet wide and 
from twenty to twenty-five feel long. At first two of 

these Wi rejoined together by hinges to allow them to 
bend up and down in passing the dams and sluices ; 
and as the men became accustomed to the work, and 
the channels were straightened and improved as ex- 
perience dictated, the number of sections in each boat 
was increased till at last their whole length reached 
one hundred and eighty feet. They were linked to- 
gether almost exactly as are railroad cars in a train. 
The steering was done with long oars or sweeps, as 
upon a raft, We are told that "machinery was de- 
vised for jointing and putting together the planks of 

which these boats were made, and the hand.- became 
so expert that five men would put one of the sections 
together and launch it in forty-five minutes." Boats 
of this description were used on the Lehigh till the 
end of the year 1831, when the Delaware division of 
the Pennsylvania Canal was partially finished. In 
the last year forty thousand nine hundred and sixty- 
six tons of coal were sent down, which required the 
building of so many boats that had they all been put 
together, end to end, they would have extended more 
than thirteen miles. None of the boats made more 
than one trip, for arriving in Philadelphia they were 
broken up and the planks were sold for lumber, while 
the spikes, hinges, and other iron work were returned 
to Mauch Chunk. The hands employed in running 
the boats walked back for a period of two or three 
years, when rough wagons were placed on the road by 
some of the tavern-keepers, on which they were car- 
ried for a small compensation. 

This descending navigation by artificial freshets on 
the Lehigh was the first of which there is any record 
used as a permanent thing. It is stated, however, that 
in the expedition in 1779 under Gen. Sullivan, Gen. 
James Clinton successfully made use of the expedi- 
ent to extricate his division of the army from some 
difficulty on the east branch of the Susquehanna and 
erected a temporary dam across the outlet of Otsego 
Lake, which accumulated water enough to float them 
when let off, and carry them dowii the river. 

It soon became evident, so great was the consump- 
tion of lumber for boats, that the coal business could 
not be carried on, even on a small scale, without a 
communication by water with the pine forests about 
sixteen miles above Mauch Chunk, on the upper sec- 
tion of the Lehigh. But to effect this was very diffi- 
cult, as the river in that distance had a fall of about 
three hundred feet over a very rough, rocky bed, with 
shores so forbidding that in only two places above 
Lausanne had horses been got down to the river. To 
improve the navigation it became necessary to begin 
operations at the upper end, and to cart all the tools 
and provisions by a circuitous and rough road through 
the wilderness, and then to build a boat for each load 
to be sent down to the place wdiere the hands were 



I'ROCKKSS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL [MPROVEMENTS 



597 



at work by t lie channels which they had previously 
prepared. Before these channels were effect) d an at- 
tempt was made to send down planks, singly, from 
the pine region, but they became bruised and broken 
upon the rocks before they reached Mauch ('hunk. 
The plan of sending down Bingle logs was then re- 
sorted to, and men were Bent along the river to clear 
them from the rocks when they became lodged, but 
it frequently happened that when they gol 
Mauch Chunk a sudden freshet would sweep them 

nver the dam, and they would be h»t. These difii- 

culties were overcome in L823 by the construction of 
the channels to which allusion has just been made. 
The work gave rise to an increase of the capital stock 
of ninety -six thousand and thirty dollars, making 
the total amount subscribed five hundred thousand 
dollar-. 

By the conclusion of the year 1S25, when the com- 
pany sent down the river twenty-eight thousand three 
hundred and ninety-three tons of anthracite, it be- 
came evident that the business could not be extended 
fast enough to keep apace with the demand of the 
market as long as the company was compelled to build 
a Dew boat for each load of coal they shipped. The 
pine forest, too, was being whittled away at the rate 
of more than tour hundred acres per year, which in- 
dicated that it would bood entirely disappear, as the 
demand upon it must increase. 

These consideration-, in conjunction with the fact 
that the Schuylkill region had an uninterrupted 
slack-water navigation, which allowed the upward 
as well as the downward passage of boats, — admit- 
ting, of course, of any desired extension of the coal 
traffic, — led the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany to embark upon a scheme for securing a per- 
manent ascending navigation. 

The Slack-Water or Ascending Navigation of 
the Lehigh. — The fir.-t plan for the ascending 
navigation of the Lehigh was one which contem- 
plated the use of steamboats. The acting man- 
agers (White and Hazard) provided for a steamboat 
navigation with lucks oue hundred and thirty feel 
long and thirty feet wide, which would accommodate 
a steamboat carrying one hundred and fifty tons of 
coal. These locks were constructed peculiarly and 
adapted to river navigation. Tin gates operated 
upon the same principle with thi I jates in the 
dams for making artificial freshets, and were raised 
or let down by the application or removal of a hy- 
drostatic pressure below them. The first mile of the 
river below Mauch Chunk was arranged for this kind 
of navigation. The lock- proved to be perfectly 
effective, and could be filled or emptied, notwith- 
standing their magnitude, in three minutes, or about 
half the time of the ordinary lock. Application was 
then made to the Legislature for an act for the im- 
provement of the river Delaware upon this plan, but 
the authorities decided upon the construction of a 
canal along that river, and this, of course, put an 



end to tl of putting BteamboaU upon the 

Lehigh. 
Early in the year 1827 it was finally decided 

< hi with a canal and -lack-water navigation from 

Mauch Chunk to Easton. For that purposi 
pany employed Canvass White as the principal engi- 
neer, lie was a gentleman of fine character and 

much experience, who had occupied a promh 

ition on the corps which had surveyed for and 
constructed the I New York. He recom- 

mended the construction ol a canal of the then ordi- 
nary size capable of accommodate J twenty- 
five tons burden. Messrs. Josiah White and Erskine 
Hazard, I d thai I he same number of 
hands could manage a much larger boat, and the 
only items of increase in expense would be tor the 
original construction and perhaps an additional horse 
for towing. Every ton of coal transported could be 
carried cheaper by this arrangement than by the 
one which contemplated smaller boats. Finally, 
Canvass White made two estimate.-, one tor a canal 
forty feet wide, and the other for one sixty feet wide. 
The difference in the estimates being only about 
thirty thousand dollars, the company decided upon 
the construction of the larger one. The dimensions 
of the navigation were fixed at sixty feet wide on the 
surface and five feet deep, and the locks one hundred 
feel long and twenty-two feet wide, adapted to boats 
of one hundred and twenty tons. 

The work was at once laid out and let to contra 
who commenced their operations about midsummer. 
The engineer corps, under Canvass White was 
posed as follow- : ( >n the upper division, commencing 
one mile below Mauch Chunk, Isaac A. I lhapman, of 
Wilkesbarre, and W. Milner Roberts and Solomon 
W. Roberts, of Philadelphia; on the middle division 
were Anthony B. Warford. of New York, Benjamin 
Aycrigg, of New Jersey, and Ashbel Welch; on the 
lower division were John Hopkins and George E. 
Hoffman, both of New York, and William 1\. Huff- 
nagle, of Philadelphia. Edward Miller, of Philadel- 
phia, soon afterward joined the corps. Instructions 
were given the chief engineer by the company to 
make canal- in lieu of river improvements only 
when they would be cheaper and more effective. His 
report stated that " the length of the canal would be 
thirty-four and three-fourths miles, and ten in 
pools with tow-paths the whole distance, and the 
estimate of the expense seven hundred and eighty- 
one thousand three hundred and three dollars.' 

"The improved navigation," says the author of the 
memoir of Josiah White, " was commenced in 1827, 
and vigorously prosecuted ami ed in two 

years." Commissioners were appointed by th< 
ernor in June, 1829, who reported on the 3d of the 
following month that the work was completed, ac- 
cording to law, as far as Mauch Chunk. " W 
indeed, surprised." they said, "to find a new canal 
forty-five feet wide at the bottom, sixty&et wide at the 



598 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



top, calculated tor five feet depth of water. stand as 
well as this has done. Whenever there is any 

to be apprehended to the bank, from the rise of water 
in the river, the bank of the canal is protected by 
good slope-walls. The locks are composed of good 
stone laid in hydraulic cement. Notwithstanding the 
size of the locks, everything being new. and the gate- 
keepers inexperienced, the average time of passing 
the locks was about live minutes. There are forty- 
five lift-locks, in number of six, seven, eight, and 
nine feet fall, all of twenty-two feet by one hundred 
feet, except the lour upper ones, near Mauch Chunk, 
which are thirty feet by one hundred ami thirty feet, 
overcoming a fall of three hundred and sixty and 
eighty-seven one-hundredths feet in a distance of 
forty-six and three-fourths miles, and there are also 
six guard-locks. The dams are eight in number ; they 
are built of timber ami stone in a very substantial 
manner, with stone abutments, and of the following 
heighl : live, thirteen, eight, sixteen, twelve, six, seven 
and one-half, and ten feet from surface to surface. 
On the whole the work appears to have been con- 
structed with a view to service and durability, and the 
corporation, in our opinion, is entitled to much com- 
mendation for the promptness and energy displayed 
in the prosecution and completion of this great public 
improvement." 

By this time a total change had taken place in the 
views of the community respecting the undertaking 
of the Lehigh Company. The improvement of the 
river had been demonstrated to be perfectly practi- 
cable, and the extensive coal field owned by the com- 
pany was no longer to be regarded as of problematical 
value. The Legislature of 1818 was now censured 
for having granted such valuable privileges, and all 
of the "craziness" of the original enterprise was lost 
Bight of. Hence applications to the Legislature for a 
change in their charter (for the purpose of increasing l 
the capital, as was deemed necessary to carry on the I 
work) were thwarted by the influence of adverse in- 
terests. It was evident that such a change as the 
company desired could not be secured without a sac- 
rifice of some of the valuable privileges secured by 
the charter. Therefore resort was had to loans, to 
enable the company to complete the work required 
by law, and these were readily procured, in conse- 
quence of the good faith always evinced in the busi- 
ness of the company, and their evidently prosperous 
circumstances. 

The Delaware division was not regularly opened 
for navigation until three years after the Lehigh im- 
provement was made, and the delay caused the loss 
of eight dividends to the Lehigh Company, they being 
compelled to use temporary boats which were very 
expensively moved upon the Lehigh Canal. This 
not only prevented the increase of the company's 
coal business on the Lehigh, but also turned the at- 
tention of persons desirous of entering into the coal 
business to the Schuylkill coal region, which caused 



Pottsville to spring up with great rapidity and fur- 
nish numerous dealers to spread the Schuylkill coal 
through the market, while the company was the only 
dealer in Lehigh coal. In this manner the Schuyl- 
kill coal trade got in advance of that of the Lehigh. 

[n the mean time the company had built the gravity 
railroad from the Summit Mines to the river, which is 
fully described in the chapter on Mauch Chunk, and 
in 1831 they constructed a similar railroad from Nes- 
quehoning to the landing. 

As the time at which the original act of the Legis- 
lature required the navigation improvement to be 
completed to Stoddartsville was now approaching, 
and the attention of the public was attracted to the 
Second or Beaver Meadow coal region, it became ne- 
cessary to look to the commencement of that work. 
It was evident that the descending navigation by 
artificial freshets would not be satisfactory to the Leg- 
islature, who had reserved the right of compelling 
the construction of a complete slack-water navigation. 
The extraordinary fall in the upper section of the 
Lehigh rendered its improvement by locks of the 
ordinary lift impracticable, as the locks would have 
been so close together, and would have caused so 
much detention in their use, as to render the naviga- 
tion too expensive to be available to the public. The 
plan of high lifts was proposed by the managers as 
one that would overcome this difficulty, and in 1835, 
Edwin A. Douglass was appointed as engineer to carry 
it into execution. The work as high as the mouth of 
the Q.uakake was put under contract in June, 1835, 
and from thence to White Haven in October of the 
same year. Thedescending navigation above Wright's 
Creek was also put under contract in the same year. 

On the 13th of March, 1837, the Legislature passed 
an act authorizing the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company to construct a railroad to connect the North 
Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal with the 
slack-water navigation of the Lehigh, and increasing 
their capital to one million six hundred thousand dol- 
lars, at the same time repealing so much of the former 
act as required or provided for the completion of a 
slack-water navigation between Wright's Creek (near 
White Haven) and Stoddartsville. This act was ac- 
cepted by the stockholders of the company on May 
10, 1837. 

The whole work of the navigation required by the 
acts of the Legislature was completed, and the Gov- 
ernor's commission given to the inspectors to examine 
the last of it on March 19, 1S38. The commissioners 
appointed, Samuel Breck, N. Beach, and Owen Rice, 
made their report, showing a highly satisfactory con- 
dition, on the 12th of June following. The descend- 
ing navigation from Stoddartsville with "beartrap" 1 
locks to connect with the ascending navigation at 
White Haven made a continuous line of communica- 



1 For the definition of this term, or rather the account of its original 
application, see chapter ou Mauch Chunk borough. 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



599 



tion and traffic from the head-waters of the Lehigh to 
Easton on the 1 Delaware, and from theme by the I Ma- 
mire Canal to tide-water at Bristol, a distance of one 

hundred and forty-four miles. 

The original plan in the minds of the originator- of 
the works was to connect their navigation at White 
I l.i i a, on the Lehigh, by canal with theSusquebanna 
River at Berwick, along the valley ofNescopeck Creek, 
and by railroad with Wilkesbarre on the same river. 
The early law authorizing the canal was revived in 
1834, and the route was survi \ ed and estimates made 
by E. A. Douglass in 1836. But as the fall to be over- 
come boil i ways was so great one thousand and thirty- 
eight feet), and water scarce on the mountains, the 
idea was abandoned. 

In 1837 it was determined by the ( Lpany to pro- 
ceed with the construction of the railroad, and it was 
put under contract the same year, after a ver\ thor- 
ough examination of the country by Mr. Douglas-, in 
order to ascertain the best location for it through the 
very rough and mountainous country over which ii 
was to pass betweeu the two rivers. To build this 
road required some very bold engineering, including 
a tunnel one thousand seven hundred and forty-three 
feet long, and three inclined planes from the top of 
the mountain down through "Solomon's Gap" into 
the valley of the Susquehannn. These three planes 
were very substantially built. The loaded coal-cars 
were drawn upon their tracks out of the valley by 
powerful stationary engines, and then taken over the 
railroad to the Lehigh, where their contents were 
transferred to boats. The height the coal was raised 
was about one thousand feet, and the planes were re- 
spectively four thousand eight hundred and ninety- 
four, three thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, 
and four thousand three hundred and sixty-one feet 
in length, — on the first the grade being about five feet 
to the hundred, on the second, eight and six-tenths 
feet, and on the third, nine feet. This road and its 
tunnel (nearly one-third of a mile in length), the 
planes and heavy machinery were finally completed 
and put in use, after some delay in consequence of 
the damage to the canal by the freshet of 1841, and 
answered all of the purposes intended. 1 1 was a work 
unprecedented at the time in the United States. 

Following is a tabular statement of the tonnage of 
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, by the 
Lehigh Canal, since the commencemeut of the coal 
trade in 1820: 

War. Tonnage. 

366 

1,073 

2,240 

1-j: 

1824 

1825 



:'.J,"7) 



23,110 

1830 I 

1831 ' 

70,000 

1833 123,000 

I- :4 

1835 131,250 



Tear. Tonnage. 

1836 1 1 

22 





[840 

1841 24 

1842 -a 

L843 ^iT.T^; 

1844........ 371 

1846 i 

1846 517,110 

6 

1848 

IsT' 78 

1860 

1851 

Is.vj 1,01 

1,0 

1864 l,2i 

1,275,050 

1,186,230 

9 

1856 '■>' 

1,050,659 



The Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad came 
into existence through the enterprise of the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company, and a- a logical result 
nf that corporation's progressii eness and the increased 
demand for transportation down the valley. The 
immediate cause of its construction, however, was a 
disaster. The great flood of the 4th ami 5th of June, 
1862, resulted in the almost complete destruction of 
the company's costly improvements on the Upper 
Lehigh. A heavy and continuous rain, which com- 
menced on the afternoon of the 3d and fell with more 
or less intensity until about one o'clock on the morn- 
ing of the 5th, effected a rapid rise in the Lehigh and 
its tributary streams above Mauch Chunk. Many of 
the mill-dams upon them gave way, and the freshet 
on that part of the river became so great on the after- 
noon of the 4th as to cause the booms placed at and 
near White Haven to give way, thus casting adrift a 
large quantity of saw-logs and other timber to pursue 
an almost resistless course down tin stream. Many 
of the dams and guard-banks of the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company's canal, unable to withstand the 
combined accumulation of water and logs, yielded to 
their force. It was thought by many that Dam No. 4, 
near White Haven, was the first torn away, and that 
the water and lumber thus let loose, gathering force 
as they pursued their downward career, partly carried 
away or seriously injured most of the dams and loi 
between White Haven and Mauch Chunk, in some 
instances locks were entirely swept away, leaving no 
vestige, and parts of the canal so completely destroyed 
that a stranger viewing the scene would not suspect 
that one ever existed there. The breaking of Dam 
No. 4 occurred about nightfall, and no doubt the 
greater number of those broken followed as soon as 
the great wave suddenly let loose reached them, 
though some of them did not give way until much 
later in the night. 1 

On the upper part of the company's works the 
damage from this flood was so great that it would 



< From ] if the Freshet on the Lehigh Hirer, Sixth month, 

4th and "tli, 1882," a pamphlet published 



600 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



probably have required two-thirds of the original 
cosl of the improvements to have replaced them. 

It was commonly believed that the giving way of 
tlic large dams had been the chief cause of t he large 

damage done all along the valley, and there i 

strong popular feeling against their being rebuilt. 
This opposition culminated in the passage of an act 
by the Legislature, March I. 1863, prohibiting the 
ding of 'lams <m the t ppei Lehigh for canal 
purposi s, because oi the peril to which tbej subjected 
people and property. In lieu of this right the As- 
sembly granted the company a charter for :i railroad 
from Mauch Chunk t.i While Haven, to connect with 
the railroad built from that place to Wilkesbarre in 
the peri. nl from L837 to 1842. On .March 16, 1864, a 
supplementary act was passed authorizing the com- 
pany to extend the road to Easton. Thus a line of 
railroad communication was secured which entirely 
supplanted the canal and slack-water navigation 
above Mauch Chunk, and largely relieved the over- 
burdened canal below that point. The road was soon 
built, and the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company 
continued to operate it until 1871, when it was leased 
to the company owning the Central Railroad of New 
Jersey, by which it was managed until the recent lease 
was made to the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad 
Company. 

Prior to the building of the Lehigh and Susque- 
hanna Railroad, authority had been procured to con- 
struct the Nesquehoning Valley Railroad. The act 
passed the State Senate April 12, 1861, aud the 
House April 16th, and, reaching the Governor, was 
disapproved and returned. The Senate passed it over 
the objection May 8th, and the House May 14th. 
The incorporators were John Leisenring, Thomas L. 
Foster, J. B. Moorhead, Jacob P. Jones, Samuel E. 
Stokes, R. H. Powell, Andrew Manderson, James S. 
Cox, and Samuel Hepburn. The capital stock was 
to consist of ten thousand shares at fifty dollars each. 
Quite a variety of privileges were extended by the 
charter, the company being empowered to construct 
a railroad from the Lehigh Canal, near Nesquehoning 
Creek to the head-waters of the same, and also to con- 
struct branch roads, not exceeding two miles in 
length each, with the privilege of connecting with 
the canal, the Beaver Meadow Railroad, the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad, the coal-mine road of the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company in Nesquehoning and 
Panther Creek Valleys, " and such other railroads as 
are now or may be hereafter constructed contiguous 
to the said Nesquehoning Valley Railroad or its 
branches.'' The road was duly built, received the 
coal traffic formerly belonging to the Gravity and 
"Switchback" Railroads, was merged with the Le- 
high and Susquehanna Railroad, and passed by lease 
successively to the company managing the Central 
Railroad of New Jersey, and the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company. From the time it was 
opened until it was merged with the Lehigh ami 



Susquehanna Railroad, its tonnage was as follows: 
1863, 9086.01; 1864, 125,159.16; 1865, 200,437.09; 
L866, 322,229.17. 

The Lehigh Coal and Navigation C pany built, 

in L861-62, a railroad from Ilauto to Tamaqua called 
the Tamaqua Branch, which, alter passsing through 
several changes in proprietorship, is now operated by 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company. 
Another road was also built by the company which 
extended from the Summit Station of the Catawissa, 
Williamsport, and Erie Railroad to And. Dried. 

Following are statistics from the last report of the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company : 

Miles of lines owned, leased, and controlled 

Uvea 882 

PasBenger-cars 919 

i !oal-, freight-, and other care 65,190 

Passengers carried 20,600,000 

Coal, tuns C2-HU pounds) 13,800,000 

Merchandise, tons (2000 pounds) > 

Gross earnings, all lines 884,500 I 

Nit earnings, all lines 16, , 

Capital stock 84,724,31 

Funded debt 82,0 

Deferred income bonds 7.648,807 

Floating debt B,(H » 

Acres of coal lands owned aud controlled liol.ooo 

We have spoken of the Lehigh and Susquehanna 
Railroad and the smaller railroad improvements of 
the Coal and Navigation Company to conclude the 
account of the great operations of that corporation 
which commenced the work of providing transporta- 
tion facilities in the valley in 1818. Prior to the 
building of the company's railroad, however, came 
the construction of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and 
the Beaver Meadow Railroad. The latter-mentioned 
road, although first built, we shall reserve for after 
consideration, as it is now simply a branch of the 
more important Lehigh Valley Railroad. 

John Brown, for many years identified with the 
operations of the Coal and Navigation Company, the 
son of Francis and Anna Brown, was born in New- 
burgh, N. Y., where his parents resided, on the 9th 
of June, 1808. Here he was engaged in labor on 
the farm until about fourteen years of age, when, 
on leaving the paternal roof, he sought employment 
with the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. 
After a service of a few years he, in April, 1831, came 
to the Lehigh at Mauch Chunk, and was there for a 
short period employed as a common laborer. As his 
services became valuable he received promotion, and 
remained, either directly or indirectly, as one of the 
trusted employes of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company for a term of nearly forty years, much of 
this time being either at White Haven or Easton. 
His last position was in connection with the manage- 
ment of all their canals and railroads. He retired 
from their service in 1877, since which time his ener- 
gies have been devoted to bis own private interests, in 
coal, iron, lumber, and slate. Mr. Brown was, on the 
7th of December, 1840, married to Miss Maria Stoddart, 
of Stoddartsville, and has four children, three daugh- 
ters and one son. In religion he was educated a Pres- 
byterian, and is still a supporter of that church. In 



(K 




PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



601 



politics he is a Republican, but does not confine his 
vote i" thai party, always indorsing the hest men for 
office, irrespective of partj affiliations. Mr. Brown 
has enjoyed an extended reputation as a successful 
manager of the interests of large corporations, and as 
a man of integrity and sound judgment in all business 
matters. On retiring From his official ; ■■ >^i t i< >n Easton 
became his permanent residence. 

The Lehigh Valley Railroad.— This important 
railroad, the iir>t opened through the valley, had its 
inception in the efforts of a few enterprising and 
in -reins men > u Lehigh and Northampton, and 
was carried t" successful completion and prosperous 
operation chiefly through the labors of an eminent 
citizen of Carbon County, Hon. Asa Packer, for many 
years its efficient president. 

The first definite movement toward the undertaking 
of the enterprise of establishing rail communication 
in the Lehigh Valley, of which we have any knowl- 
edge, was made in a public meeting at Allentown, of 
which Hon. Jacob Dillinger was president ; Dr. Jesse 
Samuels and Map William Fry, vice-presidents; and 
Samuel Marx, secretary. Hon. Henry King made 
a strong speech calculated to arouse the popular feel- 
ing in favor of securing a railroad, and a committee 
of thirteen was appointed to draw up resolutions ex- 
pressive of the sense of the meeting. At an adjourned 
meeting they reported the following : 

" /.'■ loZvod, That the people of Lehigh and of ttie valley of the Lehigh 
generally ought to make every effort in their power to oldain the neces- 
sary charter, and promote the construction of a railroad from the Dela- 
ware up the river Lehigh to the Lehigh and Schuylkill region." 

It was resolved, also, that a petition for a charter be 
printed and circulated for signatures, and five per- 
sons in Allentown, and three in each township in the 
county, were appointed to solicit signatures. A bill 
was duly prepared and submitted to the Assembly, 
and although there was strong opposition manifested, 
it was passed April 21, 1846. It was carried through 
the Legislature mainly by the exertions of Dr. 
Jesse Samuels, representative from Lehigh County. 
This :l ct incorporated the Delaware, Lehigh, Schuyl- 
kill and Susquehanna Railroad Company. On May 
(J. 1K4<>, the commissioners named in the act — Peter 
Mickley, Caspar Kleckner, Benjamin Ludwig, Chris- 
tian Pretz, Peter Huber, William Edeleman, Henry 
King, and George Brobst (of Lehigh County), and 
Asa Packer, Stephen Balliet, John D. Bowman, and 
Thomas Craig (of Carbon County) — met ai George 
Haberackcr's hotel in Allentown, to effect an organ- 
ization and to open books for stock subscriptions. 
There seemed to be but little faith in the project on 

the part of capitalists; for, although the ( imis- 

sioners were active in their endeavors to advance the 
project, it was „ot until Aug. 2, 1847, that a sufficient 
amount of stock was secured for a commencement. 
On that day five thousand and two .-hares had been 
taken, on each of which an installment of five dollars 
had been paid. 



Aihr considerable trouble the letters patent were 
issued, and on I hi. 21, 1847, the first election for offi- 
cers was held, resulting as follows: President, James 
M. Porter; Managers, Dudley 8. Gregory, .loin, 3 
Dorsey, John P.Jackson, Daniel Mclntyre, Edward 
I;. Biddle, and John V Butchinson : Secretary, John 
\. Hutchinson. These officers were re-elected for the 
years 1848, 1849, and L850. In the fall of 1850 the 
first survey of the road was made from the mouth of 
the Mahoning Creek to Easton by Roswell B. Mason, 
civil engineer. Early in 1851 the canal commissioners 
id' the State appointed Jacob Dillinger and Jesse 
Samuels as a committee i" ascertain whether the pro- 
posed railroad would i nj ure the canal of the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company or oljsiruct its works. 
They reported that it would not, and the court imme- 
diately authorized Mr. Hutchinson to commence the 
construction of the road, tin- time limited by the char- 
ter for its beginning having almost expired. Mr. Dil- 
linger was appointed superintendent, and Dr. Sam- 
uels engineer. 

On April 4, 1851, seventeen days before the charter 
would have expired by its own limitation, Asa Packer 
became one of the board of managers. On that day 
the court sanctioned the grading of one mile of rail- 
road near Allentown, thus avoiding the default by 
limitation. On the 31st of October following, Mr. 
Packer became the purchaser of nearly all the stock 
which had been subscribed, and commenced to obtain 
additional subscriptions with a view to the prompt 
construction of the road. Mr. Robert H. Sayre, who 
held a responsible position with the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company, was appointed chief engineer 
of the railroad company in the spring of 1852, and 
on May 11th commenced the survey and location of 
the line, completing it in the latter part of June. 
About the 1st of October he again engaged a corps of 
assistants, and started upon the work of permanently 
locating the road, finishing it during the winter. 

Judge Packer on the 27th of November, 1852, sub- 
mitted a proposition for constructing the railroad 
from opposite Mauch Chunk, when- it would touch 
the Beaver Meadow Railroad, to Easton, where it 
would connect with the Central Railroad of New 
Jersey and the Belvidere Delaware Railroad, agree- 
ing to receive in payment for the work the company's 
stock and bonds. This proposition was accepted, and 
work was commenced immediately at each end of the 
line. 

The name of the corporation was changed to the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad Company by act of the Leg- 
islature, passed .Ian. 7, is.'.:;. On the loth of Jan- 
uary, James M. Porter was re-elected president; 
John X. Hutchinson, treasurer and secretary; Wil- 
liam Hackett, David Barnet, William II. Gatzmer, 
Henry King, John T. Johnston, and John O.Stearns, 
managers. The work was prosecuted by Judge Packer 
with unceasing vigor. Very formidable obstructions 
had, however, to be overcome at many points in 



G02 



HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



making the roadway. In some places rocky bluffs, 
rising to a great height directly from the water's edge, 
had to be excavated by slow and laborious processes. 
During the summer of L853 the advance in the prices 

of labor, materials, and provisions, ami the ravages of 
cholera throughout the vallej , materially retarded the 
work. A contract for connection with the Belvidere 
Delaware Railroad at Phillipsburg, N. J., made sub- 
sequent to the survey and grading of the line, in- 
volved an entire change of plan, much additional 
work, and an increased expense. The difficulty to be 
surmounted was to connect with two roads on the 
east bank of" the Delaware, running at right angles 
to each other, and varying about twenty-two feet in 
elevation. This required a style of bridge as yet 
wholly unknown. Much of the difficulty attending 
its construction arose from the frequency and long 
continuance of freshets in the river. To avoid this 
the greater part of the structure was raised upon wire 
cables stretched from pier to pier, a novel under- 
taking, which was successfully accomplished. 

The community at large had not at this early period 
much confidence in the success of the new enterprise, 
and its securities were insufficient to realize all that 
was needed in the department of finance. Valued 
aid was rendered in this juncture by several gentle- 
men connected with the Central Railroad of New- 
Jersey, who purchased the Lehigh stock and bonds, 
and by the Camden and Arnboy Railroad Company, 
which loaned its securities to the contractor. 

The opening of the Lehigh Valley Railroad from 
South Easton to Allentown occurred June 11, 1855, 
and two trains were run daily to the latter place until 
September 12th, wdien the road was finished to Mauch 
Chunk, though it was not formally accepted from the 
contractor until the 24th of that month. Up to the 
1st of October one train a day was run to Mauch 
Chunk. From that time until the 19th of November 
two passenger-trains were run daily between Easton 
and Mauch Chunk, connecting at the former place 
with the Philadelphia trains on the Belvidere Dela- 
ware Railroad. At this date one of the passenger- 
trains was withdrawn, a freight train, with passenger- 
car attached, being substituted. Up to this time the 
road had been operated by Judge Packer with rolling 
stock hired from the Central Railroad Company, but 
towards the close of 1855, a passenger locomotive and 
four cars being purchased, a new train was put on the 
road to connect with the early and late trains between 
Philadelphia and New York, and at the same time a 
daily freight train was put on, which left Easton in 
the morning and returned in the evening. The Cen- 
tral Railroad Company at the same period ran mid- 
day trains over the road. 

During the first three months that the road was in 
operation the receipts from passengers were larger 
than bad been anticipated. Those from coal and mis- 
cellaneous freight were limited by want of cars. The 
coal, iron, and ore were transported in cars furnished 



by the Central Railroad Company, the Beaver Meadow 
Railroad and Coal Company, and Packer, Carter & 
Co. In the early part of • (ctober, 1855, an arrange- 
ment was made with Howard & Co., of Philadelphia, 
to do the freighting business of the road (except coal, 
iron, and iron ore), they furnishing car-, train-hands, 
etc., and paying a fixed rate per mile for toll and 
transportation. An arrangement was also effected 
with the Hope Express Company of New York for 
carrying the express matter at a given sum per month. 
The receipts and expenditures for the three months 
were as follows : 

Receipts. 
Coal. PaBsengers. Freight. Total. 

October $912.47 $6,812.93 $94.34 S7.819.74 

November 2,64842 6,223.44 59 03 9,461.89 

December 1,792.43 5,675.44 1,768.45 9,236.32 

$26,517.95 
Expenses. 

October 04,501 15 

November 6,350.60 

December 13,884.58 

$23,730.33 

Net profit 32,781.62 

In the beginning of the year 1856, the persons own- 
ing the largest amount of stock came to the determi- 
nation that it was best to remove the main offices of 
the company to Philadelphia. Judge Porter on this 
account declined a re-election to the presidency, being 
succeeded on February 5th by Mr. William W. Long- 
streth, who resigned on the 13th of May following, 
when Mr. J. Gillingham Fell was elected to the office. 

During the next few years a number of connections 
were made which added largely to the effectiveness 
of the road. These included the connection with the 
North Pennsylvania at Bethlehem in 1857, that with 
the Catasauquaand Fogelsville Railroad 1 in the same 
year; the union with the Quakake Railroad (now the 
Mahanoy Division) iji 1S58. and with the East Penn- 
sylvania Railroad in 1S59. Of some of these, and of 
several not here mentioned, we shall treat more spe- 
cifically hereafter. 

In the year 1860 the large shops at Easton for the 
manufacture and repair of engines and cars were built. 
In January, 1862, steel fire-boxes were introduced, and 
in the following year steel tires were first used on the 
wheels of the company's rolling-stock. In June, 1862, 
occurred a great freshet, which carried away bridges, 
embankments, and track to the value of at least one 
hundred thousand dollars, and seriously impaired the 
business of the road. In this same year Mr. Fell re- 
signed the presidency of the company, and Judge 
Asa Packer was elected in his stead. 

In 1863 forty-seven acres of land were bought at 
Burlington (now Packerton), to afford space for the 
more convenient making up of coal trains, and to 
answer as a site for car- and machine-shops, which 
were at once put under construction. 

In 1864, Judge Packer resigned the presidency, and 
William W. Longstreth was elected in his place. 

1 See cbaptor on Internal Improvements in history of Lehigh County. 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL [IMPROVEMENTS. 



603 



On the 8th of July, 1864, by the unanimous ap- 

proval of the stockholders of the respective c pa- 

ii ii--. t h i - company incorporated with itself the Beaver 
VIeadow Railroad and the Penn Haven and White 
Haven Railroad. The former road, with double track, 
extended from East Mauch Chunk to Penn Haven, 
and thence to Beaver Meadow, and by its various 
branches to the adjoining mines in < !arbon and Schuyl- 
kill Counties. By this union the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road Company became owners also of a consider. 
body of coal-land near the village of Beaver Meadow. 
The second of the two roads thus merged extended 
from Penn Haven Junction to White Haven, a dis- 
tance of seventeen miles. By the acquisition of these 
roads with their various important connections the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad Company added at once very 
largely to its business of every description, and was 
put in a position of still greater prosperity for the 
future. At the same time, by its subscription to the 
stock of the Lehigh and Mahanoy Railroad Com- 
pany, it was aiding materially an early extension of 
its business in other directions. 

During the year 1865 the second track between 
Easton and Mauch Chunk was laid. In this same 
year the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company an- 
nounced its determination to build from Penn Havi n 
to White Haven. This made it necessary, in order to 
secure a portion of the. Wilkesharre trade, to put the 
extension of the Lehigh Valley Railroad under con- 
tract, which was promptly done. About this time, 
also, the Morris and Essex Railroad was opened, con- 
necting with the Lehigh Valley at Phillipsburg, and 
reaching to Hoboken, thus giving increased facilities 
to trade in that direction. 

In June, 1866, by the unanimous action of both 
companies, the Lehigh and Mahanoy Railroad was 
merged with the Lehigh Valley Railroad, thus adding 
two million one hundred and forty-live thousand eight 
hundred and fifty dollars to the capital of this latter 
company, and greatly increasing its capacity and 
facilities. The length of the main line thus added, 
from Black Creek to Mount Carmel, is forty miles. 

Judge Packer in the early part of this same year 
purchased, on behalf of the company, a controlling 
interest in the North Branch Canal, extending from 
Wilkesharre to the New York State line, a distance 
of over one hundred miles, with a charter from the 
commonwealth, authorizing the company to change 
its corporate title to the Pennsylvania and New York 
Canal ami Railroad Company, and to build a railroad 
the whole length. The canal, over three-fourths of 
which wa- embraced in the purchase, was valued in 
tlii— arrangement at one million mid fifty thousand 
dollars. Subscriptions were received the same year 
for twenty-four thousand four hundred and sixty-two 
additional shares of stock, amounting to one million 
three hundred and twenty-three thousand dollar-, for 
the purpose of extending the line from White Haven 
to the Wyoming Valley. 



Tin 'U was opened tor business May 29, 

1867, greatly to the satisfaction of the people of the 
valley, who celebrated the event at several localities. 
Then tin- construction of the road to Waverly was 
rapidly pushed forward. 

By a merger of the stock of the Hazelton Railroad 
! any, effected June 1, 1868, and soon after by a 
similar arrangement with the Lehigh and Luzerne 
Railroad, tin- Lehigh Valley Company came into 
possession of those roads, with all of their rights, 
franchise-, and property. By these mergers, and by 
purchase from the lessees, the company obtained 
sixty-live miles of track, about eighteen hundred acres 
.il-land, a large number of town lots and other 

real estate, cars, machinery, etc. The railroad of the 
Spring Mountain Coal Company, from Leviston to 
Jeanesville, was purchased in August, 1868, and soon 
after grading was commenced for a short extension 
towards Yorktown and towards the mines of the Ger- 
man Pennsylvania Coal Company. On November 2d 
the road of the Pennsylvania and New York Canal 
and Railroad Company was opened for business from 
the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg Junction to Tunk- 
hannock. During the same year ground was bought 
and coal pockets erected at Waverly of sufficient ca- 
pacity for the transfer of one hundred thousand tons 
of Coal per year. 

Judge Packer was again elected president in 1868. 

The road of the Pennsylvania and New York Canal 
and Railroad Company was opened to Waverly, its 
northern terminus, on Sept. 20, 1869. This event was 
hailed with evident satisfaction by the people of 
Northern Pennsylvania and Southern and Western 
New York. To guard its interests at Buffalo, and to 
provide facilities for transferring coal and other freight 
to lake vessels, the company subscribed for thirty-four- 
fortieths of the stock of the Buffalo Creek Railroad 
Company, and commenced the work of construction, 
which was completed in 1870. Arrangements were 
made in 1877 for running train- over portions of the 
Erie and the Southern Central Railroads of New 
Y'ork. 

In 1871, the company's coal trade having suffered 
for a number of years from the want of an indepen- 
dent outlet to tide-water, a perpetual lease was made 
of tin- property of the Morris Canal and Banking 
Company, by which arrangement the Lehigh Rail- 
road Company came into n of a line of canal 
one hundred and two miles long, extending from the 
terminus of the road at Phillipsburg to Jersey i it\ . 

From this time on the affairs of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad progressed smoothly and prosperously. 
There have been comparatively lew changes in the 
policy of its management, but several benefits have 
been gained as the results of that policy, which, 
combined, have given tin road a prominent place 
among the railroads of the East, and place it in a 
position which entitles it to consideration as one of 
the trunk line- between tide-water ami the lakes. 



604 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Several changes have taken place among the of- 
of the company in the pasl dozen or more 
In the latter part of L870, John P. Cox, the 
superintendent of the Pennsylvania and New York 
('anal and Railroad Company (now known simply as 
a portion of the Lehigh Valley Railroad), died sud- 
denly, and R. A. Packer was elected to till the vai ancj . 

Judge Asa Packer remained president of the Le- 
high Vallej Railroad until his death, in .May. 1879. 
Charles Hartshome, who had for a long period been 
vice-president, then acted as president until January, 
1880, when he was elected to the office. Be was re- 
elected in 1881, and Harry E. Packer was chosen 
vice-president. In January, 1883, Mr. Packer was 
electi d president, and Mr. Hartshome vice-president. 
Mr. Packer held the office until his death, early in 
1884. 

In 1870, Charles C. Longstreth, who had long been 
treasurer of the company, died, and Lloyd Chamber- 
lain, formerly secretary, was then elected to the office. 
John R. Fanshawe was at the same time chosen sec- 
retary. In July, 1883, William C. Alderson was 
elected treasurer, Mr. Lloyd Chamberlain having died 
on the 7th of that month. 

Following is a list of the officers and directors of 
the company as they stood at the time the last annual 
report was made, Jan. 15, 1884 : President, Harry E. 
Packer; Vice-President, Charles Hartshome; Gen- 
eral Manager, Elisha P. Wilbur ; Treasurer, William 
C. Alderson ; Secretary, John R. Fanshawe ; General 
Superintendent, H. Stanley Goodwin ; Directors, 
Charles Hartshome, William L. Conyngham, Ario 
Pardee, William A. Ingham, George B. Markle, Rob- 
ert H. Sayre, James I. Blakslee, Elisha P. Wilbur, 
Joseph Patterson, Garrett B. Linderman, John R. 
Fell, Robert A. Lamberton. 

Following is a tabular statement of the tonnage of 
the Lehigh Valley Railroad from its opening in 1855 : 

Year. Tuuuage. 

1855 (3 months) 8,482 

1856 165,740 

1857 41S,j.i. r , 

1858 471,029 

1859 577,051 

I860 7311,641 

1861 743,671 

1862 882,673 

1863 1,196,154 

1864 1,466,794 

1S65 1,087,462 

1866 2,037,714 

1S67 2,080,166 

1868 2,603,102 

1869 2,31(1,170 

1870 3,608,586 

1,-71 2.889,074 

1872 3,850,118 

1873 4,144,339 

1874 4,150,659 

1875 :;,277,571 

1876 3,951,513 

1877 4,862,124 

1878 3,446,615 

1879 4,361,785 

L880 l I ,41 

1881 6,791, 176 

6,257,139 

1883 6,527,912 

Following are statistics concerning this road from 
the company's last report : 



i trackage, main line 741.5 

Milesof trackage Pennsylvania and New Jersey Canal and 

Raili ' 265.6 

itives, both lines 356 

Paasenger-cars _ s ' 

CuhI- ami other can 

rers carried 2,027,190 

coal :d 7,784,766 

of other freight carried I 

Gross r;c urn- s 812,463,613 

Net earnings 6,877,078 

Capital stock 27,603,195 

Bonded debt 25,(113,000 

Income from investments 1,07 

Acres coal-lands owned and controlled 30,000 

Biographical sketches of Hon. Asa Packer and 
others prominently identified with the Lehigh Val- 
ley Railroad Company will be found in the chapter 
on Mauch Chunk. That of Mr. Hartshome is here 
appended. 

Charles Hartshome, the vice-president of the Le- 
high Valley Railroad Company, was born at Philadel- 
phia, Sept. 2, 1829. He is a son of the late Dr. Joseph 
and Anna Hartshome, and a descendant in the sev- 
enth generation from Richard Hartshome, who settled 
in New Jersey in 1665, nearly twenty years prior to 
Penn's settlement on the Delaware. His grandfather, 
William Hartshome, of Alexandria, Va., was treas- 
urer of the first Internal Improvement Company in 
this country, of which Gen. Washington was president. 

Mr. Hartshome was educated at Havertbrd College 
and at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating 
from the latter in the class of '47. 

Mr. Hartshorne's early tendencies were in the line 
of railroad enterprises, which began to take a strong 
hold upon the attention of capitalists and of the 
public about the time of his emergence from college 
life into the more practical experiences of business 
and public affairs. Having embarked in railroad in- 
terests, Mr. Hartshome has continued therein to the 
present time as an active and influential participant 
in various important transportation movements. In 
1857 he became president of the Quakake Railroad 
Company; in 1862 he was chosen president of the 
Lehigh and Mahanoy Railroad Company; in 1868 he 
was elected vice-president of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road Company, and in 1880 was elevated to the presi- 
dency, but in January, 1883, resumed the position of 
vice-president to make room for a son of the late 
Judge Packer, whose estate holds a controlling inter- 
est in the company. In addition to his important 
railroad interests, Mr. Hartshome is connected with 
a number of commercial organizations, notably the 
Provident Life and Trust Company and the Western 
National Bank, in each of which he is a director. 

He is also officially connected with a number of 
public enterprises of an educational and charitable 
character. Among such may be mentioned Haver- 
ford College, Bryn Mawr College, and the Pennsyl- 
vania Hospital, of each of which he is a member of 
the board of managers. 

Although engaged in a number of enterprises of 
great magnitude, and burdened with a multiplicity of 
responsible duties, Mr. Hartshome has found time to 
indulge in a considerable amount of domestic and 






f AAA-Oj MH, 



/? 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT AND INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



605 



foreign travel, having visited Europe in the years 
1852, 1868, and 1882. 

( )n the 8th of June , is">!>, Mr. Hartshorne was mar- 
tial to Miss (Caroline Cope Yarnall, a daughter of 
Edward Yarnall and a granddaughter of Thomas P. 
Cope. As a result of tliis alliance there have been 
rive children, — two sons and three daughters. 

The Beaver Meadow Railroad, now known sim- 
ply as the Beaver Meadow Division of the Lehigh 

Valley Railroad, was the li r- 1 railroad within the 

limits of Carbon County on which steam was em- 
ployed as power, although it was built a number of 
years after the gravity road from the Summit Mines 
to Maueh Chunk. The Heaver Meadow Railroad and 
Coal Company was in. orporated by act of the Assem- 
bly April 1:!, lX.'in, with a capital of two hundred and 
fifty thousand dollar-, and was empowered to build a 

railroad from the Beaver Meadow Coal Mines (in 

what is now Banks township i to the Lehigh River, at 
or near Maueh ('hunk, a distance, by the windings 
of the Beaver, Hazel, and Quakake Creeks, and the 

Lehigh River, of about twenty miles, and. if deemed 

expedient, to make a railroad from the mines to the 
Little Schuylkill at such place as might be deemed 
oeo ssary to make connection with any other road 
built in that valley. Both of these routes were 
examined, and that to and along the Lehigh was 
found to be preferable by reason of the greater 
facility of passing through a country graded by 
streams of water, thereby avoiding the necessity of 
constructing planes and employing stationary en- 
gines; also on account of the advantage of markets 
for coal on the Delaware, to which this route led 
most directly. The original act authorized the com- 
pany to extend their road on the Lehigh only to 
Maueh Chunk, at the head of the canal. A failure 
to make satisfactory arrangement- with the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company in regard to tolls 
over their canal prevented the commencement of 
active operations during the summer of 1830, and at 
the following session of the General Assembly a sup- 
plement to the act of incorporation was passed au- 
thorizing an increase of capital to eight hundred 
thousand dollars, and an extension of the road from 
Maueh chunk, a distance by the river of forty-six 
miles. The books for the subscription to the addi- 
tional stock were opened at a time when the failure 
of coal operations had cansed a general discourage- 
ment in all enterprises of that kind, and before the 
advantages of railroad transportation had been ascer- 
tained by experience. A sufficienl sum had been 
subscribed to have authorized the undertaking, but 
tin board had been too much influenced by the 
general depression to make the effort. The sub 
lions were, therefore, canceled and the principal part 

of the money repaid to the subscribers. Since that 
time experience has more accurately determined the 
expense of transporting coal by railroads, a- well as 
that ot constructing them. A new subscription was 



comn in November, 1832, and a sufliei. nl 

amount of stock was taken to assure the board that 
there was no longer any reason for apprehending 
failure, lint it was found that the period limited by 

law in which the work mUSl be Completed had so far 
elapsed that it was deemed inexpedient to 
with the work until an extension of time was pro- 
cured. Application being made t" the Legislature, 
an act was passed Jan. 29, 1838, granting the privi- 
four years more in which to finish the work. 1 
Under the provision of the act work was com- 
menced on the road. Canvass White was chief engi- 
neer and A. Pardee assistant. Alter the road was 

surveyed, and while it was being graded, a difficulty 
arose between the company and the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation < lompany about its location, the managers 

of the latter in-i>tiiiL r that it- grade wa- too low. This 

trouble culminated in the exercise of a little violence 
at what is called the Oxbow, where -tones were 

hurled down the bank at the Beaver Meadow Com- 
pany's laborers. The difficulty was finally settled, 
and the grade was changed, the roao-bed being made 
higher than was at first intended. The road was fin- 
ished and opened for transportation in the fall of 
1836. The two locomotives put upon the track were 
called the "S. D. Ingham" and "Elias Ely." In 
April, 1837, another— the "Quakake" — was added, 
and in August the " Beaver." 

In the mean time, under authority ot' ;m act p 
Dec. 22, 1836, extending the time of the company for 
building the road a- far a- Easton to seven years, that 
work had been undertaken and the track actually laid 
to a point oppo-ite Parryville by the close of 1836. 

The freshet of 1841 carried away all of the bridges 
from Weatherly to Parryville, and that part of the 
road below Maucb Chunk wa- abandoned, arrange- 
ments being made to transfer coal from the Leaver 
Meadow Railroad to the boats on the canal tit that 
point. Shipment ofcoal wa- resumed in August, 1841. 
In 1849, under the presidency of W. W. Longstreth, 
the road was relaid with heavy T-rail, the track- 
having previously consisted of timbers with (hit 01 

strap-rails. In September, 1860, another heavy II 1 

occurred, which carried away the bridges on Black 
and Quakake (.'reeks, and destroyed the car-shops 
tit Weatherly and Penn Haven. The repairs neces- 
sary could not be made in time to allow the resump- 
tion of business in 1850, but the road was again in 
readiness for operation on the opening of navigation, 
in 1851. (>n the i:>th of March, 1853, the company 
wa- authorized bj the Legislature to take such steps 
ere necessary to avoid the use of inclined planes. 
Accordingly a piece of' road one and three-quarter 
mile- m tending from Weatherlj in the direction 
ot' llazelton. was purchased from the Hazelton I 
Company. This was graded in 1854-56, and track 



1 The fo ta are taken from :i report "f the president and 

■r tli»- company, ilgned by s. D. [ogham, and pub] 



606 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



being laid in the latter year, the inclined pianos 
were abandoned on the 1 1th of August. The grade 
from Weatherly along Hazel ('nek for one and three- 
quarter miles is one hundred and forty-five feet to Ihe 
mile. At about the same time this change was made 
a second track was laid along the Lehigh from Penn 
Haven to Mauch ( 'hunk. 

The Quakake Valley Railroad was completed Aug. 
25, 1858, connecting the Catawissa, Williamsporl 
and Erie Railroad with the Beaver Meadow Railroad. 

The Beaver Meadow became a carrying road for all 
of the coal-fields in its region, and gained rapidly in 
business. In 1866 it was merged with the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad, of which it now formed the Beaver 
Meadow Division. The presidents of the road from 
the first to the time of the merger were S. D. Ingham, 
■ Budd, Joseph Pearsoll, J. H. Dulless, Row- 
land, and W. W. Longstreth, the .latter holding the 
office until 1866. Capt. George Jenkins was super- 
intendent of transportation ; Col. William Lilly, ship- 
ping clerk; Morris Hall, treasurer; and James D. 
Gallop, roadmaster. A. G. Brodhead was appointed 
superintendent in May, 1850, and held the office until 
the merger, when he was appointed by the managers 
of the Lehigh Valley Railroad superintendent of the 
division thus added to their line, which office he still 
holds. 

The following is a statement of tonnage on the 
Beaver Meadow Railroad from its commencement, in 
1837, to July, 1859, from which time to its merger 
with the Lehigh Valley, in 1866, its figures cannot be 
well ascertained : 

Year. Tonnage. 

1837 33,617 

1838 54,647 

1839 79,971 

1840 123,225 

1841 (flood) 64,641 

1842 1(18,171 

1843 125,456 

1844 143,363 

1845 149,000 

1846 194,380 

1847 247,500 

1848 266,188 

1849 S24.048 

1850 (flood) 155,403 

1851 383,748 

1852 243,112 

1853 278,939 

1854 367,093 

1855 438,092 

1856 552,111 

1857 618,793 

1858 628,227 

1S59 746,313 

The Spring Mountain Coal Company prior to 1858 
commenced building a road from their mines to 
Jeanesville to connect with the Beaver Meadow Rail- 
road at their mines at Lewiston. In August of the 
year mentioned, this road was purchased by the Le- 
high Valley management, who extended it to York- 
town and the German Pennsylvania coal mines, as 
has heretofore been related. The Tresckow branch 
was built later. It extends a distance of a little more 
than seven miles, from Silver Creek to Audenreid. 

The Mahanoy Division of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad. — The first operation made in the Quakake 



Valley for a railroad was by the Morris Canal and 
Banking Company, who by a supplement to their 
charter were authorized to build a railroad from 
Black Creek to Quakake Junction, to connect with 
the Beaver Meadow Railroad. A line was graded 
about 1837, rails were shipped by canal and slack- 
water navigation to Parrvville, and duly laid. Cars 
had only been run for a short time, when the com- 
pany failed. The rails were then taken up and 
shipped to Pottsville, and about 1S40 were used in 
the construction of a branch road along the Norwe- 
gian Creek (now a part of the Philadelphia and 
Reading line). About 1854 the old road-bed came 
into the possession or control of the Catawissa, Wil- 
liamsport and Erie Railroad Company, and was then 
known as the Quakake Branch. On April 25, 1857, 
an act was passed incorporating the Quakake Valley 
Railroad Company, and authorizing the construction 
of a railroad " from a point on the Beaver Meadow 
Railroad to the junction of Quakake and Black 
Creeks, in Carbon County, and thence in a west- 
wardly direction up the Quakake Valley; thence to 
connect with the Catawissa, Williamsport and Erie 
Railroad, at some point between the Summit Tunnels 
on the said road, in Rush township, Schuylkill Co." 
The company was also authorized to buy or lease the 
" already graded way" of the Quakake Branch of the 
Catawissa, Williamsport and Erie Railroad Company, 
which was done. The rails were relaid, and the road 
completed Aug. 25, 1858. An act passed in March of 
the following year authorized the company to extend 
their road from Rush township, in Schuylkill County, 
westerly towards the head-waters of Mahanoy Creek. 
Two or three years later the company became hedged 
about with financial difficulties, and the road was 
sold under mortgage to Judge Asa Packer. Under 
the authority of an act passed April 8, 1861, the name 
of the Quakake Valley Railroad was changed to the 
Lehigh and Mahanoy Railroad. The Catawissa, Wil- 
liamsport and Erie Railroad Company also had some 
claims on this road, and continued for some time to 
run trains over it. The Lehigh and Mahanoy Rail- 
road Company extended the road into the Schuylkill, 
Columbia, and Northumberland region, and con- 
tinued to operate it until it was merged with the Le- 
high Valley Railroad, in 1S66. It is now operated as 
the Mahanoy Division of that road. The tonnage of 
this road prior to the merger was as follows : 1863, 
9036; 1864,125,159; 1865,200,437; 1866,322,229. 

There have been two other railroad enterprises in 
Carbon County, of which it is worth while to make a 
mere mention, though neither of them were success- 
ful. 

The Schuylkill Haven and Lehigh River Railroad 
Company was incorporated by act of April 19, 1856. 
Authority was granted for the construction of a road 
from the borough of Schuylkill Haven, by way of 
Orwigsburg and Ringgold, to connect with the Le- 
high Valley Railroad at or near the mouth of Lizard 



CIVIL HISTORY. 



607 



Creek. Work was begun on this line and grading 
was carried on tor two or threi miles from Lizard 
Creek, when the rights of the company were pur- 
chased by the Philadelphia and Beading Railroad 
Company, who abandoned it. 

The Mahoning Railroad Company was incorpo- 
rate! April 11, 1859, and given power to construct a 
railroad from Tamaqua to the railroad of the Little 
Schuylkill Navigation Railroad and Coal Company, 
and thence by any practicable route through Mahon- 
ing Valley to any point on the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road above the Lehigh Water Gap. Grading was 
commenced at the Lehigh River, near Lizard I reek, 
and completed for a distance of two or three miles, 
but the more vigorous action of the Nesquehoning 
Railroad Company gave that line the advantage of 
priority of construction, and the Mahoning Railroad 
project was abandoned. The scheme of building a 
road along the line chosen in 1859 has been talked of 
in recent years, and mav some time be realized. 



CHAPTER III. 



CIVIL HISTORY. 



Organization of the County — Public Buildings — Care of the 

Civil Divisions prior to 1843.— It will not, we 
think, prove uninteresting to trace the successive di- 
visions of the territory included in Carbon County. 
In 1752, when Northampton County was organized, 
the territory north of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and 
thirty-six miles in width east and west, was known as 
Towamensing District. Thus it will be seen that this 
region, of which Carbon County is a part, contained 
in the middle of the eighteenth century so little of 
civilization that it did not attain to the dignity of 
being named as a township. There was little need 
for the machinery of law and civil government within 
this district, and it is not known to have had any other 
officers than a constable. In September, 1768, this 
great section of the wilderness portion of Pennsylvania 
was divided into Penn and Towamensing townships, 
between which the boundary line was the Lehigh 
River. At this time (1768) Northampton County 
embraced all that part of the State west of the east 
line of Berks County (from which Schuylkill was m 
part formed) to the Susquehanna River, and all east 
of that stream to the eastern and northern boundaries 
of the State. 1 

Penn township embraced in this division all of the 
lands north of the Blue Ridge and west of the Lehigh 
River. In 1.SH8 this township was divided into East 

1 The great county of Northampton, as above outlined, was lessened 
by the establishment of Northumberland County in 1772. and the latter 
was iu turn decreased in size by the erection of I.uzeme in I 
of Schuylkill in 1811. 



Penn, Wesl Penn, and Lausanne townships, of which 
Wesl Penn went to form a portion ol Schuylkill 
County when it was erected in 1811. The territory 
now constituting Carbon County was thus, in 1808, 
composed of East l'i-nii and Lausanne on the west 
side of the river, and Towamensing on the east. 

The northern pan of Towamensing was cut off and 
made a separate township, named Tobyhanna, which, 

upon the erection of .Monroe < lountj , formed a part of 
it. That portion of this township lying between the 
Lehigh River and Tobyhanna Creek, in 1842, was 
off as Penn Foresl township, which in 1*4:; was de- 
tached rrom Monroe to bee e a par! of the new 

county of Carbon. 

The township of Mauch Chunk was taken chiefly 
from East Penn in 1827, a narrow strip of territory 
also being added from Lausanne. 

Towamensing was divided into two townships in 
1841, the southern division receiving the name of 
Lower Towamensing, while the northern retained the 
original appellation. 

In 1842 Banks township was formed from a portion 
of Lausanne, and Mahoning from East Penn. 

In 1843, when the county wa- organized, it em- 
braced East Penn, Mauch Chunk, Banks, and Lau- 
sanne west of tin' Lehigh, and Lower Towamensing. 
Towamensing, ami Penn Forest east of the river. 
.Since the county was organized the townships -et off 
have been Backer, in 1847, and Lehigh, in 1875, from 
Lausanne; Kidder, in 1849, from Penn Forest; and 
Franklin, in 1851, from Towamensing. 

Erection and Organization of Carbon County.— 
Lehigh County had been set oil' from Northampton in 
1812, and influenced doubtless by that act, the people 
in the more northern portion of the valley began to 
agitate the project of forming another new county as 
soon as the close of the war of 1812 had allowed their 
thoughts to subside from military to civil affairs. In 
the diary of Isaac A. • 'hapman. who was in this re- 
gion during the second war with Great Britain (and 
is spoken of at length in the chapter on Mauch Chunk 
Borough), under date of Jan. 24, 1816, occurs this 
entry : " In the afternoon rode to Lehigbton to attend 
a meeting for considering a new county." This only 
proves that some, at least, of the people were earlv 
awake to the desirability of forming a new county, 
and implies that Lehigbton was then, as ever since, 
ambitious of becoming a seat of justice. The project 
was soon dropped, as were several others entered 
upon at different periods, 

follow ing we present three petitions* to the Assem- 
bly (numbered 1. 2. and :; . which show that, a- is 
usually the case where similar measures are proposed, 
there was considerable diversity of opinion a- to how 
the division should be made, Bome contending for one 
line, or combination of lines, and some tor another: 



iPatltion N". 1 refers to other* which had preceded It, but nothing 
• is now known of them, and it is doubtful if any copies are in existence. 



.;os 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



PETITION No i. 
„<l Home of Representatives of the < bmmonweaUh of Penn- 

■ ui<i : 

"Tin- Petition of the Subscribe! -. Inhabitants "t Toamensin and the 
pari I Chi itnul Hill and Robs Townships, in Northampton 
County, north of the Bine mountain, respectfully represents,— 

" Thai the great distance of this portion of the County from the seat 
i tston occasions much expense and great inconvenience 
to your Petitioners, and this expense and inconvenience is becoming 
more expensive with the Increase of Population, business, ami Improve- 
ments north of the blue mountain. 

"These disadvantages have heretofore been represented to jour Hon. 
body, and a division of the county no us to remove them has been 
petitioned for. Your petitioners now trust that these repeated prayers 
will induce your Hon. body to enact a Law that shall divide this 
county in such a manner as to give to your petitioners the reasonable 
accomodation of a Seat of Justice north of the mountain. And your 
Petitioners beg leave most respectfully to propose that the line of bucd 
[ivision should begin at the corner of Schuylkill and Northampton 
County on the top of the Blue Mountain; thence along the dividing 
line of said Counties to where it strikes the Northumberland County 
line; thence along the said line to where it joins the Luzerne County 
line; thence along the last-named line to where it strikes the Lehi ; 
thence up the Lehi to the mouth of Tobyhanns ; thence to Muddy 
Run so as to take in the saw-mill erected thereon ; thence (on a line 
thai -hill include the western half of Chestnut Hill and Ross townships) 
to where the road through Smith's Gap in the Blue Mountain strikes 
the line of Moore township; thence along the summit of the Blue Moun- 
tain to the place of beginning. And your petitioners further pray that 
the seat of justice for the proposed new County he established at Le- 
hiton, the place where the elections for East Penn township are held, 
which place is for various reasons the most convenient and suitable, 
and where the County buildings will be erected on the public square in 
said Town by the voluntary contribution. 

"And your Petitioners will ever pray. 



I irge Olwine. 
Adam Brown. 
George Olwine, Jr. 
George Greensweig. 
John Greensweig. 
Nicholas Snyder. 
John Boyer. 
Jacob Snyder. 
Henry Blose. 
Henry Boyer. 
Andreas Ziegenfuss. 
I leoi ge Boyer. 
John Golt. 
Paul Golt. 
Peter Bloee. 
Jonathan Heller. 
David Greensweig, Jr. 
M i ;. Christman. 
Peter Lerfass. 
Nicholas George. 
Jacob Heath. 
John Belt/,. 
Christopher Corel]. 

John Smith. 
David Smith. 
John Zess. 
Samuel RichardBon. 
Jacob Smith. 
John Smith, Jr. 
Nicholas Smith. 
Simon Enghert. 
Adam Engbei I 
I ..in. ui < 'linetob. 
David ChriBtman. 
George Clinetob. 
i eph Groble. 
Gi orge Prever. 
Joseph Frever, 
i ■ . id Bi utzman 
Philip Frantz. 

David Swart/.. 



Nicholas Berger. 
Jost Driesbach. 
Peter George. 
Anthony Lowyer. 
Peter Korr. 
Edward Murray. 
Henry Burger. 
Rein rich Sillfuss. 
Jacob Sillfuss. 
Heinrich i llinetob, 
Andrew T. Boyer. 
Jonathan Greensweig. 
Linnert Stiohl. 
John St rob 1. 
Samuel Bahler. 
John Hasleman. 
Isaac Hasleman. 
Conrad Hasleman. 
John Balliet. 
Samuel Kline. 
John Ziegerfuss. 
Michael Olewine. 
Jacob Snyder. 
John Kuntz. 
Daniel Schneider. 
Peter Snyder. 
Barnhart Bauman. 
George Kelchner. 
John Kuru. 
John Kelchner. 
Henry Bauman. 
John Bauman. 
David Stroup. 

Nicholas Blose. 

Henry Blose. 

John Boyer. 

Je i. Hasleman. 

Jacob Ai ii-r. 

John Aruer, 

John I 'riesbach. 

Ohai les D, Bowman, Jr. 



Samuel i .olt. 
Daniel I lolfc 
John Golt. 
Jost Driesbach. 
Jacob Golt. 
George Olewine. 
Jacob Vundt. 

Wilhelm Remely. 

Frederick Scheckler. 
John J. Beltz. 
Daniel Closs. 



John Closs. 
John Harkins, 
Thomas Vorly. 

1 ■'■ fisher. 
John Ruddles. 
William I'i yor 
Lewis Erke. 
Jacob Swenk. 
Christian Houpt. 
Philip Daubenstein. 
Jacob Schwab." 



PETITION No. 2. 

" To the Setmte and House of ! Representatives of Vie CbmmomMottA of Pen n- 

sylv'ini'i in General Assembly met; 

"The Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the County of North* 
anipton, 

" Respectfully sheweth. That as a division of the County of Northamp- 
ton has for some time been contemplated, which probably will ere long 
be effected, and as various plans have been proposed, we take the liberty 
to recommend the following limits as the most convenient and suitable, 
in case a division takes place, to your consideration, namely: to com- 
mence at the southwesterly corner of Linn township, where it adjoinB 
Berks County line; thence almost in a northeasterly direction to the 
road passing through the Wind Gap, to include said Linn, with Heidel- 
berg, part of Lehigh, and a part of Moore township ; thence to the blue 
mountain ; thence along the line between Chesnut Hill and Plainfield 
township to the road in said Gap; thence along the road lately turn- 
piked, leading to 'Wilkesbarre, to where it intersects the Luzerne County 
line; thence along said Luzerne County line to the corner of North- 
umberland County line ; thence along said line to the corner of Berks 
County line; thence along Berks County line to the place of beginning. 

"Thus divided, we conceive will, almost in every respect, be far more 
convenient and beneficial to the county at large, especially by having 
the seat of justice north of the Blue Mountain and near the river Le- 
high, so as to command the practicable boat and raft navigation thereof, 
as well as the trade and intercourse of the Snsquehannah settlements, by 
means of the lately-made turnpike from the Snsquehannah to the Lehigh, 
which will likewise lie still further extended to Tioga poiut, being al- 
ready in great forwardness. Many other advantages will be derived by 
the aforesaid division, such as the procuring of lumber for buildings, 
&c, which can be done much cheaper than south of the mountain. 

" And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, Ac.' 1 

PETITION No. 3. 

" To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Penn- 

wylvania in General Assembly met: 

"The petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Townships north 
of the blue mountain, in the county of Northampton, Respectfully 
sheweth, — 

"That from the repeated application for a division of Northampton 
County having been made for several sessions, made and to say counte- 
nanced as just and equitable, we are again encouraged to apply there- 
for. Two distinct divisions were proposed, which may be designated by 
a western and northern. The latter, if we are correctly informed, was, 
in the opinion of and recommended by the Committee chosen thereon 
at the last session, as the most suitahle manner to divide the county. 
Therefore we most earnestly solicit that the subject may again be taken 
into consideration. As the chief objections to the northern division 
arose from (only but a few of) the Inhabitants of Linn and Heidelberg 
Townships, who were alarmed at the Expense that would accrue as held 
forth to them in the formation of a new county, as well as the Idea of 
having to cross the mountain in case the Seat of Justice should be fixed 
there, we propose the mountain to be the southern line as far as oppo- 
site to the main forks of Aquanschicola Creek; thence a northeasterly 
direction (so as to accomodate the Inhabitants) to Wayne County line; 
and then of the East, North, and West boundaries, those of the adjoining 
counties. Thus divided, we are of an opinion will meet with general 
approbation, especially as the Inconveniences we labor under will be 
remedied, as well as be the means ol promoting the Improvement of 
the Country, to encourage which we aie s. u-il-lr ;ire the sentiments of 
the Legislature. It unquestionably will make as respectable aud as 
wealthy a County as several heretofore and oi late formed within the 
State. To enlarge upon the subject we deem at present unnecessary, 



CIVIL HISTORY. 



609 



being, In "in opinion, well known to you. Therefore, relying in your 
wisdom, we, as in duty bound, will evei pray, &c, 



• X iin Pi 
John Bfa 

li.Ln K [otS, 

Peter Bi 

! Hurler. 

hi K nut/ 

John Both. 

.l:n nh Blister, Jr. 
John Fuhr. 
John 1*. Banman. 
Peter Snider. 

Brink. 

Daniel Bi 

iti li Beck. 
.In, -oli Hull/. 

i later, 
is Hawk. 

Isaai- Hlirh'lnun 
David ll.uli-niin 
Solomon Gordon. 
Peter 1' 



Bobei t M' Minn. 
Matthias Qan 
Andrew Gangwere. 
Abraham Klotz. 
John Horn. 
John Totten. 

1 Rainsmith. 
Daniel Flexer. 
John l.intz. 
Daniel Ebert. 
Berunrd I 

li-iler. 
George Fi it/. 
Bfonry Notestein. 
Jesse Ziegenfa8e. 
John Fuhr. 
Abraham Miller. 
William Andreas. 
George Andreas. 
Adam W'ieder. 
Andreas Bush.'" 



The plan finally carried into effect was nearly, it' 
not quite, identical with that proposed in petition No. 
L 1 . the suggestion contained in No. :; regarding the 
making of the Blue Mountains the southern line of 
the new county being acted upon. 

The act of Assembly decreeing the long-desired ea 
tablishineiit of the county was passed March 13, 1843. 
Its important clause, which prescribed the boundaries 
oi Carbon County, was as follows: 

" /;. it enacted, . . . That all those parts of the 
counties of Northampton and Monroe. lying within 
the following bounds, viz.: 

" Beginning at the northwest corner of Northamp- 
ton County ; thence southwardly along the said 
county line till it intersects the northern line of 
Lehigh County ; thence eastwardly along the top of 
the Blue Mountain to the southwest corner of Mon- 
roe County : thence northwardly along the Monroe 
County line, and continue the same point of com- 
pass in a direct line through Tobyhanna township, 
in Monroe County, to such point as may strike thr 
Luzerne County line; thence westwardly along the 
Luzerne County line to the place of beginning, shall 
be. and the same is, according to the foregoing lines, 
declared to be erected into a separate county, to be 
called Carbon : Provided, That the territory taken 
from Monroe County shall only embrace the town- 
ship of Peno Forest, and that the said township of 
Penn Forest shall constitute the whole of the terri- 
tory taken from Monroe County by the provision- of 
this act." 

There was considerable joy manifested over tin- 
birth of the new county among the friends of the 
project at Harrisbnrg, ami. as is customary at the 
christening of ships when they are launched, a bo 
of wine was broken, and many were drank. The 
Bail de of Harrisbnrg contained the following 

allusion to the merry-making: 

" In the afternoon of March 16, according to custom. 
the friends of a new county, called Carbon, which has 
19 



just been erected by the Legislature out of parts of 
Northampton and .Monroe, gave a jollification on 
champagne and other etcetera-, just after dinner to- 
day, in commemoration of the happy event, to which, 
in consideration of their distinguished services in the 
premises, si ireral members of the Legislature were in- 
cited. Now.it happened, when the Bouse met in the 
afternoon, the first business to be attended to was tin 

creation of another new county i Blair), and the short 
ince between Mr. Prince's, where tin- celebration 
of 'Carbon' was held, and the capitol, where 'Blair' 
was being made, together with other circumstan 
so operated on the minds oi some gentlemen, who at- 
tended both, that when the latter was attending to 
they became confused, and thought they wen: cele- 
brating the former. Half a dozen gentlemen were on 
the floor at the same time delivering their sentiments 
in sparkling glee. There was no holding them in 
their scats. Their ideas seemed t" flow and their 
wits to sparkle so vehemently that to contain them- 
selves was altogether impracticable." 

The commissioners appointed to form Carbon 
County were Charles W. Iluggins, of Northumber- 
land; William J. B. Andrus, of Clearfield ; and John 
B. Brodhead, of Pike: and the trustees assigned by 
the Governor to the delicate duty of choosing the seat 
of justice were John D. Bowman. Thomas W< iss, 
John Fatzinger, Abram Shertz, and Samuel Wolf. 

The latter concluded their deliberations on Mon- 
day, June 19, by selecting the town of Mauch Chunk 
as the most suitable place for the county-seat, the 
citizens agreeing to provide the public buildings at 
their own expense. Immediately after the announce- 
ment of the decision cannon were fired, and the peo- 
ple of Mauch Chunk held an informal but enthusias- 
tic jollification. 

While the agitation of the county division and 
county-seat location w;i- going on, a business man of 
Mauch Chunk, now living, was in Easton, and one 
day was asked in the presence of several gentlemen 
who were opposed t" the setting off of Carbon, " When 
you get your own county, and have the seat of justice 
located at Mauch Chunk, where will you build the 
addition to your village which the natural growth 
will require?" Without a moment's hesitation he re- 
plied, "Oh, we'll dig down om story and build up 
two." This was precisely the manner in which most 
of the building since 1843 has been accomplished, 
and in addition a few house- have been hung up on 
the sides of the mountain-. 

Alter the fire of 1849 had destroyed the public 
buildings, Lehighton, which had been, as we have 
shown, an early aspirant for the county-seat location, 
made a strong endeavor to secure a removal from 
Mauch Chunk, and in still later years renewed the 
endeavor. At neither time was her prospect for suc- 
cess very assuring, and her citizens soon abandoned 
the struggle. 

The Public Buildings.— As an inducement to the 



610 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



locati f ilp county-seal at Mauch < 'hunk. 

people and the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany agreed i<> piw ide suitable buildings for a court- 
bouse and jail at their Own expense. The old Stoni 
store building of the company, on the ground where 
tin- present court-houBe stands, served the lii -i oi 

these purposes, and a small Structure in the rear was 

converted into a jail. The buildings and the ground 
upon which they stood were donated by the company, 
but not formally deeded to the county until 1846. • m 
tin 1st <>!' July the company met ami agreed to con- . 
vey the lots to the county of Carbon, " for the purpose j 
of affording suitable accommodations lor the holding 
and continuance of the seat of justice at Mauch 
Chunk, and for no other purpose." The deed, signed 
by Josiah White, Caleb < ope, and .lames Cox for the 
company, was dated duly S.\, 1846. There had been 
some delay on the part of the donors, and this action 
was brought about or hastened by the report of the 
grand impost in March, 1845, which had urged the 
importance of speedily securing a perfect title, and 
jested the propriety of securing suitable buildings 
elsewhere if such title was not given. 
That the so-called jail was hardly adequate appears 

from the report of the grand jury to the Court of 
Quarter Sessions, at it- first term, in December, LS43. 
They said, "The jail of the county may answer for 
the present for the safe-keeping of prisoners, but we 
recommend that a yard be immediately enclosed by a 
-tone wall, of sufficient height and strength to pre- 
vent any assistance to the prisoners from without." 

Tile buildings donated by the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company were to be fitted up to serve 
their new purpose by the citizens of Mauch Chunk, 
and it appears that there was considerable delay mi 
their part in carrying out the work that was thought 
necessary. In their report to the judges, on March 
26, 1845, the grand jury said, " We feel it our duty to 
call the attention id' the court to the fact that as yet 
no provision has been made for the security from fire 
of the books and papers belonging to the county, and 
to express the hope that the commissioners will, at as 
early a period as practicable, take the necessary meas- 
ures for providing the county with a lire-safe." This 
hail not been provided the following year, and in 1847 
it was still lacking, while the suggestion made in 1843, 
for the building of a stone wall around the jail, had not 
been carried out. It was, perhaps, as well that no 
great improvements were made upon the buildings, 
for they were burned in the disastrous fire of July 15, 
1849. As it occurred in the daytime, the records and 
books were saved. 

The first session of the court after the fire was held 
in August. The grand jury then made the following 
i port: 

"The grand jury, at August Sessions now holding 
at Mauch Chunk, in and for the county of Carbon, in 
view of the subject presented to them by the court 
for deliberation, ami of I heir knowledge moving them, 



they would respectfully represent to the court that 
thej have visited and examined the offices where the 
public records are now kept, which offices are in a 
frame building, they therefore deem them very inse- 
cure in case of tire. They have also examined the 
county buildings that were in a great measure destroyed 
by the recent conflagration, and are of opinion that 
the walls now standing are totally unlit for use, with 
the exception of the jail-yard wall. They would 
ire recommend that an alteration be made in 
t he construction of the building- ; that, in order that 
the records and papers may be secure, they recom- 
mend that fire-proof offices be erected on the rear of 

the lot, and to trout on Susquehanna Street, and also 
that a jail be erected on the rear of the lot, back of 
the offices, and to connect with them, with a dwelling- 
house for the sheriff attached, the building to connect 
with the jail-yard. The jail-yard to remain as it i-, 
with this exception, that the back and end walls of 
the present jail be removed, which will increase the 
size of the jail-yard. They also recommend that the 
court-house be set bark from Broadway ten or twelve 
feet from its present location. All of which they es- 
pecially recommend to be put under contract imme- 
diately, and as the county is suffering severely for 
want of a jail, they would recommend that the jail 
be first erected, ami with the least possible delay, the 
buildings to be constructed with a view to the increase 
of population, and of such materials as the commis- 
sioners of the county shall deem most suitable for the 
several purposes of their erection." 

Steps were immediately taken to rebuild the court- 
house, county offices, and jail on the ground occupied 
by those wdiich were destroyed. The progress of the 
work is indicated by the following report, made April 
17, 1850: 

"To the Honorable Court: The grand jury would 
respectfully report that they have examined the 
county offices and jail, and are much gratified to find 
that the buildings have been put up in so substantial 
a manlier; the records of the county they think per- 
fectly secure from fire, as the offices are, in their opin- 
ion, fire-proof. The jail is constructed with a view to 
convenience, comfort, and security of prisoners ; much 
credit is due the commissioners, both for the plan of 
the buildings as well as for the energy with wdiich 
they forwarded their completion. The cells id' the jail 
are of good size, and are kept in good order. The 
persons who have contracted to build the court-house 
are at work putting in the foundation, and from the 
character which they, as well as tin- commissioners, 
sustain for energy and perseverance, we feel warranted 
in anticipating an early completion." 

The foundations of the new court-house were ready 
to receive the brick superstructure in June, 1850. In 
May, 1852, when the building was nearly completed, 
the grand inquest in their report to the judges recom- 
mended that the walls should be raised five feet higher 
than the original plan had contemplated. The build- 



CIVIL UlSTOltV. 



Gil 



ing was completed the following year, and haa stood 
without material chang ■ improvement to the pres- 
ent. 

The grand jury examining the new jail in March, 
reported that they had found it "not safe for 
the retention of prisoners, and i'"r better security" 
they I " tlie building of an additional wall 
outside the westei a wall, to be three feet in thick: 
at the bottom and two and half feet at the top." 

This jail was found a dozen year- after it was built 
in be inadequate for the purpose designed. In 1864, 
and the follow ing year, the project of building a ihw 
one wa> agitated, and the county commissioners ne- 
sted tor the purchase of several lots on Broadwa] 
as a Bite lor the proposed structure. Their action was 
\ igorously opposed by the grand jury, which reported 
to the court at its January session (1865) : 

"That they have learned with regret that the 
county commissioners have either purchased or con- 
tracted for the purchase ol lour lot,, on Broadway 
Street, in the borough of Mauch ('hunk, with the 
intention to locate and build thereon a new county 
jail; that they unitedly protest against the said pur- 
chase, location, and removal of the jail, in view of the 
tact that the county owns the rear part id' the lot 
upon whose front the Mauch Chunk Bank building 
is situated, and which rear parcel of lot i- contiguous 
and adjoining the present jail inelosure; and we pro- 
the more strenuously against Buch action by the 
Commissioners because the county has been lately, 
and is at present greatly burdened with extraordinary 

taxation; and we re amend that the commissioners 

suspend any further outlays in reference to such re- 
moval, and that they make no more outlays at present 
than are absolutely necessary upon the present jail 
or the county offices to keep them in safe or good 
order." 

In consequence of this opposition, and in defer 
ence to the feeling of the people in general, who 
considered themselves burdened with taxes, the pro- 
ject was abandoned for the time being, and not re- 
vived until late in 1868. On Feb. 17, 1869, the com- 
missioners bought of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company lots No-. 90, in'. 94, '.id, and 98 on the 
north side of Broadway (a part of the Robert Brown 
tract) as a site for the new jail. A proposition was 
made by Charles Mendron and Henry Bowman, early 
in 1869, to build the jail for sixty-six thousand seven 
hundred and fifty dollars. This proposition was ac- 
cepted, ami a contract made May 1Mb. Mendron 
withdrew on the last of August following, and How- 
man later. The latter then Carried On the work, on 
a salary until Feb. 1, 1871, when he made a second 
contract to complete it for twenty-five thousand five 
hundred dollars. The payment to the timeof making 
this contract was over one hundred and two thousand 
dollars, so that the entire cost of the building ex- 
ceeded one hundred and twenty-seven thousand dol- 
lar-. The architect ol' the substantial stom structure 



which holds secure the captured criminals of the 

count] was Edward i taviland. 

Measures for the Care of the Poor.— Of all the 
legislation of the commonwealth, none has been more 
creditable in design than that enacted from time to 
time tor tic reliefand Bupport ofthe poor. The poorof 
the county wen- taken c;uc of by the individual town- 
ships until 1855, when, upon April 26th, an act was 
passed incorporating the directors of the poor and the 
House of Employment Of Carbon County. This law 

was left tii the acceptance or rejei tion of the people, 
to be expressed by their votes, and as the plan to be 

brought into vogue by its adoption would increi 
their taxation, the people in a numbei of the voting 

districts rejected it. It was on Oct, 9, 1855, that the 

people went to the polls to vote for or against tin 

tablishment of a poor-house. There were majorities 

for in Mauch Chunk borough, East Mauch Chunk 
borough, Banks and Lausanne town-hip-, and ma- 
jority i the new measure in all of the other 
town-hips. The people of the latter continued to care 
for their poor in the old method, while those of the 

boroughs and townships accepting the new law took 

measures for carrying out it- provisions. ' m the 20th 
of ( htober the commissioners mimed in the act of As- 
sembly, and living in the accepting districts, met at the 
court-house in Mauch Chunk and resolved to receive 
proposals for a suitable farm or tract ofland to serve as 

a site for the proposed i r-house. Upon the L5th of 

the following November they again met, considered 
:il proposals which had been received, and ad- 
journed to visit the localities offered. In December 

following, having examined all of them, they took 

their relative merits into consideration, and titter re- 
jecting several proposals, decided on accepting the 

farm of D. .1. Labar, 100 acres, at $1900; the farm of 

Jacob Cole, 106 acre-, at $1800 : and the farm of John 
Toomey, 109 acre-, at $1 1"". .Making a total of 315 
acres in what is now Lehigh town-hip for the sum of 
Solon. To this hind a small addition, about fifteen 
acres, purchased from George Stettler, was made ten 
years later. 

Upon Nov. 13, 1855, Ii. I). Stiles. .1. H. Chap- 
man, and George Kline were elected as the first poor 
directors, and upon the 23d of December foil, .wing 
they appointed Jesse K. Pryor steward, and his wife 
as matron. They went to the farm in February fol- 
lowing. 

An estimate was made of the amount required for 
the farm and house, and it WS '. A tax 

was levied, and $11,201.40 collected. On Nov. 26, 
1856, a plan for the proposed house, which had been 
prepared by J. II. Chapman, was accepted, and the 
director- advertised tor proposals for building. A 

temporary building was pleted in April, and a 

few paupers were immediately admitted to it. On 
May 31, 1856, the proposal of Jacob 1). Arner to build 
the house according to specifications for $9900 was ac- 
cepted. The first annual statement showed that the 



012 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



directors had received $9809.82, and expended 
$8273.16, leaving a balance on baud of $1536.66, and 
that the number of paupers in the temporary quarters 
which had been provided was fifty-four. They were 
transferred Aug. 1. L857, to the new building, which 
was completed at that date. In November following 
David Petrey and wife were appointed respectively 
steward and matron, which positions they -till hold. 
The new bouse answered well the purpose for which 
it was built, and the condition of the refuge for the 
poor was maintained at a good standing. The direc- 
were not hampered for want of funds, for in 1861 
they bad a balance on hand of $2656.50. The number 
of inmates of the institution was at a given tunc in 
that year ninety-nine, of whom sixty were males ami 
thirty-nine female-. 

In 1862 it was proposed to unite a portion of the 
Luzerne County poor districts which had accepted 
the law of 1855 with the similar districts of Carbon 
County. On March 8th the directors from the two 
counties met ■>! the Carbon Poor-house to consider 
the proposed union. The result of this meeting was 
the drawing up of a bill establishing a plan for the 
proposed co-operation, which was placed in the hands 
of :i committeeof two (one director from each county), 
instructed to proceed to Harrisburg and secure its 
passage by the Legislature. It was passed March 
25th as an act to organize "the Middle Coal Field 
Poor District." This district embraced the townships 
of Banks, Lausanne, and Mauch Chunk, and the 
boroughs of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk, 
in Carbon County, and now includes also the boroughs 
of Lansford and Weatherly and Lehigh township, 
added as they were organized. The divisions of 
Luzerne County originally embraced in the district 
were the townships of Hazel and Foster and the 
borough of Ha/.elton, and there have been added 
since, upon their establishment, the boroughs of Free- 
land and Jeddo. 

The poor district of Luzerne County had only been 
organized by act of May 1, 1861, less than a year 
before the union with Carbon County was effected. 
The commissioners appointed were Joseph Greena- 
walt, of Hazelton, Ralph Tozer, of Hazel township, 
and Richard Sharp, of Foster township. Their suc- 
cessors, a board of directors elected in October, made 
the proposition to unite with the Carbon County 
districts before they hail made any definite arrange- 
ments for building a poor-bouse. Arrangements were | 
made adjusting the property proportionally when 
the Middle Coal Field Poor District was formed, 
and the districts of Lu/.crne County paid to the Car- 
bon County authorities four thousand five hundred 
dollars, when they became the joint beneficiaries 
with them of the house and farm. An addition, forty 
by forty feet square, and two stories in height, was 
erected at the wist end of the poor-house. In the ! 
fall of 1869, it having become obvious that a hospital 
was necessary, -tips were taken toward establishing i 



one. A committee was appointed to visit hospitals 
in -everal counties of the State, to obtain ideas as to 
the best plan for building one. A draft embodying 
the most valuable details was drawn up, and on April 
4, 1870, was adopted. Work was immediately com- 
menced in preparation for the foundations, and pro- 
posals for building were advertised fur, the result of 
which was that the directors entered into contract 
with John Fiddler in the sum of fourteen thousand 
nine hundred ami fifty dollars for erecting a three- 
story structure with Mansard roof, and forty by eighty 
feet in dimensions. This building was completed in 
the spring of 1871. The barn upon the poor farm 
was destroyed by fire on the night of May 10, 1880, 
and was replaced by a fine structure soon after, at a 
cost of six thousand dollars. The buildings of the 
Middle Coal Field Poor District are commodious and 
well arranged, are healed by steam, and lighted by 
gas throughout, and are kept in excellent condition. 
The total receipts dining the year 1 882 were $25,924.10, 
and the expenditures $21,657.23, of which $16,599.64 
was the cost of maintenance for the year. The wdiole 
number of inmates during the year was 314, and the 
total number of days' support given them was 65,609, 
the average daily number of inmates being nearly 
180. The produce of the farm for 1882 was 150 tons 
of hay, 957 bushels rye, 136 bushels wheat, 400 bush- 
els corn, 808 bushels oats, 137 bushels buckwheat, 
180(1 bushels potatoes, 100 bushels beets, 150 bushels 
turnips, 300 bushels mangel-wurzels, 2500 heads cab- 
bage, 1800 pounds butter. There were raised and 
slaughtered 4890 pounds of pork and 3700 pounds of 
beef. The stock on farm Dec. 31, 1882, was 9 horses, 
24 cows, 32 calves, 13 yearlings, 2 bulls, 21 shoats, 24 
pigs, 8 hogs, and 300 fowls. 

The present directors are H. B. Conahan, P. J. 
Boyle, and Henry Beineman. 



CHAPTER IV. 
CIVIL LIST. 

Roster of Civil Officials of Carbon County anil of Representatives in the 
National and State Legislatures. 1 

Members of Congress. 
1852. Asa Packer. 
1854. Asa Packer. 
1878. Charles Albright. 
1880. Robert Klotz. 

Senators. 
1832. Thomas Craig, Jr. 
1869. A. G. Brodhead. 
1878. Allen Craig. 

1 Forjudges of the courts, see next chapter. 



CIVIL LIST. 



613 



Mi mbers "i Assembly. 


L870 


71. John Painter. 




1848. John Fatzinj 


L872. 


James B. Tweedle. 




184 1. James R. Stral u< rs. 


1873. 


John T. Weston. 




L846. Peter Bauman, Alexander Lockhart. 


1-7 1. 


.1. J. Smyth. 




1848-4!". Boberl Klotz. 


1875. 


A. M. Stapp. 




L850-51. William Lilly, Jr. 


L876 


78. P. D. Keiser. 




1852 58. James R. Struthers. 


1879-81. «'. W. Lentz. 




■ 55. Thomas t !raig, Jr. 


1882-83. P. ll. Latham. 




• i6 Enos Tolan. 








1-:.;. Charles II. William-. 




PRO! BONO! \ 1 




1858. Samuel I'.alliet. 


1843. 


William 1 1. Brown. 




I 859. Zachariah II. Long. 


1846. 


• lharles Snydei . 




I860. William II. Butler. 


L849 


52. 1 tennis Bauman. 




1861 62. Thomas Craig, Jr. 




Stephen E. Siti 




64. Zachariah H. Long. 


1858. 


Robert Q. 1 hi tier. 




L865 67. Mien Craig. 


1861. 


Thomas J. Il.berling. 




1868. James Place. 


1864-70. J. H. Siewers. 




1869-70. William It. Leonard. 


1873- 


7(i. Thomas Kemerer. 




1871. C. S. Detrick. 


1879- 


■82. George \\ . 1 




1872. E. 1. McDonough. 








1873. William Kistler. 




Registers am. Re< obi 




1874. A. J. 1 hiding. 


1843. 


Robert Klotz. 




1875-7i'.. James A. Harvey. 


1846-49. Oliver Musselman. 




L876. J. C. Kramer. 


1852 


55. A. li. Nimson. 




1878. J. G. Zero, Michael Casaidy. 


1858. 


Edward K. Stroh. 




L880. Michael Casaidy, J. G. Zern. 


1861- 


67. A. B. Nimson. 




1882. E. H. Snyder, John J. Gallagher. 


1869. 


William ( irover. 






1872. 


Alfred Whittingham. 




Sheriffs. 


1875- 


78. Bernard Phillips. 




1843. Charles Snyder. 


1881. 


James H. Hendricks. 




1846. John Painter. 








1849. Isaac Ripple. 




Treasurers. 




1852. John Lentz. 


1843. 


Peter Bauman. 




1855. Francis Stucker. 


1845. 


Abraham Shortz. 




1858. Amos Reigel. 


1847. 


Laurence D. Know les. 




1861. Charles Packer. 


1849. 


James It. Struthers. 




1864. Reuben Ziegenf'uss. 


1851. 


James I. Blakeslec. 




1867. Peter S. Keiser. 


1853. 


A. G. Brodhead. 




1870. Jacob W. Roudenbush. 


1855. 


Samuel B. Price. 




1873. Oliver Brenizer. 


1857. 


Franklin Reed. 




1 376. Jacob W. Roudenbush. 


1859. 


Robert Klotz. 




1879. Thomas Koonz. 


1861. 


Conrad Kocher. 




1881. Charles W. Lentz. 


1863. 


M. W. Roudenbush. 






1865. 


Patrick Sharkey. 




Coroners. 


1867. 


A. G. Brodhead. 




1843. I.i» is llanev. 


1869. 


James Sweeny. 




1846. John Horn, Jr. 


1871. 


Edgar Twining. 




1849. William II. Eberle. 


1873. 


William E. Levan. 




1852. A. G. Brodhead. 


1875. 


Edgar Twining. 




1865. L. D. Knowles. 


1878. 


Max Sc hneibing. 




1858. S. B. Hutchinson. 


1881. 


Douglass McLean. 




9-60. Elwin Bauer. 








1863. R. Leonard. 




Commissioners. 




1864. Solomon Driesbach. 


1843. 


William Kern. 




1865. John D. Longshore. 




George H. Dougherty. 




1866. Horace I »e Young. 




' leorge Belford. 




1867. Elwin Bauer. 


1844. 


John D. Bauman. 




1868. J. C. Kramer. 




John i 1. Kemerer. 




1869. Joseph Defreten. 


1845. 


Jacob Andreas. 





614 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1846. Christopher Shores. 
Ephraim Balliet. 

1847. John Lentz. 

L848. John A. Ziegenfuss. 
L849. John Horn. 

1850. Abraham Shortz. 

1851. Charles Gilbert. 

1852. William Kern. 

1853. James Brodrick. 

1854. IT. B. Berryhill. 
L855. Abraham Hasleman. 
L856. Joshua Bullock. 

1857. Peter Hartz. 

1858. Andrew Grover. 

1859. Abraham Shortz. 
I sr,o. Enos Koch. 
1861. Daniel Stemler. 
186 ' Abel Hewitt. 

1863. Peter Hartz. 

1864. Charles Menden. 

1865. William H. Cool. 
George Smith. 

1866. William Wagner. 

1867. John D. Bauman. 

1868. B. F. Klippinger. 

1869. Charles Murray. 
Edward Raber. 

1870. Levi Hasleman. 

1871. Henry Breneman, Jr. 

1872. Samuel Hasleman. 

1873. Daniel Kennedy. 

1874. Henry Boyer. 
Jonah Rich. 

1875. Daniel Rouse. 
Henry Boyer. 

1878. John J. Gallagher. 
1881. El win Sensinger. 

Samuel Hasleman. 

Amos Reigel. 

Auditors. 

1843. Charles Dinkey, Thomas Snyder. 

1844. R. I). Stiles, A. B. Nimson. 

1845. Nathan Fogley. 

1846. John Horn, Reuben Dinkey. 

1847. William Lilly, Jr. 

1848. Joshua Bullock. 

1849. Lewis Haney. 

1850. S. B. Price. 

1851. Thomas Craig, Jr. 

1852. Hiram Wolf. 

1853. Tilghman Arner. 

1854. Solomon Rinker. 

1855. William Lilly, Jr. 

1856. Reuben Leh. 

1857. James I [ouston. 

1858. George Broden. 

1859. Daniel Heberling. 

1860. Lafayette Lent/, A. J. Lauderbum. 



1861. Samuel Martyn. 

1862. C. A. Williams, John Fiddler. 

1863. Daniel Stiles, John Ash. 

1864. Allen Craig. 

L865. George K. McCoUum. 

L866. Harrison A. Beltz, Lafayette Lentz. 

1867. .Max. Schneiting. 

1868. William M. Jones. 

1869. Isaac M. Holcomb. 

1870. Joseph Young, Levi Hartz. 

1871. 1». R. Keller. 

1872. Henry G. J. Ruemiller. 

1873. Dennis Bauman. 

1874. P. D. Reiser, J. B. Longshore. 

1875. Samuel Ziegenfuss, Michael McHugh. 
1878. Samuel Molzer, D. B. Albright, Paul Ker- 

fer, Jr. 
1881. Samuel Ziegenfuss, J. W. Hunter. 

District Attorneys. 
1843-46. James R. Struthers. 
185(1-55. O. H. Wheeler. 

1856. Samuel McLean. 

1859 (May). William H. Butler, Allen Craig. 
1862-65. W. B. Leonard. 
1867-71. E. C. Dimmick. 
1874-77. E. R. Siewers. 
1880-83. Edward M. Mulheam. 

Surveyors. 
1850. Henry Boyer, Jr. 

1853. S. C. Sites. 

1855. Charles H. Nimson. 

1859 (January). Thomas L. Foster, Hiram Bel- 
ford. 
1861. Oliver O. Bauman. 
1863-64. Edwin Shortz. 

1865. R. F. Hofford. 

1866. James Harvey. 

1867. C. H. Dickerman. 

1868. Henry Boyer. 

1872. William G. Freyman. 

1874. Josiah Xander. 

1875. Charles Carroll. 

1878. H. B. Salkeld. 

1879. Henry Boyer. 
1883. Franz Moehl. 

Superintendents <>i Coi m\ Schools. 

1854. J. H. Siewers. 

1857. Thomas L. Foster. 
1863. R. T. Hott'ord. 

1881 (June). T. M. Balliet. 

Justices of the Peace. 
(The first record of a justice of the peace for that 
part of the territory of Northampton County now em- 
braced in Carbon County is found in 1785, when 
Enoch Beer was commissioned justice for Lehigh 



TIIK IJKNOII AND BAR OF CARBON COUNTY. 



615 



(now Northampton Count] and Towamensing town- 
ship-. In September of that year the county of 
ampton was divided into three judicial districts, and 
the persons whose names are here given Inlil jurisdic- 
tion uvcr territory a part of which is now < 
County, In 1808 the county was again districted and 
so remained till L840, when bj the new constitution 
each township became a separate district. The jus- 
tii es of thi i mi 184:; will be found in the his- 

tory of the -' veral towDsh 

March 28, 1796. Jacob Kuntz, Lynn ami Towa- 
mensing. 

Jan. 12, 1799. Samuel Everett, Lynn and Towa- 
mensing. 

Feb. 8, 1799. Frederick Kuntz, Lehigh and Towa 
mensing. 

May 14, 1799. John Weiss, Lynn and Penn. 

.Inly 22, IT!' 1 .'. Michael Ohl, Lynn and Penn. 

Oct. 24, 1807. John Weiss. Lynn and Penn. 

Oct. 24. 1807. Daniel Saeger, Lynn and Penn. 

Feb. 9, 1809. John Pryor, District No. 9; Chestnut 
Hill, Boss, ami Towamensing. 

Jan. 6, 1818. John Horn, District No. 10; East 
Penn and Lausanne. 

Dec. 5, 1S18. George Ziegenruss, District No. '9; 
Chestnut Hill, Ross, and Towamensing. 

March 19, 1819. Jacob Frantz, District No. 9; 
Chestnut Hill, Ross, and Towamensing. 

March 29, 1820. Jacob Dinkey, District No. 10; 
East Penn and Lausanne. 

May 18. 1821. George Kelchner, District No. 9; 
Chestnut Hill, Ross, and Towamensing. 

Feb. 6, 1822. John Pryor, District No. 10; East 
Penn and Lausanne. 

March 2, 1822. Joseph Lester. District No. 10; Easl 
Penn and Lausanne. 

Nov. 26, 1823. John Christian, District No. 10; 
East Penn and Lausanne. 

Dec. 12, 1827. Jefferson Buskirk. District No. 10; 
East Penn, Lausanne, and Mauch Chunk. 

Feb. 28, 1831. Charles F. Henry, District No. 10; 
East Penn, Lausanne, and Mauch Chunk. 

Jan. 9, 1828. Isaac T. Dodson, District No. 10; 
Easl Penn, Lausanne, and Mauch Chunk. 

January, L834. \. B. Penrose, District No. 10; 
East Penn, Lausanne, and Mauch < 'hunk. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE BENCH AND BAB "I CARBON 001 NTT. 

Biographical Sketched — Th trials. 

The territory now Carbon County was under juris- 
diction of the Third Judicial District, composed of 
Berks, Northampton, Luzerne, and Northumberland, 
from April 13, 1791, to 1834. Dpon the redistricting 
of the Siate. April li 1834 Berks, Northampton, a 



Lehigh became the Third District. In 1886 Mon- 
roe County was partly created from Northampton, 
and that county was attached to the Eleventh District. 
On April 10, 1844, ' trbon County was erected, with 
Schuylkill and Monroe ( !ounties, into the Twenty-first 
District, and so remained until the redistricting of the 
by act of Assembly, April 5, 1849, when, with 
the counties of Monroe. Wayne, and Pike, it became 
the Twenty-second District. By act of Assembly, 
April '.>, 1874, i arbon and Monroe Counties •.-. ■ 
erected as the Forty-third District, and BO remain. 

Judges. — Following is a list of those who have 
served as president judges of the Carbon County 
courts : 

N. B. Fldr.d. 1843. 

Luther Kidder. October, 1847. 

\. B. Fldred. 1849. 

N. B. Eldred, October, 1851; resigned spring of 
1853. 

George R. Barrett, commissioned to fill place till 
election. 

James M. Porter, elected October, 1853; took his 
seat Dec. 1, 1853; resigned March, 1855. 

George R. Barrett, elected October, 1855. 

George R. Barrett, elected October, 1865. 

Samuel S. Dreber, 1870. 

Samuel S. Dreher, 1880. 

Associate Judges. — The following have Berved as 
associate judges ; 

Asa Packer, 1843. 

Jacob Dinkey, 184::. 

Daniel Hcberling, 1848. 

Isaac T. Dodson, October, 1851. 

William H. Cool, October, 1851. 

Dennis Bauman, October, 1856. 

A. G. Brodbead, October, 1861. 

Tilghman Amer, October, 1861. 

James Hurton, < October, 1866. 

Herman Hamburger, October, 1866. 

John Leisenring, October, 1871. 

James Hurton, October, 1871. 

Levi Wentz, October, 1872. 

Harry E. Packer, October, 1881. 

The tirst term of court for Carbon County was the 
Deeeinlier term, 184:1. Hon. N. B. Eldred president 
judge; Asa Packer and Jacob Dinkey, as 
.Members of the bar residents of the county were W. 
H. Butler James R. Struthers, I ». H. Wheeler, and F. 
.1. t Isborn. 

W. II. Butler was a native of Union County, Pa., 
and located at Mauch Chunk Boon alter the county 
was organized, ami practiced in its courts until 1860, 
when he v to thi Leg slature and served as 

a member from Lehigh and Carbon Counties during 
the session of 1861. A I''! i lie ad 
Legislature, the war of the Bebl llion having broken 
out, he joined the City Troop of Philadelphia, and 
served in it for a year or more. He became a clerk 
in the survey or-general's office at Harrisburg in 1863, 



616 



HISTORY OP CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



and was killed bj a railroad accident on the Pennsj I 
vania Central Railroad in 18(35. 

JamesR.Struthers, a native of Scotland, came to this 
country with his father's family when a child I 
father settled in I ihia. James R. studied law 

in Easton in the office of the late Judge Porter. He 
firsl practiced at Stroudsburg, and fame to Mauch 
Chunk :il ir nit 1840 and engaged in teaching school. 
On the erection of Carbon County he was appointed 
prosi cuting attorney. He was elected to the Legisla- 
ture in 1845, and again in 1852 and 1853; has fre- 
quently changed his locality and business; has re- 
sided in Iowa, in Wisconsin; New Jersey, and other 
places, sometimes following the profession of law, 
sometimes publishing a newspaper, at others engaged 
in farming, etc. He is now residing near Wilkes- 
bane. 

I >. H. Wheeler, a native of New York State, studied 
law in Wilkesbarre, located at Mauch Chunk in 1843, 
and was once or twice elected to the office of prose- 
cuting attorney. Engaging in business outside of I 
his profession, he was unsuccessful, and tried various 
schemes to retrieve his fortune. He wandered from 
place to place, and was at last accounts at Bradford, 
MeKean Co., Pa. 

H. B. Burnham removed from Oarbondale to Mauch 
Chunk in 1849, and followed the legal profession at 
that place until 1861, when he entered the army as 
lieutenant-colonel of volunteers and served with his 
regiment for a year or more, when he was detailed for 
service as judge-advocate on court-martial. He was 
retained in the regular army after the war, and was 
appointed judge of the Criminal Court of Richmond, 
Va. After civil government was fully established he 
was transferred to the military division of the Platte. 
He resides at Omaha, Neb., as judge-advocate, with 
rank of colonel on the staff of the commanding-gen- 
eral of that division. 

J. H. Siewers was born in the island of St. John, 
West Indies, and was the son of a Moravian mission- 
ary to the negroes of that island. Mr. Siewers was 
educated at Nazareth, Northampton Co., Pa., receiving 
a good English, German, and classical education, was 
also conversant with French and Spanish ; engaged in 
teaching at Wilkesbarre and Kingston; removed to 
Mauch Chunk in 1843, and for several years followed 
the profession of teaching; was for several years super - 
intendent of schools for the county; was admitted to 
the bar in 1846, and practiced successfully until his 
hearing became impaired so as to interfere with his 
trial of his cases in court, when he was elected pro- 
thonotary and clerk of the courts, which office he 
held for three terms and then gave his whole atten- 
tion to the insurance business, in which he had been 
more or less engaged for several years. He died sud- 
denly of heart-disease in November, 1880. 

Milo M. Dimmick, a native of Pike County, Pa., 

practiced law at Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., many 

ted to Congress in 1848, and re-elected 



in 1850 from the district then composed of Carbon, 
Monroe, Northampton, Pike, and Wayne Counties. 

Mr. Dimmick was candidate for president judge in 
is.'ii'. but was defeated by James M. Porter, of Eas- 
ton. an independent candidate. In 1853 he removed 
to Mauch Chunk, and was an active and successful 
lawyer until near the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in November. 1872. At a meeting of the bar 
of Carbon Countj November 22<\. the following is 
found in the minutes of that meeting: " Assembled for 
the first time in the recollection of living members of 
the bar of Carbon County to commemorate the death 
of an associate." 

Samuel McLane, a native of Carbon County, was 
educated at Lafayette College, Easton ; went to Cali- 
fornia in 1849; returned about three years later, 
studied law. and located in Mauch Chunk in 1855; 
was elected prosecuting attorney in 1856. During 
the excitement consequent upon the discovery of gold 
at Pike's Peak he started for that gold-field, subse- 
quently went to Montana, and returned as the first 
delegate in Congress from that territory. After his 
term of service in Congress expired he purchased a 
plantation in Virginia, where he lived until the time 
of his death, which occurred in 1880: 

Thomas L. Foster, a native of Columbia County, 
Pa., was admitted to the bar in Wilkesbarre, October, 
1844, and soon after located in Mauch Chunk; was 
superintendent of schools for nine years, meantime 
keeping up the practice of law. On the organization 
of the Second National Bank of Mauch Chunk he 
was elected cashier, and has since devoted his time to 
the affairs of the bank. 

Paul R. Weitzel, a native of Northumberland 
County, studied law in Easton; was admitted to the 
bar of Carbon County in 1857, and became a partner 
of O. H. Wheeler. He resided in Mauch Chunk 
until 1867, then removed to Williamsport, and was 
there engaged in the lumber business. In 1871 he 
removed to Seranton, where he now resides and 
practices law. 

Daniel Kalbfuss, a native of Columbia County, Pa., 
was admitted to the Carbon County bar in 1859, and 
soon became distinguished for his eloquence as an 
advocate. He engaged actively in politics. His 
style of eloquence making him exceedingly popular 
as a stump-speaker, his services were called for in 
every election. He twice stumped the whole State of 
Pennsylvania, and was frequently called into other 
States. During the Mollie Maguire trials, in 1875, 
1876, and 1877, he took part in the defense of the 
prisoners with more than his usual zeal. During the 
latter part of these trials his extravagance of act ami 
speech became noticeable, which increased to absolute 
mania, necessitating his removal to an asylum in 1880, 
where he died Feb. 1, 1881. 

Charles Albright, a native of Bucks County, Pa., 
bom Dec. 13, 1830, located in Mauch Chunk in 1856, 
having previously lived for a time in Kansas Terri- 



THE BKNCI1 AM' BAR OF CARBON COUNTY. 



617 



tory and removed on account of the border troubles. 

in Mauri, ('hunk he engaged actively in 
the practice of law, and soon engaged in other busi- 
ness. « >n the breaking out of the war of the fie- 
hellion he became interested in contracts lor army 
supplies, particularly in the manufacture of -hell-. 
In 186:; be entered the army as major of one of the 
Pennsylvania nine months' regiments (One Hundred 
and Thirty-second), and was in the battles of Antii • 
tam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. On the 
expiration of his term of service he again volunteered, 
and was colonel of the Two Hundred and Second 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until 
the close of the war. having 1 n pi ted to briga- 
dier-general. After the war he resumed the practice 
of law, continued in the iron business, engaged in 
mining and preparing slate, manufacture of paint, 
and mining of coal ; takes a live! j interest in politics; 
was elected to Congress as congressman at large, in 
1872, on the Republican ticket; was a candidate for 
Congress in 1878, in the Eleventh District, and was 
defeated, alter a most exciting campaign, by the Hon. 
Robert Klotz. There were four candidates in the 
field, Gen. Albright coming out second, ninety-live 
votes behind the successful candidate. He was also 
one of the organizers of the Second National Hank, 
and its president. He took a very active and laborious 
part for the State in the Mollie Maguire trials. He 
may Ke said to have carried on business enough to 
have filled the time of three men, with the usual 
results,— a sudden breaking down of health, dying 
after a few weeks' sickness in September. 1SSO. 

John D. Bertolette, a native of Reading, came to 
Mauch Chunk and entered the law-office of Charles 
Albright as a student of law in 186u. ( i„ the break- 
ing out of the war he was one of the first to enlist, 
and was adjutant of the Sixth Regiment Nine Months' 
Volunteers, Pennsylvania. On the expiration of this 
term he atonce re-enlisted, and served with distinction 
through the war, becoming adjutant-general with rank 
of colonel. He was several time- severely wounded. 
After the war wits over he resumed the study of law, 
and was admitted to practice in 1S67, and became 
a partner of his preceptor. He was quartern 
general on the staff of Governor Hartranft. He died 
of consumption in April, 1881. 

Stephen E. Sites, a native of Luzerne County, Pa., 
taught school in Beaver Meadow and afterward in 
Nesquehoning ; was elected prothonotary in 1855; 
studied law under the direction of 0. H. Wheeler, 
arid was admitted to the bar in 1859, and became a 
partner of James B. Struthers. The tirm v. 
solved in 1862. Mr. Sites was engaged in various 
schemes of speculation, and finally engaged in mer- 
cantile business, in which he failed. He left for the 
West, and when last heard from was located BOme- 
where in Missouri. 

W. B. Leonard was born at Hancock, Delaware 
1 V Y. When a child his father's family moved 



to Kim Valley, Allegany Co., N. Y., where the boy 
was brought up to farming. Developing a taste for 
learning, he began scbool-teachin 
of age, teaching winters, attending a term at Alfred 
demy now I Diversity , either spring or fall, and 
working between times on the farm, thus paying hi- 
way until he finally graduated from the Alfred Uni- 
versity in >ol the following winter, 
and then commenced the study of law in the office of 
Reynolds & Brundridge, a1 Hornellsville, N. Y., ex- 
pecting to teach and study alternately. In the sum- 
mer of 1869 he was invited to become a member of his 
brother's — Dr. R. Leonard's family in Mauch Chunk, 
and pursue the -tud\ of law in that place, which he 
accepted, and entering the office of Struthers & - 
in September, 1859, wa< admitted to the bar March, 
1861. He soon after formed a partnership with 11. B. 
Burnbam. Mr. Burnham entering the army left him 
in charge of the practice. In 1862 he was elected 
prosecuting attorney, and re-elected in 1865; was 
elected to the State Legislature to represent the coun- 
ties of Carbon and Monroe in 1869, and again in 1870. 
After filling his term of service in the Legislature he 
attended closely to his profession. He died Jan. 1, 
1875, after two days' sickness. He was a man of 
strict integrity, and enjoyed the confidence of the 
community to a remarkable degree. 

Francis P. Longstreet, a native of Wayne County, 
Pa., born 1843 ; died at Lehighton, Carbon Co., Pa., 
April 4, 1880. He served for a term of nine months in 
the army; afterwards moved to Erie, where he studied 
law, and was admitted to the bar in 1873. He left 
Erie on account of failing health, and located at Le- 
highton in 1*76. He engaged in the practice of law, 
and following it as closely as his health would per- 
mit, gained numerous friends, and was highly re- 
spected by all who knew him. 

II. F. Handy, a native of Broome County, N. Y.. 
was admitted to the bar at Binghamton, N. Y . ; re- 
moved to Mauch ("hunk in 1863; formed a partner- 
ship with the late J. H. Simons in 1865. Mr. Simons 
having been elected prothonotary, Mr. Handy carried 
on the law business by himself. He removed to the 
West in l s 7o. and has since lived in Kansas, New 
Mexico, and other place-. He is now located at 
Lansing. Mich. 

I ■'. \. Doney, a native of Wayne County, Pa., lo- 
cated in Mauch Chunk in 1869. He edited a paper 
and practiced law for two or three years, then re- 
moved to Luzerne County, Pa., and now follows 
preaching. 

John C. Dimmick, son of M. M. Dimmick, a native 
of Monroe County, Pa., studied law with his father, 
and was admitted to the bar in October, 1869. He 
practiced law with his father until the death of the 
latter, then he formed a partnership with his cousin. 
E. C. Dimmick. He died January, L875. 

Edward C. Dimmick. a native of Wayne County. 
Pa., cami to Mauch Chunk and studied law with bis 



618 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY I'HNNSYLYANIA. 



uncle, ll'"i W.M Dimmick, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1865. He was elected prosecuting attorney in 
and re-elected in 1871. About 1*77 be removed 
i" Scranton, where he now resides. 

ii. Pa., came to Mauch 
Chunk in 1863; was for a few years clerk in Lehigh 
Vallej Railroad office; subsequently studied law 
with the late Daniel Kalbfuss, and was admitted to 
ctice in 1870; soon after removed to Hazleton, 
Luzerne •'"., Pa., where be practiced law until the 
time of his death, which occurred in 1879. 

F. J. Osborn and Silas I'.. Bozzard were residents 
..i this county when it was first organized, and were 
the members of the bar admitted at the first court. 
We can learn nothing of their antecedents or subse- 
quent career, except that Bozzard is said to have died 
several years ago somewhere in Massachusetts. There 
are others that have lived for a few months or a year 
within the county and have left without leaving any 
record behind them. Most of the eminent lawyers of 
Eastern Pennsylvania have practiced at the Carbon 
County courts from time to time, and were members 
of its bar though not residents of the county. The 
present members of the bar resident within the county 
are: 

Hon. Allen Craig, a native of this county, wdio 
studied law with Hon. M. M. Dimmick, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in June, 1858; was elected prose- 
cuting attorney in 1859; was elected to the House 
of Representatives of Pennsylvania in 1865, and re- 
elected in 1866 and 1867, representing the district 
composed of the counties of Carbon and Monroe. In 
1878 he was elected senator from the district com- 
posed of the counties of Carbon, Monroe, and Pike. 
Mr. Craig is now actively engaged in his profession. 

William M. Rapsher, a native of this county, 
studied law with the Hon. Charles Albright in Mauch 
(/hunk ; was admitted to the bar in 1871 ; located at 
Lehighton ; has represented the county in the Legis- 
lature one term, having been elected in 1876; is now 
residing at Lehighton. 

E. M. Matherson, a native of Mauch Chunk, was 
admitted in 187:!; was a student of the late Daniel 
Kalbfuss; is now prosecuting attorney. 

Edward R. Simons studied law with his father, J. 
H. Simons; was admitted Oct. 21,1873; has served 
six years as prosecuting attorney, and is now engaged 
in law and insurance business. 

William ( ;. Fryman was a student of Gen. Charles 
Albright; was admitted to the bar in 1873, and- be- 
came a partner of his instructor, the firm continuing 
until the death of the general. 

Frederick Bertolette, a native of Union County, 
Pa., was a student of John D. Bertolette ; admitted 
to the bar in June, 1874. 

James S. Loose was also a student and partner of 
J. D. Bertolette ; admitted to the bar in 1875; is now 
a partner of Allen Craig. 

Joseph Kalbfuss studied law with his brother, 



Daniel Kalbfuss; was admitted in October. 1876: is 
Col lector Of internal revenue. 

S. R. Gilham, admitted to the bar June term. 1879; 

ind office, Lehighton. 
L. II. Barber, formerly principal of Mauch Chunk 
High School; ad mil led to the bar January, 1882 ; was 

a student of F. Bertolette. 

Charles < ). Stroh was admitted January, 1883; was 

a stiid.nt of Albright iV Fryman. 

.lames Kiepes. admitted June, 1883 | wa- a student 
and is now a partner of J. G. Fryman. 

John Kline and William Boy] were both admitted 
to the bar in 1878, neither of whom are now residents 
of Carbon ( lounty. 

Causes Celebres— The Mollie Maguire Trials.— 

In the history of what is judicially known as the 
Mollie Maguire trials Carbon County occupies a most 
conspicuous position. It was here the first trial re- 
sulting in conviction and execution took place. The 
evidence elicited on this trial unlocked the mysteries 
of an organization of criminals, and led to the con- 
viction and execution of upwards of twenty persons 
charged with murder, the incarceration in the peni- 
tentiary of many others, and making great numbers 
fugitives from justice. 

The organization of the " Ancient Order of Hi- 
bernians," commonly called "Mollie Maguires," what- 
ever it is or has been elsewhere, in the anthracite coal 
region of Pennsylvania was an organization for the 
perpetration of crime and the protection of criminals. 
At least such was the use made of the organization 
by those having control of its workings. The mem- 
bers of this society were bound together by oaths, and 
recognized each other by signs, tokens, and pass-words, 
and the members were bound under dire penalties to 
obey the orders of their officers, or carry out the res- 
olutions of their body. They were organized in small 
local societies, known as " Bodies," presided over by 
a president, known as "Body Master." 

When any member of a " body" had a grievance 
against any one, he laid the subject before his 
" body," and they determined whether it was of 
sufficient importance to come under the control of 
the "body," and also what measure of redress or 
vengeance should be resorted to. When the object 
of vengeance was to be punished by beating or other 
maltreatment, the members of the " body" were se- 
lected to do the job, or members of other "bodies" 
were solicited to assist or to take the whole matter 
into their hands when great necessity for secrecj 
existed, as in cases where burning out or great bodily 
harm was intended. 

In cases where the taking of life was determined 
on, the intended victim was generally given notice by 
anonymous letter, or by what was known as the coffin 
handbill, which consisted in a rude drawing of a coffin 
with tin' name of the victim written upon it. This 
was put upon the door of the objectionable person or 
his place of business. This was called " giving warn- 



THE BENCH AND BAR OF CARBON COUNTY. 



619 



ing." Win n ti (Tending person was :i pri \ :i t •■ citi- 

■/a ii, or some one whose case was likely t" attract bul 
little attention nr elicit little inquiry, the victim would 
be invited to join a social part) or other gathering, 
when sump disturbance would take plnce in which 
the intended victim would probablj not be interested, 
when some missile would be thrown, or blow struck, 
as if intended for another, and the object of vengeance 
more or less injured, all bj accident, as would be 
alleged. Sometimes at oni of these gatherings the 
executioners would be careless!) handling a gun or 
pistol, when apparently in the most accidental man- 
ner the weapon would be discharged, .'11111 a person 
either killed or maimed for life, as had been previ- 
ously determined, and the victim often persuaded 
that all was purely accidental. Sometimes a victim 
was waylaid and injured without any elue as to the 
perpetrators ; or if suspected and arrested, there were 
always persons ready to prove an alibi l>> swearing 

that at that particular time the suspected person was 
at a wake, frolic, wedding, or funeral, miles away. 
This state of things had long existed prior to the 
breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, which, by 
increasing wages, attracted large numbers of working 
men, laborers, and miners to the anthracite region, 

and recklessness and lawlessness became the order of 

the day. 

The order for enrollment for the draft excited much 
uneasiness, and encountered much opposition from 
most of the laboring class of the mining region, and 
it became impossible to make enrollments. The first 
of the noted murders within the territory of Carbon 
County grew out of the opposition to the draft, and 
while generally ascribed to the Mollie Maguires, and 
accomplished mainly through that organization, there 
were probably many connected with this murder that 
were not members of that organization. It has also 
been urged in defense of the society of the " Ancient 
Order of Hibernians'' that the excitement of the war 
had rendered the organization less particular as to 
who were admitted to membership, and that desperate 
and disreputable persons gained admission to and 
finally control of the order in this county, which 
could not have happened in more peaceful times. 
George K. Smith, superintendent and operator of the 
Audenried Coal-Mines at Audenried, had given the 
enrolling officers a list of the employes at the mines 
controlled by him. (in the evening of Nov. 5, 1863, 
Mr. Smith having retired early, Mrs. Smith was called 
to the door by a knock, when a man a^ked to see Mr. 
Smith, saying he had a letter for him. On Mrs. Smith 
informing tic man that Mr. Smith had retired, he re- 
marked that he could a- well give her the letter, and 
as if in the act of draw ing a Utter from hi- pocket, a 
pistol was exploded setting the man's clothing on fire. 
Immediately the back door of the house was burst in 
and the house filled with nun. and an indiscriminate 
firing of pistols followed. Mr. Smith and his clerk, 
aroused by the noise, were soon in the melee, and en- 



n a desperate hand-to hand encounter. When 

ruders had departed. Mr. Smith was ton ml shot 

h, Mr. I'lrick, his clerk, severely wounded, and 

tin- walls of the house perforated in almost every di- 
rection, while a trail of blood leading from the house 
Bhowed the a3Sailant8 had not escaped without injury. 
I If tin' twenty or more persons iti the hoUSI 
s.cn by Mr. I'lrick, Mrs. Smith, and other members 
of tin' family, not one was recognized, though none 
isguised. It was afterwards remembered that 
the town had been lull of strangers on that day. ami 
they had been buying powder freely ; in fait, as 

tli.. participants said afterwards, they did not leave 

behind them a charj f powder that could I 

if. It was many years before any of tin par- 
ticipants in this crime were brought to justice. 

1 in the night of .In tie 11, 1869, Mr. Hendrix, super- 
intendent of the I'.iiek Mountain Coal Company, was 
brutally beaten in hi- room at hi- boarding-lmu-e in 
the village of Clifton. A gang of men, numbering 
two hundred or more, surrounded the house, broke in 
the door, entered his room, and but for the interference 
of his wife would in all probability have taken his life. 
.Mrs. Hendrix, by throwing herself between her hus- 
band and his assailants, received many blows intended 
for him. Mr. Hendrix was beaten with clubs and 
pistol-butts, besides being kicked and receiving two 
stab- from a knife, one on the jaw, tin- other on the 
shoulder, both undoubtedly intended for his throat. 
After completing their work on Mr. Hendrix the gang 
went to the house of Mr. James Harvey, in search of a 
man against whom they had some grudge or grievance, 
vowing death to the informer, as they denominated 
him. This man, by hiding under the bed of Mr. 
Harvey's children, and Mr. Harvey's earnest declara- 
tion that the man had left in the evening, was saved. 
The party then formed in procession and proceeded 
to Eckly, Luzerne Co., two miles distant, where lived 
a Capt. McGinly, against whom there was some com- 
plaint. 

The captain was a man of spirit, and fearful of an 
encounter with him, armed with his magazine-rifle, 
they broke in the door, and, seizing the captain's 
father, used the old man as a shield to protect them 
in front while advancing up-stairs to attack the son, 
•)i. ..Id man meantime begging the son most piteously 
not to lire, as he would be sure to kill him. The cap- 
tain Was at last reached mot. however, before begot 

lii ..in shot, which from subsequent signs ws 
without effect), knocked down, and beaten into in-, n 
sibility. The party then dispersed, returning to their 
homes, which were, after many years, learned to have 
principally in Audenried and Yorktown. ten 
miles from the -1 1 He ..[ their outrages. 

rhal their coming was known and prepared for was 
tact that the house-dog had 
killed and Mr. Hendrix- pistols removed from his 
room by the servants of the house, and ail ti 
vant- were absent on that evening. 



620 



HISTORY OF CAltBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



On the evening of Dec. 2, 1S71, Morgan Powel, 
superintendent of the Lehigh Coal ami Navigation 

C pany'B mines at Summit Hill and vicinity, was 

murdered At Summit Hill. Between eight and nine 
o'clock he left the store oi Capt. Williamson to visit 
the office of the company across the street. He saw 
several men standing in the street, and had passed 
but a few steps from the store when one of the men 
stepped in front of him and fired a pistol-shot into 
his body, inflicting a mortal wound, from which he 
died two days after. He did not recognize any of the 
men, but from the size and action of one, he sus- 
pected a man with whom he had formerly had some 
difficulty, who was arrested and put on trial, but was 
shown to he perfectly innocent, and it remained for 
several years a mystery who were the actors in that 
deed of blood. 

On the morning of the Md of September, 1875, was 
enacted a tragedy that finally led to the discovery, 
conviction, and execution of the perpetrators of many 
dark crimes. On that morning as John P. Jones, 
mine-boss at Lansford, was going to his work, and 
passing down a path that leads from Storm Hill to the 
depot at Lansford, in daylight, and in sight of many 
people employed about the place, he was overtaken 
by two men, who came running as if in a hurry to 
reach the train that had just arrived at the depot, and 
shot down in the most brutal manner. His murderers 
turned and scrambled up the hill, and, before the wit- 
nesses of the deed fully comprehended the affair or 
had time to organize for pursuit, had gained the covert 
of the woods and were out of sight. Active pursuit 
was soon begun, and by noou had terminated in the 
capture of Michael J. Doyle, Edward Kelly, and 
James Kerrigan, who were securely lodged in jail at 
Mauch Chunk that evening. Doyle and Kelly were 
recognized as the men who did the shooting of Jones, 
and Kerrigan as the man that had been in company 
with them the day before, under pretense of look- 
ing for work, taking in the situation, and becoming 
familiar with the appearance of Jones. When cap- 
tured Kerrigan was supplying Doyle and Kelly with 
refreshments in the woods near Tamaqua. With 
them was captured the celebrated black pistol known 
as the "Roarity Pistol." This pistol was highly es- 
teemed, and called by the Mollies "the lucky pistol," 
and had been used by them in a number of murders, 
among them that of Morgan Powel, Policeman Yost, 
and others. It was a heavy weapon, of large calibre, 
said never to miss fire ; indeed, in the Mollies' estima- 
tion, "just the thing for a clane job." 

The prisoners, Doyle and Kelly, were found to be 
from Mount Laffa, Schuylkill Co., and Kerrigan was 
the body-master of Tamaqua Lodge of Mollies. This 
arrest was one of the greatest importance, not only 
to Carbon County, but to the whole anthracite coal- 
field. It was the first time that perpetrators of crime 
by the Mollie Maguire organization had been arrested 
with a fair chance of their being convicted. The 



Mollies, emboldened by a long course of crime, and 
easy escape from punishment by reason of their ability 
to intimidate «i itnesses and overawe juries, as well as 
their facilities for procuring false witnesses in their 
defense, had become reckless and had exposed them- 
selves to unusual danger. But this did not discourage 
the Mollies or prevent their making desperate exer- 
tions to defend their comrades. .Money was speedily 
raised for the employment of counsel, and some of the 
best lawyers of the country were retained for their 
defense, and when the prisoners were arraigned at the 
October term of Carbon County Court, John W. 
Ryan, Linn Bartholomew, and James B. Riley, of 
Schuylkill Courts, and Daniel Kalbfuss and Edward 
Mulhearn appeared in their behalf. To meet this 
formidable array of legal talent the Coal and Railroad 
Companies authorized their counsel to assist District 
Attorney E. R. Siewers in the prosecution, and F. W. 
Hughes for the Reading Railroad, Charles Albright 
for the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, and 
Allen Craig for the Lehigh Valley Railroad appeared 
in behalf of the people. At the October term, on 
motion of the defendants, who took technical objec- 
tions to the array of jurors, the case went over to the 
January term. Accordingly, on the 18th of January, 
1876, was began the most important criminal trial 
that has ever occurred in the State of Pennsylvania. 
It is not necessary here to detail all the incidents of 
this trial. They have been fairly depicted by F. P. 
Dewees, in a book entitled "The Molly Maguire-," 
published by Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia, 1877, 
and an interesting book by Allan Pinkerton, entitled 
"The Molly Maguire," in which the detective gives 
a full -and interesting account of the doings of the 
noted Detective McParlan, published by Carlton & 
Co., New York, 1877. 

During the trial Mauch Chunk was the scene of 
great anxiety. The Mollies were out in great force. 
Alexander Campbell, body-master of Summit Hill, 
who had procured the assassination of Jones, was on 
hand with a trusty band of lieutenants. Jerry Kane, 
of Mount Latl'a, who had furnished the men for the 
job, was also on hand, mysteriously keeping his room 
at the Broadway Hotel, seeing no one except by 
special announcement, and then but one at a time. 
John Slatterly, of Tuscarora, ex-postmaster and late 
candidate for associate judge of Schuylkill, dignified 
and serene, appeared to almost give respectability to 
the motley rabble of the more plebeian sympathizers 
with the prisoners. Insinuations were freely given 
out "that it would not be well for witnesses to be too 
hard on the prisoners," and any jury that rendered a 
verdict of guilty would henceforth be marked men. 
The most openly active of all the apparent friends of 
the prisoners was a red-haired, rough-looking, hard- 
drinking, reckless representative from Shenandoah. 
Very popular among his acquaintances, and appear- 
ing to have the whole outside manipulation of the de- 
fense in his hands. He was suspected and closely 



THE BENCH AND BAR OF CARBON COI'NTV. 



621 



watched by the local police as a man capable of any 
desperate act, even to heading an attack upon court 
and officers for the purpose of rescuing the prisoners, 
lie was known to the Mollies as James McKenna, but 
pt. Linden, chief of the Coal and Iron Police, he 
was "James M cParlan, the detective." He had been 
among the Mollie Maguires, in the employ of Pinker- 
ton, for three years, and knew all the inside workings 
hi the organization, and, being fully trusted by all of 

them, was admitted to all their i ncils, even to the 

consultations of their attorneys. The prisoners had 
pleaded "not guilty," and demanded separate trials, 
and the commonwealth chose to try Michael J. Doyle, 
hut Kerrigan and Kelly were always present for pur- 
poses of identification. As the trial progressed, and 
the commonwealth developed their chain of evidence, 
and link by link wound it more and more liuhtU 
around the prisoner, all the Mollies became uneasy 
and sullen. Their acute attorneys were not long in 
discovering that some one was divulging all their 
plans. But where was the leak? No one suspected 
McKenna. Was it one of the prisoners not on trial, 
and. it so, whom so likely as Kerrigan? He soon 
saw that he was suspected and shunned. He saw also 
the enormous expense the trial of 1 loyle was entailing 
upon the organization, and where was the money to 
come from tor his defense? Moreover, conversation 
between himself and Doyle in regard to the plans and 
witnesses to prove an alibi in his case had been over- 
heard and detailed. His cowardly soul, that had con- 
cocted, commanded, and assisted in the perpetration 
of many crimes, trembled at the sight of the rope he 
saw was prepared for Doyle, and was about to reach 
him. He informed the district attorney that he wished 
to see him to make a confession. In the language of 
the order of which he was an honored member, he be- 
came a squealer. The commonwealth having com- 
pleted their testimony, and being informed of all the 
plans of the defense, had made their rase so strong by 
tracing Doyle's course almost step by step from the 
time he left Mount Laffa until he was arrested near 
Tamaqua, that no room was left for the carefully- 
prepared alibi, and the witnesses were sent home, and | 
the case left to the jury on the evidence of the com- 
monwealth. The arguments of the lawyers on both 
sides were long, learned, and able. For the defense I 
one would suppose little could he said. Yet the 
speech of Mr. Bartholomew was one of the most in- 
genious and incisive arguments ever presented to a 
jury by an attorney who had an up-hill case, and the 
argument of Kalbfuss abounded in passages that lor 
impassioned eloquence has few equals. The Mollies 
present were so carried away that their cheering had 
to be suppressr. I by the court. And as he described 
in his most burning words what he denounced as a 
"most hideous crime," the corporation sending their 
attorneys to push on the prosecution, one enthusiastic , 
Mollie so far forgot himself as to exclaim at the top 
of his voice, "That's right; give it to them, Dan.'' 



We will not describe the arguments of the attorneys 
for the commonwealth further than to sa\ that they 
were like the men, earnest, learned, precise, and elo- 
quent. One incident must, however, not be omitted. 
Kerrigan, having "squealed," had put into the hands 
of the prosecution all t ho minute details of the proceed- 
ings connected with the killing of Jones. Mr. Hughes 
therefore, in his argument, gave a detailed account of 
the whole affair to the jury, railing it the theory of 
the commonwealth. Many of the Mollies present 
t.a. lowed In detectives for the purpose of ob- 
serving its effect upon them, Alexander Campbell, 
in particular, and Jerry Kane were thus attended to. 
Campbell stood it like a Stoic, the only emotion being 

In- deep attention and an occasional spasmodic twist- 
ing of his black moustache. Not so with Jerry Kane. 
As Mr. Hughes described the message sent by ('amp- 
bell to Kane, Kane's selecting and instructing themen, 
his directing them to rendezvous at Carrol's in Tama- 
qua. the sending out for Kerrigan, his joining them, 
and conducting them to Campbell's at Storm Hill, 
Campbell's taking them to another house at Summit 
Hill to lodge, etc., Kane turned pale, then red, then 
white. Mr. Hughes' speech was hardly concluded 
before Kane left the house, returned to Mount Laffa, 
and next day left the country, and the most diligent 
and persistent search has failed to strike bis trail. 
The charge of Judge Dreher was cool, precise, and 
direct. The jury retired, and, after a lew hours' de- 
liberation, not that there was any doubt in their minds, 
but because they considered the magnitude of the ease 
demanded it, returned a verdict of "Guilty of murder 
in the first degree." 

Thus the first conviction for nearly one hundred 
murders by this Mollie Maguire organization, in vari- 
ous counties of the coal regions, was consummated, an 
informer, in the person of Kerrigan, obtained, and the 
material furnished to crush this nefarious organization, 
we hope, forever. The verdict was rendered February 
1st, and on February 4th, Alexander Campbell, front 
facts elicited during Doyle's trial, and information 
obtained from Kerrigan, was arrested and lodged in 
Maueh Chunk jail, just as he was making arrange- 
ments to take a journey for his health. On the same 
day James Roarity, James Carroll, Hugh McGeehan, 
James Boyle, and Thomas Dully were arrested, and 
taken together to Pottsville, and placed in jail for the 
murder of Policeman Yost, of Tamaqua, on the morn- 
ing of July 6, 1875. Most of these men were residents 
of Carbon County, and had murdered the policeman 
.it i he request of James Kerrigan, of Tamaqua. These 
arrests, and the knowledge that Kerrigan had turned 

informer and McKenna (McParlan) was suspected 

of being a spy, produced great consternation among 
the Mollies throughout the whole region. 

Edward Kelly was brought to trial for the murder 
of John P. Jones, March 27, 1876, the same counsel 
appearing on the part of the commonwealth as in the 
Doyle trial. < In the part of the defense, Hon. Linn 



622 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Bartholomew, Daniel Kalbfuss, Gen. John 1). Berto- 
lette, and Edward Mulhearn. The evidence was a 
repetition of that in the Doyle case. Much excitement 
was manifest, a- it was expected that Kerrigan would 
be put on the stand as a witness, and all were an sious 

to know how far his disclosures would go, and wh 

be would implicate in the many crimes be was notori- 
ously cognizant of, bu( the commonwealth had more 
than enough without, and the commonwealth did not 
choose to give Ihe defense a chance to ventilate the 
character of Kerrigan and thus prejudice their case 
Indole the jury. The defense did not offer any testi- 
mony, and the case, like thai ol Doyle, went to the 
jury on the evidence of the commonwealth. There 
was great effort on the part of the attorneys for the 
defense to create sympathy for Kelly on account of 
his youth, he being but nineteen years old, the fact 
that his lather had fallen a victim to a coal-mine acci- 
dent a few days alter his son's arrest, and the heart- 
broken condition of his widowed mother, who clung 
to ber son in his deplorable condition; but the use 
made of the widow of John P. Jones and his three 

orphaned children by the attorney- lor the common- 
wealth was a fair offset to all their best efforts. The 
trial lasted ten days, and, like that of Doyle, resulted 
in a verdict of guilty. The usual motions for arrest 
of judgment, granting of new trial, etc., having been 
disposed of negatively, both were sentenced by Judge 
Dreher to death by hanging, and Governor John F. 
Hartranft issued death-warrants, ordering the execu- 
tion of Doyle on the 3d and Kelly on the 4th of May. 
This prompt action of the Governor, who, they 
claimed, they had elected, and that two could be 
hung for one murder, was a new revelation to the 
Mollies, and was most vehemently discussed by the 
men of Mollie proclivities. 

Hut greater surprises were in store for them. Alex- 
ander Campbell was arraigned for trial for the murder 
of John 1'. Jones, June 20,1876, the execution ofDoyle 
and Kelly in the mean time having been stayed by ap- 
peal to the Supreme Court on writs of error. It was 
not claimed that Campbell was present and aided in 
the killing of Jones, but had procured the killing by 
others. Campbell was justly regarded by the author- 
ities as one of the most dangerous men in the organ- 
ization. Smart, ambitious, vindictive, revengeful, and 
unscrupulous, possessed of considerable means, cool 
and determined in his purposes, he had ruled the 
members of his division with a strong hand for years. 
He had for counsel E. T. Fox, of Gaston, David 
Kalbfuss, and E. Mulhearn. 

The .Mollie Maguires made a desperate effort in this 

trial to break down the evidence of Jimmy Kerrigan, 
the "squealer," and James Mcl'arhin, the detective, ( 
who had heen used in the I rial- of I he Yost murderers, 

at I'ottsvillc, in May. One of the jurors sickened and 

died before the case was ended, so the case of Camp- 
hell was the third trial of a Mollie for murder. On 
the question of admitting the evidence of Kerrigan, 



ihe squealer, some of the sharpest tilts between at- 
torneys that were ever witnessed at this bar took 
place, Mr. Fox depicting the enormity of admitting 
the evidence of an accomplice and self-confessed 
murderer against a man on trial for his life, and Mr. 
Hughes replying by depicting in the most forceful 
manner the terrors engendered by the heinous crimes 
perpetrated by the accused and his co-conspirators, 
the " wails of widows and the cries of orphans, made 
such by the sudden taking oil' of husbands and lath- 
ers by tie command of this horrible society," main- 
taining that the admission of the testimony was right 
in law and fully justified in the discretion of the court. 
The evidence was admitted, and it was clearly proven 
by both Kerrigan and McParlan that the murder of 
Jones was the earn ing out of a bargain between Kerri- 
gan and Campbell in consideration for the killing of 

policeman Yost. 

Campbell was found by the jury guilty of murder 

in the first degree, to the utter disc fiture of the 

Mollies, who, it appears, first realized that ''an accom- 
plice before ihe tad" is equally guilty with the active 
agents. Soon after this trial a number of the wit- 
nesses for the defense were arrested and hound over 
on charge of perjury, thus showing that it was no 
longer safe to swear to anything this organization dic- 
tated regardless of truth. At the same time the trials 
were going on in Carbon County the perpetrators of 
similar crimes in Schuylkill were being arrested and 
their trials pressed with all possible speed, and as the 
commonwealth had now testimony that could not be 
shaken by all the desperate attempts of perjured wit- 
nesses, conviction followed every trial, "squealers" 
were multiplied, and the perpetrators of almost forgot- 
ten crimes were being arrested. At the October term 
(1876) of Carbon County Court, District Attorney 
Sei were called up the eases of John Donahue, Thomas 
P. Fisher, Patrick MeKenna, and Alexander Camp- 
bell, charged with the murder of Morgan Powel. 
Cornelius McHugb and Charles Mulhearn had been 
arrested for the same crime, but showing "squealing" 
propensities, were reserved as witnesses. The pris- 
oners demanded separate trials, and John Donahue 
was selected by the commonwealth. So demoralized 
were the Mollies that no attorneys were retained for 
him, and the court appointed W. M. Rapsher, Fred- 
erick Bertolette, Peter J. Michener, and James L. 
Loose, Esqs., for his defense; but no skill could save 
him. It was clearly proven that on the request of 
Alexander Campbell, with a pronii-e of one hundred 
dollars for the job, he selected his men at Tuscarora, 
and, heading the gang, went to Tamaqua, where 
they met Cornelius Mcllugh, who piloted them to 
Summit Hill, to a place designated by Campbell, 
when, meeting Fisher and MeKenna, they proceeded 
to near the store of Williamson, when' Powel was 
shot by Donahue, a- has been previously narrated. 
Donahue was a hardened old sinner, having been 
guilty of several murders, of which be was wont to 



MEDICAL HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY— BIOGRAI'II 1C \ I. SKETCHES. 



623 



boasl i<> hi- companions, but was always especially 
proud of the -hooting of Morgan Powel. On this 
trial Charles Mulhearn was produced as a witness. 
Hi- was nut a favorable specimen of the genus Mollie, 
Inn, as some one has denominated him, " the dirties) 
dog in the pack." lie told his story with apparent 
frankness, and detailed his life of crime with a smile 
of triumph, especially when depicting the sufferings 
of such victims of his brutality a- Mr. Hcndrix and 
('apt. McGinly. Donahue was convicted and sen- 
tenced. At the January term ■•!' court, 1S77. Alex- 
ander Campbell, under sentence of death for the 
murder of John P.Jones, and in win. appeal 

had been taken to the Supreme Court, was tried for 
the murder of Morgan Powel, and again con 
t in receiving his sentence he smilingly inquired if he 
would have to be hung tw ice. Thoraaa I'. Fisher and 
Patrick McKenna were tried together. The evidence 
against the two was about the -aim-. Both bad 
at the rendezvous and met Donahue and his men 
when McHugh piloted them from Tamaqua; had 
taken char;:.- of them, and conducted them to the 
place of the killing, and while waiting for their vic- 
tim told their grievance against Powel, which was 
that he had refused to give Alexander Campbell a 

g I place in the mines, and did not give Irishmen 

as good chance as lie did the English or Welsh ; thej 
both stood by and saw the shooting, and assisted in the 
escape of the assassins. The jury found Eisher guilty 
of murder in the first degree, and McKenna guilty in 
the second degree. John J. Slaterly, of Tuscarora, 
win. had been a witness on the first trial id' Campbell, 
now appeared as a "squealer," having had some sad 
Hence in the Schuylkill County courts, and 
turned informer to avoid a long session in the 
penitentiary. The workings of the Mollie Maguire 
organization, as given by him, are too long for in- 
sertion here, but may be found in Mr. Dewees' book, 
before referred to. 

The defense of Doyle, Kelly, and Campbell having 
exhausted all legal means in their behalf, the three, 
with John 1 tonahue, were executed together by Sheriff 
Kaudenbush, in June, 1S77. 

I In the same day -ix were executed at Pottsville. 
Two of tin accessories before the fact to the killing 
ol Morgan Powel were tried at Mauch Chunk for 

murder, and convicted of murder in the second degree. 
One had taken the message to John Donahue from 

Tamaqua to Tuscarora informing him that Campbell 
wanted men sent to do the murder, and the other had 
been selected a- on,, of the men to go with Donahue, 
but tailed to meel him at Tamaqua, though he was at 

the place ten minute- alter the party had left. They, 
with McKenna, were sent to tin- penitentiary, Mc- 
Eenna tor nine year-, the other- four and five years. 
I bis was not the end of Mollie trials. Several par- 
ticipants in the mm orge K. Smith had been 
denounced by the "squealers" ami indicted, hut most 
of them were fugitives from justice. Due of them, 



McDaniels, known a- (he "hairy man," wa- traced 
to Wisconsin, arrested, and brought to Mauch Chunk, 

tried, convicted, and hanged. lie had been 
Cerned in a murder in Schuylkill County, the more 
guilty of the party having escaped to Canada. The 
"hairy man" informed on them, and one at hast was 
returned from Canada, and tried at Pottsville, con- 
ited, McDaniels being the princi- 
pal witness alter he had been convicted in Carbon 
County. William Sharp, another accused of the 
Smith murder, was arrested and tried, prim 
on evidence of informers, to whom he bad, a- they 
alleged, made conic— ion-. These two were executed 
at the same time. Fisher had been already banged, 
aftermost pi r-i-tent efforts In hi- conn-eland friends 
to obtain a commutation of sentenci . 

The members of the Mollie M rganization 

having been denounced aid excommunicated by the 

Roman Catholic Church, and the branches of the 
n the counties where trials and convictions 

have taken place having been suspended by the 
Ancient Order of Hibernians of Pennsylvania, it is 
hoped that this power tor mischief is gone forever. 



CHAP TEE VI. 

MEDICAL HISTORY OF I ARBOH I 01 vn - BIO 
GRAPHICAL 3KETI H I -.' 

No physician resided within the limits of < 
County previous to the mining of coal and the im- 
provement of the Lehigh River for the purpose of 
eying it to market. 

Benjamin Rush McConnell, M.D., a native of Phil- 
adelphia and a graduate of the University of Penn- 
sylvania, was probably the first regular physician to 
in the county. He located at Mauch Chunk, 
as the physician of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company, about 1824, and lived there until 1840, 
practicing hi- profession and also engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits for a part of the time; then removed 
to Summit Hill, where he continued to practice as 
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company's physi- 
cian for many years. He died at Summit Hill, in 
1861. 

Dr. John 1). Thompson, a native of Menden, N. J., 
located at Weissport ill 1826. He wa- lor a long 
time the only physician in the lower part of the 
county. He removed to Mauch (.'hunk in 1840, 
where he continued ti ad practice until his 

which or, Mined from cholera in L854. 

Rensselaer Leonard, M.D., was horn April 1:.'. 1821, 
at Hancock, Delaware Co., N. Y. In 1837 he re- 
moved with hi- lather's family to Kim Valley, near 
Wellsville, Allegany Co.. N. V., and in L841 com- 

i Bj Dr. It. 1. ti.t !. ol Muuch Chunk. 



624 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



menced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. G. 
B. Jones, of Wellsville, and graduated from the 
Castleton Medical College in Vermont, Nov. 24,1845, 
pari of tin- last year's study having been in the i 
of J. K. Hartshorn, M.D., at Lifted Centre. Alter 
graduating in medicine he practiced for a time with 
Dr. Jones, in Wellsville, and thru traveled for about 
one year, giving popular lectures on anatomy and 
physiology, illustrating the subject with a manikin. 

Lcquaintani es formed while traveling induced him 
to locate in the anthracite coal region, and in Decem- 
ber, 1M7, he removed to Beaver Meadow and became 
the assistant of Dr. A. 1!. Longshore, who had the 
contract of attending the families of the employes at 
the coal-mines of the region, and also the people em- 
ployed by the Beaver -Meadow Railroad Company in 
operating their road and in their shops atWeatherly. 
He remained in the employ of Dr. Longshore until 
the great freshet of September, 1850, which nearly 
destroyed the Beaver Meadow Railroad, and so in- 
jured the mines as to suspend all operations for six 
months or more. .Most of the men and many whole 
families seeking employment and homes elsewhere, 
the doctor joined in the general exodus, and located 
at Llewellyn. Schuylkill Co., as physician for several 
of the mining villages in that neighborhood. In 
1852, Dr. Longshore removing from Heaver Meadow 
to Hazleton, Dr. Leonard took his place at Beaver 
Meadow, where he practiced until the fall of 1854, 
when two of the physicians of Mauch Chunk, Drs. 
Thompson and Righter, having died during the 
cholera epidemic of that year, he removed to Mauch 
Chunk. 

Dr. Leonard takes a deep interest in all societies 
and associations for the promotion of the interests 
and efficiency of the medical profession, and has had 
many of their honors conferred upon him. He is 
now (1884) a member and president of the Carbon 
County Medical Society ; also president of the Le- 
high Valley Medical Association, a member of the 
Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and one of the 
censors of the Sixth Medical District of the State, a 
member of the National Medical Association of the 
United States, and one of the consulting surgeons to 
St. Luke's Hospital, at Bethlehem, and one of the 
pension surgeons of Carbon County. The doctor has 
always been a decided politician, and was elected 
associate judge by the Democratic party in 1876, 
served five years, and declined being a candidate in 
1881, giving way for the Hon. Harry E. Packer. 

The doctor is the seventh in descent from John 
Leonard, one of the first settlers of Springfield, Mass., 
the family having a record of residence in that town 
since 1636. Among other relics of the family the 
doctor has the military stock, with its silver buckles, 
worn by his great-grandfather, Col. David Leonard, 
during the Revolutionary war. The doctor married. 
January, 1841), Sarah S., oldest daughter of Dr. E. L. 
Boyd, of Wilkesbarre. 



Philip De Young, a native of Berks County, a grad- 
uate from the University of Pennsylvania, located 
in Mauch Chunk in l>.'.i;, and opened the first drug- 
store in the county. lie practiced medicine and 
surgerj lor several years, then removed to Philadel- 
phia in 1844, where he followed his profession until 
his death, which occurred in 1880. 

Thomas Drake, M.D., a native of Wilkesbarre, Pa., 
located at Mauch Chunk in 1845, residing there for 
about two years, when his health failing he returned 
to Wilkesbarre, where he died about 1850. He was 

a man of much ability, varied learning, and a good 

surgeon. 

Ludwig I. Flentje, M.D., a native of Germany, 
located in .Mauch Chunk in 1847, as physician, sur- 
geon, and apothecary, making diseases and operations 
upon the eye a specialty. He was a man of high cul- 
l ti ie. varied learning, and tine musical talent. He 
died in 1882 of cancer of the tongue. 

W. W. Righter, M.D., studied in the office of his 
uncle, the late Dr. Willson, of Berwick, Pa., and after 
graduating practiced successfully iu Berwick for sev- 
eral years. Removed to Mauch Chunk in 1850. 
Died of cholera during an epidemic of that disease 
in the summer of 1854. He was a popular and skill- 
ful physician and surgeon, and a man of fine social 
qualities. 

George W. Masser, M.D., native of Northumber- 
land County, Pa., located in Mauch Chunk in 1844, 
purchasing the drug-store and practice of Dr. De- 
Young. He removed to Scranton in 1854, where 
he resided until his death, which occurred in 1869. 
He served for a time as volunteer surgeon in the 
army during the war of the Rebellion. 

Dr. A. I. Bross removed from Berwick, Pa., to 
Mauch Chunk in 1854. His health failing, he re- 
turned to Berwick, and died of consumption in 1857. 

Richard Fields, a native of Yorkshire, England, 
studied in Edinburgh, Scotland, emigrated to this 
country, and settled in Mauch Chunk in 1847, where 
he practiced until 1853, when be returned to Eng- 
land, and soon after emigrated to Australia, where he 
died in 1859 or 1860. 

H. R. Linderman, M.D., a native of Pike County, 
Pa., located in Nesquehoning in 1851, and practiced 
there till 1853, when, receiving the appointment of 
clerk iu the mint, he removed to Philadelphia. He 
never practiced medicine afterwards, except to volun- 
teer his services to Mauch Chunk during the cholera 
epidemic of 1854. All the resident physicians except 
Dr. J. B. Linderman, his brother, being stricken and 
dying of the disease, he was excused from bis duties at 
the mint, and rendered very efficient and acceptable 
services to the afflicted of the stricken town. He be- 
came general superintendent or director of all the 
mints. He died in Washington, D. G, of Bright's 
disease of the kidneys. 

Dr. Bolles located in Beaver Meadow about 1836 ; 
removed to Tunkhannock about 184<), and died several 




^c ^6^,^w /2^ 



J> 



MEDICAL HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY— BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 625 



years ago. He was succeeded at Beaver Meadow by 
Dr. It. M. Stanbury, who remained there until 1846. 
He subsequently went to California, where he died. 
His successor al Beaver Meadow was A. B. Lough ran, 
M.I)., a native of Luzerne County, graduate of Jell 
boh Medical College, 1846. He attended all the men 
and families by subscription "t- monthly paymi > 
being employed bythe operators of the Leaver Meadow 
mines and Beaver Meadow Railroad, also the • 
ployes in the shops at Weatherly and the mine- at 
Jeanesville and Colerain. He resided in Beaver 
Meadow until 1852, when he moved to lla/.leton. 
where he died in 1875. He was a man of great in- 
dustry, ami had much experience in treating 
and accidents peculiar to mining and the operating of 

railroad-, and treated them with greal skill and suc- 
cess. 

A. Zeigenfuss, M.D., a native of Montgo 
County, 1'a. ; graduated at Jefferson Medical Colli 
came to Carbon County about 1855, and located al Buck 
Mountain, as assistant t.> Dr. D. K. Shoemaker, phy- 
sician in charge of the Buck Mountain i loal < lompany's 
mines; practiced with Dr. Shoemaker tor three or four 
years, then removed to Jeanesville, and was assistant 
to Dr. Redfield, who hud charge of the Jeanesville and 
Audenried mines. Dr. Shoemaker removing to Maucfa 
Chunk in 18">9, Dr. Zeigenfuss took his place as phy- 
sician for the mines, and retained the position until 
his death, which occurred in 1869. 

Michael Th impson, M.D., a native of England, came 
to America with hi- father when young: was first a 
mechanic ; afterwards studied medicine, graduating 
at the Jefferson Medical College in 1861 : soon after 
entered the army as assistant surgeon of volunteer- ; 
ned his commission, and settled at Summit Hill, 
Carbon Co., in 1863, where he had an extensive pn 
tice until his last sickness and death, in 1876 

Dr. ( leorge J. Kost, a native of Germany, located Mr 
the practice of medicine at Lehigh Gap in 1841 ; re- 
moved to Weissport in 1858, where he died in 1866. 
II.- was a man of great activity, and enjoyed an ex- 
tensive practice. 

J. G. Ohl, M.I >.. a native of Columbia County, I 'a.: 
graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 1855, and 
immediately afterwards located at Summit Hill, and 
soon obtained an extensive practice. He died in 
1863. 

Thoma.- Higgins, M.D., a native of Northumberland 
County. Pa.; graduated from one of the Philadelphia 
medical colleges, and located at Nesquehoning in 
1847. He removed from there to Tamaqua, in Schuyl- 
kill County, in 1850, where he died in 1868. 

Horace D. Young, M.D., a native of Northampton 
County, Pa.; graduated from Pennsylvania Medical 
College in 1861; soon after located at Goulsborough 
f.r one year; then entered the army as volunteer sur- 
geon, and served through Pope's Virginia campaign, 
and also at Antietam. He left the army, and settled 
in Mauch Chunk in 1863, where he soon secured a 
40 



large practice, which he retained until the time of his 

death, which occurred suddenly by apoplexy, in May, 
1882. 

O. \ Rives, Ml 1 , a 'i.ii i e of nty, 

V C.j graduated from the New Orleans School of 
Medicine in 1861; located at Parryville, in this 
county, in l s 71 ; removed to Nesquehoning in 1873. 
Hi- health tailing, he removed from the county in 
1882, and died in L883. 

Plemming Webster, M.D., a native of Lye 
County, Pa.; graduated from the Albany Medical 
College, New York, in L856. He located al Weath- 
erly in 1859 I the first physician resident in that pla 

where he practiced until L869, when he removed, gave 
up practice, and, leading an irregular life, died in 
1882. 

Dr. N. G. Warlms, a native of Easton, Pa., lo 
at Rock port a- physician for the Puck Mountain I 
Company in 1848. He retired from practice in 1851, 
and for two or three years kept the Rockport Hotel, 
then removed to Hazleton, and in 1854 removed to 
Oregon, and subsequenth to Washington Territory, 
where he died several years ago. 

Anthony Dimmick, M.D.. graduated from the Jef- 
ferson Medical College in 1861 ; located at Audenried 
as physician for the mines of Audenried. Yorktown, 
etc.. employing one or more assistants for several 
years. He died of pneumonia in 18S0. 

There are a number of physicians, now dead, who 
have practiced much in this county, of whose ante- 
cedents or subsequent career but little can now be 
learned, among them Dr. Jackson, who practiced 
in Mauch Chunk in 1836 and 1837, removed to 
Wilkesbarre, and from there to Sullivan County. 
He has been dead many years. 

Dr. McConalogue, a native of Ireland, came to Sum- 
mit Hill about 1850; died in 1875. 

Dr. Jacob G. Zern is a descendant, in the fifth gen- 
eration, of Adam Zern, who emigrated from Ger- 
many at an early day, and settled in Montgomery 
County, Pa., where he became one of the pioneers of 
that now populous and wealthy county. The line of 
descent is Adam 1 , Abraham 2 , Abraham 3 , Jacob*, and 
Jacob G. Zern'. His parents are Jacob and Sophia 
■ I Ibert) Zern, of Montgomery County. The former 
has been an active minister of the Evangelical Asso- 
ciation for over a quarter of a century, and is well 
known throughout the eastern section of Pennsylva- 
nia as a man of piety and a useful and valuable min- 
ister of i Ihrist. 

I lr. Zern wa- born in New Hanover township, Mont- 
gomery Co., Pa., Feb. 24, 1845. The earlier years 
of his life were passed in farming pursuits, during 
which time he also attended the district schools of his 
native locality until he attained his eighteenth year. 
He subsequently received instruction at the State 
Normal School at Millersville, and, after pursuing his 
studies at that institution, engaged in teaching school 
in Lancaster County. In the summer of 1864 he en- 



626 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



listed as a soldier in Company C, One Hundred and 

Ninety-fifth Regimen! IN nn-\ Ivania Volunteers, and 
served until of the war. After leaving the 

army he commenced the studj of medicine in the 
office of Dr. s. B. Detwiler, of Vfontgom 
and subsequently attended lectures in the medical 
department of the University of Pennsylvania, from 

which institution lie was graduated with the degree 
ofDoctoi of Medicine in IXGS. Soon alter his gradu- 
ation he located in the practice of hie profession al 
Weissport, where he soon earned a place among the 
successful practitioners of Carbon t tounty, and where 
tie i- -lill in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative 
practice. He has identified himself, also, with the 
business interests of his locality, and is a director of 
the Lehigh Valley Emery- Wheel Company . al Weiss- 
port, and of the First National Hani; of I.ehighton. 
He enjoys the confidence of his neighbors and friends, 
and has filled many positions of trust and responsi- 
bility in connection with local affairs. In 1878 he 
was elected to represent Carbon County in the State 
Legislature, and was re-elected in 1880. While a 
member of that body he was appointed to serve on 
such important committees as the Judiciary, Federal 
Relations. ( institutional Reform, Insurance, and Min- 
ing, and represented his constituency in an able and 
satisfactory manner. He is one of the self-made. 
progressive, growing men of the county, and held in 
general respeel by a large circle of acquaintances. He 
is a member of the State Medical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania, and also of the Carbon County Medical Society, 
of which he was the first president, and takes an 
earnest and active part in all movements tending to 
advance the interests of his profession. His wife is 
Ella M., daughter of the late Abraham and Margaret 
i Fenneri Edinger, of Monroe County, Pa., where her 
father was a prominent and enterprising citizen. The 
two children are Harry and Katie Zern. 

Dr. J. C. Kreamer.— On Oct. 6, 1806, in the town- 
ship of Lower Nazareth, Northampton I lo., at Heck- 
town, was born J. N. Kreamer, the father of the 
subject of this sketch. Mr. Kreamer followed mer- 
chant tailoring for a period of over thirty years, when 
he retired from business cares and settled down to 
farming, which he continued until the time of his 
death, which occurred March 23,1873. He married 
Mi-- Julia X. Snyder, who was born at Lehigh Gap, 
in the year 1808. Her father, Daniel Snyder, was by 
trade a tanner and currier. She, as a young lady, 
enjoyed all the educational advantages that were 
available in those days. She proved herself to be a 
most worthy mother. Their married life resulted in 
the birth of seven children, of whom J. C. Kreamer 
was the eldest. He was horn at the old homestead, 
at Hecktown, Dec. 18, 1833. His younger days were 
spent in securing an education. At the age of six- 
finding a better education needed than could he 
derived from public schools, he went to Allentown, 
Pa., where he spent two years at the Reynolds' 



rv, which was the building now known as the 

.Muhlenberg College. From here, in 1855, he went 

5i gersville, Lehigh Co.,where he began to read 

medicine under the instruction of Dr. Josiah Kern, 
lb remained there as a student for two years, when, 
having prepared himself, he matriculated at the 

Pittsfield Berkshire Medical College, Massachusetts, 

where he attended a full course of lectures, gradu- 
ating from the same in 1859, from which place he 
returned to Aquashicola, Carbon Co., Pa., his present 
home. He began practicing here, and has continued 
until the present time. In 1865 he was elected coroner 
of Carbon County for a term of three years. In the 
fall of 1877 the doctor was honored by the county of 
Carbon in making him their representative in the 
State Legislature at Harrisburg, Pa., where hi 
hi- term of office with great credit to himself and his 
constituents. He has given bis personal attention for 
nine years to the public schools of his town, which 
have llourished under his supervision. He is at this 
time president of the Carbon Industrial Society. He 
has ben a member, since its organization, of the Car- 
bon County Medical Society. He is also a director 
and secretary of the Farmers' Fire Insurance Com- 
pany, of Millport, Pa. 

On Dec. 12, 1S58, he married Miss Mary, daughter 
of Daniel and Elizabeth Schier, who was born Oct. 
17, 1836. She had all the advantages and opportuni- 
ties that were afforded to farmers' daughters. The 
issue of their uuion resulted in three children, two of 
whom are living, — Misses Emma E. and Lilly J., — 
wdio have both had most excellent opportunities of 
obtaining educations. 

While the doctor has established an enviable repu- 
tation and practice by his knowledge, carefulness, 
and skill as a physician, he has found some time 
to give to the cultivation of a beautiful tract of land 
immediately surrounding his home, which by careful 
supervision of the work has made him the happy 
possessor of one of the finest farms in Carbon County. 

In Dr. Kreamer we have an example of true man- 
hood and a modest, unassuming gentleman, who by 
his culture and gentleness of manner commands the 
respect of all who know him. 

Among physicians who have practiced in Carbon 
County, but wdio are now located elsewhere, the first 
deserving of notice is Dr. David Hunter, a veteran of 
the profession, now eighty-two years old, living on 
bis farm near Tamaqua, Pa. Dr. Hunter was one of 
the pioneer physicians of the county, locating at 
Lowerytown, now Lehigh township, near Rockport, 
in ls^t;, his practice extending over an extensive 
territory, thinly inhabited by lumbermen and such 
squatters as arc usually found in a wild frontier coun 
try. Of roads there being next to none, the doctor 
found it most convenient to make his visits on foot, 
as it enabled him to take advantage of by-paths and 
cross-cuts, besides giving hint the advantage of carry- 
ing and using his ri Ho, the spoils from which were fre- 




/ 



MKDICAL HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY— BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



627 



quently the moat profitable part of the trip. .Mini's 
being opened ;it Beaver Meadow, he located there 
after a few years of the bushwhacking practice of 
Lowerytown. 

The practice of medicine being insufficient to 
occupy his time, or not remunerative enough to 

satisfy a reasonable ambition, caused him to look 

about for other means of employing his time or other 
sources of profit. He thus became interested in the 
manufacture of blasting-powder for the mines. This 
eventually located him in Tamaqua, somewhere about 
1834 or 1835, when- he was the leading physician and 
surgeon of the place and vicinity until age suggested 
the propriety of retiring from active life. As before 
staled, be is now living retired upon a farm, respected 
by all who know him. 

W. L. Richardson, M.D., ;i native of Susquehanna 
County, Pa., a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, 
practiced for some time in his native county, then 
located at Nesquehoning as physician for He- miners 
about 1854; removed to Montrose, where he now re- 
sides, about 1873. He has ever been a faithful and 
conscientious physician, kind and attentive to his 
patients, gentlemanly and courteous to his brother 
practitioners. Always a strict observer of the code 
of medical ethics, he is an active member of the 
county medical societies where he has resided, also 
of the State Medical Society and of the National 

Medical Association. 

J. B. Linderman, M.I >., a native of Pike Count} , I 'a., 
graduated from the Medical Department of the Uni- 
versity of New York in 1851 ; practiced for a time in 
t Irange County, N. Y. ; removed to Nesquehoning in 
1853, taking the place of his brother, who had received 
an appointment in the United States Mint at Phila- 
delphia. Alter a year's residence at Nesquehoning 
he located in Mauch Chunk, and practiced until 1858, 
when, becoming interested in the mining and ship- 
ping of coal, he relinquished the profession of medi- 
cine. He is now residing on Fountain Hill, South 
Bethlehem, extensively engaged in the mining of coal 
and iron, and manufacture of iron and steel. 

John I!. Longshore. M.D., a native of Philadelphia, 
graduated at the Pennsylvania Medical College in 
18 16. After practicing for a time in Bucks and after- 
wards in Luzerne County, he located at Beaver 
Meadow in the fall of 1854, where he resided and 
practiced until 1881, when he sold his residence and 
practice to C. L. Allen, M.D., from Williamsport, who 
is now in practice in that place. Dr. Longshore is now 
living retired from the profession on a farm near 
Lambertville, X. J. He was for many years physician 
to the Middle Coal-Field Poor District, poor-house 
and hospital, and for one term a director of the dis- 
trict; always took an active part in township affairs; 
served as school director and justice of the peace, and 
was a very useful man generally. 

D. K. Shoemaker, M.D., a native of Montgomery 
County, graduated at Jefferson Medical College in 



1845; practiced for a time in his native county; rc- 
naoved to Bockporl as physician to the Buck Moun- 
tain Coal-Mines, and was tie- firs) physician to the 
poor-bouse of the Middle Coal- field District. Here- 
sided at Bockporl from 1851 until 1859, when he moved 
to Mauch < 'hunk ; was appointed lazaretto physician 
to the port of Philadelphia by Governor Curtin in 
1861, and served for three years. I- now practicing 
in the city of Philadelphia. 

Horace Ladd, M.D., a graduate of Jefferson Medi- 
cal College, and native of Philadelphia, came to Sum- 
mit Hill in l s -"d ; removed to Mauch Chunk in 1- 
I left there to locate in Scranton, Pa., in 1859; removed 
from Scranton to Philadelphia in 1880, where he is 
now practicing. 

J. H.Wyeth, A.M., M.D., a native of England, Meth- 
odist preacher, came to this country about 1852. Be- 
coming interested in the microscope, he wrote a book 
entitled the "Microscope for Popular Use." This 
brought him in contact with medical men, and he 
studied medicine and graduated at the University of 
| Pennsylvania. He first located at Port ( 'arbon, Schuyl- 
kill Co.; removed to Jeanesville, Luzerne Co., and 
from there to Mauch Chunk in 1861. In 1862 he 
made application for admission to the regular army 
as surgeon, and was appointed assistant surgeon, and 
ordered to report at San Francisco, Cal., and obeyed 
the order. Soon finding that the pay of assistant sur- 
geon was insufficient for the support of a wife and 
seven children, he resigned his commission in the army 
and joined the Conference as a stationed preacher. 
Soon after be received the position of professor and 
president of the faculty of Wilmot College, in Oregon, 
which he held one year; then returned to California, 
where at last accounts he was preaching and practicing 
■ medicine, between sermons. He was authorol Wyeth's 

I "Physician's Pocket Dose Book," and s e other 

' small works, besides the one on the microscope before 
mentioned. 

Dr. Richard Halsey, a native of Delaware County, 
N . Y., was the first resident physician at Nesquehon- 
ing, locating there about 1846 ; subsequently removed 
to White Haven in 1848 or 1849, where he now resides. 
Alexander McCrea, a native of Mauch Chunk, grad- 
uated at the Long Island Hospital Medical College in 
1865, and located at Berwick, Columbia Co. His 
health becoming impaired from malaria, he returned 
to Mauch Chunk, and took a partnership in a drug- 
store, and attended occasionally to practice. Health 
restored, he again located in Berwick, where he now 
resides. 

B, c. Davis, a native of England, graduate of Jef- 
ferson Medical College in 1873, located at Lansford 
immediately after graduating, and practiced bis pro- 
fession there until 18X3, \\ Inn he removed to Mabanoy 
( ity, wdiere he now resides 

A. C. Smith, M.D., a native of Warren County. 
V . I., graduated from the University of Pennsylvania 
in 1850, located at Reiglisville, Bucks Co., Pa., and re- 



G28 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



moved from there t<> Mauch Chunk iu 1863, when- he 
continued Ins practice until 1874, when his Gather 
died, and !)<■ removed to Bloomsbury, N. J. : was one 
of the organizers of the Bloomsbury National Bank, 
and one of its officers for five years, when he resumed 
the practice of his profession, which he still continues. 

There are many other physicans who have resided 
in Carbon County for a time, and are now living else- 
where, among whom is Dr. Forrist, who lived for a 
year or more at Weatherly about 1864, then removed 
to Kansas. I>r. Pearce and Dr. Kiser both practiced 
in Weatherly for a year or more, the former removing 
to Hazleton, the latter first to Nesquehoning, and 
afterwards to Tamaqua. Drs. Walton and McConib 
practiced at Buck Mountain for a year or two, Dr. 
Walton removing to Schuylkill County and Dr. Mc- 
Comb to Philadelphia. Dr. Newbaker practiced at 
Wei-sport for a year or two about 1864 and 1865, and 
removed to Montour County. Drs. Ott and Beaver 
located and practiced for a time in Mahoning Valley ; 
Beaver joined the army, and Ott removed after a resi- 
dence of a year or more. 

The physicians now residing and practicing within 
the county of Carbon not heretofore mentioned are, — 

Dr. Charles S. Gorman, a native of Berks County, 
Pa., settled at Lehighton in 1843, where lie now re- 
sides. 

N. B. Kelier, M.D., a graduate of College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons, New York, 1862, located in Le- 
highton soon after, and is residing there still. He has 
been for several years examining surgeon for pensions. 

Dr. Henry P. Newmiller, a native of Germany, lo- 
cated at Summit Hill in 1856. 

William G. M. Seiple, M.D., a native of Lehigh 
County, graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 1867, 
practiced first in Lehigh County; settled in Lehigh- 
ton in 1876. 

Dr. P. D. Keiser, a native of Lehigh County, Pa., 
settled in Mahoning township in 1861 ; member of 
Carbon County Medical Society. 

Edwin H. Kistler, M.D., a native of Schuylkill 
County, graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 
1870, practiced first in his native county, then located 
at Summit Hill in 1874. He is a member of the 
Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and treasurer of 
Carbon County Medical Society. 

B. S. Erwin, M.D., a native of Bethlehem, Pa., grad- 
uate of University of Pennsylvania, 1871, located in 
Mauch Chunk, 1873. 

J. B. Tweedle, M.D., a native of Paterson, N. J., 
graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
of New Y'ork, 1865, and immediately commence' 1 
practice at Weatherly. He is the secretary of the 
Carbon County Medical Society, a member of the 
Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and member of the 
National Medical Association and the Lehigh Valley 
Medical Association. 

Michael J. Donnelly, M.D., a native of Ireland, 
duate of Rush Medical College, Chicago, 1870, 



settled at Summit Hill, 1874 ; is assistant vice- 
president of the Carbon County Medical Society, and 
member of the Medical Society of the State of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Jacob Bowman, M.D., a native of Adams County, 
Pa., graduated at Pennsylvania Medical College, L841, 
practiced first in Philadelphia, afterwards in New 
Jersey,and located in East Mauch Chunk in 1878; is 
a member of the Carbon County Medical Society. 

Wesley A. Deshamer, M.D., a native of Carbon 
County, graduate of Jefferson Medical College, 1875, 
located same year in Lehighton. He is an active 
member of the Carbon County Medical Society. 

John C. Nivins, M.D., a native of Belfast, Ireland, 
graduate of Jefferson Medical College, settled at 
Summit Hill same year. 

C. T. Horn,M:D.,a native of Carbon County, grad- 
uate of College of Physicians and Surgeons, Balti- 
more, Md., 1878, located at Lehighton same year; 
is an active member of the Carbon County Medical 
Society, and has been one of its vice-presidents. 

Wilson L. Kutz, M.D., a native of Bucks County, 
Pa., graduate of Jefferson Medical College, 1878, 
settled at Parryville same year ; is an active member 
of Carbon County Medical Society. 

P. H. Latham, M.D., a native of Maryland, gradu- 
ate of University of Maryland, 1879, settled same 
year at Weatherly ; he is a member of the County 
Medical Society, and coroner of the county ; also 
physician for the Middle Coal-Field Poor District. 

A. M. Stapp, M.D., a native of Lehigh County, 
graduate of Bellevue Medical College, N. Y.. 1871, 
located in East Penn township. 

Charles L. Allen, M.D., a native of Williamsport, 
Pa., graduate of Jefferson Medical College, 1880, 
located at Beaver Meadow soon after ; is a member 
of the County Medical Society. 

W. S. Baxter, M.D., a native of Steuben County, 
N. Y., graduate of College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons, Baltimore, 1880 ; served one year in Baltimore 
Hospital, and located in Nesquehoning in 1882; is 
an active member of the County Medical Society. 

Charles J. Hoffman, M.D., a native of Northamp- 
ton County, Pa., a graduate of Jefferson Medical 
College, 1870, settled at Weatherly, 1880; is a mem- 
ber of the County Medical Society. 

William W. Reber, M.D., a native of Reading, Pa., 
graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 1878, located 
at Lehighton. 

Dr. L. W. Provost, a native of Chester County, Pa., 
located at Tremont, Pa., in L852; removed to Buck 
Mountain about 1878 ; is a member of the county 
society. 

George M. Frick, M.D., a native of Buffalo, N. Y., 
graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 1876, located 
first at Summit Hill, then at Nesquehoning, and now 
in East Mauch Chunk. 

Russel B. Kirby, M.D., a native of Phillipsburg, 
N. Y., graduate of the Hahnemann Medical College, 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE MEXICAN WAR. 



629 



Philadelphia, 1879, and settled in Mauch Chunk same 
year. 

T. C. Bunton, M.D.. a native of Philadelphia, Pa., 
graduate of Homoeopathic < olh ;e, Philadelphia, set- 
tled in East Mauch ('hunk in 1862. 

John R. Gillespie, M.D., a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.. 
graduate of the University of New "\'< nk in 1882, 
located in Nesquehoning, now in Mauch Chunk. 

Joseph A. Home, M.I)., a native of < Sarbon < lounty, 
graduate of College of Physicians and Surgeons, Bal- 
timore, 1879, and University of Pennsylvania, 1881, 
located in Mauch Chunk, L881 ; is a member of the 
Carbon County Medical Society. 

John T. Holcomb, M.D., a native of Sullivan 
County, N. Y., graduated at Bellevue Medical Col- 
lege, New York, 1881, and immediately located at 
Lehigh Tannery ; is a member of the Carbon County 
Medical Society. 

G. E. Kaufman, M.D.,a native of France, graduate 
of Medical Faculty, Paris, 1878, located at Auden- 
ried, 1882. 

Thomas C. Davis, M.D., a native of Tioga County, 
Pa., graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia, 1883, settled at Summit Hill. 

Charles H. Ott, M.D.. a native of Mauch Chunk. 
graduate of Jefferson Medical Col «. -ettled 

in Mauch Chunk ; is now junior assistant surgeon, 
St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem. 

Charles W. Bowers, M.D., a native of Lehighton, 
graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 1880, settled 
in Lehighton. 

John J. Thomas, M.D., a native of England, gradu- 
ate of Jefferson Medical College, 1881, and settled in 
Lansford. 

J. S. Lazerus, M.D., has been in practice at Auden- 
ried for several years, first as assistant to Dr. R. Dim- 
mick, and now assistant of Dr. W. R. Longshore, of 
Hazleton, who has the Audenried practice by contract. 

There are several irregular practitioners in the 
county, or doctors who practice occasionally, or who 
change location so often that they can hardly be Baid 
to have a location, whose names are omitted. 



CHAPTER VII. 

r.UilinN COUNTY IX THE MEXICAN WAR. 

The Stockton Artillerists. — Carbon County fur- 
nished a company of volunteers for the Mexican war 
who performed illustrious service, winning for them- 
selves honor, and establishing lor the county a i 
tion for patriotism which was again attested during 
the days of the Rebellion. The Stockton Artillerists, 
of Mauch Chunk, had been an organized corps several 
years prior to the war. Their first captain was John 
Leisenring, their nest Joseph H. Siewers, Esq., and 
last dames Miller. At the breaking out of the war 



the companj offered their services, and win- accepted 

by Coventor Shunk. Considerable' excitement pre- 
vailed for several days previous to their departure. 
Friends of the company collected the sum of fifteen 
hundred dollars, and the ladies of Mauch Chunk 
made within three days over three hundred flannel 
and check shirts, which they presented to the men, 
with other articles of practical use. 

The company, on the L'tth of December, 1846, ac- 
companied by a large committee of citizens, pro- 
ceeded in conveyances furnished at the expense of 
nselves and friends on the route to Pittsburgh, the 
place of rendezvous for being mustered into service; 
but on their arrival at Tamaqua they were met by 
the deputy secretary of the commonwealth with an 
order countermanding their acceptance, the reason 
given being that the Second Regiment was full. A 
meeting was at once held for conference, and it was 
unanimously resolved that the company should pro- 
ceed to Philadelphia and oiler their services to the 
President. They went 1>\ the way of Pottsville, and 
the people of that town gave them a warm welcome. 
After remaining in Philadelphia a few days they were 
accepted. Accompanied by Hon. Asa Packer and 
William H. Butler, they continued on their route. 
They went by way of Baltimore to Cumberland by 
railroad, and from the latter place over the Allegha- 
nies in nine stage-coaches to Brownsville. From 
there they proceeded by boat to Pittsburgh. Hon. Asa 
Packer generously assisted in paying lor their trans- 
portation. This amounted to over nine hundred dol- 
lars, and several hundred dollars more went for other 
expenses. No part of this outlay was ever refunded 
by the government. 

Arriving at Pittsburgh, Jan. 1, 1847, the men were 
mustered into service by Lieut. H. B. Field. The 
Stockton Artillerists were the last company accepted, 
and the first on the ground to be mustered into ser- 
vice as a part of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment. 
They numbered eighty-four all told. Some of the 
original members had dropped out and others were 
added along the route, two being taken after the com- 
pany reached Mexico. The officers were: Captain, 
James Miller; F'irst Lieutenant, Hiram Wolf; S 
ond Lieutenant, Robert Klotz ; Second Sergeant, 
James McKeen, Jr. ; First Sergeant, Thomas R. Crel- 
lin. Alter being mustered they shipped for New Or- 
leans, and arriving there, encamped about seven miles 
below the city, on Jackson's famous battle-ground, 
Monday, Jan. 18, 1847. They pitched their tents, 
and everything passed pleasantly for several days, 
but a heavy rainfall commenced, and by Saturday the 
23d, at one o'clock at night, there was fifteen inches 
of water over the entire camp-ground. The troops 
were obliged to seek shelter where best they could. 
There was no house within a mile of the camp except 
that of a French planter, which had already been con- 
verted into a hospital. The several companies dis- 
persed, some going to the city and others to the near- 



<>30 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bouses ami liuls they could find, to which, in most 
instances, they were denied admission, and therefore 
suffered much from the wet and cold. They were, 
however, soon ordered on board the transport ship 
" < tcean," ami sailed lor Lohos Island. They had an 
exceed ingly rough trip, encountering heavy gales, 
hut finally landed on February 13th. After remain- 
ing upon the island aboul two weeks they were or- 
dered to Vera Cruz, and landing there March 9th, be- 
came a part of (Jen. Patterson's command. Upon the 
next day, while the thermometer stood at 109°, they 
were initiated into active service, taking part in skir- 
mishes among the sand-hills. The company partici- 
pated in all, or nearly all, of the active engagements 
from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, and its con- 
duct and services were most creditable. Twenty-three 
of the original number found soldiers' graves in 
Mexico. Others were wounded, and some died of 
disease after returning home. The fate of war re- 
duced the ranks by killed, wounded, and diseased to 
less than one-half of the original number. 

At the close of the war, after nineteen months of 
active service, the remnant of the company returned 
to Pittsburgh, where all of the men were honorably 
discharged. They arrived in Mauch Chunk, July 20, 
1848, after having been tendered ovations and receiv- 
ing the congratulations and hospitalities of the people 
in Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown. The con^any 
was disbanded, and now its members are widely scat- 
tered. 

Following is a correct copy of the muster-roll, em- 
bracing the names of those who actually entered the 
service and went to Mexico : 

Capt. James Miller was killed an colonel at Fair Oaks, late war, Slst 

Eegt. Pa. 
1st Lieut., Hiram Wolf, died at Mauch Chunk. 
2d Lieut., Rohert Klutz, aftei wards adjutant, etc. 
2d Sergt., James McKean, died at Puebla October, 1847. 
Orderly Sergt., Thomas R. Crellin, resides in Mauch Chunk, Pa. 
2d Sergt., William Strauss. 
3d Srigt., Charles K. Ross. 
4th Sergt., John W. Pryor. 
1st Corp., c. il. w. Solinsky. 
2d Corp., Joseph Hileman. 
3d Corp., Samuel G. Stradden. 

4th Corp., Robert Wallace. 

Private*. 



Charles Berg. 
Samuel Brown. 
Jesse Blane. 
Edw. R. Blane. 
James Belford. 
John F. Bachman. 
James Bustard. 
Bj <">1;h Campbell. 
Peter ' iollins. 

Jonathan Collins. 
George K. A. Clark. 
William Clemens. 
Charles Cutter. 
Emor M. Davis. 
S\ man Dilly. 
Conrad Darfling. 



Jnhn P. Detweiler. 

Abraham Emery. 

William A. Ferris. 

George W. Fenner. 

John Fritzinger. 

George Fields. 

Michael Fields. 

Jacob Feosig. 

Isaac I). Gray. 

Horace Guth. 

D. E. Gal lager. 

Josiah Horn. 

John Horn. 

William Horn. 

Samuel Horn, drum-major. 1 

John llandmandle. 



Alexander Henry. 
Samuel Eerter. 
William Harriet. 

Clark Heath. 
John .1. Heiataud. 
William L Howell, 

Philip Ka\ iMi y. 

Fredei ick C. Kline. 2 
.John Ketlei . 
Samuel Lippincott. 
i h lando Sink. 
William 0. K. Moore. 
Robert McAllister. 
Henrj McFall. 
John Nolan. 
Henry Rex. 
Edward Remmel. 
Jacub Remmel. 
William H. Reninger. 
Edward Rube. 



Joseph Richards. 
John Street. 
Isaac Sapp. 
Thomas R. Staples. 
William Smith. 
Benjamin Smith. 
Samuel Shnrlock. 
Frederick Summers. 
William Snyder. 
Charles Stark. 
John Solomon. 
John Swayne. 
Hezekiah Thomas. 
Fred. A. Thoman. 
William Warren. 
William Walters. 
William W. Wilhelm. 
John B. Weir. 
Samuel Young. 
John M. Young. 



Eighty-four men all told as enlisted or mustered at 
Pittsburgh, Jan. 1, 1847, by Lieut. H. B. Fields. 

Two men, Michael Hasson and George White, were 
enlisted respectively at Jalapa and Puebla, Mexico, 
making the strength of the company eighty-six men. 

(The Second Regiment, of which the Stockton Ar- 
tillerists were Company K, was originally commanded 
by Col. Roberts. The lieutenant-colonel was John P. 
Geary and the major was William Brindle. Col. 
Roberts dying at Vera Cruz, Geary was promoted t<> 
colonel and Brindle to lieutenant-colonel. 1 



1 Horn was a boy, was drum m i- 1 under Gen. (then Col.) Scott at Lundy'a 
Lane, in war of lis 1^-14, and called on him in Mexico. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

Rosters of Officers and Men. 3 

"The contributions of Carbon County in aid of 
suppressing the slaveholders' rebellion, in propor- 
tion to her population, is unequaled by any county in 
the Stateof Pennsylvania, and probably not surpassed 
by any community in any other State. Not only did 
this county furnish more men in proportion to her 
voting population, but the record of her soldiers is 
unsurpassed in point of bravery and endurance by 
any other troops. When the first call was made by 
President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand troops 
for ninety days, Carbon County sent three full com- 
panies to Harrisburg in twenty-four hours. These 
companies were attached to the Sixth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Immediately afterwards a 
full company was raised for three years, and attached 
to the famous 'Bucktail Rifles.' Upon the expiration 
nf the three months' campaign two companies were 
raised for the Twenty-eighth Regiment P. V., four 
companies for the Eighty-first Regiment P. V., one 
company for the Sixty-seventh Regiment P. V., one 

- Bugler ami bandmaster. 

3 From "Patriotism of CarbOD County," by .1. O. Laciar. 



IAKBON COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



631 



conij>any for the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, one 
company for the Eleventh 1'. V.. a portion ofa com- 
pany for the Fifty-third Regiment P. V., and a por- 
tion of a company for the Eleventh Pennsylvania 
Cavalry. Besides these, about a company were scat- 
tered in different other regiments. 

"On the next call for troops, in 1862, two more full 
companies were organized for nine months, which 
were attached to the < >ne Hundred and Thirty-second 
Regimen) P. V. When the State was threatened with 
invasion in 1862, a large number of men volunteered 
for the emergency. In 1863, when Pennsylvania was 
invaded, the county sent over four hundred men to 
repel the invaders. In 1864 over two hundred men 
volunteered for one year. Besides these volunteers 
from the county, the different sub-districts paid boun- 
ties to the amount of hundreds of thousands of dol- 
lars to other volunteers. 

"The record of the Carbon soldiers commands the 
admiration of the country. From the beginning to 
the end of the war our gallant sons were at ' the 
front.' In Western Virginia, at Falling Waters, from 
the battle of Dranesville, in 1861, to the surrender of 
Johnston's ai in\ in 1865, there was scarcely a battle 
fought but witnessed the fall of some brave Carbon 
County soldier. On the Peninsula, where fell Miller. 
Conner. Shurlock, Abbott, and a host of others; at 
Chancellorsville, where the noble Chapman sealed 
his devotion to his country with his heart's blood ; at 
Bull Run, where the brave Hyndmau died, fighting 
to the last; at South Mountain, where Bitterling 
cheered on his command with his last breath ; at 
Mine Run, where we lamented the fall of Phillips; 
at Spottsylvania, and in the long struggle for the 
capture of Richmond, where fell Hawk, Ginder, 
Hoover, McGee, Peters, and a host of others ; in the 
last battle with Lee's army, where fell Bond, who 
had served from the very first call ; at Gettysburg, 
Antietam, Fredericksburg, and a hundred other 
battle-fields, where such men as Maj. Harkness, 
Capts. Conner, Shields, Pryor, McLaughlin, Abbott, 
Marsh, Bieber, Patton, and a thousand other brave 
Carbon County soldiers bled and won imperishable 
laurels; in the struggles in the Southwest, and in the 
long and fatiguing march of Sherman's army from 
Atlanta to the sea, in which many of the Carbon 
County men bled and died. 

" While we point in sorrow to the long lists of the 
dead, we mourn with a pride which only such a record 
can inspire — such a record of heroism, where five- 
eighths of the soldiers sent from a community are 

killed and wounded. But not only in bravery and 
heroic fighting is the record of these soldiers tin- 
equaled, but also in point of health and endurance. 
The grand record of casualties in the United States 
Volunteers during the war shows that double the 
number of soldiers died of disease that were killed in 
battle. The record contained in this volume shows 

that three times as many of the Carbon County 



Volunteers were killed in battle as died 

<d of officers, as follows : 
"One brevet brigadier-general. 
"Three < ,| whom one was killed. 

"One olonel, who was wounded. 

" Three lieutenant colonels, of whom one was killed 

and one wounded. 

" Three majors, of whom one was killed and one 
wounded. 

"Twentj eigh i Mains, of whom live were killed, 
One died, and sixteen wounded. 

"Thirty-nine lieutenants, of whom seven were 
killed and twenty wounded, making a total of seventy- 
eight officers furnished by Carbon County. Of this 
number fifteen were killed, one died of disease, and 
thirty-nine wounded. 

"But it is not only the record of the officers that 
presents such unmistakable evidence of bravery and 
endurance. The men who filled the ranks have a 
record equally grand; and it will stand for all time 
to come as a noble monument to the patriotism of little 
Carbon. While the remains of the loved ones rest 
illy in the dust of the battle-fields of the South ; 
while we mourn the loss of so many of the noblest 
youths of our county; while lathers and mothers 
cherish the memory of patriotic sons, and widows and 
orphans that of husbands and fathers, we have the 
one proud consciousness that during a period of dan- 
ger such as k'\\ nations have ever experienced we 
were true to the legacy intrusted to us by the founders 
of this great nation. The people of Carbon County 
have the consciousness that during the slaveholders' 
rebellion they discharged their whole duty. 

" Native and foreign alike served with honor and 
distinction, and it is but just to say of the German, 
Irish, and Welsh, who form so large a proportion of 
the population of Carbon, that they came up nobly 
to the defense of their adopted country, and the list 
of deaths on many a battle-field attest the gallantry 
of til.' foreign portion id' Carbon County volunteers." 

Sixth Regiment P. V. I. (Three Mouths' Men .— 

This regiment wa- commanded by Col. .lame-. Nagi I, 
of Pottsville, and attached to Gen. Patterson's divis- 
ion, which served at Harper's Ferry and on the Upper 
Potomac. Companies A. I. and K were from I 
County, and were mustered April ^l', lst;i. and dis- 
charged in July, 1S61. Many of the men re-enlisted 
for three years, or until the end of the war. 

Company a. 
(Mustered iu April 22, 1861; discharged July 22, 1 - 
Eli T. Conner, capt. : William I. Conner, 1st lieut. ; John D. & 

nt.; Edward D. Tombler, 1st sergt. ; John I Simpson, 2d 
sergt ; I>nvid Ginder, 8d -i Charles Simons, 4th serut. ; 
Alfred Kiooht, Delanson Ueddas,~oli\-i K. Pryor, Samuel P. Con- 
ner, corporals; AijnitlaJ. Marsh Edward Wilson, musicians. 






Joseph Andrews. 
Abraham C 
John Arroman. 

John Bond. 



Newton II I 
Hiram Bl 
William J. Briggs. 
Israel K. Itriggs. 
Thomas 0. C ir. 



632 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Thomas W. Kl • it. 

I 
EzraS I 

1 1 'Tin I 

Lewis Oraodison. 
Sidney N Hawk. 
Bamnel 3. Hawk. 
Edwin Born. 
Thomas Ilanlin. 

1 1 onry. 
William Helmuth. 

Man. 
Andrew Johnson, 
N. .ill. ui Lynn. 
Nathan i 

i [net. 
■ 

Long, 
[ndaay. 

I man . 

! . C. Miner. 
John Millheini. 
.l.i 1 .Miller. 
George W. Moss. 

i Mcintosh, 
Laron Bfoser. 



I mk. 
■ . ridei . 
mrod. 
Junea ' ' 

il. Peltz. 
John Patton. 
Samuel P 

George F. Ptiinter. 
Ubert G. B. Raw. 
Daniel A. Reinheimer. 
Cbai lea Richard. 
i j ii Schadel. 
John Iff. Schotield. 
Frank Strittmaker. 
\.,-\\ \a Schreiber. 
William Simpson. 
William Smith. 

rate. 
Robei i Tanner. 
Stephen Taggai t. 
Lebo Winters. 
Alfred w alton. 
Jacob Winner. 
Henry Will. 
Benjamin Yonkers. 



Died. 



Lent/, Alexander, died In hospital at. Hageretown, Md., July 22, 1861. 

Al 1 . 

(Mustered in April 22, 1861 ; discharged July 22, 1861.) 

John Oraig, capt.; Samuel Shurlock, 1st lieut.; William Belford, 2d 

1 nil t : Thomas Kalbfus, 1st sergt.; Nichulae C. Glace, 2d sergt. ; 

William I >f Wilt, 3d sergt. ; Lee Stiles, 4th sergt.; William Miller, 

rge Brown, Thomas B. Leisenring, Wayne Winters, corps.; 

a Eberly, Charles T. Sigmau, musicians. 



Privates. 



Peter Andre, 
lit Mn \ Bloomy. 
John Balentine. 
W. J. Boyd. 
Andrew Burt. 
Leonard Buer. 
N. Buck. 

Beer. 
\. s. Bellin. 
Petei Boyle. 
Robert Boston. 
John Brislin. 
James Caffrey. 

William Day. 

Henry Dietrich. 
Peter Dougherty. 

Dert. 
< ieorge W. Frank 
Lewie Fink. 
i ibarlee I loodman. 
John Graham. 
Joh n Green. 
J E. Gabriel. 
\ rchibald Gil more. 
i i ' dei ick Ilanuiug. 
James Beaton. 
Emanuel Hoover. 
John Kuniiin. 
I Knurr. 

i in Lewis. 
j tseph Lee. 

Joseph Lindsay. 
Abraham Long. 



Robert McDahola. 
Daniel Martin. 
Adam Mont. 
John McCroty. 
Jacob Nagel. 
A. 0. B. Neimeyer. 
0. W.OverhoId. 
S. K. Overhold. 
John Pellea. 
Otto Pearson. 
Alexander Petrie. 
Henry Peft'ercole. 
Peter Reifimiller. 
Joseph Reed. 
Abraham G. Rough. 
Joseph Rathwell. 
James Robison, 
John Rutledge. 
Josiah Smith. 
Washington Seitzej . 

S. S. Smith. 

A. J. Sheimer, 

Lewis Saylor. 
William Stout. 

J. W. Shellheimer. 
I D, Smith. 
James R. Smith. 
John R. Sewell. 

Samuel Thompson. 
.1 B. Thompson. 
John Yost. 
Jamea Yard. 
Thomas Borne, 



S i.< rt sergt; Daniel Tiibbs, 4th eei^t. ; Robert Dopue, T. Sieg- 
fried, Henry F, Brown, S. K. Austin, corps. : Gaorge 11. Williams, 
drummer. 



Private . 



Company k. 
(Mustered in April 22, 1861 ; discharged July 22, 1861.) 

Thomas Wilhelm, capt; Patrick Hughs, lwt lieut.; Jacob Armlt, 2d 

lieut.; Charles Cooper, 1st sei ;1 ; James Warner, 2d sergt ; Peter 



John Arrom man. 

I Hufl \> l.ti . 

Buck. 

Bergenstock. 

Joseph Billing, 

John Burnett. 
John Brittaln. 
John Bowman, 
- Hi iner. 
John Buelow. 
Martin Bowerfort. 
James Barr. 
Joseph Conrad. 
Thomas Conerty. 
Joseph Connelly. 
1>. L. (handler. 
William C. Call. 
Daniel Derchati. 
E, F. Hudson. 
James Dunbar. 
John Fidler. 
John Fritz. 
Franklin Flat. 
William Garrory. 
Henry R, Glace. 
William J!. Garritt. 
James Geddas. 
Jonas Henry. 
David Hartz, 
William Harris. 
Henry Hoffman. 
J. J. Klotz. 
Philip KeefawMer. 



i !. K leppner. 
Lewis. 

Johri M. I j 

I Kvi-n McDnwii. 

Daniel We than. 

8. II. Miller. 

is .i. Miller. 
Joseph Hun ler. 

Henry Munsen. 
Philip Moore. 

A. Meacbam, 
• \| inningei . 
i: - Purcell 
S. C. Parkes. 
Peter Parker. 
John Shu Hz. 
Frederick Shultz. 
William Schrank. 
Frederick Sehroeber. 
Girard L. Staples. 
Anthony Samiherr. 

3tone 
Tilghman Sourwine. 
William Schucke. 
George Slate 
Daniel Summerman. 
Joseph Smith. 
William Thomas. 
George Williams. 
J B. Wasser. 
Henry Watforce. 

John Wharren. 
E. D. Young. 



"Bucktail Rifles" — Company F.— This company, 
in the First Pennsylvania " Bucktails" (of the Penn- 
sylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps), was originally 
intended for the campaign of three months, but when 
it reached Harrisburg no companies were accepted 
for a shorter term than three years. It was the first 
three-years' organization ;it the State capital, and was 
mustered into service May 15, 1861. The first action 
in which the company participated was the skirmish 
at Falling Waters, early in 1801. The first severe 
action was the battle of Dranesville, Dec. 20, 1861. 
Subsequently the company fought in the Seven Days' 
battle on the Peninsula, in the battles of Bull Run, 
South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chan- 
cel lnrsville, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness, and all 
through the long struggle to the front of Petersburg 
and Richmond in 1864. 

Company F. 
(Mustered in May L\ 1SG1 ; mustered out June 11, 1 
Dennis McGee, rapt, dit-cb. in 1st;:'., ami -ulisetpiently reinstated, and 

resigned in 1865. 
Charles Bitterling, 1-t lieut., commissioned May 29, 1861. 
Henry F. Swart/, Bergt., disch. September, L862, disability. 
Conrad Vogel, sergt. 
\ Ieorge Seiwel I, 

W. Harry Ranch, sergt., served three yeara. 
Joseph Shelly, Corp., enl. Aug. llj, 1861. 

I leoi ;e Mcintosh, disch. Septembei . 1862. 

ii). i Irmbruster, private, re-enl. Jan. I, 1864; taken prisoner June 26, 

18C2,and May 3, 1S04 ; exchanged nnd served to the end of the war. 
George Bott, enl. Aug. 6, 1861. 
Philip Beer. John Brannon. 



CARBON COUNTY. IN THE WAK OF THE REBELLION. 






Dec. 16, 1861 . 
Dennis Brlalln, sol. April 29 
John Oaden. 
Andrew Gonnaghan, enl, April 29, 1861. 

Willi 

Patrick : 

John < ■ lllty. 

John Deahn, enl. Dec. 16, 1861 : re-enl. and served t<> the end of the 

wiir. 
Richard W I' < Mily. 

John Dugan. 

■ick Kljiiiiin, 'iisch. May, 1862. 
George i i inand Eichoff. 

enstermacher. 
Anthony Griesbaber, taken prisoner and exchanged. 
Patrick Ban II n, Lynford Hawk. 

Samuel Holleuba h, enl. .Inly 21, LI 
Edward BJgg an t of disability. 

John w. Booker, enl. Aug. 16, 18 
U 

w Ullam Bettinger. John Bills. 

John Bollenbat h, enl. Julj - rved to the end 

■ ■I the ^ar. 
Albei I Hi 

Martin King, enl. Aug 6, 1861 
William Keiser 

Patrick Kennedy, served '■■ I five months; re-enlisted in 

another regiment. 
rhark'K U Jame- Matthews. 

J inn Meyer, bllchael Mc< 

ivter Ms Charles Middlei. 

i ■■ , 1661 . 

John McCaflerty, disch. on s D LI, 1861. 

William Marshall. 
John Osmnn, enl. July 21. I 

Andrew Qolnn, re-enlisted ami served to the end of the war. 
Moses Rhoads, disch. on account <>f disability Dec. 11, 1861. 
William D. Robins. ind Schofleld. 

William F. Kehr. Frederick Suiter. 

Christian Shlaffley. Stephen Sliiry. 

Philip Shannon. Frank Sellinger. 

■ Shultz, '-Hi, Dec. II , 181 i , 

Daniel Sttllh 

Thomas Scott, re-enlisted, and served t" tin- end of the war. 
Charles Trent. 

« Vogel, '-nl Nov. 12, 1861 ; disch. on account of disability. 
e Kauke, discii . on account "f disability. 
Zundel, pro. to chief bugler. 

Lift of Kill'. I. 
1st Lieut. Charles Bitterling, com. Uay 29, 1**>1 ; killed in battle of 

South Mountain Sept. 14, 1862. 
Sergt. <\>nrad Vogel, enl. Slay 15, 1861 ; killed in hattleof South Moun- 
tain Sept 1 1, 

sepfa Shelly, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; killed in battle of South Moun- 
tain Sent. 14, 1862. 
Brannon, John, enl. May 16, 1861 ; killed Id the battle of Fredericks- 

burg Dec. 13, 1862. 
Urislio, Dennis, enl. April 20, 1861 ; killed neat org. 

Gonnaghan, Andrew, enl. April 20, 1861; killed at battle of BethesJa 
f'hiir- b M , ■ 

, John, enl. May 15, 1861; killed at battle of Gaines 1 
Mill June 27, 1862. 
Hanlni, Patrick, enlisted May 16, 1861 ; killed at the battle ol i 

Church May 30, 1864. 
Hooker, John W., enl. Aug, 16, 1861 ; wounded at Dranesville 
1861; kiih-a at Antietam Sept 17, 

[artin.enl Aug. 6,1861; lulled at the battle of the Wilderness 
U :. 1864. 
McFadden, Charles, enl. May lfi, 1861 ; killed at g italn Sept. 

14. 1862. 
Mangold, Peter, enl. at ith Mountain Sept. 14, 

18G2. 

Mi 1. i.l, enl. May 16, 1861; kill-,1 .,t Bull Kim Aug. 29,1862 
q Bern j , enl. Dec, 16, i- ,; i ; killed at thi 

John, enl. July 21, 1861 ; killed at Kelly's Ford Aug. 26, 1862. 



Robins, William D,, enl. Maj 16, 1861; killed at 

Roads June, 1862. 

Shlaffley, 

Fell, Stephen, enl. M;i- 

itnuel, eni. July 21, 1861; wound< Icksbnrg 

Dei ner of war. 

Schofleld, Courtland, enl. Ma] 

ber, I 
Shiry, Stephen, enl. M i ^ >uri<lfd at Hull Run Aug 

and died in rebel pri 
Shnltz, Charles, < L and died in rebel prison In 

i- i. 

Twenty-eighth Regiment- Company E.— This 
company was mustered into service July 6, 1861; re- 
enlisted Dee. 27, L863, and served to the end of the 
war. Following is the roster: 

Finn and Staff. 
i i aapman, maj., com. capt. July 6,1801; pro. to maj. Jan. 

l i, L863; killed In battle ol Chai i ><G3. 

Jacob D. Arner, maj., pro. to capt. Jan. 15, 1863; pro. to maj. June 1, 

•. . 1.. 
Simon F.Laui 27, 1863; pro. 

to let Bergt, May 1, 1863; to capt. iii 1865. 

1 . Chapman, tsl lieut., pro to 1st lieut. Jan. 15, 1863. 
m Lean, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. in \W.\ pro. to sergt. September, 
1863; pro. to 1st lieut. 1866. 

I rank McFall, 2d lieut., enl. Jfl dlscb. as Bergt. Dec.l, 1862; 

i uted 2.1 lieut. Jan. 15, 1863. 
Henry K, Grover, 2d lieut., enl. iii 1861; re-enl. In 1863 ; pro. from corp. 

i sergt May 1, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut. l 
Bernhard Lynch, BergL, pro. from private to corp. Feb. 18, 1863 ; to sergt. 
Maj l. i-.;;;. 

riuyhoff, sergt., pro. from private to corp. Feb. 16,1863; tosergt. 
April 1, 1865. 
Moses RehriK, »ergt., enl. June 26, 1801 ; disch. Feb. 1>, L86 t, at Dum- 

- \,i., on account ■ <( disability. 
.fame? I , <nl. June 25, 1861. 

Aaron Moser, sergt., enl. Sept. :*;, 1861. 
Gustavus Hartley, sergl 1861 ; disch. July 8, 1864, having 

served three years. 
George Harlot*. corp. July 1, 1863. 

Herbert Weston, corp., pro. to corp. July 1, 1863. 

lUoser, corp., pro. to corp. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Samuel Kunkle, corp., pro. to Corp. Jan. 1 

■ i Ernst, n.rp., pro. to corp. Jan. 1, 1864. 
L>. Fries, corp*, pro. to corp. April L, 
>rp. 
b Beers, Jr., corp* en I. June 25, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 16, 1863, at Wash- 
ington, D. C, 
Oscar D. Case, < rp., enl. June 25, 1861 ; disch. June 30, 1 . -62, on account 

of disability. 
David B. Shi corp., enl. June 25,1861; disch. Feb. 18, 1S63, on ac- 
count of disability. 
Alfred Wittingbam, corp., enl. June 25, 1861; disch. Dec. 31,1862. 
corp., enl. Aug :~, 1862; disch. May 18, !-■ 
order of War Department. 

: B. Meyers,' Drp., enl. JuneS >, 1861 Irans.OcI ' 

Battery. 
William Lai i d, rant 
Mlchat i M \ 
John Fox, wag 

■ 
David Amig. 
John Ackermnn, enl. June 26, 1861; trans. Not. 4 a U. S. 

Richard Brennen. Edward Boyle, 

John ItnnJle. enl. March 21, 1864; vet. toI. 

■ 
John Burie, enl. Feb. 23, I 

John Burns, enl. June 25, 1861 ; disch July 20, 1864 
listment of three years. 



634 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Burns, enl. June 5,1861; traus. July 1, 1863, to Invalid Gorpe. 
James Brown, enl. June 25, 1861. 
James Connerty. 
Oram Coll nth, en] I eb ! 
Thorna- Compton, i 
John P. i I.March 6 1865. 

Campsie, en] Jnue 25, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 28, 186 
ility. 
J i <), [> Campbell, enl. .lime 25, 1861 ; diech. July 20, 1-1,4, having served 

enlistment of three J ears. 
Francis Crilly, enl. June 25, 1861 ; discb, July 20, lsc-4, having served 

enlistment of three years. 
John ('. Conover, enl. Dec. 23, 1861 dla h Sept 10, 1862. 

William Carey, enl. .1 25, 1861. 

Patrick Curran, enl. June 25, 1861 ; disch. June 23, 1862, on account of 

disability. 
Dai Id B, Davis. 

Elisha Dunbar, enl. I'M 28, 1865. 
John Desmond, enl. Jum i, I 6] . disch. Nov. 4, 1862, on account of 

| ility. 
Frank A. Eisenbra, enl. July 16, 1861 ; disch. July 5, 18(12, on account 

, ! 1 1 1 I 1 y 
William H. Evans, enl. June 25, 1st;] ; disch. July 20, 1864, having serve! 

three years. 
Edward Eveland, enl. June 25, 1861. 
Jacob W. Grover, enl Feb '■>, 1864. 
William Gangewere, enl. Feb. 15, 1865. 
Isaac Graff, substitute, enl. Fell. 7, 1865. 
Franklin Gaumer, enl. June 2,5, 1861. 
James Henry. 

David Hart/., enl. Feb. 5, 1864. 
James W. Kane, enl. Feb. 4, 1864. 
Thomas Hamilton, enl. June 2.5, 1801 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1862, on account of 

disability. 
John H. Hummel, substitute, enl. Aug. in, 1*64; discb. April 28, 1865, by 

order of the War Department. 
Henry Harris, enl. June 2.5, 1SC1 ; trans. July 27, 1S63, to Invalid Corps. 
Daniel Hertzog, enl. June 2.5, 1861. 

Jacob Hartz, enl. June 25, 1861 ; re-enl. as vet. vol. Dec. 24, 1863. 
William Hagenbauch,enl. June 25, 1861 ; re-enl. as vet. vol. Dec. 24,1863. 
William Johnson. 
Solomon Johnson, enl. June 25, 1861 : disch. July 20, 1864, having 

served enlistment of three years, 
John Jenkins, enl. June 25,1861; trans. Oct. 5, 1861, to Knapp's Pa. Batt. 
James Johnson, enl. June 25, 1861 . 
Thomas Knecht. 

Charles M. Koons, enl. June 25, 1861 : disch. Dec. 8, 1862, disability. 
Peter L. Kinney, enl. March 8, 1865 ; disch. June 27, 1865. 
William Leinbacb, enl. Feb. 11, L864. 
Henry Lentz, enl. July 15, 1861; disch. July 20, 1864. 
Jeremiah Labar, enl. June 25, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 29, 1862. 
Charles N. Morris, enl. Feb. 27, 1865. 
Robert S. Monroe, enl. June 25, 1861; disch. July 20, L864. 
William II. Moody, enl. June '25, 1861 ; trans Oct. 5, 1861, to Knapp's 

Pa. Batt. 
Patrick Murphy, enl. .Inly 15, 1861; trans. Aug. 13, 1863, to Invalid 

Corps. 

Hilham, enl. June 25, 1861 ; trans. Oct. 5, 1861, to Knapp'e Pa. 

Batt. 
Robert Moore, enl. Aug. 31, 1861 ; substitute. 

William McCoy, enl. Feb, If,, [864. 

Edward McGadey, enl June 25, 1881 ; discb. July 20, Isr,4. 

Cornelius McCrie, enl. June 25, 1861 , disch. March 18, 1863, disability. 

John McGeady, enl Feb 29, 1864; trans. Jan. l, 1865, In Vet. Res. 

Corps. 
Is:,;,, McKiever, enl. Feb. II, 1864; trans. April 21, 1865, to Vet. Res. 

Patl i' 1, 11' kenmi, enl. Dec. 23, 1861. 
Washington G. Neitb 

.1 1 Nuss, enl. June 25, 1861. 

TbomaB O'Brien, enl. July 15, 1861 ; discb. April 4, 1863, disability. 

Pel lenkircben, enl June 25, 1861; disch. July 20, 1864. 

Robert Pettit. 

William II. Peter, enl. March 8, l 

James Powels, enl. June 25, 1861 ; disch. I 8, 1862, disability. 

Charles Powels. enl. June 25, 1861 disch. July 20, 1864. 

W. Pratt, enl. June 25, 1K61 ; disch. March 10, 1863, 'Usability. 



William P. Rudolph, enl. Oct. 27, 1862; discb. Aug. 9, 1864, disa- 

,1,1, 
Caleb It uvley, enl. Jan. 29, 1864. 
Olivet W. Roth, enl. Feb. 27, 1 855. 
Harrison Rawley,enl. June 25, 1861. 
Henry .1 . Shnvei 

William Smith. 

Charles F. Smith. 

David Smiih, enl. Feb. 17. 1864. 

Robei i Si ,,ii, i ill Feb. 4. 1864. 

Thomas Strobl, enl. March 8, 1866 

Henry E. Smith, enl. June 25, 1861 ; disch.. Inly 22,180:1, by order of the 

Secretary of War. 
Henry Sterling, enl. June 26, 1861 ; disch. Feb Is, L863, disability. 

William li. Shutt, enl. June 25, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 24, 1863, bilitj 

Hem, Senn, enl. July 15, 1861 ; trans. Nov. 4, 1862, to 6th U. S Cai 
John Salter, enl. Sept. 7, 180.!. 

Malay Trout. 

Thomas G. Thomas, enl. June 26, 1861; discb. Nov. 29, ls62, disn- 
bility. 

William Weidaw. 

Wesley Wagner, enl. Feb. 28, 1865. 

William Wagner, enl. Feb. 28, 1865. 

Clinton F. Weave,, enl. Feb. 24, 1865. 

Aaron Weidaw, enl, June 25. 1861 ; discb. May 31, 1862, disability. 

Edward Ward, enl. July 15, 1801; disch. July 20, 1864. 

John J. Walker, enl. June 25, 1801 ; disch. June :;, 1862. 

William Weiss, enl. June 25, 1861 ; re-enl. as veteran volunteer Dec. 24, 
1863. 

Charles Young, enl. Feb. 2, 1864. 

Samuel Yehl, enl. Feb. 27,1866. 

Thomas Young, enl. June 25, 1861 ; discb. May 16, 1865, veteran volun- 
teer. 

Gideon Y'ost, enl. June 25, 1861 ; trans. Nov. 15, 1863, to Invalid Corps. 

Joseph J. Zehner, enl. J 26, 186] discb. July 20, 1864. 

KiMed. 

Maj. Lansford F. Chapman, com. capt. July 6, 1861 ; pro. inaj. Jan. 15, 
1863 ; killed in battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Sergt. James Lynch, enl. June 25, 1861 ; killed Sept. 17, 1S62, in the battle 
of Antietam, Md. 

Sergt. Aaron Moser, enl. Sept. 3, 1861 ; died May 9, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived in battle at Mill Springs Gap, Ga., May 8, 1864. 

Hertzogg, Daniel, enl. June 26, 1861; killed May 3, 1863, at battle of 
Chancellorsville, Va. 

Hartz, Jacob, enl. June 2.5, 1861 ; re-enl. as veteran volunteer Dec. 24, 
1863; died May 22, 1864, of wounds received May S, 1864, at the 
battle of Mill Spring Gap, Ga. 

Hagenbauch, William, enl. June 25. 1861 ; re-enl. as veteran volunteer, 
Dec. 24, 1863; killed June 15, 1864, at the battle of Pine Knob, 
Ga. 

Johnson, James, enl. June 25, 1861 ; killed at the battle of Chancellors- 
ville May 3, 1863. 

Nuss, Jacob, enl. June 25, 1861 ; 'lied Sept. 21, 1862, of wounds received 
at the battle of Antietam. Sept. 17, 1862. 

Rawiey, Harrison, enl. June 25, 1861 ; killed Sept. !7, 1862, at the battle 
of Antietam. 

Saner, John, enl, Sept. 7, 1863; died Aug. 22, IS', I, ,,t u.'iiuds received 
in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 20, 1864, 

Weiss, William, enl. June 25, 1861 ; re-ml. a.s veteran volunteer Dee. 24, 
1863; died July lo, 1864, of wounds received near Marietta, Ga., 
J 24. 1864 

Died. 

Brown, James, enl. June 26, 1861 ; died Aug, 6, 1861, at Sandy Hook, 

Md. 
Carey, William, enl. June 25, 1861; died May 22, 1862. in hospital at 

Alexandria, Va. 
Eveland, Edward, enl, June 26, 1861; died May 10, 1863, at Acquis 

Landing, Va. 
Gaumer, Franklin, enl, Jum- 25, 186] ; died May to, 1862, it Rectertown, 

Va. 
M , Robert, enl. Aug. 31, 1861; substitute; died Aug 31, 1864, at 

Bridgeport, Ala. 
Mi ECennn, Patrick, enl. Dec. 23, 1861 ; drowned July 5. 1862, while 

bathing in the Potomac at Bank's Ford. 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 






COHPAKl A. 

Simpson, William, enlisted as drummer, June, 1861; n 
1863; pro. to drum-major of the regiment Served to the 
the war. 

Spohn, I ■ 61; pro. to Bfe-major of the regiment; 

Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav- 
alry, Company A. This company, in which most of 
the men \\<-rr from Carbon County, was during the 
first two years of the war commanded by niiicers 
from othei i ounties. Subsequently tin- company pro- 
duced some splendid and dashing officers. Nearly 
all of the nini served three years or t<> tin- end of the 

war. 

Company A. 

Jotieph Andrews, capt., enl. Aug, 7, 1861, as 1st sergl , pro to 2d lieut. 

Oct. is, 1861 ; t" l>t lieut. Sept I, 1862 ; to capt. Oct 5, 1863 ; must. 

out <>[" *■'! \ Ice Sept 29, 1864, 
WUliam Hyndman, capl . enl. ■• - private May I, 1862; pro. to sergt 

July ' copt. March 8,1865; 

served to it"' end of the war. 
George W. Moss, capt, enl, Aug 7. 1861, ftfl sergt ; pro. t.. 1st sergt. 

Dec. t. 1864 ; to 2d lieut Dec. 21, 1864; pro. to capt. Co. F March 8, 
ng to ilie end of the war. 
Herman Morn, 1st lieut ; appointed 1st lieut Aug. 1."-, 1861 ; res. Dec. 

21, 1 
Christian Freeby, 2d lieut, enl. as private Aug. 7, 1801 ; pro. to sergt. 

Oct. 1,1861; to 1st Bergt. Dec 1,1861; to 2d lieut. Sept. 1, 1862 ; 

must out Not. 19, 1864. 
Alfred Walton, 1st sergt., enl. Aug. 15, 1861 
James Smith, sergt., enl. Aug. 15, 1861 : re-enl. and served to the end of 

the war. 
Albert G. W. Raw, sergt, enl. Aug. 15, 18GI ; re-enl. and served to the 

end of the war. 

Nathan Brelsfoi 1861; re-enl. and Berved to the 

end of the war. 
Neal Cunning, corp., enl. Aug. !■'>. L861 ; re-enl. and Berred to the end 

of the war. 
Robert Boston, sergt, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; dlsoh. July 20, 1863, at Har- 

risburg by order of the Secretary of War. 
Philip Keofaber, sergt., enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; re-enl. and served to the 

end of the war. 
William Kuin, J] nl March 1, 1862; re-enl, and served to the 

end of tlio war. 
John It inker, corp., enl. Aug. 16, 1861 : re-enl, and Berved to the end of 

the war. 
Tilghman Ash, Corp., enl. Aug. 15, 1861; disch. Aug. 15, 1864; re-enl. 

Feb. . red to the end of the wai 

George Kent, corp., enl, kug. 15, 1861; re-enl. and served to the end of 

the war. 
Mamis Moyer, corp., enl Aug. 16, 1861; disch. Aug. 15, 1864, at Prince 

George Court-House, Va., having served an enlistment of three 

years. 
Merril \. Brown, bugler, enl. Aug. 15, 1801 ; disch. Oct. 16, 

Philadelphia, Pa., on account of disability, 
Alexandii rampsie, bugler, enl. Aug. 16,1861; re-enl and served to 

the end of t h 
John Guth, blacksmith, enl. Aug. 15. 1861 : re-enl. and served to the 

end of the wai 

/' rirates. 

Reuben Arner, enl. Feb. 29, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 
Charles Bohst, enl. Jan. 3, 1866 ; served until disbandment of company. 
Mi - !i, Bloss, fill . Aug, 15, i ' 
George W. Bartholomew, enl. Feb the ♦■i»J of the 

war. 
Charles W. Brown, en] I red to the end of tin- war. 

Jacob Hank-, en I ilie end of the war. 

Miller H. Brown, enl Aug 15, 1861. 
William J. Boyd, enl. \ disch. at Harrisburg Aug. 16, 1864, 

having served three 
Daniel Bloss, enlisted lug. 16, 1861; disch. May 1,186 

Va., on ace iunt of disability. 
Tilghman Blakely, enl. I ; trans, to Army of the Wi il D* 

Of the Secretary of War. 



1861; re-enl. and Berved to n>-' end of 

the war. 
: lug. 16, 1861 

u lifted Conner, si 

Michael > 

Stephen Condon, enl i ; of the war. 

Robert Crawford, enl. April I of the war, 

Simon Dreisbai h, enl. Aug, 16, 1861 ; disch al Washington Oct 
on Hi ■ ' ility. 

! the end ol the war. 

Feb. id of the wai 

Hugh Dugan, enl. April 26, 1864 ; served t-» the end or the war. 

■ dwards, enl. Aug, 15, 1861 ; die b », al Philadel- 

i three years. 
Edwards, enl, Aug, 16, 1864; disch. Aug 
i Court-House, Va., having served three years. 
John 1 -a win, en). Aug. 15, 1861 ; r< red to end ol war. 

Edward Edwards, enl. Aug. 20, 1864; : d of the war. 

Nathan Fritz, enl. Aug 15, 181 I ; disch. Aug. 16, 1864, at Philadelphia, 

Pa., having served three J 
John Fidli 15, 1861 ; re-enl. and served to end of the war. 

Jacob File, ml. An 16, L861. 

Constantino Furtwangler, enl 65; served until disbandment 

of company, 

Nicholas Garvey, enl. Aug. I ■ . 1861 ; disch. Aug, 16, 1864, at Prince 
George Court-House, Va., having served three years. 

lallagher, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; disch Oct -' 1864 near Peters- 
burg, Va., having Berved three years. 

Edwin Gurlynn, enl. aug. 16,1864; served to the end of the war. 

William A. Graver, enl, Feb, i \ 1 366 : served until dlsbandmenl 
pany. 

Andrew Graver, enl. Feb 15 ISA . served until disbandment of com- 
pany. 

George Baren, enl. Sept. 1, 1864 ; served to the end of th< 

Alfred Hoffman, enl. Feb. 15, 1865 ; served to (lit- end of the war. 

Joseph Hand, enl. Aug, 15, I ; I 

Wiiham T. Hess, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 

John [sley, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; re-enl. and served to the end of war. 

John Jeffries, enl. Sept. 1, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 

A braham Kettra, enl. Sept. 8, 1864; served to the end of the war. 

Jacob Katzuioyer, enl. Sept. 8, 1864; served to the end of the war. 

William F. Klotz, enl. Feb. 15, 1866 ; served until disbandment >f i om- 

pany. 
Daniel Knerr, enl. Feb. 20, 1865 ; Bel ved to the end of war. 
WUliam Kain,Sr., enl. Aug, 16, L861 ; disch. net. 20, 1862, disability. 
Francis Xavler Kopf, enl. Aug. 15, l m;i ; disch. Aug. 15. Lsf>4, at Prince 

George Court-House, Va., having sei ved three yeai b, 
Charles Keck, enl. Sept. 29, l& Vet Bee, Corps, Octol 

John Leslie, eul. Feb. 17, 1865 ; served until disbandment ol company. 
John J. Lewis, enl. Sept. 1,1864 to the end of the 

Alfred Larish, enl Feb. 20, 18( to the end of the war. 

Reuben Moyer, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; disch. March 1, 1862, 
Robert Mcl bd I. A ug. 15, 1861 

James Moore, enl. Sept. B, 1864; sei ved to the end of the 
Patrick Moore, enl. Aug, 16, 1864; served to the end of the war. 
Henry Miller, eul. March 16, 1863; served to the end of the war. 
Gottlieb Moyer, enl. Aug 16, 1861, 

■ Miller, enl. \ 
Archibald McMlcbael, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; re-enl. and served to the end 

of the 
Alexander McCleau, enl. April > the end of the war. 

John McHugh, enl. Aug. 16, 1864 served to the end of the war. 

i v,-r, enl. Sept. 8, 1864; served to the end of the war; 

served three years in the 5th Regiment Loyal) Vh 

previously. 
Joseph McLaughlin, enl. Sept. 8, 1864 ; Berved to the end of the war. 
Daniel McVay, enl. Feb. 17. 1865 ; Berved until disbandmei 
John Me' ai i en, snl , tag 15, 1861. 
James McLaughlin, eul. Ac 
John Meyer, enl. Aug. 15, 1816; trans. to-Co. B, llth Pel 

airy, An^-. 24, 1861. 

Martzell Nafta, enl Aug. 15, 1861; re-enl. and served to the end of the 

war. 
William Oswald, enl. Aug, I h. Aug, 16, 1864, at Prince 

George Court-House. Va . > (1 three years. 

Condy O'Brien, enl. Feb. 17, 1865; served until disbandment 

pany. 



636 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Chatl, ' '''>'• 

Samuel Powell, enl Feb. 16, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 
! | red to Hi» end ol the war. 

rved to the en I ol the wat 
William Stermer, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; dlsch Aug i I, 1864, al P 
: ii ,u8 , \ i .. n n i"- mi red three yean. 
Stabler, enl. Ang. 16, 1861. 
John Shult/.cnl Aug. 16, 1861. 
William Smith, enl. 1 

William W. Thomas, enl. Aug. ed to il nd of the war. 

David C. Thomas, enl. Sept., 1864; disch. Ma] J". 1866, on account 

of wounds i i lion. 

BicbardTiful, enl lug. 16, 1861. 
John W. Welsh, enl. Aug. 16, 1861 ; disch. Feb. S, 1868, on account of 

wounds received in action. 
Peter Wertz, enl. Aug. 16, 1861; re-enl. and Berved to II ndol the 

war. 

John Weaver, enl. Sept. 8, 1864. 

Benjamins i il Aug 15, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. Bes. Corps Dec 

16,181 
Stephen Ziegenfuss, enl. Sept 29, 1862; re-enl and served to tl nd of 

the war. 

Killed. 
Hess, William T.,enl. Aug. 16, 1861 : killed at Gravel Hill Kami, Va., 

Aug. 16, 1864 : Parryville. 
Brown, Miller II , enl. Aug. 16, 1861; killedat Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 

13, 1862, while carrying dispatches to Gen. Hooker; Summit Hill. 
Cochlin, Michael, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; killed Sept. 13, 1863, at fulpeper, 

Va. ; Summit Mill. 

File, Jacob, enl. Aug. 15, 1861; killed June 21, 1864, at St. Mary's 

Church, Va.; Mauob Chunk. 
Miller, George, enl. Aug 15, 1861; killed May 13, 1S63, at Dumfries, 

Va. ; Summit Hill. 
Weaver, John, enl. Sept. 8, 1864; killed Feb. 6, 1865, at Hatcher's Run, 

Va. ; Summit Hill, 
Conner, Thomas, enl. Aug. 15, 1SG1 ; died May 19,1x63, at Kelley'sFord, 

of wounds received in action ; Weissport. 

liied. 

Walton, Alfred, 1st sergt., enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; died in rebel prison at An- 
dersonville, (la., Aug. 31, 1S64; captured at Sulphur Springs Oct. 
12, 1863. 

McLaughlin, James, enl. Ang. 15, 1861 ; died in rebel prison at Ander- 
sonville, Ga., Aug. 20, 1864; captured at Sulphur Springs Oct. 12, 
1863. 

Moyer, Gotleib, enl. Aug. 15,1801; died in rebel prison at Andersonville, 
Ga., July 30, 1864 ; captured at Sulphur Springs Oct. 12, 1863. 

McCarren, John, enl. Aug. 15,1861; died in rebel prison at Anderson- 
ville, Ga., July 28, 1864; captured at Sulphur Springs Oct. 12, 1863 

Stabler, David, enl. Aug. 15,1861 ; diedinrebel prison at Andersonville, 
Ga., Aug. 25, 1864 ; captured at Sulphur Springs Oct. 12, 1863. 

Smith, William, enl. Aug. 15, 1861; died in rebel prison at Anderson- 
ville, Ga., July 15, 1864; captured at Sulphur Springs Oct. 12. 1863. 

Shulte.John, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; died in rebel prison at Andersonville, 
Ga., July 30, 1864; captured at Sulphur Springs Oct. 12, 1863. 

Tiful, Richard, enl. Aug. 15, 1*01 ; died April 30,1863, at Dumfries, Va. 

Bloss, Martin, enl. Aug. 15, 1861; died Dec. 7, 1862, at Weissport, Pa., 
while at home on furlough. 

Hand, Joseph, enl. Aug. 15, 1861 ; re-enl. and died at Parryville. Pa., 
April 3, lxi-4, while on veteran furlough. 

Fifty-third Regiment— A large part of Company 
E, of this regiment, was from Carbon County. This 
was a three-years' regiment, the men being mustered 
in in September, 1861, and many of them re-enlisting 
and not being mustered out until the discharge of the 
regiment at the close of the war. 
Company e. 

mi 1 in September, 1861 must red out June 30, 1865 

John Shields, capt., com. 1st lieut September, 1861 ; pro. to capt. 
63; disch. on account of wounds March 13, 1864. 
: rate, 1st sergl 

Jann- Hutchinson, sergt, enl. October, 1861; re-enl. and trans, to 
Vet. Res. Corps in March, 1864 , served to the endol the war. 



Patrick Collins, sergt., re-enl. in L863 

m 1 1 linley, corp. 
P I Glides, Corp., trans, to the 1st I. :-. Cavalry October, 1862. 
John McClelland, re-enl. and served to the end of the war. 

| ■ . | 

Douglas E. Boyle, dlsch. in 1862 ; re-enl. in 202d Regiment in 1864; 

M-rv.-d to tin- .-nd of the war. 
Robert Beaty. 

.lam. s cuius, trans, to 1st l . S. ' avalry i ictoi.ri, 1862. 

Patrick I oin.ghan. 

dot. Davis, disch. on account of disability in 1863. 

Peter D03 1.-. 

Condy Elliott, re-enl. and served to the end of the war. 

i - Fitzgerald. 

Peter Gill, disch. on account of disability. 

Michael Heenan. 

John J. Meighan, trans, to 1st U. S. Cavalry in ISC'. 

Patrick McLaughlin, re-enl. and served to the end of the war. 

John 0'Donnell, trans, to the 1st U. S. Cavalry in October, 1862. 

Killed. 

Daniel McGinley, Corp., enl. in September, 1861; killed in tin- battle of 
Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1861. 

Doyle, Peter, enl. in September, 1861 ; killed in the battle of Fredericks- 
burg Dec. 13, 1862. 

II, I. an, Michael, enl. in September, 1861; killed in the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. 

Died. 

lleaty, Robert, enl. in September, 1861; died in hospital at New York 
March, 1863. 

C ghan, Patrick, enl. in September, 1861 : died in hospital at Wash- 
ington, D. C, March In, 1862. 

Fitzgerald, James, enl. in September, 1861 . died in hospital at Washing- 
ton, D. C, March 10, 1862. 
[Privates Andrew Conaghao, Dennis Brislin, and Patrick Hanlin, 

members of this company, were transferred to Company F, " Bucktail" 

Regiment, where their record is given. They were all killed.] 

Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry.— A 
considerable part of Company H, in this three-years' 
regiment, was composed of Carbon County men. 

Following is the roster: 

Company H. 

Anthony Beers, capt.. enl. Sept. 24, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; pro. from 
private to corp. Dec. 17, 18G1 ; to sergt. July 17, 1862 ; to 1st sergt. 
July 1, 1863; to 2d lieut. June 14, 1864; to capt. Feb. 13, 1865; pa- 
roled Feb. 22, 1865; served to the end of the war. 

Emery West, 1st lieut, enl. Sept. 24, 1861; pro. from private to 1st sergt. 
July 17, 1862; to 2d lieut. July 1, 1863; to 1st lieut. Jan. 14, 1864 ; 
must, out Oct. 18, 1864. 

Philip B. Moore, 1st lieut., enl. Aug. 4, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 14, 1863; pro. 
to sergt. March 28,1864; 2d lieut. Oct Is. 1864; 1st lieut. April 1, 
1865; served to the end of the war. 

Simeon Albee, 2d lieut., enl. Sept. 24, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 18, 1863; pro. 
to corp. Aug. 28, 1864 ; to sergt. Sept. 9, 1864; to 1st sergt. Feb. 1, 
1865 ; 2d lieut. April 1, 1865 ; served to the end of the war. 

Curtis F. Sisty, 1st sergt., enl. Aug. 17, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 

John Brighton, sergt, enl. Sept. 24, 1861 ; re-enl. Nov. 13, 1863; pro. to 
Corp. March 28, 1864; to sergt. Aug. 28, 1864; disch. Aug. 13, 1S65, 
from United States Hospital. 

John Bean, Corp., enl. Sept. 23, 1S61 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 

Coursen West, corp., enl. Aug. 4, 1861. 

/Vitiates. 

Daniel Bean, enl. Sept. H, 1861. 

William Christman, enl. March 22, 1864; served to the end of the war. 
Ephraim Frabel, enl. March 22, 1864 ; served to the end of the war 
Anthony Mall, enl. Aug. 4, 1S61 : re-enl. .Ian. 1, 1864 ; served to the end 

of the war. 
Philip G. Henning, enl. Sept. 24, 1861. 

William Koons, eul Sept. J4, 1861 : disch. Jan. 29,1862, for disability. 
William Keifer, enl. Sept. 9, 1861. 

George Rose, enl. March 8, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 
Christian Saudherr, eul. Dec. in, 1863; served to the end of the wai 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



637 



i Q.Sei ■ 3epl ), 1861 Ifscfa hnlj 1,1862, tor dis- 
ability. 

George H. Williams, anl. Sept 24,1861; discb. at tl ndol the war. 

Samuol Wilvort, enl. Sept. 9, 1861. 

Iwll'l and /'i' <i. 

Cutis K Staty, Isl sergt., enl. Aug. 17, 1861 . r nl, Jan. 1. i 

while on furlough, at hie 1 In Nesqnehoning, Jai I 

John Bean, Corp., enl. Sept. 23, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan, I, 1864 . « n killed by 
guerrillas, near Smltb field, Va., I 

Ooursen West, Corp., eul Aug. 4. 1861 ; mortally wounded bygueirllbu, 
\ u -. i Sept. 18, 1862 ; this man was wounded while 

making a daring reconnoissance of the enemy's position at Black 

Kiv.-i . 

COMPACT \. 

Edward Warner, enl. 1864; served to the end of the war. 

I H V Iv , 

11. IM \ Martin, enl L864; served to the end of the war. 
W. s. Walter, enl. 1864 | served to the end of the war. 

ANBEBSOH i 'a\ ai i;v. 
,1,-ssr Jenkins, Benjamin Taylor, Josiah Warg. 

Seventy-fifth Regiment— Then- were a few men 
from Carbon in this regiment, as follows : 

William J. Bligge, 1st lieut., enl. Aug. 20, 1861 ; ] i I Sept. 1,1861; 

to let sergt. June 8, 1862; to 2d lient. Sept ' '■■ . ■ nng adju- 
tant to the end of the war. 

William HcOee, sergt, ,'01. February, 1864; pro. sergt. Aug. J", 1864; 
i ■ 1 to the end of the war. 

Armbrueter, Faldine, enl. Februat y, 1864; served to the end of the wat . 

Heck, John, eul. February, 1864 ; Served t" the end of the war. 

Bhman, Fritz, enl. February, 1861 aerved to the end of the war. 
] Fetch, John, enl. February, 1801 : served to the end of the war. 
I i Be, Harts, enl. February, 1864 ; Served to the end of the war. 

shot/line, John, enl. February, 1864; served to the end of the 
Smith, Andr-w. eul. November, 1861 ; re-enlisted; wounded at Gettys- 
burg July 1, 1863; served to the eud of the war. 

Eighty-first Regiment (Three- Years' Men).— 
Companies G, H, I, ami K of this regiment were 
from Carbon County. The regiment was recruited 
by Eli T. Conner, afterwards its lieutenant-colonel, 
and James Miller, who became colonel. Col. Conner, 
win) had served in the three-months' service as captain 
of a company in the Sixth Regiment, recruited three 
full companies of the best young men in the count} 
in twenty-four hours. 

Field ani> Si.vti 
James Miller, col., com. Aug. S, 1861. 
Eli T. Conner, lieut. -col., com. maj. Oct. 1, 1861 ; pro. to lieut.'Col. June 

1, 1862. 
Thomas McNelsh, maj., com. 1st lieut., Co. I, Oct. 15, 18(11; traus. t" the 

West and pro. to niaj. on staff duty. 
Samuel Shurlock, cant., enl. as sergt.-maj. August, 1861 ; pro. to capt., 

Co. D, Dec. 9, 1861. 
John Brelsford, lieut., com. 1st lieut. and q.-m. May lo. i-> j . n i -> 
Amos stroh, lieut.-col., com. capt. Sept. 16, 1861; pro. to lieut.-col. April 

17, 1868; resigned. 

Company G. 

Hustered in Sept. 16, 1861 ; mustered out June 29, I 

John W. Pryor, capt., com. 1st lieut. Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. to capt. of Co. 

D Feb. 28, 1863; res. on account of wounds in 1864; served also 

during the Mexican war. 
Nowton Bieber, capt., enl. as 1st -er^t. in 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Jan. 1, 

1862; to 1st lieut., Co. F, Feb. 1, ls(',:; ; to capt., Co. C, Fob. 1, 1863; 

disch. Aug. 24, 1863. 
John I'altoii, capt, pro. to 2d lieut. Feb. 1,1863; to 1st lieut. Feb. 28, 

1863; to capt. in 1861; discb. in 1-' 1 
Nathan F. Marsh, capt.. re-enl. in 1864; pro. to capt. of Co. I, Jan. 7, 1865; 

served to the end of the war. 
John Boud, capt., re-enl. in 1863 ; pro. to capt. of Co. It. 



■ m ! "i St i '- 16 1861 pro. to 1st 

llenl .Co. A 

Lebo Winters, 1st II ., pro. from I 1863; pro. 

,,, igt 11 d ol ths wai 

Peters, Zd Lieut, re-enl. and pro. to -^,i lieut. 
Peti i UcGee, lieut., re-enl and pro, to lieut ol I 

William Adam war. 

Jeremiah Asbback. > man. 

George T. Bond, disci 

Bi unner, 
John Brunuer, discharged. 
Griffith Bachman, disch. "o account ol disability. 

Da I Bachman, dil ' *62. 

Benjamin Bachman, discb I disabllit} In .May, 1863. 

VI in, ,10 Brittlam. 

John Blllinsby, trana to 1 S. Art. 

George W. Brelsford, disch. on account of hie wound 

ii.mo\ Bulkley. 

Franklin Bowman, disch. May, 1st.::. 

i Iharles Becker. 

Samuel Campbell, discharged. 

Josiata Connell) , trans to U. s. Art. 

i Hive, i Irilley, diet iiarged. 

Obediah Derr. William Dai is 

Nathan H. Dorney. Henry Doak. 

James Edgar, enl. in 1862 : disch. on account of his w ids. 

Peter S. I 

William Eberts, enl. In i -■ I erved to the end of the war. 

Miles i Frey. Anion Frits 

si phen Fenstermachei Jacob Ginder. 

Marshall Fieli- 

Henrj Goodman, disch. October, 1862. 

William i:. Glace, trans, t" I . S. Art.in 1862. 

George Geary, enl. in 1864 : served to the end of the wm. 

,t ..nathau H. Goiuliert, discharged. 

Francis Gallagher. 

Patrick Gallagher, enl. in 1861 served to the end of the war. 

Alfred Gaumer, trans, t" 0. S. Art. in 1862. 

Douglas Geddes Is Gallagher. 

William Gombert 

Frank Gaumer, enl. in 1864. 

John Gormerly. 

John Horn, disch. in 1862, on account of disability; re-enl. in t 
llegt. in February, 1865, anil serve, 1 to II mi of the war. 

Samuel Hawk, enl. Sept. 6. 1S61 ; dlach Deo 23, 1862; re-enlisted. 

Jacob \ . Hollin 

George Hollinger, Jr., served to the end of the war. 

- F. Howard. Anion Hontz. 

Moses Hontz. 

Charles Hontz, eul. In 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 

Ooudy Haggerty. 

HammOU, discb. from hospital. 

i bai l-'s Hanuing. 

John llaupt. enl. In 1S64. 

Benjamin F. Keller. Francis W. Kuebler. 

John Kishbach. John Kuebler. 

Wallace Kramer, oil. In 1863; served to the end of the war. 
Michael Ruby, trans, to 0.3. Artillery in 1862. 

John Koontz. 

Klotz, enl. in 1 BI I 
William Line. 

Alfred Lovejoy, disch. , c »u it of disability in 1862. 

Charles Longkammer. William Lomlson. 

William Miller. 

William McMeal, trans, to I s. An 

Henry lb Gin 

Alexander Miller, enl. in 1864; served to the end of the war. 

Goorge Mcintosh, tin,- to Vel Bes. Corps; served to the end of the 
wat . 

Hani, -1 Miller, enl ,n 1-01; served f the war. 

William Uarsden, discb in hospital, Oct,, her. 1862. 

[aaac McLean, re-enl. in 1864, and served to the end of the war. 

Andrew Meagban, disch. on account of disability. 

William Martin. 

Michael HcQowan, trans, t" i s. Artillery. 



638 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John K. Mean. William Me. Her. 

Will In m Moi Ices, Low i H 

Wtltlam Mullen. 
John M William >l u< I ■ 

John McClollau. 

Deunla Nothitein, enl. in 1864 served to tbe end of thi 
John Newton. 

William Kotbstein, enl, in 1864, 
Barney ■ I'Donnell. Alfred i 

Lewis Oxri ■ Lewis Pi \ oi 

Abraham Rough. 

Nathan Reinsinith, nil. in istU; served to end of the war. 
Charles Roth rock. 

Masses Boot, enl. in 1864 ; served to the end oi the war. 
Reuben Reiusmith. 

Albert Shivd, enl. in 1864 j served tu the end of the war. 
Frank Strittmaker, re-enl. and served to the end of the war. 

Steinupe. John G. Satorious. 

Monroe Smith. 
Samuel Sha< flTer, di i tiai ged, 
\ mil Bii Spinner. John Stein. 

Peter Smith, 

Samuel Shlve, enl. in 1864, 
Paul Sollinger, enl. in 1864. 

John Thompson, trans, to Vet. Ree, Corps; served to the end of the war. 
Burton N. Tubbs. William Williams. 

Samuel West. Samuel Winterstein. 

John Wallace, re-enl. in the 91st Begt., P, V. 
John WisBner, discharged. 

Joseph WolHnger. George West. 

John West, enl. in 1862; served to the end of the war. 
Henry Zellner, disch. on account of disability. 

Killed and Died of 1 Found*. 
John Bond, capt., enl. in 1861 i re-eol. in 1863 ; pro. to capt. of Co. B ; 

killed in battle at Furmville April 7, 1865. 
Samuel Peters, lient., enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. and pro, to 2d lieut. ; killed 

in battle June 17, 18G4, in front of Petersburg. 
Peter McGee, lieut., enl. in 1861; re-enl. and pro. to lieut. of Co. A in 

1864 ; killed at the battle of Ream's station in 1864. 
Ackerman, < leoi ge, enl. in 1861 ; killed at the battle of Antietam Sept. 

17, 1862. 
Ego, Peter S., enl. in 1861 , killed in battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 

1862. 
Geddes, Douglas, enl. in 1861 ; mortally wounded at the battle of Allen's 

Farm June:.n, L8G2; died in Libby Prison. 
Gombert, William, enl. in 1861 ; killed at the battle of Fair Oaks June 

1, 1862. 
Gallagher, Dennis, enl. in 1861; killed in battle of Antietam Sept. 17, 

1862. 
Gaumer, Frank, enl. in 1864; killed at the battle of Cold Harbor June, 

1864. 
Haupt, John, enl. in 1864; killed at the battle of Spottsylvania May L2, 

1864. 
Klotz, Francis, enl. in 1864; killed at the battle of Spottsylvania May 

12, 1S64. 
Medler, William, enl. in 1861; killed at the battle of Fredericksburg 

Dec. 13, 1862. 
Hoyer, Lewis, enl. in 1861; wounded at Malvern Hill June 30,1862 

killed at the battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. 
Mullen, William, enl. in 1861; wounded at Fair Oaks June 1,1862; killed 

m battle of Antietam Sept, 17, 1862. 
Muckler, William, enl. in 1861; mortally wounded in battle of Fred' 

ericksburg Dec. 13, 1862 . died in hospital, 
Nothstein, William, enl. in L864 ; killed in battle at Spottsylvania May 

12, 1864. 
Line, William, enl. in 1861 ; killed in battle of Fair Oaks June 1, 1862. 

This is supposed to have been the firBt Carbon County soldier killed 

in the Rebellion, 
Loroison, William, enl. in 1861; killed in battle of Antietam Sept. 17, 

1862. 
Shive, Samuel, enl. in 1864; killed in battle of Spottsylvania May 12, 

L864. 
Sollfnger, Paul, enl. in 1864 ; killed in battle of Spottsylvania May 12. 

L864. 
Tubbs, Burton N., enl. in 1861 ; wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill 

July 1, 1862; died of wound in rebel prison in Richm ud 



Samuel, enl. in 1861; mortally wounded at Fredericksburg Dec. 
13, 1862 : died al Point Lookout 

IV, l.n, Charles, elll. ill 1861 J died . I Illy 12, 1862. 

<;.'i iinTly, ,loh n, i*iil. ill 1*61 ; died in 1862. 

McClelland, John, enl. in 1861 ; died at Turner's Hospital June 20, 
1862. 

Overholser, Alfred, enl. in 1861; 'lied at Newport News in 1862. 

Company h. 

(Mustered in Aug. 22, 1861 ; mustered out June 29, 1866.) 

Thomas C, Harknesa, lieut -rot., com. capt. Sept. 18,1861; pro. to maj. 

April 17. L863; to lietit.-col. ; resigned. 
John C. McLaughlin, capt., com. 1st lieut Sept L8, 1861; pro. to capt. 

Company A Nov. 14, 1862; honorably discharged on account of 

wounds June 12, 186 '. 
Thomas Mo i ton, rapt., com. 2d lieut Sept 18, 1861; pro. to 1st lieut. 

Nov. 14, 1862; to capt. April 17, 1863; resigned In L864. 
Thomas C. Williams, enl. us 1st sergt. Aug. 22, 1861; pro. to 2d lieut. 

Nov. 14, 1862; lo 1st lieut. April 17,1863; to capt. April 21, 1864; 

disch. on account of his wounds. 
William J. Williams, 1st lieut., enl. as si rgt; pro. to 1st lieut. April 21, 

1864. 
Stewart Mcintosh, lieut., re-enl. and pro. to lieut. 1865, and served to 

the end of the war. 
Thomas Gallagher, re-enl. aud pro. to lieut 1865 ; served to tbe end of 

the war. 
Aaron Henry, IbI sergeant 

Privates. 

John Boyd. James Bell. 

Martin Beltz. Aaron Breish, 

Hugh Blair, re-enlisted and served to the end of the war. 

Patrick Boyle, trauB. to 4th U. S. Art. iu 1862; served to the end of tbe 
war. 

James G. Brookmire, trans, to 4th l_\ S. Art. in 1862. 

William Braunan, trans, to Invalid Corps. 

James Burns, enl. Sept 9, 1861. 

William Casey. 

Elijah Cooper, enl. Sept. 9, 18G1 ; trans, to Invalid Corps. 
| William Clemena, enl. Sept. 9, 1861. 
I John Clark, re-enl, and served to the end of the war. 

James Clark, disch. on account of his wounds. 
| Patrick Cokely, trans, to U. S. Cav. Begt. 
; James Cadden. 

J Patrick B. Coyle, enl. March 21, 18G2. 
! Jeremiah Delay. William Delamour. 

David E. Davis, enl. March is, 1862. 

Patrick Donaboe, enl. Sept. 9, 1861 ; re-enl. and served to the end of tbe 
war. 

Dauiel Dunn, trans, to band, and disch, in 1862. 

James vV. Esbach. 

Jenkins Evans, disch. in 1863. 

William Eddie, enl. Aug. 9, 1862. 

William Elliot. 

Owen Edwards, enl. March, 1862. 

Patrick Fitzpatrick, enl. Sept. 9, 1861. 

Owen Fisher. Michael Fritz. 

i 'harles Fritz, disch. in 1862, on account of disability. 

James Glenui. 

John Gallagher, disch. on account of disability in 1863. 

Patrick Gallagher (1st), re-enl. and served to the end of the war. 

Pad irk Gallagher (2d), enl. March 21, 1S62; disch. Feb. 11, 1863. 

Patrii k Golden, disch. March 25, 1863, on account of wounds. 

Benjamin Hackett, trans, to the 4th U. S. Art. 1862. 

William Hewitt, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, 

Edward Handline, disch. 

John Hem j , 1 1 1 ~i b. 

David Hughes, disch. April 15, L863 

John T, Jones, disch. 

Charles W. Jones, enl. Oct. 31, 1861. 

Janes King. 

James Kirk, disch. Feb. 26,1863. 

William K issuer, disch. on account of wounds. 

James Laugh ry, enl. Sept. 9, 1861. 

Hugh Laughry, re-enl. and served to the end of the war. 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



639 



William Quigley. 
Edward i. 
Andrew Uodgors. 



. -til. Aug. 6, i- id account -»f disabi:. 

James It. Blurry. Charles Murphy. 

I'.iiih k McLaughlin. 

■ 
Thomas H. M Thomas T. Morgan. 

Uulfaold, dlsch. on account of woondl. 
Daniel McLean, dlsch, on account ol dlsabiUtj , 
John KcFhdden, enl. Aug. I 
■i Hi Mullen. 
Murphy, dis< b of disability. 

HcCandles, dlsch. on account of disability. 

Ily,enl. Aug. I i Man b 31, 1863. 

Chailee Morrison, trana to 4th D S. Artillery in 1862. 
i \, .i i, dtech, on net.-. unit of disability in 1863. 
David Powell, enl. Aug. 22, 1861. 
Howell Pugh. John Philips. 

John Parker, sol March 21, 1862. 

John 0*1 noil. 

Jolm Quigley, discharged. 

Anthony RyemfUi r. 

John B i 

Thomas Reese, ti sns. to Invalid I i ; 

Austin Riley. David Keese. 

Thomas Robin 

I 1862. 
Swift, Ernst Stuts. 

Vivian Stephens, disch. Sept 29, i 
Alexander Sneddon, trans, i" invalid Corps. 
William T. Thomas, disch. on account of disability. 
Philip Tbomas, trans. t-> Invalid Corps. 
John Vaughn, enl. March 18, 1 362 
Hugh Williamson, 

i !hi Istophei W all, dlsch. on account of wounds. 
David Williams. ■ Emanuel Zimmerman. 

List of Killed and hied of Wounds, 
y, Jeremiah, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; killed In battle of Charles City 

! 30, 1862. 

Delamour, William, enl. in 1861; killed at the battle of Charles City 

Roads June 30, 1862, 
Fisher, Owen, mortally wonnded in battle In front of Petersburg, 1864 , 

1 ed in Richmond. 
Fritz, Michael, mortally wounded at the battle of Charles fin <><■*<- 
Roada Ji i. 

noi, James, enl, August, 1861; mortally wounded at the battle of 
: ricksburg Dec 

nry, James, enl, Sept. 9, 1861; mortally wound- <1 In battle Kay 
12, 1864; died May 18, 1^64. 
Blurry, James B., enl. In 1861; killed at Ream's Station, Ya., Aug. 25, 

Murpl enl. Aug. 22, 1861; killed at the battle of Fredericks- 

burg Dec. 13, 1862. 

McLaughlin, Patrick, enl, Aug. 22, 1861 ; killed at the battle of Charles 
i m^-Uottda June 30, 1862. 

O'Donnell, John, enl. Aug, 22,1861; killed at the battle of Malvern Dill 
July l, 1862 

Ryemlller, Anthony, enl. in 1861; killed in battle al Charles City Cross- 
Boada June 30, 1862. 

Radclifl, John, enl. in isfil ; wounded on tl » - In 1862; sup- 

posed to have been killed at Chancellorsvllle May :;, i I 

Reynolds, Edward, enl. In 1861 ; wonnded at Chancelloraville May 3, 
;, mortally wounded in battle June 12, 1864. 

Rogers, Andrew, enl. in 18G1 ; killed at the battle of Charles City Cross- 
Roads June 30, L862. 

Williamson, Hugh, enl. Aug. 22, 1861 ; killed at the battle of Fi 

burg I'er, 13, 1862 

Zimmerman, Email Id L861; killed at the battle of Fredericks- 

burg Deo. 13, 

Died. 
J ibn, enl. In 1861 ; died in "Camp California" In 
Beltz, Martin, enl. in 1861 ; died at Newp >rt News in 1862. 
Casey, William, enl In 1861 ; died at Yorktown En 1862. 
Davie, David E, enl. March 18, 1862 i Falmouth, Va., April 

17, l-». 
Esbach, James \V ., enl. in 1861 : died in hospital at David's bland, Now 
York. 



FItzpati Ick, Pati I in front of Petersburg Au- 

gust, 1864. 

King, James, enl. In 1861 * taken prisoner in 1864 
while borne on fui I 

Swift, Richard, enl, In 1861 

(Mustered In Oct 
Willi mi I i ' inner, capt 

of wounds April 22, 
Joseph Webb, capt., pro. tol»tlleut.ofCo. A, apt. April 

8, l H '■ ; set red to tin i nd of the war. 
David J. Phillips, apl . enl aa sergt In 1861 j pro. t<» 2d I lent Sept 1, 

1862; to 1st lifut. 

David II. Glnder, capl , enl as sei jt, In 181 eut Feb. L, 

I ■ Lai II al ipi [I 22, 186 

Thomas McNelsb, maj., com, 1st lieut Oct. 18, 1861; trans, to the De- 
partment of Tennessee, and pro. t-> the iank of maj. 

Thomas C. i lieut. Oct i 1st lieut, 

April i Igoed Nov. 24, 1862. 

Henry Pal txg rove, re onl In 1864 ; pro. ' i 2d lieul Id 64 ; to 1st 

lieut. dan 7, 1865; served to the end of the war; few soldlei 
a blighter record. 

Sidney N. Hawk, 1st lieut , enl. OS aergt. lu to 2d hunt. April 

63; to Lsl lieut andadjl in 1864. 

Hewitt J. Abbott, 2d lieut., enl. as aergt in 1861 : pro. to 2d lieut, April 
17, LSI 

Oliver K. Pryor, sergt., re-enl. In 1864, and served to the end of the war. 

William Motiltliorp, Bergt. 

Privates. 

George Arp, dlsch. on w counl of disability. 
Benjamin Arp, re enl. In 1864; served bonorablj to end •■( war. 
Jamea P, Ackerman, 

John Burger, re-enl in red to the end of the war. 

Jacob Bartholomew, re-enl. In 1864; disch. on account of disability. 
Edwin Buck, eul. in 1863. 

Owen B Theophilus Buskhart 

li' in _\ Corn, dlsch. on account, of disability. 
John Campbell. John K Durbert. 

1 lonner. Thomas Everett. 

Levi Dreishuch. 

Daniel Faulkner, dlsch. on account of disability. 
Henry Fell. Thomaa Flicki 

Peter Glass, disch. on account of disability. 

James Gillespie, enl. in I 52; dlsch I of wounds. 

William II. Huusicker, disch. on account of his wounds. 

Charles Hall, disch. on account of disability. 

Edward W. Hawk, dlsch., and subsequently re-enl. En the lS3d Regt. 

ll' .i -. Hoffman, disch. on account of disability. 

William Haines, re-enl. In 1864, and subsequently discharged. 

Jacob Hopple. dame.-* m. Horn. 

ofanville llinkle. Peter Haines. 

Daniel 1 1 i 

Lewis Enause, enl in 1862 ; trans, to Invalid Corps in 1863. 

Frank Kresge, disch. In 

Wallace Kramer. 

Charles Cenley, disch. In 1*62. 

Reuben Cemmerer, enl. in 1862; discharged. 

Jeremiah F. Kline, disch. on account of disability in 1863. 

Audelburg Kupp David Kugler. 

Francis I. eh, dlsch. OU aCCOUnt of disability in 1 - 

' n. on account of disability. 

Joseph Laurisb. John Hcafaster. 

Lafayette Lauer. 

M thl >u .Miller, re-enl. in 1864; served to the end of the war. 
Samuel Hetzgar, re-enl in 1S64 ; served to the end of war. 
Thomas Hilhara, disch. In 1863. 

J an Miller. Thomas Nathan. 

Frederick Owen, disch. on account of disability. 
P< - b. on act ouut of wounds, 

Charles i r Tilgbnian l" 

William Romlg, discharged. 
Henry I; Bader. 

Edwin Rehrig. Adam B 

Charles K. Kuch. 
Jacob Strouse, enl. in 1863; served to the end of the war. 



640 



HISTORr OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



George Stain: oh. on account of wounds. 

Peter Swartw 1, dlsch, on account of disability in 1862, 

1 1 ed i" the end of the « ar. 
William Bhannon, re-enl, in 1864, and served to the end of the war. 

John Sterling, re-enl., And served to i) od of the war. 

Frank Snyder, re-enl. in 1864, and aerved to the end of the war. 
Willi ' " count "i wounds. 

■ i "iint <>f diaabilll j 
Samuel Smith. Harrison Setzer. 

William Taylor, disch. on account of disability. 
Torrance Timuions, disch. on accounl of wounds. 

licoi-f I ultiil. iIjm.'Ii. ,.n account of disability in i ■ 

Lorentz Wulker, disch. on account of disability in i 
John Wittingbam. I * i b W h ti 

Israel Youse. 

md Died of Wounds. 
David .1- Phillips, capt., eul. as si-r^t. in imii , pro. to 2d Heui Sept. 1, 
to lot lieut and adjt Feb. I, 1863; to capt. April 2 

killed at the battle of Mine Run Dei , I I 
David H. Ginder, capt., enl. as sergt in 1861; pro. to 2d lieut. Feb. 1, 
tolstlieut April 22, 1863; to cap! Dec 1863; killed in front 

of Petersburg June IT, 1864. 
Sidney V Hawk, 1st lieut., enl. as sergt. in 1861 , pro. to 2d lieut. April 

22, 1863; to 1st lieut. and adjt. in 1864; killed at the battle ofSpott- 

sylvania May 12, 1864. 
Hewitt J, Abbott, 2d lieut., enl. as sergt. iu 1861 : pro. to 2d lieut. April 

17,1862; killed al the battle of Charles City Cross-Roads June 30, 

1862. 
Ackerman, .lames P., enl, in 1861 ; killed in the battle of Charles City 

Cross-Roads June 30, 1862. 

Buck, Edwin, enl. in 1863; killed in battle of Spottsylvania May 12, 
1864. 

Dreisbach, Levi, eul. in 1861; supposed tu have been killed in front of 
Petersburg June 16, 1864. 

Flickinger, Thomas, enl. in 1861; wounded at the battle of Charles City 
Cross-RoadB; killed in the battle of Gettysburg July 3, 1863. 

Hopple, Jacob, enl. in 1861 ; mortally wounded at the battle of Charles 
City Cro6s-Roads June 30, 1862 ; died in Richmond. 

llinkle, Manville, enl. in 1861 ; mortally wounded at the battle of Fred- 
ericksburg Her. 13, 1862. 

Harris, Daniel, enl. in 1861 ; killed at the battle of Charles City Cross- 
RoadB June 30,1862. 

Kupp, Audelburg, enl. in 1861; killed in battle in front of Petersburg 
in 1864. 

Miller, John, enl. in 1861; killed at the battle of Charles City Cross- 
Roads June 30, 1862. 

Nathan, Thomas, enl. in 1861 ; killed at the battle of Charles City Cross- 
Roads June 30, 1862. 

Peters, Charles E.. enl. in 1861 ; killed at the battle of Fredericksburg 
Dec. 13, 1862. 

Rader, David, eul. in 1861; killed in the battle of Malvern Hill in 
1862. 

Rehrig, Edwin, enl m 1861 ; killed in battle of Chancellorsville May 3, 
1863. 

Smith, Samuel, enl. in 1S61 ; killed at the battle of Charles City Cross- 
Eoads June 30, 1862. 

Whittingliaiu, John, enl. in 1862 ; lulled at the battle of Fredericksburg 
D 13, 1862. 

Died and Starved in liebel Pmons. 
Buck, Owen, eul. in 1861 ; wounded at the battle of Antietam Sept. 17, 

1863; died in 1863, 
Buskhart, Theophilus, enl. in 1 B61 ; died on the Peninsula in 1862. 
Connor, George, enl. in 1861 ; died in 1861. 
Dnrbert, John E., enl. in 1861 ; diech. and died in 1863. 
Horn, James M., enl. in 1861; wounded in the battle of Charles City 

Cross-Roads; wounded and taken prisoner at Ream's Station Aug. 

25, 1864 ; died in Andersonville prison on the 11th of February, 1865, 
Heine, Peter, enl. in 1861 ; died in 1862. 
Kugler, David, enl. in 1861 ; died in 1862. 
Lamish, Joseph, enl. in 1861 ; died in 1862. 
Lauer, Lafayette, enl. in 1861 ; taken prisoner at Ream's Station Aug. 

25, 1864; died iu Andersonville prison Jan. 27, 1866. 
Peters, Tilghman, enl. In 1861 ; died in 1862, 

\duni, enl. in 1861 ; died in 1862. 
Knch, Charles E., enl. in 1861 ; taken prisoner at Ream's Station Aug. 

26, L864; died at AndersooviUe Jan. 17, 1866. 



Setzer, Harrison, enl. In 1861 ; died iu 1862 at Alexandria, Va. 
W hitenian. Joseph, enl. In 1862 ; died in March, | - 

\ I K 

Mustered in Oct ^7, 1861 ; mustered out June 29, 1 864.) 

.Coin, 2d bent. Oct. 27, 1861; disch. Mai eh 3, 



lieut., 



u i 111am B. Iford, 
1863. 

hington Setzor, lieut., enl. as a private soldier in 1861; re-enl. and 
pro. to lieut Jan. 7, 1866 ; served to the end of the war. 

Emanuel C. Hoover, lieut, re-onl. in 1864 ; pro. to 2d lieut. 

Privatt s. 
Abraham Andreas, enl. En 1862 . oi red to the end of the war. 

John Andreas, enl. in 1862. 

George Bond, re-enl. and Berved to the end of the war. 

John Brltt, enl. in 1864, and served to the end of the war. 

John Brindle, disch. on account of disability. 

William Callaghan, enl. in 1864. 

John Dougherty, disch. on account of disability. 

Robert T. Farrow, enl. in 1862. 

Michael Farley, enl. in 1864; served to the end of the war. 

J. C. Fritz, disch. in I 

C. Fellows. Lewis Hopkins. 

Charles Kelly, enl. iu 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 

Penrose Lowers. Thomas Lutz. 

Michael Mulherren, enl. In 1864. 

Joseph Matthew- Daniel Raver. 

A. Shoepp. disch. in 1862 on account of disability. 

Alexander Steltlei . 

Daniel Washburn, enl. in 1862; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps. 

Joseph Washburn, enl. in 1862. 

James West, re-enl isted. 

Lkt of Killed. 
Emanuel C. Hoover, lieut., enl. in 1861; re-enl. in 1864; pro. to 2d 

lieut., and killed at the battle of Ream's Station, 1864. 
Fellows, C, enl. in 1861; killed at the battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 

13, 1862. 
Matthews, Joseph, enl. in 1861 ; killed at the battle of Fredericksburg 

Dec. 13, 1862. 
Lowers, Peurose, enl. In 1861 ; killed at the battle of Spottsylvania in 

1864. 

Died of Diseatf. 

Andreas, John, enl. in 1862 ; died at Falmouth, Va., December, 1862. 

Lut/. Thomas, enl. in 1861 , died on the Peninsula iu 1862. 

Stettler, Alexander, enl. in 1861 ; died at Ship Point. 

Washburn, Joseph, eul. in 1862 ; died in service. 

West, James, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. and died iu hospital June 11, 1864. 

Sixty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

l Mustered in Aug. 28, 1861 ; mustered out July 14, 186.*).) 
Horace B. Burnham, col. ; com. lieut. -col. of the 67th Regt. Aug. 12,1861; 
participated with, and most of the time commanded, his regiment 
until January, 1864, when, having become incapable of further duty 
in the field, he was ordered to Washington, D. C. On the expiration 
of his term of service he was appointed by President Lincoln major 
and judge-advocate United States army, in the Department of New 
Mexico, On March 13, 186o, he received two promotions, by brevet, 
conferring upon him the rank of colonel, " for faithful and merito- 
rious services during the war." 

Company I. 

George W.Simpson, 1st lieut., com. Sept. 24, 1861; captured at Win- 
chester June 15, 1863, and remained a prisoner of war until March, 
1865, part of which tune he waB, with a number of other prisoners, 
placed under fire of the Union guns at Charleston, S. C. 

John McArdel, drum-major, enl. in November, 1861; re-enl. January, 
1864; served to the end of the war. 

John Callaghan, enl. in November, 1861 ; Berved three years. 

John Dougherty, enl. in November, 1861 ; re-enl. January, 1864; served 

to the end of the war. 
Jesse Walton, enl. in November, 1861 ; re-enl. January, 1864; served to 

the end of the war. 

Company a. 

David B. Burnham, capt., coin. 1st lieut. Aug. 12, 1861; pro. to capt. 

Nov. 9, 1863. 
Sylvester McCabe, 2d lieut., enl. August, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Feb. 20, 

1862; houorably discharged March 17, 1863. 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAB OF THE REBELLION. 



641 



Joseph Morris, ssrgt, nl lugnst, 1881; served three years. 

1 Zimmerman, isrgt. enl. intrust, L891; re-enl. January, I 
Taken prisoner ;it tbs t;itti-- of \\ ni> hester Jons i ■ 

; it, 1661 ; tnkeii prisonei at Wlncbi 
Jane i">. 1863 isrrsd th 
William H.SI ' . '•"'. August, 1861 . taki i Win- 

. '-•! Jill,.- |fi, 1 

William Dunbar, corp, enl. August, 1861; lakon prisoner si Wincli 

Jane l"'. 186 ; . serred ''<•■ 
joslal i t'* 1 " battle of the 

Wild ■ ■■" Killed. 

i Eelper, corp , enl liester Jnne 

|g ( i- icconnt *f wound. 

Jeremiah Trout, corp., enl August, i-'-l ; taken prisoner at Winch 

Jnne 16, 1863; wonnded at the battle •>( the Wildenu I 

Hold KIol corp.; enl. August, 1861; taken prisoner at Winchester I 

j un o 1 I unary, 1864, rod served to the end of the 

war. 

GeorgoE. Williams, corp. ; enl. August, i*t;i ; taken prisonei stWlu- 
Itei June 15, 1863; r.-— nL Jan. 1, 1864. 

Ague, John, enl. August, 1661 ; taken prisone 

Bartholomew, Michael, enl. An m account of j 

disability 
Banner, John, enl August, 1861; woundedatWinchesterJunel5, 

,ii.. | of wounds. 

Berwick, Hei rounded at the battle oftheWll- , 

dernesi May. l B64 served three 
Oallln, Patrick, sol Bl; re-enl. January, i 

Corrohirt, Emlen I., "I August, 1^01 ; taken prisoner it Wioct 

.in,, nl and serred to the end of the war. 

Ditmir-', Anthony, enl. August, 1861 ; disch. in i8*.2 For disability . 
Dunbar, Jameo, enl. August, 1861 ; taken prisoner at Winchester Juue 

15, 1- eara 

Dotter, Lazarus, --nl kugnst,1361; ?;iken prisoner at Winchester June 

15, 1863 : served three yean 
Dotter, Lewis, enl. August, 1861 ; taken prisoner at Winchester June 16, 

: three >e:ir- 
Bagen, Peter, -Mil. August, 1861 . taken pi isonerat Winchester June 16, 

served tint-.- j 
Fritzinger, Levi, enl August, 1861; re. enl. January, 1864, and serve.] to 

I ol tliw war. 
Htxpatrick, James, ml August, 1861 taken prisoner at Winchester 

June li, 1863 ; isrved three years. 
Qreen, Edward, ai 1 : wounded and captured at the battle 

i Winchester June 16, 1863; re-enl. January, 1864; served t>> the 
and of the war. 

ml. August, 1861 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864. 
H II II am, "nl i 

\;reens\vei^, Willi. mi. enl. August, l^til : wounded and capture.) ;,t Win- 
chester June l.% is*'. i re-Mil. January, 1864. 
Qreansweig, Thomas, eul in 1861. 

Hawk, Jacob, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. January, 1*04 ; captured at Win- 
chester June i >, l B63 aerved t<> the end of the war. 

Hawk, Paul, enl. in 1861 . dlscb. For disability. 

Qeatheringtou, Irvin, enl. in 1861. 

Hawk, Willi:. in. ••nl. in i*-;i ; wounded ;it iiie battle ■■! Winchester 
June I"*. 1863 difl I of wounds. 

Iliggin-s, John, enl. In l s '''i : captured :it Winchester June 16 
■ (lift* years. 

Hartoiaii, Charles, enl. In 1861, 

Hoot, John, enl n ired at Winchester June 16, 1863; served 

three years. 

Johnson, Andrew, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. January, L864 ; captured at Win- 
chaster June 16, 1863 ; served to the end of the war. 

Kemerer, I'aniel, enl. in 1*61 ; re-enl. January, 1*64; captured at Win- 
cheatai June 15, 1863; served to the end of the war. 

Long, Jacob 8., enl. In 1861 lerved three years; captured at Winches- 
ter J>: I 

MUheimer, John, enl. In fears; captured at Win- 

chester June 15, 1863. 

McGinnis, John, enl. In 1861; re-enl. in January, 1864. 

. Daniel, enl. in 1861 ; wounded and captured at Win. I 
June I , I three year*. 

41 



Mann, J b, ■ 

■ 

ars. 
Bfenglc | ! ured it Winchester .Inn 

McVey, Ds 

McFarland, John, enl. In 1861; re-enl. January. 
Hcl i ■■ tonded <r Wlncheeb r Jons 16, 1 

re-enl. the end <>f tho war. 

i .lies, enl. ni tat 

Under, Charles, enl tured st Wiucheetei Jnne 15 

d to the end of the war. 
r, Philip, enl. in 1862; captured at Winchester Junt 
ed t<> the snd of the war. 
Sterner, Renbeu, enl. in 1861 ; dlscb. in i llity. 

Ssibler, George, enl. In 1861 : captured .'it Wlni i 

enl, Jan. l, 1864, and served to the end of the war. 
Weiant, Samuel, enl. In 1861; captured :it Wi 1863; 

re-enl the end <>f the war. 

Werner, Samuel, enl. in 1861 ; Nerved tfa 

Wetsel, Gustavnfl \ , enl. in Isul ; years. 

Wilson, Edward II., enl. In 1861 ; captured ;tt Wincheal . 1*63 ; 

t red to the end of the war. 
Williams, William P., enl In 1861 ; disch. on account of disability in 

Uai o) Ktikd 

i m 2d Hent Aug. 28, 18(51 ; pro. to capt. Co. H, 

Feb. 20, 1862; killed in battle of Winchester, June 16, 1863, 
George W. Burton, color-eergt., enl. August, 1861 ; re-enl. January, 1864; 
killed in battle near Winchester, September, 

Hugh (V-llins, corp., enl. August, 1801 ; re-enl. January, 1864; captured 

at Winchester June 16, 1863; killed in front of Petersburg April 

1, 181 
llant, Jacob, enl. lugust, 1861 ; killed at the battle of Winchester 

June 15, 1863. 
Haterley, John, enl. Vugust, 1861 ; killed at the battle of Winchester 

June 15, 1863. 
McKnelty, Patrick, enl. August, 1861 ; kille<l at the battle of Winchea- 

r. i June 15, 1863. 

Wed. 

Jacob Arndt, capt., com. capt Ang. 28, 1861 ; died at Philadelphia, Nov. 
8, 1863, from injuries received by being thrown from a horse. 

BlUman, Jacob, enl. August, 1801 ; died at Annapolis, 1S62. 

Barnett, Mixaell, enl. August, 1861 ; died at Annapolis, 1862. 

CantUng, John, enL August, 1861 ; re-enl. in 1864; died while on vet- 
eran furlough. 

1 v, James, enl. August, 1861; re-enl. January, 1864; died in ser- 
vice. 

Mulherren, Charles, enl. in 1861 ; re enl., nud died while on veteran 
furlough. 

\\ Enrue, Owen, Bnl. In 1861 taken prisonei *t the battle of the Wil- 
■] at Anderson ville. 

Bcanltn, Joseph, enL In 1861; re-enl. January, 1864; captnred at the 
battled the Wilderness; diedal Anderson villa. 

Welsh, fl illiam.eol udelphia December, 1861. 

COMPANY D. 
John Diehl, enl, in 1861; killed at the battle of Winchester, June 16, 

1863. % 

Company II. 
Hartman, enl. in 1861 ; died July 7, 1864, In hospital. 

One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment, 
Company C (Three- Years' Mem— This was Com- 
pany N, Twenty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, previous to the organization of the One Hun- 
dred and Forty-seventh Regiment John Craig, 
originally captain of the company, became rolonel of 
tin- regiment. His biography follows the roster. 



64L 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I LB AS P SXAl i 

John Craig, col., ■•■in. rapt, ol Co. N. 28tb Regt. P. V , Aug, 30, 1861 : 
pro. to ninj. Il7tl> P. V. Oct. 10, 1*02; to col. June 1 1 I 

M' C. 

Nicholas C. Glace, enl. as 1st sergt. Aug. 16, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lleut. Feb. 
15, 1862; to 1st lieut. Oct. 10, 186S to capt March 1, L864; res. July 
-■•I 
John Riudelan, sergt. 
Willlaxn T. West, sergt., re-enl. and served to end of the war. 

ties. 
Jacoh Beer, re-enl. and Berved to the end "t the war. 

Black. 
William Butler, re-enl. and served t" the end of the war. 
Newman F. Duuham, musician. 
Joseph K Gabrio, musician 

A. Y. Green, trans. I i Knapp'e Pa. Halt. Oct. 29, 1861. 

Aaron Green, re-enl, in 1863. 

William Farres. Jacob'Horn, 

Charles Knoppenberger. 

Pauline Kresge, re enl, in 1863. 

John Kent Wayne Kents. 

Jacoh Kuntzman, re-enl. in 1863; served to the end of the war. 

Andrew Kresge, re-enl. in 1863; served to the end of the war. 

Levi Mushardt, enl. In 1862 ; Berved to the end of the war. 

Owen Smith, i nl. in 1863; Berved to the end oi the war 

John Shiner, trans, to Knapp's Pa. Hat t. Oct. 29, 1861. 
Philip Sehras, disch. on account of disability Jan. 3, 1863. 
William Steinmetz. 

Emmett Sayres, trans toVet. Res. Corps, 
John Sowers, re-enl. in 1863, 

Killed. 

Green, Aaron, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. in lsc:'.; killed in battle of Ringgold, 
Ga., Nov. 25, 1864. 

Knoppenberger, ' hai lea, enl. in 1SG1 ; killed in hattle of Antietam, Sept, 
17, 1 

Kresge, Pauline, onl. in 1S01 j re-enl. in 18f,3; killed at Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, Ga , 1864, 

Sowers,John, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. in 1863; wounded at Tine Knob.Ga.;' 
died of his wounds il Nashville, Tenn., July, 1864. 

Died. 
Farres, William, enl. in 1861; died at Falmouth, Va.. in 1SG3. 
Kent, John, enl. in 1861 ; died at Alexandria', Va , in 1S63. 
Kente, Wayne, enl, in 1861 ; died at Alexandria, Va,, in 1863. 

COL. Joiin" CbAIG. — In the latter part of the 
seventeenth century there emigrated from Ireland 
the ancestors of Col. Thomas Craig, the great-great- 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who in the 
year 1 7l!>, together with his sister, Jane, who married 
John Boyd, left Philadelphia for the Forks of the 
Delaware, locating in what was afterward known as 
Craig's, or the Irish Settlement, then in Bucks County, 
since Northampton. This tract of land was owned 
by William Penn, after whose death it came into the 
possession of his son, Thomas. We find Col. Thomas 
Craig's name upon the roll of the Synod of Philadel- 
phia for the first time 1n 1731, as Elder Thomas 
Craig; as this was the year in which the Presby- 
terian Church was organized in that settlement, we 
have reason to believe that he was the original elder, 
proving an earnest and conscientious worker in that 
church during his lifetime. His son, Thomas, was 
but a lad when his father came to this place. He 
employed his time until his maturity in assisting 
him in clearing the land and tilling the soil, alter 
which he engaged in farming for himself. In 174(1 



was born his -on, Thomas Craig, who at the breaking 
out of the Pennamite war. in 1771-72, was made a 
lieutenant in the Pennsylvania militia, making an 
honorable record. When the Revolutionary war 
broke out he took an active part lor the Rebellion, 
ami was commissioned captain on .Ian. 5, 177IS, and 
attached to Col. St. Clair's Pennsylvania battalion. 

lie participated in the Canadian campaign, ami after 
several engagements was promoted In the rank of 

major in the following September. In the summer 
of 1777 he was appointed colonel of the Third Penn- 
sylvania Regiment ; was in New Jersey in Gen. 
Poor's brigade, under command of Gen. Washington, 
and was subsequently in the battles of Brandywine 
and Germantown. Mrs. Lydia Darrach, of Philadel- 
phia, at whose house i on. Howe made his headquar- 
ters, secretly learning of the general's intended attack 
on Washington's army, which was camped at White 
Marsh, fourteen miles from the city, conveyed the 
information through Col. Craig, so that our army was 
saved from a surprise and slaughtering attack. He 
remained with the army at Valley Forge, where on 
April 12, 1778, he addressed a letter, strongly appeal- 
ing for clothing, showing the destitute condition of 
the soldiers in this respect. 

In the battle at Monmouth his regiment greatly 
distinguished itself, being in the thickest part of the 
engagement. After serving throughout the war, on his 
return he was appointed, in July, 1783, lieutenant of 
Northampton County. In 1784, Montgomery County 
was formed from Philadelphia, and he was appointed 
associate judge, clerk of the courts, and recorder, all 

I of which offices he held until 17S0. He then returned 
to his native county, bought land, and settled in the 

) vicinity of Stemlersville, in Towamensing township 
(then Northampton, now Carbon). Subsequent to the 

t termination of the conflict between England and the 

! American colonies he was elected major-general of 
the Seventh Division Pennsylvania Militia, which 
station be held for several years. In his character 
were combined the qualities of a soldier and a gentle- 
man. In the hour of danger he was brave, quick to 
conceive, and prompt to execute. He possessed an 
active, intelligent mind, which faithfully served him 
until the last. He survived until 1832, when he 
passed away at the advanced age of ninety-two years. 
Thomas Craig, his second oldest child, the father of 
Col. John Craig, was born at Stemlersville in the 
year 17H0. After spending his younger days in se- 
curing as much of an education as could be obtained 
in those times, at the age of maturity he engaged in 
business for himself, — farming, lumbering, staging, 
ami mercantile business, in which he was very suc- 
cessful for many years. In 1828 he was captain of 
the home militia light-horse or cavalry. He was 
married to Catharine, daughter of John Hagenhuch, 
well known as the proprietor of a popular hotel at 
Lehighton at that time. Their married life was a 
fruitful one, the result being six children, in whom 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



643 



they took great delight and interest in giving them 

all of the advantages that could be obtai I in those 

days, which opportunities the children appreciated, 
so that to-day they rank as one of the prominent fam- 
ilies of the Slate. 

Thomas (now deceased) was called bj bis constit- 
uents to represent them four years in the House of 

Representatives and three years in tlieSenate. Allan, 

after graduating from Lafayette College with honors, 
began the practice of law in Mauch Chunk, and is 
now leading his profession in Carbon County, having 
served the county as district attorney three consecu- 
tive terms in the House of Representatives, and a 
three-year term as State senator. William is a pros- 
perous merchant in Blue Springs, Neb.; Robert, aftei 
graduating at West Point, is now a lieutenant in the 
regular army ; Eliza is the wife of Gen. Heckman, of 
Phillipsburg, N. .1., who is distinguished as having 
served through the Mexican and late civil wars, since 
which he has been engaged in mechanical engineering. 
John, the second oldest, and the subject of this 
sketch, was born Oct. 2''>, 1S.S0, at the old homestead ; 
as a lad he proved himself of valuable service to his 
father in his business, giving a large portion of his 
time in attending the winter and summer terms of 
school until 1. Soil, when be went to Easton, Pa., where 
he completed his education at Rev. John Vander- 
veer's private school. On bis return home he en- 
gaged in business lor his father until the hitter's death, 
which was in 1S58. He then gave sonic time to set- 
tling his father's estate, after which, in April of 1861, 
he enlisted for a term of three mouths in the late civil 
war a- a captain in the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment, 
under Col. Nagle, of Pottsville; bis term expiring, 
he re-enlisted as a captain in the Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, under Col. John W. Geary, who after- 
wards filled the Pennsylvania gubernatorial chair. 
This regiment was divided, and the Third Battalion, 
with new companies, was made the One Hundred and 
Forty-Seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, alter which 
Capt. John Craig was breveted a major, then lieu- 
tenant-colonel, soon to colonel. At the close of the 
war this regiment was connected with the Army of 
the Potomac, during which time it participated in 
many battles ; among some of the most important 
being Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, in 
the East. In October of 18(53 they were ordered 
We.-t, here also taking an active part in all of the 
principal battles. This is what an historian -ays 
of this regiment, which at the battle of Lookout 
Mountain, in Tennessee, was in Gen. Hooker's di- 
vision, which did the principal active work at that 
time: ''It was such a scene of dauntless heroism 
as has rarely been portrayed in the records of battle. 
The charging columns, struggling against the ob- 
stacles of nature and lacing the murderous lire of 
the Confederate guns, could not be (becked. The 
Union flag was carried to the top; and before two 
o'clock in the afternoon Lookout Mountain, with its 



cloud capped summit overlooking the town and river, 
was swarming with Federal soldiers." (Ridpath's 
Historj of the United States.) 

At this time Gen. William T.Sherman commanded 
the army at Chattanooga, numbering one 
thousand men. On May 7, 1864, he started on that 

world-wide known and renowned march to the 

from which sprung that popular and historic song, 

"Marching through Georgia." The Confedei 

army, under ( leu. Johnston, resisted in- advance step 
by step so determinedly that his loss on reaching At- 
lanta (which city he entered September 2d) was fully 
thirty thousand men. Determining to push forward 
he burned the city, and on I I _'L'd he entered 

Savannah, having lost less than sis hundred men in 
thai march of two hundred and fifty miles. From 
here they went north through the heart of the Caro- 
lina^, and so on to Washington, — after Gen. Lee's 
surrender to Gen. Grant at Appomattox <_"■ »n r t lb, use, 
Va., April 9th, and Gen. Johnston's at Raleigh, a few- 
day- later. Thus, after four years of bloodshed, devas- 
tation, and sorrow, the civil war of the United Si 
was at an end. After participating in the grand 
review at Washington, and receiving an honorable 
discharge, Oil. Craig returned to Lehigh Gap, enter- 
ing into his present business, lumbering and general 
mercantile business, which has proved abundantly 
successful under his honest and discreet mans 
In addition to his regular business, in 1866 67 he 
contracted for and built four and a half miles of the 
Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad, which was in 
course of construction at thai lime, lie has been and 
is still director of the National Bank of Slatington, 

since its organization i L875). He has taken an active 
interest in the advancement of public BChools during 
the five years in which he ha- served as director; has 
been president of the Carbon Metallic Paint Com- 
pany since 1 880. 

In the fall of 1S66 he married Miss Emma, daugh- 
ter of Philip and Henrietta Insley, who followed the 
occupation of tanning at the Irish Settlement, near 
Bath, Northampton Co. Tie issue of their union is 
seven children, -five boys and two girls, — namely. 
Thomas B., Charles S., P. Insley, II. Tindale, Hen- 
rietta, Mary A., Allan D. 

Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry.— Company II 
of this three years' regiment was from Carbon County. 
Following is its roster: 

(Enlisted Oct. 1,'., 1861 ; mustered ..ul .Idly 1, 1865.) 
Daniel C. Tubba, capt., enl. as 1st sergt. ; pro. t" 2d Heat Aug. 30 

1862; to capt. June 20, 180.".; re-enl. and served to the end of the 

war. 
B. II. Rauoh, capt., disch. Teh. 21. 1863, disability. 
Samuel 1'. Light, up, let lleut., app. regtl. q.m. nergt. Oct. 1,1864; pro. to 

1-t lieut. and i| 111 , 

ii: my Williamson, 1st Heat., disch. Jane 1'.', 1- int of 

WUUI 

i [yndman, 2d lieut. 

a w. Fries, 2d lieut. ; pro. 2d lieut. from sergt. June :i0, 186.T ; ret. 
vol., served to theend of the war. 
Levi Miner, 1-t sergt., dlscb- i 



644 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



b. Harcb 5, 1803. 
Thoma- w Ebei i, - 
Samuel A. Wehr, sergt.; re-«nl. as yet. toI. Jan. 1, 1864; served to the 

.•ml of the war. 
William Kane, 

: Feb 18, 1862. 
James Black, corp. 

, nil Nov. it, 1861. 
William Simpson, corp., disch, Dec. 16, 1864. 
Daniel Qouscr, Nov. 8,1 364, 

3eip, corp., dla ■■ 1*62. 

Berman Hi Ja I, I B63. 

Anthony \V. Randenbusb, corp., disch. March i~, 186;*. 
Irwin Miner, musician, disch. May 5, 1862, disability. 
William Aubree, musician, re-enl. Jan. I, 1864, served to the end of 

tbe war. 
Thomas Boost, wagoner ; enl. Nov. 12, L861 , re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864 . Berved 

to the end of the war. 
Thomas Arner, w agonei disch Maj 26, 1 862, for disability. 

Privates. 

David Adam.-, enl. Dec. 16, 1861, 

Mortimer Anthony, enl N disch Oct. 31, 1862, undei G 

No. 102. 

Lewis Benhard, app. principal musician of tbe regt. May 30, l B€ ■. 

Lewis Boll, enl. Nov. 12, 1861. 

John Blair, disch. June 15, 1865, lor disability. 

Emanuel Battman, enl. Dec. 9, 1861 ; disch. Match In. 1863, tor disa- 
bility. 

Holden Chester, ent, Dec. 13, L861 ; trana. *■> the Vet. Res. Corps July J4, 

1 363, 'i" account >.■!' wounds 
Johu Cunning. 

Robert Craig, disch. .Ian. 15, 1363, for disability. 

John II. CoIHnB, enl. Nov. 12, 1*01 ; disch. Nov. 13, 186J, for disability. 

Tilghman Oeglo, enl. Nov. 7, 18G1 ; disch. Jan. 15, 1805, for disability.' 

Terrance Cunningham, enl, Nov. 9, 18»',l ; re-enl. Jan. 1,1804; served to 
the end of the war. 

John Delay. 

Isaac Davis, trans, to Vet Res. Corps .Ian 11, 1864. 

Joeiah Deitrick, enl. Dec. 13, 1861. 

Franklin Dennis, enl. Nov. 7, 18(11 : disch. Oct. 11, 186'2, for disability. 

Thomas Erwio, enl. Feb. :i, 1862; disch. June 9, 1864. 

Ktlward Folkmer, enl. Dec. 9, 1861. 

Samuel Fleming, disch. Feb. 18, 180:i, for disability. 

Charles Foulke, disch. Oct. 24,1863. 

Schincke Gabriel, enl. Nov. 12, 1861. 

Charles Houaer. Jeremiah Hoffman. 

Christian Haldenian, di>ch Sept. 23, ISO.'!. 

Joseph Herring, disch Nov. 8, 1*64. 

Isaac K. Johnson, Jr., enl. Nov. 19, 1861. 

Matthew Johnson. 

Isaac K. Johnson, Sr., disch. March 5, 1862, for disability. 

James E.James, enl. Dec. 17, 1801 ; disch. March 13, 1X02, for disability. 

Noah Krum, enl. Dec. 16,1861. 

John Keef. 

John Koch, disch. June 13, 1865 

Joseph Knell, disch. March 5, 1862, for disability. 

Daniel Kistler, enl. Dec. 10, 1861 ; disch. June 16, 1866, tor disability. 

Charles Kline, re-enl. Jan. 1, 1804; served to tbe end of the war. 

Benjamin Lees. 

John J. Lewis, enl. Feb. 7, 1*02. 

Jonas Loch, enl. Nov. 22, 1801 ; disch. April 25, 1862, for disability. 

Samml Lyon, disch. Jan 13, 1863. 

William Mattern. 

Samuel Miller, enl Oct. is, 1861; trans to Vet. Res, Corps March 10, 
1864. 

Bernard HcGloty, disch, Nov. is, 1861, foi disability. 

Henry J, Miller, enl, Feb. 6, 1802; disch. Nov. 28, 1862, for disability. 

George Murphy, enl. Feb. »;, 1862; disch. March II, 1863, for disability. 

Thomas HcGeehan, enl. Oct. 18, 1861 , disch. Jan. 11, isti4, f..r disability. 

Joseph Moser, re-enl. Jan. 1, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 

Lewis Moyer, enl, Dec. 13, 1661 ; re-enl. Jan. 1, 1804; servM to the end 
of the wai 

Thomas Mulligan, must, oui at the end of the war. 

■ Shnrles Newmiller. 

Josiah Neith, disch. Jan. 31, 1863. 



unio P. Newhard, enl. Nov. 15, 1801; disch. June 15, 1805, disa- 
bility. 
Joeiah Poh. 

Henry Poh, re-enl. Jan, l, L864; served to the end of the war. 
Law i Bad cliff, enl Ocl !6, 1861; disch Nov.27,1864. 

B ■-■ . ■ i,! Dei . 16, L861 ; disch. Oct. 17, 1862, disability. 

William Bay, dtach. i 

John B. Relkert, re-enl. Jan. 1, L864 ; served to the end of the war, 

Robert Sneddon, tiu.s. t<> \ at. Res, Corps July 1, 1 363, 

ch. J 1863, disability. 

Elijah Schneck.enl. Dec. 17, 186] ; disch. Jan. 17, 1863, disability . 

\\ (Hi im S:m lie, served to the end ol the war. 
Pete]- W 

\\.\\ Intel i teen, dtach, Nov. 8, 1864. 
William Wolf, disch I I l, disability. 

Isaac Williams, disch. Noi 13, [862. 
Eli Weyhenmeyer, re-enl, Jan. 1, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 

Killed in BuUh and Died of Wound* 

James Hyndman,2d lieut., enl. Oct 15, lsoi ; killed in action at Hull 
Run, Va , A.ng. 30, 1862. 

Thomas \Y Elbert, sergt, enl. Oct. 16, 1861 j killed in action at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July 1, 1863 

Lewis Grandeson, corp., enl, Nov. 9, 1861; died June 18, 1803, of wounds 
received in action :it Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862, 

\<i:uiis, David, enl. Dec 16, 1861; killed in action at Gettysburg, Paw, 
July 1, 1863. 

Boll, Lewis, enl. Nov. 12, 1861 ; killed in action at Hull Kun, Va., 
Aug. 31, 1802. 

Cunning, John, enl. Oct. 15, 1801; killed in action at Fredericksburg, 
Va., Dei . 13, 1862. 

Deitrick, Josiah, enl. Dec. 13, 1801; died Dee. 19, 1862, of wound re- 
ceived in action at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1802. 

Folkmer, Edward, enl. Dec. 'J, 1861; killed May 0, 1864, in action at th« 
Wilderness, Va. 

Jnhnson, Matthew, enl. Oct. 15,1861 ; killed in the battle of (Jeltysburg, 
Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Lewis, John J., enl. Feb. 7, 1862 ; killed in tbe battle of Hull Run, Va., 
Aug. ;ju, 1862. 

Lees, Benjamin, enl. Oct. 15, 1801 ; killed in the buttle of Bull Run, Va,, 
Aug. 30, 1862. 

Newmiller, Charles, enl. Oct. 15, 1861; died Oct. 13, 1862, of wound re- 
ceived in the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, 

Poh, Josiah, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; killed in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., 
July 1, 1863. 

Waters, Peter, enl. Oct Ifi, 1861; killed in the battle of (Jettysburg, 
Pa., July 1, 1863. 

l>i- d of Di» "•' and Stoi ved in Rebel Prisons. 

Delanson Gaddcs, corp., enl. Feb. 15, 1802; wounded in the battle of 
Bull Run Aug. 30. 1802; taken prisoner at Weldon Railroad Aug. 
19, 1864 ; died in prison at Saulsbury, N. C, Feb. 12, 1805. 

James Black, corp., enl. Oct. 15, 1801; taken prisoner Aug. 1U, 1864; 
died Feb. 10, 1865, in prison at Andersonville, Ga. 

Gabrielle, Schinke, enl. Nov. 12, 1861 ; taken prisoner at Weldon Rail- 
mad Aug. 19, 1864; died in prison at Saulsbury, N. C, Jan. 22, 1865. 

Hoffman, Jeremiah, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 ; died of disease Nov. 13, 1862, at 
Washington, D. C. 

Houaer, Charles, enl. Oct. 16, 1861 ; died of disease Oct. 2, 1862, at Camp 
Parole. 

Keef, John, enl. Oct. 15, 1861 , killed by accident Nov. 29, 1861. 

Krum, Noah, enl. Dec. 10, 1861 ; died in hospital of disease. 

Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery.— A large 
Dumber of men from this county were in Company 
H of this regiment, and a few in G and I, as follows: 

Com pans II. 

Thomas Wilhelm, maj., cum. capt. Dec. 19, 1861 ; pro. to maj. Nov. 25, 
ISO'J; acting col., commanding Provisional Regiment, Heavy Artil- 
lery, in 181.4 ; com. capt. in Vet. Res. Corps at the end of the war. 

Orlando Koene, 2d lieu t. f enl. in 1861; re-enl. in 1S03; trans, to Co. C 
and pro. to 2d lieut. in 1864; served to the otid of the war. 

Theodore P. Pryor, sergt., enl. in 1861. 

Harry V Mortimer, sergt., enl. in 1861. 
Franklin C. Miner, sergt., enl. in 1861. 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAK OF THE REBELLION. 



645 



Wlntermute, sergt., enl. in 1861. 
-inter, sergt . enL Id I 



Johu Brady, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl the end of war. 

Christopher Corcoran, 'til. in 1861; trans. to Vet. Res. Corps. 
Wlllongfaby KoonS, fill, in 1S65; served to the end "f the war. 

Alfred Kuecbt, enl. in 

H< >',l\ nil, enl. in 1862. 
Georg. I ' -rps. 

Palmer, enl. I 
William A. Smith, enl. in 1861. 
Edward Palmer, eol. in 1861. 
Thomas Smith eta, enl Ln 1861 

Wed. 
Edward Palmer, enl. in 1861 ; died al Hampton Hob| Ital in 1864. 

lmt C. 
Jonathan F. Hatrkk, enl. Dec. 2, 1-'. i; disch. Jan. 29, 1866. 
John N\ . ECoons, enl November, 1863 ; diecb. March, 1865. 

e T. Bond, enl, January, 1864; disch. Jan. 29, 1S66. 
Patrick Corcoran, en). March, 1864 ; diach, Jan. 29, i- 1 8 

Company 1 

Michael Ferrie, enl. in 1861. 

Mi. bael Troy, • al In 1861. 

Samut-l Hawk, en!, in 1861 ; disch. on account of wounds. 

One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment.— 
Companies F and G of this nine months' regiment 
were principally made up in this county. Their ros- 
ters follow : 

Fielh ami Staff. 
Charles Albright, 1 col., coin. maj. Aug. 22, 1862; pro. to lieut.-col. Sept. 
28, 1862 . pro. to col. Jan. 24,1863. 

Company F. 
tared in Aug. 15, 1862; mustered out May 24, 1863.) 
.' D. Laclar, cant., enl. as 2d lieut. ; pro. to capt. Dec. 5, 1862. 
George W. With elm, capt., dlscb n to date from Dec. 5, 1862. 
Thomas Musselman, 1st lieut. 

John Kerns, 2d lieut., enl. as Corp. ; pro. to 2d lieut. Dec. 6, 1862. 
i lllver Brenisai , i Bl sergt. 



Joseph Shadel, corp. 
David M. Jones, corp. 
Albert E. Scheets t corp. 
William K. Rex, corp. 
John Shultz, corp. 
William Miner, corp. 
Lewis Trainer, corp. 



Oliver F. Mnaselmao, sergt, 

Jacob Miller, » 

John HufT, sergt. 

Charles Mack, sergt. 

John Sherry, sergt. 

Franklin C. Wintermute, corp. 

Sebastian Hahn, wagoner. 

PritfaU*. 

Barttett Armbruster. Joseph Clewell. 

William Allen. Stephen Cunfer. 

Daniel Barclay. Thomas Christine. 

August Belsner. George W. Duryea. 

Thomas Baker. 

Drnmbore, diach. .Ian. 13, 1863, on account of wounds. 
Charles S. Dreiabach. Joseph Dreisbach. 

Samuel Everts, diach. Feb. 1^, 1862, on account of disability. 
William Evorts. William Frantz. 

Peier Everts. Owen C. Fullweiler. 

Jonathan Ecfc. Frederick. 

I ritz. unel Grow. 

George II. Gerhart, diach. March 10, 1863, on account of 
A.i nil i iumbard rick Hosier. 

Henry Grow. John w. HottensteiD. 

it "ut/. George Ilouser. 

Oliver Hi ugh Alexander Johnson. 

Daniel B Jan 15, 1 -'>5, on account of disability. 

John Kistler. Edwin K em merer. 

Samuel Reeoe. John Lentz. 

Levi M. Levy, diach. Feb. 35, 1863, ou account of disability. 



Samuel D. Lynn. 

ii •] 

rn. 
■ »ce. 
Neyer. 
Charles a Path 

Rex 

i 

OttO St 

Stiegerwalt. 
3trouse. 

igfrled. 

i wait. 



Chari- 

ant "f disability. 

■ ■ 

Chat lea W i; imaley. 
b Bod fink. 

: 

Charles Sinker. 

Paul - 

.ii Bandall. 
. Werateln. 



Killed in BaUt* and l>i- d of l>i»t«sc. 

Oliver F. Musselman, sergt., killed in battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1662. 

I Joseph Shadel, corp., di<-ii Not. 28, 1862, at Belle Plains, Va., of disease. 

Grow, Samuel, died of wounds received in battle of Fredericksburg Dec 

18, 1862. 
Moyer, Charles F., killed in battle of Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
Clewell, Joseph, died al Barpi r's Ferrj , Va. f ol wounds received in action 

it! \ntietam Sept. 17. 

Nace, James r.., died of wounds received in action al Fredericksburg 

Da | 
Lentz, John, died of wounds received in action :it Fredericksburg Dec. 

13, I - 
Bamaley, Charles W., died Jan. 27,1863, al Windmill Point. Va., of 

disease. 
ltex, Aaron, died at Smoketown Hospital, Nov. II. 1862; wounded at 

Antietam. 
Stermer, Otto, died March 25, 1863, <>f wounds received in action at 

i ricksburg Dec. 13,1862. 
Solt, Francis, died on the march in Maryland, about Sept. 14, 1862. 

COMPAMI G. 

Isaac Iloward, capt., pro. from pi Ivate to capt. Jan. :i0, 1863. 
Robert A. Abbott, capt., disch. Jan. 13, 1863, on account of wounds. 
William II. Fulton, 1st lieut., pro. from sergt. to 1st lieut. Jan. 13,1863. 

■ ■ don, 1st lieut.. discb. Jan. 80, 1863, disability. 
John Weiss, 2d lieut., pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. March 17, 1863. 
Edward H. Salkeld, 2d lieut., disch March 17, 1863 
John T. C. Williams, sergt. William Kadclifle, sergt. 

Charles Simons, sergt. Charles Weiss, sergt. 

Joshua Butler, sergt. David • 

John Osborne, corp. John Leslie, corp. 

Hugh Oil Ian, corp. Charles Boost, 

William J. Springer, corp. 



1 For sketch of Col. Albright see chapter on the Bench and Bar. 



I 



Charles Abner. 
George Buck. 

aaaidy. 

Wilson M. Darlington. 

Bernard Demj 
Michael Dougherty. 
John Barley. 



Joseph Backert. 
Joseph Connelly. 
William Callagnan. 

William Davis. 
James Derbyshire. 

John Eplilin. 

Patrick Elliott. 



Conrad Fry, disch. on account of wounds Dec 9, 1862. 
Andrew Floyd. Patrick Fleming. 

John Graver, disch. on account of disability. 
Charles Holmes William Hoy. 

ii Jenkins. William F. Krum. 

John Knouse, disch. on account of disability. 

i ..-■ h. on account -»f wounds. 

Christian Kinckle. Matthew Kelley. 

Bernard Kelley. William F. Kioto 
John E. Klotz. 

N account of disability. 

Lange. Petej I 

Leed, Luke Mastersoo. 

Edward I*. Mellick. M, Moyer. 

Michael McCullough. Henry Mansfield. 
John McGovern, disch. on arc. nut of wounds. 
Jonathan L Miller. 

William H. Noble, dl untof disability. 

James Patterson. Alfred Poh. 

lloae. Jonathan L. Ruch. 



64G 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Michael I 

Hugo i 

Paul Sowerweln. 

Jacob Sblngler. 

Thomas Sinitham. 

J oil n St 

Henry )'■ & hoonover. 

Ji bn Toner. 

Ruins W ' 



Hugh Reilley. 
John i . Solomon. 
l>ii\ Id Shu 

1 ird Smith. 
Robert Synyard. 
William Scho 
Rigby Chomas. 

Thomas Spmlil. 

John Weieley, 



1 1 *' 1 1 t > disi b. "ii nccounl of wounds. 

Michael Welsh, diech. on account of disability. 
Tilgbman Weaver. Edward Xemmons. 

Elijah Xouta, diech. on account of disability. 

Killed in Battle and Died of Disease. 

Darlington, Wilson M , died Jan, 31, 1863, of wounds received in action 
edericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. 

Ephlin, John, killed in the battle of Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. 

Floyd, Andrew, died .-it Fall th, Va . March 2, 1863, of disease. 

Ki inn, William F., died at Smoketown HoBpital, Md., of wound received 
in action at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 

McCnllough, Michael, killed In action iit An tie tarn Sept. 17, 1862. 

Mover, M ( died at Smoketown Hospital, Md., of wounds received in 
action at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 

Mellick, Edward P., killed in action at Antietam Sept 17, 1862. 

Buch, Jonathan L., died at Smoketown Hospital, Bid., of wounds re- 
ceived in action at Antietam Sept 17, 1862. 

Solomon, John F., died of disease October, 1862. 

One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. — This regiment was en- 
listed Feb. 28, 1SG4, and served to the end of the war. 



Bartlett Armbruster. 
Charles Eberly. 
George Ma) ley. 
William R. Snyder. 
Thomas Martin. 



Israel BliggS. 
James Warner. 



Company F. 

August Belsner. 
Henry Glace. 
Robert Moore. 
John Sterling. 
John Weyheumeyer. 

Company G. 

Alexander Johnson. 
Lafayette Lefler. 



Two Hundred and Second Regiment— The 
whole of Company A, a considerable part of Com- 
pany F, and a few men in D, I, H, E, and L were 
from Carbon County. Following is the roster: 

Field and Staff. 
Charles Albright, brevet hrig.-geu., organized the regiment in August, 

1864, and was commissioned colonel Sept. 6, 1864; pro. to brevet 

brig.-gen. in 1865. 
Oliver Breneiser, sergt.-maj., enl. in Co. FSept. 9, 1864 ; app. sergt.-maj. 

Sept. 7, 1864; diach. Aug. ?,, 1865. 



(Mustered in Au 
J. D. Laciar, capt. 
Stephen F. Minnie!;, Ut lieut 
Johu T. McDauiel, 2d lieut. 
Josiah Mussel oi an, Bergt. 
Monroe Stiegerwalt, sergt. 
Tilgbman Sittler, sergt. 
Edward I>. Horn, sergt. 

Benjamin F. Bach man, 
C01 minis Brislin, 
Samuel C, Briggs. 
James Brown. 
Henry F. Brown. 
Willimii Campbell. 
Thomas ''ampsie. 
blannea Cm ran. 
Samuel Daubenspeck. 
Jonathan Eck. 



Company A. 

26, 1804 ; mustered out Aug. 6 t 1866.) 
I laniel Kreasly, corp. 



Kobert Craig, corp. 
George Heister, corp. 
William A. Ebort, corp. 
John Forgay, corp. 
Charles Brey, corp. 
Douglas A. Sherry, drummer, 



I'lii'itte*. 



Joseph Fisher. 

Lewis Frederick. 
Edward Glace. 
Nathan Gombert. 
Jamei Hasaon. 
Joseph 1 1 ■■,!'■: in, ■■ 1 
Orville E, Hoyl 
William Kelley. 

William Kolb. 
James Laggau. 



Willi mi Leed. 
Jamee M [nnlck. 
Aaron Miller. 
John McLaughlin. 

Edward Mullen. 
Simon McKeever. 
Noah N01 tbstein. 
Levi F. Ott, 
Alfred Poh. 
Albert Keiulieimer. 
Thomas Q smith. 
Edward Sleider. 
Winfield S.Solomon. 
Zacharlah Trausue. 
Samuel i'plinger. 
Asa Vanneman. 
Chai lea Walton. 
John Watt. 
Lewis Weln. 
Owen Welir. 
Aaron Weidaw. 
Alexander Belt/,. 
James Becker. 
Johu Blaln. 
Philip Brown. 
Douglas Boyle. 
Hugh Oonnaghan. 
John Campbell. 
John Callaghan. 
Henry Diumbore. 
Henry G. Fisher. 



Edwin 1 i.t 
Hem v 1 Ireen, 
James Glenn. 
Thomas J. Hannon. 

John Heller. 
James Ilolletibach. 

William Klssner. 
Daniel Eelley. 
William K01 I. 1 
Henry Lee. 
Condy Manalia. 
Jeremiah flioulthrop. 
Jamee Bieighan, 
Edward Mulharn. 
Patrick McDermott 
John A. McMurtrie. 
John O'Donnell. 

Jesse Popst 

John L. Keiulieimer. 

a, 11 .in Snyder. 
Jonas Smith. 
William F. Sensinger. 
Silvaria Sox. 
Nathan Trine. 
Jeremiah Williams. 
Joseph Williams. 
William Williams. 
John Young. 
Owen Ziegler. 
Klias Zellner. 
Tilgbman Kink. 



KUled -md Died in (fl< Service. 
Bachman, Benjamin F., died Nov. 11,1804, in hospital, Alexandria, of 

wound received in skirmish at Salem, Va., Oct. 8, 1864. 
Campbell, William, died at Mauch Chunk about Sept. 16, 1864. 
Green, Henry, died at Fairfax Station, Va., Dec. 15, 1864. 
Wehr, Lewis, died in hospital at Alexandria Nov. 7, 1864. 

Company D. 
Albert Ackerman, enl. February, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
Patrick Horie, enl. February, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
Ira Oliver, enl. February, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
Thomas Williams, enl. February, 1865; served to the end of the war. 

Company I. 
George WilliamB, enl. Jan. 6, 1865 ; served to the end of the war. 

Company H. 
James Tudor, enl. February, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
Cyrus Louse, enl. August, 1S04 ; served to the end of the war. 

Company E. 
Alhert Herman, enl. February, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
Frank Brobst, enl. February, 1865; served to the end of the war. 

Company F. 

Charles Billman, enl. Aug. 31, 1864 ; served about one month. 
Jonas Billmau, enl. Aug. 31, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 
Lewis Trainer, enl. Feb. 7, L865 ; served to tbe eud of the war. 
William H. Moulthrop, enl. Feb. 7, 1865; served to the end of tbe war. 
Frederick Schiie, enl. Feb. 7, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
Aroandua Diehl, enl. Feb. 7, 1865 ; served to the end of the war. 
Daniel Moyer, enl. Feb. 7, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
John Bryson, enl. Jan. 6, 1865; served to tbe end of the war. 
Joseph Hough, enl. Jan. 24, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
Charles Deremer, enl. Jan. 6, 1866; served to the end of the war. 
Charles Dutter, enl. Jau. '.), 1*65 ; served to the end of the war. 
William Everett, enl. Jan. 17, 1865; served to the end of the war. 
William Klot/,, enl. Aug. 27, 1864; served to the end of tbe war. 
Franklin Myers, enl. Jan. '24, 1865; served to tbe end of tbe war. 
Willoughby l'ickert, enl. Sept. 1, 18<14 ; served to tin' end of tin- war. 
Eliae Smith, enl. Sept. 1, 1*04 ; served to the end of tbe war. 

Company L. 
(Enlisted in L865, and served until disbandment of the regiment, Aug. 
3, 1866.) 
Thomas Etadcliffe. Joseph F. George. 

Patrick Boyle. Owen T. Bastian. 

Levi Fritzinger. Peter Carl. 



CARBON COUNTY IN THE WAl; OF THE REBELLION. 



647 



Nathan Dram 
Sirii'»n Efartranft, 
M. I ince. 
Peter M 
Peter Shaffer. 
John Bouse. 

- wink. 

Thomas UcNamara. 
John Hichael 

Samuel 9 
Joseph Bonn 1 1 



Jacob Crammer. 
Francis Cunnyngham. 
Daniel J. Farralt. 
Edward McGadj 

Martz. 
I i Ilex. 
Benjamin Riots. 
John McLaughlin. 
Marshall Hutchinson. 

i oung. 



C. E. Steadman, I i 






Nineteenth Regiment Volunteer Militia of 
1862. — This regiment of emergency men had many 
recruits from Carbon, aa the roster shows: 

Kin ii wi. Staff. 
Robert rXlotz,COl, 

Other Officer*. 
Hiram Wolf, capt ; Thomas R.Crellln, 1st lieut . Charles n. Kalbrus, 1st 
sergt. ; James W in a, Bergt ; Allen Craig, 

sergt.; Chambers Davis, corp. Dennis H. Dreisbacb, corp.; William 



Richards, corp. ; Henry Santee, corp. ; John S. Uoe, corp.; Godfrey 


Laury, orp.; Alfred Hoffman, corp 


; Edward Horn, corp. ; Charles 


M< Sweeny, Bergt. 




Private* 




Benjamin K. Ely, 


C. D. Frederick. 


Alexander W. Steadman. 


Edmund Taylor. 


Fisher Hazard. 


Robert Phifer. 


Edward L. Mullock. 


Mark L. Leffler. 


Edward B. Enbody. 


Henry Bucks. 


James Gaddes. 


George Hand. 


John Ii. Steadman, 


'-t Oswald. 


Alfred Pander. 


Matthew Reiley. 


Oliver Peters. 


Edward Hoi n. 


Cameron Lockhart 


Joel Beel. 


Robert B. Butler. 


Robert Laubach. 


Thomas D. Conyngham. 


James lii.uer. 


Charles A. Rex. 


Henry Saeger. 


George W 1 


Paul Buck. 


John Brad well. 


Daniel Ho] i 


William Hines. 


Charles W. Brown. 


Josiah W, Harlan. 


Samuel Wolle. 


Adam Selfert 


George Davis. 


Adam Loew 


Reuben Solt. 


William A.Whipple. 


Stephen Solt. 


Joseph Hummel. 


1 r : - Boyer, 


Jacob W. Cole. 


William Whitehead. 


Charles Dick. 


David J. Buck. 


George F. Anthony. 


Franklin Suit. 


William B. Anthony. 


Charles Dreisbacb. 


Hilton Bowman. 


Jacob Daubenspeck. 


Walter Graver. 


John Daubenspeck. 


Tilghman Dreisbach. 


Josiah Mnsselman. 


Lewis Dreisbach. 


Charles Buck. 


Alexander Solt. 


Joseph Fields. 


Reuben Rehrig. 


William Quisb, 


Til dish man SI 


Samuel Fields. 


Darid O'Brien. 


William W. Levett 


Alft. .1 | 


Stephen Best, 


James Strong. 


Henry W. Mentz, 


Thomas H, B 


' 'liver 0. Bowman. 


Silas H. LaRue. 


Hem ^^ Horn . 


Henry Lahine. 


William P. Rockhill. 


Josiah Swank. 


Brown. 


William Shafer. 


H. M M< Connell. 


in J. Lloyd. 


Alexander Miller. 


John Brislin. 


Theodore W. Kramer. 



John Arp. 

'. o i 

Ed Bennyhoff, 
Wallace B. Ffster. 

.merer. 

i ■ i ' i Ramsay. 
0. A. 1 

Josiah Swank. 
A . i >. \ ai 



I» D. Arner. 

1 0. Brelsford. 

i Bennyhoff. 
Jonathan Hatrick. 

Orr. 
William Rutman. 
Henry Siegfried, 

Henry Smith. 

Henry / 



Thirty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania "Volun- 
teers. — Companies F, A, and G of this regiment, 
which served during the emergency in June and July, 
1863, were from Carbon County. 

Field lmi> Staff. 
: les Albright, col. 

Company f. 

JameB Thomas, capt. ; Thomas Mnsselman, Let liout. ; Amos Riegel, 2d 

lieut.; Samuel Wolle, let Bergt.; John Hoff, 2d sergt.; Davis, 

3d Bergt.; Peter Eberts, 4th sergt.; Josiah Mnsselman, 5th sergt.; 
Trout, Charles Bowman, Charles Seidel, Adam Berlin, F. Pet- 
tit, W. B. Anthony, R. I'feiffer, Harrison Kungle, corps.; Charles 
McDaniel, Edward Mulharn, musicians. 






C. W. Anthony. 
Euiil Ashner. 
J. H. Arner. 

II. Buck. 

D. Buck. 
W. Buck. 
W. Banford. 

Bloss. 

Belford. 

John Beltz. 
Daniel Billman. 
Charles Brey. 

Beaver. 

Charles Bobst. 
Granville Clouae, 
Gideon Cunfer. 
Delaney. 

Levi Frit/.inger. 

i '. Fertwangler. 

William Foulke. 
Owen Graver. 
James Kresaley. 
F. W. East 
Wil loughbj i 
James U 
Levi Ott 

Henry Peters. 
Christian Rjiep. 
Nathan Reinsmitb, 

maley. 

Strohl. 

Shu 

Settler. 
Swab. 



David Gastln. 
Joseph Hunslcker. 

Daniel Hoppes. 
Nathan Trine. 

William Bhoenberger. 

i !bi i-it.in Henry, 
George Dunlap. 
Samuel Eberta, 
William Eberta. 
David Eberta. 

Fltzpatrick. 

William Grow. 
! lavid Henry. 
John KLuehner. 
William rXocber. 
John Lyons. 
Jacob Mattern. 
.'. IMtit. 
G. Pettit. 

Rupp. 

Remaley. 

Sannder. 

John Snyder. 

Thomas Strouse, 
Harrison Trainer. 
Fredei Lck Hosier. 

George Hand. 
John Hill. 
.bih n Wertley. 
John w 

Owen Zi< 

Henry Christian. 



Twenty-seventh Regiment Volunteer Militia 
of 1863. -Company El of this regiment was mus- 
tered into * rvice June 18, L868, and discharged Lug. 
5, 1863. Following are the names of the Carbon 
men : 



Jacob Smith, capt. ; James Do nelly, 1st lieut ; W. H, Eherly, 2d lieut. ; 

rgt -maj.; Josiah W, M i .'.; S. F. 

1 moron Cool, ird Hank, -* 

Frank Walter, sergt. ; Nathan To ' omeyer, corp.; 

1 i i W. Hamman.corp. ; 

John Si David H. Butz, corp.; I I Amadon, 

corp.; Edward D B d; Bd. Remmel, mualcfan. 



648 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Ingle. 
Valentine Armbruster. 

John Bl 
J. Bau m. 

Bobert B. Butler. 
Lewie B 

Lance. 
Charles Long, 
Charles Leibeugutli. 
■ 

Am i- Butler. 
J. K. Bi 

Thomas Bennett. 

1 - llius. 

Patrick Corcoran. 

\ [exa ad< i I k>le. 
John i>ink, 
C. E. Lef sen ring. 
A. II. Lockhart. 
L. E. Hehan. 
Ptiilip Miller. 
Joseph Madara, 
Frank Neith. 
Hemy Derbyshire. 

('. s. Eterle. 

George W. EsBer. 
Fritz Ehman. 
John GUhreath. 
Henry Glace. 
Marshall Hutchinson. 
John Horn. 
William Harlan. 
Alexander Johnson. 
William Kunkle. 
Henry Keiser. 
George Kose. 
William Sandhaus. 

George Sprowle. 



A. J. Smftb. 

Abraham Btrousa 
John Swartwood. 
w iiiiam Sefp. 
Thomas Ulmstead. 
a- i \ etnneroan. 
Thomas Wochter. 
William s Warm I 
James Warner. 
Samuel Moore. 
William Merrick. 
John A. Myer. 
Jacob Mi 
J. w. Oliver. 
Andrew Deibei t. 
r..iw iii Bnbody. 
William A. Ebert. 
Job i) ' .illman. 
\ M Groi er. 
James Gaddes. 
William F. Heilman. 
James Holmes. 
Edward Hyndman. 
Wilson Kistler. 
John Knebler. 
Joseph Kramer. 
EC, K. Siewers. 
William R. Snyder. 
P. G. Smith. 
Adam Seifert. 
Henry Sohl. 
i !hristian Stem. 
A. H.Tobias. 
Lewis R. Unger. 
James Valentine. 

Edmund Warner. 
J. S. Wildoner. 



Company G, 
Samuel Harlem an, capt ; Sharon McNair, 1st lieut. 



John Brenan. 
Nathan Buck. 
Frederick Blank, 
Lewis Drombor. 
Edward Dodson. 
William Miller. 
A. Roth. 
i, Both. 
Frank Sowers. 
Gotlleb Smith. 
Samuel Shelnomer. 
Smith Gormly. 
Eti Gorman. 
William Hittler. 
John Kishboch. 
Daniel Kuehner. 
Jacob Eisthard. 
Noah Moyer. 

William Sitzer. 

w illiam Steven on 

Adam Strohl, 

L. Trescolt. 
Hester Tanny. 
G. West 

Samuel W i » I, 



Jeremiah Brown 
John Coffee. 
William Goniogham. 
J. F. Davis. 
Jonathan Eck. 
Amos Minii-h. 
Baltzer Ratz. 
John B. Smith. 
Jacob Severson. 
James Fagan. 
Frank Eck. 
Aaron Keubler. 
Jacob Keller. 
Peter Kline. 
Oliver Kurt. 
M. Karricbner. 
Henry Leadenham. 
William Stock ley. 
Lewis W. Salin. 
Lee Stiles. 
J. W Smith. 
Samuel Tauuj . 
i harh'H Williams. 
James Watts. 
Nathan Zoll. 



Miscellaneous. 
Company C, 183d Regiment P.V. 
Samuel Hawk, 2d lieut., re-enl. Dec. 11, lSG:i, as 1st sergt. ; pro. 
lieut \|ni! 16, 1864; wounded in front of Petersburg June 16, 
disch. July 3, L86 i 
Edward Hawk, Borgt., re-enl. Dec. II, 1863; disch. July 5, I 65 



to 2d 
1864; 



' DMPANY H.OTH U.S. INFANTRY. 

i ; ti , enl. in 186] ; killed September, KSii.'l. 

Company D, 4th Regiment Veteran Reservj 
Smith, enl. in 186] ; died lug. 30, 1863 

Company E, 96tb Eti cjiment P. v, 
3i baedel, enl. in 181 l died July 2, 18G4. 

H\ in :. i D mii is Artillery. 
David William- William WarloW 

Company H, 98th Regiment I* V. 
Charles Folkmer, enl, in L861 , died Maj 7, 1864. 

Company A, 96th Regiment P. V. 
Alexander Rodgere, enl. in 1861 ; died in service. 

Company I, 47th Regiment P.V. 
Jonas Snyder. 

Company K, 47th Regiment P.V. 
William Deterline, enl. in 1861 ; Berved three v 

116th Regiment Vet. P.V. 
Frederick Hosier, enl. in 18G4; served to the end ot the war. 
James Kressly, enl. in 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 
Lewis Steigerwalt, enl. in 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 

48th Regiment Vet. P. V. 
Edward R. West, enl. in 1861 ; re-enl. in 1863, and served to the end of 
the war. 

]-i New Jersey Volunteers. 
John Warner, enl. in 1861 ; served to the end of the war. 

Company I, 118th Regiment P. V. 
Robert Enbody, enl. Nov. 17, 1863; taken prisoner at i'old Harbor 
June 2, 1864; in prison at Andersonville to Pec. 10, 1S64; disch. 
May 1,1865. 

Company A, 68th Regiment New Jersey Vol. 
Joseph Beckhardt, enl. Aug. 19, 1863; served to the end of the war. 

Company G, 08th Regiment New York Vol. 
James Patterson, enl. in 1864; killed at the battle of the Wilderness 
May 3, 1864. 

Company A, 109th Regiment P. V. 

Daniel Davidson, died in service. 

Company F, 148th Regiment P. V. 
John Wells, killed in battle. 

Company C, 50th Regiment P. V. 
Richard Fabl. 

Company C, 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry. 
Charles Boyle, enl. in 1S61 : killed at the battle of Fredericksburg July 
5, 1863. 

201st Regiment P. V. 
John Horn, enl. in February, 1865; disch. at the close of the war. 

6th Regiment Pennsylvania Cavalry. 
Jacob Ginder, enl. March 7, 1865, having served three years in the 
81st Regt. P. \ 

Frank Neith, enl. March 7, 186 i served to the end <-f the war. 

129th Regiment P. V. 
William Onnrod, enl. August, 1862 ; served nine months. 
Edward F. Luckenbach, enl. August, 1862; served nine months. 

72n Regiment P. V. 
Henry F. Brown, enl. in 1861 ; honorably disch, in 1863, on account of 
disability. 

73d Regiment P. V. 

Jerome Wehley, enl. in 1861 ; appointed chief bugler; disch. by order 
of the War Department in 1862. 

COMPANY C, 35tb New Jersey Vol. 
James Derbyshire, enl. October, 1864 ; served to the end of the war. 



THE CARBON COUNTY AGRICULTIKA L SOCIETY. 



649 



CoKPAm a, lOra n k* .' krsi \ Vol. 
Oeorgo Mclntoeb, enl 1864 captured at the battle >>f the Wild 
Haj S, 1864; dlsch. at the end of the war. 

I lOHPAK V I . L99l ll l.'l ■ IMKM P. V. 

Joseph Eahmau, enl \.v I ' -■ t ; ierved to the end ol the wai , 
Joseph Coons, bo! ierved to the end of the war, 

William Paltzgrove, enl. Aug. 16, t H nd "I th< 

ic al .11 Schnel), enl, Aug. 16, 1864 ; ierved to the end <>f the war. 

Company G, 47th Rkqimebh 1'. V. 
Timothy Deterline, enl. in 1864; served to the end of the war, 
M.iiic ETaust, enl. in L864: Berved to the end of the war. 
John Graver (Co. B), enl. in 1864 : served to the end of the war. 

3d New Jkrsey Cavalry. 
Qharlee Bin- 1, enl. in 1864; Berved to the end of the war. 

■ : \ny K, 64tb Reotheni i' \ 
George Behlg, enl Fob. 15, 1864 

Company B, lira Regiment P. V. 
George B. A. Clark, enl. Aug. 19, 1861 ; re -enl. Nov I [863; trans, to 
Co C, 188th Regt. P. V., May i, 1864, and served to the end of the 
war. 

I 0MPAN1 (', 1S8TFI RSOIMXNT P. \ 

Joel Been, enl. In 1864 ; served to the end of the w n 

Company H, 209th Regiment P. v. 

Jonathan Klotz, enl.ln 1864; wounded in front of Petersburg March 
165; died of his wounds three da} 

Navy. 
Charles Cooper, entered service ;ts an assistant engineei served to the 

end ol the war. 
Nathan F«pa, seaman, .served to the end of the war. 



CHAPTER IX. 
THE CARBON C01 NTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

'I'm u people possessing comparatively poor natural 
advantages may sometimes succeed most admirably is 
well illustrated in the fact that the farmers of Carbon 
County have for a quarter of a century maintained 
an agricultural society which compares very favorably 
with those of many counties which are better favored 
in soil and topography. It seems to be almost invari- 
ably the rule that nature does not in one and the 
same locality enrich the miner and the husbandman. 
But here, especially in the southern portion of Carbon 
County, midway between the coal mountains to the 
northward and the iron lands of Lehigh County, the 
tillers of the soil have made the most of their arable 
lands, and attained results of which they may well 
be proud. The region contains some exceedingly line 
farms, carried on by men of progressive spirit who 
take a deep and intelligent interest in agriculture. 
That the people of the county who follow tanning 
have made the most of their opportunities, and have 
possessed a -.pint of enterprise, is fully evidenced by 
the organization and healthful existence of the society 
to which we devote this brief chapter. 

The first meeting of the Carbon County Agricul- 
tural Society was held Aug. 7, 1858. at which time the 
following officers were elected, viz.: President, John 
<l. Cemerer, of Mahoning ; Vice-Presidents, Andrew 
Graver, of Franklin, William Rehrig, of Mahoning; 



Secretary, Thomas L. Foster, ol Easl Hauch Chunk; 
Corresponding Secretary, E. II. Ranch, of Mauch 
Chunk; Treasurer, Joseph Obert, of Lehighton. A 

committee was appointed to draft and report a consti- 
tution and by-laws, consisting of Maj. Robert KL.tz, 
lie. ma- I.. Foster, W. 0. Struthers, Thou 
Amos Riegel, Jacob Andrea-, Rev. C. G. Eichenberg, 
and Lewis llaney. Ai the same time a committee was 
appointed to solicit membership, consisting of Thomas 
Kemerer, Charles S. German, John Craig. Peter 
Hartz, Tilghman Arner, and Col. John Lentz. One 
week after the 6rst meeting another was held, at which 
the constitution and by-laws were adopted. Three 
weeks after the organization of the society the com- 
mittee appointed to solicit signers of the constitution 
reported that eighty-seven persons had become mem- 
bers. ( hi the same occa-ion i hat this report was made 
it was resolved to hold an agricultural and mechanical 
fair at Lehighton or Weissport, to continue three days 
from the third Tuesday in I Ictober, 1858, and Col. 

John Lentz, Thomas Kemmerer, John Craig, Joseph 
Obert, and Andrew Graver were appointed as a com- 
mittee to procure, grade, and otherwise prepare 
grounds, and erect stalls, sheds, canvas inclosures, etc. 
A committee was also appointed to pre]. a re a premium 
list, consisting of Charles (i. Bauer. William Kem- 
merer, E. H. Rauch, Thomas S. Beck, and George H. 
Davis. The society made a very modest start, limiting 
the total amount of premiums to be offered to two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. 

At a meeting held September 10th the committee 
appointed to secure and prepare grounds reported 
that they had selected Lehighton as the location, and 
commenced operations for their preparation. Perma- 
nent officers were now elected, as follows: President, 
Col. John Lentz lone vice-president from each elec- 
tion district) ; Secretary, William Kemmerer; Treas- 
urer. Thomas Kemmerer. Preparations tor the fair 
were continued, and it was held successfully. In 
January, 1859, the society was incorporated by action 
of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Carbon County. 
On the 14th of the month the second annual meeting 
was held, and the following officers elected for the 
year, viz.: President, John Lentz; Secretary, Wil- 
liam Kemmerer ; Treasurer, Thomas Kemmerer. 

From this time on the principal officers elected were 

a> follows : 

I860 61.— President, Amos Riegel; Secretary. Wil- 
liam Kemmerer; Treasurer, Thomas Kemmerer. 

1862 63. -President, Charles Meendsen; Secretary, 
E. Bauer; Treasurer, Thomas k'emerer. 

1864. — President, Leonard Yeager; Secretary, Wil- 
liam Kemmerer: Treasurer, Tl las Kemmerer. 

1865 67. — President, John Lentz; Secretary, Joel 
Rex; Treasurer, Thomas Kemmerer. 

1868 70. President, John Lentz; Secretary, Joel 

Rex ; Treasurer, Joseph Obert. 

1871.— President, Thomas Coons; Secretary, /.. M. 

Long: Treasurer, Joseph Obert. 



650 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1872. — Same, with excepti f treasurer, who was E. 

H. Snyder. 
1873. President, Gen. William J. illy; Secretary, N. 
B. Reben ; Treasurer, E. II. Snyder. The presi- 
dent and secretary resigned, and Peter Laux was 
then elected to i he former oilier, and W. C. Fred- 
eric to the latter. | 
1874. — President, Peter Laux ; Secretary, W. C. Fred- 
eric ; Treasurer, E. II. Snyder. 
1875. — President, Thomas Koons; Secretary, T. S. 
Beck ; Treasurer, T. D. Clauss. 
The society had improved the grounds which it had 
purchased, erected an exhibition-building, a ticket- 
office, sheds, stalls, fences; constructed a good race- 
track, and held successful fairs upon those grounds 
annually until 1870, for all of which the energetic 
men who effected and maintained the organization 
are entitled to great credit. In 1870 the town au- 
thorities of Lehighton desiring that the grounds 
should be vacated that streets might be extended, 
the society took action to sell their old property and 
buy new. Their purchase being effected, they built 
larger and more substantial buildings than they had 
before used, and thereby incurred considerable of an 
indebtedness. Fairs were held on the new grounds, 
but not with the success that attended former exhi- 
bitions, and the result was that the society was un- 
able to discharge its indebtedness, and in March, 
1875, the grounds were sold on the foreclosure of a 
mortgage. 

This led to the formation of a new society. On 
March 20, 1875, a meeting was called by some of the 
older members of the defunct society and other citi- 
zens of Lehighton and the surrounding country, to 
take into consideration the purchase of the grounds 
and the organization of a new society. The purchase 
was duly made, and the Carbon County Industrial 
Society came into existence as the successor of the 
Agricultural Society. It was in a large measure com- 
posed of the same men who had been the leading 
spirits in the former organization, and in objects and 
methods was patterned upon the society which it 
supplanted. The Carbon County Industrial Society 
was incorporated June 3, 1875, its first officers being : 
President, Thomas Koons ; Secretary, W. M. Rapsher ; 
Treasurer, A. G. Dollenmayer ; Directors, J. A. Horn, 
James Sweeney, A. G. Dollenmayer, Thomas Mautz, 
David O'Brian, T. D. Clauss, and C. H. Seidel. 
There was no delay in perfecting arrangements for 
the holding of a fair the same season, and thus there 
was no interval allowed to occur in these beneficial 
exhibitions, which were commenced in 1858. 

The officers of the Carbon < lounty Industrial Society 
for the years since 1875 have been as follows : 

1876. — President, Thomas Koons; Secretary, W. 
M. Rapsher; Treasurer, A. (1. Dollenmayer; Di- 
rectors, J. A. Horn, Henry Beineman, A. G. Dollen- 
mayer, Thomas Mantz, C. H. Seidel, William Wagner, 
and Max Schweibnitz. 



1877. President, J. A. Horn; Secretary. W. M. 
I.'ap-her; Treasurer, A. G. Dollenmayer; Directors, 
William Wagner, William Horn, F. P. Semmel, 
Charles Seifert, Max Schweibnitz, Thomas Coons, 
Edwin Lensinger. 

1878. President, J. A. Horn; Secretary, W. M. 
Rapsher; Treasurer, T. D. Clauss; Geologist, Elwen 
Bauer; Librarian, Max Schweibnitz; Chemist, G. A. 
Frey; Directors, Alfred Whittin.tr, Thomas Koons, 
Elwen Bauer, Charles Seifert, Henry Beineman. Max 
Schweibnitz, Thomas Mantz. 

1879-80.-— President, J. C. Kreamer; Secretary, W. 
M. Rapsher ; Treasurer, J. A. Horn ; Geologist, Elwen 
Bauer; Librarian, Max Schweibnitz ; Chemist, G. A. 
Frey; Directors, Thomas Mantz, N. ( i. Rex, Thomas 
Koons, Elweu Bauer, Lewis Armbruster, Charles 
Seifert, G. A. Frey. 

1881. — President, E. H. Snyder; Secretary, Elwen 
Bauer; Treasurer, J. A. Horn; Geologist, Lewis 
Armbruster; Librarian, Max Schweibnitz ; Chemist, 
G. A. Frey; Directors, Thomas Mantz, N. G. Rex, 
Thomas Koons, Elwen Bauer, Edwin Sensinger, 
Charles Seifert, G. A. Frey. 

1882-83.— President, E. H. Snyder; Secretary, 
Elwen Bauer ; Treasurer, Valentine Schwartz ; Geolo- 
gist, Lewis Armbruster ; Librarian, Max Schweibnitz ; 
Chemist, G. A. Frey ; Directors, J. C. Kraemer, J. T. 
McDaniel, David Ebbert, N. G. Rex, Thomas Mantz, 
Henry Beineman, George Kemerer. 



CHAPTER X. 

SKETCH OF TJIK GEOLOGY OF CARBON COUNTY." 

Carbon County lies in the centre of the eastern 
part of the State. The exact geodetic position of any 
point within its boundary has never been instrument- 
ally determined. The intersection of the Switch- 
back Railroad with Centre Street, in Mauch Chunk, 
is 12.66 miles north and 23.91 miles east of Pottsville 
court-house, whose latitude is 40 degrees 41 minutes 
10 seconds, and longitude, east of Washington, is 51 
minutes 10.6 seconds, as determined by the Geological 
Survey. 

Situated in the eastern part of the Appalachian 
Mountain belt, its topography is varied and rugged. 
Although its mountains rise only to heights varying 
from six hundred to thirteen hundred feet (more or 
less) above the bottoms of the valleys, their steep, 
precipitous slopes, carved into irregular shapes by the 
erosion of the surface, lend a wild and picturesque 
appearance to its features, which have caused the re- 
gion to be called the "Switzerland of America." Its 

Bj I liarlea A. Ashlmrner, M.S., Geologist in Charge oi the Survey 
of n,.' Anthracite Coal-fielde. 



SKETCH OF THE GEOLOGY OF CARBON COUNTY. 



651 



mountains arc but hundreds of feet high, where many 
in the Western States are thousands, yet their 
ical history tells us that what was at first a vast plain 
as level as the interior prairies, and which weri' im- 
mediately underlaid by the horizontal rocks ol the 
Palaeozoic Era, were mountains several thousands of 
feet high, after the Appalachian uplift took place, 
which threw the strata into the plications now ex- 
hibited by the rocks exposed along the anticlinals 
and synclinals. 

All the roeks outcropping in the county are strati- 
fied, and were deposited during the- Palaeozoic Era. 
The names of the periods and epochs under which 
they have been grouped, with their accompanying 
thicknesses as determined by the Geological Survey, 
are exhibited in the following table: 

PAL2EOZOIC ERA. 
I. Carbonh>ebous Peeiod. 

Mil. Prodtii live Conl Measures 976 

ML Pottsi ille Conglomerate (Serai. Millstone Grit) 880 

XI. Munch ('lunik Bed SliuU.ilIiiihr.il) 'JlTii 

X. Pocodo Sandstone and Conglomerate I V eBpertfme) 1255 

II. Devonian Pee] 

IX. Catskill Sandstone (Ponent) 714"> 

I Chemung Shales and Sandstones, f >-„„„„. I , 

I Portage Shales and Flags, i v erg " nt i '-'"' 

| Qeneaee Slates and Shales, ( | 

VHI. . Hamilton Sandstones and Flags, Oadeut - 760 

Marcellus Shales and Slates, I ) 800 

Upper Helilerherg Limestone, It* .v jji I . , 

I .ndi Oalli and Schoharie Grits, { P<»t-Merldian }.... Absent 
VII. Oriskany Sandstone (Meridian) 340 



III. UpPF.lt SlURl.W l'KKtnii 



J!t.. 



j bower Belderberg Limestones and Shales (Pre-Meridian) ) 9 , 
" 1 Onondaga Shales (Scale nt), j 
. Clinton Bed and Gray Shales (Surgent} 20011 

( Me " 



Medina Sandstones, 

eida SaudsU.ntc-. ami Cunglomerat.-s, 



Levant 



665 
460 



IV. Lower SlLFRIAS PERIOD. 

I Hudson River Slates f « t . . ) 

jUticaS s (Matinalf. 

Trenton and Calciferous Limostones (Auroral 1 
Potsdam Sandstone (Primal). 



1 

■I 



The numbers assigned to the epochs or formations 
are those which were adopted by the First Penn- 
sylvania Survey. The geographical names were first 
proposed by the New York Geological Survey, and 
have now been generally adopted in Pennsylvania. 
The New York series of names, however, ended with 
the Catskill, and the names Pocouo, Mauch Chunk, 
and Pottsville were first proposed by Professor Lesley 
in 1875. Those in brackets were suggested by Pro- 
fessor II. D. Rogers, but have never been generally 
adopted by geologists. 

The thicknesses of the formations above and in- 
cluding the Genesee were measured by Mr. A. Wins- 
low, of the Anthracite Survey : those below, with the 
exception of No. IV., by Professor I. C. White; and 
those of the Medina and Oneida Sandstom - I No. I V. | 
by Dr. H. M. Chance. The total thickness of nine- 
teen thousand three hundred and twenty-five feel in 
this section includes all the rocks which outcrop in 
Carbon County between Lansford and Lehigh Gap. 
To this section will have to lie added about six thou- 
sand feet for the slates of No. HI., along the south side 
of Kitlatinny .Mountain, and possibly two thousand 



Not exposed 

in Carbon 
County. 



feel for the limestones of No. II., seen at Easton and 

Ul wn, making a total thickness for i he Palseozoic 

rocks 1 in this part of the State of twenty-seven thousand 

fi el more or less). 

Coal Measures (No. XIII. .1 and Pottsville Con- 
glomerate No. XII. 1. — The mosl interesting and 
commercially valuable geological formation in Carbon 

( 'ounly is that which contains its coal-beds, known as 

the Productive Coal measures, which, with the under- 
lying Pottsville ( !onglomerate No. XII., constitute the 

Carboniferous Period. 

The highest geological stratum, or that which in 
Carbon County was deposited at the latest pen. id in 
the world's history, is to be found in the Lansford 
synclinal, which is one of the subordinate basins in 
the main Panther Creek synclinal, and three bundled 
to four hundred feet south of the railroad, bet 
Lansford Station and Breaker No. !• of the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company. 

A general section id' the coal measures, as proved by 
the Lansford Railroad tunnel and the tunnel (No. 
6) at Colliery No. li. exhibits the following stratifica- 
tion : 

I eet. 

Shall . slates, and sandstones 300 

I it 1 

Slate 56 

Sandstone 13 

Coal 4 

Sandstone 59 

"G" coal-bed 6 

Saiul i n 33 

Conglomerate 65 

Sandstone 51 

Slale 11 

"F" coal-bed, Red-Ash, or Prim rose 16 

Sandstone 9 

Coal-bed 2 

Slate 52 

I to ,1-hed 1 

Sandstones 03 

Coal-bed 1 

Conglomerate 37 

Sandstone - lie 

Slate 7 

Sandstoue 33 

Mammoth coal-bed, or K, I), and Cross-cut 50 

Sandstone and Mat.- 29 

Coal-bed 3 

Slate and Bandstone 34 

Knck Mountain coal-bed 11 

Sandstone and conglomerate 40 

Coal-bed 1 

Saudstoneand conglomerate 68 

Coal-bed _ 1 

Conglomerate and sandstone 77U 

Total thickness 

There arc three separate coal areas in the county, as 
follows: The eastern end of the Panther Creek basin 
in MaUCll Chunk township, the southern, eastern, and 

greater portion ofthe Beaver Meadow basin in Banks 
and Lausanne townships, and a very small portion of 
the Silver Brook basin in Packer township. The first, 
for which I have given the above section, is the mosl 

important historically, since COal Was first shipped 
from lure to market, and more important economi- 
cally, because it contains the greatest amount of coal. 

The Second Geological Survej has ma imina- 

tion in either the Heaver Meadow or Silver Brook 
basins, so thai it is not possible for me to give any 

1 Si. thing is definitely known as to the thickness >i No. 1 In this 
part of the State, 






HISTORY OF CARBON nM'NTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



new or original facta in relation to these fields. A de- 
tailed description is given h\ Professor Io>l" rs " Final 
Report," vol. ii. p. 244 of the Beaver Meadow basin. 
It contains a general description of the structure of 
the synclinal, which in the main has been vei ified by 
recent developments. Explorations have only been 
commenced in the coal-beds of the silver Brook 

basin within the lasl year. The area of litis basin in 

Carl Count] ie so small that it is not worthj of 

mention. In fact, I do not feel assured thai any work- 
able coals extend over the county line into Packer 
township, although maps recently constructed show 
that they do. 

The Mammoth bed coal was first accidentally dis- 
covered on the site of the Sum in it Hill quarry, on the 
south rim ot the 1 'anther Creek basin, in 1791. Land 
was purchased here from .1. Weiss, and the "Lehigh 
Coal-Mine Company" was organized in 1793. Coal 
was not, however, shipped from here until 1814, when 
twenty tons were conveyed down the Lehigh and 
Delaware Rivers, at great cost, to Philadelphia, being 
preceded two years 1 1812 i by several wagon -loads from 
the head-waters of the Schuylkill. The first ship- 
ment of any considerable size (three hundred and 
sixty-five tons) was made by the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company during the year 1820. This 
same company now operates all the collieries between 
Mauch Chunk and Tamaqua, having produced in the 
aggregate, up to Jan. 1, 1883, 24,817,361 tons. Of this 
product ninety per cent, has been taken from the Mam- 
moth bed, over nine per cent, from the Red- Ash or F 
bed, and less than one per cent, from all other beds. 

The Mammoth bed varies very much in thickness, 
in the number of separate benches of coal which it 
contains, and the amount of slate and poor coal which 
is included between the good coal benches or layers. 
Half a mile west of Summit Hill village, where the 
coal was first quarried in a surface cutting in 1792, the 
bed is about fifty feet thick; at oue point, where a 
very careful measurement was made, the bed was com- 
posed of twenty-one separate benches of coal, having 
an aggregate thickness of forty feet three inches, which 
were separated by twenty layers of slate with a total 
thickness of twelve feet ten inches. The average 
thickness of the bed east of Nesquehoning Colliery 
is estimated to be twenty-nine feet, with twenty- 
three feet of merchantable coal, and west of Rhume 
Run to the county line fifty-five feet, with only twenty- 
seven feet of coal. In the former area the Red-Ash 
bed averages thirteen feet thick, with nine feet of coal, 
and in the latter area nine feet, with five feet of coal. 
I have made a number of careful estimates, from 
more detailed data given in I he " First Reportof Prog- 
ress of the Anthracite Survey," of the amount of 

merchantable coal originally contained in the Panther 
Creek basin within the limits of Carbon County, the 
original contents of the area which had been mined 
over up to Jan. 1, 1883, the number of tons which had 
been removed or mined out, and the number of tons 



which remained untouched tor future mining. These 
estimates are shown in the following table, and reveal 
the fact that 86.5 per cent, of all the coal originally 

contained in this basin in Carbon County remained 
untouched Jan. 1, 1883. 



its Coiitentsof 
I ,.r Area In 
Contained. on( m.,,,.,1. muclieil. 






Taut. 

Mammoth bed 193,090, 

r Red-Ash 1 
All other tot* rju,U00,000 



Totals 463,000,000 



, 118,000 
672.000 



236,057,000 
14,822, 






In these estimates I have included the Hackle- 
barney, Nesquehoning, Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9, and 
Summit Hill collieries; that portion of the latter col- 
liery extending over the county line into Schuylkill 
being taken as equivalent to that portion of the mine 
workings of Colliery No. 8, in Carbon County, which 
latter, in consequence, has been disregarded. 

The economy of mining in this basin is illustrated 

by the following facts, which apply to the history of 

the Panther Creek basin since 1820. Estimates for 

the past three years show that from ten to fifteen per 

cent, more coal has been taken out than formerly: 

Percentage Percentage 

taken out. lefl In 

Hacklebarney Collier; 61 49 

Nesquehoning Colliery 68 42 

Colliery No. 4 51 49 

Colliery No. h 69 31 

Colliery No. 6 63 S7 

Colliery No. 7 60 4" 

Colliery No. 9 60 40 

Summit Hill Colliery 60 40 

These figures show the percentage of the total mer- 
chantable coal, originally contained in the exploited 
areas, which has been taken out of the mines, but thej 
do not show the percentage of coal which has been 
thrown away on the dump-heaps iu the process of 
preparation, or that which has been consumed as 
fuel. Estimates have been made of these latter quan- 
tities for the Panther Creek basin as an entirety, 
which will apply equally to that portion contained 
in Carbon County. They are exhibited in the fol- 
lowing table : 

Pi i. entage of Com- 
mercial Coal origi- 
nally contained. 



TABLE 



H T3 

ITS 



■a cm 



Illustrating the economy of Coal-mining in bS-S |j= « 
Carbon County. g £ o g — 



! .2 © ' ^ ® 
■ ~ a « » S- 



Average percentage, from commencement ol 
mining in 1820 to Jan. L, I**- (embraci t < n 
tire history of Panther Creeh valley) -11 

Average percentage for two veins, from Jan. L, 
L881,toJan. 1,1888 30 



Ji? 

= o 

I- 

— "- 

= | 



100 
100 



SKETCH OF TIIK GKOLOCY <»!•' CARBON COUNT! 



653 



Mauch Chunk Red Shale, No. XI.— This forma- 
tion was named on account of its bold outcrop along 
tin- Lehigh River, north of Mauch Chunk. It con- 
sists of a Beriea <>i soft red ami yellow shales, easily 
eroded, and always forming a valley. The axis ot 
the Panther Creek basin crosses the Lehigh River 
about eighteen hundred feet north of Bast Mauch 
Chunk bridge, and these red shales outcrop along the 
river north "i the mm- to a point about a quarter of a 
mile north "i the Lehigh Valley Railroad bridge at 
Coal port, ai d south to a point about one 

thousand feet from the East Mauch Chunk Station. 
In Carl>i>n County thej outcrop in tin' " Kettle." east 
of Mauch Chunk, in the valley of Maiieh ('lunik 
t reek, and 111 the Nesquehoning Valley. 

Pocono Sandstone. No. X. — This formation con- 
sists ol massive white, gray, ami yellow sandstones 
and conglomerates, with a number of thm beds of 
sand} slate and shale included. Throughout the en- 
tire State this formation is mountain-making. In 
Carbon County it forms Mahoning, Kettle, Nesque 
honing, and Pocono Mountains, the outline- of which 
have already licen described. The gorge named 
Onoko Glen is eui out of the middle roeks of this 
formation. 

Catskill Shales and Sandstones, No. IX.— This 
formation, named from its bold development in the 
Catskill Mountains, N. V.. consists of alternating 
layers of red, gray, and green sandstones and shales. 
In Pennsylvania it is generally found forming -mall 
ridges and hills, with intervening valleys, along the 
foot of tin 1 mountain- of No. X. It extends from a 
point near the Lehigh Valley Railroad Station al 
Mauch Chunk to a point on the Lehigh River, about 
one thousand feet south of Long Run. The lower 
part of the formation becomes quite flaggy, and along 
the Delaware River below Shohola there was quar- 
ried from this part of the Catskill the large flagstone 
which is contained in the sidewalk in front of Mr. 
William II. Vanderbilt's mansion on Fifth Avenue, 
New York. The size of this stone is twenty-five feet, 
by fifteen feet, bj eight inches. No flags have, how- 
ever, been found in Carbon County which it would 
be profitable to quarry, although the strata corre- 
sponding to those quarried at Shohola outcrop along 
the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad one mile below 
I'aekerton, 

Rocks of No. VIII. — The -trata forming this for- 
mation consist of flagstones, slates, shales, and sand- 
stones, shales and sandstones characterizing the Che- 
mung and Portage, slates the Genesee, sandstones 

and Hags the Hamilton, and -hale- and slates the 
Marcellus. The lower part of the formation i- gen- 
erally marked by the Upper Helderberg lime-ton, 
and the sand-grits of the Cauda Galli ami Schoharie 



formations, all of which, how ever, are absent from the 
rock series in Carbon County. The Chemung, Portl- 
and Genesee rocks are exposed along the Lehigh 

i . immediately north of Lock No. 7 id' the Lehigh 
Canal, which mark- very nearly the position of the 

Lehigh ton anticlinal axis, and south of this point in 
the Weisporl ■ Parry ville synclinal to Bowmansville. 

The I pp, i ■ i 'helming and Hamilton strata generally 

form ridge-, tli. and Marcellus valley-, and 

thl Ports e vallej - and knolls. 

Formations Nos. VII., VI., V., and IV.— The 
rock- of thi -• the Lehigh River, 

between Bowmansville and Lehigh Cap, ami imme- 
diately underlie the region along the north flank of 
Kittatinny Mountain. The < )riskany sandstone No. 

VII. tonus Stony Pudge, and the limestones and 

-hales of Nos. VI. and V. the valleys between Stony 
Ridge and Kittatinnx Mountain, which is formed by 
Medina and < >neida sandstones and conglomerates 
composing formation No. [V. The southern boun- 
dary of the county is marked verj marly by the crest 
ol i his mountain. 

All the Palaeozoic rocks at one time laj in a hori- 
zontal position. When the Appalachian uplift took 
place, however, they were thrown into a series of 
plications or corrugations. Where the strata are found 
to dip toward each other, like the letter V, they are 
said to form a basin or synclinal ; and where they dip 
from each other, like the letter A, they are said to form 
a saddle or anticlinal. The general direction of these 
flexures is parallel to Kittatinny Mountain. 

Anticlinals and Synclinals. — Commencing at 
the north, the flexures, crossing the county in a 
direction nearly parallel to that of Kittatinny Moun- 
tain, arc as follows: Green .Mountain synclinal, 

crossing the Lehigh River about a quarter of a 
mile north of Tannery: Fast Buck Mountain syn- 
clinal, crossing the Lehigh River in the vicinity of 
Lehigh Tannery (to the west this synclinal is identical 
with that of the Little Black (.'reek basin) ; Big Black 
( 'reek basin synclinal, crossing the Lehigh River south 

of the Lehigh Tannery (this is the eastern extension 
of the Big Black Creek coal basin . Last Pismire Hill 
synclinal, crossing the Lehigh River about a quarter 
of a mile south of Sand} Run this is probably the 
same flexure as that of the llazleton coal basin); 
Beaver Meadow synclinal, crossing the Lehigh River 
south of Leslie Run: Raid Ridge anticlinal, crossing 
the Lehigh River half a mile north of StODj Creek ; 
Penn Haven synclinal i- marked by the course of the 
Lehigh River east from Penn Haven; Nesqueboning 
anticlinal consists of a -eric- of minor undulatio 
crossing the Lehigh River between Penn Haven and 
Mauch Chunk: Panther Creek synclinal crosses the 
Lehigh River a little over a quarter of a mile north of 
the bridge at Fast Mauch Chunk. From this pointto 



1 An 'r i ir.-k iii tin' vii iniiy nf Little Gap, In Towamenaing 

townahlp, caJcar i -ir.a;, are found, \\iu.ii prol ing to tlie *Tli« poaitl i : are shown in i 

Imaatona formation, ectloni itniel r by Mr. Winalow. 



654 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the centre of the Lehighton anticlinal, which crosses 
the Lehigh River in the vicinity of Lehigh Canal lock- 
No. 7, the 'lips of the strata towards the north are 
v.iv steep, ranging from 70° to 90° (vertical). Le- 

anticlinal is one of the holdest flexures of 

this part of tin- State. In 1839, Professor Lesley traced 
its course for a distance of over forty miles, from the 
Pottsville coal basin to within a few miles of Strouds- 
burg, in Monroe County. Throughout this distance 
its crest is almost straight, having a general direction 
of N.i,. i 1 E. From the crest of the Lehighton anti- 
clinal to Stony Ridge the rocks lie in a synclinal, 
l'arryvillc being near the centre. TheOriskany sand- 
stone, forming the crest of Stony Ridge, according to 
Dr. Chance, consists of a series of plications, the strata 
at this point being very much faulted. Kittatinny 
Mountain is a monoelinal, the rocks dipping to the 
north. 

Topographical Geology. — To properly understand 
the geology of the county, it is necessary to study its 
topography, which is a resultant of the underlying 
geological structure. 

The surface of the county is broken by mountains, 
ridges, or a succession of hills and knolls having a 
general direction of north, from 60° to 80° east. These 
summits are all capped by the conglomerates and 
sandstones of the Pottsville (No. XII.) and Pocono 
(No. X.), by the harder sandstone strata of the Che- 
mung and Portage (parts of No. VIII.), by the sand- 
stones of the Hamilton (part of No. VIII.), Oriskany 
(No. VII.), and Medina (No. IV.) formations. These 
prominences are separated by valleys eroded out of 
the red and gray shales and sandstones of the Mauch 
Chunk (No. XL) and Catskill (No. IX.), the softer 
shales and sandstones of the Chemung and Portage, 
the black and gray shales and slates of the Genesee 
and Marcellus (parts of No. VIII.), the Lower Hel- 
derberg limestones (No. VI.), and the Clinton red, 
yellow, and gray shales (No. V.). 

In Kidder township the summits are comparatively 
low and flat, and arc immediately underlaid by some 
of the Pocono strata, the lower summits by the bot- 
tom rocks of the formation, and the higher ones by 
the top rocks. < >n account of the dense forests which 
originally, and even now to a great extent cover the 
central and eastern parls of this township, and on 
account of the swamp lands surrounding Mud, Moses 
Wood, Big and Round Ponds, and Grass Lake, the 
summits here, which are in reality parts of the Pocono 
Mountain, are known as the Shades of Death. 

The knoll directly east of the Lehigh River, and 
between Mud Run on the south and Hickory Run on 
the north, lias been specialized by the name of Pine 
Hill, which is also capped by the Pocono sandstone. 

The summits in Penn Forest township are gener- 
ally known as parts of the Pocono Mountains, with 
the exception of Broad Mountain, which lies east of 
Penn Haven Junction, and between the meanderings 
of the Lehigh River and Big Bear Creek, and Kettle 



Mountain, which lies to the south of this creek in the 
form of a crescent which incloses Kettle Valley, eroded 
out of the Mauch Chunk red shale, No. XI. 

The Broad Mountain 1 and north arm of Kettle 
Mountain are continuations to the east of Nesque- 
honing Mountain. The latter name should be applied 
exclusively to this range of summits west of the river. 
The south arm of the crescent of Kettle Mountain 
is a continuation to the east of Mahoning Mountain, 
which lies on the line between Mauch Chunk and 
Mahoning townships, ami between the valleys through 
which flow creeks by the same names. The north 
arm of Kettle Mountain is sometimes known as Big 
Mountain. 

The name Spring Mountain is applied to the ridge 
along the line between Banks and Packer townships. 
It is capped by the Pottsville Conglomerate. The 
continuation of this ridge east of the Black Creek 
Gap, through which the Hazleton branch of the Le- 
high Valley Railroad passes, is called East Spring 
Mountain ; this is also capped by No. XII. 

In the north part of Banks township, north of 
Beaver Meadow, lies Pismire Hill, underlaid by the 
Pottsville Conglomerate and the lowest coal measures, 
and in northwestern Lausanne, near the head-waters 
of Leslie Run, is East Pismire Hill, which contains a 
basin of the Buck Mountain coal-bed. 

Bald Mountain, or what is sometimes better known 
as Bald Ridge, and which lies in the U formed by the 
Lehigh River between Rockport ami Penn Haven, is 
an anticlinal ridge capped by the sandstones and con- 
glomerates of the Pocono, No. X. Quakake Valley, 
at the foot of Bald Mountain, and which at Penn 
Haven is nothing but a narrow gorge through which 
Quakake Creek flows, is cut out of the Upper Pocono 
and Lower Mauch Chunk rocks. To the south of this 
valley Nesquehoning Mountain rises into a broad, 
flat, anticlinal plateau, between four and live miles 
wide, capped by the Pocono rocks. This mountain 
is sometimes wrongly called Broad Mountain. Al- 
though both of these mountains arc formed by the 
same general anticlinal, the latter name should be 
confined to the continuation of the Nesquehoning 
Mountain east of the Lehigh River, already referred 
to, and to the Broad Mountain plateau southwest of 
the Nesquehoning Mountain in Schuylkill County, 
and separated from it by the Locust Valley. 

Two prominent topographical features in the county 
are the Locust and Sharp Mountains, which are 
formed by the Pottsville Conglomerate, and which in- 
close the coal basin of Panther Creek Valley. Locust 
Mountain, to the north of this valley, is separated 
from Nesquehoning Mountain by Nesquehoning Val- 
ley ; and Sharp Mountain, to the south of the Panther 
Creek Valley, is separated from Mahoning Mountain 
by the Mauch Chunk red shale, No. XI., valley of 
.Mauch Chunk Creek. 

1 Sometimes culled Pocono Mountain. 



SKETCH OF THE GEOLOGY OF CARBON COUNTY. 



•i.JO 



Sharp and Locust Mountains unite one mile north 
of Mauch Chunk to form Mount Pisgah, at thi 
of the firs) incline of the Switchback Railroad. 

The topography between Mahoning and Kettle 
Mountains, already described, and Kittatinny Moun- 
tain, which is formed by the Medina Sandstom No. 
IV. . and which separates Carbon from Lehigh and 
Northampton Counties on the Bouth, is less bold and 
rugged than the topography of the northern part of 
the county. In the main it consists of a succession of 
parallel ridges and valleys having a general direction 
similar to that of Kittatinny Mountain. It is formed 
bj the Devonian and Upper Silurian strata. The 
principal ridges are the Indian Mountain, winch is 
surrounded by the head-waters of Pohocono or Big 
Creek, in northern Towamensing township; Yellow 
Pine Ridge, near the union of Towamensing and 
Lower Towamensing townships; Mahoning and Liz- 
ard Hills, on the north side of the Lehigh River, and 
between Mahoning and Lizard Creeks; and Stony 
Ridge, along the northern flank of Kittatinny Moun- 
tain. This latter ridge is formed by the Oriskany -and- 
stone (No. VII. i, and is characteristic of tin- topog- 
raphy formed by this formation everywhere in Penn- 
sylvania. The southern limit of the county is de- 
fined by the Kittatinny Mountain, which is one of 
the prominent topographical features in the eastern 
central part of the State, extending from the Dela- 
ware River, at the Water Gap, southwest to a point 
in Franklin County, about twelve miles west of 
Chambersburg, where it ends abruptly in Jordan's 
Knob, its total length being about ninety mile-, in- 
cluding three folds on itself, — at Offset Knob, in 
Northampton County ; east of Port Clinton, in 
Schuylkill County; and at Met lure's Gap, in Cum- 
berland County. In its entire length its cres 
broken by ten prominent gaps, as follows: the Dela- 
ware Water and Wind Gaps, in Northampton 
County; the Lehigh Water Gap, between Lehigh 
and Northampton Counties; the Schuylkill Water 
Gap, in Schuylkill County; the Swatara, Indian 
Creek, Manady < Ireek, and Smith's ( laps, in Lebanon 
and Dauphin Counties; the Susquehanna Water 
Gap, between Dauphin and Cumberland Counties; 
and McAllister's Cap, in Franklin County. There 
are many other depressions in the crest which are 
locally called gaps, but which are nol of any special 
prominence. 

Elevations. — The general height of the county 
above ocean-level can be appreciated from the eleva- 
tion- of the following prominent points: 

STATION- o» lilt: LEHIGH v.\i.i.i:y BAIXBOAD. 

Feet. 

b Gap 389 

Lelilgbton 

L ,14 

Gleu I inoko 59] 

Rockport 0(16 

tin kwiy Run |016 

Blai k Creek Jum tiob loifi 

Jeansvitle 

Beaver Meadow - 

AuJenried 17 .;:, 



HISI 1:1.1. \' I 

Kittatinny Mountain, crest, east ■ >! the Gap 

•' weal 

1385 

stonj Rid , ere . et d| the 1 

Mount Pisgah, crest <>l 

Mountain, crest of 

Bald Mountain, crest 

. M on 11 lain, crvNt of 

Buck Mountain, 1 rest of 

Nosquel in:: Mountain, 1 resl ol 1300 

Pismire Hill, cn-stoi 

Dynamical Geology. — That all the surface of 
the county was once at a much greater elevation 
cannot be questioned, from the fact that all the 
rocks found within its boundaries are sedimentary, 
and must have been deposited in a very nearly 
horizontal position on th :ean bottom. As a con- 
sequence, the Medina Sandstone (No. IV. now 
forming the crest of Kittatinny Mountain was once 
buried under the geologically higher and more re- 
cently deposited rock- up to the highest coal-bed 
found in the Panther Creek basin along the western 
line of the county, eighteen thousand two hundred 
('■et in all. These have now been eroded away. Po- 
cono Mountain has had three thousand live hundred 
feet of strata cut oil' of its summit, and Mount Pis- 
gah, now capped by the lower member of the Potts- 
ville Conglomerate 1X0. XIJ.i. was covered at one 
time by fifteen hundred feet of coal measures, repre- 
sented by the same series of strata which are now 
contained in the Panther Creek coal basin at Tama- 
qua. What the heights of these summit- were above 
the ocean immediately after the Appalachian uplift, 
and before the highest and most recently deposited 
rocks had been perceptibly eroded, we cannot conjec- 
ture, for it i- impossible to determine the vertical ex- 
tent of the elevation and depression of the earth's 
crust which took place during the time that this sur- 
face was being rapidh cut down by the principal 
eroding agents, which ma; tssed under the heads 

of aqueous, aerial, and vegetable. Plowing water, 
with sand and sediment held in suspension, is one of 
the most powerful sources of erosion ; this, no doubt, 
has been the principal agent in cutting down the val- 
leys. Analogous to thi- is the action of moving ice, 
though much more limited in its operation. The 
force of the wind, especially when charged with .-and 
and water, is a potent agent, while the growth of ro 
in minute crevices of the rocks will oftentimes wedge 
off from the main mass a block of considerable size, 
and thus aid in erosion. In this way the mountains 
have been eroded, the valleys have been cut out ami 
afterwards in many cases buried. .Mud, sand, and 
pebbles, which have resulted from thi- erosion, have 
been carried by the rivers to the ocean, there to form 
new land along the s by the deposition of the 

sediment. The study of the present rock outcrops 
gives the g< nfficient data to suppose that the 

mountain summits were a number of thousands of 
feet above the ocean-level at no very remote' period 

1 Ttiat is. several million- ,.f y urement of 

the Mississippi bj Gens. Humph rev and Abbott, l.'.s.A , tli-y hare 



656 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



in the earth's history, imr is it difficult for an intelli- 
erver, untutored in the science of geology, to 
understand that greal changes must have taken pi 
when he stands al Mauch Chunk and realizes the 
fact that the Pocono No X. I and I latskill I No. I \ 
strata, which now staml in a vertical position, were 
horizontal. 
Quaternary Period. — During the last of the past 
geological periods, known as the Quaternary, which 
culminated in the existence of man, the northern 
partof the North American continent was covered by 
an immense glacier. This ice-sheet, in its southern 
movement toward the region of higher temperatures, 
carried with it rock material planed off from the sur- 
face over which it passed. This material was ulti- 
mately dumped along the southern edge of the glacier, 
forming what is known as a terminal moraine. Pro- 
fessor H. C. Lewis has traeeil this moraine across 
Pennsylvania. It enters the northeastern part of 
Carbon County, crosses through the centre of Kidder 
township, and enters the valley of the Lehigh about 
ten miles above Mauch Chunk, crossing the river 
near Hickory Run, from whence it follows a general 
northwestward course to the State line, near the 
northeastern corner of McKean County. It enters 
the State again in northeastern Warren County, and 
continues southeast, crossing the Ohio State line near 
the northwestern corner of Beaver County. 



CHAPTER XL 

BOROUGH OF MAUCH CHUNK. 
(Including Borough of East Mauch Chunk.) 

Description of the Locality. — The town of Mauch 
Chunk takes its name (the pronunciation of which is 
settled by common usage as Mauk Chunk) from the 
curiously-shaped hill on the opposite side of the Le- 
high, called by the Indians "Machk Tschunk," which 
means Bear Mountain, or the Mountain of Bears. 
From the earliest known mention of the locality 
(which occurs in an account of the captivity of the 
Gilbert family, taken prisoners by the Indians on 
Mahoning Creek in 1780 and published a few years 
after 1 ) it appears that the peculiar Indian name was 
applied then, as now, to the massive height on the 
west side of the river, called also at present South 

conclude)] tliat at the present rate of erosion one foot of surface has been 
carried from this river basin in four thousand six hundred and forty 
years. Professor Leconte estimates that six thousand feet in the aggre- 
gate have been eroded Ironi this basin, and infers that It lias tieen un- 
dergoing process of erosion for thirty million years. The English sci- 
entists place the duration of geological time from sixty million years 
roll) to two hundred million years (Dr. Haugbton). Professor Tait, 

11 physical ami astronomical grounds, concludes that the 
limit of time which can he permitted the geologist is ten million years. 
1 It was republished in Batard'i Regtitir of May 16, L829, and ap- 
< lhapter J. ol the History of Carbon County in tin* volume. 



Mountain. The allusion to Mauch Chunk in the 
Story of the flight of the Indians with their captives 
is as follows: . . . "Not much farther was a large 
hill called Mochunk, which they fixed upon for a 
place of rendezvous. . . . Near the foot of the hill 
flows a stream of water called Mochunk Creek, which 
was crossed, ami the second mountain (now Mount 
Pisgah I passed, the steep and difficult ascent of which 
appeared very great to the much-enfeebled and af- 
frighted captives. Thej were permitted to rest them- 
selves for some minutes, and then pressed onward to 
the broad mountain, at the foot of which runs Nesca- 
connah creek." Now the name in its translated form 
is applied to the hill opposite the town, and in the 
original Indian language to the peculiarly bold and 
precipitous South Mountain. To the eye of the trav- 
eler who approaches this unique town from the south, 
this mountain is the first striking object in the rugged 
and wild landscape which forms its environment. 
Following the great sweep of the rushing Lehigh 
River, it rises as a mighty verdure-clad wall from its 
very brink, and makes more dark the deep and tor- 
tuous gorge through which the river seeks the south, 
and finally flowing through the Lehigh Gap, emerges 
from its mountain-pent channel into the broader and 
sunnier valley, bordered by smaller and more gently 
sloping hills. The sweeping curve of the steep South 
Mountain forms the segment of a vast amphitheatre, 
from which the Titans might have watched gladia- 
torial giants in their fierce combats upon the lesser 
hill half encircled by the river. The wall rises to a 
sheer height of more than nine hundred feet, and is 
rendered more wild and picturesque by the outcrop- 
pings among its pines and hemlocks of rugged ledges 
and strange seams of rock, shattered anil torn by the 
conflict of the elements or great convulsions of nature 
in ages past, and their mighty fragments strewn upon 
the steep declivity. The great white Mansion House, 
loftily overtowered by the dark mass of this mountain, 
appears at first glance like a toy dwelling, or the 
abode of Liliputians, and the road which rises from 
this point by a gentle grade seems a yellowish-brown 
line drawn across the mingled green and gray of the 
mountain-side. 

Our stand-point has been at the spot where the Le- 
high Railroad Company has blasted away the rocks on 
the face of Bear Mountain, or, as it is sometimes 
called, Sugar Loaf, to secure sufficient level ground for 
a passenger depot, and our gaze has been directed to 
the left. Immediately in front flows the Lehigh, its 
channel forming a crescent-shaped curve, which might 
have been described with the apex of the apparently 
conical Bear Mountain as a centre. It is only by the 
strictest economy of space and the utmost skill of the 
engineer that a canal and two great railroads can 
follow the river in its winding course through this 
narrow passage in the mountains. Beyond the river 
and following the curving course of its bank is a 
street, upon which a long line of buildings front, 



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MOROUCII OF MAUCH CHINK. 



657 



closely crowded by tin- mountain in their rear. Away 
at the righl looms the peak of Mounl Pisgah, nine 
hundred feet above the Lehigh, the smoke from the 

stacks .>f the -tatiouarv engines used to hoi-t cars 

iipon the plane rene>tel\ suggesting tie' presence of a 

volcano. 

Upon a level piece of table-land, more than two 

hundred feel above the water, which is seen to be a 
mighty buttress of -Mount Pisgah, gleam the white 

I ses of what the traveler learns is Upper Maueh 

Chunk. 

So tar the town has appeared to consist of a single 
Street along the river, but we see a deep and narrow 
valley, or rather ravin.', opening to tin' Lehigh, be- 
tween South Mountain and Mount Pisgah. Down 
tlno ii u h this gorge rushes a small mountain stream, and 
upward through it. in a zigzag anil erratic way, rising 
mtly but by easy degrees, leads tin- main street 
of Mauch Chunk. The houses are built without'door- 
yanls upon the street, and impinge upon the 
base of the mountains on either side. The dash- 
ing of the little stream can be heard at intervals 
as one passes up this strange, angling street, but 
its waters can nowhere be seeu, for it has been 
covered with arches that the small space it oc- 
cupies may be utilized, and so it leaps along its 
hidden way, now under the houses, then under 
the street, until, concealed to the very last, it 
plunges into the Lehigh. Almost every foot of 
available building grouud is occupied. Except 
for a few rods near the mouth of the ravine, 
where a narrow street with a single row of 
houses runs parallel with the main street, on a 
higher level, there is no room for a second thor- 
ough tare or scarcely for an alley. It must be 
remembered that, although nature challenged 
man's admiration here, she did not invite him 
to become a resident. But nature is seldom so 
forbidding as -he appears, and usually bestow- 
more than she promises. She promised here 
only the beauties and the majesty of the moun- 
tains, and the wealth in her treasure-vaults as the 
means of making countless comfortable houses 
elsewhere, but through the force of fate man 
made here a pleasant home too, and the moun- 
tains stand stately and sentinel-like about it, as 
if to guard the frailer human handiwork. 

From Mount Pisgah or the Flagstaff on South 
Mountain grand views can be obtained of a vast 
scope of mountain and valley and river, forest and 
farm and peaceful villages nestled among the hills. 
The eye reaches the Lehigh and the Delaware Water 
Gaps, Wind Gap between, the Blue Mountains, and 
all the nameless, billowy ranges between, with the 
Schooley Mountains, sixty miles away in New Jersey, 
while Mauch Chunk and its sister village across the 
Lehigh appear below as if laid out upon a map. 
From the Flagstaff is doubtless revealed the most 
perfect bird's-eye view afforded in the eastern States, 
I-.' 



one of beauty and bewildering strai n which 

it i- difficult to turn away. 

Bul il is not in (i. ily-rising mountains 

shadowing the compact town, or in the far-reaching 
views w Inch they com maud, that all of i he beauty of 
the immediate region lies. Tbeii n -.varied 

with steep bowlder-strewn -lopes or out-juttin 

ird an endless -cries of pictui ews, ever 

changing with the season or the ramble of the ob- 
server, hut ever lovely, whether in the vernal green 
of summer, when the laurels add the lustre Oi I heir 
many-tinted blossoms ; in the autumn, when the moun- 
tains glow and blaze with color, or even in the depth 
of winter, elad in -now, to which the only contrast is 

afforded by the graj and leafless i rees and the sombre 
hue of the hemlock-. Another attraction, which set 
only recently to have reached popular appreciation, 
is the now famous Glen Onoko, formerly known as 
Moore's Ravine, two mile- above Mauch Chunk. 




CHAMELEON FALLS. 

Broad Mountain is here torn asunder in a deep 
deft extending from crest to base. Down through 
the wild and rocky chasm, lighting its gloom, leaps 
and plunges in counties- cascades and cataracts a 
crystal stream, now pellucid in some mirror-like poo 
and now shattered in white spray over a huge preci- 
pice. To the many waterfalls and other especial ob- 
ject- of interest fanciful names have been given, as 
" Entrance Cascade and Pool," " Hidden Sweet Cas- 
cade," "Crystal Cascade,'' ' Moss Cascade," "Lover's 
Bath," "Pulpit Rocks," "Spectre Cascade," "Dual 
Vista," "Heart of the Glen," "Chameleon Falls." 



658 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" Elfin Cascade," " Falls of Onoko," " Sunrise Point," 
Terraci i ascade," " Cave Falls," and " Home of tin- 
Mist." 

Tin' height of "Cave Falls" is about forty-five feet, 
that of "Chameleon Falls" a little greater, and at 
"Onoko Falls" the water plunges (low nward in a 
most picturesque sheet -eventy-iive feet. The length 
.if the glen is about a mile and a quarter, every step 
nf which has it- own peculiar beauty ami grandeur. 

The heart of the glen is a chaos of nick, which reveals 
I anil weird forms must impressive to bi 

Tin- glen is prolific in giant hemlocks ami other trees, 
and in summer the Mora is mosl varied and luxuriant, 
tar exceeding that of other localities, and offering a 
grateful and refreshing contrast to the comparatively 
sterile sides of Broad Mountain. The laurel here 
attains a larger growth than anywhere else in the 
vicinity, and in June tills the cool air with tin' fra- 
grance and lights the glen with the radiance of its 

blossoms. The management of the Lehigh Valley 

Railroad has added to the heauty of Onoko and made 
the wild retreat accessible to the lover of nature by 
throwing tasteful rustic bridges across the chasm at 
various points aud cutting pathways upward through 
the ravine. A little distance from the upper end of 
the glen, on the verge of the mountain, is Packer's 
Point (so named in honor of Asa Packer), from which 
a view of the surrounding country can lie had which 
rivals those commanded by Mount Pisgah and the 
Flagstaff on Mauch Chunk Mountain. 

Discovery of Coal Early Operations of the 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company.— The 
human history of Mauch Chunk properly begins 
with the operations of the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- 
tion Company in 1818, but to convey an adequate un- 
derstanding of that commencement of a vast industry 
it is necessary to give some account of a number of 
preceding events, particularly the discovery of an- 
thracite coal in this immediate vicinity. On a map 
published by William Scull in 1770, and dedicated 
to the Honorable Thomas and Richard Penn, the 
proprietaries of Pennsylvania, the word "coal" ap- 
pears at a point near the site of l'ottsville, and also 
on the Mahanoy Creek. But the actual knowdedge 
of anthracite coal which led to its being mined and 
put in the market had as its forerunner the discovery 
of the mineral on Sharp Mountain, near the site of 
Summit Hill, nine miles northwest of Mauch Chunk, 
in the year 1701, by Philip Ginter, a hunter, who had 
built himself a cabin in that region. An interesting 
narrative of this discovery, and of a visit to the place 
in 1804, occurs in a memoir by Dr. T. C. James, pub- 
lished hy the Pennsylvania Historical Society, 1 from 
which we shall make extracts. After describing bis 
starting from Philadelphia, the difficulties of the jour- 
ney, and his meeting with (iinter. who was then run- 
ning a mill, Dr. James narrates the incidents of the 




following day, when his companion and himself, led 
by Ginter, made their way to the scene of the dis- 
covery. " In the course of our pilgrimage we reached 
the summit of Mauch < 'hunk Mountain I Sharp Moun- 
, the present site of the mine, or rather quarry, 
of anthracite coal. At that time there were only to 
be seen three or four small pits, which had much the 
appearance of the commencement of rude wells, into 
one of which our guide descended with great ease, 
and threw up some pieces of coal for our examina- 
tion. After which, while we lingered on the spot, 
contemplating the wildness of the scene, honest 
Philip amused us with the following narrative of the 
original discovery of thi- most valuable of min- 
erals. . . . 

"He said when be first took up hi> residence in 
that district of country he built for himself a rough 
1 cabiu in the forest, and supported his family by the 
proceeds of his ride, being literally a hunter of the 
backwoods. The game he shot, including bear and 
j deer, he carried to the nearest -tore, and exchanged 
| for the other necessaries of life. But at the particu- 
lar time to which he then alluded he was without a 
supply of food for his family, and, after being out all 
\ day with his gun in quest of it, he was returning to- 
wards evening over the Mauch ( 'hunk (Pisgah) Moun- 
tain, entirely unsuccessful and dispirited, having shot 
nothing. A drizzling rain beginning to fall, and the 
dusky night approaching, he bent his course home- 
j ward, considering himself one of the most forsaken 
I of mortals. As he trod slowly over the ground his 
1 foot stumbled against something, which, by the 
stroke, was driven before him. Observing it to be 
black, to distinguish which there was just light 
i enough remaining, he took it up, and, as he had 
often listened to the traditions of the country as to 
the existence of coal in the vicinity, it occurred to 
him that this might perhaps be a portion of that 
j stone coal of which he had heard. He accordingly 
carefully took it with him to his cabin, and the next 
day carried it to Col. Jacob Weiss, residing at what 
was then known by the name of Fort Allen. 2 The 
colonel, who was alive to the subject, brought the 
specimen with him to Philadelphia, and submitted it 
to the inspection of John Nicholson and Michael 
Hillegas, Esqs., aud Charles Cist, an intelligent 
printer, who ascertained its nature and qualities, and 
authorized the colonel to satisfy Ginter for his dis- 
covery upon his pointing out the precise spot where 
lie found the coal. This was done by acceding to 
Ginter's proposal of getting through the forms of the 
Patent Office the title for a small tract of land, which 
he supposed had never been taken up, comprising a 
mill-site, on which he afterwards built a mill, and 
which he was unhappily deprived of by the claim of 
a prior survey. 

" Hillegas, Cist, Weiss, and some others immedi- 



Republished Id Haxar&t Segitla; May "J (« uqutta I, 1829. 



; Now Weiespoit, three miles below Maucli Chunk. 




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BOUOICll OF MAI (II CHUNK. 



659 



ately after (about the beginning of 1.792) formed them- 
selves into what was called the Lehigh Coal-Mine 
Company, but without a charter of in< 

and took up eight to ten thousand land till 

then unlocated, and including the Maucb Chunk 
Bfountain Pisgah), but probably never worked the 

mine. 

"It remained in this neglected ig only 

used by blacksmiths and people in the immediate 
vicinity, until somewhere about L806; when William 
Turnbull, Esq., had an ark constructed at Lausanne, 
which brought down to Philadelphia two or three 
hundred bushejs. This was sold to the manager of 
the water-works for the Use of the Centre Square 
steam-engine. It was there tried as an experiment, 
hut ultimately rejected as unmanageable, and its 
character tor the time being blasted, the lurthei 
attempts at introducing it to public notice in this 
way seemed suspended." 

Erskine Hazard, in a communication to the Penn- 
sylvania Historical Society, agrees practically with 
the statements of I>r. James, and adds that the com- 
pany made a very rough road from the river to the 
mine, upon which, we are told by another authority, 
they expended the sum of ten pounds Pennsylvania 
currency. Hazard says further pf the use of the 
coal under the water-works engine, that "it only 
served to put the fire out, and the remainder of the 
quantity on hand was spread on the walks in place 
of gravel." 

The company, anxious to have their property 
brought into notice, gave leases pf their mines to 
different individuals in succession for periods of 
twenty-four, fourteen, and ten years, adding to the 
last the privilege of taking timber from their lands 
for the purpose of floating the coal to the market. 
During the war of 1812 Virginia (bituminous 
became very scarce and dear, and Messrs. J. Cist son 
of the printer heretofore mentioned), Charles Miner, 
and John Robinson, being the holders of the land 
leased, attempted to put coal upon the market, but 
they succeeded in only a limited degree, as on the 
return of peace the price of the article was reduced 
so low that they could not compete with it. 

The following history of the operations of this com- 
pany in the vicinity of Mauch Chunk is compiled 
from a journal which was kept by Isaac A. Chapman 
(copied for that purpose from the original by his -on. 
Charles I. A. Chapman, now of Pittston, Pa.). 

Isaac A. Chapman was a surveyor and civil engi- 
neer, and came from Connecticut early in life to Penn- 
sylvania, then the "Far West." He was a man of 
excellent education, much mechanical genius, a i lose 
observer, and of great energy, devoting every hour of 
the day and many of the night to physical and mental 
labor. Of the latter was the compilation of the first 
history of Wyoming that was written, and which, al- 
though incomplete, was published after his decease, 
under the title "A Sketch of the Ilistorv of Wyo- 



ming." To hie researches in tin- later au- 

thors owe much that in their day could not bav< I 
obtained from anj other source. 

From Mr. Chapman's journal we find that on 
LOth day of .Inly. L81 1, he Left Wilkesbarre for" I 
saime Landing, on the Lehigh," and rode to "Mr. 
Conyngham's, in Sugarloaf," wl 
until the next morning. < >n the 11th be reached 
Lausanm where In found Mr. Cist and Mr.C. Miner; 
took dinner with (hem, and then went with (hem to 
the turning at night to Mr. Klot/'-. 

.Mr. Kh.tz kept the hotel at the Landing. 

( )n the 12th he rode with Mr. Cisl down tic 

as far a- " Bead's i reek, below Weiss - no-w Parry- 
wile), returned, and "made an agreement co 
coal.' 

The journal is sileut as to the term- of the agree- 
ment, and also as to operations during the summer 

of 1814 ; but from other source- we learn that Miner, 
Cist, and Robinson had leased from BiHegas, Cist and 
Weiss, who were the owners pf thi land, and as the 
name " Robinson" does not appear in connection with 
the coal operation-, the probability is that Mr. Chap- 
man took hi- place. A- to the operation- during that 
summer, we learn also from other sources that on the 
'.Uh day of August, 1814, an ark-load of coal was 
started down the rive,- lor Philadelphia, which, al'tei 
various mishap-, reached the city -ix da\- after. 

.Mr. Erskine Hazard, in a communication to the 
Historical Society, say- that during tie Miner, Cist and 
■ inson lease only three arks reached the city, and 
that they " abandoned the 1.;; f the 

war, 1815." From Mr. Chapman's journal we learn 
that on the _!7th of May, 1816, he succeeded in get- 
ting two " flats" loaded with coal as far a- New 1 1 
and that as late as March 28, 1817, Mr. Chapman was 
at Lausanne, and had boats loaded, hut was " in. 
to get a Pilot."' 

(>n the 8th of October, lsl4, Mr. Chapman went to 
"Chenango Point" (Binghamton ,. probably fo] 
purpose of enlisting friends living then- in the enter- 
prise: Fie met there a Mr. Shipman, a Mr. Whitney, 
a Mr. Waterman, a Mr. Evans, a Mr. Collier, a Mr. 
Shaw, and others, ami spent a day or two, anil on 
Tuesday. Oct. 10. 1814, having "made his concluding 
arrangements with Mr. Waterman and Mr. Whitney 
relative to the coal," left forSpringv ille, Susquehanna 
( !o., w here, and at Hop Bottom and Montrose, he had 
relatives and friends. At the latter place the militia 
were inspected, and on the 17th he met the officers of 
the regiment at "('apt. S md commenced the 

business of discipline." Mr. Chapman was an officer 
Of the reuiui.nt of " 1 hafted Militia" then heing 
trained lor duly in the war of 1812.) 

His journal continue- as follows: 

" Th\ . 2Q, 1 sit. —Mr. Waterman and Mr. 

Shaw, from Chenango Point, called to go with me to 
Lausanne,— went as far as Mr. Scovell's, at Lacka- 
wanna." 



660 



HISTOKY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Saturday, 'lid. -Bode with Mr. Cist (who had 
joined them a( Wilkesbarre) to Ihumheller's. 

the night there. 

"Sunday, 23<f. Rode to Lausanne to breakfast. 
Rode to the coal-mine and returned." 
The journal continues : 
"Monday, 24<A.— Went with the gentlemen to 

Wei--'-, and there built a skill', and descended the 
i h with Mr. Shaw. Spent the night at Lehigh 

Gap. 

■■ Tuesday, 25<A. Descended the river to Allentown. 

" Wednesday, 2&th. — Returned to Lausanne (proba- 
bly walked !. the distance being thirty-two miles. 

" Thursday, 27th. — Sel ou1 lor Wilkesbarre; came 
as far as Conyngham. 

" Thursday, Nov. 3. — Arrived at home. 

" Friday, Nov. 4. — ... at I p.m. received notice 

ii t 'apt. Tuttle to march toward Baltimore and 

Washington day after to-morrow." 

The regiment started lor the front, but it seems they 
did not get far before they were ordered back, as the 
journal continues : 

•• November 22d. — Got our discharges and set out for 
Berwick, on our return home. 

" November 24th. — Came to Lausanne. 

" November 25th. — Examined Mr. CovelPs new flat- 
bottomed boats for floating coal down the river. 

"November 26th. — Examined some timber on the 
mountain and marked it." 

Mr. Chapman then returned to Wilkesbarre, and 
during the winter visited Chenango Point, and found 
that " Mr. Whitney had given up the coal business." 

Early in February, 1815, in company with a Mr. 
Weston, of Susquehanna County, who at Mr. Chap- 
man's request had agreed to take part in the project, 
or at least in superintending the cutting of timber 
and making plank and boards for arks, Mr. Chap- 
man returned to Lausanne. 

The journal continues: 

" Thursday, 9th. — Cut some timber for boat plank. 
This day thirty-five loads of coal were taken from the 
bed, and during the last eight days twenty-two teams 
from the country below have been up for coal. 

" Wednesday, 15th. — Assisted Mr. Peck in his prep- 
arations for getting off his ark, which is lodged on the 
rocks opposite an intended village of ' Coalville.' 

" Thursday, 16/A. — Spent the day assisting Mr. 
Peck. This morning the Freeman's Journal brought 
us the first and certain news of peace. 

" Saturday, 18th. — Messrs. Cist and Miner set out 
for Wilkesbarre. Spent tin' day making runners for 
sled. 

" Tuesday, 21st. — Mr. Weston arrived with two loads 
of goods, with Capt. Case in company. Took posses- 
sion of the ' White House.' 

•' Thursday, 2&d. — Mr. Weston went to the Water 
Gap for hay. I worked on the log sled. 

" Friday, 24th. — Mr. Horton came with Mr. 
Weston. 



" Wednesday, March S. — Spent the day getting a 
white-oak log to the mill, and in finishing a log-way 
lor boats, i This ' mill' was a short distanee above the 
mouth of Nesquehoning Creek.) 

" Thursday, '.»'//.- Spent the day preparing a place 
for building boats for coal. . . . 

"Saturday, 25th. Spent the foren i in carrying 

plank, etc., to the river, and in the afternoon want 
down with sonic hands and Boated my ark bottom 
down to \\'eis>' landing, Mr. Weston with me." 

I his landing was probably near the mouth ol 
Mauch Chunk Creek, a.- we read elsewhere that Hil- 
legas, (list, and Wcis> had some years before formed 
the "Lehigh Coal-Mine Company," and taken up 
eight or ten thousand acres of unlocated land, and 
that about 1800 William Trumbull had an ark con- 
structed at Lausanne, which brought down two or 
three hundred bushels. In a communication to the 
Historical Society, Mr. Erskine Hazard says that 
they, the ''Lehigh Coal-Mine Company," "opened 
the mine where it is at present worked," which would 
be at Summit Hill, and " made a very rough road 
from the mine to the river," at Mauch Chunk. 

After detailing the work of himself and others at 
cutting timber, sawing plank, shoeing oxen, etc., the 
journal continues : 

" Wednesday, April 12, 1815. — Employed two men, 
Ely and Miner, to finish the ark. Spent the day with 
them at Weiss's. 

" Friday, 14th. — Had a number of men to assist me 
in turning the ark bottom at Weiss's. Did not suc- 
ceed in turning it. 

"Saturday, 15th. — Rallied more men from the sur- 
rounding country, and succeeded in turning the ark 
bottom." 

From this date to the 20th the journal details the 
occupation of Mr. Chapman and Mr. Cist, among 
other things, " examining the new coal-mine; ascer- 
tained that there is undoubtedly a large quantity of 
coal." The Nesquehoning was for many years called 
" The New Mine." By the 26th it would seem that 
tin ark was loaded, as on that day Mr. Chapman 
"went up Mahoning Valley to engage hands for run- 
ning the ark," and on " Monday, May 1, 1815, walked 
to Lehighton to engage men for running boats at the 
'Training' there to-day." 

Whether he succeeded in getting men, or whether 
he sent the ark down the river, the journal does not 
state, but during the month of May he details the 
work of cutting timber, making plank, building and 
loading boats; and in June the journal continues: 

"June 10, 1815. — Proceeded to Mauch Chunk to 
take care of my boats. Loaded one. 

"Monday, 12th. — At work loading my boats at 
Mauch Chunk. 

" Wednesday, 14th. — Finished lower boat. 

" Thursday, 15th. — Attended to loading upper boat. 

"July 23, 1815. — Rode to Lausanne. Visited my 
boa is. 



, 



BOROUGH OF MAUCH CHUNK. 



661 



" luguat blh. — Walked to Lehighton and tool the 
required oath as postmaster of LauBanne before Justice 
Pryor. Appointed Samuel Weston my assistant. 

"Monday, 7th.- Raining in the morning. Ran mj 
boats to Mauch • 'hunk. 

"Saturday, 26th.- -Procured a bos of coal from the 
' ( r round Hog Vein' for trial below. Explored the liill 
for more coal. 

/, L815. — Arrived aboul sunset at 

Lausanne from Wilkesbarre, where 1 had been to 
engage workmen to build Flats. 

"Friday, \th. — Engaged Ely, Sinton, and 

Eick to build boats; sinton and Belf gettin 
down the river from Turnhole, Eick and Ely building 

********* 

" Thli \ ' —Spent the day recaulk- 

ing my boats at Mauch Chunk. 

" Tuesday, 7th. Spent the day with .Mr. Weston, 
opening tin' < Iround I [og Vein, up Rhume Run." 

The work during November and Decembei appears 
to be that of opening the mines, making roads, getting 
out timber, etc. On the 13th of January, 1816, -Mr. 
Chapman arrives by " stage-sleigh" at Philadelphia. 
where he saw "Mr. Wallace, Dr. Jones, Dr. Parke, 
Mr. Shober, Mr. Mifflin, and Dr. James," the two 
latter by appointment, and " made arrangements 
relative to Lausanne lands." 

"Friday, L9tfA. — Rode to Allentown to breakfast. 
thence to Lausanne. Found the Lehigh had been 
very high. Ice suddenly gone out, and carried away 
all of my flats and arks except one at Mr. Weiss's. 
Thus has gone the fruits of almost a year's labor and 
expensi 

Notwithstanding this misfortune, Mr. Chapman 
commenced at once the building of other boats, woi £- 
ing all of that winter and spring, and the journal 
continues as follows : 

"Monday, 27th May, 1816.— Set out down the river 
with two flats loaded with coal : went to Easton. 

" Tuesday, 28th. — Arrived at New Hope. Con- 
tracted with Jacob B. Smith for all the coal, more or 
less, at $18.50. For the first ten tons, cash down; 
remainder at same price, ninety days' credit. 

" Wednesday, 29th. — Weighed the coal, and found 
the whole amount twelve tons, three quarters i lifteen 
hundredweight). 

" July ", 1816. — Set out for the Lehigh to make ar- 
J rangements relative to my boats and arks. . . . 

"Jan. 4, 1817. — Set out for the Lehigh at Lausanne 
to attend to the business of my boats and coal at that 
I place. Returned on the 11th. basing been absent 
: one week. 

" March 1st. — After examining the situation of my 
flats, proceeded down the river to Mr. Balliet's. Stayed 
i w itb Gen. Craig. 

" March 28th. — There having been rain, returned to 
Lausanne, but could not get a pilot, as all were 
I engaged. Attended to my boat- : got them free. 



-I'll/, April 27, L818. Proceeded in the morn- 
ing after breakfast at Mr. Barman's to< 
landing at the Lehigh. Stopped ashorl tune at the 
Bea> i r Mi adow . n md arrivi 

Elotz's, al Lausanne, about 8 P.M. Here being in- 
formed that lb'' gentlemen who have undertaken the 
improvement of the Lehigh navigation were ■<< Le- 

ton, I pi eded to that place anil found them at 

Sagenbuch's. Spent the evening in conversation 
with Messrs. White. Hazard, ami Eauto, on the 
subject of the Lehigh navigation." 

lb ie end.- that part of the diary which pertain- to 

ill. operations of Miner, Cist, mid Chapman. It will 
be noticed that in the last entry which we have quoted 
Mr. Chapman speaks of meeting and consulting with 
the men who afterwards successfully mined coal 
where he and hi- partners through adverse circum- 
stances had failed. We -ball presently show how the 
on of those men was drawn to the field through 
the operations nf their predecessors. Mr. Chapman 
was destined to again labor in the held be had 
visited in 1X14. lie entered the einplo\ of the Le- 
high Coal and Navigation Company as their engi- 
neer, and died in Mauch ' 'I k in 1 - imme- 
diate cause of bis sickness was a cold taken while en- 
gaged professionally in llaekelbernie tunnel. 

Ji siah White and Erskine Hazard, who were en- 
gaged in making wire at the Falls of Schuylkill, 
bought most of the coal -hipped by Miner. Cist, and 
Chapman, which reached Philadelphia safelj three 
out of the five arks tiny had intrusted to the turbu- 
lent Lehigh being wrecked), and it cost them twenty- 
one dollars per ton. White and Hazard had been 
induced to try anthracite by learning that Joshua 
Malin bad successfully used it in his rolling-mill. 
Their first experiment was a failure. Another was 
tried, "and," says Hazard in his communication, 
from which we have already quoted, "a whole night 
was spent in endeavoring to make a fire in the fur- 
nace, when the bands shut the door and left the mill 
in despair. Fortunately, one of them left his jacket 
in the mill, and returning for it in about hall' an hour, 
noticed that the door was red-hot, and upon opening 
it was surprised at rinding the whole furnace at a 
glowing white heat. The other hand- were sum- 
moned, and four separate parcels of iron were heated 
and rolled by the same lire before it required renew- 
ing. The furnace was then replenished, and as let- 
ulni.i bad succeeded so well, it was concluded 
to try it again, and the experiment was repeated with 
I he same result." 

Successful Opening of the Mines and Improve- 
ment of the River.— Josiah White, having gained 
a practical knowledge of the value of the Lehigh 
coal, made inquiry into their ownership and condi- 
tion, and determined to visit them to see if anything 
could be done there. He started out with William 
BriggS, a Stone-mason, who had been workin 
him, and George F. A. II auto, who bad been an oc- 



062 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



casional visitor at the Falls of Schuylkill, and the 
little party reached Bethlehem on Christmas-eve, 
1817. Thej stayed at Lausanne and Lehigh ton, as 
the places nearest the mines, where they could board 
while visiting them. Alter a uiek spent in examina- 
tion, White returned home favorably impressed with 
the practicability of mining coal and of improving the 
river so that it could be carried to Philadelphia. "It 
was concluded," he says, "that Erskine Hazard, 
George F. A. Hauto, and myself should join in the 
enterprise. I was to mature the plan; Hauto was to 
procure the money from hi> rich friends; Hazard was 
to be the scribe, he also being a good machinist and 
an excellent counselor." We will remark here that 
Hauto never fulfilled his part in this plan, and that, 
being a less desirable character than the other pro- 
jectors had supposed him, his interest was bought bj 
them at a tea; j sacrifice in 1820. 

Josiah White, in his communication to the His- 
torical Society, says, " We three at once set about 
getting a lease of the Lehigh Coal-Mine Company's 
lands, — ten thousand acres for twenty years, for one 
ear hi corn a year, if demanded; and from and after 
three years to send to Philadelphia at least forty 
thousand bushels of coal per annum on our own ac- 
count, so as to be sure of introducing it into the mar- 
ket, by which means we hoped to make valuable 
what had hitherto proved to be valueless to the Coal- 
Mine Company; our intention being to procure the 
property of the mine and river, which by our plan 
(of navigation) was to support itself. We soon ob- 
tained the grant of a lease, as mentioned, which re- 
quired two or three weeks to perfect, and during this 
time Erskine Hazard wrote out the law on the prin- 
ciples mentioned, and then we all posted to Harris- 
burg to procure its passage through the Legislature, 
in which we succeeded on the 20th of March, 1818, 
entitled an act to improve the navigation of the 
river Lehigh." 

Seven laws had before been procured for this purpose 
(in 1771, 1791, 1794, 1798, 1810, 1814, and 1816), and 
a company had been formed under one of them which 
spent nearly thirty thousand dollars in clearing out 
channels, but the work was relinquished because of 
the formidable character of the slate ledges about 
seven miles above Allentown. 

White, Hazard, and Hauto now proposed, after 
two failures in working the mines and at several in im- 
proving the river, to undertake those two enterprises 
and push them to a successful completion. Their 
project was considered chimerical, the improvement 
of the Lehigh particularly being deemed impracti- 
cable because of the failure of the various companies 
who had undertaken it under previous laws, one of 
which had raised money by lottery. Messrs. White 
and Hazard came to Mauch Chunk in April, 1818, 
and having made a survey of the river for the pur- 
pose of carrying out their plan of navigation, they 
also bought the tract of land on Mauch Chunk Creek 



to enable them to make, as they supposed they could, 
an unbroken plane for a road from the great coal- 
mine to the river of two feet in descent in the one 
hundred. But in laying it out ii was found that the 
fall in the creek for two and a hall' miles at the lower 
end was too great, and they were therefore obliged to 
make a variation in the plan from one foot to about 
four and a hall' to the hundred. White and Hazard 
made the location of this road themselves, and it is 
said to have been the first "laid out by an instru- 
ment, on the principle of dividing the whole descent 
into the whole distance as regularly as the ground 
would admit of, and have no undulation." Upon 
this road the coal was. at the commencement of the 
work, hauled from .Summit Hill to Mauch Chunk. 

During the year 181K the plan tor the organization 
of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company was 
arranged on the basis of a capital of two hundred 
thousand dollars in two hundred shares of one thou- 
sand dollars each, of which White, Hazard, and 
Hauto were each to have fifty, leaving fifty to be 
subscribed for by others, who were to have all that 
was made up to eighteen per cent., and the principal 
proprietors the residue. But there was a diversity ot 
opinion about the relative profits of the two interests, 
— mining and navigation, — some having faith in tin- 
success of one and some in that of the other. There- 
fore it was considered expedient to form two com- 
panies. 

The Lehigh Navigation Company was organized 
Aug. 10, and the Lehigh Coal Company on Oct. 10, 
1818. White, Hazard, and Hauto were the leading 
men in both companies. In the spring of 1820 they 
were consolidated, and on Feb. 13, 1822, incorporated 
under the title of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company. The first election of officers of which 
there is any record preserved occurred on the 23d of 
May, 1821, when John Cox was chosen president; 
Jonathan Zell, treasurer ; Jacob Shoemaker, secre- 
tary ; and Messrs. White and Hazard acting managers. 
Prior to the consolidation work had been carried on 
by the separate companies with many difficulties and 
under the disadvantage of scanty funds. 

The Navigation ( 'ompany, as soon as it was organ- 
ized, began the work of making the river a safe water- 
way, with thirteen hands, under Josiah White, at the 
mouth of Nesquehoning Creek. The number of em- 
ployes was soon increased to seventy, and afterwards 
to a much larger number. They rigged two scows, 
about thirty-five feet long by fourteen feet wide, for 
lodging- and eating-rooms for the men ; also one scow 
for the managers' counting-house, store-house, and 
dwelling, and one for kitchen and bake-house. In 
these four boats, as the work at one point was fin- 
ished, they floated down to another at which opera- 
tions were to be commenced. White says, "The im- 
provement being in a wilderness country, the work- 
men came from many nations, and were strangers to 
us. We kept but little cash about us, paying the men 




© 



?1 



© 

033 
© 

SaD 



HOKoniH OF MAUCH CHUNK. 






in checks, which were doI i" l»' paid by the banks 
link's- signed by twoof us. Thus we offered no in- 
ducements for them to commit anj violence on as in 
the wilderness, for we were know n to have do monej 
on our persons. We were each (himself and Baza 

clad in a ( plete -nit of buck-kin clothes, and were 

sometimes ourselves looked upon as suspicious persons 
in the country around." 

The improvement consisted at first of wing dams, 
as the company could not then raise sufficient mi 
to make a Black-water navigation, and they did not 
know that the market would take from them :i sutli- 
.•ii nt quantity of coal to justify the expense of a mi 
perfect system of improvement. In their report to the 
stockholders, Dec. 31, 1818, the managers said that 

they had "made dams amounting in length to al 

thirteen thousand feet, ami supposed to contain up- 
wards of sixteen thousand perches of stone. By these 
dams the part- of the lower section that were consid- 
ered the worst ha\ebeen made navigable al all 
suns of common low water, and Afresh dam of four 
hundred and fifty feet long is nearly finished, which 
they trust will accommodate the public with a navi- 
gation to Easton the comiii" season." The following 
year, however, they found that they had been misin- 
formed in regard to the lowest point reached by the 
river, and that the natural How of the Lehigh was 
insufficient to give eighteen inches and a width of 
twenty-live feet, as was required by law, and hence 
they were obliged to resort to the plan of producing 
artificial freshets. For this purpose S peculiar sluice 
Was needed, and Josiah White devoted himself for 
several weeks to the work of constructing one, linalK 
producing what came to be known as the " Bear 
Trap." He built a miniature experimental sluice in 
Mauch Chunk Creek, about where Concert Hall now 
stands, and the name " Bear Trap " was given to it b'j 
the workmen, who were annoyed by the inquiries of 
the curious as to what they were making.' 

1 Hiring the year 1819 twelve of these dams and 
locks were built, and the managers fully proved their 
ability to send to the market, by the artificial naviga- 
tion, such a regular supply of coal as would supply 
the demand. The improvement of the river was ex- 
tended to the Lehigh Water Cap. ten miles below 
Mauch Chunk. The company, notwithstanding it had 
-pint all oi its capital, employed as many men during 
the winter of 1810-20 as they could find work for, 
and kept their financial condition a secret from the 
public. Itwould have been ruinous for them to have 
disbanded their men, " and," says Whit.. " would ha\ e 
confirmed tin- public in what they had predicted, — 
another failure." 

In the year 1820, the two companies having been 
united, as heretofore described, further improvements 
were made in the ! I dams, and the first an- 



i The tarn waa afterwards applied t" the locality where the sluice 
was constructed, aud i- still »>ni.-nni.-- u-- 1 In l.--i u'o.tl*. it. 



i brae it. coal sent to market by artificial navigation 
whole quantity being three hm ia ly-fivt tons, 

which proved more than enough for famil] supplie 
Philadelphia, and the company being indebted to the 
rolling-mills for taking the Burplus. The price 
$8.40 pel ton. In 1821 the amount Bent down 
river was one thousand and seventy-three tons. In 
1822 and I ation was perfected. 

Iii the former year two thousand two hundred and 

forty tons of COal were shipped, and in the latter five 

thousand eight hundred tons, of which one thousand 
ton- was left and sold the next spring. In 1824, " » ith 
mam misgivings," Bays Josiah White, "there was 
down the enormou quantity, as it was thought, of 
nine thousand live hundred and forty one tons." The 
predictions that were made that not half of it would 
be sold did not prove true, tor people finding that the 
supply was likeh to be permanently adequati and 
the price kept al $8.40 or less, began to use it more 
generally for domestic purposes. The turning-point 
in the use of anthracite had been reached. In the 
Mar L825 ipany sent to market twenty-eight 

thousand three hundred and ninety-three tons of coal. 
Here we take leave of the old system of navigation, 
of Which a further :ir, ount will be found in the chap- 
I ter on internal improvements, as well as the history 
of the more advanced .anal navigation which suc- 
ceeded the river improvement. 

The mine at Summit Bill had, of CdUISI . I n vig- 
orously worked to supply the quantities of coal which 
we have -een were shipped from 1820 to 1825. The 

! coal was taken out as stone is quarried. Bauto, writ- 
ing of it in December, 1819, says, "... We have un- 
covered about four acres of coal, removing till the 
earth, dirt, slate, etc. (about twelve feet deep), so as 
to leave a surface for the w hole of that area of nothing 
but the purest coal, containing millions of bushels. 
We i ut a passage through the rocks, so that now the 
teams drive right into the mine to load. The mine 
being situated near the summit of the mountain w<- 
are not troubled with water, and the coal quarries very 
easy. We have worked the stratum about thirty 
deep, and how much deeper it i- we do not know." 
In an address, published by the company in 1821, the 
mine was described as appearing "to extend over 
;> hundreds of acres of land, covered by about 
twelve feet of loose, black dirt, resembling moist gun 
powder, which can be remo\ e.l by cattle with scraper-, 

and thrown into the vallej below, so as never to im- 
pede the work. The thickness of the coal i- not 

known, but a shaft has been sunk in il thirty-five 
feet without penetrating through." Professor Silli- 
man, in his journal, nine years later, described the 
mine as follows: "The coal i- fairly laid "pen to view 
and lie- in stupendous masse-, w hieh are worked in 

open air exactly as in a stone-quarry. The excava- 
tion being in an angular area, and entered at different 
points by road- cut through the coal, in some p] 
quite down to the lowest level, it has much the ap- 



664 



HISTORI OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



pearance of a \;i-i fort, of which the central area is 
the pai ind, and the upper escarpment is the 

platform for the cannon.'' Mining coal from the 
open cut was practiced almost exclusively at this 
point until L844, when, owing to the dip of the vein.-, 
the uncovering became too heavy to be profitably 
carried on, ami was, therefore, abandoned and under- 
ground work resorted to. Prior to 1827 all of the ci >a 
taken from the Summit Hill mine was sent to Mauch 
Chunk in wagons down the turnpike road, winch has 
been dc.-cribed, but this method of transporting il 
was superseded by a better one, which bore strong 
testimony to the enterprising and far-seeing nature 
of the managers. 

The First Railroad, the "Back Track" and the 
"Switchback" or Gravity Road.— In May, 1827, 
the railroad from the mines to Mauch Chunk was be- 
srun. This was the first railroad ever constructed for 




TWO-MILE TURN ON THE SWITCHBACK. 

the transportation of coal, and, with one or two trifling 
exceptions, for any other purpose. 1 For many years 
it attracted the attention of travelers as a most won- 
derful novelty. This road was placed mainly on the 

1 The Quincy (Massachusetts Knf 1 n.;i<l, three, mile* in length, was 
made in the fall of 1826. There had previously been a short wooden rail- 
road, not plated with Iron, at Leiper's Btone.quarry, but this was worn 

out and Dot in use when the Maueh Chunk road way constructed. 



route of the old wagon-road. The distance to the river 
from the mines is about nine miles. The elevation of 
Summit 1 1 ill above the river at the point where the 
coal was delivered into boats is nine hundred and 
thirty-six feet. The railroad made this descent by tin 

ilar declivity, finally passing the coal clown lo 
chutes into the- boats cm the water. The whole was 
completed under the superintendence of Josiah White, 
who had conceived the idea, in about lour months. 
The rail- were of rolled bar-iron, about three-eighths 
of an inch in thickness ami one and a half inches 

inches in width, laid upon a wooden foundation. 
The sleepers were four feet apart, and rested upon 
stone. The loaded cars or wagons, as they were at 
first called, each carrying about one and a half tons 
of coal, were connected in trains of from six to four- 
teen, each attended by a couple of men, who regu- 
lated their speed. They made t he descent entirely by 
the force of gravity, and being quickly un- 
loaded at the chutes, were returned on the 
same track to the mines, being drawn by 
mules. They descended with the trains in 
cars made expressly for the purpose, afford- 
ing a novel spectacle. The descent was 
made in about thirty minutes, and the mules, 
each pulling three or four cars, made t he- 
laborious back trip in about three hour-. 
The length of the road, including " turn-outs" 
and branch roads to and into the mines, was 
twelve and a half miles. It was built at a 
cost of about three thousand and fifty dollars 
per mile, or, to be exact, a total of thirty- 
eight thousand seven hundred and twenty- 
six dollars. The managers said, in their 
annual report, "One hundred and forty-six 
railroad wagons have been made, and the 
utility of the road proved by transporting 
27,770 tons of coal, at a saving over the turn- 
pike of 04 ] cents per ton, and has produced 
a saving this year of over $13,0(10. In 
mining the coal and in the boating depart- 
ment sixteen cents per ton have been saved, 
and the cost of the coal was thus reduced 
eighty cents per ton." The whole amount of 
coal sent to market during the year was 
thirty-two thousand and seventy-four tons, 
for the transportation of which nearly fifteen 
miles of boats were constructed from seven 
million four hundred and twelve thousand 
one hundred and eighty-three feet of lumber, 
taken from the forests up the river. 
In 1830 the company commenced a railroad which 
connected the Rhume Run mines with the landing 
about a mile above Mauch Chunk. These mines had 
been opened a short time before on the northern side 
of the coal-basin, at a break in the mountain caused 
by the passage of Rhume Run Creek, which flows into 
the Nesquehoning. The road was substantially built 
along the side of the mountain, the rails being set in 



BORorciI OF MAI cil CHUNK. 






cast-iron knees bolted to stone blocks. Coal was 

brought dowi iln- road by the force of gravity, 

precisely tin- same a- upon the Summit Hill and 
Mauch Chunk road, and at the river was disi 
down an inclined plane into boats. When the Nes- 
quehoning Valley Railroad was built tin' old gravity 

road was aband 1. 

By tin- spring of 1 ^ ! I the demand for coal had be- 

... great that greater facilities wen- needed for 

it- transportation from the mines t" the river. The 

idea of a back track t vey (lie empty 

from He- river to the mine bad 
conceived some years before by Josiah 
White, and was ao« carried out. To effect 
tlii, object a plane was constructed from 
the head "i 'lie chutes to tin- top <>r Mount 
Pisgah, about nine hundred feel above the 
Lehigh. From the plateau to the moun- 
tain-top is six hundred ami sixty-lour feet. 
The length of the plane constructed was 
two thousand three hundred and twenty- 
■ .-. o feet. I '|> this ascent the ears were 

drawn by two -lali in steam engines of 

one hundred ami twenty horse-power each, 
ami from thence allowed to run by gravity 
towards the mines on a track descending at 
an average grade of fifty feet to the mile, 
-i\ mill- to the foot of .Mount Jefferson. 
From this point they were again raised 
four hundred ami sixty-two feet, upon a 
plane two thousand and seventy feet in 
length, and thence by gravity they run a 
mile to the town of Summit Hill. The 
back track was completed and opened in 
1845, and in the following year operations 
were commenced in Panther Creek Valley. 
Into this valley the cars descended for 
•their loads of coal by the "switchback," 
now abandoned, which gave to the whole 
unique and ingenious system the name by 
which it still is improperly called. The 
ears /.igzaged down the " switchback," re- 
versing their motion where the tracks came 
together in the form of a Y. This was 
effected by a simple arrangement of self- 
acting switches. Supposing that the ear 
came down tin track represented by the 
left branch of the Y. it would continue 
upon the stem by the momentum it had 
gained on the steep down-grade of two hundred and 
twenty-one feet to the mile, but not far, for that 
portion of the track represented by the stem of the 
letter had an ascending grade. As soon as the car 
had i ome to a stand-Still it began to run down the 
ascent, hut the switch having been closed by a spring, 
instead of running back a little way on the road it 
had descended, it was directed to the right branch id' 
the Y, and so continued its descent until it reached 
another switch, when the automatic operation was re- 



peated, the ears when loaded were drawn to the 
summit upon a plane similar to that B ! 

ami Mount Jefferson, and i bi m 

gravity road to Mauch ('hunk. This plan - 

gravity road over the mountains from thi 

the river ami back accomplished all that it wi 

peeted to, and . implete a success from a 

financial point of view as it was from that of the 

engineer. 

Mount Pisgah plane was considered at the 




mi: HOMESTRETCH on Till: SWITCHBACK. 

time of its construction as the greatest triumph of 
engineering in its peculiar line ever known, the height 
being the greatest overcome by similar means. The 
machinery of the planes was practically the same as 

that now in u-e. which we -hall presently describe. 

The construction of the Nesquehoning Valley Kail- 
road with a tunnel connecting with the Panther 
Creek Valley rendered the original gravity road 
back track, and the Switchback useless to the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company for the purposes they 



666 



HISTORY OF CARKON nilATl PENNSYLVANIA. 



were designed for and bo man; years fulfilled ; but, 
owing to their novelty, they are retained, with the 
i of the Switchback, and the gravity circuit 
of eighteen miles to and from the mines can be made 
by townsjj tourists in comfortable passenger- 

cars, tin- road now being under lease to the Philadel 
phia and Reading Railroad Company. 

ading to the starting-point at the foot of Mount 

ih plane (in Upper Maneli Chunk . one may 

study the mechanism of the cars and nd at 




MOl N I PISGAH I'l w 



the top t he application of the power which lifts the 
ears with their human loads to the glorious heights 
where they begin their swift and fascinating journey 
along the wooded mountain-top towards the scene of 
Ginter's important discoveryin I7!M. At the top of 

Mount Pisgah, in a house with two great chimneys, 
are the giants which genius has set to work to over- 
come the ascent of the mountain. They are engines 
each capable of exerting the power of one hundred 
and twenty horses. They revolve two iron drums of 
twenty-eight feet diameter, designed for operating, 



by means of two double Swedish iron bands -even and 
a half inches wide, a -afety-car On each track of the 

These 1 drums can be revolved together or 
separately, as circumstance- may require, and are as 
perfectly under the control of the engineer in charge 
the driving-wheels of a locomotive. They are 
simply intended to wind up and unwind the iron 
hands alluded to, which arc attached to the safety- 
cars, and pass over rollers between the rails of each 

track when the machine is in motion. These hand- 
are made of the very best of iron, are almost 

-zts^t as strong and flexible as steel, and wind 

upon the drum- a- readily, to all appearance, 

as if composed of leather. They are long 

, enough to reach from the engine-house to 

i the foot of the plane, and, when a passenger- 
car i- moved up one track by a safety-ear in 
its rear, the other safety-car, attached to its 
hand, moves down to take its place in the 
rear of another passenger-car. This position 
in the rear of the passenger-ear is reached by 
an ingenious arrangement, which obviates 
the necessity of detaching it from its connec- 
tion with the power by which it is controlled. 
As it reaches the foot of the plane the gauge 
of its running-gear contracts, it takes a nar- 
rower track, and descends down a steeper 
decline into a pit between the rails until out 
of tlie way, when the passenger-car moves 
over and a short distance in advance of it. 
When all is ready a signal passes from the 
conductor below to the engineer above; the 
great drums are set in motion ; the band 
which passes under and between the wheels 
of the passenger-car becomes taut, and the 

little safety-car < tes slowly out. and is soon 

pushing up the loaded passenger-car towanl- 
the elevated summit. The safety-car looks 
like a small, solidly-built truck witli extra 
gearing and a strong bumper. It is so called 
because provided with an iron arm, which 
extends over a ratchet-rail, upon which the 
least backward movement would cause it to 
fall, holding the little train stationary. In 
all the years that the plane has been in oper- 
ation not a single person has been injured in 
going up the mountain. 

The so-called "Switchback," or more prop- 
erly the gravity railroad, was leased by the Philadel- 
phia and Reading Railroad, and sub-leased by that 
corporation to Thomas L. Mumford, who is its present 
manager, and by whom, assisted by his brother, H. J. 
Mumford, superintendent and passenger agent, it is 
operated. 

Improvements at Mauch Chunk— Appearance 
of the Settlement. — The land upon which the oldest 
part of Mauch Chunk was built, that about the month 
of the creek, was surveyed on a warrant issued to 
William Hell, June 28, 1774, and the return of the 



KOKorcii of \i \rcn chink 



667 



survey was made -Ian. II. 1798. The trad ol fifty- 
four and three-quarters acres was patented to White, 
Bazard, and Hauto, Jan. 26, 1820. It was nol origi- 
nally tin- intention of the company to make the -pot 
the site of the principal town in their territory, but 
they were compelled by necessity to do -". They 
thought it In- 1 : e town al Lausanne (mouth 

of the Nesquehoning), a mill owner "t 

the land, thinking that tlir company must accept his 
terms, made them so high that he defeated his own 
purpose. He was offered three-fourths of the p 
posterniis price which he had set upon tin- property, 

but refused it. ami the company, having the ade 

their highest bid, ceased forever their endeavor to 
buy. ''A Common I r," iti a contribution to 

the Mauch Cku r in 1830, writes as follows 

of the relative merits of different sites t'nr an impor- 
tant town: "Mauch Chunk seems bj nature designed 
for a place of business, but a* then' is in. i sufficient 
room, owing to the approach ol the mountains to the 
Lehigh, for a town of much size, the business of the 
place will most likely be confined prettj much to the 
shipment of coal. The Landing, or Lausanne. i> less 
confined than Mauch Chunk, and it is probable from 
its location, being at the head of the navigation, and 
at the commencement of the turnpike leading to the 
Susquehanna, that it will in a short time becomes 
place of merchandize and produce destined to and 
for the upper country. . . . But summing up the ad- 
vantages of either of these places lor a flourishing 
country town, they will not compare with Lehigh- 
ton." 

The improvements made at Mauch Chunk were at 
first merely those necessary to the business of the 
company, most rigidly utilitarian in character, and 
the town gained little attractiveness until it was 
opened to individual enterprise. 

The settlement, when about one year old, was de- 
scribed as follows by George F. A. Hauto: " We have 
erected about forty buildings for different purposes, 
among which is a saw-mill (driven by the river), for 
the purpose of sawing stuff for the use of the navi- 
gation ; . . . one other saw-mill i driven by Mauch 
Chunk Creek), a grist-mill, a mill for the saving of 
labor for the construction of wagons, etc. lalso driven 
by the creek', smitheries (with eight tires . work- 
shops, dwellings, wharves, etc. We have cut about 
fifteen thousand saw-log- and cleared four hundred 
acres of land." 

Nicholas Brink came up from Philadelphia, as 
company steward, in L818. His wife, Margaret, was 

the first woman who cam. In Mam h Chunk. They 
brought with them tour children, -Henry, William, 
Nicholas, and Elizabeth. The last named Mr-, .lohn 
Painter, now the only survivor of the family) was two 
years old when she came here, and has been longer a 
resident of the town than any other person. There 
was horn to the Brinks, in 1820, another child, who ! 
was named, in honor of the three pioneer proprietors, I 



Josiah White Erskine Hazard George I '. \. Hauto 
Brink. As this was the first birth at the settlement, 
it w.i ted by the rough and motley crowd of 

laborers in quite a demonstrative manner. " The for- 
aa illuminated with pine torches, plentj of good 

old and pure whiskey was drank, and the noise and 

dancing wi med a- if the very 

tops of the pines bad caught the infection and kept 
time with it by waving to and fro." This boy, grown 
to manhood, became an employ^ of the Lehigh Coal 

and N at the timeol his death. 

in 1877, was an engineer al the Summit Hill mini -. 

The house built forStcward Brink ami his family 
was the first dwelling in Mauch Chunk. They lived 
in a boat upon the river until d, having 

just such a floating domicile as had White and Hazard 
and their laborers. The bouse was erected on the 
lower bank of the creek. the river, not far 

from where the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company's 
building now is. The familj lived in one end of the 
structure, and Mr. Brink had his bakery in the other 
end. Three or four men were emploj ed in the bakery. 
Mr-. Brink soon after she was settled in the new 
I six hundred hoarders to lake care of, that 
being about the numbei I on the river im- 

provement, on the coal road, and in the mills and 
-Imp- and smitheries. They took their meals and >lept 
in a long building adjoining the dwelling-house. 

Other buildings were -non erected, among the I 
being Josiah White's, now John Leisenring's, in 1822, 
at a cost of seventeen hundred and forty-five dollars, 
and the company- -tore, wdiere Mr. Leisenril 
garden now is, to which meals were sent for the mana- 
gers from Brink's. William Zane's house, afterwards 
Nathan Patterson's, was built in lx:M. Sixteen stone 
houses on both sides of Broadway, below the " willow 
tree," were commenced in ISi'l', and finished in the 
following year. A two-story ,-t building— the com- 
pany's store-house— was built in 1828, where the 
court-house now is. costing lour thousand five hun- 
dred and sixty-two dollars. This was donated to 
Carbon County upon its organization, and served as 
a temple of justice until it was burned in the disas- 
trous fire of 1849. The " Bear Trap" shop, where the 
wheelwright, James Met ray, labored, had been built 
in 1822, and some stables for oxen and mules near by. 
In 1824 the ravine was given a further appearance 
of being inhabited by the erection of nineteen log 
buildings above the " Bear-Trap," and in 1825 seven 
plank houses were built adjoining the -tone dwellings 
ot which we have spoken. The Mansion House was 
begun in 1823 and finished in 1824, and a foundry 

built the same year. The stone grist-mill which had 
been commenced in 1 S21 was completed in 1825, and 
three saw-mills were put in operation on the river 
about the same time. Prior to this period saw-mills 
and dwellings had also been built at Lauraytowu. 

In 1S27 the company built their first bridge across 
the Lehigh a w len structure . erected a fire-proof 



668 



IIISTOKV OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



office where the First National Bank now is, and tool 
ep toward the protect ion of their other propel I 
by purchasing a hand tin engine, still to be 3een in 
Upper Mauch Chunk, for which, with hose and 
buckets, thej paid -ix hundred and ninety-six dollars. 
Thus building weni on and improvements were mad.' 
until the rough mining and [umbering camp became a 
town. 

Still it bore a very crude- and rough appearance, 
and there was nowhere to be seen anj attempt a1 or- 
nament or the attainment of any comforts beyond the 
commonest. The stone bouses were all alike, -small, 
thick-walled, with a low second story, and they in- 
variably displayed a door and one window below and 
two square windows above. The fronts were finished 
in what is known as the "rough cast" or "pebble 
dashed'" style. 

The road and the creek did not occupy the same 
relative position that they now do, and the ravine in 
some places was a deep, mirey marsh, thickly over- 
grown with brush and covered with a tangle of vines, 

through which a man could not make his way. 

When the channel of the stream was shifted about 
to suit the people who had sought homes in the 
narrow gorge, and Broadway laid out as it now is, 
there still remained the work of raising the roadway 
to its present level and of covering and confining the 
creek in the channel which had been provided for it, 
and this was not accomplished until recent years. 

The appearance of the town of a half-century ago 
has been described as follows by James T. Blakslee: 

" When I landed here the 3d day of April, 1833, 
there was not a dwelling on either side of Broadway 
or on Susquehanna Street from William Butler's resi- 
dence to the Mansion House, the only hotel then in 
town. There were no dwellings on the south side of 
Broadway, from the old 'willow-tree' up to where Mr. 
Wilhelm's house now stands, and very few on either 
side above. John Fatzinger's foundry and machine- 
shop was then in operation. There was no Upper or 
East Mauch Chunk. We had what were then called 
Northern Liberties and Burlington, the present site 
of Packerton. The canal extended no farther up than 
the No. 1 dam and lock here, at the foot of Broadway. 
The Gravity Railroad was in operation, the mules 
riding down to haul the return cars to Summit Hill." 

Men and manners were as rough as the surround- 
ings for the most part during the early years of the 
settlement, ami of the colossal work that had been 
undertaken in the wilderness. A great number of 
men had been gathered from far and near, from town 
and country, to build the river dams, to cut timber, 
prepare roadways, and delve in the mountain tor coal. 
They were men of many nationalities, and usually of 
rough nature, and when they came together in a frolic 
their latent animosities or others suddenly engen- 
dered, often terminated the meeting with a fight. 
They were not so much given, however, to fighting 
among themselves as they were to waging war against 



the Lehighton laborers, with whom they were fre- 
quently engaged in sanguinary encounters on their 

own ground. The scenes enacted and the manner of 

generally were about the Bameas those to be ob- 
served to-day wherever a large body of men are em- 
ployed on an extensive work considerably removed 
from civilized communities. The use of liquor was 
much more common then than now. Laboring men 
were commonly supplied with it by their employers. 
The sturdy Quaker, Josiah White, made ii o exception 
to the rub-, and the men employed at .Mauch (.'hunk 
were given their whiskey BS regularly as their meal-, 
a man being employed whose sole duty it was to dis- 
pense it, a "jigger" full at a time, to each. William 
Speers was the "jigger bo--" employed by the com 
pany, and it was in recognition of his first name thai 
the allowances eanie to lie e-eneralU called "I'.ilh 
cups.'' 

The following rude verses, an impromptu by the 
Rev. Mr. Webster, delivered on the occasion of a 
temperance celebration on the Fourth of July, L842, 
allude to early-day custom-, and will be familiar to 

all old residents : 

(Air, — "John Anderson my Jo 

"When old Mauch CI k was young, 

.1 ' used to Kay, 

A man that labored liard should have 

Six ' Billy Cups' a day. 
Ami so, with jiii unsparing hand, 

The whiskey flood was flu 
Ami drunkards they were made by -ores 

When old Mauch Chunk was yonng. 

"When old Mauch Chunk was young, 

At noon they blew the horn. 
And, gathering thick, came gangs of men, 

A ml .-I nt eve and morn 
With grace ami promptil tide and skill 

They moistened lip and tongue, 
And went to work in tain and mud, 

When old Mam h Chunk was young. 

"When old Mauch Chunk was young 

Lehighton was in prime, 
And tights and frolics frequently 

Were had in olden time. 
Like short-tailed hulls in fly-time, 

They at each other sprung, 
And many a battle there was fought 

W hen old Mauch Chunk was young. 

" When old Mauch Chunk was young, 
And Captain Abels preached, 

The top notch of intemperance 

By many a one was reached ; 
And dark the cloud of sorrow 

O'er many a dwelling hung, 
With deep disgrace and poverty, 

When old Mauch Chunk was young. 

" When old Mauch Chunk was young 

A treat was no great shakes 
Unless before the company 

Was set a heap of cakes. 
Ami never better cakes were eat, 

i »r better song was sung, 
Than this which we are laughing at, 

When old Mauch Chunk was young." 

1 Josiah White. 




■3 



3 




CI 



§) 



BOROUGB OF MAUCH CHUNK. 



6G9 



The Town Opened to Individual Enterprise- 
Sale of Lots. — Until 1881 the? property in the settle- 
ment all belonged to the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- 
tion Company, and whatever of improvement had 
been mads was solelj the work of that corporation. 
Hut ii"\v the town was to be opened to the enterprise 
of individuals, and to enter, as was proved subse- 
quently, upon an era of derate prosperity based 

upon several independent causes. When the iom- 
pan'y decided to put the village property in tin- mar- 
ket, t hoy issued, under date of Sept. \:>, 1831, the fol- 
lowing advertisement : 

"iv, themselves at Blanch ''hunk are in- 

formed that lofi En that town, on t.. .t 1 1 - Lehigh, are now of- 

ble n advantageoii terms, rod fret from all reeti it tions. 
Thistown la situated in Northampton County,a1 the present head of 
the Leh ttion e/hfch' Is adapted to boats o.l Mo tons burthen), 

i- 16 miles, by the Lehigh Oanalj from Baston (which i- at the confla- 
of the Delaware Canal to Philadelphia ami Hie Mbrris.Canal to Now 
Fork . Bfl miles by land and 1-4 mil.'- by .anal to Philadelphia, 96,milefl 
by land and 166 miles by canal to New York, ami :;_ miles by turnpike 
from the Pennsylvania I anal al !'■ rwi< k. to which place the navigation 
will, no doubt, in a few years he extended by the route of the Nesco- 

pcok Valley. Water-powei ' i "lit lat.il here t.. any extent re- 

quired for manufactures, an-! the families of the tail ed in 

the coal business of which this place is the exclusive shipping | 
will furnish the necessary numbei of suitable hands. For terms, apply 
Eah White, acting manager at Blanch Chunk." 

The company began to sell lots in 1832. The ear- 
liest purchasers were E. \V. Harland, who took the lot 
\vlirre Yeager's furniture store now is ; Jesse K. Pryor, 
who bought the lot now occupied by W. II. Stroll's 
store ; Thomas Belford, who became the owner of an 
adjoining lot; John Blears, who, with Cornelius Con- 
nor, secured tin- ground on which the American 
House stands; ami Isaac T. Dddson, who bought the 
lot on which Judge A. G. Brodhead now lives. 

In 1838, Albert Abbott bought the lot next above 
the present residence of Rev. M. A. Tolman; Isaac 
Salkeld, the property now owned by W. G. Freyman ; 
Benjamin II. McConnell, tin- lot known as "the 
Packer corner" (where the Lehigh Railroad building 
stands)^ giving therefor six hundred dollars j Daniel 
Berteeh, the three lots now occupied by the Broadway 
Hotel ; James Brodcrick, the lot on which Dr. Mayer 
resides; Almon Woodworth, the lot on which is Gen. 
Lilly'- residence ; Joseph Butler, the lot on which 
James I. Blakslee now lives; ami William Knowhs 
and John Mears, what is now known as the " Dodson 
property," where Asa Beers' store is. The Courier 
noted with pleasure the disposition to buy lots and 
build houses, and prophesied a bright future for the 
town. 

After the first two years few, if any, lots were sold, 
until 1836, when John G. Martin, II. B. Hillman,and 
Henry Mears became purchasers, — the last named of 
the lot where Carpenter's jewelry store now is, ami 
Mr. Hillman of the lot at present occupied by Rex's 
store. 

The Early Settlers.— In 1822 the population was 
two hundred and sixty-nine, comprising ninety-three 
working hands, thirty-five other male adults, forty- 



live female adults, and ninety-six children. Two years 
later the population had increased to seven hundred 

and thirty-four, ami included ni 

There «■ tundred and six male adults, one 

hundred malt one hundred and forty-two 

female adults, and two hundred ami fifty-two chil- 
dren. The following persons, most of whom were 
heads of families,: paid taxes on personal property in 
1824: 

Mi, i, h i '/,„„/•. 

Josiah White. cholas Brink. 

Erskine Hazard. Samuel Busby. 

William Zane. 



i'i;nj. 



John Pryor. 
Solomon Minctt. 
Hugh White. 
Thomas < 'lark. 
John Oliver. 
Levi Hugg. 
I laniel Welsh. 
Samuel Lippincott. 
Benjamin Meat-. 



John Buddie. 

Isaac Salkeld. 

Richard French. 

John Sherry. 

David VVasser. 
John Pinman. 

I'. Dodson. 
Hiram Eich. 
Robert Clark. 



James O'Brian. 
( lorn. ( 'outer. 

■ led Irish. 
Daniel Pratti 



NortherA Idbt rties, 

Thos. O'Riley. 

Southwark. 

George Art burton. 



Bear- Trap and Abo 
• la s Bigger. Joseph Walker. 



Jno. Flood. 
James Spear. 
Hez. Mitchell. 
Adam Hoffman. 
David Enbodj . 
John Henri. 
Edward Binley. 
James McCrea. 
James Watt. 
James Murray. 
John Lowry. 
Jacob Wilhelm. 
Jno. Y. Tutton. 



Peter Silyis. 

John Conner. 
John Lnka. 
John Knowles, 
William Walker. 
Justice flould. 
Jacob Wanner. 
William Cornelson. 
Patrick Burns. 

.Utiles Kinsley. 

Lawrence Smothers. 
Arch. McVerker. 



John F. Heebner. 
John Swank. 
George Boost, 



//.re/,//,,, .. 

James Lemmon. 

Abraham Stroh. 

David Corey. 
In 1826 the population had increased to thirteen 
hundred and sixty-four and the number of families to 
two hundred and thirteen. This census, however, 
inoluded all of the company's dependencies in .Mam h 
('hunk township, the inhabitant- at the mines, and 
the families living on Hackelbernie and Union farms, 
which had been established to supply the settlements 
with certain necessaries. 

In 1828 two hundred ami seventy-two names ap- 



670 



HISTORY OF ('Alt HON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



upon tin 1 assessment-lisi of Mauch Chunk 
township, most of « bom were in that part of it w hich 
now constitutes the borough, The Coal and K 
tion Company paid $91.80 of the total tax of $160.44, 
being assessed on over four thousand acres of land, a 

grist-mill, three Sii\v-inilU, a store-house, tavern, t'nr- 

ixteen at Iwellings, sixty-nine log and frame 

dwellings, forty-two horses, thirty-six oxen, and thirty- 
six mules. 

Among the names of the residents appear th 
the managers, Josiah White and Erskine Hazard, 
and, in addition, a number nol given in the- list of 
I 82 1, among them those of I-aac A. • hapman. Joseph 

II. Chapman, Asa L. Foster, Daniel Bertsch, and 
William Butler. 

In L830 the population of Mauch Chunk proper 
was only about seven hundred, and in 1840 it was 
twelve hundred. 

First among the pioneers chronologically aud in 
other re-pecis were White and Hazard, through whose 
enterprise the town was built. 

Josiah White was born at Mount Holly, Burlington 
Co., N. J.. March 4, 1781, and was the son of John 
and Rebecca White. He was descended from Thomas 
White, of Omneu, < lumberland Co., England, whose 
son, Christopher White, with his wife, Elizabeth, 
emigrated to America in 1677. Josiah White's father 
had a small fulling-mill at Mount Holly, aud there 
the attention of the boy was probably first directed to 
mechanics. His father dying while he was quite 
young, the boy found employment in a hardware- 
store in Philadelphia, where he acquired such knowl- 
edge that he was able to succeed his employer in 
business as soon as he was able to set up for himself. 
Having acquired sufficient means to satisfy his mod- 
erate wants, he retired from business and settled at 
the Falls of Schuylkill, about five miles from Phila- 
delphia, where he bought a country-place with a 
water-power, which his engineering ability was soon 
exercised in improving. He built a dam across the 
river, and a large lock of cut stone for passing river- 
boats, which was the first constructed on the river. 
He built a mill for the manufacture of wire, which 
was burned down, but immediately rebuilt, and he 
swung a wire suspension bridge of four hundred feet 
span across the river from the mill to the opposite 
bank. At that time Philadelphia was supplied with 
water pumped by expensive steam machinery, using 
wood for fuel. Josiah White proposed to contract to 
supply the city at a greatly reduced rate by the sub- 
stitution of water-power for steam, and his proposi- 
tion resulted, after long negotiations, in the under- 
taking of the work by the city, White, with his 
partner, Gillingham, selling the power for one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand dollars. The Fairmount 
Water-Works were then constructed. The wire 
manufactory, which for a number of years was very 
profitable, became less so after the war of 1812, and 
White, with his partner, Erskine Hazard, then sought 



other enterprises in which to exert their energies. 
They had successfully experimented on the wire-mill 

with the Lehigh coal, and that experiment led them 

to the undertaking of mining it, of forming the Le- 
high Coal and Navigation Company, and eventually 
accomplishing the mighty work which i> detailed in 
the firsl page- of this chapter. In those operations 
Josiah While- perseverance, pluck, -kill, and fertility 
of im ention, coupled with great financial ability, were 
the leading forces. He was the pioneer in canal de- 
velopment in 1'cnnsylvania, as DeWitt Clinton wa- 
in New York. His name will ever be inseparably 
linked with the improvement of the Lehigh, with the 
building of important railroads, the first successful 
mining of anthracite coal, and its fir>t successful use 
in the manufacture of iron, a history of which ap- 
pears in the chapter of this work devoted to Cata- 
sauqua. Josiah White's residence in Mauch Chunk 
extended from 1818 to 1831, when, the works of the 
company being so far completed as not to require his 
constant attention, he removed with his family (who 
had come here in 1821) to Philadelphia, where they 
settled at the corner of Arch and Seventh Streets. 
He died in that city, Nov. 14, 1850, in the seventieth 
year of his age. He was by birth a member of the 
Society of Friends, and all his life retained connec- 
tion with that sect, being governed by its teachings, 
and following in dress and habits the customs of its 
members. He was a man of sterling worth and in- 
tegrity, and in the latter part of his life, when he had 
the means to follow his benevolent inclinations, gave 
largely to many excellent charities, and founded two 
manual labor schools in the States of Indiana and 
Iowa. 

Erskine Hazard was scarcely second to White as a 
promoter of the several enterprises along the Lehigh. 
He was a man of great ingenuity and an excellent 
machinist. He had been in partnership with White 
at the Falls of Schuylkill, in the manufacture of wire, 
as early as 1811, and in later years, when the great 
work of opening the mines and putting coal in the 
market had been performed, his mind seems to have 
reverted to the handling of iron. In 1839 he went to 
Wales to learn all that was known of the smelting of 
iron by the use of anthracite, and it was through that 
trip that the Lehigh Crane Iron-Works, the first to 
successfully use anthracite in this country, were 
brought into existence. (See history of Catasauqua.) 
He bad previously experimented with anthracite as a 
fuel for smelting iron at Mauch Chunk, as is related 
elsewhere in this chapter. He also conceived the 
idea and made the first drafts of a machine for making 
wire rope, which was afterwards erected in the old 
stone mill-building by E. A. Douglass, superin- 
tendent of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany, and which made all the wire rope used by that 
company for many years. He invented a propeller 
screw, several improvements in firearms, the first 
spark-arrester used on the Camden and A in boy Rail- 



BOKOI '.II OF M \I cil CHUNK. 



671 



road, and :i number of other articles "t practical value. 
lie wmtc largely on topics "t scientific and g 
interest, his articles appearing in the Philadelphia 
Public Ledger and in the Journal of tl» I > 
ttitute. He was also a deep thinker mi tin various 
topics "i political economy, ami when the war broke 

out, ill 1861, it is said that it was he who gave Salmon 
I'. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury, the idea of the 
United States notes and greenback currency. A writer 
has sail 1 of him, "His life was spent in endeavors to ad- 
vance the public good, ami though, a- year- advanced, 
he retired from all active business, except as one of 
the managers of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany and of the Crane [ron Company, his thoughts and 
pen were always busy." lie died suddenly, of heart- 
disease, Feb. 2d. lSno, a little over seventy -live years 
of age. Erskine Hazard was a son of Ebenezer Haz- 
ard, Postmaster-General of the United state- (1782 
89), and was born in New Xork, Nov. 30, I i 
ezer Hazard who was descended from a certain 
Thomas Hazard, who became a freeman of Boston in 
1686 removed with his family to Philadelphia in 1790 
or 1791, and it was there and in college at Princeton, 
N. .1.. that the subject of our brief sketeh received 
the education which was to enable him to be of -neb 
great use to his fellow-men. A son, Fisher Hazard, 
remains in Mauch Chunk. 

John Ruddle, a native of England, who had ar- 
rived in this country in 1818, came here two years 
later a- a clerk for the Coal ami Navigation Company . 
and remained in the employ of the company as chief 
book-keeper until the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in 1865. He was a man of character and 
ability. He left a daughter, Ann. who was the wife 
of A. W. Leisenring, and son. George Ruddle, who 
has been for many years real estate agent for the 
company, and was the first burgess of Fast .Mauch 
Chunk. 

Isaac Salkeld, one of Mauch Chunk's early inhab- 
itants, was born Feb. 2, 1780, and spent most of his 
time till 1809 in Philadelphia, when he moved to the 
Falls of Schuylkill, where Messrs. Josiah White and 
Erskine Hazard started their rolling-mill, nail and 
wire factory, and took the .superintendent')- of these 
works for Messrs. White A: Hazard. He remained in 
charge of the-e work- till 1821, when they were obliged 
to discontinue on account of the building of Fairmount 
dam at Philadelphia, which overflowed their works. 
He then went back to Philadelphia, where be engaged 
in the rolling-mill business in what be called the city 
works. ( >n March 6, 1 823, he with his wife and chil- 
dren — Jacob H., Isaac, Jr., George Washington, \ una. 
and Maria P.— left Philadelphia in a two-horse car- 
riage for Mauch Chunk, where tiny arrived March 
9th, having traveled the lines of what are now the 
North Penn and Lehigh Valley Railroads. Upon 
reaching Mauch Chunk, be and his family moved into 
what was then No. 7 Broadway, a -tone house south 
of the "willow-tree." Mr. Salkeld became one of 



the "bosses" of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company, and superintended the building of the 
i. Bouse, the stone mill (now the office of the 
Mauch ''/<"/// Democrat .and other buildings of the 
company, lb- was also superintendent of the com- 
pany's boat-yard, and i- -till remembered by some, 
riding hi- '_ r ray mule, in the discharge of his work. 
The old Nesquehoniug Railroad was built under bis 
management, and he at one time bad charge of tin- old 
Mauch < 'hunk Foundry, which was one of the tir-t 
foundries in the S de of Philadelphia. Mr. 

Salkeld died i" Easton, Pa., May I. 1839, while there 
on business for the Lehigh Coal and Navi 
Company, and is buried in Mauch Chunk 

i lemetery. 

i If his children, Maria B. never married, but i- well 

remembered by the - 1 work she was always willing 

to do. \ una, the eldesl daughter, married John Fat- 
who was prominently connected with old 
Mauch < 'bunk, and who represented the county in 
the Legislature for several years. Isaac Salkeld, Jr., 
u a- employed at the foundry, married Juliet, daughter 
of John Leisenring, Sr. He died in Mauch Chunk, 
6 L839, aged twenty-six years. George Wash- 
ington Salkeld, during the greater part of his work- 
ing life, was in the employ of the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company, and was a civil engineer by 
profession, and was under Mr. E. A. Douglass, su- 
perintendent, instrumental in making many of the 
engineering achievements during the middle period 
of the company's history. His I. rain and hands are 
still seen in Mount I'i-gab and Mount Jefferson 
Planes, on the gravity road, and in the Switchback 
scheme, and also in the iirst wire-rope machine used 
by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. 
During the last few years of his life he was associated 
in the foundry business with his brother, Jacob, and 
Samuel Bradley. For ten years prior to his death 
Mr. Salkeld was a sufferer from consumption, but 
notwithstanding this he was known to all as a man of 
unusual energy and geniality. He died Feb. 6, 1861, 
in his forty-fifth year. 

Jacob H. Salkeld. the oldest son, was born in Phila- 
delphia, June 7. 1807, and moved with bis parents to 
Mauch Chunk ill l*2:i, when in his sixteenth year. 
His early education in Mauch Chunk was taken 
charge of by Mr. .lame- Nolan, one of the early edu- 
cators there, whose school wa- then held just above 

the foundry dam. I luring the summer month-, when 
there was vacation, he worked with his father on the 

various buildings the company was then erecting. 
For a lew year- during his minority he worked at the 
trade of a carpenter with one John O'Neil, in Phila- 
delphia, on the old University of Pennsylvania, and 
also in a foundry operated by Sedgly & Johnson, near 
the corner of Broad and Filbert Street.-, where the new 
Masonic Temple now stands. He was afterwards em- 
ployed in the pattern-shop and foundry of the old 
Mauch Chunk Foundry, and in August, 1829, when 



672 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bhi I.' high Coal and Navigation Company desired to 
give up their foundry, he and his brother-in-law, 
John Fatzinger, took it, and under the nam. of Fat- 
,v Sulk i-l'l operated il for a number of years, till 
Mr. Fatzinger removed from Mauch Chunk to Water- 
loo, V Y. After this he continued in the foundry 
business having associated with him various part- 
ners with little interruption till 1880, when he re- 
naoved to Boston, Mas-., where he now lives (January, 
L884) in bis seventy-seventh year. .Mr. Salkeld was 
for many years a director in the First National Bank, 
the Mauch Chunk Water Company, and Mauch 
Chunk tias Company, and was alwayswllling to help 
the town and the people as much as was in his power. 
Be was twice married, his first wife being Catharine, 
sister of John Fatzinger, Esq., and his second wife 
being < 'aniline Fatzinger Patterson, widow of Dr. O. 
S. Patterson, of Waterloo, N. Y., and another sister 
oi Mi. Fatzinger. 

George Belford was one of the company's first em- 
ploye's, and followed his trade of carpentering until 
the Upper Lehigh navigation improvement was com- 
pleted, when he became a contractor, and with his 
several partners began coal-mining at Summit Hill in 
L842. He was very successful there and at Eckley. 
lie was elected the first president of the Mauch Chunk 
Punk in 1855. He died in February, 187:'., leaving a 
number of sons, among whom is the well-known Dr. 
Belford. 

Abraham Stroh, father of William H. and Amos 
Stroh, came here in 1824, from Milton, and entered 
the employ of the company as a millwright. He built 
the mill at Rockport, and completed the old stone 
mill in this place. He lost his life through injuries 
received in a great water-wheel which he was engaged 
in repairing. 

( Ithers who were here as early as 1824 were Samuel 
Lippincott, chief clerk of the company from its or- 
ganization to the day of his death ; Benjamin Mears, 
who was for a number of years chief book-keeper in 
the company's store department; Isaac Dodson, boat- 
builder, and afterwards a prominent merchant; Wil- 
liam Zane, the company's "boss" carpenter; and 
Thomas Brelsford, a shoemaker, who died only a few 
years since. About the same time as these came Abiel 
Abbott, for a time the company's superintendent. 

Alexander Lockhart came as a teamster in 1826, 
and afterwards was a successful contractor. 

James McCrea, wheelwright, came in 1826, or the 
following year, and Michael Malone, a contractor on 
the first railroad, in 1827. The latter died a few years 
ago in Lancaster, at the age of eighty-eight years. 

William Butler, of Lycoming County, was an ar- 
rival of 1826, and originally one of the company's 
employes, like all others who were here prior to 1831. 
He was subsequently a contractor, and was frequently 
d tax collector. He was one of the founders of 
St. Mark's Church. His death occurred in 1842. His 
oldest son, Joseph Butler, long since deceased, was a 



prominent character in "old Mauch Chunk," a justice 
lor many years, associate judge, and one of the first 
Methodists of the town. The family of William 
Butler was large, but now only four remain, -Wil- 
liam, Robert Q., Alexander \\'.. and a sister. 

Isaac A. Chapman, the first engineer of the com- 
pany, a native of Connecticut, came to Mauch Chunk 
from Wilkesbarre in L826. His death occurred in 

17, and there are now no ii ediate representatives 

of his family in the place, though a son, Charles 1. A. 
Chapman, lives at Port Blanchard (Fittston post- 
office), Luzerne Co. Isaac A. Chapman had, as here- 
tofore at length related, traversed the Mauch Chunk 
coal region during and after the war of 1812, when 
Cist, Miner & Co. undertook the work of getting out 
coal, and did in fact succeed in sending a small quan- 
tity to Philadelphia. 

Joseph H. Chapman, a nephew of the man whom 
we have just mentioned, was here as a hoy with his 
grandfather, Joseph Chapman, in 1816, and came as 
a settler in 1S28. He entered the employ of the com- 
pany, and soon went to the cement-works at Lehigh 
Gap, where he superintended the work of the Dela- 
ware Cement Company, which was engaged in making 
cement for the Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania 
Canal. In 1831 he returned to Mauch Chunk, but 
soon after went to Philadelphia. He married there, 
in 1833, Miss Martha Wooley, and in the following 
year came to Mauch Chunk to reside permanently. 
From that time to the present he has made his home 
in this place, and been absent but very little, though 
in 1840 he superintended the laying of the first twenty- 
six miles of the Erie Railroad in New York State. 
He was the master-carpenter and mechanic of the 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, but since 
1862 has been in charge of the coal shipping, which 
important duty he now daily attends to, though over 
eighty years of age. Mr. Chapman, who was horn in 
Massachusetts in 1803, is the only person now living 
of whom we have any knowledge who beheld the site 
of Mauch Chunk before a house was built upon it, 
and has passed more years of adult life here than any 
other resident. 

His eldest son, Lansford F. Chapman, who was col- 
onel of the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
was killed at Chancellorsville. His second son, 
Charles W., is the superintendent and engineer of 
the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, upon which 
his third son, Willard J., lost his life. Two daughters, 
Mary (Worthington) and Grace (Shaffer), live respect- 
ively in the State of Iowa and Alleghany County, 
Pa." 

Asa Lansford Foster, who has been honored by the 
application of his middle name to the prosperous bor- 
ough in the western part of Mauch Chunk township, 
came here in 1827, and was the founder of the first 
newspaper in the town, The Lehigh Pioneer and Mauch 
i 'lunik Courier (now the Coal Gazette), of which an 
account will presently be given. He was a native of 



B()ltor<;il <>!•' MAI 'i 'I I CHUNK. 






Massachusetts, born in 1798| and at the age of twenty 
had settled in Bens icfc, ' !olumbia I !o., in which place 
mid in Bloomsburg, where he went into business, be 
Bpenl eigbl years <>f bis life. In 1826 be wen! into 
a large stun' in Philadelphia, from whence he c 
this place a year later, well qualified by expi 
for the place which hi I, that of the " Lehigh 

Company's storekeeper tie held the position until 
the department was discontinued. Subsequently be 
became one of the leading men of the region. He 
was :i prominent merchant until is::7, when he 1><- 
came one of the organizers and the superintend) al 
of the Buck Mountain Coal Company, which carried 
on very extensive operations. Later in life he was 
interested at Eckley. He « 1 i « -* 1 in 1868, while on a 
visit iii Wilkesbarre, leaving two sons,— Thomas L. 
and Charles E., of whom the senior is president of the 
Second National Bank. 

Daniel Bertech moved here in 1827 from Lockport, 
Northampton Co., and entered the employ of the com- 
pany as a blacksmith. He afterwards became a con-: 
tractor upon the canal and in coal mining, and in 
1833 built the Broadway House. He died here in 
February, 1877, leaving a son, who bears his name, 
and two daughters, — Mrs. Polk and Mrs. Price. His 
oldest daughter, Caroline, now deceased, was the wife 
of John Leisenring. 

Thomas Patterson was the tirst weighxnaster of the 
Lehigh Company before the construction of the weigh- 
lock. 

William II. Sayre, who came here in 1829, was the 
surveyor and builder of the "Lack track" on Mount 
JPisgah, and of the Panther Creek Valley Railroad, 
He was also chief clerk and cashier of the weigh- 
lock, to which position his son, Francis B.,sui 

upon his death, holding it until vcr\ recently. 

Asa Packer, a native of Connecticut, whose name 
and fame belong to the State of Pennsylvania a- well 
as this locality, came here in 1833. His name has 
been connected with almost every important enter- 
prise of the valley, and will ever he revered as that of 
the founder of Lehigh University, and the doer of 
other great and good deeds. Elsewhere in this \.>l- 
ume is an extended sketch, in which the Operations 

which led up to the building of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad, and the development of the character of 
the judge, representative, and Congressman, thi 
lul and revered citizen, are outlined. 

John Leisenring, originally from Whitehall town- 
ship, Lehigh Co., but for a number of year- . 

dent Of Philadelphia, where he learned the currier's 
trad.-, came to Mauch Chunk in 1833. He had been 
a soldier in the war of IMl'. The first occupation he 
followed here wa- that of a landlord, keeping the 
Mansion House very successfully for a number of 
year-. Later he became a merchant and general 
business man. He died in 1854, aged ahotit sixty 
years. His oldest son, who hears his full name, was 
engaged a- an engineer on the Upper Lehigh i 
43 



lion improvement ; wa- afterwards chief en 
neral manager of the Lehigh Coal and 
gation ( lompany, and -till later chief engineer of the 

quehanna Railroad. Another -on, 

A. W. Leisenrin if the First National 

Hank, and a da L A. ] >ou 

James I. e to Mauch chunk from 

Susquehanna County ill 1 s:i::. for the purpose oi 
iug on the .anal, hut he soon went into Asa I' 
-lore, lie wa- more or less connected with all of 
Packer's mining, shipping, mercantile, and 

building operations until the Lehigh Valley Railroad 
wa- completed in 1 855. 1 1.- was then appoint) 

ductor, and ran the lir-t passenger train on the road. 

He continued in that position until after the 

noy Branch was commenced, when he wa- appointed 

its superintendent. He i- now superintendent of the 

coal branches. On April :;. 1883, the fiftieth anni- 
versary of his arrival here, he was made the recipient 

of a handsome testimonial from a number of the offi- 

nd employes ol' the railroad company, and the 
occasion was otherwise appropriately made memora- 
ble. 

John Painter, a native of Sunbuxy, Northumber- 
land Co., came her.- from Columbia <'<'imi> in 

remained until the following year, and returned to 

settle permanently in 1836. Two years later he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Prink, who can now claim 
dence here than any other person. Mr. Painter pub- 
lished the Courier for a number of years, and was the 
second sheriff of the county, serving from 1846 to 
1849. sine- l s , ; : i i,,- ha, been borough constal 

llenr\ Ehert, the first cita man birth, came 

hereabout 1834, and followed watchmaking and den- 
tistry. II. died in 1 - 

Mention must In made, before we arrive at to.. 
recent a period, of other early residents, of whom lew 
details, how. -wr, can be given. There was William 
Knowles, superintendent for several years of the Le- 
high Coal and Navigation Company : I.. I). Kuowl.-. 
lihler; Dr. Benjamin Rush McConnell, 1 the 
company's physician; Samuel P. Hutchinson, for 
many years i the company Fegley, 

moved to Penn Haven, but returned 

and ended hi- days m the town "I his early i 
Abraham Short/, lumberman, merchant, count;, 
niis-ioner. etc.: Patrick Sharkey, who cam. 

r. and wa- subseqently a prominent merchant 
and county treasurer ; Bzekiel Harlan, dame- Brod- 

erick, Samu.l Holland. John MeMurtrie, Samuel 
Craw ford, and George II. Davis, contractors; Alex- 
ander Steadmaii and I --cr. prominent hotel 

men ; Cornelius Connor, first proprietor of the Ameri- 
can House; Thomas Hasely, who drove the II. 

hemic tunnel ; John Fatzinger, proprietor of the tir-l 

foundry; Canvass White and his* son, Chai 
White, at different periods the company'- engineers, 

1 See chapter on the Medical Profession. 



674 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and the latter subsequently connected with the Le- 
high Vallcv Railroad; Nathan Patterson, t'< >r many 
years the company's cashier; Harry Wilbur, mer- 
chant; and the two physicians, Thompson and Righ- 
ter, both of whom lost their lives by cholera during 
the epidemic of 1854. There, too, were the prominent 
attorneys, J. H.Siewera father of E. W.Siewers), who 

was the pioneer of an advanced syste i education, 

M. M. Dimmick, who became a member of Congress, 
Samuel MeLane, who moved to Montana, and was 

elected delegate to Congress in I860, and Gen. Al- 
bright, all of whom are represented in the chapter 

upon the Bi och and Bar. 
One of the most active of the comparatively early 

settlers was Col. John Lentz, a native of Lehigh 
County, born in 1793. He was a soldier in the war 
of 1812, and afterwards took much interest in militia 
matters. After removing to Mauch Chunk he took a 
prominent part in the agitation of the county division 
project, which resulted in the setting off of Carbon 
County in 1843. He was elected a county commis- 
sioner in 1847, sheriff in 1852, and associate judge in 
1857. He was also a prominent hotel-keeper. He 
died in 1875, leaving a son, Lafayette, and a daughter, 
wife of Hon. Robert Klotz. 

Robert Klotz came to Mauch Chunk in 1833, to 
drive horses on the tow-path of the canal. His father. 
Christian Klotz, had made his home at the Landing 
Tavern as early as 1821, and was one of the first men 
engaged in building rafts and boats to run down the 
river. Robert Klotz was born in Mahoning about 
three years before his father came to the river to 
seek a livelihood, and in the vicinity of a farm where 
his mother's father, Robert McDaniel, had settled 
during the Revolutionary war. The young man pros- 
pered in the plaee he bad chosen for a home in 1833. 
and ten years later was elected register and recorder. 
In 1846 he went as a soldier to Mexico, returned, and 
was elected to the Legislature in 1849; became a 
settler in Kansas in 1854, and again becoming a citi- 
zen of Mauch Chunk, enlisted in the three-months' 
service in 1861. In 1878 he was elected to Congress. 

E. A. Douglass came here in 1835, as engineer on 
the canal, and surveyed tor and had charge of the 
work from Mauch Chunk to White Haven. From 
1843 until his death, in 1859, he was the superin- 
tendent and engineer of all the company's works, and 
a most efficient man in the place. 

His brother, still a resident of Mauch Chunk, was 
also an engineer on the canal, and in 1843 engaged in 
coal-mining at Xesquehoning with Asa Packer. He 
carried on that business with various partners until 
1865. 

Hon. A. G. Brodhead came here in 1841, and has 
ever since been identified with railroad enterprises. 
He was made superintendent of the Heaver Meadow 
Railroad in 1850, and has filled the position with 
ability ever since, the name of his office changing 
with the ownership of the road, and now being super- 



intendent of the Heaver Meadow Division of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad. He ha- been prominently 
identified with the movements which brought the 
gas- and water-works into existence, and with other 
local enterprises, and in 1869 was elected to the State 
Si oate. 1 1 is lather, ( [arret Brodhead, came to Mauch 
Chunk some year- alter his own settlement and died 
here, and his brothers, Andrew, Abram, and Daniel, 
also ii. idents in the valley. 

Charles ' >. Skeer made Mauch ('hunk his home in 
1841, and two years later engaged with Asa 1 'acker in 
the mercantile business. \[, succeeded Mr. Packer 
in the coal business at Xesquehoning, and is now a 
member of the firm of Linderman, Skeer & Co., oper- 
ating mines at Stockton. 

Early Merchants.— After the town had been 
opened to individual enterprise the various minor 
industries sprang up, and the mercantile business 
passed into the hands of a number of active men, 
who, through competition, gave the people better 
advantages in trade than they bad enjoyed when the 
company store was the only one in existence. Jesse 
K. Pryor, who had begun the manufacture of cabinet 
furniture prior to 1829, continued it through the next 
decade, and James W. Allison followed the making 
of hats at the same period. 

The first general store was opened in 1833 by Asa 
L. Foster, who had been the company's store-keeper, 
in connection with Dr. Benjamin Rush McConnell 
and James Broderick, and was located where the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad building now is. The inter- 
ests of bis partners were soon taken by Mr. Foster, 
and in 1837 be sold out to Asa and R. W. Packer. 
They carried on the store until about the middle of 
the next decade, when they abandoned the mercantile 
business to enter upon coal-mining, as their prede- 
cessor, Mr. Foster, had done. They were succeeded 
by Hiram Wolf, Harry Wilbur, and David Treharn, 
under the firm-name id" Wolf, Wilbur & Co. After 
several changes in the firm it finally passed out of 
existence, and Mr. Treharn is left to do business 
alone in the tine building erected on the site of the 
old store. Other firms doing business in Mauch 
Chunk during the first ten years after the company 
store was closed were Nathan Fegley & Co., Caspar 
Christman and .Tames Speer, and John Kent .V t 'o. 
John Leisenring was a prominent merchant from 
about 1840 to bis death, in 1854. He built a store 
where Mr. Heberliug's now is. and rebuilt after the 
lire of 1849. The oldest merchants now engaged in 
business arc David Treharn, Leonard Yeager, \V. II. 
Stroh, C. M. Eberhart, and D. G. Bertsch, the latter 
having been uninterruptedly carrying on his present 
line of merchandising for thirty years. 

Manufacturing— Early Experiments in making 
Iron with Anthracite.— In the year 1826 the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company erected a blast-fur- 
nace where the abandoned Salkeld Foundry now is, 
and in connection with it a tilt-mill or forge, which 



BOROUGH OP MAUCB CHUNK. 






"- originally used for breakh me thai was 

put npon the coal road. During the first year, as is 
Bhown by the company's books, the sum "f eleven 
thousand dollars was expended on this turn. 
tilt-mill. Messrs. Hazard & White mad< i 
here with anthracite coal, endeavoring to mm 
with it, ami •luririir the first year Mr. White conceived 
an imperfect idea of the h<>t blast, to produce which 

he passed a current ..fair through a r n heated with 

a aumbei >fcomi stoves, the principle beingthe 

sani.', though in rudimentary form, a- that by which 
success was finally achieved, though it was a failure 
in this instance. The furnace was abandoned and a 
larger one built on ad ad, in which char- 

coal was us 

During the fall ami winter of l 337, Messrs. Joseph 
titeau, Henry Bigh.of Reading, 
and F. I Low thro p made their first experiment- in 
Bmelting ore with anthracite, in the old furnace 
erected by White .x Eazard, which was temporarily 
fitted up for the purpose. They used about eightj 
per cent, of anthracite, and the result was such as to 
surprise those who witnessed it. and to encours 
persons undertaking it to go on with the work. In 
Order, therefore, to test the matter more thoroughly, 
they built a small furnace just below Mauch Chunk, 
by the weigh-lock, which was completed during the 
month of July, 1838. Its dimensions were: stack-, 
twenty-one and a half feet high, twenty-two feet 
square at base, boshes five and a half feet across, 
hearth fourteen to sixteen inches square, and four 
feet nine inches from the dam-stone to the back. 
The blowing apparatus consisted of two cylinders, 
each six feet in diameter, a receiver of the same di- 
ameter, and about two and a half feet deep; stroke, 
eleven inches, each piston making from twelvi 
teen strokes per minute. The power was derived 
from an overshot water-wheel, with a diami 
fourteen feet. Blast was applied in this furnace 
ist 27 th, and kept up until September 10th, when 
they were obliged to stop owing to imperfection- in 
the apparatus for heating the blast. Several tons of 
iron of No. 2 and 3 quality were produced. The fuel 
was not entirely, but was principally, anthracite. 
The temperature did not exceed 200 Fahrenheit. A 
new and better apparatus for heating the blast was 
procured, and the furnace was again put in operation 
in November, 1838, and worked remarkably well for 
live weeks exclusively with anthracite, when the com- 
pany was obliged for want of ore to blow out on Jan. 
12, 1839. The largest amount of iron produced was 
about one and a half tons per day of N'os. 1, 2, and 3 
iron. The average temperature of tfa< blast ».i- 
WO Fahrenheit. Th following season the furnace 
was improved, and on Julj 26th again put in blast, 
and continued until Nov. J, 1839, when the firm 
having dissolved, it was blown out. For about three 
months no other fuel than anthracite coal was used, 
and after tbe improvement of the furnace, when 



working best, two tons of iron were made per day, 
but the manufacture was not commercially successful. 1 
The First Anthracite Stoves made In Mauch 
Chunk. -In connection with the use of antbrs 
there are some interesting fact- concerning the manu- 
facture of the fir-t stoves in which it was used a- a 
fuel. John Mears, a sheet-iron and tin-plan 
established himself in the town during the 

cade oi lis existence, and very BOOH engaged in making 

stoves in which the fuel s,, abunda 
hood could be utili \. :l 

L.Foster, a man of much mechan .it a 

j great deal of time in experimenting to pr 
-loves, and main of hi- plans were carried out by 
Mears. Apropos or early stove tn i in 

Mauch Chunk, we make some extracts from a !• 
written by John Mears to Thomas I.. E - 

" Philadelphia, Aug. in, 187*. 
"... I remember well all the efforts that were 
made at an early day in regard to -toves. and their 
subsequent failures, but you give me undue credit in 
reference to the contrivances which were made to 
perfect the art of cooking with anthracite, coal, two 
or three of which you mention. Your father was the 
inventor of these things, while I only did the work, 
and he spent much time and money upon them, with 
the success that commonly attends ingenious men, 
though, as nothing is lost, the ideas he suggested 
were carried out by others, s,, me of whom have made 
fortunes and gained tame through different patterns 
of stoves, some of them of value and it. I pre- 

sume that John Wilson, who so much delighted to be 
called 'John Wulson the tinker,' a man of rough 
habits and manners, but a good-hearted soul, never- 
theless, made the first stove that ever was used for 
burning anthracite coal. This John was one of the 
iir-t eighteen workmen who came up with Jo-iah 
White and Erskine Hazard from the Falls of the 
Schuylkill in 1818, and commenced operations at 
Mauch Chunk. The stove was a plain, round, sheet- 
iron cylinder, such as you may have seen since, with 
fire-door, tearing-door, ash-pit, with drawer to carry 
off the ashes, and a screen under the grate, made 
of -beet-iron, with holes punched in it. I have made 
ral of them. John Wilson also made the first 
baking-st r saw. This was an improvement, 

or rather an addition, upon the other stove, by which 
an oven was placed on the top, and Hues to carry off' 
the coal-gas and had it up the pipe. This was a rude 
article, but answered the purpose. I also made sev- 
eral of them, but with a square oven instead of round, 
and they were i 1 baker-. Samuel Lippincott after- 
wards tried to utilize the old-iashioned ten-plate stove 
by putting an additional story on th.e lower [.art, in 
order to make space for the coal-furnace. This wa8 
only a partial success, and did not la-t long. The 

1 See Appendix B. 



676 



HIST0RT2 OF CARBON COUNT V. PENNSYLVANIA. 



fir.-t attempt at wanning bj heated air was. I think, 
made b\ mj father, at No.8 Broadway, where we thi d 
lived. This was effected by a chamber back of the 
open grate in the parlor, and a hot- air pipe passing 
from the same to the chamber above. . . . 

" 1 ought i" mention in this connection that after 
this Josiah White had a mure elaborate concern at his 
house mi the hill, made also by John Wilson, and it 
worked well, :>- I i" lieve, while it lasted, which was 
qoi long, foi being made of thin iron it soon rusted 
away, and was abandoned. 

" Before I close this subject I ought perhaps to tell 
von how we improvised a fire lining for the primi- 
tive stoves. A wooden drum was made two inches 
less the diameter of the stove, with slats nailed round 
a short distance from each other, and large auger- 
holes bored in each end. This drum was filled with 
BgS and chips, then put in the stove, and well 
mixed sand and clay rammed down between the iron 
and wood. When all was finished lire was applied to 
the cotton, and, when partially burned, other wood 
was put in, and then the coal. This was the kind of 
'cylinder 1 used in Mauch Chunk for many years, 
and, I believe, lasted as long as most of tic-, .,l 
modern manufacture. . . . 

" I am your friend, as ever, 

" John Mkaks." 

Foundries. — The Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company established a foundry where now are the 
dismantled and unused works on Broadway, last op- 
erated by Jacob H. Salkekl & Son. John Fatziuger 
rented this foundry about 1830, and purchased it a 
little later. He and Jacob H. Salkeld carried on the 
establishment for many years, and supplanted the 
original building with the present substantial brick 
Structure. They made the machinery for the Mount 
Pisgah planes. In 1851, Fatzinger & Salkeld leased 
the foundry to William Butler and Samuel Bradley, 
who operated it for the first five years, or until 1856, 
witli such success that they were obliged to employ 
from sixty to one hundred men. Mr. Fatzinger dying, 
Salkeld, in partnership with Mr. Roberts, carried on 
the works for about five years, subsequent to which 
the firm became Salkeld iV Son, and so remained until 
work was suspended. The buildings at the present 
writing stand vacant, and offer a good location to some 
enterprising worker in iron. 

The Mauch Chunk Iron-Works, at present owned 
by W. H. Stroh, were started by Edward Lippincott 
and Blias Miner in 1845. They began a general 

foundry business in a small way, and also built cars, 
but soon increased the capacity of the works, and 
then put in blast an old furnace, which had been 
elected by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany. Lippincott & -Miner also built a foundry al 
White Haven, in company with Samuel Ilayden. 
This was burned, but was rebuilt by the enterprising 
owners, who then took into partnership William An- 



thony as a third partner. They carried on the White 
Haven foundrj about live years. In the ownership 
of the Mauch Chunk works Edward Weiss became 
ited « itli the original firm. Not long afterwards 
thej failed, and were succeeded by the .Mauch Chunk 

Iron l 'ompany, which met with such poor succc" that 
bankruptcy ensued. The works then passed into the 
hands of Gen. Charles Albright, who retained an in- 
terest in them as long as In- lived. William II. Stroh 
became hi- partner in 1863, and since Gen. Albright's 

death, in 1881, has carried on the business alone. 
The superintendent i- George Schmauch, and the 

foreman of the foundry Amos Stroh. From seventy- 
five to one hundred men have employment here. The 
power is derived both from steam and water, there 
usually being no necessity lui resorting to the former. 
The water-wheel, said to be the largest in the State, 
is forty feet in diameter. The output of the Mauch 
Chunk Iron-Works consists of steam-engines, mine 
and quarry machinery, car- and bridge-castings 
gigs tor anthracite and bituminous coal, iron fronts 
for buildings, and all kinds of architectural iron- 
work, steam-pumps, grate bars, and, in addition, gen- 
eral foundry-work. The furnace, which was the un- 
profitable part of the works, and caused the ruin of 
the former owners, was abandoned many years ago. 

Wire-Mill. — TheLehigh Coal and Navigation ( 'oni- 
pany wishing to make their own wire-rope, established 
works for that purpose in the old grist-mill building 
on Susquehanna Street in 1849. E. A. Douglass was 
superintendent and G. W. Salkeld his assistant. The 
idea of manufacture was evolved by Erskine Hazard 
from an idea suggested by the French bobbin ma- 
chines, and was afterwards fully perfected in these 
works. Upon the machines devised by Mr. Hazard 
all of the wire-rope used by the Coal and Navigation 
Company for many years was manufactured. As the 
company was not empowered by its charter to make 
wire-rope for sale, the works were leased in isr>2 by 
Fisher Hazard, son of Erskine, wdio carried them on 
very successfully until recent years, making great im- 
provements and enlarging the facilities for produc- 
tion by erecting a second stone building on Susque- 
hanna Street. In 1872 the Hazard Manufacturing 
Company was formed and the wire-rope industry 
transferred to Wilkesbarre, where many improve- 
ments were made in the method of manufacture and 
the business greatly enlarged. The wire-mill on 
Broadway in this place was established in 185S by 
( leorge W. Smith and Nathan Fegley for the purpose 
of making wire-sereeus by a peculiar process. It 
passed into the possession of Fisher Hazard by 
sheriff's sale in 1859, was burned and rebuilt, and is 
now operated by the Hazard Manufacturing Com- 
pany as a wire-mill, employing about fifteen hands. 

Grist-Mills.— The first grist-mill (the stone build- 
ing in which is now the office of the Mauch Chunk 
Drum, rut) was built by the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- 
tion Company, the work being commenced in 1821, 



BOKorcn OF MATCH CHINK. 



677 



and not fully completed until 1825. This mill, as 
well :is one which was built about the Bame tii 
Laurel Run (now Rockporl . wm- finished by Abra- 
ham stroll, who was a practical millwright. The old 
Stone mill was in operation for manyyears, I 
gome time the wain was carried by a race from the 
creet over the street and into the Becond-story build- 
ing, but this arrangement proving a great anno 
because of the dripping of the water on passers-by, 
was finally abandoned and a better one substituted. 

In 1857, Alexander Robinson advertised that 
having completed his new steam grist-mill, he was 
prepared to do all kinds of grinding. This was tin 
beginning of the present brick mill at the foot ol 
Bi oadway. 

Banking 1 . — The pioneer banking institution w 
tablished July 24, 1852, by Rockwood, Hazard, & Co., 
the senior member of which firm is now cashier of 
one of the Newark. X. J., national hanks. The Other 
members were Fisher. Brskine, and Albert B. Haz- 
ard, E. A. Douglass, and William Reed. The capital 
stock was fifty thousand dollars. This bank was in 
existence for a period of five years, when tin- part- 
nership expiring by its own limitation, business was 
suspended. The banking-bouse was originally where 
the First National Hank now is, and was afterwards 
on the spot where the express-office in the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad building now is. 

The Mauch Chunk Bank, which was the predeces- 
sor of the First National Bank, commenced business 
Oct. 1, 1855, with a capital of one hundred thousand 
dollars, in a building on the site of the present First 
National Bank. Hiram Wolf was president ; A. W. 
Leisenring, cashier; and A. W. Butler, book-keeper; 
and the directors were Hiram Wolf. ( >. H. Wheeler, 
William K. Otis. C. 0. Skeer, George Belford, M. M. 
Dimmick, A. A. Douglass, Janus McLean. Jacob 
Bowman, Daniel Heberling, Tilghman Arner, Cam- 
eron Lockbard, and K. D. Stiles. Business was suc- 
Cessfully carried on until 1865, when the First National 
Bank having come into existence, the affairs of the 
old bank were wound up. 

The First National Bank of Mauch Chunk i i- 

menced business Aug. 1, 1864, with a capital of one 
hundred thousand dollars, which was increased to 
four hundred thousand dollars on April 1, 1865. 
William Lilly was tin first president, and A. W. But- 
ler cashier, and the directors were William Lilly, 
Daniel Berts.-h. George Belford. George Ruddle, C. 
(). Skeer, A. A. Douglass, and A. W. Butler. The 
present officer- are A. W. Leisenring. president, and 
A. W. Butler, cashier. The latter gentleman has 
been connected with the old bank and its successor, 
the present institution, for marly twenty-nine years. 

The "articles of association" of what i- now the 

d National Bank of Mauch Chunk wen' ac- 
knowledged by the shareholders on the 24th of May, 
1864, and taken by Gen. Charles Albright to Wash- 
ington, where they were presented for the approval of 



the comptroller of t i 1 day of dune, 

1864. \ new banking law having been approved on 
that day, it became necessary to prepare and acknowl- 

new paper-, ami before thi- wa- completed ; 

connected with the "Mauch I ink" for- 

warded articles of association, which were appro-. 

and thus received the title of the " First National 

Bank," to which tin Second wa-, by reason of priority 

of application, and which it would have had 

except for the circumstances above related. The re- 
of association were signed and acknowl- 
edged by eighty-four shareholders, and approved by 

the comptroller on the 3th of June, 1864, the capital 

-took being one hundred thousand dollar-, ami the 
association to continue until Jan. 1. 1888, A few 

months after the organization tin- capital wa- in- 

- d loom- hundred ami fifty il -and dollars (its 

present capital , and upon thi irigi- 

nal charter it was extended for twenty year- longer, 
— to Jan. 1. 1908. The directors ni d in the arti- 
cles Of association were Charles Albright, Fisher 
Hazard, Joseph Winterniutc, D. K. Shoemaker, T. F. 
Walter, Joseph Obert, John c. Dolen, J. W. Smith, 
and William Carter. < in the L9th of July, 1864, 
I), K. Shoemaker resigned, and the vacancy was filled 
by the election of William L. Patterson. At the first 
election tor director- the following were cho-eii : 
Charles Albright, Fisher Hazard. T. F. Walter. Wil- 
liam Carter, John ('. Dolen, Joseph Obert, J. W. 
Smith, A. H. Fatzinger, and A. L. Mumper. The 
present board of directors are John c. Dolen, La 
Fayette Lentz, N. D. Cartright, Charles < ». Skeer, 
Christopher Curran, A. C. Prince, Leonard Yaeger, 
William H. Stn.h. and Tlinnia- L. Foster. In addi- 
tion to these above named, the following have been 
directors at different times since the organization of 
the hank: Daniel Olewitic J. C. Haydcn. Thomas 
Kcmerer, R. Q. Butler, Samuel Harhman. C R. 
Potts, c. il. Dickerman, Solomon Dreisbach, and 
James M. Dreisbach. Solomon Dreisbach died Aug. 
14, 1880, while a member of the board, and Charles 
Albright died Sept. 28, 1880, having been president 
of the hank from its organization until the time of 
his decease. These are the only deaths ol" members 
of the hoard while holding that position since the 
organization of the bank, of the others who have 
been directors, William Carter, A. L. Mumper, and 
Joseph Wintermule are at this tine- I Ice. J I, 1883) 

deceased. The first officers of the hank were: Presi- 
dent, Gen. Charles Albright; Vice-President, Fisher 
Hazard ; Cashier, Thomas I.. Foster. During the 
absence of Gen. Albright in the army, Mr. Hazard 
attended to hi- duties as president, and upon his 

resignation as director, th • office of vice-president was 
abolished. Gen. Albright, as above stated, was an- 
nually re-elected president until the time of his de- 
cease, when Thomas L. Foster, who had up to that 
time been the ea-hier, was elected president, and 
James M. Dreisbach was elected cashier, these gentle- 



678 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



men being the officers of tin.- bank at this time (De- 
cember, 1883). From Jan. 1, L865, to June 11, 1869. 
this bank was a United States depository, and re- 
ceived and disbursed nearly eight hundred and fifty 

thousand dollars of internal revenue. At the time 
of the last semi-annual report its total profits since its 
organization were s299,o;»3.16 , of which it had paid 
it- shareholders 1260,791.55, leaving $88,301.61 un- 
divided profits and surplus fund. At this time it 
holds assets in United States and other bonds and 
and bills discounted and balances due from 
other banks sr,:::; 0,1,111,. against liabilities, circu- 
lating notes due depositors and banks. $440,543.19, 
showing excess of a.-sets over liabilities of S192.492.87. 

G. B. Linderman & Co. established themselves in 
the banking business in 1867, and conducted affairs 
prosperously under that title until the Linderman 
National Bank was organized. Dec. 30, 1882. The 
officers of this bank are: President. James I. Blakslee; 
Vice-President, A. G. Brodhead, Jr. ; Cashier, S. S. 
Smith ; Directors, James I. Blakslee, A. G. Brodhead, 
Jr., Charles O. Skeer, W. C. Morris. Jr.. John A. 
Mayer, J. H. Wilhelm, H. Sondheim, A. P. Blakslee, 
and John Taylor. 

The Newspaper Press. — The first new-paper issued 
here was the Lehigh Pioneer and Mauch < 'hunk < burier, 
which made its initial appearance on Saturday, .May 
30, 1829, bearing the name of Amos Sisty at its column 
heads. The salutatory contained the following: 

"The place in which we have located possesses 
many attractions and peculiar objects which are cal- 
culated to interest and gratify the minds of the curious. 
To give an account of the transactions of the place; 
the improvements which are being made or contem- 
plated, and the curiosities with which it abounds will 
be one of our chief objects, and demand our particular 
attention." 

Tliis paper really owed its existence to the enter- 
prise of Asa L. Foster, one of the most energetic, able, 
and progressive characters, who came at an early day 
to Mauch Chunk in the employ of the Lehigh Coal 
ami Navigation Company. Mr. Foster purchased a 
press and materials for a printing-office early in 1829, 
and secured the services of Sisty, a young acquaint- 
ance, whom be knew to possess the requisite literary 
aud mechanical skill, by paying his master for the 
unexpired time of his apprenticeship, and arranged 
that the paper should be conducted under his (Sisty's) 
name. For years Mr. Foster devoted his spare time 
and surplus energies to writing lor this little -beet 
published in the new coal settlement, and his efforts 
being well supplemented by young Sisty's, the Pioneer 
no! only contained valuable matter, instructively and 
entertainingly written, but presented a very creditable 
in •'. The paper was in fact far in advance of 
what might be expected at that early time, and in so 
primitive and rude a community as was the Mauch 
Chunk of 1X29 and 1830. 

Originally issued as a five-column folio, the Pioneer 



was made in the second year of its publication an ex- 
ceeding!] aeal quarto. In typographical appearance 
tiie file-' of this period compare favorably with mod- 
ern newspapers of similar form. On Dec. l">, 1832, 
the paper again appeared as a folio, with four broad 
column-, and the words Lehigh Pioneer were dropped 
from the title, leaving n simply the Mauch Chunk 
Courier. At this time .1. W. Chapman assumed edi- 
torial charge of the paper, and wa- connected with it 
until November, 1834, when it was lor -ome reason 
suspended. In November, 1835, the Cburierwaa re- 
vived by Mr. Foster and M. H. Sisty (a brother of the 
first publisher!, and under their management it con- 
tinued to appear until January, 1x38. when, with the 
beginning of the eighth volume, John Painter became 
associated with .Mr. Sisty in its publication, under the 
firm-name of Sisty & Painter. Mr. Sisty soon with- 
drew, and the paper was then carried on bj John cS: 
W. P. J. Painter until 1841, when John Painter be- 
came the sole manager. During all these years Mr. 
Asa L. Foster had been the ■>» ner of the paper which 
he founded, and in 1842 he assumed personally its 
management. The following year, however, he sold 
the Courier to J. II. Siewers, Esq., who changed it> 
name to the Carbon County Transit. In 1S44 the 
original owner again secured the property, restored 
the time-honored name, and after a short period placed 
it under the management of Samuel Taylor and his 
son, Thomas L. Foster, now president of the Second 
National Bank. To them succeeded the firm of 
Thomas L. & C. E. Foster, prior to 1847, and after- 
wards the Courier was successively managed by Taylor 
& Foster and Taylor & Meacham, by the latter firm 
being changed to the Mauch Chunk Gazette. Samuel 
Taylor purchased the office aud material, and in May, 
18f>7, sold out to E. H. Rauch (now of the Mauch 
Chunk Democrat), a native of Lancaster, who had for 
three years been the editor of the Lehigh Valley Times, 
at Bethlehem. He carried on the Gazette alone until 
1S60, when, being elected clerk of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, he took as a partner Samuel Higgins. 
who retired, however, about a year later. 

In 1861, Mr. Rauch, having enlisted a company of 
men, went into the army, and during bis absence the 
paper, being neglected, went down rapidly in the 
scale of condition. Its material was used for a time 
by H. V. Morthimer in the publication of the Union 
Flag. In 1864, Capt. Rauch, having returned from 
the army, went to Reading, and the paper of which 
he had formerly been proprietor was revived by 
E, Mell Boyle & Brother as the Mauch Chunk Coal 
Gazette, under which title it has ever since been pub- 
lished. Several firms and individuals were success- 
ively engaged in the publication of the paper during 
the late sixties and the following decade, among 



1 The files of Hi'- /.■ high Pkmeei and Mauch Chunk Courier, and of the 

other newspapers of the town, were owned by Judge It. E. Packer, 
through whose kindness many facts have been secured from them 
for this history. 



BOROUGH OF MAUCH CHUNK. 



679 



th. in Boyle & Laciar, Boyle, Reed & Guyon, E. M. 
Boyle, and I '. W. Blew. In July, 1881, < >. I J. Sijjl.-y. 
the present proprietor, tool possession, and he has 
published a bright and newsy local paper, which 
has been the organ of the Republican party in the 
county. In form it i.s a nine-column folio, and it re- 
tains the name Mauch Chunk Coal G si applied 
twenty years ago. 

The newest aspirant for public favor in the journal- 
istic line is the Mauch Chunk I>nihj Tim-*, first issued 
April -1, 188::. It is published from the GazetU office. 

The Carbon Democrat was started May 15, 1847, by 
Enos Tolen, as a local newspaper and support r of 
the party of James K, Polk. Originally a six-column 
sheet, it was in 1853 enlarged to seven columns, and 
otherwise improved. Mr. Tolen was the editor and 
proprietor for nearly eleven years, during which 
period he carried on quite a prosperous business, al- 
though seriously crippled by the loss of his office in 
the great Greof July 15,184'.'. The printing material 
was wholly consumed, and the disaster fell so heavily 
upon the owner that he was not able to resume the 
publication of the Dt mocrat until Nov. 1 7th. when the 
new issue was made as No. 1, Vol. III. This paper, 
like the Courier I afterwards the 
through numerous changes of ownership. On March 
20, 1858, J. R. Struthcrs became proprietor, and on 
July 3d of the same year be disposed of the property 
to William i >. Btruthers, who in turn sold to George 
Bull, in June, 1860. In January. 180:;, Enos Tolen 
again had possession of the newspaper, and associated 
with himself \V. H. Hibbs, who, upon May 14th of 
the same year, became sole owner. He was succeeded 
by Joseph Lynn, in April. 1865. He enlarged the 
sheet to eight columns in 1807, and changed its name 
to the Mauch Chunk Democrat in 1870. For a short 
period the paper was owned by W. P. Furey, who re- 
christened it the Mauch Chunk Times, but was repos- 
sess) d by Mr. Lynn, who restored the title, and con- 
tinued its [publication until a very recent date, of 
which we shall presently speak more definitely. 

On Sept. 7, 1871, a new at was issued 

by Enos Tolen as a rival to the old one which he had 
established almost a quarter of a century before. < m 
November 2d following he sold out to Charles I. - 
man. and just three weeks later the paper appeared 

with the Carbon Democrat Association as its publish- 
ers. Under this management E. H. Siewers, Esq., 
and E. C. Dimmick were the editors, and they made 
the paper a lively chronicle of local news and active 
political agitation. They conducted the journal fol 
only two years, and it was then sold to Mr. Lynn and 
merged with the Mauch Chunk Demo 

Another rival for the patronage of the public, and 
especially of the local Democratic party, appeared in 
September, 1878, and like tbatof 1871, under the title 
of the original Carbm Democrat, with the additional 
word " county" inserted. The new paper was started 
by E. H. Kauch, of Lancaster, who had twenty-one I 



years before became, and for several years remained, 
the editor of the Gazette. The I Demo- 

crat was brought into existence through political 

operating within the party, and naturally be- 
came the opponent of the Mauch Chunk Den 
In L881, Joseph Lynn retired from the latter journal, 
which was subsequently conducted by K. M. Brod- 
head as publisher. The causes of difl'eren 

the two papers had been re ved by Mr. Lynn's 

withdrawal, and the field which it was possible to 
till being no larger than that which one news] 

could profitably occupy, the ' County D 

crat and the Mauch Chunk Democrat were merged 
under the name of the latter in December, l v ' 
Kauch becoming editorially connected with the united 
and strengthened publication, and Mr. Brodhead re- 
maining in a position similar to that which he had 
held prior to the union. The Mauch Chunk D< 
it will thus be seen, has absorbed two newsp 
and as they wen- both Democrats by name and nature, 
it would seem that the political predilection of the 
present journal must he very definite and decided. 
Mr. Rauch'a editorial duties have included one very 
novel feature, which has attracted the attention of 
many other other newspaper men in Eastern Pennsyl- 
vania and delighted hundreds of readers. We refer 
to his sketches in Pennsylvania Dutch, over the nam 
deplume of "Pis Schweffelbrenner," which have long 
been continued, and we may add in this connection 
that be has published in hook form some interesting 
contributions to Pennsylvania Dutch literature, the 
tensive and>laborious being his " Hand-Bookof 
Words," issued from the Democrat pros- in 1879, a little 
volume now quite rare, and which will at some time 
in the remote future he regarded as a valuable relic 
of a lost language. His Pennsylvania Dutch "Bip 
Vim Winkle" is a very happy translation and dram- 
atization of Irving'- Btory, the scene being changed 
from the Catskills to the Blue Mountains to give it a 
in keeping with the language in which it is 
rendered. 

Besides the two older journals now in existence and 

the two which have passed out of individual existence 

(as heretofore related) to add their strength to the 

Chunk D the town has had only a 

couple of newspaper- which arc worth J of mention. 

were both published in the German Language. 
Eagle) "a- -tailed by E. H. Bauch 
in January, 1858, to meet a political emergency. Sev- 
eral years prior to this date Edward Spierschneider 
had established at Weissport the Carbon /: 
which, after the Adler had been published a few 
months, he moved to Mauch Chunk. In 1859, Mr. 
Kauch purchased the Democratic and 

merged it with bis Republican Adler, and in the 
following year the publication was suspended. 

lit the same time that the German newspapers 
were first issued by Mr. Kauch and Mr. Spierschneider 
a small and grossly scandalous sheet called the Mauch 



t;so 



HISTOltY OF CAR HON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Chunk Tattler made its tir-i appearance, [t bore do 
oame of editor, was printed and circulated surrepti- 
tiously, appeared irregularly, led a Feeble, diseased, 
l life, and died, after a shorl career of filthy 
and cowardly dirt-throwing, in the 'lark. 

Hotels. — Of the hotels in Mauch chunk th 
cipal om - are the Mansion Bouse, the American, and 
thi Broadway, and the first named of these three, orig- 
inally called the Mauch Chunk 1 mi, is the oldest. It 
was built in 1825 by the Lehigh Coal and Navi| 

any, and originally was limited in size to the 
stone structure which forms the central portion of the 
present house. The first of the many additions was 
a wooden wing, built in L828, and burned down many 

years ago. A man named Atherton appears to have 
kept the Mansion House a short time, but Edward \V. 
Kimball is regarded as the first regularly-installed 
landlord. That this house was well patronized as 
early as 1829 is shown by the fact — preserved in an 
old paper — that in one day in the latter part of June 
the arrivals numbered fifty. Most of them were gen- 
tlemen and ladies from Philadelphia and New 7 York. 
John Leisenring, Sr., was the next landlord after Mr. 
Kimball, and was a very popular one. He was sue- 
ceeded by A. W. Stedman, and he by George Esser. 
George Hoffer followed Esser, and was succeeded by 
E. T. Booth, who gave place to the present landlord, 
J. S. Wibirt. The property was owned by the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company until 1873, when it 
was transferred to the Mansion House Hotel Com- 
pany, of which the former company is the principal 
stockholder. 

The original American House was built by Corne- 
lius Connor in 1833, and was a medium-sized frame 
building. It was called the White Swan. This house 
was destroyed by the great fire of 1849, and Mr. Con- 
nor then erected a brick hotel, which is a part of the 
present structure. It extended from the alley to the 
Second National Bank lot, which was then vacant. 
Mr. Connor was a popular landlord in the new house 
and continued to carry it on until his death, when it 
passed into the hands of Isaac Ripple, who, when he 
was elected sheriff, handed it over to J. K. Lovett. 
After he retired it was taken charge of by G. W. 
Wilhelm, who was succeeded by Jesse Miller. The 
building soon passed into the possession of the Easton 
Hank, was afterwards owned by Mr. Chidsey, of 
Easton, and finally sold to Lafayette Lentz of this 
place, its present proprietor. It was then leased to 
Robert Klotz and John W. Reed. 

The first structure bearing the title of the Broad- 
way House was built in 1833 by Daniel Rertsch, and 
was two stories in height and about forty feet square, 
the material being stone, "pebble dashed," after the 
manner common to most of the houses in Mauch 
Chunk of a half-century ago. It was surrounded 
by towering pine-trees, which made a sort of grove 
around it, and the great rocks protruding from the 
ground around its base gave it a wild and romantic 



appearance. Charles Cox, of Luzerne County, was 
ilic first landlord. In April, 1841, Col. John Lent/, 
wdio had been "washed out" of his hotel at Wei-sport 
by the great flood of the preceding January, took 
i u of the Broadway House, and kept it for the 

ding ten year-. He placed two stories of brick 
upon the original stone structure, and built the frame 
additions on each side. In 1850, Mai. Robert Klotz 
took possession, and was ii> landlord for three years, 
being succeeded by Alfred Lentz in 1854. Lafayette 
Lentz, C. A. Williams, Peter J. Keiser, J. G. Oden- 
heimer, Peter Benner, ami J. S. Keiser follow 
the order named. Peter J. Keiser purchased the 
property alter Lafayette Lent/, resigned his place as 
landlord, and from him his brother purchased the 
house a i'rw years later, since which he bus most of 
the lime kept it, although it was tor brief periods 
leased to <). T. Zicgenfuss and Nathan Klotz, 

Post-Office and Postmasters.— The Mauch Chunk 

post-office was established in 181'.'. tin year after op- 
erations were begun here. In 1818 the nearest post- 
office was eight miles distant, on the Easton line below. 
In 1824 the people settled here had the opportunity 
twice each week of communicating with their friends 
in the outside world and of hearing from them, the 
mail then being carried by John Jones. In 1829 the 
postal facilities had so far increased that the number 
of mails arriving at and dispatched from Mauch 
Chunk numbered thirty-eight per week. During this 
year the company controlling the Union line of mail- 
coaches of Philadelphia made arrangements to have 
their stages reach this place, and in 1831 a new line 
was established on the route between Mauch Chunk 
and Pottsville, under the proprietorship of Messrs. 
Lippincott & Co., of this place, and Messrs. Christ- 
man and Dueseubury, of Port Carbon. The first 
postmaster was Josiah White, who held the office 
until 1831, most of the time keeping it either in the 
company's store or office. John Leisenring, Sr., suc- 
ceeded Mr. White in 1831, and held the office until 
1847, a period of sixteen years, and the longest, with 
one exception, that the position was occupied by any 
incumbent. Alexander Stedman was appointed in 
1847, and soon gave place to Capt. James Miller. 
Their united terms occupied a period of only three 
years, A. W. Leisenring being appointed in January, 
1850; he was succeeded in 1853 by Mrs. Eliza Cooper, 
who was followed in 1860 by Mrs. Jane F. Righter, 
who was postmistress for the subsequent twenty year-. 
being succeeded by the present postmaster, N. I >. 
Cortright, in September, 1880. 

Water-Works. — Asa Packer secured the charter 
for the Mauch Chunk Water Company in 1849, — the 
exact date of its issue being March 6th,— and solicited 
the subscriptions of stock. The incorporators were, 
beside Mr. Packer, E. A. Douglass, John Lentz, Jacob 
H. Salkeld, Cornelius Connor, Conrad Miller, L. D. 
Knowles, Edward Lippincott, John Meats, and George 
Weiss. The first president of the company was E. A. 



|:oi;nn;il OF MAUCB CHUNK 



681 



Douglass. A good water-suppl] was found in the 
springs in the valley of Mauch Chunk Creek, and 
operations were immediately begun looking towards 
it- introduction to the town. Pipes were laid, and the 
other necessary work carried on with such expedition 
that ill" water was li i on from the in 1 >e- 

comber. The cost "i 1 1 1 * - works was about nine thou- 
sand dollars. Pipes were laid to East Mauch chunk 
in 1858 59, and the company also sought and si 
an additional supply near the bead waters of Ruddle's 
Creek, about a mile ami a balf from the town. The 

pipes crossing the river were torn away by the tl I 

of 1S<)"2. and from that time on the water systems of 
the two boroughs have been entirely separate and dis- 
tinct, though controlled by the same company. The 
quality of the water, secured in both instances from 
the mountain Bprings, is excellent, and the high 
vat inn of the i' force which, in cases of 

tire, iii-ure- the throwing of water upon the highest 
business block in the town. The present officers of 
the company are : President, Rob rl Elotz; Secretary, 
S. S. Smith ; Treasurer, Charles O. Skeer: Directors, 
James I. Blakslee, William B. Mack, Charles 0. Skei r, 

and S. B. Smith. 

Mauch Chunk Gas Company. — The charter for 
this company was procured through the efforts of 

.lame* I. Blakslee in 1852, but DO active measures for 
organization were resorted to until nearly four y< 
later. In 1856, Mr. Blakslee secured subscriptions of 
stock, the organization of the company was perfected, 
E. A. Douglass being chosen president, and gas-works 
were erected where the present buildings are situ- 
ated. Gas was made in October, 1856, and at ■ ■ 
went into use in a large number of houses. The works, 
with the street pipe, cost about fifteen thousand dol- 
lars. In L862 they were destroyed, and some of the 
pipes in tin streets wen- torn up, by the great Hon. I 
Almost immediately after the waters subsided the 
work of rebuilding was commenced, and gas was 
again furnished by the company in the fall of the 
year. Since that time the supply of the illuminating 
medium has been uninterrupted, except for an inter- 
val of three nights in November, 1883, cause. 1 by the 
partial burning of the works. Until 1881 the 
pan] produced gas from bituminous coal, but in that 
year the Lowe process of manufacturing it from crude 
petroleum was adopted. The present officers of the 
company are: President, A. G. Brodhead, Jr. ; Secre- 
tary and Treasurer, S. S. Smith ; Dire. tor-, .lame- 1. 
Blakslee, Charles < ». Skeer, Allen Craig, A. A. Doug- 
lass, J. W. "Heberling. and .1. C. Dolan. 

Losses by Fire and Flood.— Like Allentown, 
Mauch Chunk suffered severely from the opposite 
elements of fire and flood in the fourth decade of the 

present century, and again from the latter ele a\ in 

L862. Still earlier, in 1881, the 'nek through the 
narrow gorge along which Broadway is built became 
a mountain torrent in all that the name implies, 
and created as great havoc as was possible in that 



primitive period of the life of the village. W( find in 
the Pionei of .Inly 4th the following reference to this 
occum 

"The rains of Thursday and Friday produce 
Fridaj night last a tn freshet in the Mauch 

( 'hunk Creek, ll overflowed the hanks, an 

made it- way iii everj direction through the road- and 

streets into houses and cellars. Broadway was a com- 

ataract, filled the whole width with the flood. 

The scene was quite uniqui . the roaring of the 

water, hallooing of the people, dodging about in the 
dark with lamps and lanterns, g ivea i nen of 

the ludicrous and alarming. . . . We have not heard 

of any serious damage as yet. I h is not ata 

great height, the shower- which gave such a sudden 
impulse to the waters of the creek having been local. 
Broadway i- impassable for carriages, the water having 
literally rendered it a gully." 

The Flood of 1841. — Greater damage was caused 
by the Lehigh flood of June 9, Mil. which was - ( ,ij,. 
astrous one throughout the valley. The water at 
that time rose to a height then unequaled (though 
since exceeded), and caused here as elsewhere along 
the river great loss and general consternation. The 
saw-mills of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany were swept away, as well as tin- river bridge in 
front of the Mansion House, the stone Stable building 
at the hotel, five houses in the Northern Libi 
and three below the Narrows. Several persons lost 
their lives, among them Adam Beers, his wife and 
children, at the " Turnhole," above .Mauch ( hunk. 

The Fire of 1849. — Living in almost constant 
expectation of a flood, the people of this little town 
were never so terrified by one, not even by that of 
1862 (which we shall presently describe , as they 
were by the great fire of Sunday. July 15, 1*1'.'. 
This was a most serious calamity, and brought loss to 

almost e\ erj prominent property holder in the commu- 
nity. The two newspapers then published in Mauch 
Chunk were wiped nut of existence by the fire, and 
although Mr. Thomas L. Foster, tin editor of one of 
them, exhibited much enterprise in driving immedi- 
ately to Tamaqua and there writing an account of the 
disaster and printing it a- an "i stra," no copies of the 
paper are now in existence, and we therefore rely 
upon the Allentown journals tor information 
cerning the disaster. The Republikaner of July 19th 
contained the following: 

•'On last Sunday morning, at about nine o'clock, 
our blooming sister town, Mauch Chunk, was visited 
by a very destructive fire, which laid in ashes the 
lion and property of the town. The tire 
took rise in the store-room ot' Messrs. Dodson .v Wil- 
liams, nn Race Street, and, as a violent northwest 
wind was blowing at the time, it spread with 

rapidity that in a short time the COUrt-hoUSC and jail. 
Packer's Store house and three three-story brick 
dwelling-houses Leisenring's store and dwelling- 
house, Conni r's hotel, Ebert i\ Polk's drug-store, the 



682 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



printing-house of the < hrbon />• macro!, the post-ofl 
and a shi number of other build- 

ings wherein public works were carried on, were in 
flames and burned to the ground, The fire laid 

rything in ruins and ashes, on the wesl side of 
Broai - "in Fatzinger's residence in the place 

where Packer's store stood and back to Race Street. 
On the east side of Race Street everything was 
burned down, from the court-house and jail, ex- 
cept two or three buildings above Conner's hotel. 
Twenty-three buildi ime the prey of the de- 

stroying element. The loss is, without doubt, very 
great, since in this part of the town the principal 
business and industries were carried on. We h 
however, since learned that the greatest part is cov- 
ered with insurance We have not learned whether 
any human life was lost. A man by the name of 
Ebert tell from a three-story brick building, above 
Conner's hotel. Whether be was seriously injured or 
eseapeil with his lite we have not heard. As is the 
ease at every fire, thieves broke in at this lire, who 
availed themselves of the opportunity to rob and 
plunder. Three of these long-fingered rascals were 
captured and brought in chains last Monday to the 
Allentown jail, where they now lie awaiting a hear- 
ing at the next session of the Carbon County Court." 

The Friedem BoU of the same date bad the follow- 
ing account of the lire: " It is with a feeling of the 
greatest sympathy that we are compelled to announce 
that our neighbor, Mauch Chunk, was last Sunday 
visited by a fearful fire, whereby a loss of not less 
than one hundred thousand dollars is suffered. At 
least thirty buildings in the heart of the town lie in 
ruins. Among them the following: store of Dodson 
& Bcbni with four dwellings, store of Drisco & Wil- 
liams, Polk's drug-store, Legget's wheelwright-shop, 
Eberly's new buildings, J. Meier's two dwelling- 
houses, John Leisenring's residence, store-house and 
Foster's saddlery, Packer & Olewein's shoe-store, 
Packer's store-house, the court-house and jail, the 
printing-house of the Carbon County Gazette, Con- 
ner's hotel, and many other buildings, and a great 
number of dwelling-houses. The fire is said to have 
broken out in Dodson & Behm's warehouse, under 
which, it is said, ashes containing hot coals were 
carelessly thrown. 

"The tire was discovered at nine o'clock \.\i., and 
as a high wind was stirring at the time, it was not 
possible to check ii, and the whole destroyed district 
•was in a few moments enveloped in flames. 

" When the flames attacked the prison the prisoners 
were set free. Two thieves who appropriated during 
the progress of the lire the property of others and 
concealed it (about two hundred and fifty dollars' 
worth of jewelry) were brought Monday morning to 
the Allentown jail." 

The' 1 '"//.)// Democrat w\ resuming publication after 
the fire, November 17th, noticed the improvements in 
progress. John M. Joseph had erected two large 



three-story brick buildings which compared favora- 
bly with those formerly upon his h.t-. Dodson & 
Beam had under roof a block of three story brick 
-ion- and a dwelling, and Cornelius l.eggctt had 
I reeled on the adjoining lot a very g 1 and substan- 
tial two-story frame. Henry Mears had put up a 
small frame building to answer until be could make 
arrangements for a permanent building. John Lei- 
sciirin:_' had completed the foundations lor two large 
Stores and dwellings ; Asa Packer had foundations in 
process of building for two stores; and Thomas Brels- 
ford had erected a two-Story frame building and fin- 
ished the substructure for a brick dwelling and store. 

The Flood of 1862. Concerning this deplorable 
event we have already had something to say in the 
second chapter of the History of Carbon County, 
and shall content ourselves here with an extended 
quotation from an authority generally conceded to be 
correct, — the little work bearing the title " Incidents 
of the Freshet on the Lehigh River. Sixth Month 4th 
and 5th, 1862." 

"Mauch Chunk and its neighborhood suffered . . . 
in individual losses to a great extent. The heavy rain 
caused the creek which runs through and partly under 
the town to break its bounds. This occurred soon 
after night-fall on the 4th ; it broke out near the 
Presbyterian Church, and rushed down Broadway, 
carrying everything before it. In a few moments the 
entire street was a rushing torrent, filling every cellar 
in its course with water. This, meeting the rise of 
the water from the river, backed it a considerable dis- 
tance up the street. Before ten o'clock it was over 
the first floors of nearly all the dwellings below the 
Broadway House. The stores near the court-house 
were flooded, and quantities of goods ruined. The 
water rose fiv.e feet one inch in the banking-room of 
the bank. Its watchman spent the most of the nigh! 
upon the top of one of the desks, holding on to the 
gas-fixtures; bis dog got on with him, but. forsaking 
his position, was drowned. Over fifty buildings, such 
as stores, store-houses, stables, wagon-houses, black- 
smith-shops, ice-houses, school-house, various tempo- 
rary erections used lor business purposes, including 
sixteen dwellings, were carried away from the borough 
limits of it and East Mauch Chunk. Four persons 
in the town lost their lives. 

" From a statement received from the landlord of 
the Mansion House, it would appear that the water 
reached its extreme height there somewhere about 
half-past eleven o'clock on the evening of the 4th. It 
was seventeen inches on bis parlor floor, and twenty- 
seven feet above the ordinary height of the pool 
above the dam and opposite the company's chutes. 
By a level taken by Walter E. Cox, assistant engineer 
of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, it is ascer- 
tained that it rose thirty feet 1 above the usual low- 

i The riso was Hbout ten reel above that in 1841, tin volume of water 
thus passing in a short space of time must have t in exceeded anything 
of the kind ever known before. 



i:oi:oi-(ill OF MAl'iil CHUNK. 



683 



water mark opposite the house. It maintained its 
extreme height For about fifteen minutes. \ 
n'lliick it had receded from the |>arlor; at three 
o'clock it was —till four feel in the basement : at half- 
past five n was gone, and men wen set to work to 
clean out the kitchen. When aware of the probability 
oi an unusual rie riv< r, the I a > • — t comn 

roods from tlic tirst Hour to 

tl if above, in the full expectation that tin 

depositing them in a place oi Bafety. But -till higher 
and higher rose the water, until it reached the 
as above stated ; the compressed nir under the dining- 
room caused its flooring to rise in the middle lor near 
its whole length. Sugar, salt, Sour, etc., placed there, 
soon mingled with the water, and nearly everything 
was either lost or ruined. When the flood had risen to 
this point, some floating mass, supposed to be either 
impam 's -tore-house or the hotel stable, floating 
down the stream, struck the north end of tin- building 
above the lintel of the second-story window, knocking 
a considerable hole therein, and the waves at the same 
time dashing over its sill. The inmates of the room, 
alarmed for their own safety, aoon left ; and they, with 
ho occupied other portions of the house, con- 
sidered it best tn resort to the ten-pin alley attached 
tu the building on the side of the mountain, one storj 
higher up. A panic had seized many of them, and 
the fearful aspect of the scene around was calculated 
to make the stoutest quail. Those whose strength of 
nerve enabled them to suppress their own fearful fore- 
boding, had full occupation in endeavoring to calm 
tin more excited. It was a season of gloom, of doubt, 
and of fear, which is stamped with indelible impress 
upon their memories. 

" Among the inmates of that room was a lady who 
bad been confined to her bed for two weeks, and when 
compelled by the dire necessity of the case to join this 
company, she found her husband was not among them, 
and the agonizing thought that he had fallen a victim 
to the destroying torrent could not be suppressed. . . . 
nay picture, hut not realize, the feeling of the 
wife and mother during the long hours of that anxious 
night. It was a far easier ta-k to rejoice with Iter in 
sympathetic feeling, when at morning's earliest dawn 
the husband was seen on the other side of the river, 
giving notice to those opposite of bis safety. Wel- 
i ..in. new s, which quicklj sped to the ear of the wife. 
He, anxious for the safety of a father and sisb 
crossed the bridge in order to apprise them of the 
threatening danger. His foot had not ceased to tread 
it more than a minute or two before it was carried 
down the Stream ; the way for his return was cutoff. 
He was safe, and gratified in being able to get hi- pa- 
rent and sister to a place of safety, and his timely 
warning: induced Othi a position of greater 

security. The remainder of the night was passedamid 
doubts and tears in regard to the safety of the dear 
ones -eparated from him, from which he was not re- 
lieved until it was light enough to communicate by 



signal with those on the other side of the river. I 
ful scenes were enacting elsewhere. l>r. Flentji 

- lligent physician, was in his office [situs 
doors above the Mansion House) with a patient who 
had called to see him. whin, the water rising rapidlj 
in the room, the doctor went in the adjoining one to a 
back window for the purpose oi communicating with 
a neighbor; uhil-t there he called to bis friend to 
come also, but the response was, ' He could not, that 

the water was coming and tin- .lour wa- 

-liut, and In wa- unable to open it.' Anxious for hi- 

v. the doctor returned to the door, which, with 

some difficulty, he succeeded in opening I he water 

was then in the room Up to bis i\ai.-t. and rising with 

great rapidity. The means of escape apparently 
off, lie kept hold ol and by that mi 

supported himself, the water buoying him up. The 
lights were out, and in the darkness his companion 
was not to be seen. Here he clung for a while; next 
a tenpenny nail driven in the wall furnished a place 
to cling to, when he thought of the stove-pipe hole, 
situated near the corner of the room, the bottom of the 
aperture of which, by measurement, was found to be 
just fifteen inches from the ceiling. Into thi 
thrust his arm and supported himself during the 
height of the water ; he was thus able to keep his 

mouth and nose above it, not escaping, however, with- 
out swallowing a considerable quantity. When thus 
suspended, he felt with bis feet for th< stove, but it 

had been overset. How long he hung there be bad 

no means of knowing : but he could feel « ith bis feet 
the retiring of the waters, and we presume he re- 
mained until sheer exhaustion relaxed his bold, when, 
in a state ofsemi -unconsciousness, he must have. sought 
a resting-place above the water, for when fully aware 
of his situation, be found him.-clf lying upon the top 
of a case near the middle of the room, with the dead 
body of his patient near by him on the floor. As 
mentioned elsewhere, the extremi height of the 
water did not continue more than fifteen minutes, and 
we are inclined to think it might have been the undu- 
lation of the waves that marked the depth of water in 
the doctor'- office, it being just four inches below the 
ceil i 

"Another remarkable preservation from death was 
mplified in the case of Leonard Yeager, cabinet- 
maker. He was at bis dwelling, situated on Broad- 
way, when about ■ k he was informed that 
his -hop. which stands on the east side of Susque- 
hanna Street, was in danger ; bis wife, alarmed at the 
aspect of things around them, was unwilling for him 
to leave her. Another message coming about ten 
o'clock, he went down, and, though the water covered 
the street to a considerable depth, crossed over to his 

shop, where he found his men and boy endeavoring 

to take can- of his -tuck. Thinking he might procure 
a room of a neighbor in which he might place Bomeof 
his furniture, be left the building and went over for the 
purpo-e of making the arrangement While thus en- 



est 



HISTORY OF CAP BON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



d the water made a rush (as he describes ii . and 
he returned to his shop, where his nun were busily 

up-stairs, and told them to gel away as - 

as they could; they promptly obeyed, and the men 

were enabled to gain the houses on the other side. 

Emanuel Dorwert, his apprentice, aged aboul twenty 

rs, also made the attempt, but owing to the rapid 

rise of the water, and bis < ipaninns urging him to 

desist from the effort, be returned to the simp as 
Leonard reached the door from above. Here they 
stood for a time, Leonard afraid to lei his boj go, or 
to venture himself, supposing the place thej occupied 
would be the safest. But very quickly they were ad- 
monished by the rising flood and the shaking building 
— some of its pieces which covered the porch on which 

they were standing falling upon and aboul their heads, 
and the hack part of the structure yielding to the force 
of the waters — that their position was one of extreme 
peril. Upon consulting together, and making hasty 
preparation by stripping off their coats and boots, 
they made a plunge into the current, with the hope 
they might reach the Mansion House. Leonard got 
hold of a piece of timber ; this was struck by another 
and put his head under water, but he quickly emerged, 
and as he passed the Mansion House, observing a 
light, he called tor help; if heard at all there, they 
were powerless to assist. Emanuel called also, and 
Leonard thinks from the sound of his voice when op- 
posite the house, they could not have been more than 
six or eight feet apart. He could not see him in the 
darkness, and it was the last he heard of him. His 
body was found on the 6th of the month near the gap, 
his head mangled, it is supposed crushed between the 
floating timber. Yeager, soon after passing the hotel, 
found himself so completely packed in the drift-wood 
that he could not stir band or foot, and in the short in- 
terval that elapsed in his passage from the Mansion 
House to the gas-works, thinks he was stunned by a 
blow from something floating by. At the gas-house, 
not being able to use his limbs, he thought a leg was 
broken, and thus went down through the narrows. 
When about the railroad bridge his arms became re- 
leased, and he was enabled to crawl out of the water on to 
the rubbish, over which he scrambled until he reached 
an empty canal-boat a little below the tavern at Bur- 
lington, upon this he succeeded in getting. We sup- 
pose the accumulated mass of timber surrounding it 
furnished the way. He kept himself on the bind box 
until it reached the island above Weissport, where it 
struck ; here, finding it was filling with water very 
fast, he worked his way to the forward box, which 
he barely reached ere it broke loose from the one he 
left, tin this he was carried down by Weissport, the 
boat taking its course between the canal and the roll- 
ing-mill chimney, and thence through the back part 
of the town. At the lower end of it he passed a house 
afloat, and distinctly heard the voices of its inmates 
in their unavailing cry for help. When opposite 
Parryville, the light from the furnace-stack enabled 



him to sci' his position, and, approaching very near 
the shore, he had some thought of jumping off and 
endeavoring to reach it, but he feared to make the at- 
tempt. Some distance below this place the boat was 

swept so near to the mountain that he was enabled to 
grasp an overhanging limb, by which he succeeded in 
jetting on to the tree. The boat, without striking, 
pursued its way down the stream. 

"Upon descending the tree he found the water at 

its foot to be about knee-deep, from whence he made 
bis way up the mountain-side, where he spent the 
night, lie had vest, shirt, and pantaloons on; his 
coat and hunts had been left in the -Imp. and the rub- 
bish of the river had stripped him of his stockings. 

About daybreak be reached the hou f I Ihristopher 

Bapp, at Parryville, where he was furnished with 
drj clothes and a breakfast, and at once, much against 
the judgment and advice of those he was with, started 
for Mauch Chunk. To get there, a creek whose 
waters were much swollen had to be crossed, but by 
going up it a considerable distance he found a log, 
over which, though covered with a foot or more of 
water, he ventured, getting safely over, and arrived 
opposite the town during the morning. A more wel- 
come bulletin, written upon a piece of iron and held 
up to be read by those on the other side by the aid of 
a glass, announcing his safety, we are inclined to 
think, was never before received by bis distressed 
wife. 

" A sad incident which occurred on the following 
second day (the 9th of the month i after the freshet is 
deserving of record. Elizabeth Ziest, of Tamaqua, 
and Anna Kirschn»r, of Mahoning Valley, were at 
the time of its occurrence living with George Fegley, 
opposite Penn Haven. Owing to the sudden and 
rapid rise of the water it was with much difficulty 
they escaped; it is said a tree assisted one, and the 
other was extricated by her hair. The morning after 
the freshet they were sent by George to a neighbor's, 
some little distance from the river, for shelter until 
be could go to Mauch Chunk and make some ar- 
rangements for them, bis house having been entirely 
washed away. Here they stayed some time, and Eliza- 
beth, in conversation, remarked that she was under 
the impression that she would still be drowned. This 
idea seemed to have taken fast bold of her, though 
endeavors were used to convince her that she only 
fancied so from the effects of the fright she had re- 
ceived ; she nevertheless persisted in the belief that 
she was to lose her life by drowning. After remain- 
ing at the neighbor's house some days they concluded 
they would go to Mauch Chunk and see their em- 
ployer, who had then arrived there, and they would 
endeavor to reach their respective homes that their 
relatives might be advised of their safety. On their 
way they called upon some acquaintances at East 
Mauch Chunk. They arrived at the river in the early 
part of tin- afternoon ; anil after they had taken their 
places in the boat a young man who had joined them 



BOKOCGH OF MAUCH CHINK. 






pushed it from the shore, and then jumped to 
himself, bul the current was so strong thai instead ol 
getting into the boat he onJj succeeded in reaching 
the Btern where the women were sitting, causing il 
instantly to upset, throwing all of its human fi 
in in tin' rapid current. Be and the oarsman by great 
efforts reached the shore, bul the young womi n were 
l<>-t ; the bodj of one was recovered near thi 
pany's schute, and the other lodged for a time on the 
pier of the old bridge opposite the Mansion Bouse, 
and was taken from the river some distance below it, 
This accident, if possible, casl a still deepei gloom 
over the citizens of the town. Six lives, including 
were lost. 

" The borough, alter the retiring of the II I, pre- 

~- ■ 1 1 1 •■< 1 a sorry appearance. Broadway showed its 
effects, ami Susquehanna Street from the 'lam to be- 
low the Mansion House was nearly half swept away. 

together with the wall at the river-side. Below, the 
gas buildings, with its gasometer, were demolished, 
also the wagon load through the narrows for a con- 
siderable portion of its distance, leaving no token in 
places by which il could l"' recognized that a road 

ever existed there ; so completely were earth and - 

removed that a foot passenger had great difficulty in 
getting along, and it could only be accomplished bj 
clinging to the roeks and shrubbery on the side of the 
mountain. The damage to the Lehigh Coal and 
Navigation Company's works at and below Mauch 

Chunk to the Delaware River was wry extensive. 
1 to« D to Alleiitown it was marked by the breaking of 
guard-banks, the destruction of locks and lock-tenders' 
houses, and in a number of places the bed of the canal 

wa- 30 entirely washed awa\ as to leave nil indication 
that it ever existed there. From Alleiitown to Kaston 
the damage was not so great, and required but a 
short time and small outlay to repair it. This part of 
the canal was ready for the passage of boats by the 
25th of the Seventh month. The devastation was so 

great between Mauch Chunk and Alleiitown that it 
involved a heavy outlay of money in lumber, iron, 
and other material-, and the labor of between two 
and three thousand men and five or six hundred 
- and mules for nearly four months before navi- 
gation could he resumed. The tir.-t boat was loaded 
and -farted from Mauch I 'hunk the 29th day of the 
Ninth lie. nth, 1862."' 

The Borough Incorporated.— The town having 

obtained a population of over twenty-five hundred in 
1849, a majority of its voters, deeming that its in- 
terests would be best subserved by self-government, 
petitioned the Court of Quarter Sessions for a charter 
of borough incorporation. Thi- was granted .Ian. 26, 
1 s.'.o. and formally accepted by an election in which 

Charles I •, Skei r, E. « . Barlan, Josiah Bullock, 
Jacob H. Salkeld, Leonard Blakslee, and .1. I;. Tw in- 
■ re elect! d councilmen. I hi j chose E. W. Har- 
lan as burgess at their first meeting, March 11, 1850; 

.lanes I. Blakslee was elected treasurer; Thomas 1.. 



Foster, surveyor ; .1. R. Struthers, borough counsel; 
C. L. Eberle, clerk ; F. C. Kline, high constable ; and 
George Eisner and Owen Williams, street commis- 

i-. 

follow in.: are the name- of the BUCCeSSive bin 
from 1850 to 1SS3: 

il.- E. W. Harlan. 
1852. Jesse K. Pryor. 
1853 I., h. Know] 
L854. -.1. I. Blakslee [February . 
1854. Jacob Gilger March . 
1855 - uel B. I [utchinson. 

1856. E. W. Harlan. 

1857 58. -I. I. Dodson. 
1859.— T. II. Crellin. 
I860.— J. W. Enbody. 

1861. I,. F. ( hapman. 

1862. S. M. I. me. 

1868. A. II. Fatzinger. 
1864-65.— Joshua Bullock. 
1866-77— W. H. Stroh. 
1878.— W. T. King, 
L879, T. R. Crellin. 

1880.— J. S. Keiser. 

1881-82.— Heun Lobien. 

1883.— John Brelsford. 
Upper Mauch Chunk, as it is commonly called, 
constitutes the Second Ward of the borough. It is 
composed almost entirely of residences, which border 
regularly-laid out street- on the level ground more 
than two hundred feet above the lower town. This 
\a-i natural terrace or buttress of Mount Pisgah was 
early recognized as available ground for building, and 
was laid out in 1846. David Pratt was the lir-t set- 
tler there, in the year 1828, and he cultivated a con- 
siderable port ion of the ground now covered by 
houses as late a- 1840. Elliott Lockhart, Philip 
Swank. Nathan Tubbs. Joseph Wevhenmyer, and 
Charle- 1 aga lived there as early as L837, and the 
latter has kepi store since 1856. There are no me- 
chanical industries in Upper Mauch Chunk except 
the car-repair shops ,,t' tile gravity railroad, estab- 
lished in I s 17. 

East Mauch Chunk constitutes a separate borough, 
divided from Mauch Chunk proper by the Lehigh 
River. The locality was known during the early- 
years of lie- -et! lemenl as " Tin Kettle." an appella- 
tion that had some degree of appropriateness from 
the slope of the great hollow surrounded by a colos- 
sal amphitheatre of hills, a few families lived here 
year- before the town was laid out. John Burns took 
up his residence at " The Keltic'' in L824, and John 
Ruddle at a later period. The -pot being a favorable 
one for the location of a town, and affording a large 
tract of comparatively smooth ground, sloping gently 
towards the river, the Coal and Navigation < ' pany 

in 1850 laid out about sixtj acre- in lots, which I 
placed in thi' market, and soon found purcba- 
Tln- ue of which are now worth two thou- 



686 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



aand dollars, originally sold for one hundred dollars 
each. From time to time additions were made to the 
original plat, until at present the town covers nearly 
or quid- two hundred acres. < >ver lour hundred and 
fifty lots have been sold, and upon marly all of them 
improvements have been made. Many of the houses 
arc elegant structures, and nearly all have the ap- 
pearance of comfortable homes. The town is laid out 
on the rectangular plan, with broad streets running 
back from the brow of the hill, and crossed by other 
-treets at regular distances. 

The first merchant of the place was Isaac Butz, 
who, after keeping store about five years, sold out to 
E. Bauer in 18G4. Mr. Bauer is now the oldest mer- 
chant of East Maueh Chunk. Others who have gone 
into business here are Samuel Kennedy, John Dick- 
man, Hooven Brothers, John Muth, and Robert 
Bauchspies. The first public-house, the Centre Hotel, 

was built by Sol n Driesbach, who kept it for 

many years. 

Incorporation. — The town grew rapidly, and by 
1853 it had attained such a population as warranted 
application for its establishment as a separate mu- 
nicipality. In response to the petition of its people 
it was incorporated as the Borough of East Mauch 
Chunk by the Court of Quarter Sessions, Jan. 1, 1854. 
John Ruddle was chosen the first burgess, and Jacob 
S. Wallace, Lucas A-lile\. Thomas L. Foster, David 
Mummey, J. R. Twining, and John Beighe were 
elected as the first council. The names of the bur- 
gesses during the past thirty years cannot be accu- 
rately ascertained from the minute-books, and we 
therefore omit them. The present burgess is E. H. 
Blakslee. 

The East Mauch Chunk Post-Office was estab- 
lished in June, 1870, J. M. Dreisbach being appointed 
postmaster. E. Bauer was bis deputy, and attended 
to the business of the office. 

This borough, although a distinct corporation, is 
practically one with Mauch Chunk proper, and will 
be found so treated in this chapter, its churches and 
schools appearing with those of the older borough. 
It is a town of houses rather than business institu- 
tions, and will doubtless some day rival its neighbor 
in population, though not in wealth or commercial 
activity. 

Educational. — The first school of which any mem-. 
ory is retained was kept in 1821, in a log building 
owned by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. 
It was sustained in part by the company and in part by 
the parents of the few pupils who attended it, a stipu- 
lated price being paid for the tuition of each one. In 
1823 the Coal and Navigation Company built a log 
school house, above the foundry-dam, in which in 
later years the eccentric " Irish schoolmaster," James 
Nowlin, taught. In 1824 a slab house, which was sub- 
sequently lathed and pebble-dashed, was built on the 
spot now occupied by A. W. Butler's residence. This 
was also opened as :i school-house, and so used for 



many years. There were two teachers in Mauch 
Chunk prior to Nowlin'- time, whose names have 

been preserved, and one of them, Margaret Maline 
Brooks Balton Sanders, Beems to be well worth pre- 
serving a- a curiosity. She was a New Jersey lady, 
who came here in 1823 or 1824, and remained per- 
haps ten years, or until alter Nowlin's school had been 

established and the greater number of the children of 
school age attracted to it. Mr*. Jane Teeple also had 
a small school of very young children in the hous< 

where she lived. 

James Nowlin, the " Irish schoolmaster," to whom 
allusion has been made, is said to have been the first 
teacher in the upper school-house, and if that state- 
ment is correct, he must have come here soon after it 
was built, in 1823. In 1829 he announced, in the Lt - 
high Pioneer and Cowrier, that he still remained as 
teacher at the upper school -house. For a short period 
during the early part of his career lie had a rival in 
a Mr. Hunter, who taught at the Slab school-house, 
heretofore mentioned. He taught all of the common 
English branches, and in addition the higher mathe- 
matics, including surveying, and received a tuition- 
fee of $2.50 per quarter from each pupil. Nowlin, 
however, was the most popular teacher, ami outlasted 
Hunter. He had a mixed school of about one hun- 
dred and twenty pupils, which included many who 
have since become prominent in Mauch Chunk or a 
wider field, as R. Q. Butler, a leading public-spirited 
I school-man, who has for the past quarter of a century 
been identified with almost every step in educational 
improvement, Hon. John Leisenring, A. W. Leisen- 
ring, Robert Sayre, S. Roberts, and Rothermel, Penn- 
sylvania's noted artist and the painter of the great 
battle-scene, " Gettysburg." Nowlin taught five and 
a half days in the week, and received $2.50 per quar- 
ter for each of his pupils. He was a good mathema- 
tician, but not equally master of the other branches, 
and was a rigid disciplinarian. The punishments in- 
flicted by him were severe and frequent, the instrument 
used being what he denominated the "taws," a short, 
stocky hickory handle, to which were fastened four 
leather lashes. The unhappy pupil who gave wrong 
answers in class, as well as the one who disobeyed in- 
structions, was sure to receive a stinging blow from 
the "taws" upon the hand, which he was instantly 
obliged to stretch out. The frequency and severity of 
the punishment, which would not be tolerated to-day 
under any circumstances, was never resented then, 
and in spite of his application of the la.sh, Nowlin 
was popular with his scholars. He won their regard 
by his genial ways on the playground and his dex- 
terity in playing ball, at which he could excel any of 
the boys. In 1831 the upper school suffered slightly 
from the withdrawal of pupils of the younger classes 
to attend a school opened by S. Ross, whose wife, Mrs. ' 
A. M. Ross, taught needlework, but Nowlin's fame 
was too great to make the efforts of any rivals danger- 
ous, and he kept on teaching with great success until 



i!<>i;or<;n ok much chunk. 



687 



after the adoption of the common school in !■ 
The poor fellow drifted about, and finally died at the 
Schuylkill County Poor-House. 

The school directors elected in 1884, who assist 
bringing about the adoption of the free-school law in 
the following year, were S. S. Barber, Asa I,. Foster, 
G. W. Smith, William Butler, Sr., Samuel Holland, 
and Merril Abbott. 

After Sbwlin's departure the schools were taught 
by AinosSingley and others, no one of whom retained 
position verj long, until J. II. Siewers, Esq., became 
the teacher, aboul 1841. He was an able, successful, 
and popular instructor, and in ls."i4, in recognition of 
his services, character, and capability, he was elected 
the tirst county superintendent. His labors in the 
Mauch Chunk schools extended through a period of 
about twelve year-, during which he materially ele- 
\ ated their condition and commenced the work of grad- 
ing them. He was succeeded in 1858 by < !harles Bow- 
man, the present principal of the commercial school, 
who cane- from Philadelphia, where he had gained 
considerable experience as an educator. In 1857, 
John W. Horner became the principal teacher, and 
was succeeded by Professor Rice, who, after teaching 
here five years, removed to Paterson, -V J., where he 
subsequently died. He was followed by [>r. Cyrus 
Luce. B. C. Ybungman taught about one year, and 
in 1875, L. H. Barber, who had taught since IsTl' in 
Upper Mauch Chunk, became principal. He resigned 
in 1880, and Lee Hubcr filled the position from that 
time to June. 18S1. In the fall of that year the 
present principal, .1. T. White, was engaged. 

The grading of the schools, which had been com- 
menced by Mr. Siewers, advanced very gradually, and 
in 180", Thomas L. Foster, on retiring from his office 
as county superintendent, reported that there was not 
agraded school in the county, the nearest approach to 
that condition being in the towns and villages. The 
Bystem reached a fair degree of perfection under 
Professor Rice. 

The present school-house (on Broadway) was built 
in 1840, and at that time compared favorably with the 
best in the State, except those of Philadelphia and pos- 
sibly one or two of the other cities. Rupp, in his his- 
tory of Carbon County, says, "One of the finest public 
school-houses to be met with in the State, outside of 
Philadelphia, is found at .Mauch Chunk. Her schools 
are well managed." Sherman Day, in his "Histor- 
ical Collections of Penns] Ivania," wrote, "The people 
of .Mauch Chunk arc remarkable for their industry, 
enterprise, intelligence, and hospitality. A splendid 
edifice erected at Mauch Chunk for school purposes 
will vie with any building of the kind in the Stale." 
And still, alter a lapse of only forty-three years, the 
'splendid edifice" is outgrown, is found to look 
shabby in the midst of the finer modern buildings, 
and is to be razed to the earth to make room for a 
new and larger structure, which will probably deserve 
in this decade as high compliments as the old one re- 



ii the foiiies. The directors have bought the 
lot adjoining the school-house,- the one on which the 
old Presbyterian church stands, and will ei 
spacious buildirj i be mosl recent im- 

provements, which will cover a proper proportion of 
the old and the newly-acquired ground. 

schools ot I pper Maueh ( 'hunk, or the Second 

Ward, are under the same general management a- 
those of the First Ward. The pioneer school ot 
Upper Mauch Chunk was established about 1842. 
For a number of years three buildin 
but in 1 sim they ■■■ nd a large frame building 

I, which afforded accommodation for all o 

school children I bill. In 1883 a 

building was put up for a prim 

The average- enrollment of pupils in the si 
of Mauch Chunk is now about one thousand of 

which the Second Ward has a alight majority. 

East Mauch Chunk Schools.— The first school in 
what is now the borough of East Mauch Chunk was 
established about 1850 in a frame sen . built 

in the w Is, still standing on its original location 

(now the comer of Fourth and North Streets), and 
occupied as a tailor-shop. The first teacher was Mis- 
Ellen Thompson. She was succeeded by Mrs. George 
Barker. Another frame building was erected on the 
same lot in 1856, which is also still standing. In 
1860 a school-house was built on the lower part of 
the present school lot, which was used until the 
ground was required for the erection of the present 
building, when it was sold to C. Frank Walter. It 
is now on the corner of Seventh and North .- 
\ school was also established at the weigb-lock 
in 1850, and a house built there in 1800, which was 
used until the Hood of 1862, after which the present 
brick building was ite. 

The capacity of the old school-house being too lim- 
ited to accommodate all the children, a new school 
building was erected during 1869 and 1^71. This 
new structure is situated on North Street, north of 

Sixth Street. Sel 1 grounds of sufficient size are 

attached to it. The building, which is fifty feet by 
seventy feet, is built of -tone. It contains six room-. 
in which there are as many schools, ami, in addition, 
there is a spacious lecture-room. 

The aggregati si of the edifice was about - 

teen thousand live hundred dollar-. Although the 
public school- were founded in this plaee in 1854, yet 
they were not regularly graded until 1871, when the 
new building was occupied for the first time. Mr. U. 
W. Young was the first principal, and served one 
term, 1871-72. The second term, 1871-72, Mr. Cyrus 
Brubaker was employed as principal. The following 

- served for the term- indicated: Mr. J. L. 
Allen, for term 1872 78; Mr. J. K. Andre. 1873-74; 
Mr. Kind, 1875-76; Mr. C. M. Arnold, 1876 77. 

1-77 7-; Mr.O. llaverly. 1-7- 7:'. 1-7'.' 80; Mr. A. 
S. Miller, 1880-81, 1881-81' Mr. II. \. Eisenhardt, 
1882-83, 1883-84. 



688 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



At present there is an established high school 
course, including :i number of the higher branches, 
All pupils passing a satisfactory examination are 
granted certificates. 

rhe following are the names of the pupils who will 
complete the course this yeai : Miss Emma M. Arner, 
Emma J. Troxell, Philopena Rauchenberger, and 
Maggie M. Rowland, 

St. Mark's Church i Protestant Episcopal).— St. 
Mark's parish, the mother of all the Episcopal 
churches in the Valley <>f the Lehigh, was organized 
Maj 17, 1885, at a meeting held lor the purpose in a 
school-house on Broadway, above Quarry Street, near 
the site of the present residence of Mr. A. W. Butler. 
This meeting was presided over by the Rev. J, H. Bog 
ers, rector of the Trinity Church, Easton. The articles 
of association were signed by Samuel Holland, Dr. B. 

R. Mel 'on nell, William II. Say re. Ami L. Foster, John 

Ruddle, Asa Packer, James Broderiek, William But- 
ler, and J. If. Chapman, At the same meeting the 
following were elected vestrymen: William II. Sayre, 

Asa Packer, S. Holland, J. Ruddle, Dr. McConiiell, 
and A. L. Foster; the lir>t two were elected wardens: 

Lay services, with an occasional service hy a visit- 
ing clergyman, had been held in the school-house 
since the year L829, when Mr. William H. Sa\ re, a 
communicant of the Episcopal Church, came to this 
place from Columbia County. He at once began to 
gather a congregation and to serve as lay-reader. He 
continued his services as lay-reader, vestryman, war- 
den, and Sunday-school superintendent until his re- 
moval to Bethlehem, in the year 1862. Ten years after 
his removal, on the 29th Of May, 1872, he entered the 
rest of paradise. 

The first clerical service was held on Sunday, Nov. 
23, 1834, by the Rev, James May, rector of St. Ste- 
phen's Church, Wilkesbarre. After the parish or- 
ganization was effected, in the year 1835, and until a 
rector was elected, services were held monthly by the 
Rev. James .May, of Wilkesbarre; the Rev. J. H. 
Rogers, of Easton ; the Rev. George C. Drake, of 
Bloomsburg ; and the Rev. .lames DePui, of Potts? 
ville. 

The first baptism in the parish was administered by 
the Rev. .1. H. Rogers, Nov. 8, 1835, and the next daj 
the first Episcopal visitation was held 1 >y the Rfc. Rev. 
Henry U. Onderdonk, D.D., assistant bishop, of Penn- 
sylvania, Oil which occasion live persons received the 
rite of confirmation. The tirsl administration of the 
Holy Communion was by the Rev. James May, on the 
20tb day of March, L836, when six persons partook 
of the blessed sacrament, viz.: William II. Sayre, 

.lames Broderiek, Leonard Blakslee, William Puller, 

Sr., Mrs. Jackson, and Mrs. McQuaid. 

<)n the 19th day of May, 1836, the parish was ad- 
mitted into union with the Diocese of Pennsylvania. 

The Sunday-school was organized Nov. 24, 1839, 
with three teachers and eighteen scholars. Mr. Wil- 
liam II. Sayre was superintendent, and Mr. P. P. 



-me. Mi-- Mary E. Sayre. and Miss Panics were the 

hers. From this -mall beginning has grown the 

vast Sunday-school work of the parish, which, at the 

time of writing this sketi h 1884), includi - tour Sun- 
day -elinuls, with forty teachers and nearly six hundred 

-• holars. 

The first church edifice was begun in 1840, con} 
pleted in 1845, and consecrated July L3, 1862. The 
. dimensions of the building-were: outside length, fifty- 
five feel ; breadth, thirty-eight feet; height of walls, 
twenty-three feet; tower in front, sixteen feet square; 
and vestry-room in the rear, eight by sixteen feet. 
This was taken down, and the present building com- 
menced in 1867. Plans for the new church were I'ur- 

nished by Mr. Upjohn, of New York ; the corner-stone 

was laid by Bishop Stevens, Sept. 21, 1MI7 ; and the 

consecration was held bj tin- same bishop Nov. 25, 
1869. The plans were drawn with special reference 
to the surrounding scenery. The structure, which i- 

■ of the most beautiful and imposing in this coun- 
try, is of a gray sandstone, witli brownstone trim- 
mings, and stands on a roek-tcrrace cut in the side id' 
the mountain. The main entrance is reached by 
forty-threc stone steps, in three flights, covered by an 
ornamental Gothic porch. Thewoodwork is of black 
walnut, the floors of Minton tiles, and the windows 

; are of richly-ornamented stained-glass, with appro- 
priate designs of a memorial character. The ground- 
plan is the Latin cross. Length, ninety-six feet; 

; width across transepts, seventy-five feet; height of 
nave-roof, fifty-seven feet ; height ■>! spire, one hun- 
dred and thirty-five feet. 

In a recess on the south of the chancel there is a 
very fine organ, built by Jardine & Sons, of New 
York. It has twenty-eight stops, two manuals, with 
reverse action, and is arranged for a chancel choir. 

The interior decorations in polychrome were de- 
signed hy E. J. N. Stent, of New York, and are 
exceedingly rich and beautiful. The character of the 
coloring in the body of the church was chosen prin- 
cipally with reference to the non-absorption of light. 
The ceiling-panels have as a ground-work a cool 
greenish gray lint, pleasant and resting to the eye, and 

, are ornamented with sprigs of conventional foliage, 
painted in properly contrasting colors, arranged sym- 
metrically over the surface, while the massive roof 
limbers which separate these panels are painted very 
dark green, almost black, relieved with bands and 
mouldings of gold, which harmonize pleasantly with 

| the broad borders of peacock-blue which separate 

these limbers from the surface of the ceiling. The 

walls of both nave and transepts are treated in the 

one manner, fust a. broad, highly-decorated border 

Over the wainscot, followed by a hand of.dull red. 

which occupies perhaps one-third of the wall surface. 

Above this, reaching to the cornice, comes a delicate 
sage tint, separated from the red by a floriated border, 
composed principally as to color of various shades of 
dull green anil russet, very effective and artistic in 



HOIK >!'<;. I ()F M Mill CHUNK 






treatment, and combining admirably with the other 
colors. The paneled cornice is quit rately 

treati d, I he principal - nted with 

the marigold, a Bower holding _ valued place in 
Christian arl symbolism. The richest decoration i- 
in die chancel, when crimson, blue, and gold are 
wrought into an elaborate symbolism, each teaching 
its own special lesson of Christian doctrine, and the 
whole forming an appropriate setting for the crown- 
ing feature of the edifice, tin- Packer memorial altar 
andi I'll i ~ beautiful work of arl was erected bj 

the t'amily of the lafc 1 1 Packer, who was one 

of the founders, for fori irs .1 vestryman, and 

lor twenty-four years one of the wardens of St. Mark's. 

The memorial is built against the east end of the 
chancel, extending nearly across it- whole width and 
rising to a height of twenty-three feet from the Moor. 

The altar 1- ol highly polished statuarj marble, 
ing on sti ps of veim I >J one 

slab, with inlaid Maltese crosses of dark Sienna mar- 
ble in the centre and corner, and surrounded with a 
rich heavy moulding. It is supported by four col- 
umns in front, the shafts of which are of dark sienna 
marble, with bases and caps of statuary marble carved 
in natural foliage. 1 )n the front of the altar, between 
the columns, are three circular panel- elaborately 
carved. The centre panels contain a crown of thorn- 
thrown over a '.reek cross, which is terminated with 
the symbol- of the four Evangelists. The right-hand 
panel contains the Chi Rho, and the left the Alpha 
and Omega, each in monogram and enriched with 
delicately carved grapes, wheat, and leaf-work. 

On the face of the super-altar, in three sunken 
panels, i- cut tie 

The reredo* i- built of Caen stone, elaborately 
worked, in the middle pointed style of architecture. 
In general arrangement it is composed vertically of 
three bay-, divided bj heavy buttresses. The bays 
are again divided horizontally at the level of the 
super-altar by a line of inscription, below which, on 
the side bays, are three enriched panels containing 
deeply carved Lunelle- of wheat, grapes, passion- 
flowers and lilies, and a part of the inscription in 
raised ribbon-work. 

Above the line of inscription ami forming the prin- 
cipal features of the structure are three group- of 
figures representing scenes from Holy Scripture. The 
figures are carved in high relief, about three-fourths 
life-size. The centre and most prominent group, 
rising above the altar, contains eleven figures in vari- 
011- attitude.-, representing the scene on Mount 1 Hivet 
at the ascension of our Lord — Acts i. 9. 

On each side of this main group are post-resurrec- 
tion scenes; on the right, the garden scene on the 
morning of the resurrection, representing the appear- 
ance of our Lord to Mary — John si. 1".-17; and on 
the left, the appearance to the disciples on the evening 
of the resurrection— John \x. 19-23; in this group 
there are seven figures. 
44 



In the main gable, above the ascension scene, in 
a diapered niche, i- a sitting figure of our Lord in 

majesty. Hi- left hand hold- a gh.be surmounted 

witli a cross, and hi- right hand 1 in 

The base of the niche i- supported by an 
angel corbel. Below the majesty, on two spandrels, 
are angel- in adoration ensersj and ah 

the figure, in the top Bpandrel of tl ...up 

"i" seraphim illustrative of th 
I o lie. Cherubim and Seraphim continually do 

er\ ." 

1 >n the laces of the tour buttri 
up from the floor to the li vel of the super-altar, 
minatingwith foliated capitals. On these, and under 
elaborately wrought and gal. led canop 
with animal heads, stand figure- of the tour evan- 
gelists, each holding a book in the attitude of decla- 
mation. I'hes. li-iir.-: are three feet ai 
high. 

Between these buttresses, over the upper lh f the 

inscription on each side of the main group, is a beau- 
tiful cornice richly carved in wheat, vine, and fruit- 
work, and capped with battlements. 

The buttressi - are gabled at the top and terminate 
with . 'rocketed pinnacles. These support lour angels 

playing upon musical instruments, representative of 

the heavenly host. These angels are nearly four feet 
high. 

The central gable i- finished with a cornice of richly 
carved leaf-work, presenting one of the most pleasing 

features of the structure. The whole is surm.. tinted 
with a plain cross resting upon a foliated 

The inscription, carved upon an embossed ribbon- 
scroll, and in mediaeval raised letters, is arranged in 
six section- in the two side hays, and reads as follows : 

"To thai I, and in Memory of Asa Packer, Born Decern. 

xxix, Bffdoc. v. Died May wii, M.iccclxxix. 
This K.r.-.loswas erected bj hie Wife, Sarah 51. Pucker, an. 1 l>j 

-i.rvivii._- Children, Mary II., Robert A . and Harry K. Pack 

In the year 1858, Eudolphus Kent, Esq., of Philadel- 
phia, presented to the parish a bell weighing eleven 
hundred and sixteen pounds, made by J. Bernhard, 
Philadelphia. This bell was cracked on the Fourth 
of July, 1876, and -old to the Troy Bell Foundry 
in exchange for the chime now in us. . A portion 
of the hell was made into small hand-bells, and sold 
as relic-. In the tower of the church there is now 
a chime of nine bells, weighing nine thousand 

hundred and forty-two pounds, keyed on E flat. The 

weight ol' eai b bell, and the inscriptions lh. reoi 
a.s follows : 

l-t, 2489 lb.-.. " Presented bj Asa Packer." 

2d, L613 lbs., " Presented by Char 0. Ski er." 
3d, I 151 II.-.. "Presented by G. B. Linderman." 

1th, lor.:; 11,-., " In the -Nam. .,! the Father, and of 

the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. In memory 

of William lleysham Sayre, one of the founders, and 
for twenty year- a warden of St. Mark'- Parish : also of 
his wife Elizabeth Kent Sayre; and of their children 






HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. I'KNNSYLVANIA. 



and children's children, who sleep in Christ. A tribute 
of affection from Robert H.Sayre, A..D. 1876." 

5th, 827 lbs., "Presented bj James I. Blakslee." 

6th, 626 lbs., "Holy Innocent's bell. Presented 
by the Sunday-school in memorj of the children of 
the Parish whom Jesus has called to his arms: 'They 
are without fault before the throne of < rod.' " 

7th, 610 lbs., "In memoriam. It. W. Packer, one 
nl the original vestrymen of St. Mark's Church." 

8th, 549 His., " Presented by the congregation to 
replace the first bell used in this Parish, given by 
Rudolphus Kent." 

9th, 111 lbs., "Presented by A. W. Butler, and 
family, A.l>. L876." 

The parish building, adjoining the church, and one 
of the most complete buildings of the kind in this 
country, was built as a memorial to the late Hon. Asa 
Packer, by his widow, Mrs. Sarah M. Packer, and 
named the "Sarah M. Packer Memorial Parish Build- 
ing of St. Mark's Church." In material and general 
style of architecture it corresponds with the church, 
except the interior finish, which is of white and yellow 
pine, and in what is known as the " Queen Anne" style 
of architecture. It is about one hundred feet in length, 
forty feet in breadth, and three stories in height. On 
the first, floor there is a chantry for week-day and 
holy-day services, fitted up completely as a miniature 
church, with altar, reredos, chancel furniture, organ, 
ami chairs upholstered in crimson plush velvet, with 
bat-rack, book-rack, and kneeling-benches attached. 
The walls are richly decorated in polychrome. The 
ceilings are finished in carved oak, and the floor set 
with Minton tiles. On the second floor there is a 
room for storage, and a choir and toilet-room. On 
the third floor, on a level with the entrance to the 
church, there is a Sunday-school room, divided by 
glass partitions into four rooms, which can be thrown 
into one, furnished with maps, blackboards, organ, 
and with the most approved style of seats made of ash 
and cherry. A gallery runs across the east end of the 
room, and a convenient room for the library opens out 
of the main vestibule. The entire building was fur- 
nished by Miss Mary H. Packer, who also provides a 
permanent library for the Sunday-school. 

The west end of the building is arranged for a sex- 
ton's residence, containing nine rooms, and connect- 
ing on two floors with the parish building and church. 

The building and furniture were formally presented 
to the parish, at a service specially adapted to the 
occasion, alter evening prayers, on Saturday, June 3, 
1882. The presentation was made by R. A. Packer, 
Esq., and after the acceptance and an address by 
the rector, the Rev. Marcus A. Tolman, addresses 
were made by Mr. A. W. Butler and Mr. T. L. Foster. 

In May, 1883, the great want of a town clock was 
met by the novel service of connecting the chime 
with the Lehigh Vallej Railroad oflice clock, from 
which the hours could he struck by electricity. The 
machine and attachments for the purpose were in- 



vented by Mr. .lame- FJamblet, of New York, and the 

works were constructed alter his designs h\ the Seth 

Thomas Clock Company, of Connecticut. This was 

the first apparatus ever devised lor striking the hours 
from a distant clock. 

In the autumn of 1SS3 the wooden pulpit and lee- 
tern which were placed in the church when it was 
built were removed for the purpose of making room 

lor two beautiful works of ecclesiastical art, presented 
by Mr. Harry P.. and Miss Mary II. Packer, as memo- 
rials to their mother and brother. 

The pulpit is octagonal in shape, and made of pol- 
ished brass and gray Champlain marble. From a 
large Stone base ri>os : i central shaft of marble with a 
richly-carved capital, and six brass columns with foli- 
ated capitals, which combine to support the marble 
floor of the pulpit. The pulpit proper is formed by 
polished brass shafts connected by richly-wrought 
panels of tracery, and surmounted bj an oak top- 
moulding. In the central panel there is wrought 
in repousse the winged lion as the symbol of St. 
Mark. Above this rises the manuscript desk resting 
on a universal joint, and a hooded light, arranged 
to protect the eyes of speaker and congregation. The 
pulpit stands on the floor of the nave, and is entered 
from the choir by a brass staircase. The memorial 
inscription reads as follows: 

"To the glory of God, and in memory of Robert A-a Packei bol p 
Nov. 19, 1842 ; died Feb. 20, lSvS.i ; presented by liia Bister, Mary II., and 
by his brother, Harry E. Packer " 

The lectern is a massive piece of work, eagle pat- 
tern, of richly-chased, polished brass. The base is 
in the form of a Greek cross, and rests on four lions, 
symbolizing strength, fortitude, and the resurrection. 
From this base spring buttressed brackets, which 
strengthen the cluster columns surrounding the shaft. 
These columns support the central post, on which are 
handsomely chased the four evangelical symbols. 
Above these are four angels, in standing position, 
holding scrolls with the names of the evangelists, 
and acting as supporters to the central shaft. The 
shaft terminates in a richly-carved capital, upon 
which, just below the crown, is engraved the inscrip- 
tion. The lectern is surmounted by a finely-chased 
eagle, — the bird of inspiration, — which, with out- 
stretched wings, supports the Holy Bible. The 
whole rests upon a polished marble base, which raises 
it from the floor sufficiently to give dignity to the 
work, and causes it to appear to good advantage. The 
inscription reads as follows : 

"To ttie glory of God, and in memory of Sarah .M. Packer, \.i>. L883, 

I March 12, 1807; died Nov. 17, 1882; the gift of tier children, 

Mary II. and Harry E. Packer." 

These memorials were set apart for their sacred use 
by a special form of service on All-Saints' day, 1883, 
by the Right Rev. II. P. Whipple, D.D., Bishop of 
Minnesota, assisted by the rector of the parish. 

Up to the present time the parish has been served 
by six rectors only. The Rev. Richard F. Burnham 



BOROUGH OF MADCE CHUNK. 



691 



was rector from January, 1889, to February, 1840; 
the Rev. Peter Russell, from June 2, L844, to 1855; 
the Rev. Hurlej Baldy, from Oct. l, 1857, to Oct. 1. 
1860; the Rev. Edward M. Pecke, from Oct. 1, I860, 
to .Inly. 1866; the Rev. Leighton Coleman, S.T.D., 
from Dec. 2, 1866, to April, 1874 ; and the Rev. Mar- 
cus Allien Tolman, the present incumbent, from Aug. 
1. 1874, 

Parochial M Dui d the rectorship of the 

Rev. Peter Russell mission services began to be held 
in the borough of East Mauch Chunk. 

On Friday, Aug. 16, 1867, the Righl Rev. William 
l.acMii si, -m ns. 1 >. 1 1 , l'.i-ln,|> .if Pennsylvania, laid 
the corner-stone of a chapel which was completed i • i 
tin- year 1875, and on the 23d day of September was 
consecrated under the name of St. John's Chapel by 
the Righl Rev. M. A. De Wolfe How,-, D.D., Bishop 
of Centra] Pennsylvania. For several years a flour- 
ishing Sunday-school Has been held in connection 
with tliis chapel. 

At Hackelbirnie village occasional services have 
been held by the parish clergy lor several years, and 
a Sunday-school was organized in the year 1875. 

\t Nesquehoning services were held on Sunday 

noons for several year-, but owing to the eli 

in the population this mission was abandoned. 

At Qpper Mamh Chunk a mission has been re- 
cently organized with very encouraging success. 

This parish has always taken an active |>art in dio- 
cesan affairs, and shown a lively interest in the gen- 
eral work of the church. 

It has been blessed with a hand of earnest lay 
helpers, male ami female, from the beginning, and to 
them — ever ready to give time, labor, and money for 
every department of the work — are largely due the 

it and growing prosperity and influence ol 
Mark's ( 'liurch. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— The first Meth- 
odist sermon in this place was preached in 1827 by 
the Kev. William Coder, a local preacher, at his own 
house, near where the weigh-lock now is. The tir-t 
class was organized there, anil Mr. Coder was ap- 
pointed leader. The class consisted of twelve per- 
sons, among whom were Henry Coder and wife, Wil- 
liam Coder and wife, and Isaac Allison ami ■ 
Soon after ihe organization of the el hool- 

house which stood in the ravine above the town was 
ted as the place for holding meetings. Subse- 
quently a room was rented and fitted up in the 
Second story of a frame building on the main stl 
on the site of Alexander Bo dence. In the 

fall of the year 1828 Mauch (hunk was visited by 
I;, \ Joseph Chattel], of the Philadelphia Confen 

j who organized the church and received it a- oni 
the appointments of Lehigh Circuit, a six-weeks' cir- 

I cuit embracing all the territory lying between the 

1 Delaware River and Broad Mountain, stretching from 
Stroudsburg on the east to Pottsville on the v. 
The three preachers appointed to this circuit in 1829 



were Kev-. Jacob Sevener, T. Gould, and Joseph 
ttell. In the Lehigh Circuit was di- 

vided, some of the appointment- in it- northwestern 
part being transferred to the Baltimore Confen 
and thus leaving a four- weeks' circuit, to whii 

Thomas Millard and .lame- V. Potta were appointed. 

During this year William and Henrj Coder removed 
to Port Carbon. The Conference of is;;] furmed 
Mauch Chunk and Port Carbon int., a cir- 

cuit called Port Carbon Mission, with R Joseph 

Chattel! as pastor. lie held the lir-t protracted mi 

ing and the first love-feast known in Mauch chunk. 
A revival this year increased the membership of the 
church to forty. At the Philadelphia i of 

1832 the mi — ion wa- given the name of Mauch 
Chunk, and Rev. Abraham K. Street wa- appointed 
pastor. During his administration a I wor- 

ship was erected and dedicated b) orge 

Banghart, presiding elder of the North Philadelphia 
District. The church was a frame building, and lo- 
cated on the main street, near the lower end of town, 
wdiere the Albright residence now i-. The tru 
were Jonathan Fincher, Joseph Butler, William But- 
ler, Jesse K. Pryor, and Thomas Patterson. The 
builder was Jesse K. Pryor. In 1834, I well 

Andrew was appointed pastor of the mission. In 

1835 the mission was left to be supplied, and Joseph 
P.utler and Jonathan Fincher, with the help of the 
leaders, kept up the meetings with regularity. 

Rev. John L. Taft was appointed pastor in 1836. 
The following year the Conference annexed Mauch 
Chunk to Stroudsburg Circuit, with Kev. Jonathan 
I lavidson as pastor, aud Rev. .lame- \ eiil a- assistant 
pastor. One year later Mauch Chunk was made a 
-•at ion, aud Rev. Christopher J. Crouch was appointed 
pastor. He labored two year-, ami was followed, in 

is in, by Rev. William II. Elliott At thecloseofhis 
services, he reported seventy-three member-. Revs. 
William H. Met lombs and James Y. Ashton were ap- 

rited to the charge in 1841, with Tamaqua and 
Clinton as additional preaching-places. Kev. John 
A. Boyle was appointed pastor in 1842, and at the 
close ol' his labors reported two hundred mem 
there having been a lai ion by reason of a 

revival. In 1848 Tamaqua bi separate charge, 

and Kev. Ihnn F. Gilroy wa- appointed pa-ior at 
Mauch Chunk, with Rev. Henry K. Calloway as a-- 

ut. During this j ear the congregation purchj 
.i lol adjoining the school-house on Broadway for six 
huh' us from John Ruddle, and a new church 

edifice of brick, forty-four by sixty feet, was erected 

upon it. but not completed. In 1844, while Rev. Dallas 
D. Love was officiating a- pastor, the audience 

was completed and the chui ed, Kev. J. Noil] 

preachii -non. and Rev. Thomas Bowman and 

Rev. 1.. M. Conser, of the Baltimore Con fe rem 
>i-tiie_r in tie services. The trustees were Jonathan 
Fincher, Jesse K. Pryor, Thomas Patterson, Jr., Jo- 
seph P.utler, William Butler, Conrad Miller, Samuel 



692 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



I.. Richards, and Ira Cortright, and the contractors 
were Mr. Pryor and R. Blay. The building 

mittee consisted of Mr. Pryor, E, W. Harlan, C 1 

Miller, A. Lockhart, George Fegley, Thomas Pat- 
terson. 

Prom iiii~ time on, for twenty year-, the pa 
with their dates of sen ice, were as follows: 1845, Rev. 
William Bishop; 1846, Rev. John W. Met 
1847 18, Rev. Newton Heston; 1849, Rev. Henry 
Sutton; 1850, Rev. Thomas C. Murphy; 1852, Rev. 
William I.. Boswell; 1858 54, Rev. John B. McCul- 
lough, with Rev. Samuel W. Kurtz as colleague; 

1855 Revs. Daniel L. Patterson and Levi B.Hughes; 

1856 57, Rev. Elijah Miller; L858 59, Rev. W 

Mi ;on; I860, Rev. Benjamin F. Price; 1861 62, Rev. 
George W. McLaughlin; 1863-64, Rev. James Cun- 
ningham. The basement of the church had been 
finished in L847, under the administration of Kev. 
Newton Heston, and the old debt discharged in 1853, 
while Mr. McCullougb was pastor; and during the 
pastorate of Mr. Cunningham, the last gentleman 
mentioned in our list, a three-story brick building on 
the north side of Broadway was purchased for a par- 
sonage, al a eost of eighteen hundred dollars. This 
was improved during the term of Rev. George Hea- 
cock, wdio came in 1865, al a cost of nearly one thou- 
sand dollars. Mr. Heacock served for three years, 
and was followed in ] SlJ.S hy Kev. Janus E. .Meredith, 
who had as an assistant Rev. Charles W. Bickley, a 
new church having been organized in East Mauch 
('hunk through the influence of Gen. Charles Al- 
bright. Kev. William Mullen was pastor in 1869, 
and Rev. John F. Crouch in 1870-71. During the 
first year of his services the public school-house in 
Tipper Mauch Chunk was purchased for Sunday- 
school and church purposes, at a cost of four hundred 
and fifty dollars, and in 1871 an addition was built to 
the parsonage, at a eost of twelve hundred dollars. 
In 1872, Rev. Noble Frame was appointed pastor. 
Through his exertions and the hearty co-operation of 
the members and friends of the church, the present 
church edifice was built. The corner-stone was laid 
on Sunday, Aug. 24, 1873, with appropriate cere- 
monies, by the Rev. George Crooks, D.D., of New 
York, assisted by the Revs. Goldsmith D. Carrovv, 
John K. Boyle, and the pastor. The lecture-room 
was dedicated in March, 1.S74, Rev. J. Neill preach- 
ing the morning sermon, and Kev. J. II. Vincent the 
sermon at night. At the Conference of 1874, Rev. 
Alexander M. Higgins was appointed pastor, and 
during his two years' service the debt was discharged, 
and the sum of three thousand dollars collected to 
continue the work of furnishing the building. In 
March, 1876, Rev. B. F. Vincent became pastor, and 
continued until March, 1879. During his pastorate 
the church wa~ completed, and dedicated by Bishop 
Simpson. In March, L879, Kev. T. M. Griffith be- 
came pastor, and served the church until March, 1881, 
\li. ii Rev. E. II. 1 1 oilman was appointed. After six 



months' service his health failed, and be was suc- 
ceeded by Kev. L. B. Hoffman, the present incum- 
bent. 

I be church now has a membership of two hundred 
and twenty live, and supports three Sunday-schools, 
— the first organized in 1831 or the following year, — 
which have an aggregate attendance of five hundred 

scholars. 

Methodist Episcopal Church (East Mauch 
Chunk).— In 1868 the Mauch chunk Methodist 
Church deemed it prudent to build a mission church 
in Fast Mauch Chunk, and after gaining the consent 

of Bishop Janes, D.D., this was accordingly done. 
The presiding elder, Kev. 1 >. Castle, entered heartily 

in the work, and appointed Charles Bickley pastor. 
Gen. Charles Albright and R. Q. Butler purchased 

the lot now in possession and built the chapel in 
which the congregation -till worship; the friends of 
the church aiding to the extern of their ability. The 
church records give honorable mention of Messrs. 
Pitcairn, Beers, Boyle, Lacier, Stroh, Butler, Schlemm- 
bach, ( 'oriright. Bartolette, Tombler, and others. The 
lot is fifty by two hundred feet, and cost eight hundred 
and fifty dollars ; the building, t wenty-l'our by thirty- 
six feet, cost sixteen hundred dollars. 

The first sermon was preached by the pastor on the 
first Sunday evening in November, from Exodus xxix. 
43. During the winter fifty professed a change of 
heart, forty of whom joined the church on probation. 
On the second Sunday in November eighteen persons 
joined by transfer. Three classes were immediately 
formed, — H. Pitcairn. J. Keterline. and A. R. Beers 
were appointed leaders. 

The Sunday-school was most encouraging, the 
scholars filling the house to its utmost capacity. 

A large and beautiful library was immediately pur- 
chased for the school. It being impossible to secure 
the services of Bishop Janes earlier, the church was 
not formally dedicated until December 16th. The 
sermons of the day preached by the bishop were 
from John i. 14, morning; evening, Rom. xii. 1. 
The dedicatory services were held in the evening 
according to the ritual of the church. 

The pastor, in closing the year, remarks, " It has 
been one of gracious visitation. God has blessed his 
people specially, and in leaving this field of labor for 
another place in the Master's vineyard, let me leave 
it with my best wishes and earnest prayers for the 
tender vine planted. May it grow, bloom, flourish, 
and bear fruit to the glory of our precious Saviour's 
grace." 

In the Spring of 1869, Kev. John R. Baily was sent 
as pastor by the presiding bishop, and served the 
church faithfully one year. In 1870, Kev. S. H. Hoover 
took charge, and served the church two years. In 
1872, Rev. E. II. Hoffman was sent, and in 1873, Rev. 
A. L. Urban was the chosen pastor, who, after two 
years of service, gave place to Rev. D. M. Young, 
who served the church three years. During his pas- 




6si^(y)©iH ©omkik, pa. 



BOROUGH OF MAUCH CHUNK. 



693 



torate mi addition was built to the church, al a •■ 
of seven hundred dollars, to be used as an infant- 
room. In the Bpring of 1878, Rev. James Sampson 
was sent, and served the church one year, giving 
place the coming spring to William K. McNeal, who 

Served the church three years. In the spring of KS82, 
Rev. G. Heed was sent, who served the church -i \ 

months, a1 the expiration of which time he was sent 
to a larger field of labor, and the vacancy thus made 
was filled by Rev. Robert A. Sadlier, who finished up 
the balance of the year. In 1883, Rev. R. D. Nay] or, 
the present incumbent, was sent. The eh inch at pres- 
ent is in a flourishing condition, having fifty-four 
members and a Sunday-school numbering one hun- 
dred and fifty-two. Preparations are being made to 
build a new church to lake ihe place 6f the chapel, 
which has become too small and unfit for service. 

Presbyterian Church.— In October, 1833, D. R. 
McConnell, John Huddle, Asa L. Foster, .1. Broder- 
ick. N. Patterson, E. W. Kimball, and Daniel Bertsch 
were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions 
for building a Presbyterian meeting-house. The 
measure was not carried out until several vears, and 
in the mean time, in 1835, Rev. Richard Webster, 
who was located at Easton, and engaged in mission- 
ary work far and near, began preaching here once a 
month. On the 1st of November, 1835, the church 
society was organized. The committee appointed by 
the Presbytery of Newton to effect that result con- 
sisted of Rev. Dr. Gray, Dr. Caudee, Dr. David X. 
Junkin, with Thomas McKeen, a ruling elder of the 
church at Easton, but Dr. .fuiikin was the only one of 
the original committee present, the place of Thomas 
McKeen being taken by Enoch Green, a ruling elder 
of the same church. On the Sunday of Ihe organi- 
sation twenty-four, persons were received into mem- 
bership and baptized. The first ruling elders of the 
church were John Simpson, James Bigger, and 
George W. Smith. The first meetings of the church 
and congregation were held in the Methodist meet- 
ing-house. Soon after the formation of the church 
Steps were taken to secure the erection of a perma- 
nent place of worship, anil in the summer of 1836 a 
contract for building was entered into with .lesse K. 
Pryor. The church then erected, the stone -tincture 
standing at this writing by the school-house, but 
shortly to be demolished; was dedicated in February., 
1837. By the year I860 the church had increased to 
such all extent that a new edilice was needed. In 
September, l.s.Vi, five years alter the first agitation of 
the subject, the corner-stone of the present church 
was laid. Addresses were made by the pastor, Rev. 

.Mr. Webster, Rev. Mr. (Hen, of Tannnpia, and Rev. 
Thomas p. Hunt, of Wyoming. On duly 20, [856, 
or less than one year after the laying of the corner- 
stone, the basement of the building was finished and 
occupied for public worship. On the first Sunday, 
Rev. Thomas E. Vermilye, id' the Collegiate Reformed 
Dutch Church of New York City, preached both 



i 'niiiL: and evening. The coi m held Its 

meetings in the basement for nearly three years, or 

until June 26, 1859, when the new church was for- 
mally dedicated, the prayer being made h\ , 
IS i'. Iluiil, of Wyoming, anil the sermon 

preached bj Dr. D. \. Junkin. In the evening the 
sermon was preached by the It' 

of Philadelphia. 

The first pa-loiate, thai of Rev. Richard W. l.-tei, 
was begun in July, 1837, and terminated in .lime. 

1856, after most valuable services, extending through 

a period of nineteen year-. The installation - 

was preached by Rev. Mr. Irwin, of Allen town-hip. 
The second pastorate, that of Rev. .1. AspinwaU 

Hodge, began in April, 1857, and closed in April, 
1865: For almost a year after tin' close of Mr. 
- labors the pulpit was supplied by the I:. V. 
Charles .1. Collins. ofWilkesbarre. On Nov. 1. 1866, 
Rev. Jacob Bcleville was installed as pastor, and re- 
mained in that relation until April. 1873. He was 
succeeded bj Rev. lid-ale Ferrier, who still sustains 
the relation of pastor, though prevented by ill health 
from performing the active duties of hi- oilier. 

Evangelical Church.— This church, located in 

Upper Mauell Chunk, had its origin in a class organ- 
ized in I.S.V), which held its meetings in ihe Methodist 

Episcopal Chapel. The original members were Charles 

Faga, Fred. Klase, William Miinisnn. William /oil, 
Charles Kreiger, .1. Nea-l, and Matilda Kreinerth. 
•The present church edifice was built in 1869, while 
Rev: Moses Dissinger was pa-tor, at a cos! of four 

thousand dollar-. Ihe sui if clergymen has 

been a- follows: 1857, Rev. < !. Myers; 1858, .1. 
Koehl; 1859, A. Shultz; 1860-61, J. Specht; 186$ 
S. G. Rhoads; 1863 64, I . B. Fliehr; 1865* .1. Zernj 
L866, .I.C. Bluhm; 1867, G: Knew- and .1. Steltzer; 
1868, li. .1. Smoyer and A. Kindt; L869, M. Dissm- 
g,r; 1870-71, A. Ziegenfus; 1872 75, I'.. F. Bohhe 
and D. A. Medlar; 1875, John Koehl; C876 77.1.W. 
Ycakel; L878, J.Seifrit; 1879, H. D. Shultz; 
82, D. S. Stautfer; 1883, H. R. Vo-t , present pa-ton. 
The church is now in a prosperous condition; and has 
a membership of one hundred and four. The Sunday- 
school is attended by two hundred and fifty children. 

This charge was formerly annexed to < larbon Circuit, 

and i- now called Maueh Chunk Mi — ion of the East 

Penn Conference of the Evangelical Association. The 

pastor preaches in German in the rning, and the 

i . aing ai n ices an iii English. 
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.'— In 

1857, Rev. F- A. Bauer, serving seven 

in Carbon C itiy, assui 1 the pastoral care of the 

Lutherans of Mauell Chunk, and organized St. John's 
Lutheran congregation. In the following year the 
congregation was incoi porated, and purchased the 
stone church previouslj used bj the First Presbytia* 
rian congregation 1 . The following persons conStU 



i By the pastor, I: r. I.. Llndenrttnth. 



till I 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA 



tuted the church council at the time of organization : 
Loew, Carl Schnebel, Fr. Ballas, elders; G. 
Sibbach, ' '. Kurtz, John Spohn, deacons. The mi in- 
jur of communicants at the first communion sen 
held May 3, 1857, was i liiri y-t wo ; a year later the 
number of communicants bad increased to -ixty- 
seven. During the fifteen years of the pastoral labors 
of Rev. E. A. Bauer, the congregation enjoyed a 
steady growth. Various improvements were made to 
the church property. A Sunday-school wax also or- 
ganized, the teachers being elected annually by the 
jregation. In the spring of L872, Rev. Bauer, 
having accepted a call to Hazleton, Pa., resigned 
his charge in Carbon County. The congregation at 

Mauch Chunk, feeling itself strong enough to support 

its own pastor, elected Rev. G. A. Struntz. It was 
tinder Rev. Struntz that the congregation reached its 
greatest numerical strength. In 187t> the pa-tor re- 
ported six hundred and twenty confirmed members, 
sixty-three infant baptisms, and twenty-three received 
by confirmation. Four hundred and forty persons 

C muned during the year. The number of scholars 

in the Sunday-school was one hundred and ninety; 
the number of teachers, fifteen. 

In 1878 the congregation built a parsonage in Upper 
Mauch Chunk, where several lots had previously been 
purchased. The question of erecting a more suitable 
and convenient church in Upper Mauch Chunk, where 
the majority of the members resided, was considered 
in the same year, and it was resolved to sell the prop- 
erty in Lower Mauch Chunk as soon as a favorable 
opportunity presented itself. From May to August, 
1875, during the absence of the pastor, Rev. F. T. 
Hennike supplied the congregation. In the spring 
of 187ti, Rev. G. A. Struntz resigned his pastorate, 
and Rev. W. Wackernagel was elected his successor. 

Though its membership was considerably dimin- 
ished by the removal of members, and from other 
causes, the congregation, with the beginning of the 
pastoral labors of Rev. Wackernagel, entered upon a 
new career of prosperous activity. The question of 
securing a more suitable place of worship was now 
finally decided. It was resolved to build a new 
church in Upper Mauch Chunk, and to finish the 
basement as soon as possible, so that divine service 
could be conducted there. 

The following were appointed a building commit- 
tee : J. Wamke, II. Ilaak, F. Miiller, C. Waruke, H. 
Waruke, Fr. Grimm, A. Brumm, C. Friindt, E. Leist, 

I. Conies. 

More attention was also paid to the Sunday-school, 
which numbered about two hundred and fifty scholars 
and fiftj teachers. A young people's association was 
organized, called " Martin Luther Society." The com- 
pletion of the new edifice in Upper Mauch Chunk was 
vigorously pushed forward. The lower rooms were 
consecrated in the fall of 1877, and used by the con- 
gregation at its services and by the Sunday-school at 
it- sessions. In view of the " hard times," the congre- 



gation was not inclined to assu the additional ex- 

! finishing the Upper rooms, but the desire to 
have these al80 I tpleted induced a number Of mem- 
bers and friend- of the congregation to act liberally 
and have the work completed at their own expense. 

i Ine member paid for all the furniture of the chancel, 

baptismal font, lectern, pulpit, altar, chairs, railing, 

etc. A number of members paid for the painting of 
the wall in fresco, etc. The bell is the gift of one 

man. Among those to whose liberal aid the rapid 
completion of the church was largely owing are 1 [enry 
and Joachim Waruke, Henry Fellgut, John Miller, 

John Faga, Mrs. SchultZ, and others. The church is 
a frame structure, seventy by forty-two feet. The in- 
terior is beautifully frescoed, including a tine picture 
of the risen Lord, over the altar, in the rear of the 
chancel ; it has stained-glass windows, and presi nts a 
very pleasing appearance. It was dedicated March 
16, 187!'. The closing services in the old church. 
Lower Mati.h Chunk, were held Dec. 29, 1870. The 
property was finally disposed of in .March, 1882. 
In April, 1881, Rev. Wackernagel removed to Al- 
lentown, having been elected Herman professor at 
.Muhlenberg College, and Rev. L. Lindenstruth, the 
present pastor, was called. Up to this time the ser- 
vices were exclusively in German. The congregation 
deemed it advisable to have also English services. 
English services arc now regularly held every other 
Sunday evening. On Sunday, Dec. 16, 1883, an 
English Sunday-school was organized, which has its 
sessions in the morning, the afternoon school being 
exclusively German. The present number of mem- 
bers is three hundred and eighty. The Sunday- 
school numbers two hundred and fifty scholars and 
forty-five teachers. The financial state of affairs is 
good. The annual contributions toward the various 
benevolent objects of the church have steadily in- 
creased, and the prospects of the congregation are 
encouraging. 

St. John's Church (East Mauch Chunk i.— In 
1878 a number of members of St. John's Church, 
Mauch Chunk, concluded to unite with the Reformed 
and build a Union Church in East Mauch Chunk. 
The Lutheran congregation, organized Sept. 15, 1878, 
decided to form one pastoral charge with the congre- 
gation in Mauch Chunk served by Rev. Mr. Wacker- 
nagel. The constitution published by the Lutheran 
Synod of Pennsylvania was adopted. The corner- 
stone of the new church was laid Sept. 15, 1878. The 
church was dedicated May IS, 1879. It is free from 
debt. Rev. L. Lindenstruth is the Lutheran pastor. 
Its present membership is fifty. The Sunday-school 
numbers about fifty scholars and fifteen teachers. 
Lutheran services are held every two weeks, alter- 
nately in German and English. 

Church of the Immaculate Conception of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary. — The present parish comprises 
the above church and St. Patrick's Church at Nesque- 
honing. The first parish church (St. Patrick's) was 



ISORnl 'HI OF M M I'll CHUNK. 






erected at Nesquehonin about forty-five yean ago by 
Father Moloney. He resided at Baston first, after- 
ward- nt Tamaqua, and ministered to the Catholics of 
all tbe district, from Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., to Hay- 
cock, Bucks Co. He also built churches al Tamaqua 
and Beaver Meadows, and Faithfully tended to the 
spiritual wants oi theCatholii - oi thai immense terri- 
tory lor twelve years, [n this parish he was succeeded 
by Father Hannegan, whose district al first included 
Summit Mill al-:.. He resided at Nesquehoning, and 
was pastor from May, 1849, until January, 1852. He 
built the old or first part of the present church at 
Mauch i 'lninl. Fathei ' loffey took bis place 
Biding at Mauch Chunk, and labored here until Oc- 
tober, L854. It was during his time that that fearful 
Bcourge, the Asiatic cholera, desolated this region. 
The good Father Coffey was assisted the 

last consolations of religion to the victims of this 
fearful disease by the saintly Bishop Neuman, 
Philadelphia. Thej slept in the church, and there 
awaited the calls of the sick and dying, which they 
promptly tended, conscious that perhaps their own 

hours were numbered. The ^ 1 bishop would semi 

mi priest, but, like a hero, exposed himself to all the 
dangers of the plague. From October, 1854, until 
Julv. 1856, the Rev. .T. B. Loughran was pa-tor. II. 
it Mauch i 'hunk at that date, and was buried at 
St. Michael's, Philadelphia, of which church his 
brother, Rev. William Loughran, was pastor. Rev. 

Charles McEnroe, whose kind and gentle manner- 
are still fresh in the memory of many, labored here 

from that date until the time of his death, in May, 
is.'it'. Fathers O'Shaughnessy and McCollum each 
held the charge for a short time, until November, 
18(>1. Then Rev. Michael Blacker was appointed 
pastor, which position he held until May, 1868. He 
labored hard here during that time, and enlarged and 
improved the church at Mauch < 'hunk. 

Rev. Hugh Garvey, who succeeded him, was sta- 
tioned here for a year. Me was BU led by Rev. 

Peter ('. McEnroe. Me wrought zealously, built the 
pastoral residence and made many other improve- 
ments, from April, L869, to duly, 1875. Rev. Michael 
A Bunce, the present pa-tor, has had charge since 
1ST"). Me has made many improvements, purchased 
property for a Catholic school, and is collecting for a 
new church for Nesquelioning. 

St. Joseph's German Catholic Church (East 
Mauch Chunk). — This church was founded in 1871. 
The first pastor was Rev. G. Frende, who resided at 
Lehigbton, and in 1872 be was succeeded bj Rev. W. 
Heinan, who, in 1874, moved to East Mauch Chunk. 
In 1879 he had an assistant, Rev. A. Mersch, suc- 
ceeded, in 18So, by Rev. A. Fret/.. Be gave place, in 

1881, to Rev. \. Mi-teli, and was followed, in 1882, 

hv the present assistant, Rev. G. Wolf. The Catholic 

school i nnection with St. Joseph- Church was 

founded in 1874, and is kept b\ the Sisters of Chris- 
tian ( 'harity. who were exiled by the Prussian gov. rn- 



meiit at that p'i iod of persecution, The churi 
Lehigbton. at I'.owmau'- or Fire Line . Slati 
and Berlinsville (Northampton County) are attended 
b f Heinan and his assistant, and tl 
Catholic Bchool at Lehighton is under the chai 
the Sisters who earn on Mauch Chunk 

school. 

Temperance. The ■ ment 

in Mauch Chunk was undoubtedly that which at a 
meeting upon Sept. 16, i-_ H| resulted in the organiza- 
tion of a society, with Joseph Butler as president, 
Cephas Batchelor as vice-president, John Meat- as 
secretary, and Jesse K. Pryor as treasurer. Among 
the prominent members of the society wen I 
Marian. .Ion; :M i. in Fincher, William Baker, Jr., James 
Mel irty, Asa L. Foster, Jacob H. Sal keld, Thomas 
Patterson, and William Rudolph. They were ap- 
pointed as ;i committee to procure signatures, and 
secured quite a number, but the society was not long 
maintained. 

The Mauch Chunk Temple of Honor, \o. 34, was 

red Julj 14, 1846, but tin re is no record of its 
subsequent operation-, and it probably was soon dis- 
banded. 

1 )i\ i.-ions of the Sons of Temperance were organized 

in Mauch Chunk and elsewhere throughout the county 
prior to 1850. 

About 1869 a Good Templar lodge was organized 
here and nourished for a few years, but became in- 
active alter a period of usefulness, and now retains 
but little life. 

Perhaps the most notable temperance society in 
Mauch Chunk has been that of the Cadets, organized 
in 1868, and constantly working during the past six- 
tei ii years. They have always maintained a large and 
useful library. There are but few yoi in the 

town who have been reared here who have not been 
members of this organization, and the good that has 
been done can easily be conjectured. In 1877 the 
i ladets presented the town with a handsome drinking- 
fountain, in which during tie summer mouth- a con- 
-lani stream of pure cold water flows free for all. To 
Mr. Meniv Webster is probably due, more than to 
any other one person, the credit for this and other 

good works of the Cadet-. 

A county temperance conference was called to meet 
at Mauch Chunk in October, 1883. It was largely 
attended h\ representatives from various parts of the 

county. It was under the auspices of Rev. I >. C. 
cretary of the Pennsylvania state Tem- 
pi ranee Alliance. It continued part of three days. 
From this was organized a county association with a 

full set of officers, who will no doubt carry out the 
purpose of the organization by holding meetings 
throughout the county during the coming year. 

ion i tounty has contrjbuti .1 one of the most 

eloquent temperance advocate- that the State has 
ever had, — Daniel KalbfuS, Esq., a member of the 
Carbon County bar. He was prominently identified 



696 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



with the work of organizing the second Temple of 
in' disbandmenl of the Temple 
temperano wort lagged for' ; a time, and Mr. Kalbfus 
soon after being afflicted by softening of the l>niin, 
was removed to the State insane Whim, where he 
died soon after. 

The Cemetery in Upper Mauch Chunk was laid 
nut by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company in 
1823, as i- shown bj their books. Prior to that time, 
however, the remains of a number of persons had Wen 
buried there. The mother of Josiah While. Rebecca 
Haines) White, is said to have been the first person 
interred in this ground. The wife of the late I'hili|> 
. \liln Ht was linriril there in 1821, and Jacob Hoch, a 
German, who lived in Lausanne township, and was 
killed while unloading logs on the site of Lowrey- 
to'wn, found sepulture hen- in 1822. The next burial 
was that of a Mr. Chesney, an employe 1 of the Lehigh 
Coal ami Navigation Company, who was drowned in 
the river. In 1*47 the company deeded the plot to 
Conrad Miller, L. D. Knowles, E. YV. Harlan, Asa 
Packer, and Daniel Bertsch as trustees, to receive and 
hold the property in trust for the benefit and use of 
the citizens of Mauch Chunk. They appointed Con- 
rad Miller, Samuel B. Hutchison, and Edward Lippin- 
cott, of Mauch Chunk, James Broderick, of Summit 
Hill, and Charles Packer, of Xesquehoning, as a 
committee to collect the necessary funds for the im- 
provement of the cemetery, and William Reed was 
made treasurer. R. Q. Butler, Esq., was given charge 
of the work, and Henry Sterling, a man fifty years of 
age, became permanent sexton, holding the place until 
advancing years with their attendant infirmities com- 
pelled him to resign in favor of John Sterling. The 
old sexton was a Scotchman, and a very good counter- 
part of " Old Immortality." He had a wonderful 
memory, and although he kept no record, could tell 
the name of the inmate of every tomb, give the date 
of death, and relate the peculiarities of the person 
while living. When asked by visitors how he was 
getting along, his common answer was, "WeeJ, the 
times are sae hard and na mooch doin', not many 
folk are dyin' these clays." The managers of the 
cemetery received a legacy of sixty-five shares of Le- 
high Valley Railroad stock from the late Daniel 
Bertsch, one Of the pioneers Of Mauch Chunk, from 
which over one hundred dollars per year is derived. 
The trustees of the cemetery are now an incorporated 
body, and have been since 1.873. The present board 
is composed of Robert Klotz, D. G. Bertsch, L. Yea- 
ger, Nicholas Bam mel, R. Q. Butler, Joseph Moore, 
i leorge Ruddle, Frank Sayre, and C. Koeher. R. Q. 
Butler is president, and D. Q. Bertsch, secretary and 
treasurer. 

Fire Companies. — A fire-engine company was or- 
ganized as early as 1833, as ive learn from an adver- 
nt calling a meeting, and signed by Henry 
Mears, secretary. In 1834 the officers of this com- 
pany were :l s follows: President. Nathan Patterson; 



Vice-President, I. T. Dodson; Secretary, James \V. 
Chapman; Treasurer, Isaac Salkeld, Jr. ; Engineers, 

B. II. McComiell. Rodolphus Kent, .lames Bingham, 
Cornelius Conner, H. B. Ilcilman, Thomas Quinton. 
This company probably did not long remain in exist- 
ence. 

Another one, however, was organized, which owned 
the little engine now in Upper Mauch Chunk, which 
was used at the time of the great lire of 1849. 

Marion Hose Company, No. 1.— The firsl carriage 
of the Marion Hose Company, No. 1, of Mauch 
Chunk, was presented to John Fatzinger and Jacob 
Salkheld.in 1853, by' the firsi Marion Hose Company, 
of Philadelphia, and was brought in a canal-boat 
from Philadelphia to Mauch Chunk on Nov. 23, 1853. 
A company was then organized by the citizens of the 
town. After a few years the company disbanded, and 
the carriage was turned over to the borough authori- 
ties. The citizens then did fire-duty without organ- 
ization until Aug. 8, 1866, when the present Marion 
Bose Company, No. 1, was instituted, and on June 3, 
1867, a charter was granted to said Marion Hose 
Company, No. 1. When the organization of the 
company took place, the old United States Hose 
carriage, No. 14, located at Fifth and Buttonwood 
Streets, Philadelphia, was purchased, which is still in 
active service. In 1*74 the company purchased a 
Silsby steam fire-engine, which is still used by the 
company. The number of active members is now 
thirty-five. In June, 1883, the company organized a 
band, which is still kept up by the company. 

Masonic Lodge, Chapter, Council, and Com- 
niandery. — Upon the petition of John Fatzinger, Asa 
Packer, Isaac T. Dodson, Daniel Bertsch William 
Oliver, and William Lilly, Jr., the Grand Lodge of 

I Pennsylvania granted a charter, dated Dec. 27. 1849, 
to Carbon Lodge, No. 242, A. Y. M., to be held at 
Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co., Pa., which was consti- 
tuted Feb. 27, 1850, with John Fatzinger as Worship- 
ful Master; Asa Packer, Senior Warden'; and Isaac 

j T. Dodson, Junior Warden. William Lilly, Jr., acted 
as secretary during the balance of the year in which 
the lodge was constituted, and at the first election 

i Samuel B. Price was elected secretary, and Isaac 
Ripple treasurer. James I. Blakslee was elected treas- 
urer Dec. 25, 1852, and has been continued in office to 
the present time. The officers Of Carbon Lodge for 
the year 1S84 are as follows: James M. Dreisbach, 
W. M.; George H. Haines, S. W. ; Frederick Berto- 
lette, J. W.j Laird II. Barberj Sec. 

Herman Baugh, M. E. G. H. P., granted a charter, 
dated June 21, 1855, for holding a chapter of Royal 
Arch Masons at Mauch Chunk, and on December 61 h 
of the same year Lilly Chapter, No. 181, was con- 
stituted, when William Lilly, Jr., was installed 
M. E. H. P. ; Charles O. Skcer, K. ; and Samuel 
B. Price. S. Elisha P. Wilbur, of Bethlehem, was 
elected the first secretary, and James I. Blakslee 
treasurer. The officers for the vear 1S84 are as foa 




paskir 8B@MiyKiaiira , r 1 

©K) ©MyMK ©EOKgTgl 



BOROUGH OF M \rcn CHUNK. 






lows: Laird II. Barbet, M. B. II. P.; Willi 
Streeter, K.; Dr. RensellaeT Leonard. 8.; Ja 
Blakslee, Treas.; William W. Weaver. Sec. 

McNair Council, No. 29, Royal, Super-exc< 
and Belecl Masters, opened and assembled under a 
dispensation dated March 19, 1867, which was subse- 
quently confirmed by a charter from the Grand Coun- 
cil of Pennsylvania, dated June 11, 1867, Ann.. Dep. 
8867. The original petitioners tor the dispensation 
were Illustrious Companions Thomas 8. McNair, Wil- 
liam Lilly, Robert Klotz, R. A. Packer, J. A. 1 linker, 
J. K. McCollum, .1. II. Wilhelm, Joseph P. Salmon, 
M. W. Raudenbush, John Green, and A. W. Rauden- 
bnsh. With the recommendation of the petitioners 
this dispensation was grauted by M P. Ufred Creigb, 
Grand Master of Pennsylvania. At the first meeting 
o! McNair Council, Robert A. Packer was installed 
asT.I.G.M.; Thomas S. McNair, D. I. G.M.; 
II. Wilhelm. P.C.ofW.; Roberl Klotz, M.ofE.; 
James A. Dinkey. Rec. The officers for 1884 
follows: Lafayette Lentz, T I. G. M.; Albert G. 
Brodhead, Jr.,' I). I. G. M. ; Leonard Seager, P. C. of 
W. : Robert Klotz, M. of E. ; Eugene II. Blakslee, 
Rec 

Packer Commandery, No. 23, K. T., of Mauch 
(.'hunk. Pa., opened and assembled on the 28th day 
of September. 1866, under a dispensation dated Sept. 
6, 1866. Rt. E. D. Grand Commander Jeremiah L. 
Hutchinson, present. The original petitioners for 
the dispensation were 1'. E. C. William Lilly, Sir 
Knights .lame- Houston, M. W. Raudenbush, and A. 
W. Raudenbush, hailing from Allen Commandery, 
No. 20; sir Knights Thomas S. McNair, Joseph P. 
Salmon. Isaac K. McCollum, Anthony Dimmick, and 
Robert Klotz, of Crusade Commandery, No. L2. With 
the recommendation of the coinmanderi. -, this dis- 
pensation was granted by Right Eminent Roberl Pit- 
cairn, Grand Commander of Pennsylvania, which 
subsequently confirmed by a charter from the 
Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania, dated 12th 
June. A.D. 1867, L.O. 749, A.O.E.P. 70. At the first 
meeting of Packer Commandery, No.. '2'-',, K. T.. 
Thomas S. McNair was installed E.C.; James Hous- 
ton, Gen. ; Robert Klotz, Capt. Gen. ; William Lilly, 
Treas.; Milton W. Raudenbush, Rec. The follow- 
ing are the officers for the year 1883-84: John ('. 
Dolon, B.C.; Laird H. Barber, Gen.; Leonard Sea- 
ger, Capt. Gen. ; Robert Klotz, Treas. ; William W. 
Wcai . r, Rec 

Mauch Chunk Lodge, No. 76. I. 0. 0. F.-This 
lodge was instituted in May, 1842, and has been a 
more than ordinarily successful and flourishing 
ization. Following is a li>t of those win. hai e served 

a- \. G. and V.G.: 

Election quarterly. 

May 20, 1842. A. G. Brodhead. John Painter. 

Sept. 8, 1842. J. Painter. William Brown. 

Dec 3, 1842. William Brown. C. Lockhardt. 

March 9, 1843. C. Lockhardt. J. Simpson. 



June 8, 

7. 

Dec. 7. 

Mai 

Jun< 

- b. 12, 
Dec. 12, 
\| rch 6, 

June ■".. 

Sept. 11. 
Dec. 11, 
March 12. 
June 11. 
Sept. in, 
Dec. 10, 



|s(:;. 
1843. 
1843. 
1844. 
1844. 
1844. 
1844. 

is I.",. 

1 3 15. 

1845. 
1846. 

is i.;. 
1846. 
1846. 



■-.in. 
J Leisenrii 
[.. D. km.- 
William Lilly. 
Ed. Lippini 
W. II. Fister. 
I louck. 
Philip De Young, 

rt Klotz. 
James McKean. 

in. -keer. 

John Bieghe. 

Daniel l llewine. 
M. M. Cooper. 
.1. S. Wallace. 



Election semi-annually. 
July 1. 1847. Charles Packer. 
Jan. 6, 1848. Roberl Butler. 
July 6, 1848. Thos. L. White. 
Jan". I. 1849. William Butler. 
July 5, 1849. < lonrad Kocher. 

1 Dec. 27, 184d. S. B. l'rice. 

June 27, I860. Peter Ru 

D.c. 26, 1850. Jacob Gilger. 
July 3, 1851. Conrad Miller. 

Dec. 25, 1851. J. S. Line. 

June 21, 1852. S. B. Hutchinson. 

Sept. 30, 1852. T. R. Crellin. 

Election changed from June 
March and September. 
March 31, 1853. Lewis Beer. 
Sept. 29, 1853. J. Weyhenmeyer. 
Mar.h :;o, 1854. C. D. Culver. 
Sept. 28, 1854. Dennis Bauman. 
March 29, 1855. Nathan Tuhbs. 
Sept. 27, 1855. James Houston. 
.March 29, 1 856. Leonard Yai 

- it. 25, 1856. Josiafa Hoffman. 
March 26, 1857. Benjamin Yaeger. 
Sept. 24, 1857. Aaron Breisch. 
March 25, 1858. H. B. Burnham. 
Sept. 30, 1858. Samuel Line. 
Mar.h ::i, 1859. W. W. Scott. 
Sept. 29, 1859. Roberl Porter. 
March 29, I860. Elwen Bauer. 
Sept. 29, 1860. W. R. Otis. 
March 28, 1861. John McMullen. 
Sept. 26, 1861. Geo. J. Spengler. 
March 27. 1862. Jam.- Gaddes. 
Sept. 25, 1862. T. H. Rattcliff. 
March 26, 1863. Philip Miller. 
Sept. 24, 1863. Isaac Smith. 
March31,1864. E. II. Snyder. 

29, 1864. James Long. 
March 30, 1865. Hiram Houtz. 
& pt. 28, I860. Thos. Kirchner. 
March 2'.". L866. John L. Dink. 



.1 I .. isi in in .. Jr. 

L. 1 ». B a. 
William Lilly. 
Ed. Lippincott. 
W. II. Fister. 
Peter I louck. 
Philip De Young. 
Robert Klotz. 
James McKean. 
CO. Skeer. 
John Bieghe. 
Daniel Olewine. 
M. M. Cooper. 
Wallace. 
Charles Packer. 

rl Butler. 
Thos. L. White. 
William Butler. 
Conrad Kocher. 
S. B. Price. 
Peter Russel. 
Jacob Gilger. 
Conrad Miller. 
J. S. Line. 
S. B. Hutchinson. 
T. R. Crellin. 
Lewis Peer. 

and December to 

J. Weyhenmeyer. 
C. D. Culver. 
Dennis Bauman. 
Nathan Tubbs. 
James Houston. 
Leonard 1 
Josiab Hoffman. 
Benj. Yaeger. 
Aaron Breisch. 
H. B. Burnham. 
Samuel Line. 
W. W. Scott. 
rl Porter. 

Elwen Bauer. 
W. R. Otis. 
John McMullen. 

- 
.lame- 1 laddes. 
T. II. Rattcliff. 
Philip Miller. 
Isaac Smith. 
E. II. Snyder. 
James Long. 
Hiram Houtz. 
Thos. Kirchner. 
J. L. Dink. 
J. W. Rauden- 
bush. 



698 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



27, 1866. J.W. Raudenbush. II. II. Ashley. 
Marcb.28, L867. II. II. Ashley. Lewis Beckhardt. 
Sept. 26, 1867. Lewis Beckhardl E. K. Stroh. 
March 26, 1868. E. K. Stroh. A. R. Beers. 

Sept. 24, L868. A. R. Beers. J. M, Dreisbach. 

March 25, 1869. J. M. Dreisbach. W. T. King. 
Sept. 30, 1869. W. T. King. E.W.Harlan. 

March 31, 1870. E. W. Harlan. George Orr. 
Sept. 29, 1870. George Orr. J. A. Dinkey. 

March 30, 1871. James A. Dinkey. J. A. May. r, 
Sept. 28, 1871. .1. A. .Mayer. F. P. Semmel. 

March 28, L872. F. P. Semmel. Thomas Burk. 
Sept. 26, L872. Thomas Burk. J. S. Ackerman. 
April •"., 1873. J. S. Ackerman. Michael Martin. 
Sept. 25, 1873. Michael Martin. J. B. Dreisbach. 
April 9, 1874. .1. B. Dreisbach. C. II. Bower. 
Oct. I, 1874. C. H. Bower. G. W. Twining. 

April 1,1875. G. W. Twining. Theo. Doering. 
Oct. 7,1875. Conrad Kocher. D. McLean (res.). 

E. A. Packer. 
April 6, 1876. E. A. Packer. A. F. Corby. 

Oct. 12, 1876. A. F. Corby. S. M. Leslie. 

April 12, 1877. S. M. Leslie. William Butler. 

Sept. 27. 1877. William Butler. G.L.Watson. 
April 11, 1878. G. L. Watson. Simon Beckhardt. 

Oct. 3, 1878. Simon Beckhardt. John McAllister. 
April 3, 1879. John McAllister. Adolph Doering. 
Sept. 25, 1879. Adolph Doering. Douglas McLean. 
March 25, 1880. Douglas McLean. Jonas Sondheim. 
Sept. 30, 1880. Jonas Sondheim. N. D. Cortright. 
March 31, 1881. N. I >. Cortright. William Hubble. 
Sept. 29, 1881. William Hubble. Charles Neast. 
March 30, 1882. Charles Neast. W. A. Cortright. 
Sept. 28, 1882. W. A. Cortright, Jos. Steventon. 
March 29. 1883. Jos. Steventon. D. B. Griffith. 
Sept. 27, 1883. D. B. Griffith. Jacob Fretzer. 

Mauch Chunk Lodge, No. 193, Knights of 
Pythias, was instituted at Mauch Chunk, Pa., on 
the 19th day of October, a.d. 1869, in the Odd-Fel- 
lows' Hall, by Philip Lowry as Grand Chancellor, 
P. C. Davis as V. P., P. C. Blair as V. G. C, P. C. 
Robinson asG. G., P. C. W. H. Halderman as G. R. S., 
H. Eckenberger as G. T. S., John Black, Jr., as G. 
( ). S. 

The following-named charter members were elected 
as officers : V. P., Jabez Alsover ; W. C, Amos Stroh ; 
V. C, W. E. Frisbie; R. S., Ed. K. Stroh; F. S., 
John Kuebler; W. B., J. M. Dreisbach; W. I. S., 
Israel Briggs; W. (!.. John Miner; \V. O. S., J. K. 
Vanncman. William Merrick, J. W. Heberling, F. 
A. Barr, Simon Reichart, M. A. Fegley, A. F. Glace, 
Aaron Miller, N. B. Reber, J. P. Tacy, Francis Pratt, 
Orlando Harris, Louis Beckhardt, A. J. Marsh, E. F. 
Luckenbach, J. W. Reed, Daniel Kalbfus, T. S. Beck, 
< leorge Long, Lafayette Rehrig, Henry Swank, J. A. 
Mayer, Jacob Hasscl, J. B. Wildermer, « leorge Beers, 
Jacob llomig, Frank Leibenguth, J. S. Eustice, Oliver 
Breneiser, Aaron Bennyhoff, J. I". Bleckley, James 
Zellner, A. Vanhorn, James Hutchison, John Smith, 



.1 :i in . - i tensel, Martin Rehrig, John Brelsford, John 

Kerns. A. !•'.. Scheetz, and Samuel Moore were the 

additional charter members. 

The election of officers afterward resulted a- fol- 
lows : 

1869, :. 28. W. C, W. E. Frisbie; V. C, Dan- 
iel Kail. Ins; R. S., E. K". Stroh ; F. S., C. E. Amidon : 
W. B., J. M. Dreisbach; G., F. W. Pratt ; I. S., E. F. 

I Ion-, i ; ( ). S., ' reorge Long ; Trustees, J. W. I [( Del 

ling, < '. E. Foster, and Louis Beckhardt. 

1870, June 28.— W. C, Daniel Kalbfus; V. C, F. 
W. Pratt; W. <;., E. F. Luckenbach; I. S., C. E. 
Foster; Trustee, J. W. Harlan. 

1870, Dec. 27.— W. C, E. F. Luckenbach; V. C, 
C. E. Foster; I. S., J. W. Harlan; (). S., John 
Miner; R. S., W. E. Frisbie; F. S., Orlando Harris; 
W. B., N. F. Glace; Trustee, John Miner; Rep. to 
Grand Lodge, W. E. Frisbie. 

1871, June 27.— W. C, C. E. Foster; V. C, Oliver 
Breneiser; W. G., John Kern ; I. S., D. K. Morrow ; 
Trustee, Daniel Kalbfus. 

1871, Dec. 26.— W. C, Oliver Breneiser; V. C, D. 
K. Morrow; W. G., J. B. Cox; R. S., Orlando Har- 
ris; F. S., W. H. Geidner; W. B., N. F. Glace; I.S., 
C. E. Amidon; O. S., John Faga; Trustee, L. F. 
Rehrig; Rep. to Grand Lodge, A. Stroh. 

1872, June 25.— W. C, D. K. Morrow ; V. C, J. B. 
Cox; W. G., Henry Beineman ; I. S., Orlando Har- 
ris; 0. S., Ira Oliver; Trustee, Amos Stroh. 

1872, Dec. 31.— W. C, J. B. Cox; V. O, Henry 
Bienenian ; W. G., Orlando Harris; I. S., Theodore 
Doering; O. S., Ira Oliver; R. S., E. K. Stroh ; F.S., 
W. H. Geidner; W. B., N. F. Glace; Trustee, Oliver 
Breneiser; Rep. to Grand Lodge, C. E. Foster. 

1873, June 24.— C. C, Henry Beineman ; V. C, 
Orlando Harris; P., C. E. Foster; M. at A., Theo- 
dore Doering ; I. G., Jacob Stahl ; Trustee, J. W. 
Harlan. 

1873, Dec. 30.— C. C, Charles E. Foster; V. C, 
Theodore Doering; K. of R, and S., Edward K. Stroh; 
M. of F., B. F. Tacy; M. of E., N. F. Glace; P., 
Charles Hontz; M. at A., W. H. Geidner; Trustee, 
J. W. Heberling. 

1874, June 30.— C. C, Theodore Doering; V. C, 
Charles Hontz. ; P., W. H. Geidner; M. at A., Joseph 
Diehl ; Rep. to Grand Lodge, C. E. Foster ; Trustee, 
Henry Beineman, Jr. 

1874, Dec. 29.— C. C, E. F. Luckenbach ; V. C, 
William H. Geidner; P., Joseph Diehl; M. at A., 
Aaron Bennyhoff; K. of R. and S., E. K. Stroh ; M. 
of F., B. S. Tacy; M. of E., N. F. Glace ; Trustee, 
W. H. Reichard. 

1875, June 29.— C. C, Joseph Diehl ; V. C, Aaron 
Bennyhotf; P., William II. Reichard; M. at A., 
George Long; Rep. to Grand Lodge, C. E. Foster; 
Trustee, W. H. Geidner. 

1875, Dec. 28.— C. C, Aaron Bennyhotf; V. C, 
William Reichard ; P., J. W. Harlan ; M. at A., B. S. 
Tacy ; K. of R. and S., E. K. Stroh ; M. of E., N. F. 



r.nuol nil ()F M \ivn CHUNK 



699 



Glaci . M. oi I'.. I>. K. Morrow; Trustee, C. E. Fos- 
ter. 
1876, June 27.— C. C, William II. Reichard; V.C., 

.1. W. Harlan; P., I: W. Tobias; M. al L, Bai I 

Bep. i" Grand Lodge, C. ] I osb t rrustee, 
Aaron Bennyhoff. 

1876, Dec.26. C C, J. W. Harlan; V. C, R. W. 
Tobias; P., S. P. Hoats; M. at A., Christophei Her- 
rington; K. oi R. and S., W. B. Geidner; M. of F., 
I>. k Morrow; M. of E., A. E. Scheetz; Trustee, E. 
K. Stml). 

1877, June 26. -C. C, R. W. Tobias; V. ('.. s. P. 
i : P., Christopher Herrington; M. at A., 

Bennyhoff; Rep. to Grand ; F. Luckenbach ; 

Trustee,-, E. F. Link' nd Joseph Diehl, trice 

E. K. Stroh, resigned. 

1-77. Dor. l'.-,. -C.C., S. P. Hoats; V. C., Charles 
Hontz; P., Alexander Mumney; M. at A., Josiah 
Hunt/.; K. of R. and 8., William II. Geidner; M. of 
F.. D. K. Morrow : M. of E., A. B. Scheetz; Tru 
R. W. Tobias and Josiah Houtz. 

1878, June 25.— C. C., Charles Houtz; V.C., E. L. 
Grennados; P., Aaron Bennyhoff; M. at \ , Josiah 

Houtz ; Rep. to ( rrand Lodge, I!. W. Tobias ; Trustee, 

W. II. Reichard. 

1878, Dee. 31.— C. C, E. L. Grennados ; V. C, Aaron 
Bennyhoff; P., Josiah Houtz; M.at A., R. W.Tobias; 
K. of II. and S., W. II. Geidner; M. of F., D. K. 
Morrow; M. of E., A. F. Scheetz. 

1-7'.', June 24.- CO., William H. Reichard; V.C., 
R. W. Tobias; P., Aaron Bennyhoff; M. at A., Josiah 
Houtz; Trustees, B. W. Tobias, W. H. Beichard, and 
Josiah Houtz. 

1-7!'. Dec. 30. -C. C, It. W. Tobias; V. C, Aaron 
Bennyhoff; P.,John Bohn; M. at A., AdolphDoering; 
K.ofE.andS., Elwen Bauer; M.ofF., D.K. Morrow; 
M. of E., A. I. Scheetz; Trustee, W. H. Geidner. 

1880, June J'.t.— C. C, Aaron Bennyhoff; V. C, 
John Bohn; P., E. L. Grennados; M. at A., Adolph 
Doering; Rep. to Grand Lodge, D. K. Morrow ; Trus- 
tee, Aaron Bennyhoff. 

1880, Dee. 2S.'— C. C, John Holm; V. ('., F. L. 
Grennados; 1'., D. P. Hughes; M. at A., Adolph 
Doering; K. of K. and S., Elwen Bauer; M. of I'., 
I). K. Morrow; M. of F.., A. E. Scheetz; Trustees, 
R. W. Tobias and J. M. Dreisbach. 

1881, June 28.— C. ('., F. L. Grennados; V. C D 
P. Hughes; P., idolph Doering; M. at A.. Aaron 
Bennyhoff; Rep. to Grand Lodge, J. M. Driesbach ; 
Trustee, J. M. Dreisbach. 

1881, Dec. l'7. •'. C, F>. I'. Hughes; V.C., Adolph 
Doering; P., R. W. Tobias; M. at A., G. F. Schil- 
linger; K. of I; and S., Elwen Bauer; M. of F., D. 
K. Morrow; M. of F... A. E. Scheetz; Trust 
Bennyhoff. 

1882, June27. C. C, Adolph Doering; V. C, R. 
w robias; I'.. E. I.. Grennados; M. at A.. G. F. 
Bchillinger; Rep. to Grand Lodge, J. M. Dreis 
Trustee, K. W. Tobias. 



1882, Dec. 26. C. C, R. W. Tobias; V. ('.. F. I.. 
Grennados; I'.. <:. F. Schillinger; M. at \. 1 >. P. 
Hughes; K. of |;. and 8., Elwen Bauer; M. ol I . 
1 1 K. Moi low ; M. of E., \ E. Si heetz ; 1 1 tie 
M. 1 hreisbach. 

.inn,' •_'.;. CO., 1. I- Grennados; V. I G 
illinger; I'.. D. I'. Hughes; M. al A., I C 
Brown ; lop. to Grand Lodge, I Bauei I i 
ii Bennyhoff. 

L888, Dec.25 C. ( G. F. Si billing* i V. C, D. 
P. Hughes; P., i I Brown M. at A., C. 1 - 
K. of R. and s.. Elwi d Bauer; M. of P., D. K. Mor- 
row ; M. of E., A. E. Scheetz; Trustee, R. W. I 

Norma Grove, No. 23, Order of Druids. -This 
lodge was organized Nov. 17. 1858, by Amos - 

who became it- lir-t Noble Arch, and consisted of 
-i\tecn members, among whom wen ' Sandel, 

Edward K. Stroh, Aaron Bresch, and E, J. Fainter. 
The lodge has about seventy members, and owns prop- 
erty worth from sis to -even thousand dollars. The 
present Noble \ ol i is C.C.Smith; Vice Arch, Jacob 
s.i ii . lid ; Recording Secretary, Amos Stroh ; Financial 
Secretary, A. J. Mayer; Treasurer, A. F. Scheetz; 
I rustees, Fan I Kiefer, A mo- Stroh, and Jacob Sandel. 
Chapman Post, No. 61, Grand Army of the Re- 
public, was organized in May. 1867, bj Lieut.-Col. 

A mo- Stroh, ('apt. George W. Willielm, and Capt. 

John Shields, and had twenty-sis members. It now 

has seventy or more members, is in good financial 

condition, and leases a fine hall in Oak Hall build- 
ing, which is sublet to several other societies. The 
present officers arc: Post I ommander, Herman Rei- 
lnan ; Junior Vice-Commander, Charles Hellier; 
Quartermaster, A. E. Scheetz; Chaplain, William 

Willi, dm. 

Concert Hall. — As fine a public hall as i- possi ssed 

by any town of similar -ize in the State was Becured 
through a somewhat novel procedure, exhibiting the 
liberality and public spirit of a number of prominent 
citizen- in I s *:.'. Upon the ground now occupied by 
Concert Hall there stood for a quarter of a century 

prior to 1881 a frame structure known as the Market 
House and Town Hall, which during the latter part 
of the period had very poorly served tl. - lor 

which it was designed. It bad become old, unsightly, 
and altogether inadequate for the assemblages of the 

public, and afforded insuffii ienl r< i for the market- 
stalls. There wa- much complaint on the pari ^t' the 
I pi.-, who wanted a suitable hall for public assem- 
blages and entertainment-, and finally the dissatisfac- 
tion took definite form, and found a voice through E. 
H. Rauch, W. W. Weaver, and Samuel Carpenter, 
who, over the indefinite)) plural nam de plum 
" Many Citizens," published the following call for a 
public meeting ; 

"The citizens of MhiicIi chunk nrr respectfully requested to assemble 

Into* eetfog at the Court Housi i, Honda] BYening next March 

7th, l&Bl^at 8o'clock for (he purpo.» tli n ■>( 

building a Town lh.ll and take such action .».- may he deemed proper." 



TIM, 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



A large audience assembled at the court-house in 
pursuance of this call, and, after being cal ei 
order by W.c. Morris, Esq., organized by the elec 
ion oi \. \V. Butler as chairman, W. • '. Mori 
and I.. II. Barber as vice-presidents, and !•'.. II. Rauch 
as secretary. 

After the object of the meeting was stated by Mr. 

Butler, a resolution was adopted, after some 

sion, "that it is the sense of this meeting that the 
borough authorities erect a new ami substantial 

market-house on the site now used as a market, and 

a public hall on the upper part thereof, of sufficient 
dimensions, safety, and good taste to meet the wants 

of our people." On mot ion of Dr. Erwin a committee 
was appointed to submit a plan, estimate of cost, etc.. 
ami the following-named gentlemen were appointed 
by the meeting: A. W. Butler, Josiah Sandel, John 

Fuller, John C. Dolon, ami Dr. Erwin. Adjourned 
to meet on the following Monday evening. The ad- 
journed meeting received the report of the committee 
A. W. Butler, chairman), which report favored an 
election by the citizens, to decide whether or not the 
Borough Council shall he petitioned to erect a public 
hall and market-house, at an expense not to exceed 
fifteen thousand dollars. The report was adopted, 
and Messrs. A. W. Butler, Dr. Erwin, John Dolon, 
John Fidler, Josiah Sandel, E. F. Luckenbach, 
Charles Neast, Hugh Moore, and James McElroy 
were appointed a committee to provide for holding 
the election. 

The Town Council decided favorably to the project, 
and issued a proclamation for an election to decide the 
will of the people upon April 21, 1881. This election 
resulted, in the First Ward, in two hundred and sev- 
enty-live votes lor and forty-one against the building 
of the town hall, while in the Second Ward there were 
fifty-seven votes lor and one hundred and twenty- 
seven against the proposition, leaving a majority in 
the borough of one hundred and sixty-four in favor 
of the enterprise. The Council would then have 
acted upon the expressed wish of the majority, and 
i n i ted a hall not to exceed in cost fifteen thousand 
dollars. I. in a question as to the legal right of the 
ii to raise the amount necessary by taxation 
was brought up, and in that emergency Judge Harry 
E. Packer and other public-spirited citizens came to 
the support of the project with the following proposi- 
tion and subscription for carrying it out: 

"We, the undersigned subscribers, uerety agrei e to pay 

the amount severally subscribed hereto, atsuch time and in such install- 
menti us may be required for the purpose of building a market-house 

and town hall on the site oi the present market-] -•■ in the borough 

Uhuok, ai pei plai u I drawingB furnished by Addison Hut- 
ton, architect, of Philadelphia, with H,.- understanding him] agreement 
that the said building when competed shall in- placed in charge of the 
authorities of the said borough; Ihey to have all rents and revenues 
..f whatever kind arising therefrom, by paying semi-annually, on the 
■I January and July, to a treasurer appointed t>y us fur said 
purpose, two and one-half per cent, upon the amount of our subscrip- 
tions, which pay nts are 1 ntl ifoi :i period of ten years, ami, in 

consideration of Said borough liuving maile full payment of the twenty 



tbove i the said borough is to own 

same without further payments: 

" II i: Packer 



Charles o Skeer MOO 

John fjeisenriog 

1000 

ntl 

1000 

i ii Leisenrlng 1000 

lllen Craig 

A w . Butler 

John C. Dolon 

James I Blakslee 

Daniel Herts. Ii > 

They were thus to paj twenty-nine thousand dol- 
lars for the building of the hall, one-half of which 
was to be returned to them on easy terms within a 
period of ten years. The proposition being accepted, 
work was begun, and the corner-stone of the building 
was laid, with proper observance, on Aug. 10, 1881. 
In the s'tOne was deposited a condensed history of 
Mauch Chunk, in printed form, prepared by a com- 
mittee appointed by the borough authorities, of which 
E. 11. Rauch was chairman, together with other docu- 
ments and a view of the old market-house and hall, 
torn down to give space for the new. The work pro- 
gressed so well that the hall was formally opened on 
the evening of Feb. 4, 1882, on which occasion a 
speech of presentation was made by A. W. Butler, 
and answered by one of acceptance by Frederick 
Bertolette. The evening's entertainment, " Edgewood 
Folks," a comedy, was then given by Sol Smith Rus- 
sell and company before a crowded audience. The 
chairman of the building committee was A. W. But- 
ler, the architect Addison Hutton, and the builders 
were Balderston & Hutton, of Philadelphia. The 
tasteful frescoing and the scenery was the work of H. 
Lempert, of Rochester, N. Y. The hall is of ample 
size, appropriately and elegantly finished and fur- 
nished, and possesses tin- important requisite of good 
acoustic properties. The lower Moor of the substan- 
tial brick structure is principally devoted to market 
purposes, and affords space for a sufficient number of 
stalls anil the free circulation of their patrons. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ASA LANSFORD FOSTER. 

Asa Lansford Foster was a native of Rowe, Frank- 
lin Co., Mass., whence, with a good common-school 
education, fair health, and Yankee energy, he came, 
when quite a young man, to Pennsylvania, then the 
" Far West," and engaged in the mercantile business 
with an older brother, who had preceded him, at Ber- 
wick, on the Susquehanna River. 

A few years later — about 1821 or 1822 — he engaged 
in the same business on his own account at Blooms- 
burg, and married Louisa Chapman, a uiece and mem- 
ber of the family of Isaac A. Chapman, one of the 
earliest pioneers of the Lehigh coal operations. 

The mercantile business of that time and locality 



BOROUGH OF MAUCH CHUNK, 



Till 



was chiefly that of trade or baiter of the mercham 
usually ki pi in country stores, for the products of the 
farm and forest. Part of these products were taken 
on wagons or sleds to Philadelphia and part were sent 
tu markets down the Susquehanna on the spring and 
fall freshets in rafts or arks. Goods for the store wer< 
lit in wagons or sleds from the cit ■ 

'1'he Susquehanna and Lehigh Turnpike, which 
under a cbartei granted in 1804, had been made from 
Berwick to Mauch Chunk, was the only avenue of 
transportation from the Susquehanna Valley, over the 
mountains, ti> the valley of the Lehigh, and thence to 
the I >elaware. 

An> r the commencement of operations by the Le- 
high Coal and Navigation Company, Mauch Chunk 
became an important market for the products of the 
Susquehanna Valley, and a very desirable one, lor 
here cash could be obtained lor them in the shape of 
what was called " Mauch Chunk money," — that is, 
cks upon a Philadelphia hank. These tin mer- 
chants of the valley were glad to get, and the traffic 
with Mauch (hunk made the operations there fa- 
miliar to Mr. Foster, when about 1826 lie disposed of 
his business at Blooinsburg and removed to Philadel- 
phia, intending to engage in the wholesale trade in 
such merchandise as hi- experience had taught him 
was needed in the country. 

While residing on the Susquehanna various plans 
for the navigation of that river were subjects much 
discussed among progressive men. Among them was 
the attempt to run a -mall steamboat, called the 
"Cadorus," which exploded on it- first trial. Mr. 
Foster was mi board, hut being a good swimmer and 
fortunately blown into the water with only slight in- 
juries, narrowly , -scaped with his life. 

In Philadelphia lie accepted temporarily a position 
in a wholesale house, and while there, through his 

connection with Isaac A. Chapman, then civil engi- 
neer tor the Lehigh Company, and residing at Mauch 

Chunk, Mr. Foster made the acquaintance ot Josiab 
White and Krskine Hazard, and was by them engaged 
to lake charge of the company's large supply-store 
at the latter place. He removed with his family to 
Mauch Chunk about 1827. Here he found a very 
large and substantia] -tone store-building, tilled from 
garret to cellar witli goods which had from time to 
time been sent by the managers of the company, 
many of which, owing to their ignorance of the needs 
of their employe-, were useli -- i nd unsalable. These 
he had packed and returned to the city and replen- 
ished the stock with auch goods as were wanted. 

His management of the -tore made it very popular, 
and it soon became the centre of supply, not only for 
those employed by the company, hut also for the 
country from the Susquehanna to the Delaware, which 
found here a ready market for its products. 

The company employed hundreds of men in the 
construction of its canal from Mauch Chunk to I 
ton; its descending navigation from the head-waters 



of the Lehigh to Mauch Chunk ; in tie- construction 
of the railroad to the mines; in gel imber, 

sawing lumber, building arks, dwelling-houses, and 

"i bi i -ii ucl tin i; and at the mini -. quarryin 

hauling cal ; with other hundn 

and oxen, all of which had to be provided forth] 

the -tore. Many men wei d in the forests 

getting out lumber, and at other point- at con 

lie ■ from Mauch ( 'hunk, the centre Of opera- 
tion-, where all cane ir pay and supplies. 

tore and offices « ere kepi opi a on Sum 

well a- week-days for their accommodation, and Sun- 
day was often the busiest da) of the week. 

I anage such a business, keeping the stock of 

goods and supplies full, with the facilities for trans- 
portation then available, hy wagon- Iron, 
nearly a hundred mile- di-tanl, repined ability, 
lit. and energy, which Mr. Foster had and ex- 
ercised to the entire satisfaction of the company, 

while the attention which he gave personally and re- 
quired of hi- assistants behind the counters to all cus- 
tomer-, made them all hi- friend- 1 patrons. 

Prior to 1831 tie company owned all of the land 
and houses in Mauch Chunk, hut about that time 
concluded to lay out the town in lots and -ell them. 

The plot of that part which had been built upon was 

so arranged that the dwelling- were upon separate 
lot-. The prices a-ked were fair, the terms of pay- 
ment easy, and very soon nearly all of the lots — as 

well those built upon a- those vacant— were disposed 
of. The company had, however, reserved 

panel- which the acting manager, Mr. White, thought 
might be needed for their own use, among them the 
corner now occupied by (he Lehigh Valley Railroad 
offices. The company had also concluded soon to re- 
linquish the mercantile business to private enterprise, 
and Mr. Foster was very desirous to purchase the 
corner lot above mentioned for the purpose of erect- 
ing thereon a -tore building. His application for it 
was repeatedly declined; hut, to settle the matter 
finally, by asking for it what he thought a pri 
high that no purchaser could he found, Mr. White 
named six hundred dollars a- the very lowest figure. 
Mr. Foster, to the surprise of the manager, imme- 
diately accepted the offer, and with Messrs. Benjamin 
Rush McConncll and James Brodrick, purchased the 
lot and erected a -tore upon it. 

Previous to this time Mauch ('hunk had I" 

known, and its coal-mines-then a great nov- 
elty, it- wild and picturesque location, as well as its 
wonderful railroad, then the only one in the United 
States attracted many visitors. Mr. Foster thought 
the time bad come when the patronage of thesi 
tor- ami the many now inter, -ted in the progress of 
1-trade and of the 1 01 pan} , together 

with the local patronage, would support a newspaper. 

lie business of the i pany also required a large 

amount of job printing. Having the assuranr, of 
Mr. White that a printing-office would have the 



70.' 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



npany's patronage, Mr. Foster conferred with his 

friend, A.mos Sisty, then an apprentice (nearly oul of 
his time) tn the printer's trade al Bi rwick, and a 
young man of Buperior Irterarj ability, w-ith the re- 
sult that he paid the master for the remainder of Mr. 
Sisty's " time," purchased a very complete outfit for a 
newspaper and job printing-office, and while retain- 
ing his position as store-keeper tor the company, com- 
menced, in 1829, the publication of the Lehigh Pioneer 
and Mauch Chunk Courier, with Amos Sisty us editor. 
The investment yielded no more income than was 
necessary to meet current expenses, although the 
paper was ably edited and will compare favorably, 
both in matter and typography, »iili the newspapers 
of half a century later. 

The ability of M r. Sisty soon attracted the attention 
of other journalists, and he accepted a more important 
and lucrative position upon a Baltimore paper. The 
Pioneer mnl Courier was, however, published (in later 
years under the title of the Mauch Chunk Courier) 
under the several editorial ami business managements 
of Mahlou H. Sisty and John and William P. 1. Pain- 
ter, until about the year 1X4L', when Mr. Foster sold 
the material of the office to Joseph H. Siewers, who 
changed the name to the Carbon County Transit. A 
year or two later, Mr. Siewers sold it to William Reed, 
when the paper came again under the control of Mr. 
Foster for a short time, during which the old name 
was revived; hut upon again changing owners, the 
name was again changed to the Mauch Chunk Gazette, 
under which name it is now published, fifty-five years 
after the Lehigh Pioneer mnl Mauch < 'limit: Courier first 
made its appearance. 

The "corner store" was erected, supplied with 
goods, and business commenced about the time that 
the Beaver Meadow Railroad, from Beaver Meadow 
to Parryville, and the " Upper Grand Section" of the 
Lehigh Navigation, from White Haven to Mauch 
Chunk, were in course of construction. Mr. Foster's 
abilities as a merchant were again called into action, 
this store becoming the principal point from which 
supplies for the army of men employed on these great 
works were drawn. 

There were no such facilities as there are now for 
procuring such supplies as were needed. It is true, 
the canal was finished and the store was so constructed 
that a boat, loaded with goods, could be floated under 
it and unloaded by wdieel and axle, through hatch- 
ways in the store-floors, which was an advance upon 
the old plan of hauling goods from the city in wagons; 
but there were no great packing-houses for the curing 
of meats; molasses and sugar came in hogsheads. 
There was no such thing as browned coffee in mar- 
ket, pepper and spices came in bulk and unground. 
To furnish cured meats, droves of cattle and hogs 
were purchased and slaughtered, and the meats parked 
in barrels. Flour and potatoes were purchased by the 
boat-load, and in the fall in quantities sufficient for 
the demand through the winter. 



Many <ii the points where supplies were needed, 
along the navigation and railroad in course of con- 
struction, were accessible only by steep roads down the 
mountain-sides. To some, roads could not be made, and 
from the nearest accessible point supplies had to be 
lowered by ropes. To reach them sugar and molasses 

were transferred from hogsheads into barrels or smaller 

receptacles. There were no conveniences lor brown- 
ing coffee at the shanties. This the store-keeper had 
to have done, spices had to he ground and packed 
and many other things done, to meet the emergency, 

all of which was so satisfactorily accomplished at the 
"corner store" that it became verj popular, and a 
nourishing and profitable trade was the result. 

The store was, while under the management of Mr. 
Foster, at first owned by the firm of McConncll, Foster 
^ Brodrick, then FosterA Brodrick, and finally owned 
by Asa L. Foster alone. 

Mr. Foster removed from Mauch Chunk in 1837 to 
engage in another enterprise, leaving his mercantile 
business in charge of one of his salesmen, Robert Q. 
Butler, to be closed out, and soon after sold the lot 
and buildings to Asa Packer ; the site now occupied, 
as before mentioned, by the building erected since 
Judge Packer's decease, for the accommodation of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad Company's offices, lor which 
purpose — except the "corner" of the first floor (which 
is still a store), and three rooms of the same floor 
fronting on Susquehanna Street — it is now used. 
Asa L. Foster, by his intimate social relations with 

; Messrs. White, Hazard, and Isaac A. Chapman, dur- 
ing his connection with the Lehigh Company, when 
coal, in all of its aspects, from location in the ground 

I to its use as fuel, was the leading topic of study 

| and conversation, had made himself thoroughly con- 
versant with its geology and the surface indications 
of its deposit. Mr. Chapman had also given the sub- 
ject much study, with the advantage of several years' 
longer experience in this and other localities. 

In his business as a surveyor, some years before he 
entered the service of the Lehigh company, Mr. 
Chapman had noticed the surface indications of coal 
on several tracts of land in the southeastern part of 
Luzerne County, which, year after year, had been 
offered lor sale for the taxes assessed ami unpaid 
upon them. These lands were of little value as tim- 
ber lands, being bleak mountain tops, and were en- 
tirely inaccessible to market, even if they had been 
covered with timber. The lands which Mr. Chapman 
believed contained coal were at his suggestion pur- 

j chased at tax sale by him and Mr. Foster, as partners, 
Mime years prior to their becoming residents of 
Mauch Chunk, Mr. Chapman at that time saying to 
Mr. Foster, "They may never be of any value to us, 
bill, being coal-lauds, they may he to our children," 

The construction of the slack-water navigation 
from Mauch Chunk to White Haven brought the 
product of these lands within lour miles of an avenue 

I to market, and in lSISfi or 1886, Mr. Foster (Mr. Chap- 



HOKUI lill OF MATCH CHUNK. 



ro3 



man having died) went to see them. Finding upon 
them the geological formation of coal lands, as Mr. 
Chapman had done Beveral > ears earlier, he made ar- 
rangements for prn\ intr the location and value of the 
coal strata by shafting, but postponed active opi 
tions for a time when he could more conveniently 
them his personal attention. 
The progress of the proposed navigation Btimu 
the owners of lands in it- vicinity, which had before 
been considered not worth the taxes, to look after 
them, and among these were the owners of the origi- 
nal titles to the lands which Messrs. Chapman and 
Foster had purchased. This led to mnch correspond- 
ence, threats of lawsuits based upon irregularities 
in the tax sale, and precipitated not only the exami- 
nation of the lands to ascertain their value, but also 
the desire to get actual occupancy and possession, 
which Mr. Foster, in the interests of himself and the 
heirs of Isaac A. Chapman, found it advisable to do 

in the winter instead of the following summer, as had 
been intended. 

Procuring the necessary help, he cut a road through 

' the forest from the nearest saw-mill, two anil a half 
miles distant, built a small house or shanty, and com- 
menced exploring lor the coal. Although there was 
two 01 time feet of snow upon the ground, the land- 
marks which he had made during his visit the pre- 
vious summer enabled him to locate hi- point id' 

operations, and ill a lew days the w hole Lehigh n 

was amazed by the new- of the discovery of a new 

deposit. 

Mr. Foster's observations while in that aeighbor- 

h 1 were not confined to his own land, but, having 

found the key. lie unlocked what is now the ureal 
Blaek ('reek coal basin, and obtained knowledge 
which many men, more ambitious and less scrupulous, 
could have turned greatly to their advantage, 
i The immediate result of Mr. Foster's discovery was 
tin' organization of the Buck Mounts i lorn- 

pany. of which he was appointed superintendent, and 
( in the fall of 1837, having had a log house built on 
the top of the Buck Mountain, he removed his family 
there, and for a year or more continued his explora- 
tions, to ascertain the depth of the basin and the lo- 
! cation of the coal strata, with a view to tin 
method of working the mines. 
A tunnel through the conglomerate to reach the 
bottom of the basin was finally decided upon, and 
' thi.-, with four inili- of railroad, including two in- 
led planes and a tunnel, with wharves, etc.. for 
it, Mi. Foster, with tWO other- as 

i partner- d t<> build; taking a large percent- 

al of the work in the bonds of the coin- 

The work was completed and one boat load of 

1 coal -hipped ill the fall of 1840. 

In January, 1841, the Lehigh navigation was de- 
stroyed by a great flood, and Mr. Foster having ex- 
hausted hi- own mean- in exchange for securities 
I which were now and tor several years after of little 



market value, and which he was obliged to dispose of 

at a great sacrifice, became nparatively a poor 

man. 

lie reman k Mountain and Bock p 

a yen or two alter the navigation was rebuilt, in Un- 
employment oil n. , ,. id E. W. Harlan, 
who had taken the contract to mine and deliver coal 
into boats, and in the fall of 1844 returned to Mau 
Chunk. 

Here, for a short time, he edited and published the 
1/ > ■ trier, then the only newspaper in 

Mauch Chunk, and afterwards, in partner-hip with 
his old sale-man of the "corner -tor.," Robert < l 
Butler, obtained a contract for driving one of the 
tunnels In Panther < Ireek Valley, mar Summit Hill, 
where he remained, in that capacity and as book- 
keeper and financial manager for Daniel B 
one of the coal contractors, until 1855, when be be- 
came a partner with Messrs. Sinn nring & 
Co., afterwards Sharpe, Weiss .v Co., in the lease 
and opening of the Council Ridge Colliery, at the 
eastern end of the great Black Creek coal-basin, and 

within two mile- of the place where twenty years be- 
fore he had developed the existence of coal in that 
locality. 

It was his knowledge of the resources of this 
'-field, and their confidence in Mr. Foster's judg- 
ment, that induced these gentlemen to invest all of 
their means in the venture. It was financially suc- 
cessful, and although, like many pioneers in great 
projects, Mr. Foster was at first unfortunate, unlike 
many of them he lived to participate largely in the 
fruits oi his early labor- and enterprise. 

for many years prior to his decease, Mr. Foster de- 
servedly enjoyed a reputation second to thai of do 
other man for his great knowledge of the geology of 
the anthracite coal formation, and for his excellent 
judgment as to the probable position of the coal strata 
as to pitch, depth, and axis beneath the surface, — 
matters of va.-t importance in fixing the proper loca- 
tion lor openings and deciding upon the best plan tor 
the working of mine-. As an expert in such matter-, 
his services were often requested and cheerfully ren- 
dered, generally without compensation, although, in 
many instances, requiring many miles of fatiguing 
travel on foot through forest.-, often at long distances 
and for many day-' absence from hi- home. 

Asa L. Foster was an eminently progressive man, 

manifesting at all time- much interest in every mi 

urc which he believed to be lor the welfare of the 

people, both general and local. He was one of the 
earliest advocate- of the COmmon-Scho at 

a time when that now popular institution had few 
friends, and labored earnestly with voice and pell 
adoption, 
lie wa- a careful nailer, a close rea-om i , .! 
fore-igbt, and an excellent counselor in all matters 
pertaining to the progress and development of the 
great mineral and other resources of the Lehigh 



T«»4 



HISTORY OF CAKBON COUNTY, I'K.N \SY LVANIA. 



Valley. In friendly and intimate social relations 
with their chief projectors, and particularly so with 
the late I [on. Asa Packer, who, we learn from the coi 
respondent them, often sough) Mr. I 

advice and counsel, and was encouraged in his hours 
itesl des| lency to renewed .Hurt- to push for- 
ward his great projects to completion. 
Mr. Foster was a sincere Christian, not in profession 



born children, -Liny Evelyn, Mary 11., Roberl Asa, 
and Hairy Eldred. The couple soon after Bottled 
on a farm, where the young wife proved herself a 
helpmate indeed. While the husband plowed his 
field, gathered his crops, or plied his trade at such 
desultory work as the neighbors needed, the wife ad- 
ministered her household atlairs with cheerfulness, 
energy, neatness, and economy, and made their home 



ly, its precepts in all of hi> social and business rela- 
tions. Liberal in his charities, kind and sympathetic 
in his intercourse with high and bumble alike, he was 
one who constantly gained new friends and never 
made an enem) . 

\.;i i Fostei died at Wilkesbarre alter a short 
illness, contracted while on a visit to friends there, 
on the '.Uh day of January, 1868, in the seventy- 
first year ot' hi- age. An appropriate monument 
and memorial marks his last earthly resting-place in 
the cemetery at Mauch Chunk. The borough ofLans- 
ford, in Carbon County, and the township of Foster, 
in Luzerne County, also perpetuate hi- name and 
memory. 



only, but be carried his faith into, and was guided a model of comfort and happiness. But nature yielded 

her crops scantily, markets were distant, and the re- 
turn- small. At the end of four years they found 
themselves nearly as poor as when they began. Hear- 
ing that men were wanted to run coal-boats on the 
Lehigh Canal, which had jii-l been opened, in the 
winter of 1833, Mr. Packer hitched his horse to a 
primitive sled and drove to Mauch Chunk, with a 
view to making arrangement- to engage in that work. 
Alter effecting a satisfactory engagement he drove 
home, and remained, closing up his affairs until the 
opening of navigation. He then returned, walking to 
Tunkhaunoek, on the Susquehanna River. There he 
boarded a rait, rode to Berwick, walked the remaining 
distance to Mauch Chunk, and became the commander 

of a canal-boat. Not long after he contracted for an 
addil ional boat, and placed it in charge of his brother- 
in-law. The boating business paid, so much so, that 
at the end of two years he was able to retire with some 
capital from the active participation therein, though 
retaining an interest. He purchased a -tore, situated 
on the banks of the Lehigh, and made his brother-in- 
law its manager, while be himself established a boat- 
yard tor the construction of canal-boats, his early 
training as a carpenter standing him in good stead. 
Prosperity still attended him. In a few years he 
placed in bis stores a stock of goods which cost him 
twenty-five thousand dollars. He also took extensive 
contracts for building on the Upper Lehigh, which he 
finished in 1836, coming out with handsome profits. 
Mr. Packer was then a rich man for those days. The 
following year, with his brother, Robert, he took large 
contracts to build boats at Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., 
for the direct shipping of coal to New York. He con- 
tinued in business at this point for three years, at the 
end of which time the partnership was dissolved, Asa 
returning to Mauch Chunk, and Robert remaining in 
Reading. He next engaged in the mining and ship- 
ping of coal from the Nesquehoning and other mines. 
Thenceforward Mr. Packer's career was marked by 
an unbroken chain of prosperity, the result of his own 
endeavors. In 1852, unaided and alone, he began the 
gigantic undertaking of building the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad. With rare foresight he foresaw the grand 
results that would accrue therefrom, and with un- 
flinching courage he undertook the great work. He 
completed the road in 1855, meanwhile jeopardizing 
his entire fortune, but eventually overcoming all em- 
barrassments. While Mr. Packer accumulated vast 
wealth, he administered it with a liberal and enlight- 
ened judgment. While benefiting his own family, he 



ASA PACK Kit. 

\-a Packer was born in Mystic, Conn., on the 29th 
of December, 1805. His early education was very 
limited, being only such a- was taught in the primi- 
tive district schools of those early days. ( in attaining 
the age of seventeen, he packed all bis worldly pos- 
sessions, consisting of a few simple articles of clothing, 
shouldered his small bundle, and started on foot to 
seek his fortune in the great world. Trudging along 
the rugged roads of that early time, the plucky boy 
walked the entire distance in the land of "blue laws 
and wooden nutmegs" to Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., 
Pa. That achievement was a fair index of Mr. Pack- 
er's future. The boy was father to the man. Once 
determined upon a course of action, no obstacles de- 
terred him, no discouragements shook bis purpose, no 
work was too great to be undertaken. After weeks of 
weary searching, climbing rocky bills and toiling 
through dusty valleys, through sunshine and rain, 
hungry, tired, footsore, the lad arrived at the house of 
his cousin, Mr. Edward Packer, in Brooklyn. He 
was a bouse carpenter, and under his tutelage young 
Asa determined to learn that trade. He began work 
with a will, and with bis characteristic thoroughness 
he became a first-class workman. No man in the 
country round about could shove a plane truer, or hit 
a nail on the head with more precision, than young 
Asa Packer. When the years of his apprenticeship 
had expired he went to New York and worked a year 
ai his trade. But the life of the city was distasteful 
to him, and returning to Susquehanna County, he 
settled in Springville township. There he pursued 
bis trade, and was married on the 23d of January, 
1828, to Miss Sarah M. Blakslce, to whom were 




rjric*- £/£l*^/L~-, — ^ 



lK)K<>n;iI OF MAI ■<■![ CHUNK. 



1 05 



ha- benefited his race, and been a power in the devel- 
opment "i lii- State and the advancement of civiliza- 
tion. Mr. Packer, while promoting the material in- 
found ii bis pleasure to erectduring 
i a monument which 
in the present and will through the long future the 
various kinds of learning which tend to maki 
most useful to their fellow-men and ■ 
and affection in theirfamilies and in society. He an- 
ited the provisions of his will in founding the 
Lehigh University, and bo liberally endowed it on his 
Heath a< to make it permanent and self-sustaining. 
St. Luke's Hospital, Muhlenberg College, St. Mark's 
Church, and other institutions v • be recipients 

pf his judicious munificence. .Mr. Packer was in 

politics an ardent Dei Tat, ai 1 at various 

limes conspicuous honors from his part r 

[ for the sessions of 1841-42 and 1842 13 to the 
State Legislature, was associate judge of Carbon 
Bounty in 1848 and 1844, and from 1853 to 1857 rep- 

ative in Congress from bis district. Hewasa 
candidate for gubernatorial honors in 1869, and the 
year previous prominently mentioned in coin' 
with the Presidency. His death occurred May 17, 
1879. 



ERT AS \ PAC1 

Mr. Packer was the son oi Asa and Sarah Bis 
packer, and born on the 19th of November, 1842, at 
Mauch Chunk, Pa. Alter receiving a fair English 
education he became a member of a corps of engi- 
neers of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company, then 
beating a portion of the Wyoming division, be- 
liveen White Haven Junction and Wilkesbarre. On 
it- completion he was appointed superintendent ol 

that division, and acted in that capacity until a short 

Erne after the completion of the Pennsylvania and 

N.w York Canal and Railroad Company's line, when 
Mr. Packer, upon the death of John P. Cox, became 
superintendent of this railroad. On entering upon the 
flnties of the office he removed toTowanda, and after- 
ward- to Sayre, Pa., making the latter point i, 
manent abode. He was elected, in 1881, president of 
er road, and also to the same responsible office 
in connection with the Geneva, Ithaca and Sayre 
Railroad, which was a part of the Lehigh Valley 
system. He was also president of the Lehigh Valley 
Transportation Company, owning a line of lake 
steamers plying between Buffalo and Chicago, and 
president of the Lehigh Valley Railway Company 

(running from Lancasti to Buffalo Mr. Packer 

fas also a member of the board of directors o 
Lehigh Valhy Railroad Company, chairman 
executive committee, a trustee of the Lehigh Cni- 

versity. and of the trustees of the estate ,,t bis 

father (deceased . In 1883 he was appointed man- 
aging director of the Southern Central Railroad. 
Mr. Packer possessed a natural tact lor railroad man- 
16 



and directed the affairs o n ith 

which he was connected with marked ability. He 
was in polities a Democrat, and active in the political 
contests of the daj as a defender of the prii 
his party, and not from ambition for office. Although 
■ ral nominations for office were tendered bin 
idfastly refused their acceptance, preferring rather 
to join the excitements of a campaign in behall 
someothei candidate. Mr, P a \ a ] i 

whole-souled nature that won him many friends and 
added greatly to his popularity. He did mm i 
build up and beautify the town of Sayre. 

i with its material 

than it- religious and educational advancement He 
was united in marriage to Miss ESmilie Piollet, the 
only daughtei of Hon. Victoi E. Piollet, who sur- 
vived him. The death of Robert A. Packer occurred 
on the 20th of February, 1883, at his winter home, in 
Jacksonville, Fla. 



HARR> ELDRED PACK 
Harry Eldred Packer, the youngest - , and 

Sarah Blakslee Packer, was bom on the 4ih of June, 
1850, at Maucht bunk, Carbon Co., Pa., and named 
in honor of Hon. Nathaniel B. Eldred, pn 
judge of Carbon County during his father's official 
term as associate judge. He received his early edu- 
cation under the direction of Professor Charles Bow- 
man, and finished his studies at the Lehigh Univer- 
sity, so liberally endowed by Asa Packer. Having 
-pent his life at- the home of his parent-, be became 
thoroughly conversant with the great interests which 

Successfully established, and r< 
that training which eminently fitted him for the 
prominent position he was called to fill on the death 
latter. At the age of twenty-nine he became 
actively identified with the coal and railroad in 
of the State; was elected a director of the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad Company; appointed general super- 
intendent of a division of this prosperous corporation, 
and soon after cho-en to fill the offici -presi- 

dent. In January. 1883, he was elected to the 

of the railroad, and in January of the following 
year re-elected to the -aim- position. Mr. Pack. 
ceeded his father as one of the vestry of St. Mark's 
Church, of Mauch Chunk. lie was nominated for the 

•he county by the ! 
cratic party, of which he was an influential leader, 
and elected without opposition from the opposing 
party. II,- was commissioned on Jan. I. 188 
Governor Hoyt, and took hi- -eat upon the bench 

soon after. Mr. Packer was largely interested il 

enterprises, and an important factor in the de 
ment of this great product of the State, lie evinced 
much attachment for the locality of his birth, anil in 
the erection of buildings and 1 - contribu- 

tion- to worthy objects added greatly to the growth 
and prosperity of Mauch Chunk. A- a citizen lie 



706 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



was public-spirited and enterprising, as a friend, loyal 
and unselfish, traits that inspired man; tender mem- 
-H.il of bis death, which occurred <>n 
the 1st ol February, 1884, in his thirty-fourth year. 
He was, on the 29th of \ uirust, 1872, united in mar- 
to Mi^v Augusta Lockhart, daughter ol' the late 
Alexander Lockhart, who survives him. 



BON. JOHN LEISENRING. 

Hon. John Leisenring, Mauch Chunk's highly- 
esteemed citizen and widely-known business man, was 

horn in 1810, at Philadelphia, Pa., his paternal ances- 
tors being of Sum >n descent, and his maternal ancestors 
Scotch. His great-grandfather came to America in 
1765, and settled in Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., 
on the Lehigh River, in a.d. 17oT>, on a farm bought 
from the original proprietors, while the native In- 
dians still occupied that portion of the State. This 
farm still remains in possession of his descendants. 
The judge's father was a morocco-dresser in Philadel- 
phia, which business he left to engage in the war of 
1812. In 1828 he removed with his family to Mauch 
Chunk, where the family has since resided. His edu- 
cation was directed with special reference to the pro- 
fession of civil engineering, which he adopted at an 
early age, under the direction of E. A. Douglass, 
principal engineer of the Lehigh Coal and Naviga- 
tion Company, then controlled by Josiah White and 
Erskine Hazard, who were engaged in constructing a 
slack-water navigation of the Lehigh River, from 
Mauch Chunk to White Haven, and also in building 
a railroad from White Haven to Wilkesbarre. John 
Leisenring, at the age of seventeen years, had full 
charge of a division of the canal and railroad, while 
George Law and Asa Packer were contractors on the 
same division, and he remained in charge until its 
completion. After completing this work the Morris 
Canal Company, who were then enlarging their canal 
from Easton to Jersey City, through their chief 
engineer, secured his services as assistant, and he was 
placed in charge of the division between Dover, N. J., 
and Jersey City. He was also engaged in locating 
and surveying the railroad now known as the Belvi- 
dere Delaware Railroad, in which work he was asso- 
ciated with E. A. Douglass and Gen. H. M. Negley, 
who now resides in California. 

About this time he engaged in the coal business, 
then in its infancy, which he saw was to be the con- 
trolling business of the region. He also built Sharp 
Mountain planes, on the property of the Lehigh Coal 
and Navigation Company, for conveying the coal 
which he and others mined. This interesting en- 
gineering feature, which, christened the Switchback 
Railroad, after being used for many years, was aban- 
doned at the completion of the Nesquehoning Valley 
Railroad tunnel into the Panther Creek Valley. 

In 1854 he removed from Ashton, now Lansford, 



Carbon Co., where he had lived for nine years, to 
Eckly, Luzerne Co., where he opened the Council 

Ridge mines, which arc now operated by him, as well as 
many other mines in the same locality, he being spe- 
cially identified with the production of coal from the 
Buck Mountain vein, producing in 1.SS1, in all, about 
one million tons. He organized, and is, -till president 
of, the Upper Lehigh Coal Company, known as one of 

the mosl successful mining Companies in the country. 

On the death of E. A. Douglass, in i-'' 1 he was 

chosen as his successor in charge of the works of the 
Lehigh Coal and .Navigation Company, during which 

the navigation from White Haven down was almost 

totally destroyed by the great freshet of June, in 
Isiii'. The works from Mauch ('hunk to Easton were 
repaired with wonderful rapidity, and the judge's 

energy and efficiency in their construction was on all 

hands commended. 

The navigation from White Haven to Mauch ( 'hunk 
was not restored, because, in the judgment of the sub- 
ject of this article, the destruction to life and property 
was so great as to be sufficient ground for declining 
to incur the risk of a repetition, and in order to retain 
the business he suggested and recommended the build- 
ing of a railroad between the same points. 

After completing this work, which gave the com- ' 
pany a line of railroad from Wilkesbarre to Mauch 
Chunk, Mr. Leisenring saw that to secure the full 
benefit of this road it would be necessary to have a 
railroad from Mauch Chunk to Easton, to connect 
with roads in New Jersey, so that the operations of 
the company need not be suspended during the winter 
months, but that business could go on continuously. 
In carrying out this plan, which was promptly adopted 
by the company, the road was laid out and completed 
with steel rails, which were the first importation of 
any consequence, and the whole fifty miles are still in 
use and doing good service, showing the forethought 
and sound judgment of its promoter. 

The iron bridges crossing the two rivers, Lehigh 
and Delaware, at Easton have been considered a 
masterly piece of engineering, both in their location 
and construction. In view of the large business which 
he expected from the Wyoming region, he designed 
and built three inclined planes, which were used to 
raise the coal from the Wyoming Valley, a perpen- 
dicular height of about one thousand feet, divided in 
planes of about a mile in length each. These planes 
are constructed with a capacity to raise two thousand 
cars, or ten thousand to twelve thousand tons, daily, 
at a cost of but little more than the minimum cost 
per mile of transportation on a railroad of ordinary 
grade, thus saving to the company over four- lift lis of 
the cost of hauling the same coal in cars by locomo- 
tives, as it would have required over thirteen miles of 
railroad to overcome the same elevation. These arc 
thought to In- the most effective planes in the world. 

Having brought to a successful issue all these plans 
for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company's canals 





&?-rz^d> 



BOROUGH OK MAUCII CHUNK. 



709 



morning and sent with the command to dislodge the 
enemy at the affair at Cerro Gordo. On his return 
home, in 1848, he was elected to the Pennsylvania 

Legislature, ami re-elected in 1849. In 1854 lie re- 
moved to Kansas bj especial invitation of Governor 
Reeder, located the town of Pawnee, and was elected 
president of its building association. Be helped to 
build the first hotel in Leavenworth — the old Shaw- 

■ i 1 1 1 1 1 - . ■ in the tall (if 1854, and in 1855 built the 

first hotel in Western Kansas, at Pawnee. This 
house was tin' stopping-place 'it' I •• > 1 1 i parties ti> the 
State discussion in Kansas in those 
early days, and in lively controversy frequently met 
around his hospitable board Jim Lane, Reeder, String- 

t'elluw , \V Ison, Atchison, < lonway, < ren. < '"Her. and 

all the leading spirits of the then struggling Territory 
pf Kansas, when the Brsl session of the Legislature 
adjourned from Shawnee Mission to Pawnee. 

He was a member of the Topeka Constitutional 
Convention, being the first signer of that constitution, 
and, after its adoption, was appointed, as a Democrat, 
u-y of State, to fill the vacancy occasioned by 
the absence of Hon. Philip C. Schuyler, under I loi 
ernor Robinson's administration. In 1856 he was 
one of the celebrated ''Committee of Safety'' to pro- 
tect the State from invasion, and was appointed brig- 
adier-general of the State troops at Lawrence, where 
lie was associated with Mai. G. W. Dietzler, Gaius 
Jenkins, Governor Charles Robinson, and others. 

He was one of the important factors in the selec- 
tion of Topeka as the capital of the State, having by 
his personal influence carried the entire western por- 
tion of Kansas in favor of thai place, and other 
important measures then pending. 

lie returned to his native State in 1857, and in 
L859 was elected treasurer of Carbon ( lounty. At the 
breaking out of the Rebellion, in 1S61, he engaged in 
the United States s< rvice for three months under Gen. 
Patterson. In 1862 he was made colonel of the Nine- 
teenth Pennsylvania Regiment (organized September 
15th and discharged September 27th of the same 
year), serving, among other place-, at Chambersburg 
" in the emergency." 

Mr. Klotz has been a busy man all his matured life, 
having had constantly on hand from one to half a 

commercial enterprises. At present he is one 

of the trustees of the Lehigh University, at Iiethle- 

mi of the board of managers of the Laflin & 
Kami Powder Company, of New York, besides having 
various enterprises under his supervision and presi- 
dency. 

One of the Mexican veterans himself, and one of 
the vice-presidents for Pennsylvania of the " National 
Association of Mexican Veterans" ever since it- or- 
ganization, he has evidenced his interest in the wel- 
fare of his old comrades by his cca- ivity in 
their behalf in and out of Congress. During the 
extra session of the Forty-sixth i he prepared 
and introduced a bill for pensioning surviving soldiers, 



or the families of deceased soldiers, of the Mexican 
rhe bill was referred to the Committee on Pen- 
sions, who, during the present session, havi 
a bill embodying it- main features. His i 

lative efforts have been to benefit the -oMier- of the 

United States, as, ini i all his activities been 

engaged in any capacity he has Idled. 

Mr. Klotz has ever been a stanch Democrat. ,U;i 
Democrat he was elected to the Forty-sixth ( 'ongress 
from the Eleventh Pennsylvania District, in one of 
its most hotly-contested political battle-, receiving 

8211 votes, again r the Republican 

the Greenback, and 4345 for the Independent Demo- 
cratic candidate. < »n his re-eleetion for the BUI 
ing term (Forty-seventh Session), he received a ma- 
jority of 8347, instead of 95, as in the preceding 
campaign. A- a congressman he was bold, pi 
and industrious, more of a worker than 
and respected for his sound, practical view-. Ib- 
was ,.,, the Committee on Mine- and Mining, having 
in their charge the mineral development- of the great 
West ; also for four years on the Committee of Dis- 
trict of Columbia, one of the mosl important, and 
hence most laborious, committees in Congress, his 
well-known characteristics of industry, practicability, 
and unswerving fidelity being the inducements to his 
appointment thereon. 

Mr. Klotz \va- in 1849 married to Miss Sallie A., 
daughter of Col. John Lentz and his wife, Mary 
Loeser, of Carbon County. They have one child, a 
son, Lentz Edmund, who is married to Miss Fnima F., 
daughter of Hon. Joseph Daubach, of Bethlehem, Pa., 
and resides in Mauch Chunk. Their son is Roberl 
Klotz. 



DANIEL BBRTSCH. 

Daniel Bertsch was born in December, 1801, and 
spent the early part of his life at Lockport, North- 
ampton Co., Pa., where his parents resided. After 
receiving a limited education he learned the trade of 
a blacksmith, and for several years followed it. lie 
made Mauch Chunk his residence in 1826, and on 
abandoning his craft was employed on the construc- 
tion of the works of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company between Mauch Chunk and Fa-ton. He 
afterward received a contract for a portion of the 
works between .Mauch Chunk and White Haven, and 
other contract- from the Lehigh and Susquehanna 
Railroad for the construction of a part of the road 
between White Haven and Wilkesbarre. Mr. Bertsch 
continued the business of contracting until 1846, 
when he engaged in the mining of coal by contract at 
Summit Hill for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company, and continued thu- employed until 1865, 
when the company decided upon the working of their 
own mines. Mr. Bertsch was married to Miss Catli- 
erini Solt, to whom were born two sons— Daniel and 

John — and three daughters, — Caroline, wife of Hon. 



710 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



.luliii Leisenriug, who died in September, 1879 ; Em- 
etine, wife of Jamea A. Polk, and Harriet, wife of S. 
B. Price. Mr. and Mrs. Bertscb and their deceased 
daughter were members of the Presbyterian Church 
ofMauch Chunk. The death of Mr. Bertsch occurred 
Feb. 20, 1877. 

NATHAN D. CORTRIGHT. 

Nathan D. Cortrighl was born al Beach Grove, 
Salem township, Luzerne Co., Pa., Feb. 11, 1817. 
His ancestors originally emigrated from England, 
settling in New York State, on the Hudson, from 
where they moved to the Wyoming Valley, being 
among the firsl settlers of that, rich and inviting soil, 
His maternal great-grandfather, Thomas Dodson, was 
a -.Idier, and lived in the time of the Revolutionary 
and Indian wars. In one of their engagements he 
was taken prisoner by the British soldiers and carried 
into Canada. Some time afterward he was exchanged 
or released. He endured great hardships during his 
captivity, having; to return to his home through hos- 
tile Indian lands, traveling the whole distance on 
foot by the Indian path. 

Soon after peace was restored, his son, Thomas 
Dodson, volunteered the hazardous task of going to 
Canada on horseback to bring home Miss Abigail 
Dodson, who was kept a prisoner by an Indian chief- 
tain, having been taken prisoner along with the Gil- 
bert family from Gnadenhiitteu during the Indian 
wars. He succeeded in rescuing her, and brought her 
safely to her family and friends. This was considered 
a daring feat, and her relations ever held him in high 
esteem for this act of humanity. Mr. Cortright's pa- 
ternal grandfather, Elisha Cortright, was among the 
pioneer settlers of the Wyoming Valley, and during 
the trying scenes of the Revolution and Indian wars 
em lured the hardships incident to that period. Being 
sick with a prevalent fever at the time of the battle 
of Wyoming, or which is more popularly known as 
the " Wyoming Massacre," July 3, 1778, his brother, 
John Cortright, served in his stead, and was killed. 
His name is inscribed on the monument at Wyoming, 
placed in memory of those who fell at that perilous 
time. 

A fter the struggle between the Pennsylvania settlers 
and the Connecticut claimants, Elisha Cortright 
moved to Beach Grove, bought lands, and made a 
settlement. He married Huldah, daughter of An- 
drew Dingman, of Dingman's Ferry, Pike Co., Pa. 
His son, Isaac Cortright, father of the subject of this 
sketch, was bom in Hanover, Luzerne Co., in 177(>, 
and removing with his parents to Beach Grove, Salem 
township, in the same county, in 178i>, grew to man- 
hood's years at that place. 

He subsequently married .Mary, daughter of Thomas 
Dodson, and engaged in farming pursuits through a 
long and active life. For Bfty-tWO years his wile and 
he lived together in the same house, surrounded by 



many friends, in a Christian community, with good 

schools, and in a neighborhood where peace and 

social contentment reigned, Ids farm bordering on the 

ide of the beautiful and historic Susquehanna. 

They were blessed with eight children, namely. - 
Elish i D., Mabel D., Nancj L, Thomas !>., Huldah 
1)., Nathan I)., Ahram I)., Rachel B.,— Nathan D. 
being the sixth in succession. His early life was passed 
upon his father's farm, enjoying at the same time the 

benefits of such education as was imparted at the 

Cortright school. house, which was located upon a 
plot of ground donated by Elisha Cortright for edu- 
cational and church purposes. At the age of nine- 
teen he removed to Beaver Meadow, Carbon Co., and 
in the spring of 1836 secured a position in the corps 
of engineers of A. Pardee and J. G. Fell, civil engi- 
neers, who were engaged in building the Beaver 
Meadow, Hazleton and Summit Railroads. In the 
winter of 1838-30 he was appointed the general ship- 
ping and boat agent of the Hazleton Coal Company, 
and in 1842 was made superintendent of the same 
company, under the direction of Dr. Samuel Moore, 
president, holding that important position continu- 
ously until 1857. This company during that period 
was one of the strongest coal organizations in the 
State. Its transactions, though numerous and varied, 
were carried on with the strictest integrity, even amid 
the most threatening financial storms, and it may be 
truthfully said that some portion of this success and 
prosperity were due to the fidelity, executive ability, 
and excellent business judgment of Mr. Cortright. 
In 1857 he engaged in the coal business for himself, 
and is still actively engaged, in connection with his 
son, N. D. Cortright, Jr., in carrying on that branch 
of business. He had witnessed the gradual and suc- 
cessful development of the great coal and iron inter- 
ests of the Lehigh and Wyoming regions, and occa- 
sionally participated in such development. From 
1847 to 1852 he was interested with others in driving 
the old tunnel at Hacklebernie through about twelve 
hundred feet of rock and coal at the east end of the 
basin of the coal landsof the Lehigh Coal and Navi- 
gation Company. Since 1845 he has resided on the 
same premises, having built a new house in 1860 in 
Mauch Chunk, where he is recognized as a useful and 
valuable citizen, of modest tastes and inclinations, 
and actively identified with the various institutions 
in the locality. He is a member of the board of 
directors of the Second National Bank of Mauch 
Chunk, and has been one of the leading members of 
the Methodist Episcopal society since 1854, holding 
official relation with the same for many years, and in 
active sympathy with the temperance, Sabbath-school, 
and Bible causes. In 1851 he was appointed by Gov- 
ernor William F. Johnson one of his aides-de-camp, 
with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. On Feb. 6, 
1845, he was married to Margaretta L., daughter of 
Ezekiel W. and Margaret Harlan, who were of Quaker 
origin. They came to Mauch Chunk from Chester 





o(Ayr-^y 




BANKS TOWNSHIP. 



ill 



Counts in I^l'i!. Mr. Harlan was one of the early 
employes of the Lehigh ('.nil :m<l Navigation < 
pany, and afterwards became a partner of the late \- a 
Packer. This firm, Packer & Harlan, contracted for 
and rebuilt a portion of the Lehigh Canal, after 
which they operated the Nesquehoning m 

Mr. Harlan's family cor twelve children. 

Margaretta L. was born Ocl B, 1826. Their married 
life proved a happj and prosperous one; the issue of 
their union being four sons and two 

daughters. The eldest, Harlan W., who married Eliza 
Le Fevre, of Eurdtown, \. J., was superintendent for 
theOgden Mine Hail mad Company, near Dover, N. J., 
for sixteen j 'Mrs ; is now engaged in the coal business. 
Nathan D., who married Maggie Kennedy, of Port 
Kennedy, l'a., has been engaged in the coal business 
for the past eighteen year-: is the junior member of 
the firm of \. D. Cortright & Son, also postmaster of 
Mauch Chunk for the past five years. Gertrude M. 
is living at home with her parents. Samuel M., late 
superintendent of the Pennsylvania Tel. ■phone Com- 
pany, married Maggie Wey henshimer, of Allentown. 
William S., after attending Lafayette College, at 
Easton, l'a.. then graduated from Wyoming Com- 
mercial College, at Kingston, l'a.. and graduated 
from the College of Dental Surgery in 1879; lias 
been a successful practitioner of his n at 

Mauch < 'hunk ever since, i hi June •">, lss:!, he mar- 
ried Miss Jennie Pawling, of Mineral Point, Wis. 
Emma L., youngest daughter, was married to Edwin 
F. Keen, wholesale merchant of Philadelphia, Nov. 
21, 1883. 



rps thi n undertook the Burvey of the Lehigh 
and Susquehanna Railroad, Mr. Kemmerer remain- 
ing with them for lour year- in I 

nicer. The -nee,, ding lour;. -pent 

as mining engineer and assistant superintend 

Lehigh Coal Company, alter which he 
began an active business career as a member of the 
linn of Whitney, McCreary .v Kemmerer, ship] 
coal, the tirm subsequently becoming Whitney it 

Kemmerer. 11, that date been largely 

identified with the coal and iron interests of the 
State. In 1876 he engaged in tl :oal at 

Sand] Run, and later at Harleigh, I l>, and 

other collieries. He is a director and considerable 
owner of the stock of the Connellsvilli 
Iron Company, as also a director and stockholder in 

rbon Iron and Pipe Company, and an 
and director in the Carbon Rolling-Mil] Company. 
He i- secretary and treasurer of the Virginia Coal 
and lion Coinpa ny, and director of the Alden I'oal 

Company, of Wilkesbarre. Mr. Kemmerer ha- re- 
cently been appointed by Governor Pattison 

the commissioners to re\ise the mining law- of the 
State. He was married. Dec. 1, 1868, to Annie |... 

ei oi Hon. John Leisenring, of Mauch Chunk. 

Their children are three in number, -John L., Mahlon 
I... and Gertrude L. In politics Mr. Kemmerer is a 
Republican, but without either taste or leisure for the 
allurements of a public life. Hi- re] ucation 

prompts him to accept the tenets of the Presbyterian 
faith. 



MAHLON S. KEMMERER. 

Mr. Kemmerer i- of ( lerman antecedents, the family 
having been early settlers in Cherry Valley, Monroe 
Co., Pa. Among the children of his grandfather, 
Conrad Kemmerer. who resided in the above county. 
was Charles, a native of Cherry Valley, and a mill- 
wright by occupation. He married Mary Ann Price, 
daughter of John J. Price, an early lumberman of 
that vicinity, whose children were a son, Mahlon S., 
and a daughter, A unie Mrs. W. W. Wat-on, of Scran- 
ton, l'a. . Mr-. Kemmerer, alter the decease of her 
husband, married Waller Leisenring, whose children 
were Gertrude II. 'now Mr-. T. M. Righter . Ada L.. 
Mary W., Allien * '..and Walter. Mahlon S. Kemmerer 
was born Aug. U7. Is):',, in Cherry Valley, l'a., and 

in early youth became a resident of Carbon I 
His education was such as the common schools af- 
led, supplemented by a period at the Dickins 

Seminary, William-port. His business career began 
at fourteen as clerk in a colliery-store at Summit 
Hill. Carbon Co. In 1862, the heavy freshet of that 
year having suspended operation- in the coal region-, 
he joined a corps of engineer- employed bj the Le- 
high Coal and Navigation Company, and engaged in 
repairs connected with the property of the company. 



i II A I'd' E I! £11. 
BANKS TOWNSHIP. 

Bank- township ws l from Lausanne in 

ls41 before the organization of Carbon County .and 
named after Judge Hanks, then on the bench in North- 
ampton County. The first official information ob- 
tained of the erection of the township is in the 
ment-rolls of Northampton County for 1842, and 
follows: 

'* Northampton 

"To A. B. Longshore, 

Banki township (formerly part oi I. .e 

We herewith transmit to you tl,e hc-i assessment of Lausanne i 

and with the assistance >>f the assessor >>f ihip, yon 

ascribe frum it all such inhabitants, theii 
erty which now reside within yonr limits spectrally stand 

r;it ,-,! . . . 

'* Given under our hand si ifficethis Til, day 

1842. 

"J, 'UN San 

Banks township is about ten miles in length east 

and west, and about two miles in width. It> terri- 
tory comprises the top of spun.' Mountain, and is 
from fourteen hundred to sixteen hundred feet above 



712 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tide-water. Beaver Creek rises near Jeansville, in tlie 
northern line of the township, and (lows easterly in a 
sluggish stream till it reaches Hazel Creek, in the 
edge of Lausanne township, from which junction its 
descent is very rapid, lla/.i 1 Creek rises in the north- 
east part of the township, flows southerly, and joins 
Beaver. From this junction it is called Hazel, or 
Black Creek. 

The railroads now in the township are the Beaver 
Meadow Division, and the Philadelphia and Beading, 
which last passes across the western end of the town- 
ship through. Yorktown, and affords larger facilities 
for shipments to the Yorktown and Audenried col- 
lieries. 

The population as given by the census of 1S80 i> 
four thousand and nineteen. 

The following is from the first assessment-roll of 
Banks township on record at Mauch Chunk, the 
couuty-seat of Carbon County, and is dated 1843 : 

' 3 Commissionei ~ or Northampton County. 

"Gentlemen, — 

"The following is a Btatement of the amount, description, and 
value of the real and personal property, etc., made taxable in Banks 
township for 1843, and also the number of taxable inhabitants of said i 
township, viz.: 
Number of taxable inhabitants 260 

Value. Tax. 

Amountof valuation on real estate, horses, and cattle. $112,694 J225 

" tax on excess of professions, etc 23.00 

" valuation on carriages 4:t5 4.35 

" valuation of furniture 600 2.50 

" tax on watches 1.00 

" money at interest 130 .39 



$256.62 
" N. R. Penrose, Assessor." 



The Beaver Meadow Railroad and Coal Company 
was assessed on nine hundred and twenty acres of 
land at sixty-two thousand dollars, thirty-four houses, 
saw-mill, and carriage. Thomas Bond, blacksmith ; 
Jonas Beltz, engineer; William Bruce, gentleman; 
Henry Brenekman, brewer ; H. B. Berryhill, clerk ; 
A. G. Brodhead, real estate (non-resident) ; Nathan 
Beach, three hundred and eighty-six acres (non-resi- 
dent) ; Charles Brittan, carpenter; Abraham Cool, 
carpenter; W. H. Cool, merchant; A. D. Cool, clerk; 
Thomas Daniels, Richard Davis, carpenters; G. H. & 
James Dougherty, saddlers ; Patrick Delany, tailor; 
James Alexander, John Atkinson, and James Early, 
shoemakers; Joseph Engle, cabinet-maker; James 
Farrow, blacksmith; James Garrahan, carpenter; 
Daniel Gaston, preacher"; James Gowen, real estate 
(non-resident); Charles Hanes, carpenter; James 
and Aaron Hamburger, butchers ; Jonas Hartz, real 
estate (non-resident) ; Robert Harrison, cabinet- 
maker; Henry Hoover, blacksmith; Philip Hoff- 
acker, machinist; Oakley O. Hampton, innkeeper; 
Richard Jones, engineer ; Philip Jenkins, blacksmith; 
Walter Jones, engineer; 15. D. Jacques, carpenter; 
Robert Jefferson, machinist; R. M. Kinsey, pattern- 
maker ; James Lewis, engineer ; Henry Long, car- 
penter (three hundred and ninety acres) ; Enos Leidy, 



superintendent; A. B. Longshore, doctor ; F. E. Lou- 
throp, Barnard and Thomas McClaue, gentlemen; 
William McClane, superintendent ; Lawrence Murry, 
carpenter; W. W. McGuiger, school-teacher; W. R. 
McKean, contractor; Reuben Miller, carpenter; Sam- 
uel Owens, engineer ; Robert Preston, carpenter; N. 
R. Penrose, justice of the peace : A. W. Pratt, clerk; 
Fenton Quigley, innkeeper; John Quigley, engineer; 
Jacob Shal'er, blacksmith; P. M. Stansbury, doctor; 
Statford Coal Company, two hundred and twenty- 
eight acres and tavern-house; Henry Teney, butcher; 
Jacob & Thomas Hopkins, contractors ; A. H. Van 
Cleve, contractor ; C. G. Vanlage, clerk ; Joseph Whit- 
worth, clerk ; Benjamin Williams, blacksmith; Wil- 
liam H. Wilson, innkeeper ami real estate; Jesse Wil- 
son, innkeeper ; .Samuel M. Wilson, constable. The 
remainder of the taxables were laborers and miners. 

History of the Coal Operations in Banks.— Coal 
was discovered in the township before 1812. The 
title to the land was claimed by Nathan Beach, of 
Salem, on the Susquehanna, who opened the mine in 
1813. Coal was taken by the Lehigh and Susque- 
hanna turnpike (Easton and Berwick) to Berwick 
and Bloomsburg, and used for blacksmithing. Sub- 
sequent to 1826 it was hauled to the Landing Tavern, 
on the Lehigh, and sent to Philadelphia in arks, where 
it was sold for eight dollars per ton. The title to the 
land was contested and suit brought in the winter of 
1829-30, when Mr. Beach won the suit, and sold five 
hundred acres to Judge Joseph Barnes, of Philadel- 
phia. The Beaver Meadow Railroad and Coal Com- 
pany, soon after their organization, purchased two 
hundred acres of land, since known as the Beaver 
Meadow Mines, which they operated until 1841, when 
they were leased to A. H. Van Cleve & Co. (composed 
of A. H. Van Cleve, James McKean, and Charles Von 
Tagen). They were worked by this firm about five 
years, then leased to William Milnes & Co., and oper- 
ated till about 1847, when .Milnes & Co. leased the 
Spring Mountain Coal-Mines at Jeansville. The 
mines were then leased to Hamberger & Co., and 
operated till the freshets of 1S50, since which time 
they were abandoned, until 1881, when they were 
leased to Cox Brothers & Co., who are now working 
them. When the Beaver Meadow Railroad was 
merged with the Lehigh Valley Railroad the mines 
came under the control of that railroad, in whose 
possession they now are. 

Stafford Coal Company.— This company was in- 
corporated March 3, 1838, with a capital of two hun- 
dred and fifty thousand dollars, by Charles S. Cox for 
the Stafford Coal Company, he being the owner of the 
land, which adjoined the Beaver Meadow Company's 
land on the east ami north. A slope was sunk about 
one hundred and forty yards, when the perpendicular 
rock was struck, and it was abandoned for the time. 
The company, by their charter, had power to hold not 
to exceed two thousand acres of land, and to build a 
railroad to connect with Beaver Meadow or Hazleton 



BANKS TOWNSHIP. 



713 



Kailmad. July 2(5, 1841, time was extended to build 
Its railroad to Sept. I. 1846. No road was built. 

A slope was opened some years ago by Jonas B 

wliich was soul] after abandoned. Cox Brothers & 

Co., in the year 1883, retimbered it, and are now drill- 

\ t the depth of seventy-one feel a vein of coal 

me struck five feel in thickness. Drilling is still 

-ii in the hope of finding a thicker vein. 

Spring Mountain Coal Company. —This com- 
pany was chartered Ma] 21, 1864. Coal was first dis- 
Bdvered in this immediate region by James I '. • lallup, 
jrho was connected with the Beaver Meadow Railroad. 
The property was once owned by Joseph II. Newbold, 
and was bought for about twenty thousand dollars by 
Boseph Jeanes and others, of Philadelphia. By this 
company it was let, in I s 17, to William Milnes, at a 
rental of twenty-five cents per ton of coal shipped. 
The colliery was soon in operation, and in 1855 the 
Compan> received forty thousand dollars rental. Mr. 

Milnes' lease was for twenty years, and about one and 
a half million tons of coal w a- shipped by him during 

that period. Since that time the mines have 
operated by the Spring .Mountain Coal Company. 

The tract of land on which W. T. Carter A: Co. are 
now operating at Leviston, also known as Colerain 
and Carter's, was owned many years ago by Altar & 
Stevens, of Philadelphia, who leased it to B 
Cleaver, and later to Ratclift' <& Johnson, whose lease 
ran out in 18(12. Altar A; Stevens then leased to Wil- 
liam Carter & Son, who operated it two year-, and 
then purchased the property. The interest o! Wil- 
liam Carter was later sold to I Iharles I". Shroener. and 
was continued by this firm until 1^77, when William 
T. Carter purchased Shoener's interest, and now has 
entire control. About 1878 a stripping was com- 
menced by William T. (.'arter & Co., about a mile 
if Beaver Meadow. The underlying vein of 
coal is about fourteen feet thick. The coal is run to 
the breaker, and from there shipped to Readington to 
the furnaces of the company, and to Packer, Knowl- 
ton & ( !o., of Perth Amboy and South Aml>u\ . N. J. 
An average of one hundred and ten cases per day is 
shipped from the two mi u< - 

Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company.— The 

of this company are at Tresckow and at Au- 
denried. At the latter place the mines are all in 
Luzerne County, and the offices in Carbon County. 

The German Pennsylvania Coal Companj 
Uleneed operations on the site of the present works at 
tlii- place in the year 1851. They sunk a slope, built 
a breaker, tavern, store, and several dwellings. This 
(hey worked for Beveral years, and sold to Samuel 
Bunnell, Jr., of -New York City, who worked the 
mines for two years, and Bold to the Honey Brook 
Coal Company, which was incorporated April -■'■ 
by whom they were worked till Feb. 1, 1874. when 
whe company was merged in the Lehigh and Wilkes- 
ibarre Coal Company, who now own it. Three slopes 
■ ire used. The present breaker was erected in 1866. 



Yorktown Collieries.— The tract of two but 

ami two acre- on which the COllil II. 

Myers a I nged man 

Christian Kunkle. Mr. N. I'. Hosach, of New York, 
employed men in examination on the pi 

erty for coal, and becoming convinced that 

there' in quantity, he purchased the property tor thirty 

thousand dollars. After a tew year- he became in- 
volved, and a compan) was formed called "The S 
York and Lehigh Coal Company," who still own the 
property. In the summer of 1855 it . for 

ten years to .lames Taggart. He sunk the first -1 
on the Big Vein on the -ne of v Iter, and 

shipped the first coal in April, 1856, by the Heaver 

Meadow Railroad to the Lehigh Valley Railroad. 

This -lope was "drowned out" in I860, and was not 
pumped out and read tin for work until 1864, 

w hen work was resumed. 

Another slope on the Big Vein, called No :.'. was 
opened in 1858. The coal was drawn to No. l Breaker. 
This slope was mined to the end of the lease. Upon 
this termination the New York and Lehigh ' 
Company, in whose hands the property then was, 

d the mines to George K. Smith .v Co. tor ten 
year.-. Mr. Smith had charge of the mines, and in 
1st;; was -hot in his own house. Mr. Thorn - Mull, 
one of the company, continued the mines under the 
lease till January, 1868, when he became embar- 
rassed, and gave up his lease. Slopes No-. :; and (.on 
the Big Vein, were sunk by Thomas Hull .V I 
coal was drawn to No. 1 Breaker. The property 
leased for ten years by A. L. Mumper & Co. in 1868. 
ruder this firm Slope- Nos. 5 and 6 were sunk. 

l.i \". 5 was built in 1869, burned down and 
rebuilt in Is77. Breaker No. 6 was built in 1875. 
Slope No. <> is on the Wharton vein. 

In 1 s;s ;l lease for fifteen years was made to Thomas, 
John A Co. Mr. John dud in September, 1880, and 
Mr. George II. Myers being the only one of the firm 
then living, the linn was reorganized by him. with 
George, John, and Thomas Dougherty ners, 

under the firm-name of George H. Myi . by 

whom it is still run. The shipments are about 
hundred and fifty thousand tons yearly. Store and 
dwellings were built by .1. Taggart. Thomas Hull & 

1 o built blocks ot' house- and the present company 
store. 

In 1-7J mile- were opened by John Mortoi 
E. N. Enbody, on land owned by tin- Lehigh Yalley 
Railroad Company and Cos Bros., located about a 

mile northwest from Beaver Meadow, near the county 
line. They sold their interest soon alter to K. I'.. Ely 
& Co., of New York. This company built a large 
breaker. They were not very successful and clof 
lb,' lease Of the ( '.,\ land, and continued work on the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad land until the expiration of 
the lease in 1881. < Bros, then leased the Lehigh 

Valley Railroad ( lompany's land, and are now working 
both mines. A saw-mill and si\ blocks were erected. 



71 i 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The laborers arc mostly Hungarians, and number 

about three b Ired. The mines are in Carbon 

County and the works arc in Luzerne County. 

Schools in Banks Township. — The schools are en- 
tirely in connection with the mining towns, and 
number fourteen. There arc two al Heaver Meadow, 
three at Colerain, or Leviston, three at Tresckow, 
t.mr at Amlciiriecl, and two at Jeansville. Thej are 
under the control of the board of school directors, six 
in number. 

The following is a list of the school directors of the 
township since the erection of Carbon County : 

L844. — .lames Yarrow, George Jenkins, Charles 
Haines. A. W. Pratt, P. G. Gensell. 

1845. — A. W. Pratt, Aaron Howey, Thomas B. 
Daniels. 

1846.— Oakley O. Hampton, Stephen Smith. 

1> 17. — James Lewis, Patrick McHugh. 

1848.— A. B. Longshore, T. B. Daniels. 

1849.— John Rodrock, W. McCulloch. 

1850.— J. 0. Cleaver, John Henry. 

1851.— Thomas B. Daniels, 0. O. Hampton, Wil- 
liam H. Cool, Philip Holi'eckner. 

1852.— William H. Cool, Jenkin Reynolds, John 
Rothroek, John W. Righter, George Brader. 

1853.— J. Garrihan, M. Smith. 

1854.— Charles Ried, William H. Cool. 

1855. — George Brader, Thomas Daniel, Stephen 
Smith, Charles Brittain. 

1856. — George Johnson, James Early, James Mc- 
Closkey. 

1857.— John Shindel, A. J. Moyer. 

1858.— J. B. Longshore, Patrick McHugh. 

1859.— S. \V. Hudson, Michael Smith. 

1860. — Jacob Dilinnger, Patrick Turney, J. S. 
Haynes. 

1861. — A. J. Laudabaum, Henry Sheft'er. 

1862.— James A. Meyers, Patrick McHugh, Henry 
Sheffer. 

1863.— Marcus McDonnell, Michael McCormick. 

1864. — A. J. Lauderbaum, Jenkins Reynolds. 

1865.— J. B. Longshore, W. D. Fowler, John Tre- 
vaske. 

1866. — A. Dimmick, Jonah Reese. 

1867. — James Washburn, James Francis. 

1868.— J. K. McCollum, John Travaske, Henry 
Shaffer. 

1869.— Charles Murry, Daniel Brisbin. 

1870. — James Wear, James Theudem, Michael 
Smith, William E. Bevan. 

1871.— No record. 

1872.— Daniel Brisbin, C. J. Murray. 

1873. — Patrick Conahan, J. J. Gallagher. 

1874.— W. E. Bevan, Richard Hughs. 

1875.— Martin C. Birdley, Henry C. Sinfkin. 

1876. — J. J. Gallagher, Patrick Conahan. 

1877.— Bernard Gilded, J. dm McGeady, C. J. Mur- 
ray. 

1878.— Richard Williams, Jr., Bernard Gilded. 



1879.— William Coyle, Hugh Sheridan. 

1880. — R. Hughs, J. F. Hardcastle, < leorge Spencer, 
Hugh Fcincv. 

1881. — Bernard Coyle, George Spencer. 

1882.— John Martin. Edward Garrihan. 

1883.— Hugh Ferney, John Boyle. 

Justices of the Peace. — Following is a list of the 
justices of the peace from 1845 to the present: 

II. W. Curley, March, 1845. 

Jacob Horn, March, 1S46. 

Aaron Hamburger, March, 1'850. 

Jacob Horn, March, 1851. 

Reuben Miller, Thomas L. Boileau, March, 1852 

William II. Trescott, March, 1856. 

A. J. Laudenbeam, J. P. Shindel, March, 1857. 

William B. Wilson, March, 1858. 

John B. Longshore, William Simpson, March, 1859. 

James McCloskey, March, 1860. 

John B. Longshore, Herman Hamburger, March, 
1864. 

Michael Kelly, March, 1867. 

Otto Hoeffner, John B. Longshore, March, lSii'.i. 

John B. Longshore, October, 1869. 

E. S. Heintzelman, October, 1870. 

Thomas Maliery, March, 1872. 

William E. Bevan, March, 1873. 

James Washburn, March, 1874. 

Hugh McGarvey, March, 1876. 

Charles Butler, March, 1877. 

E. S. Heintzelman, Daniel Romig, Jr., March, 1S80. 

J. B. Longshore, R. E. Donaughey. March, 1881. 

Richard Williams, Sr., Hugh McGarvey, March, 
1882. 

Edward Kimlin, March, 1883. 

Beaver Meadow. — This village is situated on the 
Beaver Meadow Division of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road, about six miles from Weatherly. It lies about 
fourteen hundred feet above tide-water, and takes its 
name from Beaver Creek, which flows past it, and on 
which it is said beaver dams were found when the 
land was located. Its prosperity was assured for a 
time by the shipment of coal, the building of the 
Beaver Meadow Railroad in 1832, and the establish- 
ment of their shops at the place. Upon the removal 
of these latter, in 1842, the interests of the village 
somewhat declined, but the coal-mines still gave life 
to the place. It now contains seven stores, a post- 
office, two churches (Methodist and Presbyterian!, two 
school-houses, Odd-Fellows' hall, and station of the 
Beaver Meadow Division of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road. The old turnpike is abandoned, and a road leads 
from the village across the Spring Mountain to the 
Quakake Valley, where it connects with the road from 
Quakake to Tamaqua. Many of the miners at Cole- 
rain live at Beaver Meadow. The population of the 
village, as given by the census of 1880, is live hundred 
and two. 

The tract on which the village was located was war- 
ranted in 1787 to Paddy and Mary Keene, and later 



HANKS TOWNSHIP. 



715 






came into possession of Nathan Beach, who sold five 
hundred acres to Judge Joseph Barnes, of Philadel- 
phia, in 1830. The turnpike ir Easton to Berwick 

on the Susquehanna, known also as theLebighand Sus- 
quehanna turnpike, tan through the tract. In 1804 a 
log house was built upon the site and kepi as a tavern 
(by whom is n..t known . On the 10th of April, 1826, 
William H. Wilson removed with his family to the 

place, ail'l lirilliin I ill' I In- l;i\. I'll. 1 lien 

was a toll-gate al the fool ol the mountain, kepi by a 

man by the name of " < rreen." Al that time, also, a 

v the name of Bevelheimer lived when 

Leviston stands. There was no other I se ben 

the time. A little later .lann- Lamison • ame in and 
built a house, which, in 1831, be kept as a tavern. In 
that year Miss Hetty Hinkel, >till livin 1 to 

the place. In the year L883, V I;. Penrose, mi" liv- 
ing at the age of eighty-three years, came to Beaver 
Meadow a- the ag< nt of the property of Judge Bai 

He built near tin- site of the log tavern a large Irani. 
building, now owned by William Carter. Upon its 
completion it was occupied by William II. Wilson as 
a tavern, ami by James Gowan lather of Franklin I!. 
Gowan) who bought it. as a store. Mr. Wilson kept 
the tavern at this place about three years, and in 
1837 built nearly opposite a tavern known as Wil- 
son's Hotel, which he kept tin- tWent] years. It was 
then kept a year by Mr. Woodring; by William li. 
Wilson a -mi nt' William H.) for two years ; later by 
Henry Kepn.r. Michael Wilhelm, and others, until 
1878, when it was discontinued, and is now occupied 
as ;i store. The only hotel now in the village is kept 
by Mrs. .1. Husson. 

N. R. Penrose was appointed justice of the peace ol 
Lausanne township in 1834, the nexl year alter his 
settlement, and served aboul twelve year-, lie has 
been a resident since that time, and actively enga| 
in business for many years. He was with the engineer- 
ing party who made the lir-l survey l"i' the railroad 

through the section. In the year 1855 he erected aboul 

two and a half mile- east of Beaver Meadow, a powder- 
mill, which was operated until 1866, when it was blown 
up and abandoned. A mile and a half farther north- 
i a-t William H. Cool, about the same time, built a 
powder-mill : it was also Mown up and abandoned. 

In 1848, N. R. Penrose erected a foundry at Beaver 
Meadow, which he conducted a year or two and sold 

to S. W. and B. W. Hudson, who carried it on till 
1859, when S. W. Hudson -old his interest to his 
brother, B. W. Hudson, who continued till 1865, ami 

sold to WainwTight. He very soon after -old to 

.1. C. 1 1 ay den .v Co., of Jeansville, who. in 1868, tore 
it down and remove. 1 it to Jeansville, in connection 
with other business ol a similar nature. The Hud- 
son-, while in business, made the bridge bolts and 
other iron-w.rk for the Mahanov Division of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad, then building through the 
Quakake Vallej . 
The I; idow Railroad Company ere. ted ma- 



chine-, blacksmith-, ami car-shop r Meadow. 

llopkin Thomas was the master-mechanic at Brst, and 
while the -hops were at this pi 
motive probably the lir-t built in this country), 
named the " Nonpareil." wa- constructed here. < 'apt. 

Jenkins was thi 
succeeded by .lann- D. Gallop, and he, in L8 
A. II. Van Cleve, The shops wen- removed from 
Beaver Meadow to Weatherly aboul L840. 
The oldest settlers now living in Heaver Meadow 

follows, with the \ ear- in w hich the) - 

I B nkel, 1881 ; 

N. R. Penrose, I Brittain, 1836; John 

I!. Twee. lie. I s:;7 ; Mi-- .lames Farrow, 1837; Henry 

Sclinioii.il, 1-::-. 

Beaver Meadow Post-Office. -The first post-office 
was established al the place about 1830, and kept by 
William H. Wilson at his tavern. He was 

9 bj \. G. Brodhead, who officiated till fsio, 

when William II. Wil-on wa- again appointed, and 
was succeed lively by Dr. Ashbel B. Long- 

shore and Thomas Hooven. The latter retained the 
p..-i; em till 1861, when Mrs. |, [; Mc( 'lane, a daugh- 
ter of William II. Wil-on. the first postmaster, was 
appointed, who still holds the position. 

Schools. — The lir>t school in the place wa- started 
about the year 1835, and wa- kept by Mi— Lydia 
Bidlack in what was formerly used as a blacksmith- 
shop, and stood on a hack street in the rear of the 
present post-office. Thomas McCurly later taught 
many years. Two school-houses are now in the vil- 
lage, which are well tilled. Mr. John .Martyn is the 
resident director. 

Churches. — The Presbyterian church which 

at the head of the street was built largely through 
the influence of A. H. Van Cleef, about 1 - 
and the society became quite numerous. The re- 
moval of the shop- affected it, and it declined. There 
is no congregation of thi- denomination here at pres- 
ent. The building has been used many years by the 
Methodists, and now by the German !!• ' rmed con- 
gregation, who are supplied occasionally fr Hazle- 

ton. 

\ Methodist -Hi was organized many 

years ;il'», and worshiped in the Presbyterian Church 
edifice. In 1874 the society erected the pn 
of worship, which was dedicated in October of that 

year. The pastor at that time was the Rev. J. 1'. 
The prei-ent pa-tor i- Rev. .1. W. Buckley. 

A Sunday-school with two hundred pupils, under the 

superintendence of John Martyn, i- i with 

the church, which has a membership "i forty-five. 
Beaver Meadow Lodge. No. 62. I. 0. of 0. F. 

Thi- lodge was instituted Julj 18, 1839, and incor- 
porated at the \ 
meetings were lir-t held in a building which BtO 

the lot now owned by Joshuar Gates. Here they re- 

i about five year-, when tie \ erected a hall 0D 

of the present building, which stood until its 



;i»; 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ruction by fire about 1878. Soon after, the pi 

ent large and comi lion- hull was erected, two stories 

in height, at a cost of a trifle over two thousand dol- 
lars. The lower story is used for public purpi 
and the upper for a lodge-room. The present num- 
ber of members is about seventy. The present offii 
are James Wear, Noble < ir;m<l ; William II. Watkins, 
Secretary. 

Yorktown and Audenried, adjoining each other, 
are mining towns that lit- in the western end "i Hunks 
township. Yorktown is on the northern line- "i the 
ci ty, adjoining Luzerne Comity, ami a part of Au- 
denried is located in Schuylkill County. 

I 'In ly arc entirely the outgrowth of the mining com- 
panies' operations near them, and have a population of 
one thousand and thirty-nine. Audenried was named 
from Lewis Audenried, a coal operator in Philadel- 
phia. A post-office was established in I860, and on 
the 15th of October, 1860, Samuel Martyn received a 
commission as postmaster. The office was opened in 
the store of the Honey Brook Coal Company, and has 
been kept in the same building to the present. The 
postmasters, with the dates of commission from that 
time, are here given : Isaac K. McCollum, Feb. 25, 
1862; Miss Mary E. Lazarus. March 2, 1865; Miss 
Martha J. Lazarus, May 14, 1869; Miss Kate Koons, 
Dec. 14, 1871. The latter is still in possession of the 
office. 

On the loth of July, 1871, a stock company was or- 
ganized as the Hosack Hall Association, for the pur- 
pose of erecting a public hall. A lot was donated by 
the New York and Lehigh Coal Company. A capital 
stock of seven thousand five hundred dollars was ex- 
pended in the erection of the present commodious 
hall, which bears the name of Hosack Hall. 

The place contains five churches, — a Presbyterian, 
Catholic, Methodist, Welsh Baptist, and Welsh Inde- 
pendent Congregational. 

Presbyterian Church.— About the year 1870 the 
Rev. Daniel Durrelle was sent to this section as a 
missionary of the Presbyterian Board of Missions. 
Through his influence a congregation was gathered, 
and services were held for a time in the Methodist 
Church. The present church was built in 1872, the 
corner-stone having been laid September Sth in that 
year, while still under the pastoral charge of the Rev. 
Daniel Durrelle. He was succeeded by the Rev. 
Jesse Shafer, and he by the Rev. William McNair, 
the present pastor. 

St. Patrick's Church— Prior to 1878 the Catholics 
of this place worshiped in Frenchtown. In 1808 a 
new diocese was created, and the church at French- 
town was in the new diocese (Scranton), and this 
place was still in the diocese of Philadelphia. This 
change brought about a desire on the part of Catholics 
in Audenried and Yorktown to build a church of their 
own. A lot was donated by Hosack iv. Co., of New- 
York, for that purpose, and in 1870 a parsonage was 
erected, at a cost of six thousand dollars. A church 



edifice was commenced in the spring of 187"., the 
corner-stone being laid in June of that year. It was 
completed and dedicated Nov. 14. 1875, Archbishop 
Wood performing the dedicatory service, and Bishop 
Lynch, of South Carolina, preaching the sermon. The 
church has been under thi pastoral care of Rev. T. J. 

Warren from 1860. The Catholic population within 
the charge of this church numbers fifteen hundred. 

The Welsh Baptist Church.— The first preai i 
after the division of the Baptist and Congregational 
Churches was the Rev. Samuel Thomas. He was sue- 
by the Revs. D. Roslyn I 'avis and T. 1». Evans, 

who is now the pastor. The church has a member- 
ship of one hundred and eight. The church edifice 
was erected in 1872, at a cost of twenty-five hundred 
dollars, and in 1888 improvements were added to the 
amount of eleven hundred dollar-. 
The Welsh Congregationalists and Baptists 

worshiped together for several year- in the old Armory 
building, and later in the school-house. After t lie 
division the Rev. W. H. Harris was the first pa-tor of 
the former denomination. He was succeeded by tin- 
Rev. Morgan, who served two years and died here. In 
1877 the Rev. John E. Jones was chosen pastor, and 
served till 1882, since which time the church has been 
without a pastor. It has a membership of fifty. 

Methodist Church. — The Methodists of this region 
were for many years under the charge of ministers 
from the Cunningham District. In 1860 a church was 
erected. The Revs. Bird, Hoge, and James B. Cudd) 
were among those who preached prior to that time. 
The following ministers have had charge of the Au- 
denried and Jeans ville Churches from 1869 to the 
present: Revs. E. \V. Schwartz, Alem Britten, M. L. 
Drum, J. W. Leckie, George Warren, W. A. Clip- 
pinger, and W. C. Hesser, the present pastor. The 
Audenried Church has a membership of forty-five. 

A hotel was opened at Audenried in 1861 by Au- 
gustus Williams. He was succeeded by Roth- 
rock, F. D. Fruit, and N. D. Fowler, who went out in 
1875, since which time it has been kept as a boarding- 
house, and is now by Mrs. Mary Dimmick. 

Jeansville. — This village is situated on the north 
border of Banks township, and mostly in Luzerne 
County. The property was once owned by Joseph 
H. Newbold, and was bought by Joseph Jeanes, of 
Philadelphia, after whom it is named. It is a village 
of about fifteen hundred inhabitants, and has grown 
up to its present size since 1847, at which time the 
coal operations commenced. The population by the 
census of 1880 is four hundred and forty-one. 

Tresckow. — This village is the result of the mining 
operations commenced by the German Pennsylvania 
Coal Company in 1851. A tavern, store, school-house, 
and dwellings were built by them, and the village in- 
creased as the mines were developed, and now ha- a 
population of six hundred and seventy-six by the 
census of 1880. The property is now owned by the 
Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company. 



EAST PENH TOWNSHIP. 



717 



Leviston, Colerain, and Coolstown are a cluster 
of hamlets now owned by William T. Carter, who is 
conducting the mine* in that vicinity. The popula- 
tion of tlic settlement is i ighl hundred and m\. and 
in the census of i as belonging to the 

Beaver Meadow Mini 



ill \ M 1. 1: XIII. 



EASl PENH I"U\S1III'. 



Tin: territory comprising all that part of Carbon 
west of the Lehigh River, and a portion of 
Schuylkill County, was, in 1768, set off from Towa- 
mensing District. On the 22d of June in that year a 
petition was presented to the court of Northampton 
County asking that Towami n-mi' township be divided. 
The following is on record concerning it i " Upon peti- 
tion of divers inhabitants of Towamensing town-hip 

setting forth that the Petiti re labour under the 

greatest inconveniences bj reason of the too large ex- 
tent of the said township, it beinj than thirty- 
six miles long, which makes it extremely expens 
well as inconvenient especially to the public officers, 
such as . . . and praying the court that the said 
township may be divided where the river I.ehi cuts 
the same nearly in the middle. Whereupon it is 
considered and ordered hy the court that William 
Kern, John Kern. Nicholas Kern, William Thomas, 
Henry Bhoads, and Frederick Klein be appointed 
Commissioners . . . and if they see occasion to 
divide the said township according to the prayer of 
the said petition, and that they make report of their 
doings in the premises at the next court alter it is 90 
divided." 

The commissioners reported at the September term 
of court, L768, " We thi subscribers have viewed in 
pursuance of an order of June term last the township 
of Towamensing, and have divided the same hy a nat- 
ural boundary of the river Lehi." . . . This n port 
being read in open court and considered, it was 
"ordered that the division so as aforesaid made be 
eon finned, and, no cause being shown to the contrary, 
the same is confirmed and named by the Coiir 
Tow n-hip." 

The first settlers of East I'eiin were English-speak- 
ing people of the following family names: Rhoads, 
Meyers. Washburn, Johnson, Thomas, Koi her, Cus- 
tard, Piersol, Tippler, and others. 

They received the giants for their lands about the 
year 1750. 

After the war of independence a portion of them 
removed to Canada, their places here being filled by 
Pennites, with which the remaining families became 
intermarried, and in time by them entirely absorbed. 
In the year 17n2 there were but thirty-tl 



in the territon then embracing what, in I 

came Towamensing and Penn townships. In the 

-inent-ioll made hy the COUin 

Northampton County on the L'Tth of D 

contained the following nam. - 

Solomon Baker. Nathan Wen 

Christian Bauman. William Wall. 

Niei. her. Simon Henry. 

Arnold Bil Simon Wehr. 

George Fries. Henry Wethersl 

John I'l' Jonathan Winner. 

Ril hard Dodson. Adam Xiner. 

Joseph Everett. Leonard Zimmerman. 

John Edmunds. kilter Xii 

Michael I Bi rnard Bauman. 

Edmund Edmonds. irge \. Bortz. 

George Grosley. Thomas Baskell. 
Frederick Kramer. 

lert. Valentine Boost. 

Michael Soppes. am I I lodson. 

Michael J. Hoppes. Th a- I 

Jacob Hauser. John Holden. 

Cornelius Klingman. John Handwerk. 

William Kern. Peter Handwerk. 

Henry Kucher. Samuel Henry. 

John Kisner. John Lusen, 

George Longinburg. John Maxfield. 

Bastian Longinburg. Jacob J. Mertz. 

John Lietner. Jacob Mertz. 

Henry Miller. Everitt Ohl. 

William Meyer. John .Meyer. 

Ludwig Mansiner. John Peter. 

Michael Ohl. - m u Rho • 

George Reich. John Robert-. 

Peter Keicb. Andrew Singinger. 

John Rhoads. Henry Schmidt. 

b Rhoads. Isaac Watson. 

George Shelhamer. Mathew Weaver. 

rge Shelhamer, Jr. Jeremiah Warton. 

Daniel Werner. Boze Walton. 
Philip Schleicher. 

Valentine lirohst. Henry Billig. 



Thomas Bervin. 

Arnold Billy. 
Jacob Bassall. 



Duisbills. 
: » Dinn. 
mel Broomfield. 



the unnjes giren io this list, several wilt t... found w] 

hard Ohl, -In. part ,.f |fc 

iblp tbal 

U0« ownfl III.' rnill in V 

by Christian Klott in , Joseph 

William \ni.T. 

Henry a.rn< lliaui, came lo 

what n dow Unboning townanlp In I8U 

Thomas Dalllet, son ol . : ihoning, 

settled, and died the; w a resident 

township. 
3 The lun.ls here assessed were tile nn-e.it.- I la 



718 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



II i- Barkill. George Meyer. 

Melchoir Dunn. Samuel Nift. 

Robert Dunn. Barbera Hitter. 

Joseph Gerber. Henry Reglistonfor. 

William Green. Martin Sheib. 

Peter Klysser. Able Jeans. 

George J. Kistler. Abraham Steinbach. 

Jacob King. Adam J. Stein. 

William Logan. Andrew Ohle. 

John Lung. Bernard Volfellen. 

Jacob Moss. Benjamin Walton. 

Jacob -Mann-. George Caston. 

Philip Mosser. Baltzer Snyder. 

Burk Mosser. Michael Ohle. 

John Meyer. Robert L. Hoper. 

Single Freemen. 
Nathaniel Edmonds. George Houser. 

Daniel Ero. George Schleicher. 

Samuel Werner. 

The territory remained as by the division of 1768 
till 1808, when it was again divided into East Penn, 
Wes1 Penn, and Lausanne. East Penn embraced the 
present township of Mahoning, and the greater part 
of Mauch Chunk. West Penn was a portion of ter- 
ritory west of East Penn, that in 1811 became a part 
of Schuylkill County. Lausanne was the northern 
part of the township of Penn, and embraced the pres- 
ent townships of Lausanne, Lehigh, Banks, Packer, 
and a small part of Mauch Chunk. 

The following is a list of the names of persons who 
were assessed in 1808 : ' 



Peter Andreas. 
Jacob Andreas. 
William Andreas. 
■ Iiilm Andreas. 
Daniel Andreas. 
Christian Ackerman. 
Jonathan Bachman. 
John Baufield. 
Andrew Beek. 
Anthony Boekert. 
Henry Bowman. 
Stephen Balliet, Sr. 
Stephen Balliet, Jr. 
Peter Bobst. 
Leonard Belt/.. 
Jacob Bachman. 
Solomon Broomfield. 
Frederick Delious. 
Henry Dreisbach. 
Joshua Davis, Esq. 
Daniel Ebert. 
Lewis Ereke. 
Lawrence Ebener. 
Conrad Ebener. 
Jacob Fritz, Sr. 



Nicholas Fuller. 
Jacob Fuller. 
John Freyman. 
Abraham Freyman. 
John Fuhr. 
John Fuhr, Jr. 
George Fogleman. 
Caspar Frederick. 
Andrew Fritz. 
Peter Frantz. 
Leonard Fisher. 
George Fritz. 
George Griffith. 
Gertrude Goldner, widow. 
Jacob Goldner. 
George Geiger. 
Solomon Gordon. 
George Heller. 
Joseph Hunsicker. 
William Henry, Esq, 
J. Weiss. 

Henry Hartmann. 
David Heller. 
Caspar Horn. 
Daniel Hefflidseker. 



Widow Catharine Haber- 

man. 
Christian Hans. 
Leonard Hans. 
Peter Hartman. 
John llandwerk. 
Martin Heaster estate. 
Jonathan Erb. 
Peter Handwerk. 
John Heller. 
Christian Horn. 
( leorgc Henry Horn. 
William Heller. 
George Halsboe. 
Andrew Heller. 
Deater Heller. 
John Ilagenbush. 
Theobald Kendall. 
John Kearney. 
Joshua Kocher, Sr. 
Joshua Kocher, Jr. 
John Klotz. 
Andrew Kunkel. 
John Kuntz. 
John Leichleiduer. 
George Lerbenguth. 
John Lintz. 
Benjamin Mathew. 
Jacob Maury. 
Joseph Mathew. 
Henry Miller. 
Jost Miller. 
George Mertz. 
Abraham Miller. 
Robert McDaniel. 
Thomas Mewharter. 
Peter Notestine. 
Henry Notestine. 
John Notestine. 
Frederick Newhard. 
Estate of Michael Ohl. 



Henry Ohl. 
Thomas Paschall. 
Caspar Peter. 
Jacob Peter. 
John Peter. 
Barnet Bad. 
Henry Remelly. 
Henry Remelly, Jr. 
Henry Rolf. 
Conrad Rerig. 
Martin Kerig. 
Daniel Reber. 
William Rex, Sr. 
William Hex, Jr. 
Peter Robenold. 
Peter Rhoads, Esq. 
George Rex. 
William Rawle. 
Joseph Rhoads. 
Jacob Renner. 
Samuel Reinsmith. 
Christopher Rex. 
George Ruch. 
Conrad Zolt. 
Paul Zolt. 

Andrew Steigerwalt. 
Adam Stahneckel. 
Charles Steigerwalt. 
Philip Sanders. 
Joseph Sewitz. 
Tobias Schlosser. 
Carl Weiss. 
George Werthess. 
Simon Wehr. 
Thomas Wolton. 
Doctor Weisler. 
George Worthmau. 
Christian Wahl. 
Samuel Walton. 
John Zellner. 
Peter Musselman. 



Single Freernt n. 



Mathias Notestine. 
John Solt. 
Nicholas Mertz. 
Jacob Smith. 
Daniel Rerig. 
Frederick Goldner. 
John Rex. 
William Holshoe. 
John Holshoe. 



John Lischleter. 
Jacob Maury. 
Jacob Feller. 
Peter Notestine. 
Christian Fisher. 
Peter Feller. 
Jacob Andreas. 
Christian Miller. 
Peter Holshoe. 



1 The tax leYled in tliut year uhs $175.39. 



In the year 1827 the territory of East Penn town- 
ship was reduced by the setting off of Mauch Chunk, 
the greater part of which was taken from this town- 
ship. In the year 1830 the following persons were 
engaged in business in the township (Mahoning and 
Lehighton being still in its limits): 



EAST PENN TOWNSHIP. 



719 



Saw-mills — Henry Ann r. Elizabeth Dau 
George Heilman, John Sough, Henry Notestine. 

Grist-mills Stephen Balliet, John Hough, Daniel 
Bnyder. 

Taverns — Jacob Andreas, Christian Fisher, Jacob 
Fenstermacher. 

1 distillery — Jacob Fenstermacher. 

Forge— Balliet a Helffrich. 

In the year 1^4l' Mahoning township was set off 
from Baal Penn, reducing it to i territory. 

It is bounded on the south by the Blue Ridge, which 
separates it from Lehigh County. Schuylkill County 
i- mi its western border, Mahoning township on tin- 
north, and the Lehigh Bivi i on the east. 

Lizard I Sreek rises in the wesl part of the township, 
Bows through Lizard Creek Valley, from which it 

takes its iniiue, and enters the Lehigh Kiver nearly at 
the middle of the east line. 

The southern portion of the town-hip, being the 
northern slope of the Blue Ridge, is still as much 
a wilderness as when the Indians roamed the tn 
forests a centarj and a half ago. The valley of Lizard 
Creek wa- first settled by the Moravians soon after 
the massacre at Gnadenhiitten in 17">-">. An Indian 
missionary village was established on Lizard Creek, 
and was named " Wech-gue-toak." At this place 
were gathered some of the Indians who were scat- 
tered ut the time of the burning of Gnadenhiitten. 
Moravian missionaries were- in charge. Loskiel, the 
well-known Moravian writer of the time, has the set- 
tlement marked on a map of the region made in 1763. 
The Scotch-Irish settlers along the valley considered 
the missions convenient places of gathering for un- 
friendly Indians, and threats of destruction were made 
to the inhabitants of this and other missionary vil- 

These became so frequent that the settlement 
was abandoned, and the village was burned by a party 
of whites in November, 1763. But very few, it any, 
families had settled in the limits of what is now East 
Penn township who remained through the troublous 
time- that followed the defeat of Braddock. 

The eastern portion of the township, especially 
along the Lehigh Kiver, was not settled permanently 
until alter 1800. The western portion wa- settled by 
English and < hrmans, who came in after the Revolu- 
tion, working their way from the westward, settling 
first in what became West Penn, and spreading east- 
ward to the centre of the township. The locality 
around Benn Salem Church in both townships was 
the centre of the settlement. The history of that 
church is the lies! authority we have for the names 
of the settlers after 17s]. 

An examination of the assessment-rolls of 1781 
and 1XOX will show how tew families of the earlier 
year were living here in the latter. The name of 
Bauman appears in both rolls. The family, how- 
ever, wen- settler- in Towamensing, and probably 
owned land- in this township. The name of Valen- 
tine Bohst in 1781 is succeeded in 1808 by Peta 



Bobst. John ami Peter Handwerk appear in the 
former year, and Peter Handwerk ill 1808 i- still a 
resident. Samuel Henry in 1781 is owner of prop- 
erty. In L795, William Henry wa- joint owner with 
Jacob Wei— of a tract of land on which Lehighton 

borough is situated. Jacob Pet< i - name occurs in 
both years, and in the latter also and 

John Peter. .Michael and Everett Ohle are 
in 1781 on property a- residents, and Andrew Ohle on 
unseated lands. In 1808 the estate of Michael ohle 

i, assessed and the name of Henry Ohle appears. 

John and Joseph Uhoads appear in 1781, and Joseph 
iii 1808. Peter Rhoads, Esq., i- assessed in tl 

: on unseated lands. He wa- a resident of North- 
ampton now \ il' H ow ii , .: ii I of 

Northampton County. Benjamin Walton was as- 

sessed on unseated land- in 1781, which seem to b i 
been occupied in 1808 by Thomas and Samuel Wall 
Simon Wehr was assessed in 1781. In 1804 the com- 
missioners of Northampton County met at the ho 

of George Simon Wehr to make a contract to build a 
bridge over " Mach junk Creek." This was the year 
in which the Lehigh and Susquehanna Turnpike 

chartered, and Wehr, without doubt, kept a tavern at 
the place that later became so widely known as "The 
Landing Tavern.'' His name is on the roll of 1808. 
He was also a member of Benn Salem Church. 

Martin Andreas emigrated from Alsace, on the 
Rhine, and arrived at Philadelphia, Oct. 7, 1749, in 
the ship " Leslie," .1. Bulldower captain, from Rot- 
terdam, and settled in Heidelberg township now 
Lehigh County . Pa. He served in the American 
army during the Revolutionary war as a teamster. 

Hi- family consisted of live sons ami one daughter, 
named as follow-: Abraham, Peter, Jacob,' William, 
Martin, and Salome (married to Jacob Freynian . 

Jacob and Peter jointly purchased and occupied 
wdiat is now known a- the Andreas or Nini-on farm in 
1793. Jacob married Sarah Washburn, oi Bast Penn 
township, and Peter married her sister. They were 
granddaughters of John Rhoads, the original settler 
and owner of the tract. Jacob lived on the farm till 
his death, and left two daughters, of whom Hannah 
became the wife of A. B. Nimson. She is now living 
at Lehighton. A. I'.. Nimson came to Pennsville 
about 1824, and taught school from that year till 1832. 
He was a part of the time in the employ of the Coal 
and Navigation Company at Summit Hill. In 1846 

he was elected justice of the peace, and - ral 

terms. In 1852 he was elected regi-ier and recorder 
of the county, and re-elected in 1855 and in 1861. 

I'eter Andreas lived on the farm from his Iii - 
tlement till 1810, «i sold it to Jacob Dinkey 

ami removed from the town-hip. Jnsiah And' 
Sarah (the wife of William Bittenbender), and I 
cilia (wife of Gideon K'i-tler , are grandchildren of 
I'eter. 

William Andreas, brother of Jacob and I'eter, came 
into the township in 1807, and purchased a farm near 



720 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA. 



Benn Salem Church, where he lived, and died in 
L823, He lefl two sons, — Jonaa and George. The 
latter lived on the homestead until aboul 1850, when 

he sold to John Nnl, whose son, Reuben, now re- 
sides on the farm. George Andreas emigrated to 
Ohio, when- he -till resides. 

Jonas settled in Lizard Creek Valley, where he 
now lives. 

Jacob Dinkey, who in 1810 purchased the Peter 
Andreas tract, was a native of Whitehall township. 
Northampton Co. (now Lehigh), where he married. 
After he purchased the farm of Peter Andreas he re- 
moved to the place and erected a dwelling-house, in 
which he opened a tavern. Adjoining he also built 
a store and a blacksmith-shop. Upon his farm was 
built tin- first school-house in the lower part of the 
township. In 1820 he was appointed justice of the 

peace, and served many years. Upon the organiza- 
tion of the county in 1843 he was elected associate 
judge of Carbon County, being associated therein 
with Asa Packer. He died in 1845, aged sixty-two 
years. His children were Sarah, Charles, Janus, 
Reuben, Anna, and Leah. Sarah became the wife of 
John Bauman, and settled at Baumansville. Charles 
settled at home, kept the tavern for a time, was 
elected justice of the peace in 1853, and died at Penns- 
ville. Jonas taught school for a term, and removed to 
Easton. Reuben lived at home many years, kept the 
tavern, was elected justice of the peace in 1858, 1863, 
and 1867, later removed to Baumansville, where he 
died. Anna remains unmarried, and lives in the vil- 
lage of Pennsville. Leah became the wife of George 
Balliet, and settled where Miss Anna Dinkey now re- 
sides. 

Conrad Rehrig was a native of this State, his 
father having come to this country at a very early 
day, landing atGermantown, and settling in that part 
of the State. Conrad served in the Revolution, after 
which he married and emigrated to north of the Blue 
Ridge, and settled in Lizard Creek Valley, between 
Pennsville and the Reuben Stiegerwalt farm. He was 
one of the founders of the Benn Salem Church, and on 
the building committee from 1794 to 1797. He lived 
many years after, died, and was buried in the Benn 
Salem churchyard. He had eleven children^— Mar- 
tin, Daniel, John, Jacob, Jonas, Michael, .Conrad, 
George, William, and a daughter, Elizabeth, who be- 
came the wife of Jacob Stiegerwalt, and settled farther 
up the valley. Martin, the eldest son, settled near 
the Balliet Forge, where he died in 1860. His chil- 
dren were Solomon, Jacob, Charles, Powell, Paul, 
Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Lentz), Lydia (Mrs. John 
Liebergood), and Rebecca. Solomon settled in the 
township, and died in 1854, leaving a wife and chil- 
dren, who later moved away. The property was 
sold to Dennis Bauman. Jacob moved to Slate- 
brook, where he still lives. Charles and Powell 
settled in the Lizard Creek Valley. Charles, a son of 
Charles, lives on his lather's farm, and is an en- 



gineer. George and Henry, also sons of Charles, 
live near I low loan's Station. Reuben, a son of Powell, 
lives on Ins father's farm. Paul also settled in the 

valley, where his son, Reuben, now lives. Of the 
other sons of Conrad, Jacob now lives in Towamen- 
Bing, < 'onrail settled on the homestead, and died single, 
Daniel emigrated West, John settled in the tow nship. 
( rwen Rehrig, of Lehighton, is a son. Jonas also lived 
in the township, and a son, Jonas, li\cs at Lehighton. 

William, the youngest son of Conrad, horn in 1804, 
settled on the homestead, and lived and died there. 
Esaias Rehrig, of Allentown, and William, now a res- 
ident of the township, are sons. Mrs. Owen Rehrig, 
Mrs. Mahlin Reichart, of Lehighton, are daughters, 

.1: Ii Maurer (or Moury) was a native of t iolumbia 

County, N. Y., and emigrated to this township before 
1800, and purchased a tract of land now owned by 
George Moury. He built the stone house now stand- 
ing on the farm in the year 1817. He was a member 
of Benn Salem Church. In the year 1829, George 
Moury, the present owner, a nephew of Jacob, came 
to his uncle's from Columbia County, and lived with 
him, and, as Jaeob Moury left no children, George 
came into possession of the farm. 

The name of Heinrich Miller appears on the as- 
sessment-roll of 1781, and as an early member of 
Benn Salem Church, and in 1808 the names of Henry, 
Jost, and Abraham Miller are recorded as property- 
owners, and Christian Miller is given as a single free- 
man. One George Miller was in posses-ion of the 
farm now owned by Charles Frantz many years ago. 
He sold it about 1840 and emigrated to the West. 

Stephen Balliet, Sr., who, with Samuel Helffrich, 
built the Penn Forge in 1828, moved to the township 
from Whitehall, Lehigh Co., in 1837, when his son, 
Aaron, was erecting the Penn Furnace. Helived near 
the furnace till his death, in 1854. Of his children 
who lived in the township, Aaron remained in charge 
of the furnace till that time, and returned to White- 
hall, where he now lives. George married Leah, the 
daughter of Jacob Dinkey, and settled at Pennsville. 
Joseph carried on a tan-yard several years after (1838). 
John Balliet in later years purchased the furnace, and 
still owns and operates it. He now lives at Sla- 
tington. 

Daniel Romig, a native of Berks County, was horn 
in 1799; and came to this township in 1820, and pur- 
chased a farm a short distance southwest of Penns- 
ville. His son, Charles, was elected justice of the peace 
in 1863. Daniel Romig, Jr., was elected in 1880, and 
is still serving. A son lives at Parryville. Mrs. Simon 
Reichart, of Mauch Chunk, is a daughter. 

Benn Salem Church.— This society was organized 
by members of the Lutheran and German Reformed 
Churches who had settled in the limits of the terri- 
tory that in 1808 became East and West Penn town- 
ship. The precise date of its organization is not 
known. The old log church which was occupied for 
so many years was completed in 1797. It is said to 



EAST PENN TOWNSHIP 



71' 1 



have been commenced three yean before. The Revs. 
Bchellhort, Deshler, Diehl, and John Schwa 

preached in the neighbor] I in barns and bouses 

the completion of the church. The building 
Committee «i ere Peter Andreas, Tobias Schlosser, < 'arl 
Btiegerwalt, and Conrad Rehrig. George Fusselman 
was the builder. Ii »;i- built of logs, thirty bj forty- 
- 1 in dimensions, having galleries on the sidi 9. 
A burial-place was laid oul adjoining the church lot, 
in which many of the forefathers of tlii- region sleep 

The pastors who have Berved the I. nth. ran Church 
i follows : Danii i Schaffi r, 1 797 1814; 

John Caspar Diehl, 1814 16; Frederick William 
Mendroh, 1816 19; John Gottlieb Yeager, 1811 
Freyman, 1882-33; Stohlen, 1883-86; Schewver, 
1836 87; Winner, 1837 10; George, 1840 12; Ernsl 
August Bauer, 1842 72; William Henry Strauss, 
1872 34. The latter is still pastor. 

The following are the names of the German Re- 
formed ministers: Frederick Wetterschlott, Jacob 
Diefenbach, John Zulich (1816-74), Abraham Bar- 
tholomew (succeeded the Rev. Mr. Zulich, and 
in the service). 

The congregation oi the Lutherans numbers about 
three hundred members, and the German Reformed 
about two hundred members. 

The present substantial brick edifice was built on 
the site of the old bouse in 1855. 

The following is a list of the early members of the 
church. It must be remembered that the church is 
not far from the division line of Bast and We-t Penn 
townships, and many of its members were resid 
what is now Schuylkill County : 

( 'arl, Peter, and Andrew Steigerwalt, Michael < 'hi, 
Johannes Handwerk. Johannes Lechleidner, Hein- 
rich Lechleidner, Lorenz Ebner, George Wertner, 
John Hoberman, George Hettler, Franz Krum, Dan- 
iel Ranch, Philip Schleicher, Peter Schleicher. John 
Schleicher, William Arner, Leonard Balliet, Jacob 
Hachiiiaii, Stephen Balliet, Peter Hartman. Heinrich 

Nothsteiu. Abraham Freyman, Jacob Mauser, Leon- 
ard Haute, William Rex, Sr., Jacob Rex, Peter An- 

Jacob Guldner, Daniel Rehrig, Conrad Rehrig, 
Heinri.li Remaly, Joshua Kocher, Johannes Reber, 
Johannes Andreas, Jacob Andreas, Andrew Kunkle, 
F.herhard Old, Joseph Rhoads, Barnabas Rhoails, 
George Whitehead, Jacob Hettinger, Johannes Horn, 

e Heinrich Horn, Conrad Soldt, John Diedrich 

. Johannes Klutz. Mover Arnold, Philip Sen. lie, 

Valentine Schuck, Thomas Walton, Andreas Fritz, 
Andreas Heller, Ji see & rn, Nicolaus Feller, George 
Peck, Andreas Feller, Peter Mu-selman, Christian 
Wohl. Daniel Kl.ert, Conrad Wehr, George Lechleid- 
ner, George Griffin, Jonathan Bachman, Frederick 
Delius, Jacob Frit/., ( lonrad Ebner, Wilhelm A ndreas, 

ion Gordon, Daniel II. il. George Lndreas, 

- moil Weber, Heinrich Miller, Anthony 

Bachard, George Ohl, Michael Hoppes, Johannes 

Heller, George Cun&r, Petei Stein, John George 

16 



( luldner, Such, Sr., I rtlosser, John 

Fuhr, John Ringer, Heinrich Ziegle, Cbristiai 

man. There an- man; other nam< but 

the names here given areot value BUB ihowin 

tiers at the time. 

Benn Salem Churchyard.- Tin- following are a 
few of the names of persons buried in the grounds, 
with date of death : 

Rev. John Scbwarbach, died Oct. 81, 1800, s 
years. 

John George Guldner, died April 2 ged 51 

years. 

A una Maria Holsbo ;< I [olshoe, died 

Aug. 28, 181 1. are. 

rge Ruch, died April 5, 1808, aged 

Sarah Washburn, wile of Jacob An 

23, 1803, aged 40 years. 

Elizabeth " Legleidner," wife of Heinrich I 
leitner, died Nov. 4, 1830, aged I 11 years. 

Heinrich Legleidner Lechleitner], died l'eb. 5, 
1844, aged 60 years. 

John I'eter Steigerwalt, died Sept. 15, 1840,aged 78 
years. 

Christina Steigerwalt, wife of John Peter, died 
Sept. :!((, Is.'.o. aired <i.~> y.ar-. At the time of her 
death there were two hundred and ninety-nine de- 
Bcendants. 

Lorenz Ebner, died Nov. 10, 1842, aged so years. 

Sal e Ebner, wife of Lorenz, died July 1, 1838, 

aged so years, 

Andrew Stiegerwalt, ( 'arl Btiegerwalt, Robert M. • 
Daniel and his wife, Elizabeth, Conrad Rehrig, and 
many others, to whom no tablets are erected. 

Schools. — The earliest schools in the town-hip 
were connected with the Benn Salem congregation, 
which was organized before 1790. Its church edifice 
was . -onipletcd in 1797. an. 1 school was kept alter that 
in the building. But little is known of it. The school 
wa- taught entirely in German. In the lower or east- 
ern part of the township the first school was started 
not far from 1812. A stone school-house was erected 
on the farm of Jacob Dinkey, and a term of three 
months was taught by Lawrence Enge, and was en- 
tirely English. He was succeeded by Abram Miller, 
.lame- Campbell, Geoffrey Zilich, Jacob aud James 
Dinkey, Andrew Croniean, Abram Low, Calvin Rer- 
Black, A. B. Nimson 1 1824-32 , Oliver 
Musselman, Alger (1850). The following certifi- 
cate was given to Hannah Andreas now Mr-. \. B 
■ii, of Lehighton) : 

"This ib to certify that the bearer, li.inuah Andreas, is hea<l f 1 1 .-r 
el.u*t hy tier good attention I" her Book, and hereby liu gained the 
good-Will of her Tutor. 

" \ • IN, 

"the 30tfa of J.Ui.iary, 18.il." 

This -tour -el l-house was ust .1 until about 1866, 

when the pn was built adjoining the I 

( hiir.h at Pennsville. 

I he township accepted the school law about 1840, 



722 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and now contains six schools, with ahout three hun- 
dred pupils. The following is a list of the school 
directors since 1844 : 

1844. — George Horter, Jacob Fatzinger. 
L845.— Charles Dinkey, William Kehrig. 

L846. — tanas Andreas, John Hoberman. 

1847. — Jacob Steigerwalt, Josiah Frantz. 

1848. — William Rehrig, Reuben Dinkey. 

L849. .Samuel Ruch, Paul Rehrig. 

1850. — Thomas Shaffer, John Bauman, William 
Beck. 

1851. — Aaron Balliet, Jacob Westman, Jonas 
Rehrig. 

1852.— Elias George, Daniel Notestine, Henry 
Peter, Reuben Peter. 

1853.— John Miller, George Schultz. 

1854. — John Hunsicker, Jesse Heilman. 

1855. — Michael Herter, Jacob Ruch, George Ruch, 
John B. Ruch. 

1856. — George Schultz, Charles H. Nimson. 

1857.— Michael Herter, George Hetler. 

1858.— Jacob Davis, Peter Haberman. 

1859. — George Schultz, Charles Rerig. 

1860. — Joseph Haberman, Reuben Herter. 

1861.— Gideon Peter, Reuben Dinkey. 

1862. — George Maury, Jacob Westman. 

1863.— M. Stiegerwalt, William B. Rehrig. 

1864. — G. Kistler, John Haberman, Joseph Hol- 
sboe. 

I860.— Daniel Romig, Jr., Levi Stiegerwalt. 

1866.— Isaac Ginter, Elias Ruch. 

1867.— Gideon Peter, John Balliet. 

1868. — John Albright, Owen Andrew. 

1869. — Isaac Ginter, Thomas Haney. 

1870. — Jacob Stiegerwalt, William Ross. 

1871. — Josiah Andreas, Daniel Romig. 

1872.— Gideon Rehrig, Gideon Peter. 

1873. — Josiah Andreas, Levi Frantz. 

1874. — Harrison Stiegerwalt, James Appenseller. 

1875. — Joel Heintzleman, T. W. Stiegerwalt. 

1876.— Lewis Ruch, Henry Schultz. 

1877.— Samuel Mill, Joseph Ruch, David Wehr. 

1878.— John Reigel, Owen Smith. 

1879. — David Delong, George Maury, Wilson 
Ebbert. 

1880. — Gideon Kistler, Harrison Germon. 

1881. — Elias Ruch, James Youser, Solomon Furby. 

1882. — Harrison Stiegerwalt, Jacob Heintzleman. 

1883. — Elias Smith, Albert Bauman. 

Justices of the Peace.— Prior to 1840 the justices 
were appointed for districts embracing two or three 
townships. A list of those who held jurisdiction over 
ibis territory will be found in the civil list of the 
c tty. 

'fhe following-named persons have served as justices 
of the peace of the township since the organization 
of Carbon County : 

Jacob Dinkey, elected March, 1845. 

A. B. Nimson, elected March, 1846. 



Aaron Balliet, elected March, 1847. 

A. B. Nimson, elected March, 1851. 

Charles Dinkey, elected March, 1852. 

John Hunsicker, elected March, 1853. 

Charles H. Nimson. elected March, 1857. 

John Hunsicker, elected March, 1858. 

Reuben Dinkey, elected March, 1858. 

Reuben Dinkey, elected March, 1863. 

Charles Romig, elected March, 1865. declined. 

Daniel Romig, elected March, 1866, declined. 

Reuben Dinkey, elected March, 1867. 

Elias S. Heintzleman, elected March. 1869, declined. 

Lewis Ginter, elected March, 1869, declined. 

John D. Balliet, elected February, 1875. 

Elias S. Heintzleman, elected January. 1880. 

Daniel Romig, Jr., elected January, 1880. 

A. S. Stiegerwalt, elected March, 1882. 

Penn Forge and Furnace. — Stephen Balliet and 
Samuel Heltl'rich, in 1S28, two years after the erection 
of the Lehigh Furnace in Heidelberg township (now 
Washington, Lehigh County), purchased land on 
the north side of the mountain, in East Penn town- 
ship, Carbon <'<>., and near Pennsville, where they 
erected a forge known as Penn Forge. This was con- 
ducted by them till the death of Mr. Helffrich, in 1830. 
Mr. Balliet, in 1832, purchased the Heltl'rich interest. 
At this time Mr. Balliet owned in the vicinity about 
seven hundred acres of land. In 1837 he moved to 
the locality, purchased about three thousand acres of 
land, erected a furnace about three-quarters of a mile 
farther down the mountain, and constructed four tene- 
ment-houses, making eleven in all. He continued to 
reside here till his death, in January, 1854. His son, 
Aaron Balliet, now of North Whitehall, was in charge 
from 1838 to 1855. Soon after the death of Mr. Bal- 
liet the furnace and forge property was sold to Solo- 
mon Boyer and A. B. Nimson, and about 185S it passed 
to John Balliet, a son of Stephen, by whom it is still 
owned and operated. It is a charcoal furnace, and is 
in blast from eight to ten months each year. 

Pennsville. — About the year 1807, William Jacob 
and Peter Andreas purchased a large tract of land in 
Penn township, embracing what is now Pennsville. 
Peter sold his land, in 1809, to Jacob Dinkey, who in 
the next year erected a building, which he used as a 
dwelling and a tavern. He also built a blacksmith- 
shop and a store. Jacob Andreas continued upon his 
land, and in 1828 opened a tavern, which he kept 
about three years. 

A post-office was established about the same time, 
and was kept in the store of Jacob Dinkey, he being 
the postmaster. The office was kept there many years 
and then abandoned. On the 9th of April, 1883, it 
was again established, and Penrose George was ap- 
pointed postmaster. He also keeps the hotel and 
store at Pennsville. The hotel was kept by Jacob 
Dinkey and his sons, Charles and Reuben, many 
years; in 1868 was sold to William Smith, and later 
passed to several others, and was finally destroyed by 













© 



m 






I I'KNN TOWNSHIP. 






tire, July 21, L873. It was rebuilt in 1 n7 1 by Henry 
Notestine, who kt| ■ t ii two years, and sold to Penri 
George] the present proprietor. 

The people in the vicinity of Penns\ i lie 
Germans, and members of the Lutheran and German 

Reformed Churches. R - services were held in 

the school-house for man; years, and in 1851 the pres- 
ent church edifice was erected, rhe pastors who 
have ministered to the Lutheran congregation an 
follow- : Revs, l \ B uer.D K, Kepner, and I 
A. Breugel, the present pastor. 

The Rev. Charles J, I ed I be ' lerman 

Reformed man; years, and was succeeded bj tin- Rev. 
Abraham Bartholomew, who is the present pastor 

The schools of the village arc treated of in tin- 
history of the scl Is of the township. 



BlUOltAI'HK'AI. SKETCH. 



• II IRLKS II. SIMSON. 

Prior to relating in outline the life of the man 
whose name forms the caption of this sketch, we will 
present a few facts concerning his father, who u 
a well-known citizen of Carbon County. \ . B. Nim- 
son was born Aug. 1"'. 1805, at Delmenhurst, in the 
grand duchy of Oldenberg, Germany, and was the 
son of Peter Xumscn. a merchant, and his wife, 
Sophia Meendsen. He came to Philadelphia with 
his parents in infancy, and his boyhood was spent in 
that city, Baltimore, and in the counties of North- 
ampton and Berks, in this State. He was employed 
as a clerk at the iron-works in different localities in 
the northern part of the latter count} while yet quite 
young, and later had charge "i the Quincy Furnace, 
in Schuylkill County. It was then, about 1*J7. that 
Mr. Nimson became a resident of East I'cnn town- 
ship, Carbon Co., from the border of which the fur- 
nace was not more than half a mile distant. Having 
obtained a very fair education, he was enabled to (ill 
the position of teacher tor the neighborhood, and he 
also gave instruction in music; hut these employ- 
ments were only oceasionalh followed, and were sub- 
sidiary to that at the furnace. From 1837 to 1852 In- 
time and attention were divided between tanning and 
merchandising, and from 1852 until his death, in 1869, 
he was chiefly occupied with public affairs, serving five 
terms a- register and recorder •>(' deeds, and also till- 
ing the offices of auditor and commissioner's clerk. 
He was an active, enterprising man. possessing the 
unqualified confidence ot hi- fellow-citizen-, and mer- 
iting it by his conduct in every station of life to which 
he was called. In politics he was a stanch and life- 
long Democrat. 

Mr. Nimson married, July 29, 1829, Hannah An- 
dreas (born Aug. 1, 1810 . daughter of Jacob and 



Bchoenberger) \nd' - rand- 

daughtl U'a-hhurn \? 

the latter a granddaughter of John Rhoadf 

inal settler and owner "i I 

farm, and a great-granddaughb i 

who cane to America in 1749 and settled in H 

. nship, I . \l i- N n .1 liv- 

• oi i liighton, and own- the old I 

-tcad in 'i of which appears in this 

volume. 

Charles II. Nimson, the only child ol A. B. and 
Hannah Andreas Nimson, tvat horn in Ka-i I'. mi. 
May 19 iii- eat ly education in tin- 

old -tone school-house mar by hi- homi . When -i\- 

was placed in a dru 
Philadelphia. In 1 $52 be was i mplo 
the old Lehigh Furnace, and fr that time onward 

in-, n identified with the iron interests of the 
valhy. In 1855 he returned to the scenes oi hi- early 

boyh I, and became identified with the management 

of the I'.a-t Penn Furnace and Che Bame 

year be was elected on the Democratic tioket as the 
surveyor of Carbon County. In 1857 be bought the 
Pennsvillc Forge from the Ball 1 ind a year 

later, in association with Solomon Boyer, pun 

-i I'cnn Furnace, which the tirm carried on 
until 1860. Mr. Nimson then went to Lehigh County. 

where he assumed a res] n with the 

Ironton Railroad Company, and soon a: 
the general manager of the company's railroad and 
mines. In 1863, in connection with bis former duties, 
he took charge of the Roberts Iron Company's Fur- 
naces at A llentowu, to which — a j ear later abandoning 

iicnt of thl loud and mine- he d 
his entire attention. He continued in the posit 

general superintendent » ith n sponsibilitiesconstantly 
enlarging as other iron establishments from tii 
time were consolidated by merger with ;i 
Iron-Works, and now occupies that office with the 
Allentown Rolling Mill, which i- the outcome of the 
aggregation. During the period ofhis connection with 
i hi-- extensive institution, large as have been his 

labors and responsibilities, his attention h 
exclusively claimed by it, but he has been u 
in or engaged in managing various furnaces, rolling- 
mills, forge-, and mining Operations, demanding in 
'•■ the cone ■ iv uncom- 

mon executive ability. 
Mr. Nimson was married, 1>. i.lmira 

8. Haliman, daughter of Dr. i J. Hallman, and 

granddaughter of Stephen Balliet, 8r., the i 
ironmaster of the region. Two children were the 

offspring of this union. Alger and I'.mma 8. mar- 

Milee L. Eckert, of Allentown. Dec, 5, 1876. 

Mr. Nimson and family re-id. at tl Id bom- 

- nn. 



:l>4 



HISTORY OF CARBON COCNTV, PENNSYLVANIA. 



C ii \ I'Ti.i; \ i v. 

FKANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 

The territory that is now embraced in the town- 
ship of Franklin was originally pari of the old Towa- 
mensing township, and in 1841 became a pari of 
Upper Towamensing, or Towamensing. It so re- 
I until 1850, when at the January term of the 
Carbon County Court a petition was presented asking 
tor a division of the township. At the next term of 
court, held in April following, Thomas Kemerer. 
Thomas L. Foster, and A. B. Nimson were appointed 
commissioners to view the township, and if thought 
advisable to run division-lines and report thereon to 
the next court. The view was made, a line was run, 
and report made at the June term, but for some 
reason not mentioned in the minutes the report was 
set aside. On the 5th of October the same year 
(1850), the subject was again brought to the notice of 
the court, and an amendment was ordered. What 
action was taken is not stated, but under date of the 
2d of January, 1851, the following record occurs in 
the minutes: "The court confirm absolute and name 
the new township Franklin." 

H is bounded on the north by the Pocono Moun- 
tain, which divides it from the township of Penn 
F'orest, on the east by Towamensing, on the south by 
Lower Towamensing, and on the west by the Lehigh 
River. The Polio Poco Creek rises in Towamensing 
township, flows westwardly through Franklin, and at 
a point southeast from Weissport turns abruptly anil 
runs nearly parallel with the river for some distance, 
and enters the Lehigh River at Parryville. The 
township is uneven, but is well adapted to agricul- 
tural pursuits. 

An Indian Atrocity. — About the middle of the 
last century a few families settled within the limits of 
this township, but all removed a few years later when 
the Indians exhibited their fierce enmity towards the 
whites along the border. Among them was the Hoeth 
family, who became the victims of a little war-party 
in December, 1755. The house of Frederick Hoeth, 
which stood twelve miles east of the site of Weiss- 
port, was stealthily visited by five Indians while the 
family were at supper. They fired a volley through 
the door and window, killing Hoeth and wounding a 
woman. The other adult inmates rushed out and 
sought safety in flight and concealment. Mrs. Hoeth 
hid in the bake-house, to which the Indians imme- 
diately applied fire. Enduring the heat and smoke 
as long as she could, the unfortunate woman finally 
rushed out, and to relieve her agony leaped into the 
water. There she died, either from her burns or by 
drowning. The Indians had, in the mean time, set 
fire to the house, and three children perished in the 
flames. A grown-up daughter was killed and scalped, 
and several others taken as captives into the Indian 
country to the northward. One Indian was killed 



and one wounded in the affray. The few remaining 
inhabitants of the region fled. 1 

Early Settlers. — The earliest permanent settlers in 
tin limits of what is uow Franklin township were, 
without doubt, the Solt family, wdio settled on land 
part of which is now owned by Mrs. Maria Colton. 
Of this family John Solt was the father. In ITS] the 
names that appear on the assessment-roll are John 
Solt. Sr., David, Daniel, and John. John Jacob Suit 
lived on the farm now owned by Mrs. Maria Colton, 
on I'oho l'oro Creek, lie had -ons, — Jacob, Conrad, 
Peter, and Daniel, and daughters, — Eve (Mrs. David 
Shafer), Susan (Mrs. Daniel Arneri, Folly (Mrs. Con- 
rad Solt), Betsey (Mrs. Jacob Swank), Maria (Mrs. 
Daniel Solt). 

Jacob settled on part of the old homestead, and died 
in 1882 at the ape of eighty-sis years. He left two 
sons, — Isaiah and Reuben. They are both living in 
the township. Two daughters, — Sarah (Mrs. Frank- 
lin Klotz), and Elizabeth (Mrs. John Hill),— both 
live in the township. 

Conrad remained unmarried, and died many years 
ago. 

Peter lived on part of the homestead farm. He 
married Eva Grover, a sister of Andrew Grover, now- 
living at Weissport. They had one son, Henry, who 
lived for a time on the homestead. 

Daniel lived near the homestead, and died there. 
His son, Charles, is in the township. 

Daniel Solt, who married Maria Solt. was a -on of 
Paul Solt, wdio was one of the brothers of John Jacob. 
They had a son, Stephen Solt. who is now living and 
is the veteran school-teacher of the township, having 
taught for over thirty years. Daniel Ticebaugh mar- 
ried a daughter of Paul Solt. 

John Arner was of the family who came into Tow- 
amensing soon after the Revolution, and settled on 
the farm now owned by Benjamin Peter. He lived 
and died here, and left sons, — Daniel and Jacob, 
and daughter Susan (Mrs. Jacob Snyder), and Mrs. 
Moore, of Conyngham Valley, near Hazleton. Dan- 
iel married Susan, the daughter of John Jacob Solt, 
and moved to Weissport about 1827, where he settled 
about the time the village was laid out. He was a 
carpenter and builder. He died there about 1853, 
sixty -one years of age. 

Jost Driesbach was also of an old family who came 
to the township before 1800. He settled on the Polio 
Poco Creek, below the land of Jacob Housknecht, 
and died there, leaving a sou, Peter, wdio settled on 
the homestead, and whose son, Dennis, now owns the 
property. Mrs. Samuel Hartman, Mrs. Daniel Wentz, 
and Mrs. William Kern were daughters of Jost Dries- 
bach, and all resided in the township. Mrs. Hart- 
man is still living. 

Leonard Belt/., a native of Franklin, married Miss 



1 Provincial IU'cornV, vol \ p. 332. See the opening chaptei of tii« 

History of Carhrin I 'uiinO . 



FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 



726 



E. Hover, daughter of Frederick Boyer, and settled on 
land mar Parryville, where he kepi a hotel, aud finally 
died. His wife died al the age of one hundred and 
five years, in 1867. Their children were, Nicholas, 
Peter, Jacob, John, Eli, Frank, Thomas, Susan, Mary, 
Molly, and Elizabeth. The old farm is now Parry- 
ville. Nicholas settled there, and his daughters, Mrs. 
it and Mrs. Mowry, now live in the village. 

Peter, now ninety years of age, in living with Jacob 
Hoyt, bis son-in-law. He owned a farm above Maria 
Furna 

t> settled in Northampton County, near Lock- 
port John settled in Mahi mship. A< 
tir, Mrs. .\. Arner, lives on the farm he owned. 
Frank settled in this township, and a son, John 1 ■'., 
now lives here. Elizabeth removed to Schuylkill 
County. Thomas lives in Mahoning township. Squire 
II. A. Beltz, of Li highton, is his son. Susan Mrs. 
Samuel Nunemacher), and Mary Mrs. Jonathan 
Haines livi in Parryville, and Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel 
near the town, while Molty Mrs. Joseph Beck) 
resides in I llinois. 

George Walk aboul L800settled on Saw-Mill I 
where he built a -aw mill and carried on lumbering 
man; years. The place is now owned by Edward 
Sensinger. He had live sons, — George, Thomas, 

Solomon. Si n, and Daniel. George settled above 

Little Gap; Thomas on the homestead ; Simon above 
Weissport; Daniel at Pine Bun. Of two daughters, 
Elizabeth became the wife of Charles Btetler, and 
i laroline of Jonah Markley. 

Jacob Honsknecht was a land-holder here in 1781, 
his farm including thi siti ol Maria Furnace. The 
land passed into possession of his son. Martin, who m 

1826 -old a part of it to David Heinbach. Little is 

now known of the original owner. 

A number of familii o the township about 

1812-1"), but they cannol properly be called early 
settlers. , 

Schools. 1 — From information gathered I'rom the 

olde-t residents of Franklin township, it appears 
that previous to the year 1822 there wire no Bchools 
in what now comprises the town-hip. Trior to thai 

year the children attended scl I kept on the site of 

the old Gnadenbiitten Mission. In thai year 1822 
ol wa- opened on the site of the present No. 7 

School-house, and mar the old lloeth homestead. It 

was conducted entirely in German, ;hl bj 

Lewis Schnell ; the only books n-v<\ were the A. I'.. I 
Book, the Psalter, and the Bible. In L827 the 
was removed thn outh, to the homestead of 

the Rev. Charles Eichenberg, and kept in the old stone 
building, -till standing, and now used as a residence. 
At this pla< QOOl in the town-hip was held 

until the present School 9y8tem was adopted. The 

teachers al this place were respectively James S 

(a Pennsylvania German ami John Keifer (a native 

1 Iiv Protest I Si fder. 



of Germany), the former being still well rememtx 

a- a •_■ I disciplinarian ami layi - on 

having the children con aemory prayers and 

hymns, which were regular!] repeated befon recita- 
tions. Tie- Bchools wen- entirely German. 

The pul. lie school law passi 'I in 183 
it wa- accepted by Towamensing town-hip, of which 
thi- was a part. A log school-house h l by 

He- citizens without taxation nearly on the site of 
school-house No. 5. I I ere furnished by 

Daniel Zoll Sbft . having been taken I'rom an old 

building which wa- erected • Revolution. 

I In- school B I man. ami taught bj 

Mr. Stein. The second public school building was 
erected in Weis 

The township ha- at pre i li lols N 

2, and 8 occupj the buildinj at Easl Weissport. 
Thi- school wa- organized in 1851 and g 
erected. n Inch wa- replaced by the present building in 
1867. The school- combined numbei one hundred 
and fifty pupils. 

School house No 3 was originally built in 1-17. 
I he pr< si in building was erected on its site in 1873. 
Fifty pupil- arc in attendance. 

ii No, 1 was organized in 1866, and the present 

building was bought I'rom a hoard of church trUSl 

ii having been erected in 1842. This school numbers 
fifty-three pupils. 

School No. ■"). — This location i- where the first 

i-hool in the county was opened in 1836 The old 
log house was torn down in I860, and the present 

building erected in that year. The school has a mem- 
bership of sixty-five. 

School-hou-e No. 6 i- located not tar I'rom where 

the second pay school-house was built, and the dis- 
trict was formed in 1851. The old building was a 
until IStil, when it was replaced by the present brick 
edifice, which is about three-quarters of a mile farther 
east, at Beltzville. There are in attendance al this 
school an tendance of forty pupil-. 

No. 7 school-house stands nearly on the site of the 

lOl-house that was built in 1822. The first public 

■ I building wa- erected here in 1854, and was ill 

use till the erection of the present scl I building in 

1880. Forty pupil- are in att 

School No. ;i wa- organized in 1*79, and has thirty- 
four pupils. 

School No. 10 was established in 1883, ami has a 
roll of seventy-four pupils. 

The oldest teacher in the township 
who has i er thirty years almost exclusi 

in Pranklin town-hip. 

Following i- a li-t of the nam. 

who have served since the organization of the town- 
ship : 

-Lewis Weiss, Walter Leisenring, one year; 
David Bowman, A-hbury Gilham, two year-; Jai 
Brow n. Petei Ki um, three year-. 
Is", j. Joseph Wintermuth, Levi Went/.. 



726 



HISTORY OF CARF.oN cor.MTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1858. Daniel Wentz, John DeLong. 

I 85 I. -Charles A. (ierinan, Charles Steelier. 

1855. — George W. Staples, Henry Smith. 

1856. — James Anthony, Jonathan Fincher. 

1857. Henry Boyer, Josiah Rueh. 

1858. — John Schwab, M. W. Raudenbush, .James 
W. Heberling. 

1859. — James Brown, C. Snyder. 

I860. -Henry P.oyer. |i. II. I >iei-i.ach. Peter Krum, 
James Anthony. 

L861. — David Beltz, Edward Sensinger. 

1862.— D. II. Dreisbach, G. Laury. 

1863. Joseph Thomas, Henry Hover. 

1864. — Edward Sensinger, David Held. 

1865. — Cornelius Snyder, David Hell/.. 

1866. — Dennis Bauman, Lewis Weiss. 

1867.— J. M. Roberts, Edward Rober. 

1868. — Daniel Sensinger, Samuel Boyer. 

1869. — C. J. Eichenberg, Stephen Best. 

1870.— Solomon Walk. 

1871.— W. H. Whitehead, Robert Anthony. 

1872. — Jacob Ziegenfuss, Simeon Walk. 

1873. — Solomon Weaver, Reuben Boyer. 

1874. — David Beltz, Abraham Henry. 

1875. — Simeon Walk, Robert Anthony. 

1870. — Cornelius Rang, Solomon Walk. 

1877. — Josiah Rueh, George Senchel. 

1878. -Tilghman Dreisbach, Robert Anthony. 

1879. — Jacob Straub, Solomon Walk. 

1880.— Henry Miller, W.C. Weiss. 

1881. — Robert Anthony, Sr., Tilghman Dreisbach. 

1882.— J. E. Freeman, J. E. Beltz, Neal Brisbin. 

1883.— J. F. Snyder, Henry Miller. 

Maria Furnace.— On the 14th of April, 1826, 
David Heimbach, the elder, of Upper Milford town- 
ship, Lehigh Co., purchased two tracts of land in 
Towamensing township (now Franklin), one of eighty- 
six acres of Martin Housknecht, and another of forty- 
three and a half acres of Henry Thomas. He built 
the furnace called " Hampton," in Lehigh County, in 
the year 1809. In 1817 he and his son, David, built 
the "Clarissa" Forge on the Aquascbicola Creek. 
The next year after the purchase of this property on 
Poho Poco Creek he erected a furnace, which he named 
New Hampton, and placed his son, John, in charge 
of it. The same year David, his son, erected a fur- 
nace near the "Clarissa" Forge. John Heimbach 
retained the charge of the New Hampton Furnace 
till his death, in 1834. 1 

John V. R. Hunter and Obadiah Weaver were 
administrators of the estate of David Heimbach, the 
elder. On the 23d of April, 1836, he conveyed the 
property to William Miller, by whom the name was 



' In 1830, David 1 1 '-nil tun! i, the elder, sold the Hampton Furnace and 
moved to Allentown, where he died in the early part of the year 1834. 
David and John, Ms two sons, went to the funeral. After their return 
they were attacked by typhoid fever, and died at their respective 
homes, — one at night, the other on the morning of the next day,— David 
at the Clarissa Furnace, ami John at the New ETarapton Furnace. 



I from New Hampton in Maria, in honor of 
his wile. Haul Miller, the son of William, \\:i- placed 

in charge of the furnace. On the 2d of November, 

the same year, William Miller conveyed one-hall' of 
the furnace property to John Y. R. Hunter. The 
business was continued by this firm until Nov. 14, 
1838, when it was sold to Thomas M. Smith and 
Thomas S. Richards, ironmasters, of Philadelphia, 
and Samuel Richards was chosen as superintendent. 
This firm purchased two thousand four hundred and 
twenty-eight acres of wild laud in the vicinity. On 
the 18th of March, 1841, Thomas S. Richards con- 
veyed his interest in the lands, forge, anil furnace to 
Stephen Caldwell, also of Philadelphia. In the year 
1845 the furnace was enlarged, and continued by 
Smith & Caldwell till 1850. (At this lime there was 
at the place, in addition to forge and furnace, a com- 
pany store and ten dwelling-houses.) In a year or 
two after this time it was leased to Samuel Balliet 
and Samuel B. Lewis, by whom it was operated till 
Jan. 1, 1859, when it was blown out, ami its fires have 
never again been relighted. The land on which it 
was situated is now owned by Edward Rober and 
Joseph Anthony. 

In the year 1849, James and Daniel Laury en. ted 
a forge on Pine Run, near its entrance into Poho Poco 
Creek. It was carried on but a few years. The prop- 
erty is now owned by C. Radetz. 

Following is a'list of the names of farmers given in 
the assessment-roll at the time the township of Frank- 
lin was set off in 1851 : Daniel Arner, Jr., J. D. Bau- 
man, Jr., Charles Bel ford, Charles Blohs, James Brown, 
Alexander Bean, Peter Dreisbach, Simon Dreisbach, 
John Grover, Daniel Krum, Peter Krum, Peter Klotz, 
Peter Rainer, John Bolt, Sr., Thomas Stout, Daniel 
Solt, Thomas Straub, Peter Solt, Daniel Went/.. 

Justices of the Peace. — Following is a list of the 
names of the justices of the peace who have been 
elected since the organization of the township : 

Edmund Neff, 1851. 

Henry Boyer, 1852. 

William Kern, 1854. 

William H. Knauss, 1855. 

Henry Boyer, Jr., 1857. 

I). H. Dreisbach, 1859. 

Stephen Solt, 1861. 

Henry Boyer, Daniel Wentz, 1862. 

Henry Boyer, Daniel Wentz, 1867. 

Joseph Young, 1868. 

J. Z. Bagenstoe, 1872. 

O. A. Rives, 187:;. 

Henry Campbell, 1874. 

Isaac Bagenstoe, 1877. 

Webster C. Weiss, 1879. 

Henry Campbell, 1881. 
The boroughs of Weissport and Parryville are 
within the limits of this township. Their histories 
are treated separately, and will be found elsewhere. 
Rickettsville. — F^or many years the land on which 



KIDDER TOWNSHIP 



727 



tins settlement is located was owned by Joseph Win- 
iermuth, who was a brick-maker. In 1864 he sold 
eight acres to Emanuel Reinhart, who Bold two I 
and in 1 865 sold the remainder, to .1. K. Ricketta > now 

of Weissporl , wl lade a plol and Bold :i number of 

lots, upon which dwellings were erected. The princi- 
pal cause that iiuluceil building at this place was the 
character of the ground, it being higher than the sur- 
rounding country and not liable to devastation such 
as occurred in Weissporl a few year- previous. 

Within a mile of the settlement is situated a church 
edifice of the Evangelical Church Association. Th< 
corner-stone was laid June 29, 1879, and completed at 
a cost of "Uf thousand dollars, and dedicated August 
loth, the same year. It i- a chapel of the association 
at Weissport, and is supplied by the minister of that 

church. A Sunday-school comprising one hundred 

and twenty-five pupil- is connected with the chapel. 

A chapel under the charge of the Lutheran and 
German Reformed Church of Weissport, and served 
by its pastors, was erected near the settlement in I - - 
and dedicated June 21st in that year. 

On the main road running east and west through 
the township and near the Poho Poco ('reek are two 
chapels, St. Paul's Lutheran and German Reformed 
and that of the Evangelical Association. St. raid- 
was erected in 1841, and at first was under chargi 
the Rev. Charles Mendson, and in lS.">n the II 
Charles J. Eichenbach was pastor. It is a chapel of 
the church of that denomination in Weissport, and 
supplied by its ministers. 

The Evangelical Chapel, near St. Paul's, was built 
in 1870, and is supplied from the l'arryville Circuit. 
1 1 i- at present under the charge of the Rev. A. Kindt. 

A little settlement known a- Walksville is in the 
northeast part of the township, on a branch of the 
Polio Poco • reek. Several years since the Prince 
Paint Works were located at the place, flourished 
a few years, and were removed. 

At the locality known as Beltzville, John Bauman 
many years ago erected a hotel, at which the elec- 
tions for i, Id Towamensing township were held. Later 
I tavid Belt/, built a hotel and store at the same place, 
both of which he conducted, and has continued to the 
present time. 



CHAPTER \ V. 



KIDDER fOWNSHIP. 



The territory of Penn Fores! township was taken 
from Tobyhanna in 1842, while it was a pan of Mon- 
roe County. The next year alter it was taken off to 

form a part of Carbon County. It was va-t tract 

of pine and hemlock timber. Large bodies of tin- 
land had been purchased, upon w hich capitalists were 
erecting mills and manufacturing lumber. In the fall 
of 1848 agitation was commenced of the project "f 



forming a new township from the northern p 
Penn Forest, which resulted in the following action 
court of Carbon Count] at it- March term. 
1849 

" And lew, March 7, 1849, the court order and de- 
cree that the -aid township of I '■ 
according to the report of the commission, and that 
a new township, being the upper part of said town- 
ship, be called and designated bj tin- name of Kidder 
town-hip.'' after Judge Luther Kidder, who wa- then 

on thi bench. 

r township i- bounded on tl i Toby- 

hanna Creek and Monroe County, on the north and 
west by Lehigh River, and on the south by Mud Run, 
which separate- it from Penn Forest. In the western 

part are -everal pond8, -Mud Pond, Moses Wood 

Pond, Big Pond, Round I' 1. and Crass Lake. 

Moses Wood and Mud Ponds are the -out 
Black ("reek, which How- easterly, and empties into 
thi Lehigh Liver below Lebigb Tannery. The 
streams from the others flow westerly, and join the 
Tobyhanna. Dilltown Creek and Muddy Run, form- 
ing the southern boundary, flow westerly, and join 
tiie L> high Liver. Hickory Run rises in the high 
uncultivated lands in the central part id' the town- 
ship, Hows southwesterly, and empties into tin L> - 
high. The greater portion of tbe township is uncul- 
tivated. Its timber is cut oil. and it will eventually 
be cultivated, but not lor many year-. banners are 
yet very lew who have cultivated more than a lew- 
acres of land. 

The tir-t assessment-roll of Kidder town-hip was 
made in 1849, The large tracts of land at that time 
belonged to the following persons: 

Evan Morris. 1:: 16 

Warner. McKean & ' "., 1500 a> ri -. 

Mahloi, K. Taylor, oOOO acres. 
William Tumbeson & Co., 500 acres. 
Taylor & Warn, r, 800 acres. 

Samuel 1 1. Stryker, 1200 acre-. 

1 1. ,v I; -. rfass, 1000 a 

Serfass & New hard, 640 acre-. 

Noll a Steckel, 432 acre-. 

Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, 1386 acres 

John Kclsey, 022 acn -. 

( teorge Bollenbech, 829 

John Hawk, silo acre-. 

I 'avid Hawk, loo acn -. 
I. & s. Could. 3300 acres. 
< ' inrad Dreisbacb, 760 ai 
Thomas Dreisbacb & < ".. L 
Thomas < Iraig, 250 acn--. 

The persons who were assessed in that year a« 
having mill- were a- follows : 

ur, double saw-mill. 
. Maxwell, double saw-mill and wharf. 
Josiab Metlack, double saw-mill. 
W. Robertson, double -aw-mill and wharf. 
Warmr. MeKean .\ Co., double -aw-mill. 



728 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lucius Blokeltz, -aw-mill and ferryman, East 
Haven. 

Thomas < 'raig, saw-mill. 
Abram I [elisend, saw-mill. 
Solomon Gang were, saw-mill. 
i leorge L< hman, three saw-mills, -tun-house, eight 
dwelling bouses, steam-mill, and wharf. 
John Starbirt, saw-mill and wharf. 

Josf Johnson, saw-mill and wharf. 
Joseph Serfass, saw-mill. 
D. & R. Scrfa>s, saw-mill and wharf. 
1>. Nvhart Serfass, saw-mill and wharf. 

Jonathan Jacob, three saw-mills and wharf. 

David Saj lor, three saw-mills. 

Frederick Bates, saw-mill. 

Jacob Eyerly, inn, saw-mill, and wharf. 

Yardly, Post & Childs, paling-mill. 

Men wdio were assessed as lumbermen carrying on 
business in 1849: David Jacob Hunter, John Kelsey, 
James King, William Leonard, Jonathan Passley, 
Joseph Serfass, Daniel and Reuben Serfass, William 
Tucker, J. W. Lessler, Samuel J. Tomblesou, George 
Winterstein, Butler and Cornelius Cortwright, Josiah 
A. Cole, Stephen and Edward Clark, James Cole, 
John Corly, Thomas Driesbach & Co., Oliver and 
Thomas Driesbach, Jackson Durran, John, Isaac, and 
Stephen Gould, David and John Hawk. 

Early Roads. — A State road ran through the town- 
ship from Emmetsburg to White Haven before it be- 
came a township. The action of the Carbon County 
court in reference to a road was in March, 1845, when 
a petition was made for a road leading from the 
Wilkesbarre turnpike, near the house of Christian 
George, to the store of Mahlon K. Taylor, at the 
mouth of Hickory Run. 

The following is an account of the early business j 
interests of the township as far as can be ascertained : | 

Hickory Run— Before 1843, Mahlon K. Taylor, of 
Bucks County, owned six thousand three hundred and 
ninety-four acres of land about the mouth of Hickory 
Run, where he had a store and wharf. He soon after 
sold one thousand acres to Israel Day and Samuel 
Savior, of Easton, who erected a large mill with two I 
gangs of saws, a single mill, plauing-mill, lath- and 
paling-mill, and a bark-mill. In 1855 they erected 
on the hill a large boarding-house, capable ol accom- 
modating about one hundred and fifty men, who were 
at work in the woods and in the mills. Two double 
houses were also built. In the spring of 1865 they 
were destroyed by lire, and rebuilt the same year. 
They were then run till the timber on their lands 
was exhausted, and in about 1878 they were aban- 
doned. The property now belongs to Alexander B. 
Allen, of Flemington, N. J. 

Mahlon K. Taylor & Co. owned a tract of land 
above Saylorsville, on which they built a mill. A 
large dam which supplied the mill was swept away 
by a freshet in 1847, and in the rush of waters seven 
lives were lost,— the wife and four children of Jacob 



West, a blacksmith, a daughter of Isaac Gould, and 
a .Mr. Crawford. The bodies were all recovered with 
the exception of one of the children. The mill was 
not again rebuilt. 

The second mill on Hickory Hun from the mouth 

was buill by Eteckman & Auble, who purchased their 

land of M. K. Taylor. They had a double mill and 
a lath- and paling-mill. This propertj later came to 
the ( rOUlds. 

.Next on the run, and above tie' lleekman A: Auble 
mill. Isaac and Samuel Gould owned a tract id' three 
thousand three hundred acres, which in later years 
was largely increased. Here the\ erected four mills, 
two on the run and two on Sand Spring Run, a fork 
of Hickory. These were all single mills, with lath- 
and paling-mill to each one. Tenement houses were 
erected. A store was opened, a post-office established, 
and a Methodist Church and school were erected. 
About one hundred men were employed in their work, 
which was continued till the timber was exhausted. 
The firm was dissolved, and Stephen Gould retained 
the business. After his death, and in 1878, the prop- 
erty passed to Albert Lewis & Co., of Bear Creek. 

At that time A. J. Brodhead took the store and 
post-office, wdiich were continued till the summer of 
1883. In the November following Owen Eckert, sta- 
tion agent of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company 
at Hickory Run, was appointed postmaster, and the 
office is now kept at the station. 

Above the Gould mill, in 1849, John Kelly owned 
six hundred and twenty-two acres of land, on which 
he had, in 1850, a double mill. In the great fire of 
187G the mill, house, and barn were destroyed, and in 
1878 Mr. Kelly sold the property to Isaac Butz. 

Daniel and Reuben Serfass in 1849 owned one thou- 
sand acres on Sand Spring Run, a fork of Hickory, 
above the Gould land. They erected two single mills 
and lath-, paling-, and shingle-mills, which, in 1866, 
were sold to Blakslee & Gillick. The mills were de- 
stroyed by the fire of 1876, and not again rebuilt. 
The property now belongs to T. Dorney, of Allentown. 

In 1867 a sash- and blind-factory was built on Sand 
Spring Run by Stephen Donner, and was sold, in 
1868, to William Birny, who ran it till after 1875, 
when it was torn down. 

About 1852, J. & J. Blakslee purchased a mill prop- 
erty above Serfass', on Sand Spring Bun. 

The Methodist Church that was erected on Hickory 
Bun has, since 1878, been in charge of the following 
pastors: Revs. Bonford, Dunning, King, Bird, and 
Brice Hughes, who is now in charge. 

Saylorsville, on the main stream of Hickory Run, 
above the Gould land, was bought from M. K. Taylor 
by Day & Savior, who erected mills there, which were 
long since abandoned. There are now two of their 
dwellings at the place, and the wintergreen distillery 
of Hawk & Bolter. 

Leonardsville to-day contains two or three dwell- 
ings and a distillery owned by Benjamin Krege. 



KIDDKi; TOWNSHIP 



729 



A hem t lsr.ii, John lUirk was ownei of a tract of land 
there, and had erected :i Baw-mill. In 1876 there 
were at the place one strain Baw-mill and one run by 
water, .- 1 1 1 < 1 twelve dwellin s. They were all destroyed 
by the great Bre of that year. The place was named 
after William Leonard, who was foreman for John 
Burk from the - nent of the work th< 

Bridgeport.— In thi • i6, Keck.Childsd I !o. 

erected a saw-mill on the banks of the Lehigh River, 
a short distance above Lehigh Tanner] , havin 
pacity of cutting yearly two and one-half million Feet 
of lumber. They purchased three thousand two hun- 
dred and ninety-nine acres of land of George M. 
Hollenbeck, who had previously erected and run a 
saw-mill at the mouth of Bays' Creek. About 1870, 
Day & Savior built asteam saw mill at Bridgeport, 
which was run till 1872, when it was sold to Davis, 
McMurtry & Co., who ran it till 1880, when it was 
j i'd by lire. The site is now occupied by the 

mill of the Pioneer Kindliug-W 1 Company. A 

school-house is also in this settlement. It is also a 
station on the Lehigh Valley Railroad 

Albrightsville.— Tin- property on which this set- 
tlement is located was part of the Brotzman tract, 

and pa.ssed to George Weaver, win. owned it iii I - 19. 

He sold the greater portion of it to Aquilla Al- 
bright & Vansickle in 1840. Joseph Serfass bought 
twenty-five acres of Albright, and in 1844 erecl 

tavern-stand, which he kept till alter 1850. William 
Getz was landlord in lSfili, Jacob Christ man in 1875, 
and Paul Eckert now keeps it. A post-office ba 
established then many years. David Snyder and 
Jacob Cbristman have been postmasters, and Paul 
Eckert is the present incumbent. Joseph Serfass 
started a store in a house adjoining the hotel, which 
ept tor many years. None is kept there now. 

The school-house was built in 1855 by people id' the 
district (in both Kidder and Penn Forest townships, 
this having been made a joint district). The old 
building is now unused, a larger and more commo- 
dious school-house having been erected. 

The Lutherans organized a congregation in the 
place about ]>;::. which was supplied occasionally by 
missionaries. The Rev. A. M. Strauss has charge of 
it at present. Services were held in the school-house 
until 188:5. when the new church edifice was com- 
pleted. 

The Methodists have Bervices in the school-house, 
under the charge of the Rev. Bruce Hughes. 

The elections of the district are held at the hotel of 
Paul Eckert. 

Francis WernetZ has a saw-mill a short distance 
aliow the village, and William Getz has 
Hetiry Deppe's saw- and ".list-mill, on the other side 
of Mud Run, in Penn 1'orest township, is a shorter 
distant e from the vill 

East Haven.— In 1849, Lucius Blakslee owm 

ran a saw-mill at thi- place, and a ferry across the 
river. The Prutzman school-house is at this place. 



and a few dwellin. I on the Lehigh 

Valley Railroad. 

Mud linn i- a station on the Lehigh \ all. 
road, al the mouth ol Mud linn ( In el., and also 

a post-office. -I. W. Blocum, the it, i- the 

postal 
Lehigh Tannery. - r the purchase of the 

e tract of land by Keel Thomas 

Sinull & Ci c n based of them the land on wh 
i the settlement of Lehigh 'fame i ited, and 

erected a tannery building four hundred and lift- 
in length, which, in I860, was increased to -i\ hun- 
;, making it then the largest tan- 
nery in this country. Eighty thousand hide- are 

tanned pei year at this establishment. A store and 
hotel or boarding-house and dwellings were also i 
ted. The tannery was operated by its builders sev- 
eral years and sold to Mr. Blakslee, who -old toC. I'. 
Holcomb & Co. in 1865, who were in possession but 
a short time when the buildings were partially de- 
stroyed by tire. Repairs were made and work carried 
on under the name of this firm until the death 

P. Holcomb, when I. M. Holcomb & Co. became the 

firm-name (1866 . At this time a p was 

established, and kept by I. M. Holcomb until about 
1^7">. He wa- succeeded by George Stem-on. and 
April lit, 1SS1. William I'. Streeter, the present i 

master, was appointed. In 1875 tie Knickerbocker 

lee Company, of Philadelphia, erected here an ice- 
house with capacity of three thousand ton-. Alfred 
Lewis, of Hear Creek, also ha- an ice-house at this 
place. The tannery was entirely destroyed by tire in 
1875, and has not been rebuilt. 
Short/., Lewis & Co., in the year 1866, erected a 

Steam saw -mi 11 at the foot of the dam, wit 1 1 aca] 
of sawing from six to -even million feet of lumber 
annually. Thi' logs w ere mostly supplied from Toby- 
hanna township. The mill was destroyed by fire in 
187 1. and not rebuilt. 

The bridge across the Lehigh River at Lehigh Tan- 
nery was built by the county in 1867 lis. \ p, 

wa- pr.-! nted to Luzerne and I unty courts, 

which was granted, and report of viewers confirmed. 

i County court confirmed their action S. | 

L867j 

East Haven. — In 1849, Lucius Blakslee had at 

this place a saw-mill and a ferry aero— thi 

Since the lumber has been cut off the place i- of little 

importance. It now contain- a school-house and a 

i of dwi llings. 
Mud Run is a station on the Lehigh Valley Kail- 
road, and contains the depot and a post-office. J. W. 
Blocum is station agent and postmaster. <>n Mud 

Run there have been many mills, from its mouth to 
Albrightsville. In 1848, John Hawk owned 
hundred acres here, and built a mill below the pres- 
ent mill of Jacob Hawk. Daniel Hawk had lour 

hundred acres and a mill at Buskirk Palls. John 

Hawk also built a mill about two miles below Al- 



730 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA. 



tsville, known as the Loch Mill, on land he 

it was his. but which belonged to Serfass and 

Gangwere. Joseph Serfass owned six hundred acres 

along the run, and erected throe mills. In 1875, 
Frederick Youndt owned a mill a short distance from 
the month of the stream. I iOng A' BoilieU owned one 

about half-waj from the month to Albrightsville. 
One was also owned by the Lehigh Grain, Coal, and 

Lumber Company, in the western part of the town- 
ship, on the stream Sowing from Round Pond. 

Schools. — There are seven school-houses, located as 
follows: East Haven, Bridgeport, Hickory Bun, Al- 
brightsville, Lehigh Tannery, and two on the road 
from East Haven to Albrightsville. In 1878 the 
scholars attending school were two hundred and 
sixty-two. The total receipts for school purposes were 
$2294.62. Expenditures were $2085.99. 

The following is a list of the school directors of the 
township since its organization : 

1S49. — Lewis Billings, Jacob West, James W. 
Searles, W. Leonard, David Hill, John Kelsey. 

1850. — Phineas Dreisbaeh, David Hawk. 

1851. — Josiali A. Cole, George Crosley. 

1852. — Joseph Serfass, Daniel Serfass. 

1853.— Timothy Frable, Theodore C. Randolph, 
Henry German. 

1854. — Adam Rough, Phineas Dreisbach. 

1855.— Philip Woodring, T. C. Randolph, Timothy 
Frable, George H. Weiss. 

1856. — Adam Rough, Jacob Alteman, John Gould, 
David Baggs, William J. Nicholson. 

1857.— William Mocher, David Hawk. 

1858. — Philij. Shoch, Philip Woodring, James W. 
Adams. 

1859. — Stoddard Driggs, Joseph Serfass, David 
Hawk. 

1860. — Jackson Fackenthal, David Hawk. 

1861. — Philip Woodring, William Mocher. 

1862. — Reuben Young, M. Brockley, John Blakslee. 

1863.— P. H. Gillick, William Wagner, John 
Blakslee. 

1864.— Philip Woodring, J. Watson. 

1865. — No record. 

1866. — William Wagner, John Blakslee. 

1867.— J. G. Hutmocher, J. D. Woodring. 

1868.— David Hawk, John Everts. 

1869.— William Wagner, Reuben Kolb. 

1870.— J. G. Woodring, J. G. Woodmacher. 

1871. — William F. Steeter, Jacob Hawk, Harrison 
Kimble. 

1872.— A. S. Gould, William Rauch. 

1873.— William F. Steeter, Jacob Smith. 

1874.— Alex. Campbell, J. S. Hawks. 

1875.— William Rauch, A. S. Gould, William F. 
Steeter. 

1876.— William F. Steeter. 

1877. — J. S. Hawk, Edw. Transiic. Leonard Shaffer. 

1878. — William Rauch, Jos. Heimbach, George M. 
Stimson. 



1879.— William F. Steeter, Josiah Lower. 
1880. — Joseph Heimbach, Edw. Transue. 
1881. George II. Stimson, William H. Rauch. 
1882.— J. D. Woodring. William 1\ Steeter, Amos 
Bisbing. 

1883.— A. Campbell, W. H. Miller. 

The Justices of the Peace since the organization 

of the township have lieen as follows: 

William Leonard. March, 1849. 

Josiah A. Cole, March, 1850. 

Joseph Serfass, .March, 1851. 

Henry A. Stark, March, 1852. 

Thomas Kelsey, March, 1853. 

William Wagner, March, 1854. 

Josiah A. Cole, March, 1855. 

William Mechler, March, 1856. 

Washington Frable, March, 1857. 

William Wagner, John Brugh, March, 1859. 

Philip Woodring, March, 1863. 

William Wagner, March, 1864. 

John D. Harris, March, 1867. 

William Wagner, March, 1869. 

Jacob S. Hawk, Ales. S. Gould, March, 1872. 

William F. Steeter, J. F. Hawk, March, 1877. 

A. P. Carter, J. S. Hawk, March, 1882. 

The present business interests of the township, as 
obtained from the assessment-roll of 1883, are as fol- 
lows: 

T. L. McKeen & Co., steam saw-mill. 

Tobyhanna & Lehigh Lumber Company, steam saw- 
mill, located in the east part of the township, on the 
stream that takes its rise in Round Pond. 

Pioneer Kindling- Wood Company, at Bridgeport. 

Knickerbocker Ice Company, at Lehigh Tannery. 

Jacob S. Hawk, saw- and paling-mill, Albrights- 
ville. 

Francis Wernetz, saw- and paling-mill, Albrights- 
ville. 

Joseph Meckes, saw-mill. 

Distilleries. 1 — William H. Blakslee, Alexander 
Campbell, Charles Dutton, T. H. & J. Dorney, Le- 
fernes Hawk, Hickory Run ; Jacob S. Hawk, Al- 
brightsville. 

The population of the township, as given by the 
census of 1880, was in the North Kidder District 661, 
and in the South District 546, making a total of 1207. 

The Great Fire of 1875. 2 — On the 14th day of 
May, in 1875, a fire broke out near Mud Run, and 
burned slowly until the 22d, when a strong wind com- 
menced to blow from the west, and in less than two 
hours the fire swept from Francis Youndt's mill di- 
rectly up Mud Run, a distance of ten miles, destroy- 
ing mills, houses, logs, timber, and standing trees. 
The estimated losses were: John Eckert, mills, house, 
lumber, and logs, $7000; Josiah Kunkle, mill and 

1 The distilleries were for the distilling of wintergreen and black birch 
for the essential oil. 

3 M;iuy fires have swept over part of the township and caused great 
destruction, but none as great as the one here mentioned. 



TI1K [JOKOI'CH of UIHIGHTON. 



731 



M000 ; Qi tz & S< rfass, mills, $10,000; David 
Snyder. $12,000 ; Francis Wernert, $12,000. I 
Boileau's mills were Baved; loss on 600,000 feet ol 

- I .1. S. I lank- mill- were saved, 

feet of sawed lumber and 150,000 feel "t logs wen 
burned; loss. $2500 Much other valuable |" 
was destroyed. The I'm- swept eastward into Monroe 
County, ami did much damage there. 



CH a !• I i:i: \ v i. 

CHE BOR01 BH "I LEHIGHTON. 

The southwest part of the borough of Lehighton 
was oecu pied by the Gnadenhiitten Mission, an account 
of which will be found in the history of the township 
of Mahoning, and in the first chapter of the history 

. of Carbon County. The original town plot was part 

I of a large tract of land which, in 1794, was owned by 
Jacob Weiss and William Henry,and in that year the 
town plot was laid out. A few years ago, when the 
question of erecting a new school-bouse was being 
agitated, it was suggested that ii be built on the town 
square. As the idea prevailed that the square could 
not legally be used for that purpose, it was thought 
best to obtain legal ad\ ice, and on the 17th of May, 
1873, Henry Green, an attorney of Easton, delivered an 
opinion on the subject. From this opinion are obtained 
farts concerning the origin of Lehighton. Mr. Green 
say- that the land in 1794 was owned by Jacob Weiss 
and William Henry, and thai a plot of ground was 
laid out at their instance with street-, alleys, ami a 
square called the " town square," with lots bordering 
on them all. A number of conveyances of lot- wen 
made between 179-1 ami 1800, which were described as 
bordering on the "town square," which was reserved 

' for public use. No knowledge is obtained of who 

I those lirst purchasers were. 

In the year 1804 the bridge was built across the 
Lehigh River at Jacob Weiss' mill, and the road 
continued from the bridge up the ri\er, through the 
narrow-, to the place laterso well known as the" Land- 
ing Tavern." and in this year the Lehigh and Susque- 
hanna Turnpike Company was incorporated. After 
the road was built over the Broad Mountain, and a 
route was opened across the mountains to Berwick, on 
the Susquehanna River, the tideof travel was turned in 
this direction, and along the route taverns were opi 
The first in this vicinity was presided over by John 
Hagenbuch, who came from Siegfried's Ferry now 
known a- Siegfried's Bridge , in Northampton County, 
in the year 1809. This tavern was on the site of the 
present Exchange Hotel. John Hagenbuch was land- 
lord for many years, ami was succeeded by hi- SOU, 

Reuben Hagenbuch. .Mr-. Thomas Craig, of Towa- 
mensing, was a daughter of John B ih. In the 



Ida- Fuller erected a tavern ilea' 

bridge, and kept it many years. 10, David 

lb Her built a tanner} on th be Linderman 

block. About this time (1820) the settlement attrai 
the attention of John l>a\i-. who erected a building 
on the site of the present resides ph Obert, 

and opened a store. From this time on the growth 
of the settlement was slow, until the building ol 
canal through Effort* 

made at this i ons to locate at 

place. \ correspondent of the / then 

published at Mam h Chunk, writing of the place in 
Man h, 1830, -ays, — 

" It i- just far enough from thi coal landing at 
Mauch Chunk to keep clear of tic dual ition 

i- open and tree, the ground plot of the town i« laid 

out upon an elevated piece of table-land, thi 
large, affording an extensive garden and yard to each 
dwelling. The t iew from the town, although not ex- 
tensivi autiful. It command- a prospect of the 

river and canal, the valley in which the town of W 

port i- located, the Blue Mountain in the disti 
and the nearer view of the Mahoning Mountain 
and the Lehigh hills. The Mahonin ilows 

at the foot of the Mahoning Mountain, and empties 
into the Lehigh within half a mile of the vil 

The tannery that wa- -tarted before 1820 was kept 
by David Heller till L840, when be was succeeded by 

Stephen Ki-tler. It was torn away in 1870 to make 
room for the present Linderman Block. 

John Davis .-011(11111111 in the mercantile bu- 
rn Lehighton till 1S30, when he removed to Easton, 
and later was president of the Easton National liank. 
He was succeeded in the business by David Snyder. 

The Moravian-, of Bethlehem, who purchased in 

17-lti one hundred and twenty acre- of hind, on which 
the Gnadenhiitten Mission was established, -till re- 
tained a portion of the land on which the Gnaden- 
hiitten Cemetery is dow situated, and about the year 
1820 the society built a log school-house, which w 
charge of one of their members sent up from Bethle- 
hem. This school was attended bj children firom a 

region many miles in extent, on both side- of the 
river. 

About the year 1825 B grist-mill was erected at the 
mouth of Mahoning Creek, and was op, -rated bj 
Daniel Snyder, who continued there many years. Il< 
was succeeded by John Koontz, who later sold the 
property to the Lehigh Vallej Railroad Company, 
who arc still in possession. 

In 1859, Daniel Olewine purchased a portion of the 
Moravian land near thi ted a tan- 

nery, which he conducted till 1878, when it wai 
stroyed by fire. The property was purchased by B. 
J. Eoontz, wli the present buildings and con- 

tinued the business. 

Hotels. The tavern opened by John Hagenbuch 

in 1809, of which mention has been made, was kept 

by In- son, Reuben, until L843. when Peter Bauman 



732 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



became the landlord, and continued till 1848, w hen the 
property was purchased by J. K. Wannemacher, who 
kept it t'mm that time to 1862. It was then purchased 
by Thomas Kemerer, who sold it tlie nexl year to 
ley, whose property, consisting of tavern, 
store, mill other buildings, was destroyed at the place 
opposite I'enti Haven, on the Lehigh River, by the 
great freshel of January, 1862, Mr. Fegley remained 
a year or two, and sold to J, A. Horn, who continued 
at the hotel till L867, when he Bold to Thomas Moutz, 
the present proprietor, who erected the Exchange 
Hotel, of which he is now the landlord. 

The tavern erected by Nicholas Feller in 1*14 was 
kept by him many years, and passed to Christian 
Horn about 1840. He continued till 1855, and sold 
to George Escli, to whose estate it still belongs. 

Abraham Horn, of Bethlehem, came to Lehighton 
in the year 1840, and built a tavern near the Lehigh 
ton Spring, and kept it till 1843, when his son-in-law, 
Thomas Horn, succeeded him. It was continued as 
a tavern a few years and abandoned. 

In the year 1^4L', Jacob Metzgar erected the hotel 
now known as the Carbon House, and opened it as a 
tavern under the sign of the Eagle. Upon his death, 
a few years later, the property was sold to Adam Ger- 
man, and the hotel was kept by Abraham Klotz till 
1852. It was kept till 1858 by Daniel CIouss, Jonathan 
Kolb, Jesse Miller, and Elwyn Bauer. From 1858 to 
1867, Col. John Lent/, was the proprietor. After sev- 
eral changes it passed, in September, 1874, to J. W. 
Raudenbush, the present proprietor. 

Daniel Lapp opened a small store on one of the 
back streets about 1848, and later added a saloon and 
a tavern. The last was given up for several years, 
and reopened by Samuel Snyder, and kept success- 
ively by Augustus Miller, Aaron Schleicker, Wil- 
loughby Koontz, James Hill, and Fred. Miller. It 
was known as the Centennial Hotel, and was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1880. 

Between 1850 and 1855, Enos Barrol enlarged and 
fitted up a barn in the north end of the town for a 
tavern, which he kept from that time till 1867 68, 
when it was purchased by J. A. Horn, who refitted it 
as the " Farmers' and Drovers' Home." During the 
spring of 1879 it was destroyed by fire. Mr. Horn, 
in the summer and fall of that year, erected the Man- 
sion House, near the depot of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad. He remained its landlord till his 
death, in January, 1882. He was succeeded in the 
hotel by A. P. Clauss, who is the present proprietor. 

Presbyterian Church.— On the 24th of December, 
1859, a Dumber of persons gathered in a school-house 
at Lehighton, a sermon was preached by the Rev. .1. 
A. Dodge, anil eight persons were organized into a 

Presbyterian society, to be known as the "Gnaden- 

hutten Presbyterian Church of Lehighton," and 
placed under the care of the Presbytery of Luzerne. 
Samuel Kennedy was elected as ruling elder. The 
congregation was to be supplied from the Presbytery 



b\ the Ivev. .1. Hamuli, who was to preach every 
other Sabbath. For eleven years the church was 

supplied by missionaries. On the 15th of February, 
1872, it was reorganized by the Rev. Jacob llelville. 
of Mauch Chunk, and the Lev. Cornelius Larle, of 
Catasauqua. The congregation met in the Iron 
Street School-House, and fourteen persons were ad- 
mitted into church fellowship, Philip .Miller and 
Thomas Harleman Were elected ruling elder-. Efforts 
were at once put forth to provide a suitable house of 

worship. A lot was procured, and the corner-stone 
of a church building was laid with appropriate cere- 
monies on the 29th "I .May, 1N7.'J. The work was car- 
ried on with energy, and on the 29th of March, 1874, 
services were held in the lecture-room; and on the 
7th of May, in the same year, the church was dedi- 
cated. The Rev. C. Earle, of Catasauqua, preached 
the dedicatory sermon. The Rev. II. F. Mason served 
the church as pastor from April (i, 1873, to April, 
L<74. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Carring- 
ton, July 4. 1X7">, who remained a few years and re- 
signed, since which time the church has been without 
a pastor. 

The cause that brought about (he organization of a 
Presbyterian Church at Lehighton was the action of 
a Miss Frederika Miska, a native of Moscow, Poland. 
She came to this country about 1825 or 1830, and pur- 
chased of the Moravians of Bethlehem two tracts of 
land, embracing the site of the old Gnadenhlitten 
Mission, for which she agreed to pay live hundred 
dollars. A mortgage was given, which later was as- 
signed to a German minister of Philadelphia. She 
became convinced that it was her duty to build a 
church upon the site of the old mission, and made 
out a subscription-book and visited many places, and 
succeeded in raising five hundred dollars. The church 
which she contemplated, however, was never built. 
A Mr. George Douglass, of New York, presented her 
with five hundred dollars, which was a sufficient sum 
to take up the mortgage against the property, for 
which she executed to him a trust deed, dated Nov. 
1, 1833, for the land, and made him trustee for other 
a>sets of which she was possessed, with the provision 
that the avails of the property should be used for 
the construction of a church on the Gnadenhtitten 
property for the use of a denomination of Christians 
called Presbyterians. Under Mr. Douglass the ceme- 
tery was opened in August, 1848, for public use. On 
the 29th of December, 1852, living in New York, so 
far away, he transferred the trust to Messrs. Mark 
1 1 v 1 1 1 1 1 1 a 1 1 1 , John Leisenring, Jonathan Simpson, Jo- 
seph H. Siewers, and William Gorman, of Mauch 
Chunk, under the same restriction. Alter a time the 
property ceased to be productive, and a part of it was 
sold, and the proceeds placed at the disposal of the 
Presbyterian Church at Mauch Chunk, who were 
then erecting a house of worship at that place. In 
187^ an act of Assembly was passed authorizing the 
trustees to sell the remainder of the property. In 



Tin-: i:oi;<hi;ii of lehighton. 



733 



1872 the Rev. Jacob Beli ville, the pastor of the church 
ni Mauch ( 'liunL. conceit > ■ ■ 1 the idi a of establish 
a church at Lehighton and transferring the trust to 
trustees. In accordance with this idea a congregation 
was organized and trusters elected; the funds, with 
interest, were transferred to the trustees of the Pres- 
byterian Church of Lehighton. A lo1 was selected, 
and the present Presbyterian Church edifice was built 
with tin funds realized, In 1870 the land now owi 

by the Gnadenhiitten Cemeti rj \-- ttion was Bold 

to the Bociety by the trustees of the fund. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— About 1840 ser- 
vices were commenced bj the Methodists in the 
school-house, and were conducted by ministers who 
occasionally visited this |>art of the country, the ma- 
jority of whom were in charge of the church at 
.Mauch Chunk. The society was not organized till 
1865, and then was placed in the circuit with Parry- 
ville, Weissport, and Slatington. Soon after the or- 
ganization the Bociet] purchased the building for- 
merly used as the Carbon Academy, which they used 
till 1882. The <>ld buildingwas turn down and a new 
edifiee erected in the summer of 1883, and dedicated 
on Sunday, the 30th of September, in that year. 

The church is a brick structure. The towei 
to a height of about eighty feet above the Btreet. 

The church contains three room-, all on the same 
Hour, — a main audience-room, thirty-six by sixty feet, 
with twenty-six feet walls; a lecture-room, twenty 
and one-half by thirty-six feet, with twenty-two feet 
walls, opening by folding-doors with the main audi- 
ence-room ; and an infant-class mom, thirteen and 
one-half by twenty and one half feet, at the rear of 
the lecture-room, into which it opens by sash and 
do©] 9. 

The pastors who have been in charge since 1865 
are W. B. Durelle, E. Townsend, W. II. Friese, -l. 
Lindermuth, J. F. Swindells, Wilmer Cotfman, L. B. 

Brown, Oram, J. P. Miller, G. \V. North, and 

Henry G. Watt, the present pastor. 

St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic Church I Ger- 
man). — This congregation was organized in 1869 
The first pastor was the Rev. G. Frende, who resided 
in Lehighton, and had other churches in charge. The 
Catholic German school was founded at the same 
time, attended by the same pastors, and is now taught 
by Sisters from East Mauch Chunk. Mr. Frende was 
succeeded in ls7_ by the Rev. W. Heinan. who is the 

present pastor. In 1 871 the St. Joseph's Catholic 

Church was organized at Fast Mauch Chunk, and 
placed under the care of Father lleiuan. who, in 
1874, removed from Lehighton to that place. Father 
Heinan has had as assistant pastors the following: 

Rev. A. Merach. 1879; Rev. A. Fietz, L880; Rev. A. 
Mistell, 1881 ; Rev. A. Wolf, 1882. 

Zion's Reformed Congregation.— In 1872 a few 
persons gathered together in Lehighton, under the 
care of the Rev. A. Bartholomew, and mi the 29th 
of April, 1873, they were organized as a church, and 



the Rev. L K Deri bi ■. me their pastor, and 
mi 1881. II. wa h >1 by the Rev. J, II. Mort- 

main A church edifice wa- erected in 1876, tbi 

of which was fitted fi i Jan. 

,". A bell wa- iiddrd to the tower in Novem- 

that year. The church is not yel fully eom- 

pleti d. It i- the intention t.. finish and o 

sen I year. 

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. 

was organized by the Rev.D EC. Kepner on the 
■">th of January, 1878. Efforts were 
i reef a church edifice, A lot i '-.-.I on the 

comer ..i [ron and Northampton Streets, and the 
corner-stone of a new building laid June 1. 1873. At 
this time the church numbered one hundred and 
seventy -five members. Work progressed slowly, and 
on the 8th of February, 1874, thi basement of the 
church was used foi services, and on the 1 7ih of May, 
1874, was dedicated. The buildingwas not com] 
till November, 187 i. and on the 23d and 24th of that 
month was dedicated with appropriate servi 
both English and German. The edifice i- forty by 
seventy feet, with a spire one hundred and forty-five 
feet in height, and cost sixteen thousand dollars. The 
Rev. D. K. Kepner was pastor from the organization 
to September, 1 s7 1. The Re\ . < lustav A. Bruegel was 
chosen pastor dan. 10, 1875, and installed July 4th in 
that year. He was succeeded in 1878 by the Rev. 
William Laitzle, who remained till April. 1 882, w hen 
the Rev. J. II. Kuder, the present pastor, was chosen. 

Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical Associa- 
tion. — This society was organized in 1872, and ser- 
vices w.re held in the school-house on Pine Street 

until the new church edifice was ipleted, the 

corner-stone of which was laid with appropriate 
monies .hi the ir>th of August, 1875. The church is 
Imilt of brick, and was completed in th 

1876, and dedicated on the 1'lst ..( May in that year. 
The dedicatory sermon wa- preached by Ki-hop 

Thomas Bowman, from Rev. \\i. 3 Behold, the 

tabernacle of God i- with men." The first pa-tor 
Was the ReV. A. F. Leopold, who -er\..l the people 

till February, 1874. He.'. led by the Rev. 

A. Krecker, who continued till March, 1875, when 
the Rev. J. C. Kiel m was appointed. He served three 
\.;n>, and in March; 1878, the Rev. I>. B, \ 

led him. lie was followed, in March. Is7'.<, by 
the Rev. K. .1. Smoyer, who served three years. In 
March, 1882, the Rev. W. K. Wieand. the pi 

pa-t..r. was appointed. 

Gnadenhiitten Cemetery Association. -The land 
now owned by this association was mad. the burial- 
place of the Moravian- who were massacred near here 

on the evening of Nov. 21. 1755. From the year ls^o 
the ground- wen illy used a- a burial-place 

by the people ol iio surrounding country. The 

land mi which tie burial-place was located WSi 

about 1880 to Frederika Miska, a Polish woman. It 

was in 1 338 leii in 1 1 ii-i for the Pi i dsl and 



734 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



on the 7th of August, 188S, was opened for public use 
as a burial-place. In the year 1788 the Moravians 
of Bethlehem erected a marble slab over the remains 
of their brethren, which tained the following in- 
scription : 

" To the memory of 
Gottlieb and « Ihriatina An 

With 1 ' 1i.hi1i;l, 

Martin and Susanna Nita hman, 

\ lathai inn Srn-i-man, 

I nhard Qotterm) er, 

Christian Pabricus I 
irge Schweigert, John Frederick Lesly, 
and Hartin Pri 
who lived ai Qnaden Huetten 
unto the Lord, 
and Lost their Uvea In a surprise 
from Indian warrioi 9, 
Noi ember the 24" 1 , 
1755. 

' Precious in the sight of ili«' Lord iM the death of his saints.' 
Psalms cxvi. 15. 

[A. Bow.-r, Phila., 1788.]" 

Mtcf the opening of the grounds in 1848 they 
were inclosed with a fence. Over the entrance was 
placed an arch with the following inscription : 

" ' Biassed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.' 
Commenced Aug. 7, 174*. Renewed Aug. 7, 1848." 

A few years since a citizen of Bethlehem erected 
a small marble monument upon the grounds, upon 
which is inscribed: 

"To honor and perpetuate 

the remembrance of the 

Moravian Martyrs, 

wh06e aBhes are gathered 

il its base, this monument 

is erected." 

In the year 1867 a number of gentlemen of Lehigh- 
ton decided to form an association for the purpose of 
securing and keeping in good condition a cemetery 
for the use of the people of Lehighton and surround- 
ing country. A society was formed, which was incor- 
porated by the court of Carbon County, Dec. 30, 
1867, as "The Gnadenhiitten Cemetery Association." 
A committee was appointed to select a suitable site 
for a cemetery. 

The committee made a report Jan. 12, 1870, in 
which it is stated that the trustees of the Gnadenhiit- 
ten land were willing to sell the Gnadenhiitten burial- 
ground to the association for two hundred dollars per 
acre. The proposition was accepted and "round pur- 
chased. Since that time a small addition has been 
made to the grounds, and the cemetery now contains 
about eight acres. 

William Miller is the president of the association, 
and Thomas Kemerer is secretary. 

Schools.— The old log school-house, built on the 
mission grounds about, 1820, was one story in height, 
and divided into two rooms, one for church and one 
for school purposes. The school was controlled by a 
board of trustees, and was kept during the winter 
months for many years. Pupils of that old school 



are yet living in Lehighton, Weissport, and the sur- 
rounding country. About L840 the public school 
Bystem was accepted by Mahoninsj township, of which 
this borough was then a part, and other hoU8e8 w. re 

erected or fitted up for school purposes. One was 
.re, ted on Iron Street about 1850. In 1853 one was 
built on the Town Square, which was used till the 
completion of the present building. One soon after 
was erected on I'hh Street. 

( In the 29th of July, is;:;, the board ol school di- 
rectors decided to erect a three-story brick BchooJ 
house, with the third story fitted up for public pur- 
poses. The present site was selected and purchased, 
plans were drawn by .1. Boyd Henri, an architect of 
Allentown, which, after due examination, were ac- 
cepted. Work was commenced in .Max of that year, 
carried forward with energy, and completed at a cost 
of forty-live thousand dollars. Upon its completion 
the three schools in the borough were gathered in the 
building, where they have since remained. 

There are at present (1883) attending school in tin- 
borough four hundred and thirty-eight pupils, under 
the charge of Prof. T. A. Snyder, principal. 

Upon the erection of the borough of Lehighton, in 
1866, it became an independent school district. The 
directors since that time have been as follows: 

1866.— Moses Heilman, Thomas S. Beck, N. B. 
Rober, E. A. Bauer, W. A. Santee, T. M. Sweeny. 

1867.— E. H. Snyder, Granville Clauss. 

1868.— John Miller, M. W. Raudenbush. 

1869.— Philip Miller, N. B. Raber. 

1870. — Granville Clauss, Zachariah H. Long. 

1871. — No record. 

1872.— N. B. Rober, John S. Lent/.. 

1873.— R. J. Younker, Charles Siefert. 

1874.— George W. Heilman, E. B. Albright. 

1875.— N. B. Raber, A. G. Dollenmoyer. 

1876.— John S. Lentz, B. J. Kuntz, Daniel Graver. 

1877.— William H. Rex, William D. Zehner. 

1878. — E. H. Snyder, Reuben Fenstermacher. 

1879. — Daniel Grover, Daniel Olewine, A. Barthol- 
omew. 

1880. — A. Bartholomew, John Peters. 

1881.— E. II. Snyder. F. P. Lentz, M. Heilman. 

1882.— R. F. Hofford, William Mentz. 

1883.— F. P. Lentz, C. F. Horn, George Musbaum. 

Carbon Academy. — The freshet of January, 1862, 
carried away the Carbon Academy building, then lo- 
cated at Weissport, and owned by R. F. Hofford, who 
the same year rebuilt at Lehighton, and opened and 
conducted a school, with A. S. Christine as assistant. 
In 1867, Professor Christine became principal, and 
the school prospered until his death, in June, 1868. 

The original building was sold about 1865 to the 
Methodist society, and lots were purchased on Bank 
Street, ami a Carbon Academy building was erected, 
which is now used for dwellings. 

The academy was closed after the death of Mr. 
Christine, though several attempts were made to re- 




tf?4r>ri oaas^ 



THE BOROUGH OF LEHIGHTON. 



r35 



open the school, but without success. In 1872 il was 
opened by Professor A. S. Baer, under the name of 
the Lehighton Academy, but after a year closed. 

Post-Office.— Tin date of the establishment 
post-office at Lehightou is not known. In tin sum- 
mer of 1817 a post-office was opened at the Landing: 
Tavern, and Isaac A. Chapman was appointed post 
master. That office was not in existence long, as in 
{he year 1819, when the post-office was established at 
Mauch Chunk, it was noted that the nearest post- 
office was eight miles down the Lehigh River. With- 
out doubt the post-office was established at this p] 
about 1828 or 1829, when the '-anal was in process of 
construction along the river. 

It was located at the public-house of Keuben 
Hagenbuch, and continued by Peter Bauman until 
his removal from the place in 1848. 

Michael Dormetzer was then appointed, and - 
till April, 1852, when Thomas S. Heck succeeded to 
the position, and continued in office till July, 1874, 
when Henry H. Peters, the present incumbent, was 
appointed. 

First National Bank of Lehightou.— Upon appli- 
cation of a number of gentlemen a certificate of in- 
corporation was granted Nov. 3, 1875, for a bank of 
the above name, with a capital stock of fifty thousand 
dollars, which was enlarged to seventy-five thousand 
dollars May 16, 1877. The director- were Daniel Ole- 
wine, R. F. Hofford, A. J. Durling, Dennis Bauman. 
Levi Wentz, J. K. Rickert. and Thomas Kemerer. 
Daniel Olewine was elected president, W. W. Bowman 
cashier, and R. F. Hotl'ord vice-president. The only 
change in the officers has been the election of 
Thomas Kemerer as president, Jan. 14, 188<i. The 
bank was opened for business on the 27th of Novem- 
ber, 1875, in an office that was fitted up in the house 
of Joseph Obert, where it remained until 1880, when 
it was removed to the present banking-office. 

\V. W. Bowman, cashier of this bank, i- the great- 
grandson of Henry Bauman, who was of German ex- 
traction, and one of the first settlers of Northampton 
County, north of the Blue Mountains, lie proceeded 
at once in preparing a farm by clearing and tilling 
the ground, which occupation he followed in alter- 
years in connection with the lumbering busin 
He, like the early hitlers generally, labored under 
great disadvantages and difficulties, as one can readily 
imagine. Among other-, they occasionally came in 
contact with the Indians, making it necessary I 
move their families to places of safety. Mr. Bauman 
was the father of four children, the oldest, John !>., 
the grandfather of W. \\\. was born about the year 
1772. In 17!"! he settled in the place now known as 

Bowmansville, his h e being the characteristic obi 

log house, more substantial than beautiful. He also 
engaged in clearing land preparatory to fanning ; in 
connection with lumbering business he devoted much 
time to hunting and trapping, game being very abun- 
dant in those days. In 1808, alter building a large 



stone house, he secured a license and kept a public- 
house. He was the lather of twelve children,- -eight 
sons and four dang;. en of whom are now liv- 

ing. Jacob Bauman, the second oldest, was 
Bowmansville, March 28, 17'.':'. Hi- early life ■■■ 
spent at home in assisting hi- father in hi- busin 
pursuits. 

On June 9, 1829, be was married t" Mi-- I. izabeth 
Weiss, daughter of Thomas Wei--, and granddaughter 
of Col. Jacob Weiss, one of the fir.-t Bettlers in the 
county [see history of Weissport). Thomas Wi 
father of Mr-. Bauman, lived at Wei — port. I 
present Weissport borough wa> his farm. .Mr-. Bau- 
man was born Dec. 5, 1808. 

Mr. Jacob Bauman after his marriage, in Jut 
1829, moved to Lehigh Gap, where he engaged in the 

hotel business and general store. Be was convet 
through the instrumentality of the Evangelical A- 
ciation. His wife while under deep conviction re- 
ceived pardon tor her troubled heart while in bid at 
night. Her jbj was complete, and she praised her 
with a loud voice. Mr. Bauman shortly after 
this, after he had closed the hotel in the evening, 
knelt down beside the bar of his hotel and poured 
out his heart to God, when he too found peace. Be 
immediately gave up the hotel business and moved 
across the river (Lehigh) to a small old house. 

Shortly after, in the spring of 1845, he moved to 
Millport, where he engaged in farming, milling, and 
lumbering business. He had ten children. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bauman early impressed their children with the 
principles of Christianity, and their efforts in this 
direction were not lo>t. They had the pleasure of 
seeing their children converted and united with the 

church of their choice. Two of their SOUS, I lioina- 

and James, entered the ministry. Capt. .lame- Bow- 
man entered the ministry at the close of the Rebellion, 

in which he bad served three year-: nine months 
of which time was spent in Sal-bury. Danville 
Libby Prisons. Thomas, their oldest -on, is now 
bishop in th.- Evangelical Association. IB- rose in 
sixteen years from a country store to tie- big 
dignity of the Evangelical Church. Jacob Bauman 
died Oct. 17, 1*77. 

W. W. Bowman was born at Millport. I 
April 7, 1849. His youthful days wen I the 

paternal homestead in securing an a and as 

sistinghis father on the farm. IB u i for 

Sharp. Weiss .\ Co., at Kckley. l'a . who a- a linn 
ranked anions our prominent and most successful 
coal operators; also lor the Lehigl - tnpany, at 

Slatington, l'a. At the age of fifteen, in order to com- 
plete his education, he entered the Dickinson Semi- 
nary, at Williamsport, l'a.: from there he attended 
the Freeland Seminary, finishing bis course of in- 
struction at the Fort Edward • 1 nstitute, Fort 
Edward, N. Y. IB- was then employed by the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad Company at their offio -ton. 
- irtly afterward In- took charge of the general books 



736 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



<it the Carbon I run Company, at Parryville, Pa., who 
at this time were doing a largo and prosperous busi- 
ness. The First National Bank of Lehighton was 
organized in 1875; the board of directors was com- 
of the following gentleman, viz. : Daniel Ole- 
um,, |;. 1'. Hofford, Judge Dennis Bauman, J. K. 
Reickert, Judge Levi Wentz, Hon. A. .1. Durling, 
and Thomas Kemmerer. After careful consideration 
these directors decided mi W. \\\ Bowman as their 
cashier, which action, considering that Mr. Bowman 
was but twenty-sis years old, showed their just ap- 
prei iation in selecting a man who though young in 
fears was worthy in experience, integrity, and in- 
tellect. Mr. Bowman has filled this position satis- 
factorily alike I" the citizens, depositors, and hank 
Officials ever since. 

On dune 15, 1871, he was married by his brother, 

Bishop 'l'h as Bowman, to Miss Zeina V. Kuntz, 

daughter of Henry Kuntz, of Slatington. The result of 
their union is a family of five children, viz.: Charles 
B., Minnie V., May E., Raymond K., Clarke W. 

Newspapers. — The first newspaper was started in 
Lehighton in January, 1872, by O. M. Boyle. It was 
-i\ columns in size, with a "patent outside," and 
called the Weekly News. Its publication was sus- 
pended in the fall of 1873. 

The Carbon Advocate was established by H. V. Mor- 
thimer, the present editor and proprietor. The first 
number was issued on the 23d of November, 1872. 
It is independent in politics. Originally a six-column 
paper, it was enlarged in 1878 to eight columns. 
Many facts concerning the history of Lehighton are 
gleaned from its columns. 

Fire Company.— On the 24th of August, 1874, the 
first fire company was organized in Lehighton as 
the Lehigh Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1. It 
contained fifty members. H. V. Morthimer was 
chosen president, C. F. Horn secretary, and P. T. 
Bradley chief. A hook-and-ladder truck and ladders 
and a Babcock extinguisher were purchased. The 
company remained in active service till 1881, when 
the members lost interest in it and the company prac- 
tically ceased to exist. 

Societies. — A number, of societies have been organ- 
ized, which have long since disbanded. Those still 
in existence are here given. Meetings of all societies 
are held in Rober's Hall: 

Gnaden Huetten Lodge, No. 680, I. O. O. F., char- 
tered Nov. 16, 1869. 

Rebecca Degree Lodge (Bernice), No. 124, I. O. 
O. F., chartered Sept. 22, 1879. 

Lehighton Lodge, No. 234, K. of P., chartered Jan, 
H. 1870. 

Gnaden Huetten Council, No. 249, O. of U. A. M., 
chartered Jan. 27, 1871. 

Incorporation. — The borough of Lehighton was 
incorporated by the curt of Carbon County on the 2d 
Of January, 1866. The following is a list of the bur- 
gesses, Council, and justices of the peace: 



BUEGESSES. 
1866. — John Lentz. 
1867.— R. F. Hofford. 
1868. -R. V. Hofford. 
L86&— Francis Stickler. 
1870. — Francis Stickler. 
1873 to 1875. -William Wagner. 
1876 to 1879.— John T. Semmel. 
1880.— E. K. Snyder. 
1881.— Zachariah H. Long. 
1882-83.— John T. Semmel. 

Coi NCIL. 

1866. — Daniel Olewine, Thomas Kemerer, Reuben 
Hunsicker, Joseph Obert, John Senkel. 

1867.— M-. W. Raudenbush. 

1868.— William Rex, John T. Nushaum. 

1869.— W. C. Frederici, William C.Seabold, 

L870.— William Miller. 

1S72. — William Miller, Manasses Asker. 

1873. — William Waterboer, Reuben Fenster- 
macher. 

1875. — George Swartz, William M. Rapsher. 

1876— William Miller. 

1877. — Theodore R. Kemmerer, Moses Harleman, 
William Waterboer. 

1878.— William M. Rapsher, J. L. Gable 

1879.— William Miller. 

1880.— William Waterboer, Daniel Wieand, A. 
Hinkell. 

1881.— William M. Rapsher, W. H. Mantz. 

1882.— William Miller, Richard Koons. 

1883. — William Waterboer, Valentine Schwartz. 

Justices of the Peace. 

1866.— A. S. Christine. 

1869. — Thomas Kemerer, E. H. Snyder. 

1874.— E. H. Snyder, Thomas S. Beck. 

1879.— Thomas S. Beck. 

1881.— Harrison A. Beltz. 

The population of the borough, as given by the 
census of 1882, is two thousand five hundred and 
thirty-two. 

Packing-House of Joseph Obert.— This business 
is the only one of the kind in the Lehigh Valley, and 
is the largest enterprise carried on in Lehighton. It 
was commenced by Mr. Obert about 1865 in an hum- 
ble way, but the foundation was laid for the immense 
business of to-day. In 1875 the buildings in which 
the business was conducted were destroyed by fire, to- 
gether with the machinery and a large stock of goods. 
Notwithstanding this great loss Mr. Obert erected the 
present brick building, sixty by ninety feet, three 
stories high, in which was placed the latest improved 
machinery and appliances for slaughtering, curing, 
packing, and smoking meats. A force of twelve men 
are constantly employed in the different processes of 
the work. 

Lehigh Stove-Works. — About 1866 the citizens of 




J> 0~4 US<JLs 04 } ct 








cjy&^^c^z^ 



THE BOROUGH OF LBHIOHTON. 



:::? 



I., bighton being desirous of establishing manufkcl 

of some kind, etings were beld and a i mittee 

appointed to visit and confer with manal 
Dr. <i. I!. Linderman, who had then recently pur- 
chased .1 farm m at the borough, became interested in 
the project, and after bearing the reports of the com- 
mittee, proposed to establish a foundry for the manu- 
facture <>f Btoves :iml hollow-ware, and subscribed 
largely to the stock. Sufficient capital was secured, 
ami the Lehigh Stove-Works was incorporated in 
1 567. Land was purchased between the Lehigh River 
and the track of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The 

ne building, engine- and boiler-rooms we rected 

in the summer of that year, and work was com- 
menced. Additional buildings have been added as 
the business enlarged. There are in the employ of 
the company about thirty-five men. 

The stockholders ofthi company are G. B. Linder- 
man, president; •'. W. Anthony, secretary and treas- 
urer; C. O.Skeer, Robert Klotz, William Lilly, W. 
B. Mack, and A. G. Brodhead. 

Central Carriage-Works. -About I860 the manu- 
facture of carriages was commenced in Lehighton, 
and carried forward with Buccess. In 1877, M. C. 
Trexler and II. K. Ivreidler purchased the bus 
underthe name of Trexler A: Kreidler. The estab- 
lishment was enlarged, improved machinery was put 
in, and the manufacture of coaches, carriages, bug- 
gies, and all kinds of carriage-work was commenced, 
and still continues. 

The Lehigh Wagon Company was established in 
the spring of 1888 by Weiss, Bowman & Eofford. 

M. W. Weiss is in charge. 

Daniel Wicand, a practical carriage-builder, i i- 

menced business about 1881, on Bank Street. In 
1883 he erected a salesroom in front of the factory. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



[EL OLEWINE. 

After a -hort walk from the Lehigh Valley Depot, 
in the suburbs of Lehighton, in a spacious brick 
residence, near the Gnadenhiitten Burying-ground, 
of Revolutionary and historic fame, lives the 
of this Mr. Olewine is a son of .Mr. George 

Olewine, who was born in Lower Towamensing 
township, Carbon Co., Pa. He married Miss Susan 
Erdman, whose family was one of the oldest an 
respectable of Bucks County. Their occupation 
through life was farming. Their married life proved 
a most prosperous and happy one, being blessed with 
eight children equally divided in sex. .Mr. Daniel 
Olewine being the seventh in descent. 

He was horn at the old homestead, in Lower Tow- 
amensing town-hip, April 18, 1815. Enjoyed all 
tic advantages that could he obtained from a country 
i: 



school in that early day. until he reached the 
seventeen, when he was apprenticed for three 
to learn tanning and currying, after which he -pent 
i in j ears at this work as ■> journeyman. 

In is i; i,,. moved to Mauch Chunk, Pa., whi 

inline.' and -li manufacturing bo 

i in April II. 1850, at the age of thirty-five, he mar- 
ried Mi-- Esther /.oil, of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill 
Co., Pa, This estimable ladj was horn there March 

'.'::. 1818. In 1856, Mr. Olewine and family moved to 

i ton. still continuing in the tanning bu 

until ls7."., when that destructive agent, tire, hurtled 
hi- buildin round; however, he was not at 

loss for labor, as he had a large and productive form 
in charge at the time of the fil 

From 1875 to 1-77 he engaged in general foundry 

business, which, like all his former undertakings 

proved successful. Mr. Olewine was a director of 

the Second National Hank of Mauch ('hunk, for live 

years. In 1875 the First .V mil Bank ol Lehi 

was organized, and he was honored by being mode 
it- president, which position of dignity and trust be 
filled acceptably for live years, when business becom- 
ing so great, he was compelled to resign this position 
of honor. 

Mr. Olewine ha- been a consistent member of the 

Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty years, in 
which society he ha- held many positions Oi 
dence. His family consist- ol' three children. The 
eldest, Mis- Susan Esther, married Mr. William Koch, 
ot Itingen, Pa., who is now following farming, and 
re-ides at the old homestead. The second. M iss i llara 
Alta, married Mr. Pierce Lent/., om ghton's 

most successful and promising young men. Mr. 
Lentz i- now occupying a position of confidence with 

the Lehigh Valley Railroad C pany, at Packerton, 

and living in his own home, one of the hand- 
in Lehighton. The third of Mr. Olewine's children 
is Daniel Irvine. He was united in marriage with 
M iss Edna Conn, of Lycoming County, Pa. Tln- 
engaged in the mercantile business at William-port, 
Pa., and bids fair to become one of it- most BUI 
merchant-. 

Mr. Olewine is now in his seventieth year, and is 
still an active, well-preserved gentleman. 



JOS] I'll 01 



Mr. Obert is of German ind the youngest 

son of Matthias ami Catherine Obert. lie was born 
in Baden, Germany, in 1821, where he remained until 

twenty year- of age. Alter limited advantages of 
education, he w a- at the age of fifteen apprenticed to 
a cabinet-maker, :md alter a service of two ;. 
worked until twenty years of age as a journeyman, 
lie wa- then drafted for military duty, hut in conse- 
quence ot' an accident during hi- early youth wa- 
i empted from service, and in 1841 sailed for the United 



738 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



States, his first engagement as a cabinet-maker having 
been at Bath, Northampton Co., and his second at 
Mauch Chunk. He then removed to Lehighton, and 
followed his trade for a period of twenty-five years, 
ha\ tng in 18 12 Stat led a business of his own. and soon 
after embarked in t he lumber business. About the 
war 1850 he also became interested in farming, and 
conducted it successfully with various other interests. 
In 1867 he opened a store for the sale of dry goods 
and groceries, lie had previously engaged in the 
slaughtering of hogs, which enterprise so increased 
in proportions that he found the erection of spacious 
buildings a necessity. In 1875 the establishment was 
entirely destroyed by fire, but with Mr. Obert's char- 
acteristic enterprise was at once rebuilt. The busi- 
ness now ranks as the leading industry of Lehighton, 
though a more detailed description, found elsewhere 
in this volume, renders repetition here unnecessary. 
Mr. Obert was, on the 26th of December, 1849, mar- 
ried to Miss Catherine, daughter of John Heberling, 
of Kreidersville, Pa., whose children are John, 
Charles, William, Frank, and Emma. He has been 
identified with the Second National Bank of Mauch 
Chunk as director, and as a Democrat was, in 1857, 
appointed postmaster of Lehighton, and elected mem- 
ber of the Town Council when it was created a 
borough. In religion, Mr. Obert is a member of the 
Reformed Church, and now holds the office of elder, as 
also that of treasurer of the church of that denomi- 
nation at Lehighton. In all measures pertaining to 
the moral and material growth of the borough he 
fills a conspicuous place. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



LAUSANXK TOWNSHIP. 



The territory now comprising this township is but 
a very small part of the original. It was in 1808 a 
part of Penn township, which embraced all that por- 
tion of Northampton County lying north of the Blue 
Ridge and west of the Lehigh River. In 1808, Penn 
township was divided into East Penn, West Penn, 
and Lausanne, the latter being the north part of that 
portion now in Carbon County. West Penn became 
a part of Schuylkill County in 1811. In 1827 a 
small portion of the southern part of the township 
was taken oft' to form Mauch Chunk township. In 
January, 1842, Banks township was set off the north- 
west part, and in 1847 Packer township was set off 
from the southwest part. 

In 1875 the township of Lehigh was erected, which 
embraced the greater portion of the township of Lau- 
sanne, and reduced it to its present limits. It is now 
bordered on the north by Luzerne County, on the 
east and south by Lehigh township, and on the west 



by Banks and Packer townships, and is about six miles 
in length on the county- line and about two and a half 
in breadth, except at the western part, where it ex- 
tends south and embraces within its limits Weatherly 
borough. 

The streams are Laurel, Spruce Run, and Hazel 
Creek. The Laurel rises in the north part of the 
township, flows easterly, passing out of the township 
at the southeast corner, and flowing through Lehigh 
township, joins the Lehigh River at Rockport. Spruce 
Run, a branch of the Laurel, rises in Spring Moun- 
tain, flows northeasterly, and joins Laurel Run in the 
township. Hazel Creek enters the township on the 
west line, flows southeasterly, then southerly, passes 
Weatherly borough, and out of the township into 
Lehigh, where it joins the Quakake Creek. The 
township is mountainous, and but little cultivated. 
The Buck Mountain Coal Company is in possession 
of a tract of mining land which they have worked 
since 1838, and have this present year abandoned. 
The land is but little cultivated, and Lausanne is 
to-day as much a wilderness as it was in 1808. The 
following names are taken from the assessment-roll of 
Lausanne township in 1808, when its territory em- 
braced the townships above given. The amount of 
tax levied in that year was $37.12 : 



Peter Andrew. 
Andrew Beck. 
Elias Bartlett. 
Timothy Condy. 
George Close. 
Andrew Creakle. 
John Dull (single). 
Mathias Gangwere. 
John Creakle (single). 
Samuel Gangwere. 
William Groffley. 
Daniel Gebhard (single) 

The owners of unseated 
are here given : 
Caleb Washb_ojier. 
Daniel Washbouer. 
Stephen Balliet. 
James Chapman. 

Bolightho. 

Cuno Moravian Land. 
John Cunkle. 
Christian Cunkle. 
Caspar Diehl. 
James Dunn. 
George Groff. 
Daniel Koch. 



Christopher Gebhard (sin- 

gle). 
Jacob Gebhard (single). 
Philip Hinkle. 
Felton Hinkle (single). 
Jacob Hartz. 
Daniel Heil. 
Jacob Kelchner. 
Thomas Leonard (single). 
Jonathan Mergeum. 
Robert McMinn. 
John Totcen. 
Adam Winter. 

lands for the same year 

Samuel Koch. 
Joseph Heister. 

Hottenstein. 

James May. 
Anthony Morris. 
Widow Powell. 
William Rex. 
Samuel Seager. 
Jacob Schreider. 
George Walker. 
William Turnbull. 



The first settlement known to have been made in 
the present limits of the township was by the Buck 
Mountain Coal Company, wdiich was chartered June 
16, 1836, and soon after purchased land in that re- 
gion. The company consisted of Samuel L. Shober, 



LAISAXNK TOWNSHIP. 



739 



Jacob F. Bunting, Dr. Benjamin Kugler, William 
Richardson, and Asa I.. Poster, all from Philadelphia 
except tin' latter, who was of Carbon County. The 
first operations for coal were made in 1839, and in the 
month hi November, 1840, the first boat-load o1 coal 
was shipped. It was drawn fir tin- mine to Rock- 
port (about five miles), and shipped on the Lehigh 
(anal. The flood of January, 1841, swept away the 
canal, ami further shipments were delayed until it 
v. as again repaired. In 1848 the company ■■■ 
Bessed on thirty acres of land ami lour houses. Ship- 
ments were made from Rockport until 1862, when 
the freshet again -wept away the canal. After this 
disaster the Hazleton Coal Company built a branch 
road to the mines oi' tlir Buck Mountain Coal Com- 
pany, ami coal from that time was shipped by that 
route. About this time a post-office was established. 
A hotel was built by the company and kepi by Wil- 
liam Koonz in 184:>. an. I many year- by .lames Mr- 
Ginty, and now h\ William Boyle. The company 
has had in its employ from three in si\ hundred men. 

The plaee contains two school-houses, the hotel, post- 
office, company store, ami other buildings necessary 
to cany on the business. The settlement has grown 
up entirely as the result of the operations of the com- 
pany, who have purchased lauds in Schuylkill County. 
and contemplate removing to that locality. Opera- 
tions hei Nov. 28, 1883. The total amount 
of coal shipped from the mines from I s 11 to Nov. 28, 
1883, was three million lour hundred ami sixty-five 
thousand ton-. 

Lausanne township will soon lap-, almost into the 
condition of a wilderness. In the year 1875, after 
Lehigh town-hip had been taken off from the town- 
ship, there were assessed Beven rainier- two teachers, 
several carpenters, blacksmiths, clerks, hotel-keeper, 
and the Buck Mountain Coal Company. 

In 1883 the total tax. county ami State, was -S156.29, 
of which s-!7.t>7 was assessed t.. th.' coal company. 
The following are the names of farmers, with number 
of acres, part of which is wild land : Timothy Colen, 
45 acres ; James Conners, 26 acres ; Patrick Cunning- 
ham, 25 acres: Mr. Hugh Cunningham, L5 act 
Lewis Flickinger, 96 acre-: Jacob folk, 110 acres: 
Frank Fried, 100 acres; Fryman Flickinger, 55 a 
William Kennedy, 90 acres; Catharine [foyer, 140 
acres; James McGinty, 239 acres, and Lewis Young, 
80 acres. William Spencer i- the superintendent of 
the company. Condy McCole is a teacher, and Hiram 
Prevost grocer. 

School Directors. — The following is a list of the 
names of the school directors of the town-hip since 
the erection of Carbon County, most ofwh.nn resided 
in that portion of the township that in 1875 became 
Lehigh township : 

i Richard D. Miles, Ephraim Balliet. 

1845. — Jonas llartz, John Smith. 

1846.— Daniel O'Donnell, Charles Gilbert, 

1 - 17. John Smith, Win. Coons. 



1848. — Richard M. Hackett, James Conner, Alex. 

Santee. 

1849. W. IJ. Taylor. Charles Gilbert, Adam B 

1850. James Conner, Jai ob Bet r. Daniel .1. Labar. 

1851. J:i.i.l. Whitebread, Lndrew Barnhard. 
1852. — Adrian Barber, William II. Brown. 

1853. Eliaa D. Cortwright, Joshua Derrah.Chai 
II. Williams, Philip Eufiecker. 

1854. -O. K. Shoemaker, William I'.. Cortwright. 

r, I). J. Labar. 

1856.— Jonathan McMurty, Frank Mel >l 

Irk. Shoemaker, Alexander Mill 

Is.".;. Mordecai Cooper, Philip Mixler. 

L858.— C. II. Will I Miller. 

i- i9. -John Evans, C. A. Williams, Joshua Der- 
rah. 

I860.— R. L. Hearry, M. M. I loopi 

1861.— W. H. Brown, John Toomy, Marin- Mc- 
Ginty. 

1862.— John Evans, M. M. < 

1868.— James C. Hayden, M. McGinty. 

-John Wynn, John T iy. 

1865. — C. A. Wei--, John Evans, David Petry. 

1866. — James Smith, George Stettler. 

1867. — John Farley, Peter Kennedy. 

1868.— C. A. Weiss, Patrick Mekan. 

1869. — John Farley, .lame- Smith. 
TO. — Frank Brenan. John Toomy. 

1871.— John Wynn, Charles A. W. 

1872.— Charles McGill, Joseph Smith. 

1873.— Frank Call, Bernard Henry. 

1874.— B. F. Williams, John M.Cole. Jam.-- M. - 
Ginty. 

1875. — J. J. Kennedy. Dennis Boyle, J. F. Mo- 
loney. 

1876.— C. H. O'Donnell, John Maloney, Patrick 
Meigban. 

1877. — John McCole, Evan Daniels. Michael Mey- 
er-. • 

1878.— John Smith, John H. O'Donnell, James 
Burns. 

1879.— C. F. O'Daniels, Henry Colt. 

1880.— James McKinlcy, John McCole, Lewi- Sild- 
man. H. P. Harkin-. 

1881.— Adam Boyd, II. P. Harkins. 

1882.— Henry Call, James Smith, Neal Brisbin. 

1883. — John S. Brennan, I nomas J. Edwards. 

Justices of the Peace.— The following is a li-t of 
justices of the peace Bince \ < Uk Prior to this ti 
justices wen- elected in districts, and the list will be 
found in the civil roster of tin- general history. The 
justices since 1840 were mostly residents of the terri- 
tory now set off to other townships: 

Amasa Dodson, .1. li, 1844. 

Jacob Beer, elected March, 1850. 

Joshua Darrah. elected March, 1864. 

James Lewi-, elected March, 1855. 

Joshua Darrah. elected March, I - 

Jacob Beer, elected March, I860. 



740 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



James Lewis, elected March, 1861. 
John Smith, elected March, 1862. 
Samuel B. Taylor, elected March, 1864. 
John Shaffer, elected March, L865. 
George Stetler, elected March, 1866. 
J. W. Sbellheimer, elected March, 1867. 
T. W. Stiegerwalt, elected March, 1867. 
William II. Taylor, elected March, 1868. 
John A. Quinn, elected October, 1869. 
William H. Taylor, elected March, 1873. 
James Smith, elected March, 1874. 
Silas Farraday, elected March, 1875. 
William Buch, elected March, 1877. 
H. B. Harkins, elected March, 1878. 
James McKinly, elected March, 1X79. 
L. W. Provost, elected March, 1880. 
C. E. Provost, elected March, 1883. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

LEHIGH TOWNSHIP. 

This township, with Lausanne, forms a triangle. 
It is bounded on the east by the Lehigh River, which 
runs the entire length of the township; on the west 
by Packer and Banks townships ; on the north by 
Lausanne township and Luzerne County. The Qua- 
kake Creek flows eastwardly through the township, 
and empties into the Lehigh at Penn Haven. Spruce, 
Laurel, and Indian Runs form a stream that flows 
southeastward!}*, and empties into the Lehigh below 
Rockport. Leslie's Run rises near the Luzerne County 
line, flows eastwardly, and empties into the Lehigh 
at Leslie's Run Depot, in the north part of the town- 
ship. Broad Mountain constitutes the southern por- 
tion of the township. The Quakake Valley passes 
between it .and Bald Ridge, which reaches across the 
township from east to west, near the middle. Its 
northwestern point is near Weatherly, its eastern at 
the Lehigh River. The settled portion of the town- 
ship is from the northern slope of Bald Ridge north- 
ward. The territory was embraced in Lausanne 
township from 1808 till 1875, when it was set apart 
as Lehigh. 

Early Roads. — The first road within the limits of 
the present township was a State road that ran from 
the Lehigh and Susquehanna turnpike, at the Spring 
Mountain House, through Weatherly borough, near 
Rockport, to White Haven. The next of importance 
was the White Haven and Lausanne turnpike, which 
was commenced in 1840. The portion from the Comp- 
ton House to Morrison's was completed in 1841, and 
was not a success financially. The Lehigh Valley 
and the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad run 
along the bank of the Lehigh River in the township. 
The Beaver Meadow, Hazleton and Mahanoy Di- 
vision of the Lehigh Valley road runs through the 



township, and connects with the main line at Penn 
Haven Junction. 

Early Settlement. — The assessment of Lausanne 
township in 1808 shows a tract of land assessed to the 
Moravians. This tract was located along the Lehigh 
River, on the site of the present village of Rockport. 
The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company finding it 
necessary to obtain a supply of lumber for building 
coal-barges, purchased the lumber-right on this tract of 
the Moravians in 1824, and at what is now Rockport 
erected four saw-mills and houses for laborers. The 
first settlement there was known as Lowrytown, and 
was located on the high bluff' above. Lumber was 
cut on the tract back of Lowrytown, and slid down 
the mountain-side, about three hundred feet, to the 
mills, where it was sawed and rafted, mostly to Mauch 
Chunk. Jedediah Irish and Abiel Abbott were in 
charge of the mills. A store and chopping-mill were 
also built by the company. The raftsmen who went 
down with the rafts to Mauch Chunk returned on 
foot, by what was called the " Indian Path," which 
led from Gnadeuhutten to Wyoming. These rafts- 
men were hardy, vigorous, and brave men, who feared 
no danger. Among them were Spencer Cassidy, 
Samuel Mantawny, Peter Steel, James Evans, Alex- 
ander Santce, and Thomas Jenkins. 

In the fall of 1839 the Buck Mountain Coal Com- 
pany contracted with Foster, Hogendogler, and Ne- 
leigh for the grading of a railroad from the mines of 
the company to Rockport (a distance of about five 
miles). A. L. Foster contracted to cut a tunnel 
through the rock a distance of two hundred yards at 
the foot of the inclined plane, which extended to the 
river from the side of the mountain. Mr. Foster 
sublet the tunneling to Peter Dunworth. The work 
on the tunnel and road was completed in the early 
fall of 1840, and in November of that year the Buck 
Mountain Coal Company shipped the first boat-load 
of coal to Philadelphia by the Lehigh Coal and Navi- 
gation Company's Canal. A little before this time 
lumber operations had practically ceased, and making 
the place then known as "Grog Hollow" a shipping- 
point for coal, gave it a new impetus. One hundred 
thousand tons of coal per year were shipped from that 
time to 1862, when the canal was washed away, and 
the Buck Mountain Coal Company was forced to seek 
another outlet. During the building of the Upper 
Lehigh Navigation System, between 1836-39, the 
laborers on the works, in numbers at least a thousand, 
were in the habit of gathering on Sunday at Jake 
Morris' tavern (a small log building) and pitching 
quoits, playing cards, shooting at a mark, jumping, 
fighting, and drinking whiskey. The bar-room was 
small, and Jake passed the whiskey out of the win- 
dow in buckets, which were furnished with tin cups, 
and passed among the men, wdio were ranged iu line. 
This state of affairs continued till 1840, when the 
Canal and Buck Mountain Coal Company's railroad 
was completed. 



I.KIIIGH TOWNSHIP. 



741 



A post-office was established at Lowrytown about 
1830. Samuel Wolf was the postmaster. He also 
had a store and kept tavern on the Lehigh and Sus- 
quehanna turnpike. Be continued business at both 
places till about 1839, the time of the completion of 
tin I pper Lehigh Navigation, when be sold out and 
removed. He was succeeded in the post-office at 
Lowrytown by Asa Packer in 1836, who served two 
years, and was succeeded by R. Q. Butler, wh 
until 1.844. While under the administration of Mr. 
Butler the name of the post-office was changed from 
Lowrytown to Lockport. William C. Cortwright and 
many others filled the position later. The present 
postmaster is Alfred shatter. The offi tin 

depot of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. 
Samuel Wolf kept a store at Rockporl from 1830 to 

1N.!G, when it was purchased by Asa and It. W. 

Packer, who kept it till their canal contract was fin- 
ished, when they sold to A. L. Foster, who was about 
to commence explorations for coal at Buck Mountain. 
He sold out his interest in the fall of ]s:;;i to 1,'ee.l ,\ 
Butler, who continued business until Thomas Brod- 
rick (now, 1883, mayor of Wilki the con- 

tract to mine and deliver the Buck Mountain eoal in 
boats at Rockport. At this time he established a 
store, which R. Q. Butler entered as clerk, and the 
store of Reed & Butler was discontinued. This ston 
was continued till the freshet of I Stl'J, which destroy ed 
the canal. Rockport to-day contains a church, a bote! 
(kept by Mrs. Charles Mel rill |, a school-house, post- 
office and store, depot, and several dwellings, 

A Methodist ('lunch was organized nt Rockport 
about 1851. The Rev. John H. Vincent, of New 
Haven, Conn., famous in Sunday-school work and in 
connection with the Chautauqua Scientific and Liter- 
ary Association, preached in this church when he was 
nineteen years of age. It has had man} pastors, and 
is not at present in a very prosperous condition. 

Schools. — There are but three school-houses in the 
township, located at Rockport, l'enn Haven, and at a 
point north of the poor-house, on the Leslie Run road. 
The directors of schools since the organization of the 

township, in 1875, have been as follow-: 

1875.— C. A. Weiss, B. A. Hainey. 

1876. — David Petry, Jacob Helliuger. 

1877.— Joshua Kingle, John F. Blakslee. 

1878.— John Shafer, Edwin Fritz. 

1879.— Charles Met. ill. Jacob Petry. 

1880.— Michael Meyers, John F. Blakslee. 

1881. — Hugh Dever, Reuben s. -ria— , .la.-.,-, lie! 
linger. 

1882.— Edwin Fritz, Alfred Shaffer. 

1883. — Michael Meyers, Jacob Helliuger. 

The poor-house of the Middle Coal-Field Poor 
District is situated in the northern part of this town- 
ship. 

Justices of the Peace. — The justices of the peace 

for Lausanne township since IN 17 were mostly resi- 
dents of Rockport. The following are the names 



of the justices sine.- the organization of the town- 
ship : 

rge - March, 1876. 

Pal nek Laughlin, i lectt d Mai 

rad lleiiner, elected March, 1879. 
Miehai 1 Meyi i March, 1 - 

A. s. Steigerwalt, elected March, 1882. 

John Shaffer, elected March, 1883. 

Assessment for 1883. A summary from the as- 
sessment-roll of this town-hip for is-:; ;. here - 
It contains one hundred and eighty-nine taxable 
inhabitants. The total tax is one hundred and i 
dollars and forty-seven cents. The Buck Mo 
( !oal < 'ompauy arc- assessed on twenty-three lots, three 
. and five acres of land al the old store. The 
New Jersey Central Railroad Company 
on a house at each of the places given,— "Turn i 
Penn Haven, Oxbow, North l'enn Haven. - 

Rockport, Cains, Mud Run, Osterman Bun, 
lb tehel Tooth, and Drake's Bun. The Lehigh Val- 
ley Railroad 1 is assessed on two hundred and forty- 
three acres of land on the- Porter House- tract, one 
hundred and ninety--. >. en ai res at Balliet's, four hun- 
dred and twenty-live acres at James Moore's, and one 

hundred and eighty-seven acres at l'enn Haven June- 
lion, and a house at each of the following-n 

"Turn Hoi.-.' Bannon's, and Booth's. The 
farmers, who were assessed as such in 1883, are Chris- 
tian Ramsey, Samuel Simon, John Shatter, G 
Stetler, John Torny, William II. Taylor, Isaac West, 
John Wallace, Charles Carroll. James Connor. An- 
thony Felder, Anthony Cull, Patrick Connor, John 
Graaf, Conrad Hineer, Hiram Hineer, Barnej Hi 
Jacob Hellinger, Michael Ilailey, Frank Kingle, 
Adolph Luman, Gabriel Miller. David Miller, Wil- 
liam McDonnell, Michael Meyers, F.dward M 
and Jacob Petry. 

Penn Haven. — The settlement at this place was 
commenced in IS08 by the Hazleton Coal Company 
as a shipping-point for coal. The Beaver Meadow 
Railroad was used from 1838 to L852. Alter the 

of 1850 the company constructed a branch 
road from Hazel Creek bridge to the mounts 
at Penn Haven, from whence the coal was conveyed 
to the railroads by the river by two inclined planes 
twelve hundred feet in length and four hundred and 
thirty: nt. These were later abandoned, and 

coal is now shipped by routes more advantageous. 

l'enn Haven Junction is the point where the 
Mabanoy, Beaver Meadow, and Hazleton Branches 
diverge from the main Hue. The depot and a hotel 
are the only buildings of any importance. 



tin 184:; the Lehigh EfavlgatioD CompaDj « as assessed on seventy 
acres of Ian. I, four log bouses, and eight lock-houses. 



:rz 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
MAHONING TOWNSHIP. 

I vi i i DING PACKERTON.) 

The first official information obtained of the erec- 
tion of this township is found in the first assessment- 
roll in 1*42 in the records of Northampton County, 
and is as follows: 

" Northampton County, >s. 

mission] as 1 Office. 
"To Charles G. Bauer, assessor of Mahoning township (formerly 
part of East Penn township), Greeting: We herewith transmit to you 
tho last assessment of East Penn township. With assistance of the as- 
sessor of East Penn tuwuship you are to transcribe from it all such 
taxable inhabitants, their professions and property, which now reside 
within your limits, as they respectfully Mam] rated. 
"Given under our hand and seal of office this 7th day of April, 1S42. 
"Jiiiin Santee, | Com. of Northampton 
"John Lentz, J County." 

The township was set off from the north part of 
East Penn township, and is bounded on the north by 
the Mahoning Mountain, which separates it from 
Mauch Chunk township, east by Schuylkill County, 
south by the township of East Penn, and west by the 
Lehigh River. It is watered by the Mahoning Creek, 
which rises in Schuylkill County and flows easterly 
through the valley of the Mahoning, and enters the 
Lehigh River near Lehighton. 

Early Settlement. — A part of the territory now 
embraced in the limits of Mahoning was the first to 
which any title was obtained by the whites in the 
immediate region north of the Blue Ridge. A tract 
of five thousand acres was released, in March, 1682, 
by William Penn to Adrian Vroesen, of Rotterdam, 
and by him deeded to Benjohan Furley, of the same 
city, and surveyed for his heirs in 1735, and in March, 
1745, conveyed to Edward Shippen, a merchant of 
Philadelphia, by Thomas Lawrence, attorney of the 
heirs of Beujohan Furley. Mr. Shippen conveyed 
the tract, in September of the same year, to Richard 
Peters, of Philadelphia, who at the same time deeded 
one hundred and twenty acres of the land to Charles 
Brockden, for the use of the Moravians at Bethlehem, 
who at this time had gathered around them a large 
Indian congregation, part of whom had been driven 
out of Shekomeko, Conn., and from Patchgatgoch, in 
New York. In 1742, Count Zinzendorf, who came to 
Bethlehem in December, 1741, ascended the Lehigh 
River, with two friendly Indians as interpreters, and 
held a conference (near what is now Lehighton) with 
a party of Indians, whose hunting-grounds were in 
the valley of the Mahoning and the adjacent country. 
The beauty of the scenery here attracted the attention 
of the count, and he looked upon the locality as a 
good one upon which to establish a mission. This 
was mentioned to the brethren at Bethlehem, and re- 
-ulted in the purchase of the tract, as above men- 
tioned. The writer of an article entitled " Lehighton 
One Hundred and Twenty-five Years Ago," published 
in 1879, says, after speaking of the conference with 



the Indians, "As the colony at Bethlehem gathered 
strength from the influx of immigration they pushed 
forward their efforts to convert the Indians in this 
direction. It was four years, however, before they 
established a mission-house at Gnadenhiitten, a provi- 
dential circumstance favoring this measure. About 
forty of tlie Mohegan Indians, who had been con- 
verted to Christianity through the instrumentality of 
Christian Henry Rauch, at Shekomeko, in Connec- 
ticut, fled from persecution to the brethren at Beth- 
lehem. And these were sent forward to plant the 
Standard of Peace at Gnadenhiitten. With these 
mutual friends at the outpost the colony at Bethle- 
hem began to extend its way up the Lehigh Valley. 
Their efforts were rewarded with great success. Their 
relations with the Indians had been of a most amica- 
ble character, and prosperous farms dotted the Lehigh 
Valley and its tributaries (the results of seven years' 
effort), and the congregation, composed of Indians 
and colonists, who worshiped at Gnadenhiitten num- 
bered five hundred or more." 

Martin Mack, who came to Bethlehem with the 
first settlers at that place, went up to the new station, 
"Gnadenhiitten," with Christian Henry Rauch as 
one of the missionaries in charge. A church was 
erected and dwellings built for the missionaries and 
Indians. 

Loskiel, writing at the time, said, "Gnadenhutten 
now (1746) became a very regular and pleasant 
town. The church stood in the valley, on one side 
the Indian houses forming a crescent, upon a rising 
ground ; and on the other stood the house of the mis- 
sionaries and the burying-ground. The missionaries 
tilled their own grounds, and every Indian family 
their plantation, and on the 18th of August they had 
the satisfaction to partake of the first fruits of the 
land at a love-feast." As the colony increased the 
church was found to be too small, and in September, 
1749, Bishop Johannes von Watteville visited Gna- 
denhiitten, and laid the foundation-stone of a new 
church. About the same time Rev. David Brainenl, 
with several Indian converts, visited Gnadenhutten. 
The numbers increased, and the mission prospered 
greatly, and in 1754 numbered about five hundred 
Indians. It was thought advisable for several reasons 
to establish a new mission on the other side of the 
river, which was done in that year. 1 

The account of the attack by the Indians on the 
mission, Nov. 24, 1755, will be found in the chapter 
on Indian history. The massacre at that time so dis- 
heartened the Moravians that no further attempts 
were made to rebuild tit that place, and after a few 
years it was left entirely to desolation. 

No knowledge is obtained as to who purchased 
other portions of the tract of five thousand acres, but 
the valley was settled between 1750 and 1775 by Eng- 



1 An account of New Gnadenhiitten will he found in the history of 
Welssport. 



M MliiMNi; TOWNSHIP. 



743 



lisli families, — the < u-tards, Thomases, Gilberts, 
Dodsons. Pearts, Johns, ami others. Most of these 
families remained till tb< 'in- Revolution, 

when they removed to tin- neighborhood of the Sus- 
quehanna River. Sketches of a few of die families 
are here given. 

The name of Custard occurs a* thai "i one of the 
settlers who located in the Mahoning Valley. But 
little is known of him or his family. The most thai 
is trustworthy concerning him is in a letter from Tim- 
othy Horsfield, Esq., of Bethlehem, who write* to 
Governor Morris, Nov. 26, 1755, on receiving tl 
of tin' massacre at Gnadenhutteu. After speaking of 
the escape of Joseph Sturges, George Partch and his 
wife, and their arrival at Bethlehem, where they re- 
ported the affair, he says that " Monday, the 24th in- 
stant, an hour before sunset, < reorge < tustard with two 
others of the neighbors came to Mahoning i the place 
the murder was committed at), and informed them 
that in the evening they might expeel a number of 
armed men to he with them all night." No further 
mention is made of i reorge < 'ustanl or the neighbors 
that were with him. The name does not appear on 
the assessment-roll of the township in 1781 or lsos, 
and it is probable that the family lied. 

The family of Benjamin Gilbert came to the valley 
of the Mahoning in 1775, and settled on the Mahon- 
ing Creek at the place now owned by Michael < larbi r. 
His step— on, Benjamin Peart, located about half a 
mile away. Benjamin Gilbert was a native of By- 
berry, fifteen miles from Philadelphia, where he was 
born in the year 1711. Me was educated by the Qua- 
kers, and resided near his birthplace till he moved 
to the Mahoning Valley, in 1 77-">. Me married a lady 
in his youth by whom he had several children. They 
arrived at years of maturity, and several of th< 
tied there. About the year 171s he published a trea- 
tise against war in answer to Gilbert Tennent. In 
1769 and 1770 he published two large works on relig- 
ion- subjects. After the death of his wife he con- 
tracted a second marriage with Elizabeth, the widow 
of Benjamin Peart, who also had several children. 

It was some years after this second marriage that it 
was decided to move north of the Blue Ridge. Mis 
sons and daughters, connections and friends wi 
strangers to the dangers to which they would be ex- 
posed, and earnestly besought them to remain in their 
midst. 

The journej was made. The party consisted of 
Benjamin Gilbert, his wife Elizabeth, hi* son*, Joseph, 
Jesse, and Abner; Rebecca and Elizabeth, daughters ; 
Benjamin and Thomas Peart, sons of Mrs. Gilbert. 
After reaching the place selected, a comfortable log 
house and barn were erected. Later a saw-mill and 
grisl mill were erected OH the creek, which drew cus- 
tom from a large extent of country and rendered the 

position of the lamilyi ifortable. After five years 

of quiet the family was surprised on the morning of 
the 25th of April. 1780, by a party of eleven Indians 



and taken captivi i. I he housi was plundered and all 
the buildings burned. The Indian* thi 1 the 

house of Benjamin Peart, who a year or two previous 
had married and settled aboul half a mile away, and 
captured him and his wife and child. Abigail, a 
daughter of Samuel Dods gbbor, had brought 

from home to the mill early in the morning a grist, 
and she was still there and captured with the 

The family was in bondage two years and five 

month*, and on the 22d I, it- members 

were gath ether in Montreal and soon after 

returned to Byberry, with the exception of Benjamin, 

the father, who died .lune 8, 1780, whili lown 

the river St. Lawrence, Andrew Harrigar, who 
caped and returned to Byberry, and the 

first knowledge of the fate and condition of the family, 
and Abigail Dodson, who was adopted by one of the 
families of the Cayuga Nation. 

After the return of the family, in 1788, the farm in 
the Mahoning Vallej was sold to < 'apt. Joseph Long- 
streth, who, with Robert McDaniel, went up to the 
place and rebuilt the house and mill. Mow long < 'apt. 
Longstreth remained is not known. Mi* name.. 
not appear in the assessment -roll of 1808. Later the 
property was owned by Mr. S. Kennedy, and in 1820 
wa* bought by Septimus Hough. 

The family of Samuel Dodson came to the valley 
about the same time the Gilberts came in. They set- 
tled about a mile distant, on a farm now owned by 
David D. Kistler, near Pleasant Corner. He was a 
native of Chester County, where he was married, and 
where his children were horn. Abigail, when four- 
teen years of age, was senl by her father to the mill 
of Benjamin Gilbert, on the Mahoning (reek, early 
on the morning of the 25th of April, 1780. She was 
captured with the Gilbert family by the Indians. She 
was separated from the others, and adopted first by a 
tribe of the Cayugas and later by other*. The family 
of Dodsons remained upon their plantation, and did 
not, like many others, abandon their settlement. 

In 1785, Thomas Dodson, a cousin of Abigail, de- 
termined to go up to the northward and make a search 
for Abigail. He was provided with the necessary 

equipment, and started on horseback. After much 

search she wa* found in the Genesee Valley with the 

tribe of Indian* by which she had been adopted. As 
her return at some time had been anticipated, it had 
been decided that if her friends came for her she 
would be allowed to go. The chief of the tribe was 
away at the time Thomas arrived, and the family of 
which she was a member, although loath to let her 
leave them, consented, and preparations were in 
for her departure. A new suit of Indian cloth, orna- 
mented with bead*, was made for her, and feasts were 
u at which many gathered. When all was ready 

m;iv .cut iranderinga will l»e foie 
chapter od In An account wu i bythemoo 

their return, in 1783,end ra written \>\ William Walton, and put.]i*te d 
trj Joeeph ''ruikshank in 1784. 



744 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tiny d< parted. For some reason, Thomas had left his 
horse at Genesee, a few miles away. Upon reaching 
the place and applying for his horse, the man in whose 
care he had left him refused to let him have the horse 
except upon the payment of one hundred dollars. As 
he had not that much money, he was compelled to 

leave him. An arrangement was made by which they 

were taken to Towamla, where Thomas obtained a 

canoe, in which they paddled and floated down the 
Susquehanna River to Salem, and stopped at the 
house ot Nathan Beach. He provided them with a 
horse, and they proceeded on their way to Mahoning 
Valley, where they arrived in October, 1786. Abigail 
had been absent from home five years and six mouths, 
during which time she had been with several different 
tribes and had learned the languages of five of them. 
On arriving near home, Abigail went to the house 
first and knocked. Her mother came to the door, in- 
vited her in, stepped back and called her husband, say- 
ing, " Here is a squaw, and a pretty good-looking one, 
too." Her father came in, and neither of them recog- 
nized her, upon which Abigail exclaimed, "Mother, 
don't you know me?'' Thomas soon came in, and the 
family gathered around the long-lost one, and great 
was their joy at her return. The story of her cap- 
tivity and wanderings was known to the family, up 
to the time of her separation from the Gilberts, who 
returned in 178.'!, and adoption by the Cayugas, but 
from that time no trace of her had been found until 
this time. She had for so long been accustomed to 
Indian life that she did not feel at home for some 
time, and often longed for the old life, but this feeling 
passed away. She remained at home, and moved with 
the family in 1797 to Shamokin, and later to Hun- 
tington township, Luzerne Co., where she married 
Peter Brink, and lived many years and died, leaving 
no children. 1 

The family of Samuel Dodson lived at the place 
where they settled in 1775 till 1797. Samuel Dodson, 
the father, died in 1795, and was buried at Lizard 
Creek. His children were John, Thomas, Samuel, 
Joseph, Hannah, Elizabeth, Polly, Abigail, and 
Sally. John, the eldest son, after the death of his 
lather, took the management of the farm, and in 1797 
sold it, and the iarnily all moved to Shamokin. The 
children of Samuel had all reached maturity, and 
several of them were married and settled on the home- 
stead farm in Mahoning Valley. Joseph was married 
before the death of the father; and Isaac T. Dodson, 
so well known to old citizens of the county of Carbon, 
was born on the homestead farm in 1796. His father, 
Joseph, moved with the rest of the family to Shamokin. 
After a few years most of the family of Samuel re- 
moved to Huntington township, Luzerne Co., where 
their descendants are numerous. 



1 One of the leggings, trimmed with heads, which she wore upon her 
return is now in the possession of Itohert Iioehm, of Mauch Chunk, who 
is of the family. 



Isaac T. Dodson came to Mauch Chunk in 1820, 
and entered the employ of the Lehigh Coal and Navi- 
gation Company. He was appointed justice of the 
peace Jan. 9, 1828, and served many years, lie died 
in Mauch Chunk in 1878, aged seventy-seven years. 
His son, (teorge W. Dodson. was a teacher in Mauch 
Chunk, and in the employ of the Coal and Navigation 
Company. He died in 1863. Mary (Mrs. Abraham 
Focht), Elizabeth (Mrs. Owen Williams), and Ma- 
hala D. (Mrs. Israel Beahm), all of Mauch Chunk, 
are daughters of Isaac T. Dodson. 

Ii will be remembered thai Capt. Joseph Long- 
streth purchased the Gilbert farm in 1783, and at that 
time Robert McDaniel came to the valley with him. 
He was born Aug. 24, 1756, in a small lumbering vil- 
lage near the Penobscot Falls, Maine. He was ap- 
prenticed by his father to Capt. Joseph Longstreth, of 
Philadelphia, to learn the trade of a tanner and cur- 
rier, and lived in that city some years. After a resi- 
dence of a year or two at the mill with Capt. Long- 
streth in the valley, he bought a tract of land not far 
from the Gilbert mill, now partly owned by Samuel 
Moser, and married Elizabeth Hicks. She was born 
in 1766, and is said to have been a native of Lizard 
Creek Valley, and when very young was placed in 
charge of William Thomas, who lived near where the 
Benn Salem Church stands. No other knowledge of 
the Hicks family is obtained. They settled upon the 
farm, and lived many years. They died there, and 
were buried in the Benn Salem churchyard. Their 
children were Rachel, Nancy, Lydia, Elizabeth, Rob- 
ert, and James. Rachel became the wife of Charles 
Haney, and settled in the township. Mrs. Henry 
Arner is a daughter. Lewis Haney, for many years 
a teacher in the township and the first coroner of the 
county, was a son. Nancy became the wife of Sam- 
uel Solt, and settled in Lehighton. Lydia married 
Joseph Musselman, lived for a time in the township, 
and moved to Ohio. Oliver, a son, remained with his 
grandfather, and taught school in the township, was 
elected register and recorder in 1846 and 1849, and 
later moved to Ohio, where he is now a journalist. 
Elizabeth became the wife of Christian Klotz (who 
came from Lowhill, Lehigh Co.), in 1816. They set- 
tled near the homestead, and in 1823 moved to what 
is now the Hoppes Mill, where she died in 1826, aged 
thirty-one years. Robert, son of Robert, emigrated 
to the West. James, the youngest son, settled in the 
township, and died there. His son, J. T. McDaniel, 
keeps the old Freyman Hotel, and is postmaster. 

The sketches given thus far are of families who 
settle in the Mahoning Valley between the years 1750 
and 1785. From the latter year, to 1805-6, no settle- 
ments seem to have been made, and but one or two 
of the families that were there remained. In (act, 
the descendants of Robert McDaniel are the only 
ones whose ancestors were in the limits of the present 
Mahoning township prior to 1800. 

The assessment-roll of l'enn township of 1781 con- 



MAHONING TOWNSHIP. 



746 



tains the following Dames of persona who wi 
dent in what is to-day Mahoning township: Samuel 
bodson, Richard Dodson, George Gilbert, George •). 
Gilbert. The names of Michael Hoppesand Michael 
B. Hoppea appear, but disappear in 1808 in East 
reini. and are found the same j ear in West Penn town- 
ship. 

I be following persons are named on the assessment- 
roll of East Penn township in 1808, when it was first 
set off, and were residents of the present township: 
Andrew Beck, John and Abraham Freyman, Robert 
McDaniel. Peter, Henry, and John Notestim 
Musselman. 

Andrew Beck, of Siegers ville, Lehigh Co., about tin- 
year lXitO, purehaseil a lumber tract en the Nesque- 
honing Creek, about half a mile below the . 
village "i N linir, upon which he erected a 

saw-mill. The site is now ..u ne'l by < lornelius /.angle. 
About 1805 he purchased one hundred and thirty-five 
acres of land in Mahoning township for hisson, Andrew, 
who lived npon it three years, and iu 1808 sold it to 
his brother, George Peek, who settled there and lived 
all his days. He died in 1870. He left twelve chil- 
dren, all living except one. Caroline (Mrs. Gabriel 
belcher) is living on the homestead; Daniel is also 
living in the town-hip ; Thomas! ',. lives at Lehighton : 
Christiana (Mrs. James M. Keller] resides at Laos- 
ford ; others are in Ohio ami Illinois. 

John Freyman settled about the year 1800 on a 
farm near Stewart's Run, on which his grandson, 
Thomas, now resides. He had sons, — Jacob, Henry, 
and George. Jacob settled on the homestead, where 
he died in 1882, aged seventy-live j ears. 1 [enry lived 
unmarried, and built the hotel where J. G. McDaniel 
now resides, and kept it for several years. George 
settled in the upper part of the town-hip, and later 
kept hotel and store at Pleasant < 'orner, and owned 
the farm now owned by the Kistlers. Be died in 
1849, aged thirty-live year-. Hi- -on, William G. 
Freyman. is an attorney at Mauch Chunk. 

Musselman, a native of Upper Milford, Le- 
high Co., came to tin Mahoning Valley in 1807, and 
purchased the farm now owned by his grandson, 
Thomas Musselman. He died iu 1S60. Of bis sons, 
.lo-eph married Lydia, the daughter of Robert Mc- 
Daniel, settled near the homestead for a short time, 
and removed to Ohio. Oliver Musselman, of Ohio, 
is their son. Charles settled near his lather, and still 
reside- there. w ( II advanced in years. Jacob - 
on the homestead, and married Rebecca, the daughter 
of John G. Cemerer. Their son, Thomas, now owns 
the property. Susan became the wife of George 
Kamerer. and settled at Lehighton. Polly became 
Mrs. Boaz, and Walton, the youngest, emigrated to 
Warsaw, Ind. 

It i> not kmnvn what year the Note-tines came to 
the township, but in the year 1808 the three brothers 
I Henry, Peter, and John were Owners OJ property at 
Centre Square. Their lather, I'eter Note-tine, lived 



with them, lie had -. rved in the Revolutionary 

war, wa- well advanced in years, died there, and was 

iveyard near C< - re Hem ■• 

ire, and about 1818 erected the 

store-house now owned by David Longaker. A -tone 
in the building records that it was built by " Henry 

tine and his wiii-, Barbara." He hit - 
children, -Daniel, Henry, Elias, and John. I 
lived on the homestead, ami died in 1878. A daugh- 
ter Mr-, < '. H. Si id. I i- a resident at Centre Square. 

Henry remained at home a few years alter arriving at 
maturity, kept the hotel at Pennsville at oni 
later removed to Kansas, where he died. Eliae 
at home, and died in 1878. John resides in the 
town-hip of East Penn. I'eter Notestine -tiled on 
Mahoning Mountain. His daughter, Catharine Mrs. 
Peter Xandres . lives on part of the homestead. Of 
his othi ' i iiil Iren, Rachel Mrs. Lauchni r and Eliz- 
abeth Mrs. Eochner) settled in the township, and are 

both deceased. John, brother of Henry and 

emigrated to Fort Wayne, Ind, Matthew 

r of Henry . I'eter, and John, alter arriving 

at maturity, settled on a farm lulu. en Henry and 

Hi- children were Daniel. Jonas, David, 

James, and Joseph. Daniel, Jonas, and James 
settled in East 1'enn township, David in Mahoning, 
and Joseph in Lehighton. 

The names of Abram and Jost Miller appear on the 
roll of 1808, and when Henry Arner came to the 

town-hip, in 1817, he rented a farm of Isaac Miller, 
which he afterward- purchased. Henry was horn in 
Lehigh County in 1798, and when three year- of age 
was taken with his father's family to what became, in 
1808, West Penn township. He married about 1817, 
and came to the Mahoning Valley an farm, 

where he now live-, and resided there .seven years. 
About 1825 he purchased one hundred and nil 
acres of land of James Brodrick, now owned by Am- 
nion Arner, and resided there thirty year-, and pur- 
chased one hundred and twenty-five acres, including 
his present place, of his son, Tilghman Arner, and 
moved to thi old home, where he now reside.-. He was 
engaged in the manufacture ol -hoe- about the time 

of the opening of the coal-mines at Summit Hill, and 

later manufactured powder. He had by his tir-t wife 

bildren, — Tilghman, Abigail, Eliza, Ammon, 

and Louisa. Tilghman resided in and near New 
Mahoning, and died in 1880. Abigail Mr-. Am - 

Reille), Eliza (Mrs. Benjamin K itz), and Louisa 

Mrs. Zachariah Long) are residents of Lehighton. 

Ammon resides at New Mahoning, where he carries 

on the mercantile business, and also conducts a large 

farm. 

In the year 1819, Jaco macher came to 

what is now New Mahoning, and soon after I I 

the hotel which be kept till his death. It is now kept 

by his son, Stephen. 

Christian Klotz was born in Lowhill township, 
Northampton now Lehigh) Co., May 14, 1789. He 



746 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



was a miller by trade, and about 1814 came to the 
Landing Tavern, on the Lehigh River, and for a 
year or two was a1 work rafting and in the mill. In 
the year 1816 he went up the Mahoning Creek, and 
obtained work in the mill on tin- site of the Gilbert 
Mill. Iii this year he married Elizabeth, the daugh- 
ter of Robert McDaniel, who lived a short distance 
from the mill. Ee remained at the mill till about 
1823, when he built .a mill on Pine Creek, now known 

the Hoppes mill-site, and moved his family there- 
to. At this place his wife died, Nov. 5, 1826, aged 
thirty-one years, leaving five children, — Amnion, 
Robert, Charlotte, Anna, ami Joseph. Amnion and 
Anna (Mrs. Grover) settled in Franklin township, 
where the former is still living. Charlotte became 
the wile of a Mr. Yost, and is long since deceased. 
Joseph resides at Pittston, Luzerne Co., Pa. Robert 
lives at Mauch Chunk. He was elected the first 
register and recorder of the county of Carbon in 
1843, has filled many important offices, and was a 
member of Congress tor this district in the Forty- 
sixth Congress. Christian Klotz married a second 
wife, by whom he had several children. He died at 
Lehighton, March 12, 1848, aged fifty-nine years, and 
was buried by the side of his first wife in the Mora- 
vian Cemetery. 

John, Jacob, and Daniel Klotz, brothers of Chris- 
tian, came to the Mahoning Valley and settled. John 
died in Lehighton in 1829. Jacob and Daniel lived 
and died in Mahoning township. 

John G. Kamerer, a native of Lehigh County, came 
to the valley in 1818, and purchased the farm now 
owned by Zacbariah Ham. Of his children, Thomas 
is now president of the National Bank of Lehighton. 
Theodore U. and William are engaged in business at 
Lehighton. Catharine also resides in that place. Re- 
becca, one of the elder children, became the wife of 
Joseph Musselman, and removed to Ohio. 

Thomas I'.eltz, a son of Leonard and Elizabeth 
Beltz, was a native of Towamensing township, where 
he was born in 1805. In 1820 he engaged with the 
Coal and Navigation Company at Summit Hill, and 
worked for them fifteen years. During this time he 
married Rebecca, a daughter of Jonathan Bachman, 
and settled in what is now Mahoning township. She 
dieil early in life, leaving two children, of whom Na- 
than resides in Stockton, Luzerne Co., Pa. He mar- 
ried, as a second wife, Maria, the daughter of Henry 
Arncr, who is still living. Harrison A. Beltz, now 
justice of the peace at Lehighton. is a son. 

The mother of Thomas Beltz resided with him in 
her later years, and died at his house in February, 
1867, at the age of one. hundred and five years. She 
was a daughter of Frederick Boyer, and was born in 
Towamensing township, Dec. 14, 1761. 

Septimus Sough, a Quaker, who was a native of 
Bucks County, born near Doylestown, in the year l*2<i 
purchased the old Gilbert mill and farm and settled 
there. His wife died in 1845, and he survived her 



until May 4, L852. A son, John, died many years ago. 
\ Bon, James l'., now lives at Mount Jefferson, in 
Mauch ('hunk township. \fter the death of Mr. 
Hough the property was sold to Michael Garber, 
win. now OH OS it. 

\ sketch of the Balliet family will be found in the 
history of North Whitehall township. Lehigh Co.. to 
which plaee the first of the family. Paul Balliet, emi- 
grated in 1742. Joseph Balliet, who settled in this 
township, was a son of Leonard Balliet, a native of 
Northampton now Lehigh) County, who settled in 
West Penn township, Schuylkill Co. Joseph bought 
a farm first at Centre Square, now owned by Joseph 
lliiuseeker. and later he purchased a farm id' Jacob 
Feller, which he lived on and where he died in 1881, 
aged eighty-seven years. He left a son, Nathan, who 
lives on the homestead. Thomas M. Balliet, the pres- 
ent superintendent of common school-, i- a son of 
Nathan Balliet. 

Solomon Gordon, who, in lSii.S, lived near the 
Gilbert Mill, was a blacksmith, and had a shop at 
that place. Later he moved about half a mile east, 
where he lived a few years and then emigrated to the 
West, and died on the way. 

Philip Sanders, in 1808, lived on the road from 
Lehighton to New Mahoning, where hi> son, John, 
no"w resides. 

Jonathan Bachman is mentioned in 18o,8. His 
daughter married Thomas Beltz. 

In the year 1842, when the township was erected 
and the first assessment-roll was made, the following 
persons' names appeared in connection with the prop- 
erties and pursuits here given : 

John Amnion, clock-maker and trader. 

Henry Arner, powder-mill and saw-mill. 

John Betz, grist-mill. 

Jacob Fenstenmacher, innkeeper. 

Michael Garber, grist- and saw-mill. 

David Heller, tan-yard. 

Reuben Hagenbuch, innkeeper. 

Christian Horn, innkeeper and butcher. 

Alfred Havline, merchant- and powder-mill. 

Morganroth & Hanline, merchants. 

William Horn, teacher. 

Abram Horn, innkeeper. 

George Heilman, saw-mill. 

John Kuntz, grist- and saw-mill. 

Jacob Musselman, saw-mill. 

Henry Notestine, saw-mill. 

John Solt, saw-mill. 

Stores — Mills. — The first store in the township 
outside of what is uow the borough of Lehighton 
was opened by Thomas Walton before the year 1825 
on the farm now owned by A. Reigel, a quarter of a 
mile cast of the New Mahoning post-office. He 
also opened a hotel and blacksmith-shop. The store 
was soon after kept by Abraham Hanline, and later 
by Hunsickcr, and the hotel was abandoned. 

About 1820, Henry Arner opened a shoe-factory on 



M IHONING TOWNSHIP. 



717 



tlic [T<-.-!it tii in i iif Ammon Arner to supply the 

miner- :it Summit Hill, Henry Bretnicfa lear i his 

trade with Arner, and upon hi- retirement, in 
Bucceeded to tin- business, and continued till I i 

In i 332, 1 1 <nr\ Arner and Abraham Hanlineer 
a powder-mill on t h<> site of tin- present bom 
saw-mill of Ammon Arner. \n explosion oo 
in i - . : i > . . r 1840, which resulted in the destruction of 

the buildings. Tin \ were relmilt, ami mi the — f 1 j ..I 

June, 1841, another explosion tuuk place, anil Daniel 
Arner, a son of Henrj Lrner, and John Snyd 
brother of the present Btate representative, E. H.Sny- 
der, were killed. The mill was again rebuilt, an 
under the management of Jonas Fritz until 
when it was abandoned. Hanline & Morganroth 
erected a powder-mill after 1842 mi the run where 
tin- bone-mill of David Kuntz now Btands. This 
was run tor many years by John Erb for tin- proprie- 
tors. An explosion occurred ami one man was killed. 
It was rebuilt, ami again exploded, killing two broth- 
ers, Kemerer, ami wounding Emanuel Durmitzer, 
th.n mi. ,it' the proprietors. These powder-mills 
gave employment to charcoal-burners, prominent 
among whom was Robert Blair, a Scotchman, who 
bumed charcoal in the summer ami t boo] in 

the winter. He also had a cooper-shop, anil em- 
ployed several men to make kegs. Gabriel Hilcher 

ami David Miller were coopers ami worked at the 

shop. 

Tin- first grist-mills erected in the limits of the 
town-hip wen- at the < rnadi nliu : ten Mi — ion soon 
after the arrival of the Moravian.-, in 1746. After this 

the first one built was one on the site of what is known 
as the Heilman Mill, which was built before the de- 
struction of die mission. It was owned bj Nathan 

Hinkle. Hi- nai Iocs not appear in 1781, and he 

probably abandoned his settlement. The next mill 
was built by Benjamin Gilbi after 177"', upon 

the site of the Garber Mill of to-day. After its de- 
struetion, in .t. Joseph Longstreth purchased 

operty, in 1783, ami rebuilt it. The property 
pa— .il to I), ami S. Kennedy, ami from them to Sep- 
timus Hough, who sold it to the present owner. 

The next mill of importance was erected by ( Ihris 
tian K lot/, iii 1823, on the stream ami by the site now 
Occupied bj S □ Hoppes. The old mill i- -till 

standing. The present mill was built across the street 
about 1850, by the present owner. It was operated in 
1842 by John Belts. 

In ISoL'. David Boyer, a native of Berks County, 

Game to the township and established a gun-shop on 

of the present St. John's < Ihnrch, where he 

manufactured guns for three years. He removed to 

Orwigsburg. II.- married Hannah, a daughter of 

ge Beck. 

Lutheran and German Reformed Churches.— 

egation was organized prior to 1850, and 

in that year erected tin present church edifice. At 

the same time a lot adjoining was laid out for a 



burial-place. I ; ed tin- Lu- 

■ on have been a- follows R 

\ B) r and W. H. Straus-, the la-t named being 

now in charge. The German Reformed have been 
served by the Rev. Charles Eich nd the Rev. 

Abraham Bartholomew ; tie ...lied nov 

e pulpit. The church i- situated about a mile 
ea-t of New Mahoning, on the road leading from Le- 

highton up the valley. 

Evangelical Church.— The Evangelical Church, 
situated in Mahoning town-hip. is about half a mile 
ea-t of New Mahoning, tin- edifice was erected in 
1861. Prior to 1873 the church was supplied with 
ing from ministers who were located at Weiss- 
port an. I othei pi* i ~ it year the ministers 
of the a--. .elation i burch, 
and have been a- here given : low A. I-'. Leopold. A. 

Kreeker, I'. B. Albright, B. .1. Smoyer, and W. K. 

W i. and, the present pa-tor. 

Beaver Run Methodist Episcopal Church. \ 
society of Methodists was >irch in 

tlie spring ..t L881, ami a church edifice was • 
at a i "-t oi eight hundred dollar-, on tin- road leading 
tioiu Packerton to Tamaqua, about tin., miles west 
in. in Lehighton. It was dedicated on the 29tb ..t 
January, 1882, and placed under th. of the 

I: .. I.. B. Hoffman. 

Post-Offices. -A post-office was established, about 
I s.',n, .<• New Mahoning, with Tilghman Artier as 
postmaster. He was succeeded by John II. Arner, 
who i- the present incumbent. 

A post-office was established at Pleasant Corner, 
and later moved to the F ivy man Hotel, where it is 
now kept bj .1. I. McDaniel. 

Schools. — The first schools in the limits of the 
township were kept by the Moravian- at tin- Gnaden- 

hutten Mission, between 1746 ami 1755. About L820 

a log house wa- built mi the site of the old m 
and used many years. It was in charge of the Mora- 
vian- of Bethlehem. The site is now embraced in 
the limits of Lehighton borough. About 1 si'.; schools 

1 in different parts ,,f the township. 

and at Centre Square a lot of thirty acres wa- pur- 
chased for church ami school purposes, about the 
year 1830, and placed in charge of trustees. \ -ehool- 

bouse was erected, and Used many year-; it ■ 
standing, but unu-ed. When it became necessary to 
rebuild, it was decided that the trustees could not 

give title to the b .'id another 

lot was purchased and a scl 1 building erected in 

i M' early teacher- in the township, I-aac liar- 

leinan, Samuel Dodson, ami .John Fultmi taught 
while the old system was it ind John Fulton 

• :ir In i in an \ years after the school law of 1 ••"A 
lopted. Harleman taught at Centre Si]uare>, 
and wa> succeeded by Fulton. Dodson taught be- 
tween ' - [uare and Lehighton. About 
36 Lewis Haney, a native of the township, com- 
menced teaching at Pleasant Corner, and taught 



748 



HISTORY OF CAKBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



years. The school law was accepted by this 
township about L840; the township was divided into 

districts. The School houses thai had been used were 

still continued, and where there were none in the 
limits of the district, achool was held in buildings 
fitted up — either dwellings or shops until a house 
was erected for the purpose. The district in which 
1 ehighton was situated was made an independent dis- 
trict in 1866, and Packerton also became an inde- 
pendent district in 1872. The following districts are 
now in the township : 

District No. 2, Sendel's, is situated weal from Le- 

highton, The school-house stands on the road from 
ih.n to New Mahoning. 

District No. 3 is known as Pleasant Comer. The 
school is situated a little north of the hotel and on 
the main road. 

District No. 4. or New Mahoning, is situated in the 
centre of the west end of the township. The school 
is situated nearly at the corners, at New Mahoning 
post-office. The present building was erected in 1873. 

District No. 5 is known as Centre Square, and em- 
braces the southwest corner of the township. The 
present school-house was built in 1873. 

District No. 6 is known as Garber's. The school- 
house is situated on the road south of Mahoning 
Creek and near the Eagle Hotel. 

District No. 7, known as Nishollow, is situated be- 
tween Mahoning Creek and the East Penn township- 
line. The school-house is on the valley road, in tin- 
west part of the district. 

District No. 8 is bounded by Lehigh River, East 
Penn township, District No. 7, and Lehighton bor- 
ough. The school-house is on the road that runs 
along the township-line. 

Districts Nos. 10 and 11 embrace the territory of the 
north part of the township. The school-bouses in 
each are placed about the centre of the district, on the 
main road that runs along the base of the mountain. 

The school directors elected since the erection of 
Carbon County have been as follows: 

1844. — Charles Keyser, Christian Klotz. 

1845.— W. H. H. Barton, Jacob Everts. 

1846. — John Derr, John B. Anion, Jacob Bowman. 

1847. — Daniel Seudel, Jonathan Freyman, George 
Cunfer. 

1848. — E. Durmetzer, Henry Arner. 

1849. — Thomas Beltz, John Sen del, Amnion Klotz. 

1850.— Francis Stucker, E. A. Bauer. 

1851. — Benjamin Kuntz, Tilghman Arner. 

1852. — George Smith, Conrad Solt. 

1853.— Henry Bretnich, William Horn. 

1854. — Thomas Kemerer, Oliver Musselman. 

1855. — Thomas H. Beck, Zachariah H. Long. 
. 1856. — Amos Reigel, William Horn. 

1857. — Charles Xandres, Nathan Klotz. 

1858.— Nathan Mosser, William Kistler. 

1859. — Jonas Horn, Gabriel Dilchert, Elwin Bauer. 

1860. — Amnion Arner, Elwin Bauer. 



186 1. —Thomas Kemerer, John Lent/, Elias Sheve. 

1862. Jonas A. Horn, Thomas McClean. 

1863. Amnion Arner, Reuben Hunsicker, Jonas 

Miller. 

Isil4. — Amos Miller, Daniel Olewine. 

1865. — Gabriel Dilchert, Thomas Ke n r, 

1866. -Conrad Hausman, Josiah Musselman, George 
Kemerer. 

1867. — W. G. Freyman, Joseph Everts. 

1868.— Elias Sheve, Amos Miller. 

1869.— David Kistler, Charles Sittler. 

1870. -Nathan Balliet, William G. Freyman. 

1871. — John McKelbv, Tilghman Arner. 

1872.- Henry Nothstein, John Sterner. 

1873.— Daniel Bach, William Horn. 

L874.- Bretnich, P. D. Keiser. 

1875. — P. D. Keiser, Jacob Hoffman. 

1870. — Nathan Mosser, David Longaker. 

1877. -Moses Rex, Godfrey Peters. 

1878. — George Boyer, John Freyman. 

1879. — None reported. 

1880— J.T. Semniel, Amos Riegel, John M.Kelvy. 

1881.— William Sittler, J. H. G. Horn. 

1882.— Henry Long, Godfrey Peters. 

1883. — Jacob Frantz, David Longaker. 

The following is a list of the justices of the peace 
since 1846: 

Thomas Kemerer, elected March, 1846. 

John Horn, elected March, 1847. 

Thomas Kemerer, elected March, 1851. 

Tilghman Arner, elected March, 1852. 

Thomas Kemerer, elected March, 1856. 

Tilghman Arner, elected March, 1857. 

William Kistler, elected March, 1861. 

Elias H. Snyder, elected March, 1864. 

William G. Freyman, elected March, 1866. 

Nathan Mosser, elected March, 1867. 

Thomas M. Weaver, elected October, 1870. 

Tilghman Arner, elected March, 1872. 

J. C. Xandres, elected March, 1874. 

Nathan Mosser, elected March, 1875. 

Thomas Weaver, elected March, 1876. 

.Nathan Mosser, elected March, 1880. 

Thomas Musselman, elected March, 1881. 

Packerton' is situated on the Lehigh River, mid- 
way between Lehighton and Mauch Chunk. It was 
originally called Burlington. The owners of the soil 
prior to the great freshet of 1862 were engaged in 
small farming, Mauch Chunk furnishing a ready mar- 
ket for their products. The Beaver Meadow Railroad, 
passing through this place, extending as far down as 
Parry ville, was built in 1837. 

Asa Packer, projector and builder of the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad, bought the Beaver Meadow Rail- 
road extension from Mauch Chunk. Mauch Chunk 
was the shipping-point. After the great freshet the 
increasing coal tonnage of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 

1 By W. Lee Stilea. 



PACKBB TOWNSHIP. 



749 



rood demanded re room. Asa Packer therefore 

made targe purchases of land at this point of I 

and John Dolon ami others, with a view to making it 

(he shipping-point t"< >r all coal passing east. 

shop, round-house, and forwarding office wire built, 

additional tracks laid, and dwelling-houses for the 

employes were erected Shortly after this the name 

was changed to Packerton. 

It is the central point of the Lehigh Valley Kail- 
road Company's immense coal traffic. The forward- 
ing department is located here in a commodious brick 
building; also the weigh-scales, over which pass the 

entire tonnage east, n veral million tons per 

annum. The car-shops, employing several hundred 
men, is an important feature. In thi - some 

of the finest and most improved machinery in the 
country. Upon the accession of Harry E. Packer to 
the presidency of the Lehigh Valley Railroad ;n;ii 
and much-needed improvements were made. The 

shipping-yard was enlarged, and is now one of the 
finest in the country. It will hold over three thou- 
sand loaded coal-cars, and about the same number of 
empty cars. The approach to the upper end of the 
yard is of sufficient grade to permit the movement of 
loaded cars by gravity. A large bulk of the coal is 
weighed by night. The entire yard, about two miles 
in length, is illumined by the .Metropolitan Electric 
Light. Two large round-houses, to. house sixty en- 
gines, and also a large machine-shop, are being pushed 
to completion. The population is between two and 
three hundred. The male portion find employment 
with the railroad company, some tew on the Lehigh 
and Susquehanna Division of the Reading Railroad, 
which passes through the place. There are but few- 
private residences, owned as follows: W. F. Brod- 
head, Levi Miller, Levi Krum, Allied Vanscooter, 
John Fritzinger, Tilghman Remaly, .Mrs. Luke Boy- 
Ian, Charles Langkamerer, John Mel linn, and George 
Dolon. John ('. Dolon, of Mauch Chunk, is a large 
real-estate owner, ami ha- Beveral tenant-housi - 

\ post-office was established here, with the late M. 
W. Raudenbush as the first postmaster. Lyman Mc- 
Daniel is the present incumbent. 

Packerton is an independent school and election 

district, and has a fine large brick school-house 'lie 
gift of Asa Packer i, a Methodist Church originally 
intended to be a I'nion Church), two stores, and a 
large hotel (owned by the present landlord, \ ■ 
Myers). The population is made up of all creeds and 
nationalities, composing a law-abiding, Sabbath-ob- 
serving people, frugal, industrious, and, of com - 
respondingly happy. 

Centre Square is a settlement situated near the 

west end of the township, and not far from the line 

of East Penn town-hip. and contain- several dwell- 

ool-house, and hotel. The property 

belonged to the Notestines, who settled then 

Uiout 1845, Daniel Notestine and Georg< 1 - 
man opened a store at the place, and later a hotel was 



i The first school-house in the townshi| 
cept the Moravian sell mil tat this | 

\boiit 1 - .man built a hotel on 

the road from Lehighton to '• it the 

placed called Pll III' kept foi 

eral year-. It i- now In the possession 
Stucker, and i- -till kept a- a hotel. 

New Mahoning is a settlement that contain! 
dwellin ner, a post 

a hotel kepi bj Stephen Fenstermacher, and a - 

bon-.'. Bus r 1 on t,, 

considerable extent in and neai 

1819, an account of which has been given. The lir-t 

hotel was opened by Jacob Feii-termai her in 1820. 

The -tore was kept many years by Tilghman Arm-r. 
About tic year 1-:::, a hotel wa- erected l". Henry 
Freyman on tie road from Tamaqua to Lehighton, 

and kept by him several years, lb wa- BUCi 
respectively by Philip and .lame- Ginter, and Jona- 
than Seidle. At present John i. McDaniel is the 
landlord. 



' II \ I' II. It XX. 

I R TOWNSHIP. 

Tins township was erected from Lausanne in the 
year 1*47. The only record that appears in the min- 
utes of ( luarter Si ssione i- the following. March l'4, 
1847: "In the matter of the application for a division 
of Lausanne tow nship, the report of commissioners to 
be recommitted to the commission) re." Ii appears 
from the above that a petition had been presented to 

ill urt and comn appointed, who had 

made a report that for some reason was not satisfac- 
tory. No further record is found; but on the 27tb of 
March. 1848, John Foust is returmd to the 
a- constabli for Packer township, and from that 
time the town-hip ha- been separate and distinct 
a- Pai kcr township. The territory embrace- the land 
lying within a boundary drawn fron thi I 
River, at the mouth of Nesquehoning Creek, to the 
Schuylkill County line; thence along the line to 
Hanks township : along Banks town-hip to the south- 
i ner of that township; from thence, in a south- 
easterly course, to the Lehigh River; thence down the 
Lehigh River about two hundred rod- to the p 
beginning. Broad Mountain extend- ' 
of the southern and middle nship. 

The Quakake Valley extend- through the township 
from north to south, and lie- between I'.road and 
Spring Mountain-. It is watered by the Qn. 
• 'reek, which rise.- in the Spring Mountain, in the 
West part of Hanks town-hip. and flows eastward 
through the town-hip and thi high, and 

empties into Lehigh River at Penn Saven. The 
valley is well adapted to agricultural pursuits, ami 



750 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



contains many valuable farms. Spring Mountain 
lies in the north part of the township, 

Tin' Mahanoy Division of the Lehigh Valley Kail- 
mail extends through the Quakake Valley, and there 
i- a station near Hudsondale named Hartz, from Col. 
Jacob Hartz, who was an old settler at this locality, 
thru one of the stopping-places between Wilkesbarre 
and Mauch Chunk, Over Spring Mountain, from 
Beaver Meadow and Broad Mountain to Mauch 
Chunk, a road also extends along the valley and from 
Hartz to Quakake. A plan of i lie \ illage of Quakake 
was recorded in Northampton County records Oi t. 7. 
1831. It was given as bounded by Branch Creek, 
Terapin Manor Lane, Turnpike Street, ami Kelchner 
Lane. Elaborate maps were prepared, inducements 
were offered to purchasers, and a few lots were sold, 
but the project of founding a village was soon after 
abandoned. 

An assessment-roll of Lausanne township, mad. in 
1808, the year that township (which then embraced 
wdiat is now Packer' was erected, contained the fol- 
lowing names of persons whose descendants an- -till 
living in this township: Daniel, Christopher, and 
Jacob Gerhard (all single men), Philip Hinkle, Fel- 
tun Hinkle (single), Jacob Hartz. The father of the 
Gerhards mentioned was an early settler, and left 
land to his sons, who at this time were living there, 
and where some of the sons of Daniel now reside. 
Daniel, in 1829, lived where his son, Solomon, now 
lives. He bad six sons, — Benjamin, Jonas, Joel, 
Daniel, Solomon, and Reuben. Jonas, Solomon, and 
Daniel are yet living, — the two first in the township, 
the latter in Rush township adjoining, in Schuylkill 
County. Henry, a son of Daniel, owns the grist-mill 
near the Gerhard Station, on the Mahanoy Division 
of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. 

Philip Hinkle lived near the Round Point, or 
Round Head, on land now owned by Daniel Faust. 
His sons were George, Philip, Reuben, and Jesse. 
Some of them are still living in the township. 

Jacob Hartz settled on what was a little later the 
line of the Lehigh and Susquehanna turnpike, and 
built a house there. The road was chartered in 1804, 
and built about 1808, and Hartz soon after erected a 
tavern (now and for many years known as the Spring 
Mountain House). He kept it until about 1820, when 
he sold to George Kelchner, whose father, Jacob, 
was a resident in the township in 1808. Mr. Hartz 
then built a house near by, and lived there several 
years. He was a clock-maker. Some of bis clocks 
are still in use in the county, — one belongs to Charles 
Nimson, one to the Dengler family (both of East 
Penn township), and one to a man in Mahoning 
township. Some time between 18.30 and 1835, Jacob 
Hartz bought part of a tract of four hundred acres 
(which belonged in 1801 to Matthias Gangwere and 
Abraham Sieber) a little southeast of where the Hud- 
sondale Station, on the Mahanoy Division of the 
Lehigh Valley Railroad, now stands, and on the Le- 



high and Susquehanna turnpike. On this land be 
built a tavern in later years known as the Swan), 
and kept it until bis death, about the year 1852. The 
land is still in possession of bis descendants. The 
other portion of this tract belongs to S. W. Hudson. 
Col. Jacob Eartz was elected Bheriff of Northampton 
County in 1829. He had eighl children, — Jonas, 
Susan, Sarah I Mrs. Josiah Freese, of Altoona |, .Mary. 

Elizabeth, William, Abigail, and Hannah Mrs. Wil- 
liam Biesel, of Weatherly). Jonas and William kept 
the tavern several years after their father's death. 
The sons of Jonas — Levi, Peter, and George — are 
living in the township, and Abram lives in Weath- 
erly, William died unmarried. The daughters — 
Susan, Mary, and Elizabeth— are unmarried, and 
reside at Weatherly, 

John Wetzel was a resident of the township as early 
as 1812, and located on land ndw owned by his sons 
and grandsons. He had lour sons — John, Valentine, 
Daniel, and David — and four daughters. The sons 
settled in the township, and David is still living. 
The daughters became the wives of Stephen Kerber, 
James Troy, Lewis Hettinger, and Philip Hinkle. A 
saw-mill was built many years ago on the' property, 
on oue of the streams tributary to Quakake Creek. 

John Faust, a native of Bucks County, born in 
1707, and still living, came to this township, then 
Lausanne, in April, 1S2'.', with his wife and five chil- 
dren, lie purchased two hundred acres of land, part 
of a large tract owned by Hotter and Hepler. There 
was a log house on the place, in ruins. This was 
made habitable until he eon Id huild the present 
house, owned by John Bitner, who is a son-in-law. 
Here eight more children were born to them. Mrs. 
Faust died in 1804. Their children were Daniel, 
Catharine (Mrs. David Keller), Elizabeth (Mrs. Sol- 
omon Rinker), Mary (Mrs. Peter Hartz), Caroline 
(Mrs. John Bitner). These are all living in the 
township. John lives at Audenried; Henry, at 
Mahanoy City; and Edward, at Weatherly. 

Ephfaim Balliet came to this township from Lu- 
zerne County about 1839 or 1840, and purchased two 
hundred acres of land adjoining John Faust, and a 
part of the same tract of four hundred acres. He 
was elected justice of the peace in 1848, 1857, and 
1862. He had two sons, — Solomon and Abram. Sol- 
omon died in early manhood, and Abram still lives in 
the township. Of his three daughters, Elizabeth, 
Caroline, and Mary, the former became the wife of 
Edward Faust, of Weatherly. 

Matthias Gangwere was part owner of a tract of 
four hundred acres in 1801, near where Hudsondale 
Station now is. The name of Edward Gangwere ap- 
pears in 1849, but in 1883 the name is not on the as- 
sessment-roll. Samuel Gangwere was mentioned in 
1808. Peter Rumble was also the possessor of a large 
tract in 1801, now the property of S. W. Hudson, 
whose foundry is upon it. His name appears in an 
assessment of 1849. 



PACKEB TOWNSHIP 



751 



Samuel Powell also was warrantee of a largo trau t. 
He died before 1808,8810 thai year "Widow Powell" 
is assessed on real estate. The name has disappeared 
from the township, [n addition to these, the Bomigs, 
Bteinere E ind others came into the township. 

The assessn -roll of Packer township, made Feb. 

B6, I B 1'.'. tlii' tir-t after ii- erection, returns a- follows : 

estate valuati thirty-seven thousand 

hundred and eighty-seven dollars; money at interest, 
two thousand seven hundred and fifteen dollar-; 
e-carriages, one hundred and five dollars; 
amount of valuation mi professions, trail. - 
pations, etc, three thousand four hundre 
number of taxable inhabitants, sixty-eight. William 
Hart/, and Andrew Siegfried 
Tin' owner- of real estate in the township at that time 
are here given: Ephraim Balliet, Jacob Boughert, 
John Faust, Daniel Faust, Henry Faust, Daniel Ger- 
hard, Jr., Dan i.l Gerhard, Sr., Benjamin Gerhard, 

Jui'l Gerhard, Jonas Gerhard, Joseph J is, Henrj 

1;. an-, Edward Gangwere, Jonas Hart/, William 
Hart/., Philip Hinkle, Sr., Philip Hinkle, Jr., I ! 
Hinkle, Thomas ami William Hart, William Sim- 
mers, F. Beatis, Jacob Weiss, Stephen Dei 
George ami Benneville Keim, < !harles Leivick, George 
Mark. Peter Bumble, Albright .\ Romick, Benjamin 
Bomick, S.,lum. in Binken, Daniel Steward, Peter 

Potter, Richard Winner, 
Samuel Wolf, Wolf & Balliet, Valentine Wetzel, 
James Washburn. Enoch Washburn, John W 
Daniel Wetzel, John Wetzel, .lr.. Michael Young, 
Reuben Young. 

Below is given a synopsis of the assessment-roll of 
1883, giving valuation, tanners, and professions. 

The valuation on real estate is given as fifty-eight 
thousand six hundred and five dollars; total county 
and State tax, three hundred and thirty-five dollars 
and seventy-one cents. 

The name- of tlmse who are a--' ssed a- farmers are 
here given : John C. Bittner, John Duncan, William 
S. Dietrich, George Esop, John Englehard. Lewi- I.. 
Evans, Nicholas Erckmau, Daniel Faust, David D. 
Gerhard, S. D. Gerhard, Jona- ( orhard, Philip Hin- 
kli , Job Jenkins, Tin una- Kane. Sr., < Jem 
ger, Jacob Mace, Johl Nathan Romig, Jacob 

H. Bitter, John Romig, Sr., Thomas Romig, Reed & 
Howe, David L. Stewart, Reuben Steiner, Simon 
Smith, David Wetzel. John Webb. ' If other occupa- 
tions in the township the following are assessed : 
Dupont Powder Magazine Company, Laflin & 
Powder Magazine Company, Schaghticoke Powder 
Company, Cassidy, .Miller iV. Co., steam saw-mill; 
Daniel & Sarah Gerhard, grist-mill; S. D. A; Jonas 
Gerhard, saw-mill; S. W. Hudson, lumberman, -aw 
and grist-mill; S. B. Hudson, lumberman; Joseph 
Sattelle, hotel-keeper; Henry Gerhard and .la- 
Smith, millers; H. A >■■ cher; Abraham 
Romig iv. Martin Baettzer, blacksmiths. 

Mills. — A grist-mill was built on the Quakake 



about two mil, - above where < lerhai 
now i-, before Di".'. and ow 1 1 one- 

ville Keim. It WSJ |' I i-t in 1 >\\ , 

and run by him until 1849, when In I to il- 

n i lerhard Station. It ic 

owned bj Henry I ier! 

-aw-iuill. now iii ruins, a i 

■ nit about 1840 by the Gerhards, and 
till 1870. Saw-mills were erected many yi 

the creek that passes through the Steiner property, 
and owned by them. 

Iii 1849, Gerhard & Balliet owned a saw-mill on 
Quakake ('reek, now owned by Solomon and Jonas 

■ rd. 

I bi saw-mill on the Wetzel property i- still in use, 
having been built many years 

In 1869, S. W. Hudson came to the township, and 
purchased property near what i- now Hudsondale, — 
a part nt the Peter Rumble tract. A saw-mill 
the creek, which had been previously operal 

William Koontz. This was rebuilt and 0| ■ 

eral years. The next yeat I860 Mr. Hudson ei 

a foundry, which was carried on till 1881. In 1869 

mill at Hudsondale 
with four run- of stone. 

\ steam saw-mill was erected in 1882 "ti the Nes- 
quehoning Creek, by Cassidy, Miller a. i lo. This i- 
the only business interest south of the Broad Moun- 
tain. 

Powder-Mills and Magazines.— Soon after the 
close ot' the war Beveral gentlemen built a powder- 
mill, called the Quakake Mills, at Quakake. They 

man ii tact urc 1 several year.-, had one or two explo- 
-i in-, and in 1873 s..|d to the Larlin Powder Manu- 
facturing Company, who rebuilt the mill-, ami con- 
tinued the business until about 1878, when the works 
blew up, and tin compan] removed to Laflin, mar 
Wilkesbarrc, where the) now carry on the manu- 
facture. 

Iii 1869, Smith .v Rand were in possession of forty 
acre- of land on Broad Mountain, and the Schaghti- 
COke Powder Company one acre. Iii D7] each of 

built a magazine tor holding powder. 

The firm of Smith .V. Hand had changed to the Laflin 
.V Hand I'ouder Company, who, a little later, pur- 
chased the land and magazine of the Schaghticoke 

Company. The company now has two magazines, 
with a capacity of live thousand kegs each. 

■ ated on thi Mountain, on the old turn- 

pike, about three miles from Mauch Ohunk. The 
company also hat tine with capacity of two 

thousand kegs, located at Hudsondale. B 

, of Mauch t 'hunk, are agents for the company, 
[in Dupont Powder Company established two 

on the turnpike road, at the fool of Broad 
Mountain, in 1836. The present capacity ol 
ten thousand kegs, and of the other five thousand 
hi. ier W. Leisenring, of Mauch ('hunk, 
is agent for this company. 



7.".-' 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Taverns. — The lir>t tavern in the limits of what 
i- now Packer township was started by Col. Jacob 
Hartz, in 1812 14, where the Spring Mountain Souse 
now stands, on the Lehigh and Susquehanna turn- 
pike. He kept this place till 1820, and sold to George 
Kelchner, who kept it Ibr a time. It was then kept 
respectively by Samuel Wolf, Frederick Nicely (six 
years), Daniel 0. Don n ell, Benjamin Itomig, Samuel 
Wolf, Andrew Siegfried (ten years), Levi Hart/ (ten 
years , John Booth (one yeai . Petei Hart/ (eleven 
years), James Cole two years), John Wear (one 
year). By him it was sold to Joseph Sattelle, the 
present proprietor. Samuel Wolf, when he kept the 
tavern the lirst time, opened a store at the corners, in 
a building still standing opposite the tavern. This 
he conducted till the close of his second term in the 
tavern, when he sold all his goods and furniture at 
vendue and moved to Danville, Montour Co., Pa. 
The tavern was kept as a temperance house the last 
time he was proprietor. 

( !ol. Jacob Hartz, about 1835, built a tavern at the 
foot of the north slope of Broad Mountain, and kept 
it until his death, about 1852. His sons continued 
it for a year or two. Samuel Gangwere later became 
proprietor, and he was succeeded by William Victor, 
who kept it as a tavern till 1881. It was known as 
the Swan Tavern. A tavern was kept several years 
on the road leading through the valley, known as the 
Quakake Hotel. 

St. Matthew's Lutheran and German Reformed 
Church. — The only church in the township is situated 
a little west of the centre of the valley, on land that 
was donated for church purposes by John Faust, in 
1834. A church was organized in that year, and a 
log building erected to accommodate both the church 
and a school. This answered the purpose till 1868, 
when it was torn down, and the present edifice, forty 
by fifty-five feet in dimensions, erected on the same site. 
The pastor who officiated at the organization was the 
Rev. Isaac Sheilheimer. Among the many ministers 
who have served this church are the Revs. Benninger, 
Boyer, Grim, Daniel, Kurtz. Krohn, Frankle, Fink- 
ling, Muirhler, and A. M. Masonheimer, the present 
pastor. 

Schools. — About 1823 a school-house was built near 
the residence of Jacob Hartz, who then lived near 
what is now the Spring Mountain House. The tim- 
ber for this school-house was the first sawed at the 
mill of Benjamin Romick, on Black Creek, now the 
site of Weatherly. James DafTe was an early teacher. 
A school-house is now standing near the site of the 
old one. This was later known as the Turnpike 
District. 

In 1834, when the St. Matthew's German Reformed 
Church was erected, a part of it was partitioned off 
for school purposes, and was used till the destruction 
of the building, in 1868. A new one (which is still 
used) was then erected on the same site. Among the 
early teachers were Daniel Gerhard, David Stewart, 



and Adam Beers. This house was built near the 
residence of John Faust and Ephraim Balliet, both 
of whom were the first director-. The district was 
later known as the Church District. Another school- 
house was built on the road leading through the 
valley, above the Gerhard Mills. This is still used. 

These three school-houses mentioned are the only 
ones in the township. The schools contain one hun- 
dred and fortj one pupils. The directors are D. L. 
Howard, W. 8. Dieberick, John Bomig, Job Jenkins, 
David D. Gerhard, George Eroh. 

The following is a lisl of the school directors of the 
township since its organization: 

Is is. —Jonas Hartz, Eph. Balliet, Joel Gerhart. 

1849. — Daniel Gerhart, Andrew Gangwere. 

1850. — Solomon Rinker, Reuben Young. 

1851. — John Young, Daniel D. Steward. 

1852.— Peter Hartz, Jacob Derr, E. Balliet. 

1853. — Valentine Wetzell, Solomon Rinker. 

1854. — Andrew Siegfried, William Faust. 

1855.— Nathaniel /.oil, Eph. Balliet. 

1856. — Jonas Hartz, Sol. Rinker. 

1857.— Benj. Gerhart, Ed. Young, Val. Wetzell. 

1858. — John G. Steiner, Henry Faust, Daniel Ger- 
hard. 

1859. — Peter Hartz, Jacob Derr. 

I860.— D. D. Stewart, Edwin Young. 

1861.— J. G. Steiner, Levi Hartz. 

1862.— Peter Hartz, J. N. Faust. 

1863— D. D. Stewart, William Faust. 

1864.— Philip Kinkle, Levi Hartz. 

1865. — George Hartz, Joseph Schneider. 

1866.— Archibald Dieb, H. Bockerts. 

1867.— John Young, D. D. Stewart, 

1868. — John Romig, Jonas Gerhart. 

1869.— Val. Boetzer, George Hinkle. 

1870.— S. D. Gerhart, Peter Hartz. 

1871.— Henry Gerhart, J. J. Poole. 

1872. — John C. Bitner, Samuel Gangwere. 

1873.— E. Tilson, George Eroh, Henry Boehardt. 

1874.— W. Krop, John C. Bitner. 

1875.— John Romick, J. C. Bitner. 

1876.— D. B. Keller, Reuben Steiner. 

1877.— Reuben Dauber, Peter Hartz. 

1878. — James Gerhard, John C. Bittner. 

1879.— S. B. Hudson, R. W. Steward, Reuben 
Sterner. 

1880.— D. D. Gerhard, Peter Hartz. 

1881.— D. L. Howard, W. S. Dieberich. 

1882. — John Romig, Joseph Jenkins. 

1883. — David D. Gerhard, George Eroh, Jonas Ger- 
hard. 

Post-Offices. — A post-office was established at the 
store of Samuel Wolf a year or two after the Lehigh 
Canal was opened. Mr. Wolf, who was the postmas- 
ter, kept the office at the store until he removed from 
the township, when it was changed to the tavern-stand 
of Jacob Hartz, and continued till about 1858, and the 
landlords became postmasters. Soon after the opening 



PACKER TOWNSHIP. 



J 53 



bf Mahanoy Division, Hudsondale became a station, 
Bad a post-offii e was established there, with Samuel 
Hudson ms postmaster. He -till holds the position. 

Justices of the Peace. — The justices of the peace 
since the organization of the township have been ae 

t'nl lows : 

Ephraim Baliiet, March, 1848; March, 1849; 
March, 1850. 
Jonas Hartz, tfarcl , I - 
Solomon I K ' lerhard, March 
Daniel Gerhard, March, 
Benjamin Romig, March, 1855. 
Solomon Rinker, March, 1856. 
Ephraim Baliiet, .March. L857; Manl,. 1858, 
John Steiner, March. 1859. 
Peter Steel, March. L859. 
Joel Gerhart. March, 1859. 
Peter Steel, March, 1860. 
Solomon Rinker, March, 1861. 
Peter Hart/, March, 1861. 
Ephraim Baliiet, March, 1862. 
Joel Gerhard, March. 1863. 

Peter Hartz. March. 1864. 
S. \V. Ilu. Is,,, i. March. 1865. 
Peter Hart/. March. 1866 (declined i ; March 
(declined). 
John Faust. March. 1869 declini 
S. W. Hudson, ■ >ctober, 1869. 
John Faust, October, 1869 (declined . 

D. R. Kidder, October, 1869. 

E. B. Dodson, March. 1ST -J declined). 
J. J. Poole. March, 1878. 

S. W. Hudson, March. 1874, to 188 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



- VMi EL WILKINSON HUDSON. 

The grandfather of the subject of this sketch lived 
in Yorkshire, England. He was captain of the militia, 
or Home * ruards, and one of six brothers who. while 
the war between England and France was in full sway, 
as members of the militia, volunteered to go to Don- 
caster Races, now so celebrated, and repulse the Danes. 
who, taking advantage of the absence of the regular 
army, frequently invaded that part of the country. 
Not one of these patriotic brothers was permitted to 
return, all having fallen in battle. 

Capt. Hudson's only child, James, was born Aug. 
20, 1792, being thus left an orphan in early life, he 
was soon thrown on his own resources. After obtain- 
ing a fair education, he learned the machinist's trade, 
which he followed in after-life. In 1815 he married 
Mi— Lydia Wilkinson, who was born in Yorkshire, 
17'. | 4. Hei father occupying the position of honor 

and trust as butler to Lord Ribelsdel, she had more 
than ordinary opportunities of securing education, re- 
18 



finement. and culture, so that their mania 
a happy and fruitful one. the result of which was five 
children, three sons and two daugl which 

Samuel W. is the fourth in B lorn in 

the homestead al Kethla, near Leeds, Yorkshire, Maj 
29, 1821. tn January of 1827, Mrs. Lydia Hud-- 

mother, died after a -horl illness ; tin- old, - 

died in August, 1840. In July. 1829, hi- father, 
with the remaining family, set sail in the Bailing-ship 

"John Wells" lor America. After a long and 

they landed in Philadelphia, which they made 

their home. < In July J 1 , 1831, hi- lather appri 
Samuel W. for a period of ten J car-, dating fro 

16, 1832, to Michael Dyott, of Philadelphia, tl 
Michael Dyott agreeing to 

ii his hii»,r the trad,- of glass-blowiii 

wicker-making, also to provide him with clothing 
and board, allowing him the privileges of attending 
night- and Sabbath-schools. This firm failed, owing 

to the financial panic of 1837, BO that the indenture 

was canceled. In October of 1837 be was appren- 
ticed to Jacob Kits, of Chester, Pa., who w 

neral foundry business. Here he learn- 
moulding trade, together with his two brothers, who 
were employed by the same firm. In 1840 he re- 
turned to Philadelphia, where he worked at hi- trade 

with the firm then known as Rush & Muhlenberg. 

In 1841 he removed to 1'ottsville. Pa., and remained 
there until 1845, when he went to Weathei 
For one year he was unsettled: finally located : it 
Tamaqua, Pa., where he started in business for him- 
self, in the -hops now known a- ( 'alter, A lien & 
Liter two years of fair bui sold out. and re- 

moved to Sugar Loaf, Luzerne Co., where he started 
machine-shops, tin- linn then being known as Hud- 

-on A Allen. These -hop- wen- destroyed by fire in 
1850, after which they moved their machinery to 

Beaver Meadow. Pa., where they began 1" 
larger scale, manufacturing all kind- of heavy and 
useful machinery. Among other work was that done 
for the Bowman Brother-, at Parryville, in furnish- 
ing the principal material for erecting their lie" tur- 

ln 1859 he -old out his interest to hi- brother, 
Brice Hudson, and moving to Budsondale, Pa. 
known as Hartz's), in Packer township. Carbon 
County, he invested in large tract.* id' farming and 

timber land. Here also he Btarted again in _ 
foundry business, and continued in the same until 
1876, building a large grist- and flour-mill during 
that time. Ahout the year 1880 his mind took an 
inventive turn, and he began to originate to such an 
extent that he has taken out letters patent to the 
ii I"! of sixteen. The most important are in hy- 
draulic- and pneumatics, among Oth ir ven- 
tilating mines, another an air-compressor, used for 
transmitting energy by means of compressed air. The 
md most important is a compressed-air pump, 

or pneumatic watei -elevator. These patent- a- a class 
arc useful and practical. 



;.-ii 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Mr. Hudson has taken an active interest in politics 
lor many years, casting hi> first vote as a Whig for 
Henry Claj in 1844. His parly being largely in the 

minority in the COUnty, his public record lias nut been 
extended as might have heen desired In his polit- 
ical allies. I hi Dec. 11, 1846, he was married to 
.Mary, daughter of Thomas and Ann Carter. She was 
horn Sept. 21, 1825, at Mara/.ion, Cornwall, England. 
Her family came to this country iii 1842, and located 
at Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Pa. The Carter family 
has since become so successful that to-day they repre- 
sent some of the largest coal interests in Carbon 
County. 

The issue of their marriage resulted in three chil- 
dren. Lydia, the oldest, was married to Joseph J. 
Poole, January, 1869, and died March, 1870. The 
next, Samuel B., married Miss Susan Deunier, of 
Tunkhannock, Pa., October, 1876. He is engaged in 
farming, lumbering, and milling at Hudsondale. 
Annie Carter, the youngest, is residing with her 
parents at the old homestead. 

Mr. Hudson's life thus far has been one of great 
activity and usefulness, and his greatest pleasure is 
in laboring for the advancement of science and me- 
chanics. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

PENN FOEEST TOWNSHIP. 

This section of country was part of that great dis- 
trict north of the Blue Ridge which, prior to 1768, 
was known as "Towamensing," meaning "the wil- 
derness." In that year it was divided, and Towamen- 
sing township embraced all territory in Northampton 
County east of Lehigh River, and thirty-six miles 
north of the Blue Ridge. After the Revolution the 
territory now comprising part of Monroe County and 
the townships of Penn Forest and Kidder was erected 
into Tobyhanna ' township. Early in the. year 1842, 
while the township of Tobyhanna was a part of Mon- 
roe, County, it was divided, and all that portion of 
territory now Penn Forest and Kidder townships was 
erected into a township called " Penn Forest." The 
next year (1843), upon the erection of Carbon County, 
it became a part thereof, and in 1849 the north part 
was set off as Kidder township. 

It is bounded on the west by the Lehigh River, on 
the south by Franklin and Towamensing townships, 
on the east by Monroe County, and on the north by 
the township of Kidder. 

It is watered by tributaries of the Lehigh, — Muddy 
Hun, Drake, Stony, and Hear Creeks. These rise in 
the east part of the township and flow westerly, and 

i The township wan named Tobyhanna from the creek of that name 
which flowed through it. It it* a corruption of the Indian word Topi- 
hanne, which niguifieB a Btreain whose banks are fringed Willi aiders. 



join the Lehigh. Wild Creek and its tributaries, Tar 
Hun and White Oak Run. in the south part of the 
township, flow southeasterly, and pass out near the 
southeast eoi mr. 

Early Roads.- .Many years before the township 
was settled a State road was laid out, passing through 

its limits from E tetsburg to White Haven. The 

fust action in reference lo roads in this county was at 
the first term of court, in December, 1843, al which 
time a petition was presented for a road from a road 
leading from Weissport to the Monroe ( 'oiinty line to 
a point on the Lehigh River opposite Penn Haven. 
George Fegley at this time had a store at this place 
on the river. This petition was granted and the road 
laid out. Later a portion was abandoned, but part of 
it is yet in use. 

Settlement of Perm Forest.— The territory now 
embraced in this township in 1835 was a wilderness 
of pine and hemlock forest, and is yet known as Pine 
Swamp. About this time the timber attracted the at- 
tention of lumbermen, and the tracts which had been 
warranted to others were bought up by lumber com- 
panies, that were formed for the purpose of erecting 
mills and cutting and manufacturing lumber. Mills 
were built at available sites on the streams, tene- 
ments were erected for the laborers, and the work com- 
menced. Years elapsed, and the timber was mostly 
cut off. Fires in the woods destroyed many of the 
mills, some of which were rebuilt, and others not. 
The companies sold the denuded lands to other par- 
ties and disappeared. The settlements around these 
mills often contained a store, tavern, and school- 
house. There is given below an abstract from the 
assessment-roll of Penn Forest in 1S43, — the names 
of corporations and persons owning large tracts of 
land, mills, and occupations of others not laborers. 
The statement here given comprises what is now 
Penn Forest and Kidder townships. 

There are one hundred and forty-four persons as- 
sessed for county, sixty-one for State, purposes, and 
sixty-four for unseated lands. Fann Black, 400 acres ; 
Peter Burger & Co., 1800 acres and a saw -mill ; But/., 
Meckes & Co., 1200 acres, tenements, and saw-mill ; 
Joshua Bullock, gentleman ; Jonathan Fell, 1017 
acres, three saw-mills, and tenement ; Thomas Craig, 
400 acres, two saw-mills, and tenements; Christmaii, 
Craig & Co., 1200 acres and saw-mill; Anthony 
Christman, saw-mill; Christman, iStemler, Serfass >V 
Co., 400 acres and saw-mill ; Jost Dreisbaeh, 9.33 
acres, tenements; Jonas Dreisbaeh, 111 acres; Aaron 
Dreisbaeh, 60 acres; Taylor & Co., 1200 acres; W. 
Edinger, 1400 acres, tavern, saw-mill, tenements ; 
Fish, Green & Co., 1317 acres; George Fegley, mer- 
chant and tenements ; Gower, Serfass & Co., 600 acres, 
saw-mill, and tenements; Abram Good & Co., saw- 
mill; J. 11. Hillman, gentleman; John Hawk, 700 
acres and saw-mill ; Daniel Hawk, 400 acres and saw- 
mill ; Henry Kenholt & Co., saw-mill; Charlotte 
Meckes, 400 acres and saw-mill ; Owen Hume & Co., 



PENN FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



755 



UO acres and saw-mill ; Samuel D. Striked Co., 1200 
a.rcs: Charles Scott, two saw-mills; Reuben Serfass 
& Co., LOO acres, saw-mill, and tenements; - 1 
Berfass >v Co., 600 acres and tenements; Frederick 
putter, innkeeper ; John Smith, 400 acres, saw-mill ; 
Jacob Steiner, 1300 acres and saw-mill ; John Serfass 
.V Co., 600 acre- and saw-mill; Samuel Lywell, 578 
acres, two saw-mills, and tenements; II. raylor, 
gentleman; Warner & Taylor, 864 acr< . Eto 
Trego, l"2s acres ami saw-mill: Taylor .v. Brock, 
L308 acres; Malilnn K. Taylor & Co., 6394 acri 

store ; < reorge Weaver. 2200 aires, two sau-mills, ami 
tenements ; Warner & Co., double -aw-mill and 80 

acres; I. & S. Gould & Co., 1196 acres and two saw- 
mills ; Gould, Taylor & Co., :!iii> I acres ami saw-mill ; 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, L266 

Jacob Brutzman, G ge Crosley, Samuel Biller, 

Thomas Krom, William Johnson, David Kline, 
Michael Knerr, I bi ni Ladli . [saai Sepps, and 

Safford Willard, lawyers ; Andrew Decker, Andrew 
McKreal, lock-tenders; Robert Alberton, James 
Barkios, and Jacob West, mechanics; Fran 

brio, master-mechanic. 

Mills. — These companies were located at the places 

given, as nearly as can be ascertained, as follows: 

Peter Berger .v Co., wl tvned eighteen hundred 

acres of timber land, built a saw-mill on Mud Bun, 
a mile below Adam Meckes'. They bad been 
carrying on operations from about 1840, continued till 
about ISO", ami sold to Christian ami William Kramer, 
who sold to Jacob Frey. It is now own. d by Frank 

< lowen. 

Butz, Meckes & Co. owned twelve hundred acre-. 

and erected a mill on Stony Creek, about thro 
above its mouth. They ran the mill ei-ht or ten 
years, and sold to Strotiss & Miksell, of Easton. It 
was burned down about I860, and not rebuilt. 

Jonathan Fell, who owned one thousand and seven- 
teen acres, built a double mill at the mouth of Bear 
Creek. This mill was run until about 1862. It was 
also burned down. The timber was exhausted. The 
land is now owned by Caspar Nepp. Joshua Bullock 
lived at this place, and had entire charge of the mills. 

Thomas Craig, who owned four hundred acres, 
built one mill on Drake Creek, about two miles from 
the mouth. He sold to Charles Smith, who still owns 
it. Thomas Craig. Jr., built a mill later at the mouth 
of Stony Creek, which was burned down. It i- now 
owned by Adam Christman. 

Cbristman, Stcmler, Serfass A: Co. owned 
hundred acres of land on Stony Creek, whei 
Koch now lives. The mill was built previous to their 
purchase by John .Mover. Enos Koch bought two 
hundred and twenty-six acres of the property, and 
continued the operation o| the mill, rebuilding it in 
fall of L883. lb' opened a tavern in L848 in the old 
house, ami in 1SG0 built the present hot 

William Edinger owned fourteen hundred a' 
the old State road from Emmetaburg to White I 



I I ii lor. I - hi, he built a tavern ami owned a saw- 

mill. The mill was built by Conrad I 'otter on Job 
Spring Run. Ii passed from Edinger to 
Fragle. The mill was burned, and the parties built 

another on Mud Run, mar A lbriL r hts\ ille, which is 

now owmd by Daniel Christman. 
Goweu, Serfass & Co. owned six hundred acres at 

the head of Drak ind the) built there a mill 

and tenemi i iout 1840, and continued opera- 
tions until about 1860 iwen,0 fthe part- 
ners, purchased tin- whole previous to I860. II 
to John Gowen & Timothy F radio It is now owned 
bj \>!ain ( Ihristman. 

John Serfass & Co. owned sis hundred aci 
Pine Run, a tributary of Big Creek, on which they 

erected a saw-mill. It wa- -old later to Robert Weiss 

and Reuben Si rfass. It is now owned by Frab 
fass. 

William Serfass and Adam Kunkle owned a tract 
of land on Tinder ('reek, about a mile and a bait 

from the mouth. They sold to Law fir, Kreage & 

I'oneir, who built a mill on Mud Run, above the 

mouth ot Pender Creek. Thej -,,1.1 t., Young & 

Sellers. The property is now owned by John Eckerl 
and wife. The lower mill is now used, 

Samuel Heller built a mill on Stony Creek, 
Adam t ibristman. It is now ow tied by \dam ( 'hrist- 
man. 

Frederick and Jacob Brotzman owned a large tract 
of land where this settlement now is, and built on 
Mud Run two saw-mills about 183'*,. They b 
embarrassed, and the property wa- -old t.. George 
Weaver, who owned in 1843 two thousand two hun- 
dred acres. He sold, in 1850, to Aquilla Albright and 

Vansickle. They built another .saw-mill about 

a mile below. 

A store wa- kept here at one tunc by Aquilla Al- 
bright. 

The mills are not now standing. This place was 
called by Albright Alhrightsville, and the settlement 
iSS tie' -tream has taken the name. 

The following statement i- from the assessment-roll 
of the town-hip in 1882, and gives tin nai 
persons now owning mills and distilleri. 

August B ding-mill. 

Daniel Christman. saw-mill. 
Thomas ( Iraig, saw -mill. 

Christman & Freyman, saw-mill. 

Henry Deppe, -aw-mill. 
Reuben » Iregorj . saw-mill. 
William GetZ, saw-mill. 
k ( low en, saw-mill. 
Fnos Koch, saw-mill. 

\ bram Meckes, saw-mill. 

- i ni. , Mei ! • - -aw-mill. 

Philip Meckes, -aw-mill. 

Frank Serfass, -aw-mill. 

Charles Smith, -aw- and paling-mill. 

i Iraig .V i Ibristman, shingle-mill. 



756 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Paul Donner, turning-mill. 

About the year L861, Samuel Donner commenced 

the distillation of wintergreen. Since that time a 
number of distilleries have been started for that pur- 
pose and the distillation of oil from the birch. The 
names are here given of those who now own and 
operate distilleries in the township: Catharine An- 
drews, Jacob Bartholomew, Charles Christman, Wil- 
liam Duttiin. Paul Donne) (two), Paul Prey, Jacob 
Kunkle, Enos Kneli. Samuel Meckes, Philip Meckes, 
Reuben Meckes, William Oliver, J. J. Smith (two), 
Peter Serfass, Robert Serfass, Benjamin Serfass, Lydia 
Schoeb. 

Hotels, Emanuel Kibler and Enos Koch. 

Grist-mill, Henry Deppe. 

There are but seven persons in the township who 
are assessed distinctively as farmers. They are as 
follows: George Christman, Charles Christman, 
Adolph Henning, Josiah G. Harlan, Francis Lyer, 
and Henry Tracy. 

The population of the township, by the census of 
1880, is six hundred and fifty-three. 

Taverns. — The first tavern built in the township 
was erected on the Pocono Mountain, and on the 
State road leading from Emmetsburg to White 
Haven. It was first kept by Frederick Suter, about 
1838, and soon after called "The Hunter's Hotel," a 
name by which it is still known. It was kept by him 
till about 1850, and passed into other hands. It is 
now owned and kept by Emanuel Kibler. Soon after 
this was opened, and before 1843, William Edinger 
built a tavern a little distance northeast of the Hun- 
ter's Hotel, which was kept several years and discon- 
tinued. 

About the same time the last tavern was opened 
George Fegley built a dwelling and a store, which 
last he kept. About 1850 he opened a tavern, kept 
his store, and built several dwellings. The place was 
opposite Penn Haven, and the Lehigh Canal passed 
here. Quite a business grew up here, and in a feu- 
years the settlement contained, in addition to the 
tavern-stand, a store and warehouse, a carpenter-shop, 
blacksmith-shop, boat-yard, stabling, with accommo- 
dations for one hundred and fifty horses, and twelve 
dwellings, and the place bid fair to become a consid- 
erable village. The great freshet of 18C2 (January) 
swept the buildings all away or destroyed them, and 
nothing of consequence has been rebuilt there. 

In 1848, Enos Koch, who had a saw-mill on Stony 
Creek, opened his house as a tavern, and has con- 
tinued to keep a public-house to the present time. 
A new house (the present one) was erected in 1860. 

About the year 1850, Adam Meckes, who owned a 
mill property on Mud Run, at what is now Meckes- 
ville, started a tavern, which he kept fifteen or twenty 
years. None is kept there at present. 

Churches. — In the year 1870, when the agitation 
concerning the building of a new school-house on 
Stony Creek was at its height, it was decided to 



make it large enough to answer also for church pur- 
poses. There were members of Lutheran and Re- 
formed German Churches in the community, and 
upon its completion services were held there. The 

pastors who served were the Revs. Decker, 

Frederick Honberger, Struntz, Becker, ami 

at present the congregation is served by the Rev. A. 

.M.Strauss i Lutheran) and the Rev. Schloppe 

(Reformed). In 1880, John W. Reed donated to the 
congregation, for church and burial purposes, three 
acres of land on the road from Mauch Chunk to Al- 
brightsville, and about a quarter of a mile southwest 
from the residence of \dam Christman. A portion of 
the ground was at once laid out for a cemetery, and 
is now used by the Lutherans. The Reformed con- 
gregation purchased a piece of land near the hotel of 
Enos Koch, which is used by them. A neat and com- 
modious church edifice is now being erected on the 
lot donated for the purpose. This is the only church 
and congregation in the township. 

Schools. — In the year 1844, the first year after this 
township became a part of Carhon County, James W. 
Searles and A. W. Dreisbach were elected school di- 
rectors. The township had accepted the school law. 
Schools were in operation on Stony Creek, opposite 
Penn Haven, at Albrightsville (then in Penn Forest), 
and at Bear Creek. The freshet of 1862 washed away 
the school-house at Penn Haven, but on Oct. 26, 1866, 
the district was again established, and Philip Ginter 
furnished a house for school purposes free of charge. 
In 1867 the township contained seven districts, as fol- 
lows: Stony Creek, Bear Creek, Albrightsville (joint 
with Kidder), Behren's, Drake's Creek, Penn Haven, 
and Wild Kettle Creek. 

The school at Drake's Creek was discontinued, and 
was again held in the years 1878-79. There are now 
five districts in which schools are regularly held : 
Stony Creek, 43 pupils ; Bear Creek, 22 pupils ; Wild 
Kettle Creek, 15 pupils; Meckesville, 35 pupils; and 
Albrightsville, 16 pupils. The old school-house at 
Albrightsville is no longer in use, and a new one 
built by Kidder township is used. New school-houses 
were built at the following places in the years given, 
with cost of each : Stony Creek, 1869, $475; Meckes- 
ville, 1870, $343.75 ; Wild Kettle Creek, 1881, $275 ; 
Bear Creek, 1881, $275. The directors for 1883 are 
Enos Kochard, Henry Sinedeeker, Philip Shock, and 
W. V. R. Ash. 

The following is a list of the school directors of the 
township since the erection of Carbon County : 

1844. — James W. Searles, A. B. Dreisbach. 

1845. — Joseph Serfass, Frederick Sutton. 

1846.— John Kelsey, J. W. Searles. 

1847. — Abraham Good, Lewis Billings. 

1848.— Samuel A. Cook, Caleb Rowles. 

1849. — J. B. Dreisbach, Lewis Gowen, Adam Meckes, 
A. E. Albright, Andrew McNeal, Daniel Lichtenwall- 
ner. 

1850. — Enos Koch, John Decker. 



UOKOI'nil OF PARRYVILLE. 



757 



1851. — Henry Carman. William Snyder, William 
perfass. 

1852. — George Fegley, George Kissel. 

1853.- -Adam Meckes, William Serfass, John < towen, 
John Berkley, Bnos Koch. 

1854. — Morris KA-ans, Charles A. Getzinger. 

L855. — J. N. [Tmphread, i 

1856. — Lewis ( imn ii, John ( towen, Jeremiah i 
were, Adam Mi » 

1857. — George H. Weiss, Kims Koch. 

1858.— Charles Smith, John Bote. 

1859. — Butler Cortwright, Cornelius Ziegenfuss. 

I860— No record. 

1861. — Enos Koch, Charles Smith, John Bote, 
Samuel Hawk. S. W. Meckes. 

1862. — A. Christman, B. Cortwright. 

1863.— Samuel Hawk. John Bote. 

1864.— Enos Koch, Charles Smith. 

1865. — Adam Christman, Butler ( lortwright. 

1866.— Enos Koch, Charles Smith. 

1867. — Adam Meckes, John Baide. 

1868.— Enos Koch, David Snyder. 

1869. — Adam I In istman, Charles Smith. 

1870. — John Hade, Adam Pouch. 

1S71. — Enos Koch, David Snyder. 

1872.— Enos Koch, David Snyder. 

1873. — Tie vote on Adam Christman, Chr. Smith, 
Francis Sieger. 

1874— John Bote, Philip Schoch. 

1875. — David Snyder, Henry Linedecker. 

1876. — A. D. Christman, Charles Smith, Henry 

I 'i ppe. 

1877. — Philip Schoch, Henry Deppe. 

1878. — None. 

1879. — Enos Koch, Henry Linedecker. 

1880.— Philip Shoch, Henry Deppe. 

1881.— A. D. Christman, Charles Smith. 

1882.— Philip Shoch, W. V. Rash. 

1883. — En<>- Koch, Henry Linedecker. 

Justices of the Peace. — The just ires of the peace 
from 1844 to the present time have been as follows: 

Stephen Gould. March, 1844. 

John Kelsey, March, 1845. 

Jost Dreisbach, March, 1847. 

Enos Koch, March, 1848 (declined). 

Henry Gartner, March, 1849. 

Andrew McNeal, March, 1850. 

A. B. Dreisbach, March, 1851. 

Isaac Harleman, March, 1851. 

Andrew Decker, March. 1852. 

Samuel Siewell, March, 1853. 

Robert Maxwell, March, 

Adam Christman, Man h, 1 B55. 

Lewis Hawk, March, 1856. 

■ reorge H. Weiss, March, 1857. 

Jacob w i iss, March, 1858. 

Samuel Hawk. March, 1859. 

Adam Christman, March, 1860. 

Cornelius Ziegenfuss, March, I860 Man h, 



Adam i Ihristman, March. 

John Eberle, March. I 

Enos Koch, ' Ictober, I 869 declined . 

Adam I Ihristman, < Ictobl 

Levi Kurtner, March, 1872. 
Adam ( Ihristman, March, 1875. 
A. D. Christman, Man I,, 1880. 
Charles J. Tidd, March, '.- 

.1. J. Smith, March. 1881. 



CBAPTEB XXII. 

BOROl '.It "l P IRR1 \ II. 1. 1 

The borough of Parryville is situated about six 
miles below Mauch Chunk, and is bounded on the 
north and west bj Franklin township, on the east and 
southeast by Lower Towamensing, and on the south 
by the Lehigh River. The first settlement at this 
locality was made about 1780 by Peter l'rantz, and 
in 1781, Frederick S< heckler and Leonard Iieltz had 
taken up land there and in the vicinity. Frantz it 
Scheckler soon alter erected a stone grist-mill on the 
l'oho 1'oeo Creek, which enters the Lehigh River at 
this place. The property remained in tin 
si<m until 1815, at which time it passed to Jacob and 
Peter Stein. The mill was run by Jacob, and Peter 
built a large -tone hotel, which is now in use for 
dwellings. Between the years 1836-40 the Pine For- 
rest I. iimher Company was established and made this 
leadquarters. Saw-, lath-, and paling-mills were 
erected on the Polio Poco Creek, near the river, and 
the manufacture of lumber was carried on extensively. 
Large tracts of land were owned in the northern part 
of the county and in Luzerne County, from which 
the greater part of the logs were obtained. Daniel 
Parry was the president of the company, and as the 
settlement grew up around these mills, the place 

became known as Parrysville, and finally Parryville. 

In 1836 the Beaver Meadow Railroad Company 
completed its road to the opposite side of the river, 
and made Parryville the terminus anil shipping-point. 
I he coal from the cars was here dumped into the 
canal-boats of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany. This business continued till the freshet of 
Jan. 7 and 8, 1841, when the wharves, tre-tle-wnrks, 
and chutes were swept away, and also the railroad 
track from Parryville to IVnn Haven Junction. The 
railroad was QOl rebuilt from Mauch Chunk to Parry- 
ville, and the former place from that time became the 

shipping-point. 

About the year 1855, Messrs. Bowman, Brother cc 
Co. formed a copartnership, and established an anthra- 
cite blast-furnace (now known as No. 1 . which was 

run by water-power from l'oho Poco Creek until 

1 By Dennis Banman. 



758 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



about 1857. In that year the company sold their in- 
terest to a corporation under the name of the "Car- 
bon Iron Company." The first board of directors 
was elected in August, 1857, and consisted of the fol- 
lowing persons : William Reed, .lames Dinkey, Henry 
Bowman, Solomon Hover. David Bowman, John Bow- 
man, and Dennis Bauman. On the 15th of August, 
Dennis Bauman was elected president, and A. W. 
Butler secretary and treasurer. 

Improvements were made and the capacity of the 
works increased, and it was soon demonstrated that 
the water power was not sufficient to furnish the power 
for the blast, and steam was introduced. In the year 
1864 a second furnace was erected (now known as No. 
2), and in 1869 furnace No. 3 was built. In the year 
1876 the property passed to the "Carbon Iron and 
Pipe Company (limited)." A " pipe plant" was re- 
cently erected, and these works are now operated by 
the last-named company, the officers of which are 
A. A. Douglass, president ; George Ruddle, secretary ; 
and H. P. Cooper, superintendent. 

The village has grown up as the result of the loca- 
tion of the furnace here, and now contains a popula- 
tion of about eight hundred, and in addition to the 
furnaces about one hundred dwellings, two stores, 
flour and feed store, two churches, one school-house 
(with four rooms), a hotel, and a depot of the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad. 

The first road that passed through this locality was 
the one laid out in 1747, and made in 1748, extending 
from Bethlehem to GnadenbUtten. It is known 
through this region as the " Fire Line Road," and 
ran over the hills. It was used as a military road 
from January, 1756, to January, 1761, when Fort 
Allen was garrisoned. About 1815 a wagon-road was 
constructed from Parryville to Lehigh Gap, along the 
north bank of the Lehigh River, which was much used. 
Many stories are related of the causes that gave to 
the old road the name " Fire Line," but none that are 
trustworthy. The application of the name dates far 
back in the Indian war period, between 1756 and 
1761. 

Churches. — The first religious services of any mo- 
ment held at Parryville were commenced about the 
year 1840. At that time and for several years ser- 
vices were conducted occasionally at the school-house 
and at private houses by Methodist ministers gener- 
ally from Mauch Chunk. In the year 1858, Parry- 
ville, Slatedale, Wakefield, Weissporl, and Maria 
Furnace were united in one circuit, and the Rev. 
Jacob Schlichter was placed in charge. Services 
were held in the school-house, then recently erected, 
and intended for both school and church purposes. 
This building was used by the Methodists till 1863, 
when the present brick church edifice was erected. 
It was dedicated by Bishop Scott on the 13th of 
December, 1863. 

The circuit has been changed several times, as fol- 
lows : Parryville, Weissport, and Slatington, Parry- 



ville and Lehighton. For a time, when the furnaces 
at this place were in full operation, Parryville became 
a separate station, and had a membership of from 
sixty to eighty. About the year 1^76, on account of 
depression in business, the iron-works suspended 
their operations, the membership declined greatly, 
and Parryville became connected in a circuit with 
Slatington, Slatedale, and Maria Furnace, and is still 
in that circuit. The church now has a membership 
of thirty-two. A Sunday-school was commenced 
upon the organization of the church in 1858, and has 
been in successful operation to the present, having 
now, including teachers, a membership of from eighty 
to one hundred and fifty. The pastors who have 
served the church from 1858 to the present time are 
as follows : Revs. Jacob Schlichter, William T. Magee, 
G. T. Barr, S. Powers, W. B. Durell, E. Townsend, 
William H. Fricse, J. Lindenmuth, J. P. Miller, L. B. 
Brown, L. B. Hoffman, G. L. Shoffer, Josiah Bawden, 
William F. Sheperd, and F. Illman. 

Schools. — The first school-house was built of logs, 
about the year 1820, and was twenty-five by thirty 
feet, and one story in height. It was located about 
one hundred yards above the mouth of Poho Poco 
Creek, on the north bank. The school was attended 
by pupils who came from several miles around. 
School was taught three months annually, the parents 
of each child paying tuition. This house was re- 
placed by another about 1840, and in 1858 the pres- 
ent commodious building was erected for school and 
church purposes. 

On the 4th of March, 1867, Parryville became an 
independent school district, and the following direc- 
tors were elected in that year: Dennis Bauman, James 
Thomas, James Anthony, Jacob Peters, Samuel Davis, 
Thomas Petit. Since 1875 the directors have been as 
follows : 

1875.— W. W. Bauman, A. T. Peiffer, George Davis, 
George F. Anthony, C. Rinker, J. A. Koch. 

1876— Charles Raddetz, L. F. Remely. 

I S77.— Robert Peters, J. L. Miller, G. W. Bauman, 
William Romig. 

1878.— Charles Raddetz, William Blose. 

1879. — None reported. 

1880.— H. P. Cooper, William Bamford. 

1881.— Jacob Peters, G. W. Bauman, W. L. Kutz. 

1882. — John Pickford, Charles Saeger. 

1883.— H. P. Cooper, John D. Kistler. 

The borough of Parryville was incorporated by the 
court of Carbon County early in the year 1875, and 
the first election ordered to be held in February of 
that year. 

The following are the names of those who have 
served as burgesses, councilmen, and justices of the 
peace : 

Burgesses. 

1875-78. — Dennis Bauman. 
1879-80.— Jacob Peters. 
1881-83.— H. P. Cooper. 





'&&2<?2^<? (&%Z&>7^C <&<?j^ 



BOUorcil OF PARRYVILLE. 



::.!• 



( '"I Mil.. 

1875.— A. T. Pieffer, A. R. Snyder, Charles Belford, 
George Davis J. E. Beltz. 

L876. -Jacob Peters, G. F. Anthony, Charles Rad 
dit/,, Harrison Wentz, \. I Piel 

1877. — Jacob Peters, Stephen Snyder. 

1878.— A. R. Snyder, Jacob Peters, Jonas Be I 
Charles Raddetz, William Blose. 

1879. — Dennis Bauman, Harrison Wentz, J. L. 
Miller, William Rinker. 

1880.— William Itinker, John Petit, John Strickler, 
Jr., Jacob Becker, John Pickford, Henry Milheim, 

1881. John Pickford, Dennis Went/., William 
Blose, Jacob Peters, Dennis Bauman, Henry Milheim. 

1882.— Jacob Peters, C. J. Mantz, John Pickford, 
Dennis Bauman, Beden Snyder, W. D. Kutz. 

1883. — Jacob Peters, Henry Sleider, James An- 
drews, Frank P. Boyer, Dennis Bauman, Thomas 
Thomas. 

JtJSI [CES OF i HE I'i: L( i . 

1875. — George F. Anthony, Daniel Wentz. 

1877. — James M. Bauman. 

1879. — Dennis Bauman. 

1880.— William I!. Anthony. 

1882.— Harrison Went/, 

1883.— Solomon Reiner. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



JUDGE DENNIS BAUMAN. 

The ancestors of the Bauman family emigrated 
from Germany. Henry Bauman, the grandfather of 
Dennis, was among the firsl settlers of Northampton 
( lounty north of the Blue Mountains, in Towamensing 
township, now Lower Towamensing township; Car- 
bon Co. The place he chose for settlement was aboul 
two miles north of Lehigh Gap, near when the Luth- 
eran and German Reformed Church now stands. 
The firs) t!iiiiL r he did was to clear land, tints making 
a farm for himself and family. He also followed the 
lumbering business, and spent much time in hunting 
and trapping. His family consisted of four children, 

equally divided in sex. In those days the settlers 
were frequently persecuted by the Indians, so much 
so that at one time Mr. Bauman was forced to send 
his wife and family to a place near Ka-ton tor safety. 
When his sons arrived at the age of maturity they 
were married. The oldest, John D., father of D 

nis, was born about the year 177'_\ and in 17'.n'> settled 
in a place now known as Bowmansville. His hoi 
was built of logs, and to-daj near the place stands 
the elegant residence of his youngest son, Josiah. 
lie then became engaged in clearing a farm and lum- 
bering, and, as bis lather before him had dot 
spent much time in hunting and trapping. In 1 i 
he built a large stone house, in front of which ran 



the old turnpike fro,,, Berwick to Easton. He ob- 
tained license, and from that time until his dea 

whicl tarred in 1858, kept the hotel, which to-day 

i- still used as the same. Mr. Bauman 
intelligent business man. and in all his undertaki 
was il. He was one of the leadin 

of that count] : wa- also electe I tnty 

commissioner for three years, which term ol public 
office li' -. filled. He was loved and 

respected by all who I. new him. H< wan the father 
of twelve children ind four dangle 

— five of whom are now dead. 

Ilenn Bauman, his brother, settled or, a farm about 

mile north of I north hank of 

the Lehigh Ki\er. where he spent hi- entire lifetime. 

He loo reared a large family, and died at the age of 
ninety-two. 

I tennis Bauman, the seventh in succession, and -on 

of the late John I >. Bauman, was horn April in, 1819, 

at Bowmansville, then Northampton County, now 
( 'arhon. 

His early life was -pent at home, assisting his 

father with his farming and lumbering. In those 

days an education was not as easily obtain, 
to-day. While at home he attended the three months 
of winter school until he was sixteen years old. when 
be went to Mam h I hunk lor a period ol four month-. 
Mauch Chunk was seven noli- from home, so he 
boarded there during the week, going home on Satur- 
day and returning Monday morning by stagi . At 

the age of twenty he felt the net d of a better educa- 
tion, lie tie i, went to boarding-school at Line l. 
ington, But I - Co., Pa.) for two sui i essi* e « in 

each term i sistimjol foul months, By thl 

he obtained a fair English education. Anion- the 

r studies which be mastered was surveying, which 

he put into practice -0011 alter hi- return from school, 
aiel followed it clo-ely and carefully, with Consider 
able SUCCesS, tor nine years. In the mean ti he was 

appointed by Governor Shunk as deputy surveyor for 
Carbon County. At this time surveyor- were ap- 
pointed by the Governor. Mr. Bauman was actively 

engaged in his profession all over the country until 
al t tli 50, when he was elected prOtllOnO- 

tary for Carbon County, and i this capacity 

n hen he was • 
without any opposition for another term of ti 
year-, which he filled acceptably to the public and 
with great credit to himself. About a year later he 
was elected as one of th if Carbon 

County, and sat on the bench with Hon. Judge Bai- 
lor a term of five year.-. About thi • he 
connected himself with the linn of Bowman Brothers 

& Co., at I'arry ville, and bl of the moa| ac- 

tive members in erecting an anthracite blast-furnace 
,,i Parryville. In this firm he continued as the act- 
ing financial member until the year 1857, when the 
companj die heir copartnership, and in its 

place \\ ed and incorporated the ( 'arhon Iron 



reo 



HISTORY OF CAKBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Company, of which Mr. Bauman \v;i> chosen presi- 
dent, being re-elected from year to year until the 
great financial panic of 1876. This company having 
two anthracite blast-furnaces, and part of the time 
three, in operation, it necessarily required all of Mr. 
Bauman 's time as its president in attending to its 
affairs, so he withdrew from the political field. About 
the year 1876, owing to the effects of the panic of 
1873, this company was unfortunate in being forced 
into dissolution, since which he has lived a retired 
life, looking after bis private affairs, giving some of 
his time to the procuring of iron ore for the furnaces 
of the Carbon Iron and Pipe Company. He has also 
served a term of five years as justice of the peace in 
the borough of Parryville. He is connected with the 
Carbon Metallic Paint Company; has been its secre- 
tary and treasurer for a number of years, which office 
he is now filling. About the year 1875, Parryville 
was incorporated as a borough, the citizens showing 
their appreciation by electing him their chief bur- 
gess, re-electing him until the year 1881, when he de- 
clined further re-election, but continued in the board 
of council ever since. He has also been director of 
the First National Bank of Lehighton since its or- 
ganization in 1875. Mr. Bauman married Mary, 
daughter of Henry Kress, whose occupation was 
farming, residing near Cherryville, in Northampton 
County. The issue of their union was four sons and 
one daughter. His fourth child, Albert L., died at 
the early age of eighteen. 

Mr. Bauman took fatherly pride in giving his chil- 
dren good educations, who to-day are filling positions 
of honor and trust. He has been a faithful worker 
and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and Sunday-school since 1858, having filled 
all of the offices of trust in those societies. Judge 
Bauman is a fair type of a true American citizen, — a 
man who has been prospered in many ways, one who 
enjoys the confidence of all who know him, a man 
whose sterling worth and integrity is worthy of ex- 
ample. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
LOWER TOWAMENSING TOWNSHII'.i 

Tins township lies on the south border of the 
county, and is bounded on the south by the Blue 
Ridge or Kittatinny Mountains and Northampton 
County, on the east by Monroe County, on the north 
by Franklin and Towaniensing townships, and on the 
west by Lehigh River and East Penn township. 

The principal stream within its limits is the Aqua- 
Fihicola, which rises in Monroe County, flows easterly 
along the base of the Blue Ridge, and enters the Le- 
high at Lehigh < lap. 

1 By Col. John Craig. 



The township was setoff from Towaniensing with 
its present territories between November, 1840, and 
.March, 1841, as in that month the name of Lower 
Towaniensing is first found in official records of North- 
ampton County. An effort was made in 1851 to again 
divide the township. Commissioners were appointed, 
who were to report at the March term of court. 
Their lime was extended to September term. No 
further mention of the matter is in the records, and 
the eti'ort failed. 

Early Settlements. — The families oi Boyer, Bau- 
man or Bowman, Mehrkem, and Strohl are the only 
ones of the early families whose descendants are to- 
day residents of the township. A few dates gleaned 
from deeds and old papers, a few traditions handed 
down from generation to generation, are all that re- 
main of the pioneers of the " wilderness" above the 
Blue Ridge. Were it not for assessment-rolls and old 
deeds their very names would be forgotten. 

The first mention of one who settled within the 
present limits is in court records ot Northampton 
County, of the October term of 1752, when Nicholas 
Opplinger was appointed constable. Mention is again 
made of him by Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Gov- 
ernor Morris, dated Fort Allen,. Tan. 26, 1750, who says, 
speaking of themarch of the troops from Bethlehem 
to Gnadenhiitten, where they erected a fort, "We 
marched cautiously through the gap of the mountain, 
a very dangerous pass, and got to Uplinger's (Opp- 
linger), but twenty miles from Bethlehem. . . . There 
were no habitations on the road to shelter us until we 
arrived near at the house of a German, where and on 
his farm we were all huddled together. . . . The next 
day being fair we continued our march, and arrived 
at the desolate Gnadenhiitten." 

The general impression has been entertained that 
Nicholas Upplinger, or Opplinger, lived on the hill 
above the Snyder mill, but a draft, made in 1791, 
shows that Upplinger had two tracts of land, one at 
the Gap between the tract now owned by Col. John 
Craig, and the Snyder mill ; the other, warranted June 
12, 1751, lay above Millport, and contained twenty- 
si \ acres. The tract that lies down by the Gap is on 
the line of the road up to Gnadenhiitten (Lehighton). 
The draft above referred to (in possession of Col. 
Craig) also says, speaking of the road that passed up 
the river, that there was barely room for the road 
between the rocks and the river. 

The impression also has gained that at the Gap the 
road laid out in 1747, and continued as a military road 
till 1761, turned and went up the Aquashicola and 
passed round the hill, but the remarks in the draft of 
1791 prove conclusively that the early road at that 
time did go along the river-bank. Soon after 1791 a 
road was used on the south side of the Aquashicola 
Creek, as far up as the bend of the river, near the 
Snyder mill. About 1800 it was changed to the 
north side. On this draft occurs the name of Na- 
thaniel Irish, as owning a large tract of land. He 



LOWER TOWAMEN8ING TOWNSHIP. 



761 



resided near Bethlehem, and was living there in 1741, 
when the first house was erected at thai place. At the 

time Franklin passed through lure there was no house 
between the Gap and Lehighton. The Mehrkem 
family, if they were here at the time, wen- living 
back from the river, where they settled. The Boyer 
family was broken up, and nothing is known of the 
precise time when the Baumans and Strohla came in. 
The Christian name of the Boyer who came to this 
township, with his wife and two or three children, 
before 1755, is not known. lie had taken up a tract 
of land now owned bj Josiah Arner, .lames Ziegen- 
fuss, and George Kunkle. At this farm they 
living in 1755, when the Indian troubles commenced. 
The family had gathered with other families ai 
place now oe, mi pied by Charles Straub, where a bio 
house was erected for protection. How many fam- 
ilies, or who they were, with the exception of the 
Boyer-. i- not known. No traditions are among the 
Mehrkems or Baumans that their families were gath- 
ered in the block-house at the time the Boyers were 
there. .Mrs. Nicholas D. Strohl, a granddaughter of 
Frederick Boyer, was brought up in her grandfather's 
family, and relate- that while the families were at the 
block-house, Mr. Boyer. one morning, went up to the 
farm with his son, Frederick, then thirteen year- .,1' 
age, and the other children, to attend to the crops. 
.Mr. Boyer was plowing and Fred was hoeing pota- 
toes, while the children were in the house or plaj 
near by. Without any warning they were surprised 
by the appearance of Indians. Mr. Boy< i saw them 
first, and called to Fred to run. Mr. Buyer first ran 
towards the house. Finding he could not reach it he 
ran for the creek, and was shot through the head as 
he reached the farther side. Fred had escaped to the 
wheat-field, hut was captured and brought back. The 
Indians scalped his father in his presence. They took 
the horses from the plow, his sisters and himself, and 
Started for Stone Hill, in the rear of the house. After 
reaching the level land on the to]' they were joined 
by another party of Indians and marched northward 

to < lanada. The sisters, in the march, were separated 
from their brother and were never afterwards heard 
from. Frederick was a prisoner with the French and 
Indians in Canada for live years, and was then sent to 

Philadelphia. Nothing was ever learned of the late 
of Mr-. Boyer or of the other families who remained 
at the block-house. 

Alter reaching Philadelphia, Frederick made his 
waj to Lehigh Cap and took possession of the farm. 
Soon alter his return he married a daughter of Con- 
rad Mehrkem. then living in the township. They 
bad four sons — John, George, Henry, and Andrew — 
and four daughters, — Mary (Mrs. Joseph Buck . Susan 
Mrs. He--, Elizabeth Mrs. Leonard Beltz), and 
Catharine Mr-. Andrew Xiegciifu — ami Mr-. I 
hart i. Frederick Boyer died Oct 31, L832, aged 
eighty-nine year-. It i- stated on his tombstone that 
he was born in 1732. This is evidently a mistake, as 



it is admitted he was hut a lad v. 

There were no tr b the Indian- prior I 

when the defeat el the 

Indiana were incited t" deeds ol 

In the year 1822 | 

id Mr-. A 

i fuss. 
John Hover, thi narried Elizabeth Snyder, 

a daughter of One of the family who lived at or near 

p. His -on Daniel resides in the township, 
and Jacob lives at Wei — port. 

as born in 1768, and died in 1861 

three year-. He married Christiana 
and settled on the homestead. Hi- sons, Adam and 
William, live in the township, and Jacob re-, 
franklin township, 

Henry married Magdalena Strohl and settled on 

part id' the homestead. Of their. -on-. Henry resides 
at Wei-sport and Joseph and Reuben live in Franklin 
township. 

Andrew married Mary Cn-en-weig and settled at 
Little Gap. i If hi- -on-, John, the eldest, emigrated 
to the West, Andrew, Daniel, and Frederick settled in 
the township, as did also Mr-. Buck, a daughter. 

Andrew ZiegenftlSS, with his wile, settled on that 
part of the homestead left her by her father. James 
tlfuSS, their son, DOW live- on the pit 

Another daughtei ol Frederick married 

hart; their daughter became the wit. las D. 

Strohl. She is now living at an advanced 

el Mehrkem was living in the township 

- in that year be was appointed eon-: 

Towamensing. He lived in the western part of the 

township. In tin- assessment-roll of 17^1 Conrad 

Mehrki ssed on real estate, and Jacob appears 

as a single man. 1 1 i- -on- were Jacob and Abraham. 
A daughter married Frederick I in alter his 

return from Canada, in 1761. They settled on the 
Boyer faun. 

:i married a Mi— Smith, by whom he had two 
sons. Jacob and Conrad, and five daughter-, line 
married a Nicholas Box, who owned real estate in 17-1 ; 
Su&an and Kate remained unmarried; Mary bi 
the wife of Mr. Heimbach. 

Jacob settled at or near Little Gap, where he died, 
2 a widow and children. Christian Mehrkem, 
living on the old farm, is a son of Jacob. 

Conrad, a son of Jacob, and brother of Jacob, mar- 
ried Chri-tina Grecn-wi ig, daughter of David ' • 

1 on the i. Id pla- •'. He died at the 
age of seventy-eight years. IF- wid iw, now ninety- 
,rs id age. i- living at Bow inaiisville. Adam 
Mehrkem, of Millport, is a 

j wa- a resident of the township 
1781. His -on- wer. Jonas, Henry, David, 

Tobias, Gottfried, and Jonathan. With the exception 
of Jonathan, win. emigrated to the West, they all 

settled in this and adjoining township-. M r-. ( 'oiirad 
Mehrkem and John Greensweig, rati ijamin 



762 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Greensweig, of Towamensing, were children of David 
< rreensweig. 

The first of the family of Strohl of which any- 
definite bias been obtained is the appointment 
of Peter Strohl as constable of Towamensing in 1 7<>4. 
On the 80th of October, 1765, Peter Strohl took out a 
warrant for tw<> hundred and forty-six acres of land, 
now owned by Reuben Ziegenfuss, Oscar Kern, Jere- 
miah Kern, Levi Straub, Wilson Mushlitz, John 
Craig, and the congregation of St. John's Lutheran 
and German Reformed Church. In 1781 the names 
of Peter, Michael, Elizabeth, and Daniel Strohl ap- 
pear on the assessment roll as owning real estate. 
Nicholas Strohl, who died in 1875, at Beventy-four 
years of age, was the lather of thirty children, twenty- 
three of whom were living at that time. 

Very soon after 1781 two brothers, Jacob and Nich- 
olas Snyder, came into possession of three hundred 
and ten acres of land on the north side of Aquash- 
icola Creek, embracing the mineral spring laid down 
in Scull's map of 1759. ' The mill on the creek, a 
short distance above the mouth of the creek, was 
built by them, and is now owned by Solomon Snyder. 

In 1S06 the property was surveyed, and the mineral 
spring was analyzed by Thomas E. James, of the 
University of Pennsylvania. He made a report of 
its waters February 24th of that year, and later Alex- 
ander Boyd, a coal operator of Philadelphia, certified 
that he had known of the spring and its healing qual- 
ities for many years. 

Bath-houses were erected, and it was used as a 
summer resort, but for only a short time. 

On the 19th of November, 1807, a deed of partition 
was made by the brothers, Nicholas and Jacob, and 
the land was divided. Jacob married the daughter 
of Henry Bauman, and in the division took the 
property on the creek, including the mill, and lived 
at the mill and kept it until his death, in 1813, aged 
fifty-three years. He left seven children, — Daniel, 
Mary C. (Mrs. John Kuntz), Jacob, John, Stephen, 
Simon, and Solomon. 

Daniel, the eldest, was born in 1794, and emigrated 
to the West. Jacob married a daughter of Henry 
Bauman, lived at the mill about thirty years, ami 
moved farther up on the road, where he built a stone 
house. He became interested in the Evangelical As- 
sociation, was prominent in the organization of the 
society, and building of the church in 1844. He 
became a local preacher in the Association, and later 
in life moved to Barry ville, where he died. Stephen 
now resides at Parry ville. Solomon, the youngest 
son, owns (he mill property and lives there. 

The spring property was bought by James Ruther- 
ford of Stephen Snyder. Nicholas Snyder, who bad 
■a portion of the property, bought from his brother's 
three sons, — Peter, Nicholas, and Jacob. Nicholas 
and Jacob removed to Crawford County, Pa. ; Peter 



1 It i* supposed tli-' Snyder tract was warranted by Michael Belts 



settled here, and had children, none of whom an- in 
the township. Lewis, a grandson of Peter, resides in 
Bethlehem. 

The date of settlement of the Baumans is unknown. 

Honstetter Bauman is a name found in an old 
draft as owning land that in 1791 belonged to Ber- 
nard Bauman. In 1781 the name of Henry Bauman 
appears. On the 22d of May, 1788, Bernard Bauman 
took a warrant for one hundred acres of land at Le- 
high Gap. On the 18th of November, 1808, he sold 
thirty acres of the tract to Joseph Bauman. who built 
the stone tavern at the (Jap, and lived there until 1814, 
and on the 15th of March in that year he sold it to 
Thomas Craig, in whose possession ami that of his 
descendants it has been retained to the present. 

In an old draft it is mentioned that the Snyders 
were in possession of this tract, hut it does not appear 
that they warranted the tract. 

Nothing is known of who were the descendants of 
Honstetter, Bernard, or Joseph Bauman. Henry 
Bauman, supposed to be a brother of Bernard, had 
two sons, John D. and Henry Bowman. 

John D. Bowman settled at what is now Bowmans- 
ville, and in 1808 built the stone hotel. He built the 
road along the river in 1808, when the Lehigh and 
Susquehanna turnpike was put through. He kept 
the hotel at this place, and died here. He had eight 
sons, — Jacob, John, Jonas, David, Henry, Peter, 
Dennis, and Josiah. 

Jacob settled at Millport, John and Dennis at 
Parry ville, Jonas, David, and Peler at Mahanoy 
City, and Henry and Josiah at Bowmansville. 

Of the daughters of John D. Bowman, Kate mar- 
ried Jonas Peter, and settled in Heidelberg ; Susanna 
became the wife of Jonas Andrea", of East Penn 
township; Sarah married Daniel Kieper, of Allen- 
town ; and Rebecca, James Dinkey, of Easton. 

Henry Bowman, the brother of John I)., settled at 
what was known as Hassertville, and owned land on 
the other side of the river, opposite where his son 
Joseph now lives. Daniel, Adam, William, and 
Joseph are sons of Henry. Of the daughters of 
Henry, Sarah married Reuben Hagenbuch, who 
kept hotel for many years at Lehighton, and later 

kept the lock at Bowmansville. Susanna married 

Berlin, who kept tavern near Kresgevillc. Another 
married a Mr. Butler, of Nesquehoning. Rachel be- 
came Mrs. Jonathan Haintz, of East Penn. Mary 
married August Lehr, who for some years kept a 
tavern at Hassertsville, ami Rebecca married Dr. 
Yarrington, of Easton. 

In the year 1806, George Ziegenfuss, a miller by 
trade, came to Aquashicola Creek and built there a 
mill, around which .grew up the village of Millport. 
He lived at the place the remainder of hi- days, ami 
left seven sons, — John, Daniel, George, David, Simon, 
Charles, and Samuel. 

John remained on the farm at Millport, and died 
in 1869. Daniel located in Philadelphia, and later 



LOWER TOWAMEN8ING TOWNSHIP 






went to Mexico. Samuel became connected with the 
Ashland Forge and Furnaci nnder Joseph J. Al- 
bright, and remained tin-re till 1 872, the former having 
been long discontinued. From that time Samuel 
Ziegenfuss has resided in Millport. The other sons 
of i leorge Ziegenfuss went to other parts. 

Early Roads. — The tir-t road in the territory now 
Lower Towamensing was from Bethlehem toGnaden- 
hiitten, the mission of the Moravians, at what is now 
Lehighton. 

The route on which tliis road was laid out in 1717 
was lirst traveled by ('mint Zinzendorf in 1742, when 
he and liis party held a treaty with the Indian-, .it 

what four years later beet Inadenhfitten. This 

road was used by the Moravians until tin destruction 
..I' the mi — ion, in 17-V>. It was traveled by Franklin 
and his troops on their way to build Fort Allen, in 
January, 17-"iti, and Used as a military road from that 
time to 1761. No mention is made of its use for 
twenty years alter. The route originally ran along 
the hank of the river, but from time to time it has 
been changed in places to higher ground and a better 
road-bed. It became a part of the line, in 1806, of 
what was known as the Lehigh and Susquehanna 
turnpike, or the road from Easton to Berwick. About 
1790 a road was laid out up the \ alley of the Aquash- 

ieola Creek, which is still in use. 

Clarissa Forge and Furnace i later Ashland).— 
David Heimbach, owner of Hampton Furnace, Lehigh 
County, and his son, David, erected a forge between 
1817-20 on the Aquashicola Creek, about a mile 
northeast from Little Gap, on property now owned 
by Samuel Ziegenfuss. 

Pig-iron was brought from Oley, Berks Co. < 'harles 
Bel fort, now living at Parryville, remembem when 
his father was an assistant at the building of the race 
and dam for the forge, and he himself worked at the 
forge in 1830. In 1827, David Beimbach, the younger, 
erected a furnace mar the forge, which he nai 

"Clarissa" in honor of his wife. Ores were brou 

from Whitehall by boat to Lehigh Gap, and thence 

six miles to the furnace. The furnace was eight 

in the bosh. John Bachman, a brother-in-law of 

Heimbach, was superintendent. In the next year, 
1834, David and John Heimbach (of the ' New 
Hampton" Furnaee. later the " Maria" | attended the 
funeral of their father in Allentown, where he had 
I. and shortly after their return were taken with 
typhoid fever, from which they both died. David at 
night and John the next morning. Whether the 
furnace was continued by the estati i- not known, 
hut on the 26th of January, ls::7. the property was 
pur. based by Joseph .'. Albright, Samuel 1*. Temple- 
ton, and Jacob Rice, ironmasters. Mr. Albright bad 
been assistant manager of the "Oxford" Furnaee, 
Xew Jersey, from ls:;i to 1834, and manager of the 
"Catharine" Furnace, at Easton, Fa., from 1884 to 
1837. While he was in connection with the "Cath- 
arine" Furnace he learned through the J fit, 



Franklin Institute the discovery of tin- hot-blast by 
Mr. t Irane, of Wales The idea struck him as 

"id with William Henry, then carrying on the 
" < >xford" Furnace, New Jersey, at their own expense, 
introduced the hot-blast at the < Ixford Furnace, which. 
however, proved a failure. Mr. Albright then made 
designs tot pip. -. which were cast by Banetz .\ I 
wer,. of Easton, which were used in the "Catharine" 

Furnace with •-' 1 results, and were continued until 

the work- were abandoned. Mr. Albright took the 

ement ol 'be " c llarissa" Furnace and i 
upon its purchase, lie being a -W (lav 

Whig, changed the name from Clarissa to Ashland 
Iron-Works." 

They were worked successfully until January. 1841, 
when the works were entirely washed away by the 
flood of that year. 

This disaster, though so great, did not deter them 

from again endeavoring to carry on business at that 

place. The furnace was not again rebuilt, hut in one 
year from its destruction the forge was rebuilt with 
enlarged capacity. It was scarcely completed when 
it was partially destroyed by lite, and again rej 
and work resumed, and was conducted by him till 
1851, when Mr. Albright was .ailed to take the man- 
agement of the coal-mines of tin- Delaware, Lacka- 
wanna and Western Railroad Company, and the fur- 

lassed into other hands, and later to Cooper A 
Hewett, and closed about 1860. Samuel Xiegenlus-, 
the present owner of the property, was elerk at the 
forge in 1856. At that time ten men wer- 
in the forge and ten others it mection. Four fires 

were used in drawing iron, and one on bloom-. 

In 1844, Mr. Albright, in connection with Hon. II. 
1 1. Maxwell and Samuel Sberrard. purchased a large 
tract of land near Natural Bridge, Va„ on which were 
furnace-. This venture was not successful, and lie re- 
turned in 1849 to the Ashland Iron-Works, which 
bad not. however, ceased work. 

The following are the names and occupations of 
those who appear on the assessment-roll of Lower 
Towamensing in I s l" 1 1 

John 1 1. Bauman, tavern keeper. 

Nathaniel Anthony, forgeman, 100 acn 

Josi ph J. Albright, merchant, 519 acre-, forg 

ictorj and saw-mill. 
John Anthony, Jr., saw-mill. 
Benjamin Andreas, tailor. 
Jonas Arner, carpenter. 
Enos Alan < - 
Joseph Bock, farmer, 1 l"i acres. 

Si n Brown, s,; acres. 

Daniel Blose, fanner, -J'.i acres. 
Adam Brow n. 50 acres. 

John Balliet, II acre-, tailor. 
George Boyer, 29 a 
lleni\ Bauman, lawyer, '."J ai 
John Boyer, tanner. 29 acres. 
John \ l ; ■ • r. farmer, 48 ai 



764 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Dennis Bauman, surveyor. 

John D. Bauman, innkeeper, 660 acres and a saw- 
mill. 

Jacol> Brown, carpenter. 

Henry Boyer, farmer, 111 acres. 

Jacob Boyer, fanner, 45 acres. 

Samuel Beliler, farmer, 74 acres. 

Bobler & Strohl, 100 acres. 

John Betty, Jr., tanner. 

Boltz & Strohl, 190 acres, saw-mill. 

Jonas Bock, blacksmith, 132 acres. 

Daniel Boyer, farmer, 180 acres. 

David Boyer, carpenter, 71 acres. 

Adam Boyer, tanner. 

Andrew Boyer, tailor, 60 acres. 

Andrew Boyer, farmer, 158 acres, saw-mill and 
thrashing- machine. 

Francis Beltz, 41 acres. 

Daniel Boyer, blacksmith, 50 acres. 

Daniel Beltz, farmer, 29 acres. 

William Boyer, farmer. 

Jacob Boyer, carpenter. 

William Baily, cordwainer, 68 acres. 

Joseph Bauman, farmer, 160 acres. 

David Bauer, saddler. 

Michael Broat, carpenter. 

Thomas Craig, merchant, 516 acres, postmaster. 

Edwin Deemer, carpenter. 

Charles Deterline, carter. 

Merrit Derries, forgeman. 

John Esch, boat-builder. 

Peter Erhelinan, boatman. 

George Frantz, farmer, 190 acres and saw-mill. 

John Fenstermacher. 

John Fuss, cordwainer, 56 acres. 

David Greenzweiz, 73 acres, cordwainer. 

Nicholas George, cordwainer. 

Henry George, farmer, 149 acres. 

Peter George, farmer, 400 acres and saw-mill. 

John Greenzweiz, farmer, 234 acres. 

David Griffith, 20 acres. 
'Tobias Greenzweiz, forgeman. 

James Greenzweiz, farmer, 86 acres. 

George Greenzweiz, farmer, 160 acres. 

Jacob Gresard, doctor. 

Jacob Hauk, weaver, 41 acres. 

Abraham Harleman, farmer, 194 acres. 

Andrew Hummel, farmer, 131 acres. 

Abraham Huebner, farmer, 100 acres. 

Joseph Hahn, blacksmith, 82 acres. 

Kelchner & Ziegenfuss, 29 acres. 

John Kelchner, 56 acres. 

John Klim, carter. 

Samuel Klim, gentleman. 

George Klein, and John and T. Craig, 28 acres. 

Lewis Kleintob, weaver. 

Levi Kern, farmer, 11)2 acres. 

Charles Klotz, blacksmith, 211 acres. 

Henry Kech, woodchopper. 



Adam Kunkel, farmer, 115 acres. 
George Kean, boat-builder. 
Nicholas and Matthias Krill, forgemen. 
Thomas Knabenberger, blacksmith. 
George Kast, doctor. 
Henry Kostenbader, miller. 
Joseph Krum, cask-maker. 
Jacob Huntzman, cordwainer. 
Janes & Kostenbader, 84 acres and grist-mill. 
Abraham Luckas, fanner, 45 acres. 
James Lawer. 

Alexander Lintz, merchant. 
George B. Linderman, blacksmith. 
Reuben Leah, clerk. 
Conrad Mehrkem, farmer, 138 acres. 
Jacob Mehrkem, 148 acres. 
Charles Mendem, saddler. 
Andrew Olewine, 17 acres. 
John Olewine, 38 acres. 
Caspar Ort, mason. 
Jonas Peltz, blacksmith. 
Abraham Prutzman, farmer, 126 acres. 
Henry Remely, farmer, 24 acres. 
Willen Rinker, boatman. 
Michael Remely, cordwainer, 26 acres. 
Jacob Rehrig, lock-tender. 
John B. Reicherderfer, blacksmith. 
David Sander, 20 acres. 
Adam Strohl, carpenter, 15 acres. 
David Sbafer, carpenter, 31 acres. 
Paul Sheibly, weaver, 25 acres. 
Nicholas P. Strohl, farmer. 
Jacob Smith, farmer, 106 acres. 
Simon Snyder, farmer, 106 acres. 
Jacob Snyder, miller, 166 acres, grist- and saw-mill. 
Stephen Snyder, farmer, 320 acres. 
Thomas Strauss, farmer. 
Peter Snyder, farmer, 267 acres. 
George Strohl, 125 acres. 
Nicholas D. Strohl, weaver, 68 acres. 
Emanuel Straup, carpenter. 
Nicholas C. Strohl, weaver, 100 acres. 
Thomas Snyder, tanner, 26 acres, tan-yard and bark- 
mill. 

Solomon Snyder, farmer, 224 acres. 
David Straup, farmer, 96 acres. 
Adam Shearer, farmer, 60 acres. 
Cornelius Snyder, gentleman. 
Jacob Shearer, farmer, 179 acres. 
Charles Simpson, carpenter. 
John Smith, teacher. 
Jacob Strassberger, mason, 26 acres. 
Wendel Schwartz, farmer, 125 acres. 
Smith & Richards, 192 acres, non-resident. 
Smith & Caldwell, 1100 acres, non-resident. 
Peter Stern, 65 acres, non-resident. 
Melchoir Smith, mason, 20 acres. 
George Santee, farmer, 100 acres. 
Charles Straup, carpenter. 



LOWER TOWAMENSING TOWN8HIP. 



765 



Benjamin Snyderj carpenter. 

Daniel Snyder, blacksmith. 

Peter Saunders, carter. 

Lewis Sellers, clerk. 

Monroe Snyder, farmer. 

William Wingert, forgeman. 

John Walp, cordwainer. 

i leorge Walch, farmer, fin acres. 

Zebulon Yarington, superintendent. 

.1 in •< >1 > Young, blacksmith. 

David Younker, wheelwright. 

Jacob Zerly Collier. 

Andrew Ziegenfuss, farmer, 288 acres, 

i leorge Ziegenfuss, teacher, 93 acres. 

John and Junkin Ziegenfuss, •>-! acres, grist-mill. 

John E. Ziegenfuss, blacksmith. 

Jacob /.ink, cordwainer. 

James Ziegenfuss, blacksmith. 

St. John's Congregation. This congregation is a 
union of Lutheran and German Reformed Churches. 
It was organized on the 12th of February, 1798, and 
on that day the society agreed to buy mx acres of land 
of Michael Strohl, for which they were to pay twelve 
pounds. 

On the titli of February, 17!>!». the society convened 
and elected officers. Of the Lutherans, John Solt was 
chosen trustee, .lost Bowman, John Kline, Sr., and 
Peter Solt were elected deacons. Of the German Re- 
formed, Nicholas Kern was elected trustee, and Nich- 
olas Snyder, Peter Stine, and Jost Dreisbach were 
chosen deacons, and Nicholas Kern treasurer of both 
congregations. 

At this meeting preparations were commenced lor 
the erection of a church edifice. The contract tor the 
carpenter-work was given to Nicholas Bachman for 
twenty-five pounds. It was to be built of hewed logs, 
pine ami oak. The corner-stone was laid on the 12th 
day of June, 17'.'!'. by the Rev. John H. Helflrich, of 
the Lutheran, and the Rev. John Caspar Bill, of the 
German Reformed. This church ten year- later was 
weatherboarded, and prior to this time was used with- 
out a stove. 

The Rev. John H. Helrlrieh was succeeded April 
7, 1811, by tlie Rev. Frederick W. Mendson, who 
served till 1852. In addition to this charge Mr. Mend- 
son had the care of the following churchi - 

Zion's Church. Allen township, .Inly 1. 1810, to 

June 15, 1852. 

St. Paul's, in Lehigh township. July 8, 1810, to 
June <!, 1852. 

Salem, in Moore town-hip. July 15, 1810, to July 
18, 1852. 

Egypt, in Whitehall township, July 22. lsl". to 
March 1, 1857. 

The First and Second Chestnut II .ration, 

in Monroe County. Sept. 9, lsl". t t. 22. 1*15, and 

from 1839 to IS II. 

East Penn township congregation, 1814 to I>> 
1819. 



' Inadenh highton, H17 to Jan. 1 

Christ Church, in Moore township, Aug. 15 
to Aug. 15, 1852. 
Man. h ' Ihunk, 1835. 

St. Paul's congregation, in Franklin ton nship, 
He preached his last sermon Nov. 20, 1870, and 
died at Kleckner, Northampton Co., on the 5th of 
August, 1871, at the age of nit yen 

months, and tv> eni | i M 

1852 by — Kuntz, Kistler, and the Re Q B 

pa-tor. 

The Rev. Mr. Bill, of the Reformed Church, was 
succeeded by tie Rev. H. Vanderslic here 

who have served an- the following: - — Be< ker, 

Gerbardt, Rybelt, A. Bartholomew, and .1 

Freeman, the present pastor. The church was rebuilt 
of brick in 1862. 

The Church of the Evangelical Association, 
situated on the road from Lei i Stemlerville, 

was erected of -t ■ in 1844, mainly through the in- 
strumentality of Jacob Snyder, who the land, 

and Jacob Bauman, who donated -even hundred dol- 
lars, 'flu- first pastor was the Rev. Mr. llaintz. The 
church is in the district with Parryville, and -erved 
by the pastors in charge. It ha- a membership of 
forty, and a Sunday-school, with Benjamin I'. 
superintendent. 

German Catholic Church.— This ehunh was built 
in 18")fi, and up to the year 1871 was m charge of pas- 
tors from Allenlowu. Since that lime it has 
under the care of the pastor of Lehighton and East 
Mam h ( 'hunk ( Ihurch. 

Schools. — The first schools in the township were 
held at the Union Church, and under the Lutheran 
and German Reformed congregations. 

But few other schools were kept until the township 
accepted tin- free-school system in I-:;-. From that 
tine schools have been kept with regularity. About 
the year 1852 -even -tone school-houses were built at 
the following places: Little (Jap. Lehigh Gap, Bow- 
man's, Fire Line. Milford, Mehrkem's, and at Strohl's. 

The schools at present are ten in number, with an 
attendance of four hundred and sixty-six pupils 
account of which is here given as tar as can he 

ascertained. 

LUtl I.— On the loth day of November, 

1838. Samuel Templin, Joseph .1. Albright, and .1 
Rice, who then owned the Ashland Furnace, sold a 
lot for school purpose- to the school directors, who at 

'hat time were John D. Thompson, John 1'. Bowman 
the eldi r , Thomas Snyder, Conrad Mehrkem, Abra- 
ham Bier, and Abraham Pretzman. < (n this lot a 
school-house was hich later was replaced 

by a -tone one, which is -till in use. There are at 
present in attendance in this district forty-three pupil-. 
/.' school-house was built at 

Mi h rl. ■ i.i - a lOUt W'2. which "a- in u-e until 1874, 
when the present one was built at Beyer's. This 
school now contains thirty-tune pupils. 



766 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Millport, No. 3.— A school-house was in use at this 

place s i after the acceptance by the township. This 

was replaced by a stone house in 1852, and in use till 
1882, when a double house was erected, at a cos) of 
fourteen hundred and ninety-five dollars. The two 

BChools in this bouse contain eighty pupils. 

Lehigh (in/', Nos. land 5. — About the time of the 
acceptance of the school law a bouse was fitted up for 
school purposes at the Gap, and school was taught for 
two or three winters by Samuel Hutchinson during 
the winters of ISMS, 1839, and 1840. On the 27th of 
March, 1844, the directors of the township purchased 
a lot for school purposes of Abraham Pretzman, on 
which the\ erected a Ira me school-house. In 1852 a 
stone house was erected, which was in use till 1882, 
when the property was sold, and another lot was pur- 
chased of Abraham Pretzman, and the present double 
house was erected, at a cost of fifteen hundred and 
forty-five dollars. The present number of pupils at- 
tending is eighty-one. 

Fire Line, No. 6.— The school-bouse at this place 
was built of stone in 1852, and is still in use. Forty- 
four pupils are in attendance. 

George's, No. 7, was established in 1877, and the- 
present frame building was erected. Twenty-two 
pupils are in attendance. 

Bowman's, No. 8. — At this place the directors pur- 
chased, on the 23d of March, 1S44, a lot of John D. 
Bowman, on which a stone house was erected, and 
used until 1879, when the present frame building was 
erected, at a cost of six hundred dollars. There are 
at this school sixty-five pupils. 

Harleman's, No. 9.— In this district and about 1852 
a stone school-bouse was built near the residence of 
Nicholas Strohl, which was used until about 1875, 
when it was abandoned. The present brick building 
at Harleman's was erected to better accommodate the 
district. Twenty-eight pupils are in attendance. 

Klotz, So. 10. — This school contains twenty-seven 
pupils, and was established in 1878, when the present 
frame building was erected. 

l.intz, No. 11, contains thirty-seven pupils. It was 
established in L876, when the present frame bouse 
was built. 

The school directors of Lower Towamensiug in 
1841 were Jacob Snyder, John A. Ziegenfuss, David 
Straub, John Greensweig, Joseph J. Albright, and 
Abraham Hassehnan. 

The following have been school directors of the 
township since the erection of Carbon County in 1843 : 

1844.— N. D. Strohl, Abraham Pretzman. 

1845. — Thomas Straub, Jacob Mehrkem. 

1846. — Dennis Bauman, George Lindcrman \n 
drew Boyer, Jr. 

1847.— Benjamin Andreas, Jacob Bowman. 

1848.— Conrad Mehrkam, David Griffith. 

1849.- -Jonas Peter, John Smith. 

1850. — John Olewine, Reuben Leh, Ed. Kosten- 
badei . 



1851.— Charles Roder, John A. Boyer. 

1852. — Levi Kern, Thomas Brown. 

1853. — Peter Kester, Charles Kelchner. 

1854. -Daniel Serfass, Daniel Belt/.. 

1855. — John Smith, David Newhart. 

1856. — Cornelius Snyder, Charles Menasen. 

1857. — John A. Boyer, Samuel Ziegenfuss. 

L858. — Monroe Snyder, Joel Ziegenfuss, William 
Bowman. 

1859. — Jacob Kline, Daniel Beer. 

I860.— Emil Lambert, Nicholas Krill. 

1861. — James Ash, Monroe Snyder. 

1862.— Jacob Cline, Earnest Piersol. 

L863. — Aaron C. Heiney, Nicholas Krill. 

1864. — James Ash, Levi Kern. 

1865. — Jacob Kline, Michael Remely, Adam Mehr- 
kem, N. C. Strohl. 

1866. — Joel Ziegenfuss, Adam Mehrkem. 

1867. — Charles Stroup, Henry Bauman. 

1868. — Charles Mendson, Nicholas Krill. 

1869. — Wendel Schwartz, David Shaeffer, Andrew 
Boyer. 

1870. — J. C. Kreamer, Andrew Boyer. 

1871.— Charles Mendson, Charles Klotz. 

1872.— John Ash, John Ballict, 

1873. — J. C. Kreamer, Owen Lerch. 

1874. — David Shafer, Daniel Lichtenwallner. 

1875. — James Ziegenfuss, Simeon Bloss. 

1876.— Wilson Mushlitz, Samuel Ziegenfuss, Owen 
Strohl. 

1877. — Moses Stroup, Reuben Greensweig. 

1878. — Josiah Bowman, George Kunkle. 

1879. — John Craig, Samuel George. 

1880. — Moses Stroup, Charles Klotz. 

1881. — David Ziegenfuss, Simon Bloss. 

1882. — John Craig, Benjamin Corell. 

1883. — A. C. Prince, Amos Greensweig. 

The Justices of the Peace have been as follows : 

John A. Boyer, March, 1846; March, 1851. 

Abraham Pretzman, March, 1851. 

Adam Mehrkem, March, 1856. 

John A. Zeigenfuss, March, 1856; March, 1861. 

Adam Mehrkem, March, 1861. 

John A. Ziegenfuss, March, 1866. 

Adam Mehrkem, March, 1866. 

Francis Kinett, March, 1869. 

Jacob Murklitz, October, 1870. 

Francis Kind, March, 1874. 

Adam Mehrkem, March, 1875. 

Samuel Ziegenfuss, March, 1878. 

Adam Mehrkem, March, 1880. 

Samuel Ziegenfuss, March, 1883. 

Post-Offices. — When the post-office was established 
in Mauch Chunk, in the year 1819, mention is made 
of a post-office down the river, eight miles, as being the 
nearest. This office was at the Lehigh Gap, and kept 
by Gen. Thomas Craig. In 1822 he was succeeded in 
the store and post-office by his son, Thomas Craig, the 
father of Col. John and Allen Craig. About 1840, 



LOWER TOWAMENSING TOWNSHIP. 



767 



Thomas Memlson was appointed postmaster, and 
Served two or three Mais, and was followed bj 
frhomas Craig, the brother of Col. John Craig. The 
office was kept from thai time to 1867 by Reuben Leh 
anil Valentine Hoffman. In 1867, Col. John Craig 
was appointed, and still holds the position. 

The Aquashicola post-office was i stablished in Is.",;.. 
Tins office is located, bj the abo> e name, at the village 
of Millport. The postmasters have been Thomas 
Bowman, Levi Wentz, F.J. ki-tler, and L. W. 
the iasl of whom i- --till postmaster. 

At Little Gap a post-office was established ii 
and Samuel Ziegenfuss was the postmaster, and he 
Iras succeeded, in L872, by the present incumbent, 
Adam Mehrkem. 

A post-office was established at Bowman's in 1883, 
under the name of Prince's. John Rush i- the post 
mastei . 

Millport. — The land on which the village is located 
was taken oul on a warrant by Michael Wetzel. 

Tin 1 lir>t movement that brought the establishment 
at a village al this place was made by George / 
fuss in tin' year 1806. He purchased land at this 
place, on the Aquashicola Creek, and built the grist- 
mill. He was a miller by trade, and carried on the 
business many years. In 1834 the mill was in pos- 
session ni hi- son, John, and in that year burned 
down. The property was then sold to his brother, 
. by whom the mill was rebuilt, and in 1845 
was sold to Jacob Bowman. From that time to L875 
it passed through many hands, and in the latter year 
came into possession of William Wagner, who greatly 

enlarged it, and by wh it is now owned. At the 

time Jacob Bowman purchased the mill he erected a 
store building, in which store was kept lor several 
years. The building i- now occupied as a dwell- 
ing. 

\ -tore had been opened earlier by < reorge / 
• ndiieted a few years, and discontinued. 

The present store was erected bj Samuel Ziegenfuss 
$72. 

A two-story building was built in 1871, the upper 
story of which is used as a public hall and the lower 
part for a store. 

The hotel w:us built in 1836 bj John A. Ziegenfuss, 
and kept by him main years. He was succeeded by 
his son, Joel. En I860 the property was sold to Levi 
Barleman, who was the landlord for twelve years, 
and in 1872 sold it to Lewis Graff, who now owns it. 

\ paint-factory was established in the lower end of 

the village about 1855 by Lawrence, who con- 
tinued it till about 1868, when it was sold to A. C. 
Prince, under whom it burned down in the winter of 
1881. 

In L855 a p'l-i 3 established at the place, 

with Thomas Bowman a- postmaster. 

Let. .re the year 1830 a tannery was started by an 
Englishman by the name of Met ke. Be sold to Geoi 
Ziegenfuss, and later it passed ly to Thomas 



Snyder, i uben Miller. and hum., I 

down in 1875. The tall brick Btack i- still standii 

About the y, ar 1 86 I. St( phen Lentat d 
slate-bed, about ten feel below thi near tin- 

village of Millport, and on the east Bide of the main 
Street. The -late i- much darker than any other in 
thi- region of country, ami i- called " Black I >iamond." 

A company was formed called the Millport Slate < !om- 
pany, by whom the quarry was worked tor a time and 

now work, ,1 in I .. W. 1 >avis. 

About 1874 another quarry was opened acros 
street, which is worked by individu 

A lodge of the Knights of Pytbia anized 

at this place with one hundred membi I • m- 

ber, 1871. The society has a present membership 
of twenty-eight members. The present officers are 
Oliver Straub, C. < Edv in Ziegenfuss, \ • I 
ml Ziegenfuss, K. R. S. 

The lodge of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows 
wa- organized in April, 1s7l'. '1 
are John Strohl, N. G.j Joel Ziegenfuss, V 
Henry Smith, Sec. The lodge has twenty-five mem- 
bers. 

The Evangelical Association. -As earlj a- the 
year 1842 p reaching was held in the old cooper-shop 
and mill. The Bev. Charles Hassert was the lir-t to 
hold divil The pastors of tin- church have 

been in charge of the district, of which Lehighton 
and Millport are a part. The present church edifice 
was erected in 1866. The present pa-tor i- the L, 
Mr. Win-.it. 

Millport at present contain- a mill, hotel, two 
-tun-, post-office, hall, -chool-house, church, and 
forty-six dwelling-. 

Lehigh Gap.— ton. Thomas Craig, of whom an 
account is given elsewhere, settled at Lehigh Gap in 
1814, ami kept the hotel from that time to 1822, when 
Thomas Craig, i. one the landlord, ami con- 

tinued till 1851, since which time it has been rented. 

About 1830, Thomas < Sraig, the lather of • ',,1. John 
and Allen Craig, in partnership with Stephen II 

buch, his brother-in-law, built the present -tore build- 
ing and opened a store, which is now kept bv CI. 
John Craig. 

In 1852, Frederick Paley erected a brick building 
,,n the bank of the canal. It was opened by him a- a 
hotel and store, and kept till his death, in 1 87 1. and 
discontinued. The Philadelphia and Beading Road 
passes through the < lap. 

Bowmansville. — This place derives it- name from 
John I >. Bowman, who opened a Ictel at the place in 

1808. It was then on the route of the Lehigh and 

Susquehanna Turnpike Company- road, and on 

which, shortly alter, a stai'c-line was place, 1. 

The place attained no significance until the I 
and Susquehanna Railroad was built through, since 

w Inch time it has been a station on the road. In 1 S68, 

David Snyder opened a store, which he continued 
till 1873. John Balliet built a store and opened the 



768 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



business in 1872, and still continues. The hotel was 
kepi by John D. Bowman till his death. His sun, 

Josiah, kepi it fi>r a time, ami it was sold to Wendell 
Schwartz, and is now owned by John Balliet. and 
kept by Air. Harleman. 

In May, 1879, the Iron-Ore Metallic Paint-Works 
of Prince Brothers was established at this place, 
having previouslj been at Lehigh Gap. This busi- 
ness was first established in 1858 by Robert l'riuce, 
the father of the present proprietors, and was very 
successfully conducted by him until his death, and 
by the sons until the panic of 1873. The ore from 
which this paint is made is mined in large quantities 
out of the so-called Stony Hill, near Bowmansville, 
Carbon Co., at which place there seems to be an 
inexhaustible supply. The ore, as it is taken from 
the mines, is of a blue-gray east, and is quite soft. 
Arriving at the factory, it is put in kilns and burned. 
It comes out of the kilns a dark maroon color, and 
much harder. After having been burned it is ready 
for the grinding-machine. in which it is soon con- 
verted into a powder, ready to be packed and shipped 
to market. The ore contains a large amount of hy- 
draulic cement, which gives it the peculiar properties, 
after burning, of withstanding the destructive action 
of heat, acids, gases, alkaline solutions, including am- 
monia, salt and fresh water, etc. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



HENRY BOWMAN. 

Among the first objects that attract your attention 
upon alighting at the Bowmansville Station is the resi- 
dence of Mr. Henry Bowman, which, in its general at- 
tractiveness and architectural beauty, is hard to be ex- 
celled. His father, John D. Bowman, Esq., was born 
in the year 1772, about two miles north of Lehigh Gap. 
In the year 1796 he setttled at the place near where 
Henry Bowman now lives, known as Bowmansville, 
in Lower Towamensing township, Pa. (A more com- 
plete history of this worthy gentleman may be found 
in Mr. Dennis Bowman's biographical sketch.) Mr. 
John Bowman was the father of twelve children, 
eight of whom are still living, among them the sub- 
ject of this sketch. Mr. Henry Bowman was born in 
1814, in what was then called Towamensing town- 
ship, in Northampton County. Until his twenty-fifth 
year he was chiefly employed in assisting his father in 
his occupation of farming and lumbering, taking ad- 
vantage of the three months' winter school that was 
to be obtained in those days. About the year 1838 
he started in business for himself, building canal- 
boats. This he pursued for upwards of twenty years 
or more. About the year 1855, Mr. George Ziegenfuss 
informed Mr. Bowman where he could find iron ore. 



Sifter experimenting with it as such, he found it was 
better adapted for paint than any other purpose, so he 
justly claims that he was the inventor of the metallic 
brown paint. After this discovery he manufactured 
paints fin- sume time, after which he organized a stuck 
company under the name of the " Poco Metallic Paint 
Company," which is still flourishing, Mr. Bowman 
being one of the principal stockholders. He has been 
a widely-known contractor for many years. After the 
freshet of 1841 he took a large contract for rebuilding 
some parts of the upper division of the Lehigh Coal 
and Navigation Company's canal, from Mauch Chunk 
to White Haven ; also contracted to build two sections 
of the Lehigh Valley Railroad; also of the Lehigh 
and Susquehanna Railroad. He has built many 
houses, churches, and bridges in his day. In 1857 he 
was one of the prime movers in organizing the iron- 
works at Parryville, which went under the name of 
Bowman Brothers & Co. He was the contractor who 
built the Carbon County prison at Mauch Chunk, 
which was completed in 1872; also arched the Mauch 
Chunk Creek, near Concert Hall, in 1882. He has 
mined immense quantities of coal and iron ore in 
years past. His principal business now is furnishing 
building and foundry sand, of which he owns an 
abundance, and is constantly shipping to all parts of 
the neighboring country. 

In 1844 he was married to Miss Lavinia Peters, 
whose parents, Henry and Christina Peters, followed 
farming in EastPenn township. Mr. Bowman's mar- 
ried life has proved a pleasant, uneventful one, in the 
fact of nine children being born to them, five of whom 
have since passed away. The four remaining are being 
prospered, consequently are a source of much comfort 
and happiness to their parents. His oldest son, Victor 
Bowman, married Miss Isabella, daughter of John Bal- 
liet, of Bowmansville, and is now in charge of Mr. 

I Balliot's large and popular mercantile establishment 
at that place. The next son, Roger Bowman, is rail- 
inspector for the Edgar Thomson Steel-Works, which 

I are located at Braddock's Field, Allegheny Co., Pa. 
He married Miss Sarah Jones, a sister of William 
Jones, the present superintendent of the same works. 
Morris Bowman, the third son, married Miss Clara 
Eckert, of Parryville. He is a young man of estimable 
qualities. He is at present confidential clerk for his 
father at Bowmansville. Fulton Bowman, the young- 
est, is still single, living at home with his parents. 
He proves of valuable service to his father in his 
business. Mr. Henry Bowman has also filled some 
offices of public trust, such as school director and 
township auditor. He has been a faithful and con- 
sistent member of the Lutheran Church for forty 
years or more. He has been a man of many tips and 
downs, yet has prospered wonderfully. His afflic- 
tions through death, freshets, fires, failures, etc., have 
been many. Yet through it all he feels grateful to 
the all-wise Providence that he has been so abun- 
dantly blessed. 




^PV^-*y /^"W/rJ^^ 



TOWAMENSINQ TOWNSHIP. 



769 



CHAP r i: l: \ \ I v. 

ion 'MENSING rOWNSHIP.' 

('in si Zinzendokf, a Moravian, came up along 
the Lehigh River in the year 171:.'. and held a 
with the Indiana at the place on which, a few years 
later, the mission of GnadenhUtten was established. 
Id- named this section of country "Saint Anthony's 
Wilderness," and il is so laid down on Evans' map 
of 1 74'.*. The name, however, did not obtain among 
:iU-rs. The ti-rni Towamensing, meaning the 
wilderness, nr a countrj not inhabited, was given to 
all thai section north < > t' the Blue Ridge, and was 
known as Towamensing District. Northampton 
County wa< erected in 17"cj, and at the Octobi 
of court in that year Nicholas Opplinger was ap- 
pointed constable. Michael Stowers was appointed 
Sept. 26, 1765; Conrad Mehrkem, June, 17'i:;; Peter 
Strohl, 1764. 

The dimensions of the district are given in a petition 
made to the court for its division, June 22, 1768, as 
being thirty-six miles in length. This petition asked 
that the " Lehi" River be the division-line. A com 

mi — inn to divide the district was appointed, and at 

the September term of court a report was made 

which declared the district divided as requested by 
the petition. The territory west of the Lehigh was 
to be known as Penn township, and that east of the 
river to retain the name of Towamensing. The tax 
of the township in L783 was £22 9*. Daniel Solt 
was the collector. From I7tix the territory of Tow- 
amensing embraced all north and ea-t of the Lehigh 
River. Chestnut Hill was taken from Towamensing 
before 1783, Tobyhanna -till later, and in 1836 they 

a pari of Monroe County, and in IS 11 the 
lower part of it became Penn Forest, which in 1843 
was attached to Carbon County. In 1841 Towamen- 
sing was again divided, and Lower Towamensing 
was set off. In 1851 Franklin was set off, since which 
time the territory remained the same. 

The 1 i — t of name- here given are of those whore- 
sided within tie- limits of Towamensing township as 
it then existed, embracing Dpper and Lower Towa- 
mensing, Franklin, Penn Forest, and Kidder town- 
ships; Tobyhanna township, now of Monroe County, 
having been set off earlier. 

The following names are of persons assessed in 
Towamensing Dec. -7, 1781, by the commissioners of 
Northampton County. Amount of tax levied, 'J7l' 

K 1./.: 

Martin Ainer. Henry Bowman. 

Frederick Boyer. v< oolas Cowell. 

Michael Belt/. Henry I 11 

Peter Bloss. Peter Frantz. 

Stophel Hock. Gottfried Grieswig. 

Nicholas Box. Maria Georgin, 



Jacol. Man-. 
John llaan. 

Nicholas Kern. 

John Klein. 
Melcbior Kins. 
( lonrad Merkum. 
Andrew < Ihlewine, 
Leonard Ripp. 
Peter Roth. 
Basiian Seiberd. 
John Solt, dr. 
Samuel Summy. 



I laniel Solt, -lr. 

berling. 
Stophel Seiberling. 
John Smith. 
A brabam Smith. 

Michael Strohl. 

Peter Strohl. 
Elizabeth strohl. 
John Wygand. 

Michael U . 

John Dunn. 
Daniel Strohl. 



I, '■nli 



Dinner Werner. 

I i. 

I ri i. rick ( luildner. 

Baltzer llosh. 

John 

Henry Mathias. 

Michael Ilolstein. 

Adam Fogleman. 

/ II. 

. lac. ib Mehrkem. 






Daniel Solt. 
John Solt. 
Peter Woodring. 
Frederick Streckler. 
Jacob Alleinan. 
Stophel Buckler. 
Jacob llousi knight. 
Margaret Shneyderin. 
John Rudy. 

Henry Davis. 

The old families who settled in the limits of the 
present township have but few descendants, and it 
has been exceedingly difficult to obtain accurate in- 
formation concerning them. A few sketches are lore 
given. 

William Eckert. a native oi Germany, came to 
Northampton County, south of the Blue Mountain-, 
where he resided a few year-. Between 1781 and 
1786 he removed to what is now Lower Towamensing 
township, and lived near where Charles Straub now 
resides. In this latter year he was licensed by the 
court of Northampton County to keep a tavern. He 
had two sons, Adam and William. Adam was born 
in 1784, lived with his father many year-, and later 
removed to I'oho Poco Creek, where he lived the re- 
mainder of his days, and died in 1868, aged ninety- 
four year-. He had three sons, John, Adam, and 
Daniel. Adam, son id' Adam, died in November, 
1883, aged eighty year-, bavins twelve children, of 
whom were Joseph, Abraham, Samuel, and David. 

Daniel, son id' Adam, died in 1879, and left tell 
children, of whom are Daniel, Joseph, Reuben, and 
Thomas. 

William Eckert, the son of William, and brother of 
Adam, died many years ago, and left live sons, -John, 
William. Adam, Solomon, and Daniel. 

descendants of Adam and William are in this 
and adjoining townships. 

Abraham and John Smith, of Easton, came to the 

township with their parent- in 1781, and settled near 

what is now Stenilersville. Adam later settled on 

land now owned by Anthony Snyder. He died in 

;. aged eighty-two years. His son- were John. 



I.. 



770 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



George, Charles, and Solomon. John ami George 
settled in the township, Charles in Penn Forest, and 
Solomon at Lehigh < lap. 

The ancestors (if the Beer family, who came to this 
township soon after 1781, were of Engl Mi descent, and 
emigrated first id New Jersey. The name of the origi- 
nal settler is not known, ('apt. ( leorge Beer, oneof the 
oldest remembered, lived where his son, Reuben, now 
lives. His other sons were Thomas, William, Joseph, 
Benjamin, Elias, and Jonas, who all live in the town- 
ship. In 1843 the following were in the township: 
George Beer was in possession of 510 acres of land and 
a saw-mill; John Beer, 200 acres: Adam Beer, 150 
acres: Abraham Beer, 120 acres; George Beer, Jr., 
40 acres; I'aul Beer, 140 acres; and Jacoh Beer, 34 
acres. 

The following name-, number of acres, and profes- 
sions are taken from the assessment-roll made in 
1843-44, the next year after the county was erected : 

Innkeepers — John D. Bauman, Jr., John Jarrard, 
Andreas Siegfried, William Walp. 

Daniel Arner, Jr., farmer, 119 acres. 

Daniel Arner, carpenter. 

Thomas Arner, carpenter, 62 acres, turning-ma- 
chine. 

Peter Andreas, farmer, 92 acres. 

James Anthony, superintendent. 

Daniel Ahner, cordwainer. 

Joseph Albright, 212 acres. 

Abraham Ahner, cordwainer. 

John E. Boyer, keeper. 

J. D. Bauman, Jr., farmer, 384 acres, saw-mill. 

David Becker, farmer, 70 acres. 

George Beer, Jr., farmer, 40 acres. 

John Beer, farmer, 200 acres. 

Abraham Beer, 120 acre*. 

Jacob Beer, 34 acres. 

Adam Beer, 150 acres. 

David Buch, cordwainer, 41 acres. 

Peter Beltz, farmer, 311 acres. 

Andreas Buck, 64 acres. 

Paul Beer, 140 acres. 

George Beer, farmer, 510 acres, saw-mill. 

Charles Belfort, farmer, 66 acres. 

John G. Boyer, for Stephen Balliet, 64 acres. 

Charles Blose, farmer, 53 acres. 

Henry Bauman, 300 acres. 

J. D. Bauman, 93 acres improved and 40 acres at 
the Fire Line, 150 acres at Zerley's. 

James Brown, carpenter, 38 acres. 

David Bauman, merchant, 73 acres. 

Blose & Reichelderfer, 212 acres. 

Melchior Christman, farmer, 64 acres. 

Simon Christman, farmer, 96 acres. 

Joseph Christman, 135 acres. 

James M. Connor, carpenter. 

Christian Corby, refiner. 

Daniel Dreisbach, farmer, 88 acres, clover-mill. 

Peter Dreisbach, farmer, 109 acres, saw-mill. 



George Derrhainer, tailor. 

James Dick, lawyer. 

Dreisbach & Solt, 297 acres woodland and saw- 
mill. 

Simon Dreisbach, carpenter. 

Adam Eckhart, Jr., farmer, 100 acres. 
Daniel Eckhart, farmer, 70 acres. 

William Eckhart. 14 acres. 

John Eckhart, 400 acres. 

Joseph C. Fields, sawyer. 

Samuel B. Finch, superintendent. 

Henry Greenzweig, 29 acres. 

.Idlin D. Greenzweig, farmer, 80 acres. 

Samuel Greenzweig, farmer, 70 acres. 

Ashbury Gilliam, collier. 

Ezekiel Gilham, collier. 

C. S. German, doctor. 

Daniel Heberling, merchant. 

Joseph Hartman, 45 acres. 

Samuel Hartman, carpenter 

Jonas Halm, blacksmith. 

Charles Hote, 200 acres. 

John Houseknecht, tanner, 100 acres. 

John and George Hote, 100 acres. 

Benjamin Jarrard, miller. 

Henry Kibler,.63 acres; 

Jonathan Kibler, 75 acres. 

Kibler & Beer, saw-mill. 

Christian Krum, mason, 12 aeres. 

Joseph Kern, carpenter, 45 acres. 

William Kern, carpenter, 141 acres. 

Peter Kibler for Charles Biddle, 428 acres. 

Peter Krum, mason, 20 acres. 

Charles Klotz, carpenter. 

John Kelchner, 30 acres. 

Daniel Kemerer, clerk. 

William Lilly, clerk. 

James Laury, clerk. 

David S. Lovett, farmer, 1394 acres and saw-mill. 

William Lilly. Jr.. clerk. 

Godfrey Laury, clerk. 

Jacob Moyer, wheelwright. 

Frederick Minor, miller, grist-mill, saw-mill. 

Samuel & Jesse Mills, colliers. 

Robert McDaniel, carpenter. 

Charles Moyer, wheelwright, 17 acres. 

Jacob Oswald, carpenter. 

Pine Forest Company, 230 acres, grist-mill, saw- 
mill. 

Peter Reiner, farmer, 50 acres. 

John Roth, sawyer. 

Charles Roth, carpenter. 

Lewis Roth, tailor. 

Joseph Richter, wheelwright. 

Augustus Roth, tailor. 

Josiah Ruch, blacksmith. 

George Ruple, wheelwright. 

Francis Reed, carpenter. 

George Schnell, 32 acres. 



TOWAMBNSING TOWNSHIP 



771 



Lewis Scbnell, 28 w 
William Scbnell, 33 acres, wi 
Simon I'. Snyder, farmer, 300 aci 
Daniel Schaeffer, fanner. 10'J acres. 
Thomas Schaeffer, 1"- acres, 
\hr.Mn Smith, farmer, 98 acri 
John A. Bolt, 25 acres. 
Jacob Snyder, 108. 
|)a\ id and Reuben Suit, 19 acre-. 
Jacob Solt, Jr., weaver, 62 acres. 
John J. Solt, farmer. 171 ai 

John Solt, farmer, 163 acres. 

Daniel Solt, farmer, 2o" acres. 

Paul Solt, .lr., carpenter, 11 acres. 

1 1 .ii i \ Sowers, collier. 

Daniel Stemler, farmer, 470 .ere-, saw-mill, clover- 
mill. 

David Schaeffer, carpenter, 66 acres. 

Justus L. Schreiber, carpenter. 

George Sponeheimer. 

Smith & Caldwell, 2687 acres, furnace, forge. 

William Solt, tailor, 19 acres.- 

Nathaniel Serfas, farmer, 130 acres. 

Thomas Schwaab, farmer, 77 acres. 

Matthias Geyfest, blacksmith. 

John Solt, Jr., 22 acres. 

Jacob Sevitz, cordwainer, 40. 

l'i ter 1'. Strobl & Sons, 56 acres. 

Peter Snyder, Jr., 100 acres. 

John A. Scboenberger, tailor. 

Thomas Solt, 33 acres. 

Andrea- Siegfried. 

Hytuan L. Stine, carpenter. 

Daniel Smith, sawyer. 

John Smith, farmer, ion acres. 

William Tilghman, L06 acres, non-resident. 

Wei-s e-iate, 3077 acres. 

George Welch, farmer, 1H7 acres, saw-mill. 

Daniel Welch, farmer. 120 acres. 

William Walp, innkeeper. 

Francis Weiss, Sr., surveyor. 

Thomas Wei--, tanner. 

Daniel Wentz, farmer, 84 acres. 

Lewis Weiss, merchant. 

Solomon Welch, 74 acres. 

Francis Weiss, Jr., surveyor. 

George Wagner, Jr., farmer, 140 acre-. 

Charles Welch, carpenter. 

Edward Wei-s, merchant. 

John Ziegenfiiss, 226 acres, saw-mill. 

Simon Ziegenfuss, miller. 

Thomas Ziegenfuss, 45 acres. 

Jacob Ziegenfuss, 50 act 

The school privilege in this township was very 
meagre at an early day, as no church school was 
within its limits. The nearest was the John's con- 
gregation. Tbe township accepted the school law in 
1841, at which time the school directors were James 
Anthony and John Suit, who were elected for three 



years, William Walp two years, and John Smith 
and I (avid Shiffer one year. 

I 111 following i- a li-t of the name- of the - 

di rcci or- of the township since th i of Carbon 

ity : 
1844. Francis Weiss, Jr., Daniel Went/,. D 

Solt. Charles Plow. 

L845. M. Christman, D. Stemler. D. Beberling. 
L846. — Alex. Lent/. Adam Heer. 
1847. -Thomas Stout, William Kern. 
1848. — George Wagner, Joseph Christman. 

1849. — Lewis Wei — . Paul Bi 

L850. — David Bowman, James Lowry. 

1851. — Dai Adam Beer, Reuben Hawk, 

Saminl ( rreensweig. 

1852.— Daniel Bckhart, Daniel Walp. 

L853.— James Lowry, David Griffith. 

I -ol. — David Stemler, James Lowry. 

1855. — James Walp, David Keeker. 

1856. -David Griffith. J. 11. Rickert. 

1857. — J. J. Kemmerer, Daniel Stemler, Simon 
Tracli. 

1858. — George Beer, Adam Leer. Samuel Greens- 
weig. 

1859.— David Griffith, Edward Raber. 

I860.— Paul Beer, J. J. Kemerer. 

1861. — John Herman, Joel Strohl, David Christ- 
man. 

1862. — George Wagner. William Scboenberger. 

1863. — Solomon Stemler, David Becker. 

1864. — J. J. Kemerer, Solomon Stemler. 

1865. — Daniel Stemler, Amos Beer. 

1866. — William Eckhardt, Joseph Christman. 

1867.— Robert McDaniel, Josiah Harfle. 

1868.— Peter Bock, Paul Kresge. 

186!'.— John I'.ehler. David Griffith. 

1870. — Solomon Stemler, John Shobold. 

1871. — Paul Kresge, H. F. Greensweig. 

L872.— Frank Smith, Paul Smith. 

1873.— Charles Meinhard, J. K. Fetherolf. 

1874.— John Pickford, William Shaffer. 

1875.— Nathan Stemler. Harrison Smith. 

I 876. — Joel Strohl, Jonah Hasble, Solomon Stuber. 

1877. — John 11. Weiss, Samuel Eckhardt. 

1878. — John Stedder, Frederick Beer. 

1879. — Reuben Eckhardt, William Shoenberger. 

1880.— Charles Schoeffer, Ebenzel Sbinke. 

1881. — George Baydt, Benjamin Greensweig. 

1882. — Nathan Smith, August Kirchner, A. J. 
( 'hri-tman. 

1883. — Paul Kresge, Solomon Stemler. 

Tbe township was originally divided into live 31 hool 
districts. 

.v. //. Vb. 1. — A log school-hou-e was erected 

by the saw-mill about 1840, which was used till I860, 
when it was taken down and moved to the present 
school site, and there used till 1864, when the present 
brick bouse was built, at a cost of three hundred and 
sixty-five dollars. 



772 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



No. 2.— A district \v:is erected, known as "Big 
(reck," which included the Shoenberger, Pine Run, 
and Kibler district. A school-house was built near 
Kemerer'.s, and used till 1S68, when the three districts 
mentioned wen- made, and this house was aban- 
doned. 

The school-house at Shoenberger's, now Lovett's, 
was built in 1868, and is still in use. 

Sitter's.— la 18G8 the present school-house was 
built near John Eckert's. 

Pine Run District embraced from its erection in 
L868 to L875 the present districts of Upper and Lower 
Pine Run. In the latter year Upper Pine Run was 
taken oft'. 

The school-house of Lower Pine Run was erected 
in 1868, and of Upper Pine Run in 1875. 

District No. 3, known as Greensweig, was one of the 
original districts. A school-house was erected on the 
present site, which was used till 1883, when the present 
building was erected. 

No. 1. — This district, known as Eckert's, was estab- 
lished upon the acceptance of the school law, and a 
school-house erected near Eckert's, which was in use 
till 1872, when the present stone building was erected. 

No. 5. — At this district, known as Beer's, a building 
was erected and used till 1864, when an edifice which 
had been erected for the use of an Evangelical Church 
society was purchased and remodeled for school pur- 
poses, and used for the school-house till the present. 

The pupils in the different districts are as follows: 
Stemlersville, 60 ; Shoenberger, 10; Kibler, 25; Lower 
Pine Run, 30; Upper Pine Run, 30; Greensweig's, 
45 ; Eckert's, 40 ; Beer's, 41. Total, 281. 

Justices of the Peace.— The justices of the peace 
prior to 1840 will be found in the civil list of the 
county, in the districts in which the townships were 
assigned. From 1845 to 1883 they have been as 
follows : 

David Bauman, March, 1845. 

Edward Weiss, March, 1850. 

George Beer, March, 1851. 

George Wagner, March, 1851. 

George Beer, March, 1856. 

George Wagner, March, 1856. 

Lynford Troch, March, 1859. 

Henry Deppe, March, 1861. 

Joseph M. Roberts, March, 1862. 

Peter Jones, Jr., March, 1863. 

W. H. Jones, March, 1865; March, 1866. 

Paul Krisge, March, 1868. 

John Behler, October, 1870. 

Benjamin Beer, March, 1872; March, 1877. 

Paul Kresge, March, 1878; March, 1883. 

Jerusalem Church. — The church, the only one in 
Towamensing township, is located near Trochsville, 
was built of frame, forty by fifty feet, with a gallery 
on three sides, in the year 1848. The society is 
union, and composed of members of the Lutheran 
and German Reformed Churches. Among the pas- 



tors of the Lutherans have been Rev. Frederick W. 
Mendson (1848-52), E. A. Bauer, and A. M. Strauss, 
the present pastor. 

The pastors of the German Reformed were the 
Rev. John Helffricu, Rev. Charles Eichenberg, after 
whom the pulpit was supplied for several years. The 
present pastor is the Rev. Joseph H. Schlappig. 

The Lutherans number about one hundred and 
eighty, and the German Reformed about seventy- 
live. 

Stemlerville. — About 1795, Gen. Thomas Craig 
purchased property embracing what is now Stemler- 
ville. He erected the old house that is still standing, 
and in 1814 removed to Lehigh Gap. The property 
passed to others, among whom was one Frederick, 
who kept a tavern at the old house. 

Daniel Stemler, of Northampton County, in 1829, 
purchased the property, and later purchased exten- 
sively adjoining. Mr. Stemler at the time of his 
purchase was recently married, and, upon taking 
possession of the property, he opened the old tavern 
again as a public-house, which he kept till 1852, 
when the present brick hotel was built. This he also 
kept till his death, in 1871. It has since been kept 
by his son, Nathan. 

An old mill, known as the Stemler Mill, is on the 
creek near Stemlerville, and before 1833 was in pos- 
session of Frederick Bachman. In that year he sold 
it to Thomas Craig, and April 6, 1842, he sold the 
property to Daniel Stemler, by whose heirs it is still 
owned. In 1864, Daniel Stemler erected the brick 
building now used as a store, and in 1866, Paul 
Kresge, his son-in-law, opened a store, which is still 
carried on. 

A stage and mail route was opened about 1855 through 
the place, and a post-office was established, with Dan- 
iel Stemler as postmaster. After many years William 
Shoenberger was appointed, and held for a few months, 
and Robert Laubach was appointed. The office was 
returned to the Stemler Hotel, and Nathan Stemler 
was appointed deputy postmaster. It so remained 
until December, 1866, when Paul Kresge, the present 
postmaster, was appointed, and the office was removed 
to his store. 

Trochsville, called after Lynford Troch, who lived 
there and owned the land. Walp's tavern-stand, a 
short distance from there, was a noted old tavern-stand, 
and when Jacob Rickert, about 1854, built the present 
tavern-stand at Trochsville the old Walp stand was 
abandoned as tavern property. Rickert kept the 
tavern a few years and sold to Lynford Troch, who 
went to the war as captain and was killed. The prop- 
erty was rented for years, and is now owned by parties 
in Easton, and kept by Thomas Snyder. 

About 1856, Lynford Troch started a store at the 
place, and a post-office was established, with Troch as 
postmaster. The office was after a time abandoned, 
and later re-established as Carbon Post-Office, which 
it still remains. John Behler served as postmaster, 



BOROUGH OF W KISS PORT. 



773 



and was succeeded by Harrison Kunkel. the present 
postmaster, who also keeps the hotel and store. 

On the road from Trochsville to Little Gap, I'eter 
Jones, many years ago, erected a brick bouse, which 
hi opened as a hotel. The place became known ae 
Honesville. The hotel was kept for a number of years, 
and is now used as a dwelling. 



CHA PTEE X \ V. 
BOROUGB OF WEISSPORT. 

Tin: borough of Weissport i- situated on the east 
bank of the Lehigh River, and opposite the borough 
of Lehighton. The greater part of tie- land on which 
it was built was patented to John Roberdoe in 1701, 
and later came into the possession of Col. - 1 
Weiss. Thai portion along the river anil at the north 
end of the borough was a part of the one hundred 
and twenty acres which was deeded to the Moravians 
in 1745. the greater part of which lay on the west 
side of the Lehigh River. The Gnadenhutten Mis- 
sion was established in 174ii. and became a prosperous 
settlement and trading-post. The .Moravians here 
gathered about them about five hundred Indians of 
the Mohegan and Delaware tribes. Schools were 
established, mills erected, and agricultural pursuits 
and stock-raising were extensively carried on. 

The Indians gathered here were taught in the 
schools and assisted in agricultural pursuits. Early 
in the year 1754 it was decided to establish a new 
mission on the east side of the river, to be called Xew 
Gnadenhiitten, to which place the Indians were to be 
removed. 

The Carbon Advocate, in 1879, published an article 
entitled ''New Gnadenhutten, Weissport < >ne Hun- 
dred and Twenty-five Years ago." The writer says, 
" Independent of the English and French war raging 
on the Susquehanna, there were dissensions and bick- 
ering among the Indians themselves, and i spei 
feud between the Delawares and the Five Nations. 
In the commencement of 1 7- >4. a young white man 
having murdered the peaceable old chief, Tattemi, that 
astute diplomat and Quaker Indian, Tadeuskund, was 
chosen leader and king of the Delawares. Tadeus- 
kund had been converted to Christianity and bap- 
tized, and his chief purpose was to preserw an equi- 
librium of peace between the white colonists and his 

own people, and it is likely he saw in th 
living together of whites and Indians at Gnaden- 
hutten a serious cause for jealous] among the tribes 
outside, and so arranged with Bishop Spangenberg, at 
Bethlehem, to bring al.out this separation. And thus 
was established New Gnadenhutten, now Weissport. 

"In the removal the Indian- were kindly assisted 
by the congregations at Bethlehem, Nazareth, Chris- 
tianbrunn, and Gnadenthal, who furnished not only 
workmen and materials, but even contributions in 



money. Unanimity and diligence contributed so 
much towards the progress of this work that thi 
twenty houses were inhabited by the 4th, and the 
foundation-stone of the new chapel laid mi the 11th 
of June. Bishop Spangenberg offered up a most 
fervenl prayer, and delivered a powerful discourse on 
this solemn occasion. The houses wi after 

completed, and a regulation made in all the families 
for the children, of each sex, to be properly taken 
care of. The dwellings were placed in such order 
that tin Mohegans lived on one side of the strei 
the Delawares on the other side. Tin- brethren at 
Bethlehem took the culture of the old land on the 
Mahoning upon themselves, made a plantation of it 
for the use of the Indian congregation, and i 
the old chapel into a dwelling, both for the use of 
those brethren and sisters who had the care of the 
plantations, and for missionaries passing on theirs 
to the heathen, A Synod was held in New Gnaden- 
hiitten from the 6th to the 11th of August, 1754, and 
the chapel consecrated. Main Indian assistants were 
invited to this Synod, the chief intention being ma- 
turely to consider the situation of the Indian mission." 

The two missions under the same management 
prospered greatly until the defeat of Gen. Braddock, 
in July, 1755, at which time the frontiers were left 
open to attack- from the Indians, who were incited by 
appeal to their prejudices and promises held out to 
them by the French, who went among them for that 
purpose. The Indians living in this section of coun- 
try were also jealous of the influence exerted by the 
Moravian missionaries over their people. The di 
of Braddock caused great uneasiness and consterna- 
tion among the settlers who had taken up lands out- 
side of the mission, and many of tin in left their homes 
and fled to Bethlehem, Easton.and other more thickly- 
populated localities. The brethren of the mission 
decided to remain, and took every precaution against 
surprise, but it was in vain. 

On the evening of Nov. '.'4, 17-V>. the old mission 
was attacked by a party of Indian.-, who, alter vainly 
endeavoring to get in the house, set the building on 
fire, and killed and scalped those who were not burned 
in the dwelling, except those who escaped. The light 
of the flames, and two Moravians who escaped to the 
new mission, notified the Indians of their danger. 

They at once offered to attack the enemy without 
ly, but were advised by the missionary in charge 
to the contrary, and they immediately gathered to- 
gether a few effects and fled to the wood-. The nexl 
day troops arrived from Bethlehem, and many of the 
refugees returned. No further trouble was occasioned 
by the Indians until the 1st of January following 
1756), when a part of the troops, who were skating, 
saw two Indian- above them on the river, and fol- 
lowing them, they "ere led into an ambush and killed. 
This so alarmed the remaining troops that they, with 
the Indians, tied, Phesavs es then burned the Indian 
bouses at the " New Gnadenhutten" Mission. 



774 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Benjamin Franklin was in the same month ap- 
pointed to build a line "I" forts, one of which was to 
be at tliis locality. A full account of Fort Allen and 
its occupation will be found in the Indian history. 

'in a morning in January, L761, the little body of 
troops, who lor live years bad been stationed in Fort 
Allen, were ordered to prepare for evacuation. When 
all wa> ready, the column marched out and down the 
military road towards Bethlehem. Forseveral years 
the locality, now left to desolation, had been the 
abiding-place of several bundled people, who were 
engaged in agricultural pursuits, and of troops to 
proteet them. Twenty-three years passed before an 
attempt was again made to settle at this place. 

Col. Jacob Weiss, a native of Philadelphia, in the 
year 1784, while on a tour through the county with a 
view of purchasing land, passed up the Lehigh River. 
The well-timbered lands along the east side of the 
river attracted his attention, and he purchased of the 
Moravians of Bethlehem seven hundred acres of land, 
between what is now Parryville and Long Run. He 
erected a log house for bis own use on the site of the 
Fort Allen House at Weissport, and a saw-mill and 
a log house for his sawyer. John Roth. He had mar- 
ried a few years previous to this time, and in the next 
year (1785) moved to the new home, his family then 
consisting of his wife, two children, and Mrs. Robin- 
son, his wife's mother. At this time the Solts, Arners, 
and Hoetbs were living west of him from six to eight 
miles, and on the other side of the river were the 
families of Dodson and others, four or five miles 
distant. 

Active work commenced in the woods and at the 
mill. The sound of the woodman's axe, the falling 
of trees, and the loud voices of teamsters resounded 
in the woods along the river. In a few years the 
fores'ts were cut away and fields were cleared and 
planted. Other large tracts were purchased by Col. 
Weiss, and lumbering was carried on for many years. 
The next year (1786) after the arrival of the family, 
a great Hood occurred, which was long remembered 
by them. The following account of this flood is 
given in Rupp's "History of the Five Counties," 
the facts therein being stated by Mrs. Weiss and 
her son, Francis, in September, 1844: "On the night 
of the 6th of October, 1786, Mr. Weiss' family was 
roused from sleep between ten and twelve of the 
clock by the cry of some one, 'We are all surrounded.' 
At this cry the first thought that struck them was 
that the Indians had surprised them, but they soon 
found they were surrounded by water, for the Le- 
high had swollen so suddenly and so high that the 
whole flat of Fort Allen was inundated. To save 
themselves they had to leave the house. They drove 
the sheep into the kitchen and penned them up in the 
loft; the cattle were on the hills. Old Mrs. Robin- 
son — the mother of Mrs. Weiss — and the children 
were carried in a wagon to the higher ground, and 
Mrs. Weiss, between two and three in the morning, 



mounted behind her husband to go on horseback, but 
was obliged to dismount, for the horse could not pos- 
sibly carry both, on account of the ground being so 
completely -nuked that he sunk to the flanks. Mrs. 
\V. is-, however, was carried in an arm-chair by some 
men to the hill east di' the canal. At the same time 
a house near the river was swept away with its in- 
niaies, — Tippey, his wife, and two children. As the 
house was floating each of the parents bad a child by 
the hand, the bouse struck a tree, the parents caught 
by the limbs and were saved, but both children per- 
ished. In this predicament Mr. Mullen, a sailor, at 
the instance of -Mr. Weiss, took a canoe, and rescued 
Tippey and his wife from the angry waxes which had 
borne off their tender children." This Hood is known 
as"Tippey's Flood.' 

In the year 1791, when Philip Ginter discovered 
coal at Summit Hill, he brought specimens of it to 
Col. Weiss, who at once became interested and went 
to Philadelphia, and with others formed the Lehigh 
Coal Company. About ten thousand acres of land 
were taken up on the mountain, and efforts were 
made to bring the coal to market and in use, but for 
the time they were not successful. 

Col. Weiss was engaged in all movements to ad- 
vance the best interests of the county. In his ad- 
vancing years he retired from the more active duties 
of life, and his sons, Francis and Thomas, were in 
charge of his business. He was a native of Phila- 
delphia, where he was born Sept. 1, 17.30, and was 
educated at Nazareth and Philadelphia. Upon the 
breaking out of the Revolution he entered the army, 
and was an active participant during that memorable 
struggle. At its close he married, and in 1785 came 
to the place which now bears his name, and lived 
there till his death, Jan. 9, 1839, in his eighty-ninth 
year. His wife, Elizabeth, survived him several 
years. Their children were Rebecca, Francis, Jacob, 
Elizabeth, Thomas, and Edward. Rebecca was horn 
in Philadelphia, passed her youth at Weissport, and 
became the wife of Dr. John E. Thompson. They 
lived at that place many years, and after her death 
her husband moved to Matnh Chunk, and died of 
cholera in 1854. Francis, son of Jacob, was also born 
in Philadelphia, lie attended school at Nazareth and 
Easton, and gave particular attention to surveying. 
He learned the trade of printing, but forsook it for 
surveying, which he made his life-work. For many 
years he did most of the surveying in this region of 
the country. He remained unmarried, and died about 
seventy years of age. Jacob, son of Jacob, remained 
at home till he reached maturity, when he traveled for 
several years, anil later became interested in coal and 
mining operations. He also was unmarried, and died 
about sixty-five years of age. Elizabeth, daughter of 
Jacob, became the wife of Jacob Horsfield, and for 
several years resided at Emaus, where her husband 
was engaged in the mercantile business. Later they 
removed to Bethlehem. Thomas, sou of Jacob, settled 



I'.dl'.oli.ll OF WKISSI'OKT. 



.75 



on the homestead farm and carried on the farming and 
[umbering. He married tin- daughter of Paul Bolt, 
who was om irly settlers. Bis children were 

Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Bowman), who now resides at 
Millport ; Charles, who became a surveyor, ami emi- 
grated to Michigan and died in Detroit; Lewis re- 
mained at Weissport, ami was for some years engaged 
in boat-building ami in the mercantile buMni - 
1836 to 1857, and in 1872 removed to Lehigh ton, 
where he i- now in business; Francis, about I860, 
engaged in boat-building and the mercantile business 
in Bethlehem, and is still in that borough : Alexander, 
in 1870, went to California, and isstill there. Edward, 
son of .lac oh, remained at his native place and en- 
gaged in boat-building, mercantile business, and also 
kept the Fort Allen Bouse. Be died in 1864. 

Soon alter the y ar 18H0 a tide of emigration began 
to flow to the west side of the Lehigh River, and Col. 
Weiss, with others, presented a petition to the court 
of Northampton County asking for a bridge a' 
the Lehigh River at the termination of tin- road that 
was built in 1748 from Bethlehem to Gnadenhiitten. 
This did not meet with prompt attention, and another 
was presented bearing data Nov. 5, 1803, which was 

favorably received, and viewers were appointed, who 
at a later term of court reported as follows: 

" The Honorable Jacob fituft, /'< esidi 'f. and tkt ! ■' triad JtMfa'i 

"We the Subscribers, the viewi I by tin- within orderof 

Court, having in pursuance of the saiii ortler met upon ttie ijpot to view 
the sriti' of the Bridge prayVi for, Do I I That a Bridge is really 
necessary for the accomodation of tin- Public ;it tin- said p] ice. We 
find the rivei to measure one hundred and twenty feet width, havin 

the a BStei i' shot >-, which of course will not require 
any or very little walling. And on the eastern it will require an abut- 
ment and wing trail extending about one hundred and fifty feet from 
the abutment eastward; mid we further suggest that the lower timbers 
ought to lay ahotit twelve feet above low-water mark. We herewith 
also present a draft of h bridge (which altho' not fitted to the width of 
Stream as above mentioned, il being calculated for one hundred and 
forty feet) will .sufficiently describe the structure we would approve of. 
The dotted lines in the draft describes an arch of IS reel eleva- 
tion composed of eight rows >f timber, each i read 
from shore to shore, to which the flooring is bung king- 
posts as there are ten of feet in the span, which posts are to he well fast- 
ened with iron holts to said arch of Umber, and rising to a proper height, 
and with a horizontal floor. It is to be covered with a shingle roof, 
and the sides to be boarded We would further add that a bridge thus 
constructed will be much better than the Common construction of lilt 
arch and flooring, as in the ascent and descent of a heavy-laden car- 
riage upon such a flooring the frames labors hard, and of c 

fast; again, in the structure we propose the timber being covered in : it 

will also In- much more durable on that account (although til ■■ 

oourtdoes not require It). We may add that we estim 
of the construction ol ridge Three Tl 

No action seems to have been taken on this report, 
and a petition was again made June 4, 1804, " for a 
bridge over the river Lehigh, at or near the house of 
Col. Jacob Weiss, in Towamensing township, on the 
public road leading from the Water Gap of Lehigh to 
Berwick on Susquebannah." The court appointed 
as viewers Jonas Hartzell, Esq., Michael Musselman, 
Stephen Balliet, Joint Snyder, Jacob Kutitz, and 
Henry Bowman. They viewed the site and made re- 
port June 14, 1804, which report was accepti d, and a 
bridge ordered built. The commissioners of the 



county decided to have the work of building the 

bridge done by tlie day; a temporary structure was 
erected near by, and the men were hoarded there, the 
commissioners furnishing all tie- supplies. The entries 
are given in full in the records at Easton, and among 
them an- tin- following, June It, 1805; "To Jacob 

Lay loi a Fresh Milks Cow for the use "I the nun 

who work at Lehigh Bridge, at $19.00; and John App 
for one and a Call for bringing them 

up to the bridge, at Weiss's." "To Jacob Lay for 1" 

Fat Sheep lor the hand- at Lehigh Undue. $20." 
, "Sept. 20. To Katy Kickin on account of cooking, 
i LOO ' 'ofii ". tea, sugar, whiskey, brandy, beef, pork, 
and other supplies were furnished in large rpiant 

The bridgi ished in tin summer of 1805, and 

the road was continued on tin west side of the river 
to Lausanne i Landing Tavern), and from thereover 
the Broad Mountain, and from 1808 became the Le- 
high ami Susquehanna Turnpike, better known as 
ton and Lerwick Turnpike. The bridge remained 
in use with occasional repairs till 1841, when it 
partially destroyed and again rebuilt, and from that 
time was in use until the freshet of 1862, when it was 
entirely swept away. The present bridge was then 
built by the county. 

No effort wa> made to establish a village at Weiss 
mill until the construction of the canal in 1 S27-28. 
At that time tin t Joal and Navigation Company desired 
to locate thecanal on the west side of the river, but Col. 
Weiss tillered the company right of way free through 
In- farm on the east side, which extended some dis- 
tance down the river. The proposition was accepted 
and the canal was constructed. After this was decided 
upon, Col. Weiss and his sons laid out a village plot 
into lots, streets, and a public square, and formed a 
lottery scheme, in which each ticket was placed at a 
of seventy-live dollars, and was to entitle its 
holder to a lot, the only difference being in location. 
About torn tickets were sold and drawn. 

The canal was completed through this place in 
1829, and the building of houses soon commenced. 
Jacob Weiss' house [a frame structure) stood where 
; Allen Housi now stands. The tavern-stand, 
now known a- the Wei-sport House, was built in that 
year by Peter Snyder, and opened by Daniel Heber- 
ling. 

About 1- Weiss commenced building 

boats on the bank of the canal for the Morris Canal 
and Banking Company and the Lehigh Navigation 
Company. In 183(5 he opened the lir-t -tore in tin- 
village, at the corner where Franklin Lattry now is. 
and remained in business at that place until 1857. 
In 1838, Daniel Heberling, who at lir-t was in the 
hotel, opened a store about the centre of the town, 
where In- was in business many years. He was school 
in 1838, and for many years a justice of the 
peace. In lx;-:ii, Andrew Graver, who had formerly 
lived in Lehighton, moved to Weissport, and followed 
_ till after the freshet in 1841, when he built a 



776 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



boat-yard below Lock No. 9, and commenced the 
building of boats for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
t lompany. He continued this branch of business bill 
1*77, and siill resides in Weissport. 

In 1846, Nathan Snyder opened a boat-yard above 
Lock No. 9, and built boats there till 1872. In 1850, 
Miller & Heimbach, who formerly owned the Maria 
Furnace, opened a rope-factory, which was continued 

three or four years. A post-office was established in 
1863, and Christopher Grote was appointed postmas- 
ter. He was succeeded by William (trover, who 
served till June, 1869, when Perry J. Kistler was 
appointed, and served till June, 1882. William H. 
Knccht succeeded him, and is the present postmaster. 

Flood of 1862.— In a little work published in I 363 
called " Incidents of the Freshet on the Lehigh River, 
Sixth Month 4th ami 5th, 1862," occurs the follow- 
ing: "Weissport, owing to its low situation, suffered 
severely. It is thought that there was hardly a dwell- 
ing in the place escaped the effects of the water. 
Upon our first visit to it after the disaster, I he scene of 
desolation it presented was appalling; lumber, wrecks 
of bridges, broken canal-boats, parts of carriages, 
etc., lay in endless confusion the length and breadth 
of the town. In its main streets lay canal-boats, parts 
of houses, and logs piled a story or more high for a 
long distance, effectually stopping all travel from it, 
and furnishing a sad memento of the overwhelming 
destruction. At the Fort Allen House the flood was 
on the bar-room floor several inches; the stabling and 
out-houses attached to the hotel were all carried away. 
A resident of the place had taken much pains to fin 
iii-li a correct account of the number of buildings 
destroyed. The whole number was eighty-nine, con- 
sisting of sixteen dwellings, thirteen kitchens, thirty- 
seven stables, two barns, two blacksmith-shops, two 
slaughter-houses, two wagon-sheds, two built of brick, 
one school-house, one Methodist meeting-house, one 
saw-mill, one rolling mill, one foundry, one ware- 
house, and one carpenter-shop, coach-factory, cigar- 
shop, feed-store, shoe-shop, and tailor-shop. Four 
residents of the town were drowned." 

"Jacob's Church"— Lutheran and German Re- 
formed. — This congregation was organized in the 
spring of 1839, under the Rev. Mr. Yerkes (Lutheran) 
ami the Rev. Mr. Gerhart (German Reformed). A 
village lot (the sile of the present church) and an acre 
of ground on the hill north of Weissport were do- 
nated by Col. Jacob Weiss for church and burial pur- 
poses. 1 The present brick edifice was at once com- 
menced, and completed Christmas-day the same year. 
I In pastors who have served the German Reformed 
congregation from that time to the present are as 
follows : 

Revs. Rybel, HelfTrich, Charles J. Eichenbach, Bar- 



1 Col. .F:i- . ii . Weiss was Hi'' first to be buried in the burial-ground. 

The services were held in the school-house, as the cl ibwasnotyet 

complete. 



tholomew, and Joseph Freeman, the present pastor. 
The Lutheran pa-tors were the Revs. E. Augustus 
Bauer, Henninger, and II. Erbst, the present pastor. 
Each congregation has from eighty to one hundred 
members. 

Evangelical Church.— Al t lsn ;t number of 

persons in sympathy with the views of the Evangeli- 
cal Church Association met in Weissport, and were 

organized into a church b\ the Rev. Myers. A 

church was erected on the site of tin- present school- 
house, and occupied till 1853, when the present house 
of worship was erected, at a cost of five thousand dol- 
lars. It was known as the We'— port Station of the 

Carbon Circuit, and was supplied by pastors on the 
circuit until 1870, when it became a regular station. 

The pastors who supplied the church while a station 
in the circuit were Revs. Myers, George Knerr, John 
Kohl, William Bachman, John Scbell, Edmund 

Butz, Joseph Specht, Abraham Schultz, Kester, 

S. G. Rhoads, C. B. Flier, J. Iern, Goldschull, 

George Knerr, Bleam, Joseph Steller, Benjamin 

Schmoyer, A. Kindt, M. Oissinger, and J. Savitz. 
Since 1870 the pastors have been as follows: 1870, 
M. Dissinger; 1871, A. T. Seyboldt ; 1874, G. T. 
Haines; 1876, J. H. Knerr; 1878, J. K. Seifried; 
1880, E. J. Miller; 1882, A. A. Long, the present 
pastor. The church has a membership of two hun- 
dred and six, and a Sunday-school which numbers 
about two hundred pupils. 

Schools. — The first school-house in Weissport was 
erected in 1838, at a cost of four hundred dollars. It 
was built on the site of the stone building now used as 
a lock-up by the borough, and was swept away by 
the freshet in 1841, and the stone building above re- 
ferred to was erected upon the site, and used as a 
school-house until the present school building was 
erected, in 1865. The old church of the Evangelical 
Association was purchased by the school directors in 
1853, upon the completion of the new church of that 
society, and used as a school-house till 1862, wheu it 
was destroyed by the freshet of that year. The pres- 
ent building was erected on the same site in 1865. 
The directors of the school prior to 1868 will be 
found in Towamensing and Franklin townships. 

Weissport became an independent school district 
March 21, 1867, and the directors since that time are 
here given : 

1867.— Franklin Reed, Francis Yundt, William 
Koonz, Andrew Graver, Henry Boyer, Lewis Weiss. 

1868. — Lewis Weiss, John Hawk. 

1869. — Owen Mover, Daniel Schoch. 

1870.— J. G. Zern, Francis Yundt. 

1872.— Owen Mover, A. Oswald. 

1873.— J. G. Zern, Fran.is Yundt. 

1874. — H. H. Musselman, John Armr. 

1875.— None. 

1876.— J. G. Zern, D. B. Albright. 

1877.— Andrew Graver, Sr., II. H. Everett. 

1878. — -Reuben Musselman, Frederick Schmidt. 



BOROUGH ()K WEESSPORT. 



777 



1879. -^Joseph Feirt, W. II. Miner. Charles Boyer. 
-Milton Florey, Reuben Mussel man, J. C. 
Arner, and 1>. B. Albright i tii 
1882.— II. II. Musselman, William Florey. 

A. I. Guth, E. II. Everett, and Frank Laurj 

The scl I- of Weissport are under the chai 

Professor J. F. Snyder. 

Carbon Academy and Normal School Associa- 
tion. In L853 a stock company was formed under 
tin above title. A house was purchased, remodeled, 
and furnished. Professor Eberharl was employed to 
take charge of the school. After an experience of 
two j ears it was found that under the management the 
company were in debt. Professor Eberharl resigned, 
and was succeeded by Pliny Porter, who condui 
the school for anothi t year, when it was thought ad- 
visable to sell the property to pay the debts of the 
company, and R. T. Hofford, of Lehighton, became 
the purchaser. The building was refitted, and opened 
May 1, 1857, with ten pupils. Patronage increased, 
and an additional teacher was employed. In 1862 
the building was destroyed by the freshet, and rebuilt 
the same year in Lehigliton. In 1.SI.7, Professor A. S. 

Christine became proprietor, and the school under his 
management prospered until June, IXtiN, when it was 
i losed by his death. 

Hotels.— The first hotel was built in L829 by Peter 
Snyder, and opened by Daniel Heberling, who was 
landlord for three years, and was succeeded by Lewis 
Weiss, and later by the following persons: Charles 
Snyder, Alexander Lent/,, Jacob Snyder, Col. John 
Lentz, and others. It is now kept by Joseph Webb. 

The Fort Allen House was built by Edward VI eiss, 
son of Col. Jacob Weiss, in 1857, on the site of the old 

house and within the limits of the old stockade of 
Fort Allen. It was kept for a time by Edward Weiss, 

and later by George Mover, Ynna Cnlp. and others. 
At the present time Henry II. Everett is landlord. 
The Franklin House was built as a dwelling-house 

by Nathan Snyder in I860, and rebuilt as a hotel and 
store in 1865. It is now kept by Edward Kale t. 

Rolling-Mills. — These mills were built by Lewis 
Weiss in 1855, and operated by him till 1863; they 
were then sold to Bertolette .V Co., who enlarged their 
capacity and operated them till 1881, when they wen 
sold to Lilly & Co., by whom they were again enlarged. 
and run till the summer of 1883, when they were 

Tie Fort Allen Foundry was established in 1874 by 
William and C. I >. Miner, who have enlarged il sev- 
eral times, and still continue the busii 

Lehigh Valley Emery-Wheel Company.— This 
company was organized in .lime, 1874, with a capital 

Btock of thirty thousand dollars. The business had 
been conducted on a small scale prior to this time, 
but in this year buildings specially 

fitted for the carrying on of the manufacture of emery- 
and corundum-wheels. As the business increased 



additions have been made from time to time. The 
present officers are William Lilly, president ; L. E. 
Wills, secretary and treasurer; Directors, William 
Lilly. W. II. Stroh, Dr. .1. IL X. rn, R. T. Hufford, 
W. R, Butler, W. < '. McCormii k, and L. E. Will,. 
Weissport Borough. Petitions had been made to 
lurts of Carbon County asking for the erection 
of the village of Weissport into a borough for several 

years before any action was taken. The matter was 
again brought to the notice of the COUrl in IN<»7, and 
was favorably received, a decree of incorporation being 
granted on the 3d of June in that year. 

The first election for the borough of Weissport was 
held in March, 1S68. The following arc the names 
of members of « louncil and justices of the peace horn 
that time to the present: 

I '"I mi |.. 

18G8. — Franklin Reed, Francis Ynndt, Daniel 
Shoch, Frederick Schmidt, Joseph Feist, Thomas 
Koons. 

186°.— Joseph Feist, W. Coons. 

1870.— H. W. Ment/, F. Mini 

1872. — Joseph Feist, Henrj Tropp. 

1873. — Joseph Fenner, William Hollinger. 

Is74. — Francis Yundt, William Hollinger, Owen 
Mover. 

1875.— Andrew Grover, Sr., Henry Hover, William 

Koons. 

1876. — John Arner, William H. Knecht, William 

Koons. 

1877.— H. H. Musselman, William Hollinger. 

1878. — Henry Tropp, Oscar Arner. 

1879.— C. W. Lent/., John Arner, Sr. 

18S0— W. H. Everett, Andrew Grover, William 
Schreiber. 

1881.— J. B. Seidel, William Schreiber. John Gil- 
ham. 

1882.— Benjamin R. ( 'niton. J. I!. Seidel, W. Koons. 

1883.— Henry Boyer, P. J. Kistler, W. Coons. 

Ji -in es "I i in Peace. 
1872.— Henry Boyer. 
1874. S. R. Gilham. 
1876.— Charles P. Pecker. 
1877. — Henry Boyer, Alfred Whittingham. 
1881. John S. Miller. 
1882.— Henrv Boyer. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



JACOB « EISS. 

Col. Jacob Weiss was born in the city of Philadel- 
phia. His father was a native of Germany, for many 
years a >Ie physician in that city, and an ar- 

dent -upportcr of the American Revolutionary cause. 
The subjei the • lontinental 



778 



HISTOltY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Bervice in the fir>t company of Philadelphia voluti- 
ns, commanded by Capt. Cadwalader, and, after 
having performed a tour of duty, he was, at the 
earnest recommendation of Gen. Mifflin, then acting 
as quartermaster-general, to whom lie had served an 
apprenticeship in the mercantile line, and who knew 
him to be a trusty and proficient accountant, appointed 
a deputy quartermaster-general under him, and sub- 
sequently iimler Gen. Greene, in which station he re- 
mained until Gen. Greene took command of the South- 
ern army, during which perilous times he was almost 
constantly attached to and followed the various and 
often Midden movements of the main army, which 
proved a very harassing and arduous service. By the 
advice of Gen. Greene, who, in his farewell letter to 
him, highly and affectionately commended him for 
the faithful performance of the various duties im- 
pressed upon him, he accepted the appointment as as- 
sistant deputy quartermaster-general at Easton for 
the county of Northampton, in the fall of 1780, in 
which capacity he served until the close of the war. 

After the defeat of the American army in the battle 
on the river Brandywine, Sept. 11, 1777, the road to 
Philadelphia was open to the enemy. There was 
great consternation among the people when they 
heard of the approach of the British. Mrs. Weiss 
frequently spoke of the excitement that followed. 
Every one tried to get away. Fabulous prices were 
paid for all kinds of conveyances. Her husband was 
with the army, and she was left to her own resources. 
She was fortunate in procuring the services of a team, 
and, taking with her the wearing apparel of the family 
and a few articles of furniture, started with her family 
for Bristol. Upon her arrival there she found the 
hotel used as a hospital for wounded soldiers, the 
sight of which greatly distressed her. In the follow- 
ing mouth Col. Weiss sent his family to Easton, Pa. 

After closing up the business of his department in 
1783, he retired from the public service, and pur- 
chased a tract of land from the Moravians, on the 
Lehigh River, north of the Blue Mountain, including 
the site on which Fort Allen formerly stood. To this 
wild and secluded spot he brought his family in 1785. 
The inhabitants were few and simple in their habits, 
unburdened by the restraints and conventionalities 
of modern life. Nor had they need of many of the 
things we now consider necessary to our health and 
comfort. An umbrella was considered a great novelty, 
and Mrs. Weiss at first attracted some attention by 
carrying one on a warm or rainy day. 

While the colonel's time was fully employed in at- 
tending to the various duties that claimed his atten- 
tion, Mrs. Weiss did not so readily adapt herself to 
the situation ; she missed the society of congenial 
friends, the church to which she had been accus- 
tomed to result on the Sabbath, and the school which 
her children had attended. 

Within the inclosure around Col. Weiss' dwelling 
was the well dug inside of the fort erected here by 



Dr. Franklin, remaining as a memorial of the old 
Indian war, and an evidence of what" Poor Richard" 

knew about digging wells. 

While contending with a soil bj nature rocky and 
sterile, the early settlers were also frequently sub- 
jected during the glowing season to severe frosts, gen- 
erated by the humidity preserved by the shade of the 
forest, so that farming operations were only moder- 
ately successful. Besides farming, the lumber busi- 
r i « - — claimed a large share of the colonel's attention. 
Under his energetic management the Hats around his 
dwelling and the adjacent hills were rapidly cleared 
up and brought under cultivation, and the surround- 
ing forest furnished an abundant supply of lumber 

for his mills. While thus engaged in transforming 
these savage haunts into the peaceful abodes of civil- 
ized life, he probably realized the fact that " peace as 
well as war has its victories." 

( twing to the steep mountain-sides and the rapidity 
with which the smaller streams discharge their waters 
into the river during heavy rains or the rapid melt- 
ing of the snow upon the mountains, the valley of .the 
Lehigh is liable to sudden and destructive Moods. 
On the night of Oct. 6, 1786, the family were aroused 
by the cry that they were surrounded by water; the 
colonel upon raising the window beheld to his dis- 
may the whole flat overflowed. What increased the 
alarm was that there had been no heavy rain in the 
vicinity. In the darkness of the night the waters 
could be seen to rush wildly by, and steps were im- 
mediately taken to remove the family to a place of 
safety. Teams were hastily harnessed, and after 
much difficulty and danger they reached the hills. 
Not so fortunate were the occupants of an adjacent 
dwelling, occupied by a man named Tippey and his 
wife and two children, which was carried away by the 
flood, and lodged among the trees of an island about, 
one mile down the river. Tippey and his wife saved 
themselves by clinging to the branches of a tree, but 
their children perished in the flood. This flood was 
afterwards known among the people of the surround- 

I ing country as " Tippey's Flood." 

In the year 1791 an event occurred,, in itself ap- 

I pareutly trifling, but destined in the near future to 
work a mighty change in the wild and solitary region 
of the Lehigh lyiDg to the north of the colonel's 
home. This was the accidental discovery of coal by 
Philip Ginter, a hunter, who observed it adhering to 
the roots of a tree which had been blown down as he 
was tramping over the mountains in search of game. 
As he had often listened to the traditions of the coun- 
try of the existence of coal in the vicinity, it occurred 
to him that this might be a portion of that "stone 
coal" of which he had heard, and the next day he 
carried it to Col. Jacob Weiss. The colonel took the 
specimen to Philadelphia and submitted it to the in- 
spection of John Nicholson and Michael Hillegas, 
Esqs., and his brother-in-law, Charles Cist, who ascer- 
tained its nature and qualities, and authorized Col. 



BOROUGH OF WKISSI'ORT. 



r79 



Weiss to satisfy Ginter for his discovery upon point- 
ing "in the Bpol where he found the coal. 

Hillegas, Cist, Weiss, and some others I 
themselves into the "Lehigh Coal Mine Company," 
and took up aboul eighl or ten thousand acres of, till 
then itnlocated, land, embracing the principal por- 
tion nl the coal-lands non owned bj the Lehigh 
Coal mill Navigation Company. 

The iniiiiiiL' operations of the company, however, 
were not I, and the mine remained in a 

lected condition for several years. Between the coal- 
mine and the distant market lay a vast expanse ol 
mountainous country. The Lehigh River, in its then 
unimproved condition, seemed to offer insurmount- 
able obstacles to any attempt to float anything much 
larger than a canoe over its rapid current and rocky 
bed. 

Col. Weiss, notwithstanding the inauspicious out- 
look, determined that the coal Bhould, at least, be in- 
troduced to the acquaintance of the public. • >x-teams 
were brought into requisition, and several loads were 
hauled across the mountains to the Mahoning and 
thence to Fort Allen. 

The writer often heard his father speak of the diffi- 
culties encountered in these attempts to haul coal 
across the mountains ; the ascent of the mountains was 
less difficult than the descent ; in the latter case it was 
necessary to fell large trees and attach them to the 
wagon to prevent a runaway. 

But Col. Weiss was persist) nt in Ids determination 
to bring the coal into use, and would till his saddle- 
bags with the despised substance and ride around 
among the blacksmiths of the country earnestly so- 
liciting them to try it. A fen accepted the proffered 
gift, and used it with partial success, others threw it 

aside as soon as the colonel was ou with the 

remark that he must be crazy. 1 

The Coal-Mine Company, desirous of rendering 
their property available, granted leases to several par- 
ties successively, only to be abandoned in turn when 

the difficulties and 1 of the enterprise became 

manifest. Not until the Lehigh Coal and Navigation 
Company took hold of the enterprise was the coal 
sent to market in sufficient quantities and at pri 
which at length attracted the attention of the pub 

re years have passed since the silent ' 
solitudes of the Upper Lehigh were broken by the 
busy hum of industry, and an hi untamed 

mountain-stream was mad.' subservient to the pur- 
poses of commerce; the marvelous transformation 
which has since taken place not one of the early pio- 
neers in their prophetic vision, could have I 
It was beyond the grasp of their philosophy. That 
wonderful creation, a modern locomotive, capable of 
moving a train of loaded coal-cars more than one-third 

1 It has been euggesteil that a- ' unfamiliar 

with the Datura and character .if anthracite coal, eome or tbe .-":il se- 
lectcil may have been "atone coal," and that offered the public may hare 
I mh in Dame bat In fact, "ston. 



of a mile in length at the rat r fifteen m 

an hour, had not yi-t been evolved from it- irerm. 
Nor could the) have had an) the mar- 

velous extent of the coal formations. Geology 
then iii its infancy. The) spoke of the Mauch Chunk 

Mountain a- a solid mass of coal, and upon a report 

hing the public that the miners had reached the 

bottom ot' the miie i it Hill the stock of the 

ligh Coal and Navigation Company fell twenty 

per cent, in the Philadelphia marl. 

Weiss had the misfortune of bein^r deprived 
of his eyesight about twenty years be ah, 

and also be< ing extremely deaf, mi-fortunes which 

he bore with great resignation. He was a man of 
liberal education, strong mind, remarkable memo 
and generous disposition, lie died at Weissport, dan. 
'.'. 1839, in the eighty-ninth year of his age, and his 
remain- rest in the graveyard near the village. Ili- 
widow, Elizabeth Robison Weiss, survived him nearly 
six years, and died Nov. 29, Is II, reaching the ripe 
• I ninety-one years. The children were Francis, 
horn in Philadelphia, March 7, 177.;. who folic 
the business of surveying; never having married, 
he resided with his lather at the old homestead; he 
died March 5, 1845. Rebecca, born April :'. 1774, 
married William Hartliehl: died at Bethlehem, Feb. 
14, 1845. Jacob, born Aug. K 177"'. -pent many 
years in the mercantile business, first in Luzerne 
and later in Schuylkill County. Thomas was born 
in Philadelphia, Aug. 2'.), L776. Hi- early years were 
spent in Faston and Nazareth. After attending school 
for several years at the latter place he was apprentii 
to a hatter; after serving out his apprenticeship he 
abandoned the business in disgu-t and took charge 

of his father's farming and lumbering business, which 
he conducted with energy and skill. He was an active 
and enterprising eitizen, and took a lively interest in 
all the public enterprises of the day. He was espe- 
cially active in commending the common-school sys- 
tem to the farmers of the surrounding country, solicit- 
ing their sympathy and support in the cause of edu- 
cation, for it may tct be generally known at the 
present day that much opposition manifested it-elf to 
the introduction of the common-school system among 
the ( cerman population. 

After [ npletion of the Lehigh Canal he, in 

connection with his brother Francis, laid out the town 
of Weissport, locating it on the broad flat lying 
tween the river and canal, having a general elevation 
of from ten to fifteen feet above the river in its ordi- 
nary stage. True, the site selected had once been over- 
flowed by an extraordinary flood, known as " Tip- 

pey's Fl I," so forty odd years before, but 

ii to be looked upon a- one of those rare occur- 
rences which would probably never be repeated. But 
after the destructive flood- of 1 St 1 and 1862, people 
D to realize the fact that a safer location for build- 
in- purpose- might be desirable, and the growth of the 
town has since been very much retarded. 



780 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Thomas Weiss married Miss Maria Soldt, daughter 
of Paul and Marj Soldt, who resided about three 
miles from Fori Alien, being among the early settlers 

of Hitr Creek. Sept. 15, L806, they k up their abode 

in a dwelling standing near the house of Col. Weiss, 
which they occupied to near the rli.se of life; here 
were born their children,- Rebecca (married to I »r. 
.1 • >1 1 1) 1). Thompson), Elizabeth (widow of Jacob 
Bowman, now residing at Millport, Carbon Co.), 
Lewis (residing at Lehighton), Charles (who died at 
Sheboygan, Mich., Nov. 30, 1839), Julia (who died 
at Weissport, Jan. 2, L818), Francis mow residing at 
Bethlehem, and the only member of the family who 
engaged in the coal business since his grandfather's 
early attempt to distribute coal in saddle-bags), Ed- 
ward (who died at Mauch Chunk, Aug. 6, 1866, whose 
widow resides in Franklin township, Carbon Co.), 
and Alexander (now residing with his family at Los 
Angeles, Cal . 

Thomas Weiss died :ii Weissport, April 28, 1847. 
His widow survived him about eight years, and died 
July 31, 185"). Their descendants in 1879 numbered 
one hundred and sixty, to wit : eight children, forty- 
nine grandchildren, eighty-three great-grandchildren, 
and twenty great-great-grandchildren ; of these, four 
children, thirty-seven grandchildren, sixty great- 
grandchildren, and sixteen great-great-grandchildren 
were living in 1879. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

BOROl'iH OF WEATHERLY. 1 

The borough of Weatherly is located on the banks 
of the Black Creek, and on the line of the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad, about fourteen miles northwest of 
.Mauch Chunk. The place was originally called 
Black Creek from the color of the water in the stream 
on which it is situated. (The color of the water was 
attributed to vegetable origin, as the head-waters of 
the stream came from dense hemlock swamps. ) When 
the first post-office was established here the name was 
changed to Weatherly, named after a Mr. Weatherly 
(one of the directors of the Beaver Meadow Com- 
pany), a watch- and clock-maker by trade, who, 
some of the old citizens say, promised to present the 
place with a town-clock in recognition of the honor 
conferred upon him by the bestowal of the name, but 
which promise has never yet been fulfilled. 

The ground upon which the town is built was 
originally owned by Samuel 8. Barber and John 
Romick, Sr., wdio held warrantee deeds. Their object 
in purchasing the land was to carry on lumbering 
and farming, as it was heavily timbered and a pretty 
good soil. 

> By In. I. B. Tweedle. 



Ihe first settlement was on the Romick tract. 
Benjamin Romick built a saw-mill and house on the 
west side of the Black Creek, opposite the present 
Lehigh Valley Depot. He put in charge of this mill 
a man by the name of Fcatherbec. In the year 1826 
he moved to this place with his family, A stable 
was fitted up, and Featherbee and his family moved 
in there, and Romick in the house, which stood where 

the store on the west side now stands. The first 
lumber sawed in this mill was for the building of a 
school-house and church in what was later known as 
the Turnpike District, at the Spring Mountain Hotel. 
Shortly after Romick had moved here a M r. Scheckler 
with a large family of boys came to the east side of 
the creek and built a log house near the site of the 
present Last Weatherly school-house. These boys 
worked at the mills and in the woods. Soon after 
1S30, Mr. Romick built a larger house on the lower 
side of his other house, and opened it as a tavern. 
The surveyors and engineers who had charge of the 
survey of the Beaver Meadow Railroad made this 
house their stopping-place. John Lomison, who 
later married the daughter of Benjamin Romick, 
was one of this party, and here met his future wife. 
This tavern was kept by Mr. Romick until the sale to 
the Beaver Meadow Company and his removal to 
Quakake Valley. 

Asa Packer had purchased part of the Barber tract, 
and about 1835-36. John Smith came to the place to 
take charge of clearing the land. A mill was built 
by them about a mile below Black Creek Junction. 
A store was started by them at Black Creek (now 
Weatherly, below the Gilbert House), which is now- 
used as a stove- and tin-store. A tavern was soon 
opened by Mr. Tubbs, in a building on the site of the 
Gilbert House. 

Samuel Ingham, who was president of the Beaver 
Meadow Railroad and Coal Company, with others, 
had conceived the idea of manufacturing patent locks 
at this place, and built a frame building in which to 
carry on the work. Upon the removal of the Beaver 
Meadow shops from Beaver Meadow to this place the 
project was given up, and the building was used for 
the machine-shops for the company. 

In 1843, A. H. Van Cleve & Co. opened a store on 
the site of the present store of W. W. Blakslee. 

The soil here is mostly red shale, and the surface of 
the country is very uneven ; in fact, there is scarcely 
a level street in the borough. The borough is bounded 
on the north by the Spring Mountain, east by Brushy 
Hollow Creek, south by the Broad Mountain, and 
west by Packer township line. Up to the present 
time no minerals have been discovered within the 
borough limits, and, judging from the appearance of 
the surface, there are none here. In the eastern part 
there is an immense bed of sand and river stones, 
which would indicate that it was once the bed of an 
immense lake, fed by the Lehigh River or some 
other stream, and which has broken through the 



BOROUGH OF WEATHERLY. 



781 



Bmad Mountain at Peon Haven leaving the bed 
dry. The principal stream of water in tl 
i- the Black Creek, which is a continuation of the 
Hazle Creek from Hazle Creek bridge to I Hack Creek 
Junction, whir.' it join* the Quakake, and takes that 
name, which it retains till it empties into the Lehigh 

Ki\ er :tl I'eiin I lawn. 

I be place consisted of but a few Bmall houses until 
the Beaver Meadow Railroad was completed to this 
point, and it was found necessary, in order to ovei 
what \\a- considered at that timea very beavj 
grade, to construct two inclined plain's, each about 
milr in length, making this the stopping-point 
for the engines that took the coal from here to Man. h 

Chunk. Tin' road continued from the head of (he 

planes t" Beaver Meadow, where the company had 

their coal-mines, ami at t'i r- 1 located their machine- 

Bhops and foundry. But they soon found that it was 

convenient, and such hard work to get their en- 

up the planes tor repairs that they decided to 

move ilr, shops to Weather]}, which was done about 
the y.ar 1840, and gave tin- town a permanent exist- 
ence. II" shops Were not very extensive, and the 

building of a lot live in those days was considered 

quite au important event. The existence of the place 
depends entirely upon the shops located here, which 
have grown, under the present able management of 
Master- Mechanic Philip Hoffecker, from a small con- 
cern turning out one small engine a year to a ca- 
pacity of completing at least one a month, and that 
of the heaviest, strongest, and fastest class made in 
tin- country. 

The Heaver Meadow Division of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad, of which Weatherlj is the centre, has been 
undertheable niana. Hon. \.t,. I'.rodhead 

as superintendent almost since its existence. The 
shops were first under the charge of Hopkin Thomas 
lanic, who was succeeded by the pres- 
ent manager, Philip Hoffecker. The car-shops have 
undergone the same change, — from an old, rickety 
shed to a capacity of making all kinds of cars, and 
building at hast twenty-live new cars and repairing 
two hundred old and broken ones per week. They 
two hundred hands, and have been under the 

• iih.mii of Daniel Rouse, assisted by his 
son, E. G. Rouse, since their existence, and are con- 
1 second to none in the possession of the com- 
pany. 

The only manufacturing in the borough of Weath- 
er]}- is carried on by the Lehigh Valley Railroad 

Company. In 1839 it was decided by the Beaver 
Meadow Railroad and Coal Company to move their 
shops to Black Creek now Weatherly), and in 1840 
the first car-shops were built at the foot of the in- 
clined plane. The-, wi re used till -wept away by the 
freshet of 1850, and rebuilt the same year. In 1855 
the company built a car-shop (thirty by seventy feet) 
on the site of tin present location, and the next year 
removed the old shops to the new one and added 



them to it. These Bhops were used from that time 

till they were totally destroyed by lire, which occurred 
on the i uiiiL' ol July 8, 1880. New frame build- 
ings were commenced in August, the same year, and 
completed during tin- year 

The Car-shops are sixty by two hundred and fifty- 

six feet; blacksmith-shop, holt- and engine-room, 
forty by one hundred and seventy-six feet, containing 
twenty fires; stone boiler-houst n by thirty- 

six feet, with brick stack fifty feet in height An 

two hundred men are employed in these 

shops. Iii I hundred and seventy-live coal- 

ears were manufactured, forty-five thousand nine 

hundred ears repaired, and much other work. Daniel 

Rouse is superintendent. 

In 1839, Ingham a t '". built a frame buildii 
the west side of Black Creek, opposite the present 

depot, for the purpose of manufacturing patent locks. 
Upon the decision of the Beaver Meadow Railroad 
and Coal Company to remove to Black Creek (now 
Weatherly), they purchased this building and moved 
the machine-shops into it, where they remained till 
the completion of the new shops, in 1869. In 1866 
the presenl round-house was built, having track- tor 
sixteen locomotives. The -tone machine-shops were 
commenced in 1867, and completed in 1869. They 
an' "lie hundred and fifty by two hundred and fifty 
f.et in dimensions. There are in the employ of the 
company, at the machine-shops and on the road, four 
hundred and twenty-five men. Five locomotives 
were huilt in 1888. 

The town was a part of Lausanne township until 

1863, when it was made a borough. Ii then contained 
about five hundred inhabitants, with one church and 
chools. At present the place supports five 
churches, — a Presbyterian, Methodist, German Re- 
formed, Lutheran, and Catholic, with a fair prospect 

of establishing an Episcopal. 

Presbyterian Church. — The first church service 
■ if this denomination was he Id in the year ls:ts. by the 

Rev. Daniel Gaston, who resided at I '.eaver Meadow. 

In 1841 the first Bchool-house was builtandnsed for 
services. Mr. Gaston served hen' until 1844. In 
1845, Rev. .1 G. Moore was installed as pastor, officia- 
ting until His ||, wa8 succeeded by Rev. David 
Harbison. In 1852 the present church building was 
commenced. In 1852, Rev. John Baker took charge, 

and in 1853, October Hth, the church was dedicated. 
In 1 s i Rev. J. W. l'orter was in charge for a while, 
then in th. n Kev. John Armstrong took 

charge, and remained until L859, when the church 
was regularly organized as the First Presbyterian 
( Ihurch of Weatherly. Rev. John Darrah took charge 
and was pastor until 1861. From 1861 t" 1864, Rev. 
Armstrong officiated. During 1864, Rev. John John- 
son filled the pulpit. In 1865, Rev. .lame- M. Solo- 
man took charge. December, 1865, Rev. Daniel De- 
>,'i aine pastor. In the fall of 1867 the building 

was remodeled and used by the Presbyterians alone. 



782 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Previous to this other denominations had worshiped 

in it. Al'Miit this time the Methodist Church was 
completed, and that denomination used their nun 
building, in 1871, Rev. Daniel Deruelle resigned, and 
Rev. William Webster was installed, and served until 
1875 wh( d Rev. J. M. Wilson took charge until Feb- 
ruary, 1878. The church was then supplied by min- 
isters sent by the Presbyterj until 1881, when Rev. J. 
1'. Moffat, the present pastor, took charge. The bo- 
. i.ty nuns a tine church building, a large parsonage, 
all paid for, and isout of debt. The members number 
about one hundred and twenty-five. 

St. Nicholas Catholic Church.— The corner-stone 
..t' this church was laid Oct. 25, 1*7 1, Rev. E. V. Me 
Elhone, pastor. The building, completed in 1875 and 
paid tor, lost five thousand dollars. Rev. McElhone 
remained in eharge until 1878, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. Hugh McManus, who was in charge until 1882, 
when the present pastor, B. J. Conway, was appointed. 
Rev. Conway is taking steps toward the erection of a 
parsonage near the ehnrch. A cemetery has been 
opened near the church. The Catholic population 
of the borough numbers about three hundred and sev- 
enty-five. 

The Lutheran Church was built in 1876. It was 
supplied l>\ Rev. P. T. Hennigan and Rev. Broegel 
until 1883, when the Rev. Louis Smith became its 
pastor. The present membership is about forty-five. 

The Reformed Church was built in 1875, at a cost 
of three thousand five hundred dollars. The first 
pastor was Rev. J. Fuendling. He was followed by 
the Rev. M. II. Mishler, who served about four years, 
and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. A. M. 
Masonheimer. The present membership is about one 
hundred. 

Hotels. — The first license for a tavern in what is 
now the borough of Weatherly was granted to Ben- 
jamin Romick about 1831. He kept on the west side 
till about 1835-36. Next, William Tubbs opened a 
tavern on the site of the Gilbert House. He was suc- 
ceeded in 1843 by Charles Gilbert, who kept the 
tavern till about 1848, and was followed by Charles 
H. Williams, who remained till his removal to Rock- 
port in 1857. It has been kept since by Joseph 
Fields, J. S. Reiser, Lewis Drumber, George Reiser, 
and P. H. Stofflet, the present proprietor. 

The Carbon House was built in 1850-51 by Joseph 
W. Leadenhatn, who kept it from that time to 1865, 
when he sold it to Thomas Dunn, from whom it 
passed successively to Peter Kline, William Kamer- 
y.cl, and James F. Purcell, wdio is the present landlord 
and proprietor. 

The house now known as the Packer House was 
built in 1856 by Aaron Grimes as a dwelling. It 
came into possession of Levi Hartz in 1868, who 
fitted it up as a hotel, and has kept it as such from 

that time. 

The Verzi House, forty by forty feet, two stories in 
height, with a .Mansard roof, was built by Joseph 



Verzi in 1KS2, and opened soon alter its completion 
by the proprietor, who still keep? it. 

Schools. — The first school-house was erected in 
1841, near the >ite of the present school-house. This 
was moved to the property of Charli- (iilhert, who 

made a store house of it, and which is still used as 

such. A new school-house was built on the site in 
L855, about twenty-live by thirty feet in dimensions, 
and two stories high. William Prescott built it. at a 
i osl "t seven hundred dollars, exclusive of the founda- 
tion,— completed, it cost one thousand dollars. This 
served it- purpose, and was torn down to make way 
for the present building, which was erected in 1869 
(costing six thousand dollars), and is still used. In 
1883a frame building, forty bj seventj feet, was erected 

for school purposes, at a cost of live thousand live hun- 
dred dollars, fitted with all modern improvements and 
school furniture. This is situated in West Weatherly, 
on the west side of Black Creek. Professor William 
II. Rauch is principal of all the schools. 

The school directors have been as follows : 

1851.— Joseph Stetler, Daniel Miles. 

1852.— R. D. Stiles, Charles Gilbert. 

1853.— Charles H. Williams, Philip Hoffecker. 

1854. — James Lewis, Samuel Hoover. 

1855.— R. D. Stiles, Thomas Harleman. 

1856. — John Smith, C. H.Williams, Jonas Coons. 

1857. — James Lewis, Charles Gilbert, X. Houser. 

1858.— R. D. Stiles, Samuel Harleman. 

1859— Samuel Hoover, W. W. Blakslee, Thomas 
Halerman. 

1860. — James Lewis, Daniel Rouse, Daniel McDon- 
nell. 

1861.— W. W. Blakslee, John Hoover. 

1862.— John Smith, P. S. McDermott, Peter Kline. 

1863.— H. B. Berryhill, Daniel Rouse. 

1864.— No record. 

1865.— (Borough of Weatherly.) 

1866.— W. W. Blakslee, J. P. Buch. 

1867. — Amos Derr, Daniel Rouse. 

1868.— Daniel Dourell, Philip Hoffecker. 

1869. — Valentine Smith, Samuel Harleman. 

1870.— Samuel Croll, M. W. Kelly. 

1872. — Samuel Harleman, S. E. Schoonover. 

1873.— Nathan Houser, B. Kingle. 

1874.— Daniel Rouse, C. H. Dewitt. 

1875. — Ephraim William, John Hines. 

1876. — L. F.Wagner, Samuel Croll, Samuel Harle- 
man. 

1877.— W. W. Buch, E. R. Enbody. 

1878.— H. B. Hoffecker, George W. Lent/.. 

1879.— J. G. Eadie, J. W. Hunter, H. S. Pinker. 

1880.— G. W. Miller, Jacob Miller, Levi F. Wagner. 

1881.— Samuel Croll, C. H. Dewitt. 

1882.— H. S. Rinker, L. H. Latham. 

1883.— J. C. Streeter.C. J.Hoffman, Daniel Wash- 
burn. 

The civil list of the borough of Weatherly is as 
follows : 



BOROUGH OF WKVTHKRLT. 



783 



I'.i tU» --i 3, 
1866.— Daniel I. 

L867. Lewis Kinglc. 
1868.— William ( '.' Ka merer. 
1869. — Nicholas Hauser. 

.1. W. Hunter. 

L872.- -.1. G. Eadie. 

Levi Marl/. 

187 I. Lew i- Single. 
i -7 5. -Joseph I K Meyers. 

1876. W. W. Buoh. 

1877. Robert Dunlap. 

1878.— Shel. Inn Bodwell. 
1879. Edward Faust. 

1880.— William Vandyke. 
1881.— Adam Hutshafer. 
1882.— K. 0. Wilson. 
1883. — John Hoover. 

I '..I M II.. 

1866. — Samuel Hoover, Nicholas Houser. 

1867. — Samuel Gangwere. Edward Harleman. 

1868.— Levi Hartz, John Brong. 

1869.— D. C. Stile.-. 

1870. — George Garter. 

1872. — Robert Tail. Edwin Harleman. 

John Hines, Adam (Jlshafer. 
1S74. — Joseph Buch, Daniel Fleckman. 
1875. — Levi Wagner, George Hartz. 
1876. -Samuel ('roll. W. W. Blakslee. 
L877. -C. A. Buch, William Vandyke, Sheldon 
odwell. 

1878. — Horace Peters, Henry Fisher. 
1879. — Prosper Warz. Jerry Stout, George Savior. 
1880.— John Meiser, Griff Bachman. 
1881.— A. Hoble, S. Stewart. 
1882.— E. G. Rouse, Thomas Young. 
1883. — Samuel Gangwere, D. S. Wagner. 

Justices of thk Pea< i . 

The tir-t justice of the peace elected after the or- 
anization of the borough was John Watson, Esq., 
365. The next one was William Kemerzcl, 1867 ; 
Iter him came Dr. J. B. Tweedle, elected in 1870; 
e.xt came Lewis Kinkle. 1*7:!: then J. W. Hunter, 

ivo terms, and in office at present ; also G. 11. J a, 

vu terms, and in office. 

Physicians. — The first regular physician that lo- 
oted here was Flemington Webster, a graduate of 
efferson Medical College, aboul 1857, although the 
lace had been visited by Dr. A. 15. Longshore, of 
tazleton. Dr. R. Leonard, of Mauch Chunk, and Dr. 
. B. Longshore, of Reaver Meadow. Webster lefl 
i the spring of 1865, when Dr. J. B. Tweedle. who, 
aving served his term of enlistment in the army of 
iree years and some months attended a final course 
t the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New 
"ork City it being the medical department of Co- 
umbia College, of the State of New York . and grad- 
lating from there, located at Weatherly in the spring 



of l si,.",, :1 iel ha- been in continuous practice here 
ever since, having been the railroad surgeon for the 
Lehigh Valley Company foi eightei 

Dr. P. II. Latham, of the Baltimore I 
here in 1879, and has been here since that time. Dr. 
i '. I I I oilman, a graduate of Jefferson < 'ul lege of 1870, 
i here in January, 1882, and is here yet. 

I>r. ( '. J. Stamm. a gradual.- ol V< rmunt lii 

j.. has just located here (December, 1883 . 

tin account of the dangerous employment of the 
workmen here there are a great many accidents, and 
quently quite a number of surgical cases. 

Lodges.- -Ill' iii-i lodge instituted here was Ancienl 
Order of Druids, organized in 1865. but not in 
ence at present. Next came the Honora Council. No. 
L20, 0. of C. A. M., organized Jan. 30, 1867, and is 
a :- i i ut of existence. 

I Inn followed Son i mperance, Weatherly 

Division, No. 35, organized March 2, 1867; is not in 
existi nee at pr. - 

Next came the Lodi Lodgi . N .80 K. of P., organ- 
ized May 26. 1868. Present membership, about 
seventy. 

Then the Mountain Temple, No. 58, Temple of 
Honor, organized March 1, 1869, which is not in ex- 
nce. 

Nexl came the Lodge I. < i. of i >. I'.. No. 691, organ- 
ized Nov. 16. l.siiii, and now has about seventy members. 

Then the Onoko Tribe, No. 235, I. 0. ofR, M., the 
30th Sun of the Hot Moon, G. S. D. 386 ; has now 
about fifty members. 

Then the Washington Camp, No. 17'.', P. 0. S. of 
A., was organized Dec. 21, 1872. It now has nearly 
one hundred members. 

Next the Eeiser Karl Lodge, No. 346, < »rder of 
Harugari. was organized April 29. 1872. now having 
about forty members. 

The Carbon 1 ge, No. I7in. Knights of Honor. 

was organized Aug. 7, 1880, and now has about forty 
member-. 

And, lastly, the Grand Army of the Republic, Col. 
James Miller Post, No. 27"., organized Aug. 11, 1882, 
and at present has about forty members. 

Post-Office —The tir.-t post-office was established 
in Weatherly in 1848, with R. I). Stile- a- postmaster, 
who served eight years, till 1856, when Charles H. 
Williams was appointed, who served one year. From 
]s.",7 to I -<;."■, John Smith served, lien- followed 
by Reuben Horn, who served till 1868. From 1868 
1 Jeremiah Ki-tl.r served. He was followed 
by the present postmaster, Samuel Harleman. 

Miscellaneous.— A late industry is the whortle- 
berry business, carried on by Mr. Charles C 
During the summer of L883, Mr. Cassler -hipped four 
thousand six hundred and ninety-three bushels. 
making sixty-two car-loads. 

shipment of sand is rapidly increasing. In 
1883 one thousand tons were shipped, and one firm 
expects to ship three thousand tons 'his year. 



784 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



MOCRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



W. w. BLAKSLEE 

Tlie Bubjecl of this sketch, W. W. Blakslee, was 
born in 1821, at Springville, Susquehanna Co., Pa. 
Hi had the advantages of the common schools of thai 
day, namely, about three months of the year, and that 
in winter. In those days the pedagogue was not re- 
quired tn hold a certificate of qualification from a nor- 
mal school, and county superintendents were an un- 
known quantity, [fan applicant possessed a muscu- 
lar frame, had plenty of grit, was an adept in the use 
of the birch, reasonably familiar with the common 
branches, willing to board around, and take ten dol- 
lars a month, he was employed, the directors satisfied, 
and the children, of course, enlightened. This was 
fifty years ago, and yet in those days were sown seed 
that germinated, producing some of the brightest in- 
tellects of this century. Our subject remained under 
the parental roof until about twelve years of age. whin 
he determined to do for himself. Mauch Chunk was 
then becoming a wonderful place, the finding and de- 
veloping of coal was attracting attention. Asa Packer, 
the sagacious and energetic pioneer, was pushing with 
indomitable will those plans which were eventually to 
result in making the Lehigh Valley famous, and the 
bold pioneer's name a household word throughout the 
anthracite coal region. In the fall of 1833 an oppor- 
tunity was afforded. Charles Ashley was preparing 
to move to the coal region in search of fortune. The 
journey was to be made by turnpike. All the house- 
hold effects were loaded on a wagon, to which three 
horses were attached. Mr. and Mrs. Ashley took 
passage on the wagon, and young Blakslee rode the 
lead-horse. Thus the entire journey to Mauch Chunk 
was made. Upon arrival he was welcomed in the 
family of Asa Packer, where he found a home. 
Their kindness will ever be remembered by him. 
While in their family Judge Packer sent him to 
school, under the instructions of that famous teacher, 
James Nolan, one of the best instructors of that 
day, to whom Robert H. Sayre and many others of 
the Lehigh Valley are indebted for that knowledge 
which prepared them for the work they have per- 
formed. 

During the boating season, young Blakslee was a 
tow-path boy, driving for different individuals who 
were boating coal for Packer & Co. He gives a vivid 
description of the great meteoric shower of Nov. 13, 
1833. It occurred about two o'clock in the morning. 
He was then driving on the tow-path, on the return 
trip. All around was a vast shower, falling as thick 
as snow-flakes and as noiselessly, disappearing imme- 
diately upon reaching the ground. It created great 
consternation among the superstitious, who imagined 
the world was to be consumed. In 1836, Mr. Blakslee, 
having by strict attention won the confidence of Mr. 
Packer, was placed in his store at Rockport, then 



known as Grog Hollow. In 1839 he was sent to the 
stoicat White Haven, and after a short service there 
In- was transferred to the principal store in Mauch 
Chunk, the famous corner store. Alter a service of 
four years, having given evidence of ability, and 
being entirely trustworthy, he was given charge of the 
store at Nesquehoning, where he remained about six- 
teen years. Judge Packer then decided t" retire from 
the mercantile business, and devote his energies to 
the developmenl of his railroad interests. Mr. Blaks- 
lee, in 1857, came to Weatherly, having bought out 
the mercantile business of R. I). Stiles, who moved 
to Morrison, 111. Mr. Blakslee was married to 
Miss S. Beadle, an English lady. The fruit of their 
union was nine children, three boys and three girls 
of whom are living. In polities he is a Democrat. 
During his twenty-seven years in Weatherly he has 
prospered. He is a shrewd merchant, possessed of 
ample competence. His home is pleasant, yet no dis- 
play. In his union he was blest with one of the best 
of women. Mrs. Blakslee is of a retiring disposition, 
yet keenly alive to the wants of the distressed, her 
many kind and charitable acts having endeared her 
to many. 

PHILIP HOFFECKER. 

Mr. Philip Hoffecker, master-mechanic and super- 
intendent of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company's 
extensive foundry and machine-shops at Weatherly, 
Pa., is a modest, unassuming man ; but his work 
stands head and shoulders with all other work of the 
same class, which makes him a monarch among ma- 
chinists. He is the son of Philip Hoffecker, who was 
born near Londonderry, Chester Co., Pa., in 1777. 
He followed farming, tanning, and currying until the 
time of his death, in 1835. Mr. Hoffecker's mother 
was horn in 1779, and departed this life in 1884. 

Philip, as he was then called, was born in the year 
1816. He stayed at home with his parents, assisting 
his father in various ways, as boys do, taking advan- 
tage of the three-months' winter school, until the 
death of his father, when he started out in search of 
work. He came to Beaver Meadow in the year 1836, 
which place at that time was a small village. The 
principal work was carried on by Joseph Barker, in 
making coal-cars for the Beaver Meadow Railroad 
Company. Mr. Barker employed him in helping to 
fit wheels and axles. At that time it was thought 
that in order for a ear to turn a curve it was necessary 
to have one loose wheel. These wheels were east at 
New Hope, Pa.; they were brought to Mauch Chunk 
via canal-boats, then hauled by teams to Beaver 
Meadow, where they were bored to fit the axles. 
Alter Mr. Barker left he was succeeded by Mr. Jon- 
athan Moore, who built a foundry and made car- 
wheels. In the mean time the Beaver Meadow Kail- 
road was finished to Parryville. Mr. Hopkin Thomas 
came from Philadelphia with two engines, built by 
Eastwick A; Harrison. The engines had one pair ot 





^/L^ 








tru-i 




uM^ 



i:oi:or<;n or WEATHERLY 



:-:> 



driven, five feet in diameter, ten inch cylinder, and 
twenty-inch stroke. Mr. Thomas took charge of the 
shop that had been built for cars and used it for re- 
pairing the • agines, employing Mr Hoffeckei at this 
apprentice to the machinist trade. Che 
company then leased their mines and works to \ in 
Cleave & Co., which in time passed to William Mil 
lens, Spencer >^ Co. John o. Cleaver and Reitch 
opened a colliery, making arrangements with the 
Beaver Company to run their coal to market. Mr. 
i kei Mnw contracted with this company to run 

and keep in repair 01 f their engines for the season 

fur a certain sum. At the end of the season, at their 
request, he took charge of all their machinery . i 
to Weather!; in 1852, which position be held until the 
road was consolidated with the Lehigh Valley Rail 
road Company in 1864. Be was retained by th 
company, and has been filling that position acceptably 
alike to the company and employes up to the present 
time. 

In 1869 the new shops were completed, since which 
time Mr. Hoffecker, under his own supervision, has 
built and completed forty-five locomotives, -a monu- 
ment that speaks volume.- in itself for the wisdom and 
intellect that is required to turn out work of that kind: 

What a grand heirloom this to bequeath a family I 
Mr. Hoffecker has also taken some intciv-t in local 

affairs, being one of the prime mover- in organizing 
Weatherly borough, serving in the Council tor a 
period of at least five year-. He also acted 
n ct fthe school for a term often year-. He mar- 
rid Miss Hani.-. E. Longshore, in 1-41. She was 
born in the year 1821, on the banks of the Susque- 
hanna, near Berwick, Pa. Her parents being en- 
gaged in farming, she enjoyed the usual opportunities 
afforded farmers' daughters for obtaining an education 
in those day-. Her lather. Josiah Longshore, was 
horn in Bucks ( kranty, Pa., in 1791, and died in 188$ 

after which Mr-. Longshore, with her family, moved 
to Beaver Meadow. This was in 1836. Her mother) 
Mr-. Ann Longshore, was bornin Montgomery ( !ounty, 
Pa., in 17S4, and died in 1875. Their married life 
proved a prosperous and happy one, the fruits of 
which have been five children,— three daughters 
and two sons. The oldest, William L. Hoffecker, 
married Miss Mina Peters, of White Haven, Pa., in 
1866. He is now occupying the position of m 
machini-t with the Pitt-burgh. Cleveland and Toledo 
Railroad Company, at Young-town, i Ihio. The next, 
Mi-s Lizzie A., was married to Mr. Charles DeWitt, 
of Weatherly. in 1866. Mr. DeWitt i- foreman of 
the machine-shops at Weatherly. Next comes A-ha- 
bel B., one of Weatherly'- wide-awake and 
young men. He is chief hook-keeper and draughts- 
man for the machine-shops and foundry, in which 
position he proves himself to be a valuable as 

to hi- father. .Mr. Hotfecker'- >.. linger dau 
Misses Mar\ and Emily, are young ladies who have 

ire than the usual advantages. 'J'.. 
50 



them is to recognize i ulture, refinement, Intel 
and genuine worth. We now leave tl of this 

sketch, feeling satisfied that in Mr. Hoffecker we have 
a true type of an American cil with a 

happ\ home, and enjoying the success of his children. 



DANIEL K'ii -I . 
On Jan. 12, 1782, in what was then Northampton 
County i now Monroe), about three miles wi 
Stroudsburg, Pa., was born the father of the si 

Of this sketch, namely. John Rouse. He 

English descent. His ife, Mi baffi r, was 

She was reared in the same 
locality, u aei in the pui 

farming. They were married in tbi 06, the 

result of Which was a family often children, -i\ boys 
and four girl-. Mr. I >anicl Ro 

in succession. He was born dune i i. 1823 j -pent hi- 
younger day- assistin 

I in winter, until his eighteenth year, when 

he was apprenticed to the carpenter trade for a ■ 

of three years. After working at the bench for about 

he started out to seek his fortune, going first to 
Wilkesbarre, from there to Weatherly, arriving there 
in April. 1846, when he connected himself with the 
Beaver Meadow Railroad Company, lit' worked at 
hi- trad, until 1855, whin he was made BU| 
tendent of the car-shop department, winch emb 

all the important carpenter -work done in the -hop.-. 
In this position Mr. Rouse lia- made many warm 

friends on account of hi- fair and wise treatmi of of 

all hi- employ, -. 

Dee. 1l', 1850, lie was United in the bonds of matri- 
mony with .Mi-- Sarah Ann Gilbert, who was born June 
24, 1830, at Broadheadville. Monroe Co. The early part 
of her lite was spent there, from whence -in- Wi 

fierly, where -In- lived with her sister, Mrs. Mary 
Houser. Their family consists of four children. The 
eldest, Edfl in < 1. Rouse, was born June 27, 1 852, who, 
after having the advantage- of a good common 

education, -pent several years at the Wyon 

nary, at Kingston. Pa., also taking a special course in 

architectural draughting at tin Polj 

Philadelphia, alter' which he served hi- appr 
ship at the carpenter's trade and car-budding. 

In 1876 the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company made 
him their foreman in the car-shop department. In this 
position lie prove- himself to be a man of competence. 

lie i- now serving a three-years' term a- president of 
mmon Council. He was married to Miss Cla- 
rissa McCarty. of Weatherly. May 21, 1874. The 
second son. John Koii-e. was born Dee. o, 1 -.",:, ; died 
Si pt. 16, 1860. 

Peter G. Rouse, the third son, was born April 17, 

1859. He also had opportunities of receiving a g 1 

education, taking a thoroug at the Wyoming 

Commercial College. He was married to Mi-- Katie 

of Weatherly, N iber, 1882. He now 



786 



HISTORY OF CABBON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA 



stands well as a machinist in tin- employ of tin n.m- 

pany. 

Misa I. aula l.mina. tin' only daughter, was horn 

Nov. L8, L869, and at present is attending school. 

Mr. Daniel Bouse was one of the foremost in organ- 
izing V borough, so much so thai his fellow- 
men Bhowed their just appreciation by making 

liiin their thst chief burgess. Be Berved as bcI I 

or for a period of fifteen years, dating from I860. 
In the fall nl' 1875, he was elected to serve a term of 
three year- as enmity commissioner. 



SAMUEL HARLEMAN. 

In the southeastern part of this State i- Chestei 
County, well known for its rich and productive farm- 
ing land, where, on the 29th of November, 1799, was 
born Mr. Isaac Harleman, the father of the subject of 
this sketch. In his younger days he followed farm- 
ing; afterward, for a period of twelve years, he was 
engaged in Bhoemaking; from this he went to boating 
lumber on the Lehigh Canal from Lehigh Gap to 
Allentown, after which, in 1838, he went to Parry ville, 
and worked for the Beaver Meadow Railroad Company 
until 1841), when he moved to Penn Haven, where he 
became l»>ss of the Sugar Loaf Company's wharf, and 
remained until the freshet of 1841, which entirely de- 
stroyed their wharf. He was then ordered to Mauch 
Chunk, where lie attended to the shipping of their 
coal. Alter this he located at Penn Haven, where he 
became engaged in boat-building. On April 1, 1853, 
he moved his business to Rockport, Pa., where he 
stayed until 1857, when he moved to Weatherly, Pa., 
and secured work in the Lehigh Valley Railroad 
shops of that place. The old gentleman is still living, 
though somewhat infirm. He lives with his son, 
Samuel. His wife, whose maiden name was Mis- 
Catharine Ziegenfuss, was born March 19, 1801, in 
Chester County, Pa. Her father, George Ziegenfuss, 
who married Miss Susan Kemp, removed from Chester 
County to Millport, Northampton Co., Pa. She died 
April 19, 1872, having been the mother of seven chil- 
dren, — five sons and two daughters. Mr. Samuel 
Harleman was the fourth in descent. He was born 
April 17, 1829, at Millport, then in Northampton 
County, and spent his younger days in acquiring an 
education. In 1840, after moving to Penn Haven, 
Samuel took charge of the lock for the Lehigh Coal 
and Navigation Company up to 1845, when he worked 
for A. Pardee & Company, on their wharf. In Au- 
gust, 1846, he went to Weatherly and became a 
brakeman on a coal train, which work he pursued for 
two years, when he was promoted to fireman of a loco- 
motive. In 1848 he was made an engineer. He was 
married to Miss Susan Setzer, April 25, 1850. Her 
parents having died when she was still very young 
she took up her residence with her uncle, Charles 
Gilger, at Weatherly. Mr. Harleman continued en- 



gineering until 1864, being under the employ, the 

greater part of the time, of the Lehigh Valley Rail- 
road I lompany. Alter the completion of the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad to Phillipsburg, which was in 1856, 
Mr. Harleman ran the passenger train to that place, 

which was the only train at thai time. lie ran engine 

lie No I." .lames I. Blakslee, now sn 
lendent of the Mahanoy Division of the Lehigh Val- 
ley Railroad, being conductor of the train, which left 
Mauch Chunk at tour \.\i.. n turning at ten P.M. 

Iii 1862, Mr. Harleman enlisted in the Nineteenth 
Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. Robert Klotz being in 
charge. In 1st;:; lie went out as captain in the Thirty- 
fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, under (ten. Albright. 
I n 186 1 he was made dispatcher of the Lehigh Valley 
Railroad Company, at Weatherly, which position of 

confidence he lias tilled and is still filling with ureal 

merit and credit alike to himself and company. On 
April 22, 1869, he was made postmaster at Weatherly, 
which office be has since held acceptably to the pub- 
lie. In 1871 he was elected to a three-years' term as 
county commissioner; he was again re-elected in 1881, 
which term he is still serving. He has been school 
director at different times for a period of at least fif- 
teen years; also a director ol the Second National 
Bank of Mauch Chunk for two term- ; was connected 
with Council for three years, lie is a director in the 
Weatherly Water Company, incorporated some three 
years ago; has also been a director in the Oak Hall 
Association of Weatherly, and since 1866 has t, e en 
treasurer of the same. 

His wife, Susan Stetzer, after a lingering illness of 
several years, departed this life Sept. 21, 1872, leaving 
a family of five children,— three daughters and two 
sons. The oldest, Charles Horace, a bright and inter- 
esting hoy, died at the age of fourteen ; Adelaide, the 
second child, enjoyed good school advantages, spend- 
ing several years at the State Normal school at Mil- 
lersville, Pa. On Feb. 3, 1874, she was married to 
Mr. Duer A. Melvin, of Susquehanna County, who is 
now station agent at Newburg, N. V. 

Next is George Milton, wdio spent two years at La- 
fayette College, Easton, Pa. He was married Aug. 
G, 1878, to Miss Mary Ritter, of Weatherly. He is 
now dispatcher of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Com- 
pany at Bethlehem, Pa. 

Miss Mary Jane, after graduating at Millersville 
Seminary, was married Dec. 28, 1880, to Mr. Thomas 
Dunn, of Weatherly. Mr. Dunn is a successful moul- 
der by trade. 

The youngest, Miss Lizzie Estelle, is now at Millers- 
ville, Pa., preparing herself as a teacher. 

Mr. Harleman was married June 6, 1874, to his 
present wife, Mrs. Vesta Loebner, with whom he is 
now enjoying the happiness to be derived from the 
prosperity surrounding those who are growing up 
about them. Mr. Harleman lias been a consistent 
and trusted elder of the Presbyterian Church since 
1858. 



|W 





'^» 



^^ 



>R*Z>t<^2>6 





fr^oCy 



M Mill ('III \K TOWNSHIP. 






i: IDIB. 
[n the year 1805, in the city of 61a - otland, 

was born Mr. Robert Eadie, father of the sub 
this sketch. In the year 1828 be determined U 
his r.irtniir In America. Alter :i long and I 

voyage "i three iths in a Bailing-vessel, In' found 

himself on n Ionian shore ai g strangers; but it 

was iioi long before he bi i ured work al I 
patioD, namely, mining, which be followed until the 
year 1853, « hen, on July 6th, he was killed in a mine 
: Nesquehoning, in which he u:h working. He was 
married to Mis- Margaret Hunter, of Pottsville, in 
ioi d al Paisley, Scotland, in 
1810, came to America with her older Bister in 
This estimable lady was m firel cousin of the celebrated 
and successful African explorer, Dr. Living 
whose record as an explorer has never been excelled. 
Mrs. Eadie was the mother of nine children; three of 
whom are now living, Mr. .r. I'.. Eadie being the 
second in succession. He was born Dec. 26, 1885, at 
New Castle. Schuylkill < !o., Pa., and spent his younger 

days in educating the mi ml and training the " j ig 

idea how to shoot," alter which he worked at general 
work around the mines for about tour years, when, in 

ured a clerkship in Packer, Douglass £ 
I lore at Nesquehoniug, Btaying with them until 

L857, when he located with Mr. W. W. Blakslee, in 
his large mercantile establishment at Weatherly, Pa. 
In L866 he sought to make his tori tine, ami started in 

business for himself at Rockport, l'a.. continuing 
there until lsilli, when he returned to Weatherly, 
where success lia- crowned hi- every effort up to the 

al time, so that to-day he is among the highest 
tax-paying citizens in the borough. II. wa- elected 
chief burgess in the year 1872, well remembered as 
the one in which that dreadful disease, smallpox, 
raged so fearfully, requirinj eous and fearless 

board of officers to cope with it. He also served a 

year as borough assessor; was poor auditor for -i\ 

years, [n 1869 he was i lected jury commissioner for 
a term of three year-. On July ■'!. 1861, he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Stetler, who was horn at Rockport, 
l'a.. in 1840, where her par. nts, Joseph and Elizabeth 
Stetler, resided. At one time Mr. Stetler and Judge 
Asa Packer owned together all of that large 
land lying immediately back of Weatherly borough. 
M i . Eadie's marriage relations have proved to b 
happy ami fruitful, resulting in eleven children, 
eight daughters and three sons. His oldest 
now learning the machinist's trade in the Lehigh 
Valley Railroad shop- at that place. Ilis other chil- 
dren, with the exception of two who have died, are 

enjoying the advantages to bi d >m the most 

successful and well-disciplined public sell 
borough. In Mr. Eadie we have an example of the 
diligent, energetic, determined man. Having but a 
small amount of means wh< a, we find him to- 

day anion- the most prosperousol w eatherl] 's citizens, 
and carrying on a business that is second to none. 



CHAPTEB XXVII. 

.M.M i ll I in \k fOWNSHIP. 

I -. 

Mauch i im nk township w 

1XL'7, ii en prim i 

I'eiin. although a Bmall strip « from Lau- 

sanne, and in later year- a piece of territory ■ 

the river, equal to about one-fourth ol the original 

town-hip. was added. 

Lausanne— The Landing Tavern.— The fii 
of civilization placed upon this broad, wild, and 

mountainous tract, -o entirely forbidding in appear- 
et contain aure which, 

when found, enriched thousands, \\a- at Lausanne. 
This spot, ai the confluence of Nesquehoning Creek 

and the Lehigh, v eofthefi is' Landing 

Tavern," which for a period oi many years, dating 
from very near the opening of the present century, 
was a great re-ort for raftsmen, for -. coal 

prospectors, hunters, and the few travelers who found 

their way through the picture-. pie but desolate valley 
of the Upper Lehigh. The Lehigh and Susquehanna 
Turnpike Company was chartered in 1808, and soon 

after built what wa- commonly called the Easton and 

Berwick road, which, at the mouth of the Nesque- 
honing, diverged from the winding rh ei and i- ! 
a more direct course over the mountain. The "Land- 
ing Tavern" was doubtless built about the time the 

road was opened, and situated at the point where 
the road and river diverged, it had as guests all 
who traveled by either course, its principal patrons 
being.'in the earlier years, the lumbermen and "ark"- 
liuildei- of the region, and in later years the stage 

passengers w ho journeyed betwi en Lerwick and point- 
on the Lower Lehigh. Abram Klotz was probably the 

lirst landlord Of the " Landing Tavern ;" at least, he 

was the earliest of whom we have any knowledge. 
He kept this notable old house as late as 1 s 1 7 , and 
bis successor wa- a man named I lolland. One Fisher 

followed him, and then from about 1 s -j. , t,, 1832 the 

was kept bj John Rothermel, father of the 
famous artist. lie was succeeded by John lUnnble, 

and he bj I lenry I >. Miller. 

A post-office was established at Lausanne, and Isaac 

A. Chapman, who came to this region during the war 
of 1812 (see Mauch Chunk borough |, has left record 
that he was postmaster. Under dati 1817, 

he writes in his diary, " Rode to Lehighton to take 

oath before Justice (John Pryor a- Postmaster at 
Lausanne." 

Lausanne WOUld doubtless base become the site of 
a flourishing town bad it not been lor the inordinate 
greed of the man who owned the land. It wa- the 
intention of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
pany to locate their principal town there, but the 
price set upon the land was so far above its real value 
that they declined to purchase it. 



7S> 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The township has but little history, save that of the 
operations of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com- 
ma" that has been Cor the most part given in 
the history of Mauch Chunk borough. In 1827 the 
company was assessed on three hundred and forty-six 
of improved land and on three thousand six 
hundred and ninety-two aires unimproved, a grist- 
mill, three saw-mills, store-house, tavern, furnace, six- 
teen stone dwellings, sixteen log and frame dwellings, 
forty-two horses, thirty-six oxen, and thirty-six mules. 
Most of the improvements and the property, other 
than real estate, were at Mauch Chunk. The only 
persons to whom lands wen- assessed in 1827, besides 
the Coal and Navigation Company, were the follow- 
ing, among whom those marked with a star (*) were 
non-residents : 

William Bingham* 8366 acres. 
Johnson Bloomfield,* 375 acres. 
David Balderton,' 1700 acres. 
Mary Custard. 140 aires. 
Morgan Custard,* 100 aeres. 
George Fogelman, 15 acres. 
Samuel Holland, 80 acres. 
John Lent/. 200 aeres. 
John Metzgar, 300 aeres. 
Frederick Miller, one lot. 
James O'Brien, 2 acres. 
Wordecai Pierrol,* 1000 acres. 
James M. Porter,* 172 acres. 
Henry Bhoads, 50 acres. 
John Rothermel, 177 acres. 
Paul Bolt* 137 acres. 
Jacob Weiss,* 1849 acres. 
Jacob Weiss, Jr.,* 100 acres. 
Philip Zi'l't. "'00 aires. 

William Butler, George Fogelman, and Henry 
Rhoads were the only persons in the township desig- 
nated as farmers, and one of them (Butler) was en- 
gaged upon a farm which belonged to the company. 
This was either the Union Farm, opened in 1822, or 
Hackelbernie Farm, upon which improvements were 
made in 1823. 

The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company's 
Property. — Nearly all of the valuable real estate of 
the township belongs to the Lehigh Coal and Navi- 
gation Company, and constitutes their mine property. 
This amounts to over six thousand acres of coal land 
in what is called the first or great southern field of 
anthracite in Pennsylvania. This basin extends from 
near the Lehigh on the east to Pottsville, and towards 
the Susquehanna, in the neighborhood of llarrisburg, 
on the west, a distance of about sixty miles. In 
breadth it is pretty uniform, the maximum width not 
exceeding six or seven miles. The operations of the 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company in this region 
are confined to the eastern end of the basin, from 
Mauch Chunk westward to the Little Schuylkill 
River, at Tamaqua, a distance of about eleven miles. 
The greater part of this property is in Mauch ( 'hunk 



township. The thickness of the coal in the combined 
reins is forty-two feet, equal to lour hundred and -• \ - 
enty-two million tons, or -evcnty-one thousand five 

hundred tons tothe acre. R. P. Rothwell -ays. "That 

the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company possess 

one of the most magnificent coal properties in the 
world cannot be questioned, and that the quantity of 
coal is Buch as to allay all apprehensions for an abun- 
dant Bupply, far into the future, i- indisputable." 

Another eminent authority, a geologist, who made a 

careful examination of the field, has said that if all 
of the anthracite coal mined in the United States had 
been taken from the Lehigh Company's property, one- 
half of the Fast deposit would .-till remain. 
Without entering into the history of the company's 

operations, which have been quite elaborately de- 
scribed in the history of Mauch Chunk borough, we 
will present a lew statistics concerning the business. 
The following table shows the annual production of 
the company'- mine- from their origin to the pn 



rear. 

1820... 
1821... 
1822.. 
182:!.. 
1824.. 
1825.. 
1826., 
1827.. 
1828.. 
1829.. 
1830.. 
1831., 

is:i4.. 
1835.. 
1836.. 
1831 



Tom. 



1,078 

2,44 I 









27,770 



26,110 

43, 

I 

77,292 

124,508 

106,{ 

131,260 

ur.~ - 
200, 

ilii!!™;...!;;."""""..... i ■■' ■■ ■■'■• 

L839 H -'" 7 

1840 " 

1841 78,164 

1842 1&V62 

1843 138,826 

1844 219,246 

1846 267,740 

1846 284 i 

18 47 361,676 

lm.ZZ'.'.'.'.'.Z.'.'. 360,619 

1849 :i9:t . S( ' 7 

1850 •'-' 

18 1 43C.0 I 

1852 510,406 

IgBS 496,905 

,;: 4 e44;8ii 

-146.812 

400,426 

is:,? 400,716 

1868 425,896 

1859 846,816 

18IJII M7,l.>, 

iggi 410,877 

L882 241,837 

,.,""" 

i*;t:::z""::: 

,s,;-, 517,025 

;||e I 

, M - "" 370,204 

isns"" 467,126 

11™::::::::::.:::::::::: ::.::::: ■-■^-> 

,:-, mm 

, s -., 799,654 

is-;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 

is-. 571,945 

s - , 398,042 

, s - r "" 005,060 

oi, 343,700 

,Ug " 425,194 

,,,.: o98.ni 

1880 

1881 

1882 

1883 



546,161 
648,147 
837,968 
913,916 



Total production in tons 20,888,537 



MA! <'ii CHUNK TOWNSHIP. 



7-'.' 



The company hasten collieries in the field. Bight 
of these are in the Panther Creek Valley (four in 
Munch Chunk township, and r< > n r over the I 
Schuylkill County . and there is one colli) 

quehoning, i prising five openings, -two til 

one shaft, one slope, and one drift, — while ih.Tr i- an- 
other with a large screen building at the norl 
of the Lansford tunnel. Thecompanj employs throe 
thousand three hundred and fifty men, distributed 

a* follows : 



3 350 

So, i 

N". :• 

v 250 

Ho 8 3in 

(Jo ■ 

(i I I 32G 

No 11 

(To. IS 

Mi> .-1 lniKH.ua rull 



D t.iiiltling , 1 

Total 3350 



These men ami all of the mining operations of the 
;m\ are under the direction of W. D. Zehner, 
superintendent. 

The villages of Summit Hill and Nesquehoning, 
and the borough of Lansford, of which we shall pres- 
ently have more to say. were built up ami are main- 
tained entirely by the mining industry. 

Schools. Tin' principal schools of the township 
are in Summit Hill. Lansford, ami Nesquehoning, an. I 
will I..- found under those headings. The whole num- 
ber of schools in the township is fifteen, and the num- 
ber of teachers Bixteen. The whole number of pupils 

i- ..lie thousand ami forty. The total receipts for the 

year ending June 4, 1883, were - ind the 

total expenditures $12,916.53. 

The following i- a list of the School dire. tors of tiie 
township sin..- the ere. lion of t 'arhon County : 

l^-H. — Ira Cortwright, William II. Snowies. 

1845. Alex. Lockhart, John Lentz. 

1846. — .lames R. Duller. John Fatzinger. 

Is 17. .I..hn I.entz. Ira Cortwright. 

1848 W.Smith, J. H.Stevens, Jacob S. 

W< lar. 

1849. .'. H. Siewers, Henry Myers. John Katzin- 
ger. 

1850. — Ira Cortwright, (1. II. I>a\ i,-. James Mel 
Nathan Patterson, Menu Abbott. 

1861. Nathan Patterson, Thomas Hughs, James 
McLean, Jr.. William Woodworth, Meritl Abbott, 

1852.— .\l.. i Hewitt, Moritt Abbott. 

1858. — James McLean. Jr.. W. W I worth. 

1854. — Zerubbel Thomas. John Andreas. |). W. 

Dixon Lewi-, Samuel Pollock, Abraham 

An. Ina-. 

1856. -Walter Leisenring, Thomas Thomas, J. G. 
• Mil. 
1857.— J. G. Ohl. Anthony Bo 



William K.J b, Dixon Siewers, Jonathan 

Mai-.!, n, Joseph Woodworth. 

i I. \\ Iworth, A. W. Fellows, William 

McKi 

1860. Walter Leisenring, James Sweeny, George 
II. Davis. 

1861. Charles Hoffman, Blisha Packer. 

1862. Josiafa McMurtrein, II tas R Williams. 

BS < 'arr. 

1863. —Thomas K. Williams. I i ■ Lrner. 

I Mil. --Anthony Snyder. Blisha Packer. 
1865. — Peter W. Neigh, Josiah McMurtrein. 

1 William- II. n.- C Smith. 
1867. — Anthony Snyder, Isaac Joi 
1868.— S. Hill Hi. ... lam.- Gallagher, J. II. Kline. 
1869. Thomas R. Williams, John II. Kline. Wil- 
liam Frigenon □ 
1870.— James Smitham, Henry Stark. 
1871. — No record. 

1872.— Barney Philips, Matthew B.Singard. 
1878.— Jenkin E. Jenkin, 8. M. I.. 
1874.— Samuel Nercus, C. I". McCue. 
1875. — Si. loin. m Rickert, William I). Thomas. 
Wo. — Benjamin Ross, Samuel I-'. Eeeler. 
1*77. ~ William York. 1'. W. Neigle, N. M. Grover. 
1878. — J. E. Davis, John Bradwell, Richard Lynch. 
1879.— John Boyle, Patrick Eerim. 
1880.— Philip Coyle, W. W. Watkins. 
1881. — John Mall. ii. Fran Dermott. 
1 382.- Abraham W. Moser, John McCrealey. 
1883. — Patricl I > rmot Jai o i Buss. 
Justices of the Peace. — Following is a list of the 
justices of the peace from I ^ 14 to the present. Some 
of tln.se elect.-. I prior to the incorporation of the bor- 
Mauch Chunk were residents of that place: 

James R. Bu o, 1844. 

J. K. Pryor, March. 1845. 

J. A. Boyle, March, L847. 

Alexander W . Butler, March, 1848. 

Char'-- I . II tski II, March, 

Alexander W. Butler, March, 1850. 

D. B. I i. March, 1850. 

Abel Hewitt, Man h. I ■ 

Merrill Abbott, March. 1851. 

Abel Hewitt, March, l- 
Thomas R. Vanhorn, March, 1856. 
Wi liara McKee> er, March, i - 
Joel ( I. Lance, March, I 

c II. Williams, March, 1859. 
Thomas O. Gorman, March. I 
Leyshan Thomas, March, 1 Si 
S. I . Minich, March, 1864. 
Peter Newmiller, March, 
William McKeever, March, 1868. 
« irge L. Watson, March, 1^(58. 
William McKeever, March, I 
Thomas R. Williams, March, 1873. 
Lewis W. Pryor, March, L874. 
James H. Jai -77. 



790 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 



James Burns, March, 1 B79. 
John B. Harris, March, 1880. 
William Shea, March, L883. 

Summit Hill. Ii was at this place thai Sinter's 
discover} of coal «as made in 1791, and operations 
commenced bj the Lehigh Coal Com pan\ in i-i-.i- 
detailed in the chapters on internal improvements 
and Mauch Chunk borough. The town, which bad 

it- origin as a mining camp, - > I ame, .i m i has 

remained, with the exception of Mauch Chunk. 
the leading centre of population in the region settled 
and developed by the Coal and Navigation Company. 
I he work of the company here, the construction of 
the "Switchback" proper, and of the gravity road 
now bearing thai name have been quite fully treated 
in the history of Mauch Chunk, and we shall there- 
in this connection introduce only those topics 
which arc more purely local in their interest. 

A settlement was established here in 1818, consist- 
ing of the company's miners, lint it was not until 
many years later that tin- locality presented the ap- 
pearance of an established town. James Broderick 
seems to have heen the earliest prominent resident, 
having located here in 1821, and his wife is said to 
have been the first woman who had a home in what 
is now Summit Hill. Mr. Broderick and wife re- 
moved tn Mauch Chunk in 1832, but in 1837 returned 
to the Summit mines, where the former held a posi- 
tion witli the linn of Holland, Lockhart, McLean it 
Co. until 1843. He afterwards was prominently 
identified with the coal business at other points in 
this general region, and died in 1875. 

In 182(1, according to the statement made in a care- 
fully prepared history of the Presbyterian Church, 
written by the present pastor, there was but one 
house in Summit Hill proper, and only four others 
in the locality, which were west of the site of the 
town. They were all log structures, and that occu- 
pied by James Leamon,the "boss" of the mines, was 
the only one of the lot which was two stories in height. 
He had as boarders most of the employes who had no 
families. 

In 1837 the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company 
began building extensively for its employes, and the 
place assumed the air of a thoroughly established 
town. It was not, however, until 1847 that lots were 
sold and individual enterprise allowed to exercise 
itself. Among the first purchasers (in October of the 
year mentioned) were J. Edward Barnes, Nathan 
Patterson, D. I». Brodhead, John Simpson, Jacob 
Minich, Daniel Minich, Merritt Abbott, James Den- 
ton, and Charles Hoffman. In 1850, Abram Harris 
bought a lot, and built upon it a hotel, and in L851, 
Alexander Lockhart and Merritt Abbott purchased 
one, on which they built a foundry. 

The operation of the mines, the establishment of 
mercantile houses, and the varied institutions ren- 
dered necessary or growing naturally out of the 
increase in population, and consequent enlarged 



needs, developed in due time a town of good propor- 
tion- upon the mountain-top. According to the 
census of i^ s|1 the population of Summit Hill proper 
was seventeen hundred and sixty-three, while other 

localities in the election .listriet -Hackclhernic. one 

hundred and sixty ; Bloomingdale, one hundred and 

eighty-four; and .lame-town, numbers live and six, 

six hundred and seventy-seven made the total usu- 
ally ascribed to the town two thousand se\ en hundred 
and eighty tour. 

The mines here have been, as a rule, operated by 
the company, for whom Joseph S. Harris was for 
many years the superintendent, and was sue, 
by W. I). Zehner, who at present hold- that office. 

Leasing and the giving ol contracts have been in 

igUi here to some extent: Holland, Barber & 
with their predecessors and successors, being among 
the earliest and most prominent contractors, in the 
list of whom were also included Daniel S. Bertsch & 
Co., E. A. Douglass, A. A. Douglass, R. A. and A -a 
Backer, Belford, Sharpe A: < ; o., and others. Capt. 
McLean and David Williams (the latter the first 
Welshman here) were the contractors who " drove'' 
Spring Tunnel, which was perhaps the beginning 
of underground mining in this immediate locality. 
'I'lic-e same men also opened Slope No. 1 in 1850, 
which was worked until 1858, when it took fire. After 
strong and repeated endeavors to extinguish this un- 
derground conflagration, it was abandoned. The 
"burning mine," as it is called, is now. after more 
than a quarter of a century, one of the wonderful at- 
tractions of Summit Hill, and perhaps the most far- 
famed curiosity of the region. Many thousands of 
tons of coal have been consumed in thisslow-smoulder- 
ing and unquenchable fire, which has, at vast ex- 
pense, been finally surrounded with a great ditch 
cut through the anthracite, that must some time bring 
to a close the progress of the devastating element. 

The mines were leased at one period to the Lehigh 
and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, but during the greater 
number of the years which have elapsed since they 
were opened they have, as heretofore stated, been 
operated either by contractors or directly by the Le- 
high Coal and Navigation Company. 

Of late years, the direction which mining has taken 
and other causes, among them the chief being the 
building of the Nesquehoning Valley Railroad, have 
operated to draw life from the old town on the moun- 
tain-top and bestow it upon the younger rival, Lans- 
ford, in the valley, of which, after consideration 
of some of the local institutions of Summit Hill, we 
shall present an account. 

Religious History— The Presbyterian Church. 
— The Summit Hill Presbyterian Church was one of 
the pioneers among the religion- organizations in the 
Lehigh coal region. As early as 1835, Roberl Henry, 
a Covenanter Presbyterian, organized a Bible class at 
the boarding-bouse of Alexander McLean, also a 
Presbyterian. He regularly conducted exercises at 



M M'Cir CHUNK TOWNSHIP 



791 



this bouse until August, 1836, when Jamee Edgar, 
who had in tin- mean time settled in the community, 
became a prominent memberol the little band, and 
from that time- the weekly assemblages became more 
distinctively praj In the fall 

Presbyterian Church of Mauch Chunk was 
and among its members were sii «i b sidents 

of Summit Hill. -- -Alexandi r McLean and wife, John 
Nichol and wife, Rol i I rail', and John 8tyle. ' >n 
the 5th hi' tin' following December, Rev. 1 > : i v i . 1 \. 
Junkin, ofG N. J., with the session, held a 

aervice at Summit Hill, and received eight 

sons living here into the membership of the church, 
[n the same month, B R rd Webster, for many 
\ i-ar- thereafter pastor ol the Mauch Chunk Chnrcb, 
began his labors as a missionary of the Assembly's 

Board oi ll Missions, at Mauch Chunk, Summit 

Hill, and South Easton. He supplied this place with 
preaching every fourth Sunday, and in Dei 
L837, received nine more members into the church. 
On the 23d of that month he administered the sacra- 
ment of the Lord's Suppi r foi the first time in Sum- 
mit Hill. Hut-in : in. i hi 1836, Mr. Webster 
requested a young theological student at Prii 
(Andrew Tully) to come to Summit Hill and teach 
the day-school, and try to a Sunday-school. 
; led in establishing the latter in July, and 
kept it up during the summer and the next summer, 
and that also of 1 v; !- ; it was revived and superintended 
by Elder G. W. Smith, of Mauch chunk. 

At the adjourned meeting of the Presbytery of 

m, held at Beaver Meadow, Feb. 12, 1839, Mr. 
r represented in his report that there were 
twenty-three members of the Mauch Chunk Church 
residing at Summit Hill, and that he had for a year 
or more been preaching as far west as Tamaqua. 
Thereupon the Presbytery appointed Rev. Garton, of 
Beaver Meadow, with A. II. Van Cline, an elder of 

me church, and Rev. Richard Webster, with G. 
W. Smith, of Mauch Chunk, as a committee to visit 
Summit Hill and Tamaqua, and if they deemed it 
advisa anize a church. Agreeably to this 

appointment they visited this place on April 19, 1839, 
and organized the Presbyterian Church of Summit 
Hill and Tamaqi of twenty-eight mem- 

bers, of whom all hut lour resided in Summit Hill. 
Those residing here were Alexander McLean and 

Robert Nickol and wife, Robert Gagi 
wife, Andrew Harklin and wife, John Taik and 
wife, Mrs. Sarah Jane Sampson, Mrs. Margaret Craig, 
Mr-. Mary Winterstein, James McLean, M 
Morrison, Jonathan Johnson, James Knox, John 
Billingham, James Edgar, Matthew Henry. Joseph 

Brown. Alexander Brewster, and William Henry. 
living at Tamaqua were Mrs. Sarah I! 

Mr-. Maria II. Hunter. Miss Elizabeth M 
and Georgi Washington Brown. Messrs. Andrew 
Harkin and Jane- Edgar were unanimous!] chosen 
to the olliee of ruling elders. On June S, 1840, 



Mr. Webster, bai ded bis diocese a- far 

as Port Clinton, began preaching occasionally at this 
place. Servile- wi eld during 1 ~ 1 1 and a 

portion of the following year by Elder George Wig- 
gan, ol Port Clinton. In June, 1842, Mr. William 
I Schenk, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New 
Brunswick, was employed as a missionary, and for 

three nth- be preached on alternate Sundays 

Summit Hill. In September of this year th 

inei ialized the Presbytery to have thi Ltion 

divided, Port Clinton and Tamaqua to form a new 

church and th ■atinn at thi- pine to retain 

the name of Summit Hill. '• was also made 

that Rev. Mr. Schi rdained as an evangelist 

and appointed pplj . This w: 

but in December, 1842, Rev. Richard M. Baclean, of 
the Elizabethtown (N. J.) Presbytery, was employed 
as stated supply for three months. Rev. Mr. Webster, 
upon the expiration of that period, again took the 
church under his charge until the coming of Rev. 
John II. Rittenhouse, a licentiate of the Presbytery 
hi Northumberland, in June. 

He wa- succeeded in November, L843, by Rev. A. 
G. Harned. He became the first regular pastor of 

the church, being ordained and installed May 1. 1844. 
In May. 1844, the long-desired division i turch 

»as effected, and from that time it was i nown as the 

I irsl I'n-li- of Summit Hill." In 

the following spring the congregation ceased to accept 

the aid of the Hoard of Missions. In February, Is 47, 
application was made for a charter of incorporation, 
which, however, was not obtained until two years 
i. The work of building a church wa- begun in 
November, lS-it". . the -en ices prior to that time having 
been held in the school-house. 

II- i . A. G. Harned, the fir-t pastor of the church, 

resigned in the spring "i 1856. He was followed, 

Of a year, by Rev. John White. His 

pastorate continued until 1872. Rev. George Benaugh 

was called in May of the following year, and served 
the church until May 1, 1*77. 1'pon ( letolier I2tb of 
the same year the church extended a call to Rev. .1. 

H. Doremus, the p -tor. v. ho ipon 

his labor- on the loth of the following Noveml 

and was installed on the 18th of December. The 

church edifice was improved and enlarged t 

present ample dimensions in 1871 -72, at a cost of 

about three thousand five hundred dollars, and a line 

parsonage was built in 1 ■ 

The society has been quit! I el now has 

a membership of about two hundred and fifty persi 
while its two Sunday-schools have an aggregate en- 
rollment of three hundred and twenty-live children. 
St. Philip's Episcopal Church.- -Th.- tir-t recorded 
baptism in this ;>ari-h was performed by the Rev. 
Petei - pt. L8, 1845, win. wa- at the time 

missionary in charge of this district of territory. A 
parochial organization was not effected until Novem- 
ber, L849. I bi the 22d da; "f November, 1849, a de- 



792 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



cree ol i on was granted b\ i lie i 'ourl of 
Coiiinioii Pleas of the county of Carbon to the peti- 
tioners, I.V\ .1 r Bu ' Brodric, \. I.. Fos- 
. lames \V. Barnes, Richard Sharp, K. II. Sayre, 
>rge II. Davis, R. H. Barnes, Thomas Wilson, 
Matthew Dougherty, and John Stewart, nnder the 
nam.' of " The Rector, Warden, and Vestrymen of St. 
Philip's Protestant Episcopal Church." The corner- 
si of the church building was laid on the firsl Sat- 
urday evening in July, 1850, by the Rt. Rev. Alonzo 
Potter, bishop of the I uocese of Pennsylvania, assisted 
by the rector, the Rev. Peter Russell, a large concourse 
of citizens and churchmen being in attendance, many 
of whom came from Afauch Chunk, with the bishop 
and rector, to witness the ceremony. The building 

was I pleted within the year, at a cost of $1320.82. 

The firsl rector, the Rev. Peter Russell, a man no 
less beloved for his Christian virtues than renowned 
for his missionary zeal, had charge of the parish until 
.May, 1857, when he was succeeded by the Rev. 
Joseph A. Stone, who resigned the rectorship Septem- 
ber, I860, since which time the following clergymen 
have administered the parish, viz.: Rev. Hurley 
Baldy, Rev. William Wilson, Rev. T. Logan Mur- 
phy. Rev. Leighton Coleman, Rev. Chandler Hare, 
Rev. W. J. Miller, Rev. R, H. Kline, and Rev. 
Charles E. Fessenden, present incumbent. 

Prior to Jan. 23, 1881, when the Rev. Mr. Kline 
became rector of St. Philip's Church, this parish had 
always been associated with St. Mark's, Mauch 
Chunk, or Calvary Church, Tamaqua, under the same 
rector. Since that time it has had no connection with 
Mauch Chunk or Tamaqua, the people feeling able to 
support a rector of their own. The Rev. Mr. Kline 
resigned Aug. 14, 1881, and the Rev. Charles E. Fes- 
senden having been called to succeed him, entered 
ui» hi his duties December 1st of the same year. In the 
fall of 1882 extensive improvements were begun in 
the church building. The church was raised from its 
old foundations; a basement Sunday school room was 
built; new heater was put in; new chandelier and 
lamps were purchased ; new pews were obtained for the 
auditorium ; the walls were calcimined, and other alter- 
ations and improvements made by which the Lord's 
house was rendered more commodious, more churchly, 
and more attractive. The cost of improvements, con- 
tributions, etc., for the year 1883 amounted to $981.97. 

St. Philip's Parish, like all churches planted in 
mining towns, has suffered greatly from removals. 
During its history many prominent coal operators and 
Other business men and their families have been con- 
nected with this little parish. It has seen days of 
greal prosperity, and it has seen days of sad decline. 
Many now grown to manhood and womanhood, and 
connected with other religious denominations, were 
accustomed, when children, to attend the Sunday- 
school of the "Bell Church," as it was commonly 
called, because for many years it was the only church j 
in the neighborhood having a bell to call the people 



from their earthly cares to the spiritual duties of the 

Lord's sanctuary. This community will always feel 
a peculiar love and reverence for St. Philip'-, and 
those at a distance who worshiped in its sacred courts, 

long years agoue, will not forget the hallowed associ- 
ations linked with the name and place. 

Present Vestry, John McMichael, Thomas \V. 
Ken-haw (wardens . W. 1>. Zehner, John W. Patter- 
son, M. K. Linyard (secretary), E. H. Kistler, M.l>. 
[treasurer . S. I'. Minnick, Casper Ichter. 

St. Joseph's Catholic Church. — It appears from 
the record- that in 1826 the Rev. Mr. Fitzpatrick, of 
the Catholic denomination and resident in Sunbury, 
visited this place occasionally, fathers Cummings 
and Courtney, from Pottsville, Came lure quite regu- 
larly for several years, the former prior to 1832, and 
the latter prior to 1838. From the latter date until 
1842, Rev. Mr. Wainwright, of Tamaqua, visited the 

people, after which time came father Maloney, of the 
same place, until 1849. He received ground from the 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company for the loca- 
tion of a church. Next was Father llaingan. who 
came in 1S49, and attended the spiritual wants of the 
people until 1852. During his term of service a small 
church was built. Rev. Dr. Manahan was the first 
resident pastor, during the years 1852- 53. The com- 
munity was visited again, until September, 1854, from 
.Mauch Chunk by Father Coffee. Father Basil Shorb 
became resident pastor in October, 1854, and remained 
until August, 1858, being succeeded by Rev. Hugh 
Magorien, until Aug. 9, 1866, when Rev. James Kelly 
assumed charge, and remained until Nov. 20, 1872, 
when Rev. John McElroy filled the place until Jan. 
18, 1875. Rev. James Brehony served from then until 
April 4, 1877, and Rev'. James Wynn from then until 
Sept. 7,1879. During his administration the present 
parochial residence was built. Revs. Daniel I. Mc- 
Dermott and I. M. Cox, as pastor and assistant, were 
in charge until May 9, 1880. On their removal Revs. 
John Scanlon and William Craig served until the 
death of the former, on the 5th of February, 1882. 
Rev. Hugh Garvey, the present pastor, was appointed 

to succeed Father Scanlon by Archbishop W I, and 

immediately set about the erection of the present build- 
ing, the corner-stone of which was laid by Ver\ Rev. 
M. A. Walsh, V.G., On the 21st of June following. 
On this occasion the sermon was preached by Rev. 
P. J. Garvey, D.D., then pastor of St. Peter's Church, 
Reading, Pa., and at present pastor of St. James' 
Church in West Philadelphia. The ceremony of the 
dedication of the new church was performed on the 
10th of December following by Right Rev. J. F. 
Shauahan, Bishop of Harrisburg, wdio also preached 
the sermon and administered the sacrament of con- 
tinuation to about two hundred and fifty children ; 
Rev. P. J. Garvey, D.D., being celebrant of the 
solemn high mass, assisted by Revs. D. Bows, Wil- 
liam Craig, and Rev. John Loughran, of Scran ton, as 
deacon, subdeacon, and master of ceremonies respec- 



MAI'll CHUNK TOWNSHIP. 






tively. The pastor, Rev. Hugh i eing :i-~i-t - 

;i r 1 1 i" the Right Re^ . Bishop. 

The Dew church is now free from debt, and has a 
membership of three thousand souls. Rev. Hul'Ii 
< rarve] continues as pastor, and is assisted by B 
J. MoAnany. A handso amenl has been 

i in i he i em< ng the church to the 

memory of the late pastor, Rev. J. Scanlon. 'I 
gregation owns also a new cemetery about om 
from town, which was purchased during the adminis- 
tration of the Re\ . J. V7ynn. 

The Lutheran Church.— This co on was 

organized in the old Bchool-house aboul is.'.::. The 
members' of the church council were Ja 
Jacob Herring, Berkhardt Mosser, and Abraham 
Miller, and the pastor, Rev. < >berfehl. Rev. Heilig 
succeeded Oberfeld. During Heilig's Btay thi 
gregation, with the Reformed, began to build a Union 
Church (now owned by the Reformed . It was next 
Berved by Rev. Grim, and then by Rev. Beyer. Alter 
left there was no regular pastor for about four 
years, the church being served by students from the 
seminary. William 11. Strauss served the congrega- 
tion for one year while a student in the seminary, and 
alter his ordination at Pottsville came here as regular 
pastor. In the year LS79 thi congregation boughtthe 
( rerman Methodist < Ihnrch, in which, after having re- 
paired it. the congregation is now worshiping. 

St. Paul's German Reformed Church.— The first 
preaching in the interests of this denomination in this 
was at the school-house in the valley by Bloom- 
ingdale. In 1856, Rev. John Eichenbach, sent out 
from Allentown by the Synod, preai ~ummit 

Hill. Among the first members of the church were 
Isaac Miller, Jonathan Hallenbach, and Messrs. 

Remaly and Miller. Rev. Eichenbach preached 

for thi tion about twenty-five years, and was 

succeeded by thi afFe, from Tamaqua. The 

gation has maintained quite a healthful life, 

i a good house of worship in 1867, and now 

numbers about one hundred and fifty mi 

Schools. -There are excellent schools here, con- 
duct eil in a building which is a ci Summit Hill, 
and probably equal in all n to thai of any town 

lilarsizein - This building was i 

in 187" 76. I h principal instructors here sir 

How- 1861-62, J. II. Dexter; 1863 

64, H. C. Smith: L864 65, E. L. Tewksbeny; 1866- 

67, .1. T. Reinoch : 1867 71, J. Ritter; 1871 72, J. E. 

Lauer; 1 -7j 73, J. C. Bell; 1-7 - ilotzer; 

,9, S. II. Hollinger; 1879-82, W. McLaughlin; 

83, .1. M. Roberts; 1883 54, P. II. McCabe. 

Newspapers. — The first newspaper here was the 
. issui d in 1 873 and for two years 
following by Daniel Eveland and Robert Harris, of 
Tamaqua, in which place it was printed. 

The Summit Hill I sued in the 

summer of 1876, and maintained a somewhat 
rious life for about six months. 



• in Oi t. I-. L879, the -■• . II 

was issued bj P. I', i lildi a & J \\ . ' ' 
The first-named member of the firm retired in April, 
td Mr. Maloy oh proprie- 

moving the paper to Lansford in the spring of 

Banking. -The Miner-' Banl iblished in 

ith a capital of fifty thousand dollars, in one 

thousand -hares. Anthony Snyder was president and 

B. W. Marsey vi at, In October, 1880, the 

hank was removed to Lansford, and in April 
was closed, and it< :l ihiir- placed in the hand- of as- 
signees. 
Societies.— Summit Lodge, No. 576, 1. 0. O. F., was 

instituted March 1. 1865, with the following a- its 

first officers: N. «... Henrj Storch; V. G., William 
Swank; Sec, I. II. Dexter; Ae ilzar Fink; 

\rner. The lodge has now one hun- 
dred and sixty members, and meets in a hall rented 
from Samuel Rickert. 

Fountain Encampment, No. 170, I. O. ". P., was 
instituted Oct. 10, 1868, with the following officers : 
c. P., Thomas C. Williams; II. P., Thomas Arner; 
S. W.. George Halvey; J. W., Simon Anderson; 
Scribe, E. E. Jones; Treas., William Warlow. It 
now has twenty-five mi m 

Summit Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca, No. 576, 
was organized Aug. l'7. 1x7l\ 

Conqcr Post, No. 177, G. A. R., was organized 
March 4, 1869, with S. F. Minich, Jacob l>. Arner, 
Henry Williamson, B. 8. Younkcr. Samuel A. Wehr, 

C. F. Kline, George B. Kent, Thomas C. Williams, 

i Williams. Charles Walton, and T. I 
Williams as charter members. It now has a mem- 
bership of about thirty. 

ion Temple of H. and T.. No S2, as organized 
April 2, 1SiJ7, with the following officers: J. P. Row- 
lands, C. T. ; M. E. Singard, V. T.; C. E. West, R. . 
II. Hard. 1, A. K. ; H. C. James, F. R. ; W. s. How- 
ells, Trea-. : Ed. Minich, I'.; J. E. Jenkin, D. 

1 '.: John II. Kline, (i.: Th as Richards, W.: 

M. E, Singard, D. G. T. The organization is in a 
flourishing condition at the present, owning the prop- 
erty wdiere the hall is. 

Anthracite Council, No. 5, was organized March 12, 
1868, with the following officers: I. T. Reinick, C. ot 
C. ; C. E. We-t, - 

,T. A. M. Murine. R. of C. ; C. F. Kline, M. of C; 
Thomas Whilden, P. ot I .. .1. P. Rowlands, Tn 
C. ; James Gready, D. M.; Joseph Pollock, M.; M. 
- ;ard, D. G. C. 

Carbon Lodge, No. 202, Knights of Pythias, was 
instatr. i, 1869, with charter mem 

lows: s. K. Minich, M. E. Singard, William Swank, 
Ed. Minich, Thomas Whilden, J. D. Arner, B 
W. (.'ready, Gideon Moser, William Warlow, and 

twenty-live Others. 

The Knights of Honor were instituted A 
1879. Charter members: S. H. Hollinger, 1 W. 



794 



BISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Renshaw, William Swan] Winteretein, W. 

W. Radcliff, I'.. W. Moister, 8amuel Bickert, Joseph 
Forrest, Robert Ross, Benjamin Flemming, E. II. 
Kistler, W. T. Ratcliff, \V. II. Evans, S. I'. Minicb, 
M. E. Singard, John Leese, James Leese, James Bal- 
lentine, John Bogle, Samuel Hogg, J. C. Butter, Sam- 
uel WcNeal, Jr., W. I >. Zehner, W. < llements, Josi ph 
S. Patterson, James Singard, Mosea Neyer, C. W. 
Swank, Thomas McCready, Robert Derby. One death 
lias occurred since its organization, and the company 
paid the amount of insurance promptly. 

The Junior Templars formerlj Cadets of H. and 
T. were organized \|>ril 6, 1882, with the following 
officers: John L. McMichael, W. G.; James Hughes, 
1st Gov.; William McLaughlin, 2d Gov.; William 
Swigel, 8d Gov. ; Lewis Finley, F. R. ; James Heyer, 
A. B. B.; Elmer Neyer, A. U.; A. Starch, (i. A.; <'. 
Butler, G. Y. A.; U.S. Benshaw, R.; II. Williamson, 
A. R. ; Harry McKiever, t". ; William Tarlton, I. W. : 
M. E. Singard, D.G.G.; 1'.. W. McKiever, 0. P.; and 
sixty-four charter members. 

A lodge of the Independent Order of Good Tem- 
plars was organized May ^i'. 1882, with the following 
officers: James Swigel, W. ('. T; Miss li. M. Kline, 
W. V. T.; Wilson Crawford, Chap.; Robert McMi- 
chael, Sec. ; Alexander Flemming, Asst. Sec. ; James 
I.. Smgard, F. S. ; Alice Bogle, Treas. ; Thomas Wal- 
ton, M. ; Annie L. Singard, 1). M. ; S. Davis, I. G. ; 
James McGee, O. G.; Saddie Richards, R. S. ; Ella 
Houser, L. S. ; Robert Derby, P. W. T. 

Lansford. — This young but thriving borough, to 
which has been applied the middle name of Hon. 
Asa Lansford Foster, had its origin in two mining 
settlements, known as Ashton and Storm Hill, which 
might be considered as the homes of the overflow 
population of Summit Hill, or perhaps, more properly, 
as settlements resulting from new operations in coal 
after the exhaustion of the " Summit" mines had been 
apprehended. The town is located on the plateau 
which forms the first terrace above Panther Creek 
Valley in the ascent of the mountain, on which is 
situated Summit Hill. "Storm Hill'' was the name 
given the locality, which can now best be designated 
as the eastern part of Lansford. It was so named 
from the fact that a house built here by Peter Fisher 
was blown over during a great storm. The name of 
Ashton was applied to the cluster of houses in what 
is now the western part of Lansford. 

Mining operations were begun in Panther Creek 
Valley, in the vicinity of Ashton, in 1844, when Tun- 
nels ." ami 4 were driven. Tunnels 5, 6, and 7 were 
begun in 1845. In 184(3 the Panther Creek Railroad 
and the planes began to carry coal from the valley 
to the summit, whence it was conveyed to the Lehigh, 
as narrated in the history of Mauch Chunk borough. 

The growing importance of the new mines, the 
building of the Nesquehoning Vallej Bailroad, the 

cutting of the tunnel through the mountain to Panther 
Creek, and the favorable location of the town led to 



the rapid growth and finally to the incorporation of 

Lansford. 

\ n . . . 1 1 _l the early settler- were Jonathan Ilall.n- 
bach, Peter Fisher, Hugh < rallagher, Josiah Williams, 
Richard Malcom, John McHugh, Peter M.i,, r . Ig- 
natius Teufel, Taylor Edwards, Morgan Price, John 

D. Williams, .lames M. Jones, E. Weber. Joseph 

Downs, Thomas W. Williams, Shadrack Walking, 
William Y. Evans, John Scott, William Mine-, and 
Frank Dermot. 

Daniel Bertsch, and Fellows .v. Van Horn, kept 
111 n al an early day the company .-tores. 

Prominent among the merchants of the present 
day, and the oldest of the borough, arc Edwards i J. 
C.) & Thomas (Albert J.), \. M. Neumiller, Charles 
Kline, Beese Watkins, Howell Evans. E. Warren & 
Co., John 0. Quinn, D. R. Davis, 1). J. Mathew, D, 

B. Hughes, William V. Evans, Mis. <;. Bynon, and 

C. C. Edwards. 

The Mansion House, the principal hotel of the 
town, was built by G. H. Holney in 1877, and has 
been kept by John Frace, A. Oberholtzer, Nathan 
Klotz, and H. (). Klotz, his son, the present landlord. 

W. D. Zehner. superintendent of the Lehigh Coal 
and Navigation Company's mini's, has his office here, 
as has also the assistant superintendent, Gouverneur 
Morris. 

The company's shops for the manufacture of cars, 
breaking machinery, engines, etc., were built here in 
1870-71. They employ in seasons of activity as many 
as two hundred men, and never less than half of that 
number. 

Incorporation. — The borough of Lansford was in- 
corporated in 1877. Following is a list of its princi- 
pal officers from that time to the present : 

BURGESSI -. 
1877.— William Y. Evans. 
1878.— William Y. Evans. 

1879. — Herman Richer. 
1880.— Morgan Price. 
1881.— Herman Richer. 
1882.— Josiah Wehner. 
1883.— Charles Walton. 

Council. 

1877. — Reese Watkins, Neal McGinty, Frank Zeh- 
ner, Abraham Morgan, Morgan I 'rice. 

1878.— Neal McGinty, D. R. Edwards, Samuel 
Sterrit, John Hite, James Gallagher, Howell Evans. 

1879. -Frank Zehner, J. D. Kelly, D. W. Griffith, 
Jerry F. Werner, John McNellis, Jacob Alberton. 

1880. — James Gallagher, George llalvey, Charles 
Burns, Albert Thomas, Philip Port/., Henry Bacon. 

1881.— J. W. Davis, D. M. Jones, C. F. Kline, I>. 
M. Williams, Robert Stewart, Henry Bacon. 

1882.— Edward Jenkins, David W. Griffith, J. W. 
Mallory, Daniel Cummyton, Nathan Tanner, James 
Gallagher. 



M \ I (II chink TOWNSHIP 



::>. r > 



1883.— James Blackburn, Thomas Whilden, John 
Jeffreys. Charles Kline, A. J. Weyhenmyer, J. C. 
E!d wards. 

JtrencBS of i in Peai 

L877. William D. ; 

I homas \V. Willi 

& n I >u:i < rOB8. 

1-77. N. G. Byndman. 

L878. Benjamin Gwylam, William A. Miller, 
_'e lioyle. 

1879.— William II. Arner, Neal McGinty. 

1880.— Hiiirh Edgar, T. D. Reese. 

1881.— B. II. Davis, Daniel Bouser. 

1882. — John Pollock, Benjamin Gwylam. 

L883. Thomas K. Williams. Nathan Tanner. J. \. 
Quinn. 

Schools. — The schools were under tin 
men t of the township authorities until 1877, and were 
onlj partially graded in 1878, when a large, conveni- 
ent, and handsome school building, capable of seat- 
ing over sis hundred pupils, was erected. .Mr. I.. 
Huber was the lir-i principal of this m fol- 

lowed by Mr. A G. C. Smith and D. I'. Smith. The 
school is divided into eight grades, and has facilities 
for giving pupils a thorough English education. 

Religious— The Welsh Congregational Church. 
— This church was organized in the year 1848, with 
Messrs. John Morgan and Lewis Evans, deacons; 
D.J. Evans, secretary; William Watkins, leader of 
the choir. 

A church building was erected in L850, at the 

r of Abbotl Street. The following have b( 
here as pastors: Revs. William Thomas, of Kansas; 
John M. Thomas, of Alliance. Ohio; Thomas Pugh, 
of Missouri; Thomas G. Jones (Tafalaw), Arvonia, 
Kan. : J.V.Jones, of Bevier, Mo. ; 15. Morlais Hughes, 
.-. Castle, W. T. 
The following began their career as preach) 
this church : Kevs. D. E. Hughes, of Coal dale ; Lewis 
I ). 1 Ivans and II. W. Jenkins, of Maine ; ami ( 1. Rob- 
ert-, of Dawn.. Mo. Present membership, one hun- 
dred : Sunday-school, one hundred. 
Many useful men as Christians and citizens have 

d here, such as Messrs. John D. Evans, of Chester, 
V.I.; Thomas D. Jones, of Ebensville. Pa. ; Dr. J.J. 
Thomas, of Foungstown, Ohio; D. II. Lewi-, of Lans- 
ford; 1). E. Jones, of Coaldale. Those who have been 
here for a few year- and have left for other places 
are Messrs. Thomas Phillips and Thomas Eynon, of 

in ton; Dr. 1 >. E. Evans, of Plymouth; Messrs. 
Thomas Evans, of Gibson; W. W. Williams, of Utica, 
N. Y. : as well as the late Messrs. Jenkin Richs 
of Lansfbrd ; John W. Williams, of Mahanoy ; Evan 
E. Jones, of Coaldale ; Abraham Jones, of Blossbu 
Pa.; David Evans, ol Lansford; and Rhys Morgan, 
of Tamaqua. Several of those who were here when 
the church was organized are members here yet, such 



as Mr. and Mr-. Williams, of the post-office; Mr. and 

Mrs. Matthews, Mr. Jenkins, of Coaldale ; Mrs. Josiah 
Williams, Mrs. John Williams, Mrs. Margaret Hughes, 

of Summit Hill ; and Mr-. Jenkin I: 

present officer* an Pasl >r, Rev, John Ed- 

-iah William-. I >. W. Grif- 
fiths, Thomas W. William-. Thomas Evans, and 
Thomas M. I >a\ i- ; Leader of the Church Choir, Mr. 
Morgan Evans; oi the Sunday-sehool Choir, Mr. 
Thomas D. Sees - ary, Mr. D. II. Lewis; Or- 
ganists, Messrs. Willie Whelldon and Evan E, Jon< - ; 
Superintendent of the Sabbath-school, Mr. Thomas 
Evans; Trustees, Messrs. Charles Powell, Jonathan 
Richards, Thomas M. Davis, Josiah William-, and 
Morgan K 

English Congregational Church. This church 
was organized April, 1872, by Rev. I'.. I;. Lewis, 
Pottsville, with i ip of between fifteen and 

twenty. I lie deacons at I be I imi i Messi - I 

Phillips, John lank- clerl and Mr. Thomas W. 
Griffiths. The present building was which 

- forty by sixt\ feet) in 1881. The laj 
in. -.Me i stone took pla. - aber U2d of the 

same year by Rev. Dr. Be van, then of New York, 
now of London. The church was opened by Rev. 
Henry M. Storrs. of New York, l'.l'. 25 and 26, 

nd dedicated April 12, 1882, Rev. Henry 
Ward Beecher officiating. 
Officer- of the church at tin time of dedication: 

i, Messrs. Thomas Evans, Wm. Morgan clerk), 
and W. C. Henry. For the present: Pastor, John Ed- 
wards; Deacon, W. C. Henry ; Clerk, John L. ] 

3, Messrs. J. E. Lauer, Wm. T. Williams, and 
A. I:. Wat-on; Organist, Mr. Charlie Port/. Attend- 
ing thi ition are some prominent sing 
Mr. W. L. Evans, who leads the congregational and 
choral singing; Mr. John E. Jeffreys, who leads the 
Sunday-school choir. The congregation numbers two 

hundred or more, and the Sunday-school a. 

over one hundred. Rev. E. T. Griffiths i- the present 

Previous to him were pa-tor- "f tin 
Church as well. 

The Evangelical Association. In \^~-. Rev. P.. 

F. Bohner, in charge of Mauch ('hunk and Summit 

Hill Churches, preached here occasionally and or- 

d a Sunday-school with the following officers : 

William Weber, superintendent; B, Moser, assistant 

superintendent: Solomon I'.aehnian, secretary; Na- 
than Sold, librarian; William Arner, assistant libra- 
rian; and William Hollenhach, treasurer. No class 

was organized until February, 1874, when Rev. S I 
Breyfogel, pastor of Barnes^ illet 'ircuit, preached here. 
A great revival was the result, and a class was organ- 
ized with E. M ader, and Samuel Hctlel- 
finger, exhorter. Tie were held in 

I die school-houses until the year 1879. The 
class appointed J. I". Werner, Esq. (leader at the 

and E. Mo irter a committee to buy 

it the corner of Centre and Abbott 



796 



HISTORY OF CARBON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 



Streets, which was fixed up and i- still used as a 
meeting-house of the society . 

The class dot* numbers twenty-sis members, witb 
J. 1'. Werner, Esq., as leader, and the Sunday-school 
has one hundred and Bftj members, with •). I'. Wer- 
ner superintendent and William Garmley assistant. 
Rev. II. M. Wingert is the preacher in charge of Ta- 
rn aqua. 

Societies. — Ashton Lodge, No. 430, K. of I'., was 
chartered June t, 1874, with A.Thomas, <;. Evans, 
D. Morgan, T. Malkin, J. Fox, W. Sterrett, S. Sti r- 
rett, I- McCreely, W. P. Hall, and '/.. Llewellyn as 
its original members. The present officers are : C. C, 
William W. Thomas; V. C, David James; P. C, 
F. Adams; M. A.. Thomas J. Davis; Sec, James 
Blackburn; M.of !■'., William D.Richards; M.of E., 
I )a\ id 1). Lewis. 

Lansford Lodge, No. 975, I. O. O. F., was organized 
June 0, 1880, with the following charter members: 
John Davis, John Fawkes, Edwin Llewellyn, Thomas 
P. Thomas, John C. Edwards, William W. Thomas, 
John Jeffries, William W. Richards, John Hill, 
Thomas M. Davis, James Day, John D. Evans. I >avid 
D. Lewis, David M. Morgan, Thomas ('. Williams, 
William H. Thomas, B. R. Davis, Thomas J. Thomas, 
Thomas Evans, It. W. Griffiths, Thomas M. Whilden, 
William T. Giles, George W. Halvey, Morgan Price, 
Jonathan Richards, William D. Thomas, James Fry, 
William P. Hall, Philip Port/., and Archibald Reeves. 
The lodge has now one hundred and twenty-two 
members, with the following officers: X. G., A.M. 
Neumiller; V. G., Morgan T. Davis; Sec, Edwin 
Gwillym; Asst. Sec, T. J. Williams; Treas., J. C. 
Edwards. 

Nesquehoning. — This is the second in age of the 
Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company's mining 
towns, and is the third in importance in this town- 
ship or county. According to entries in the old ac- 
count books of the company, the first house was built 
here in 1824 for Thomas Kelley. The Room Run 
gravity road was built in 1830. 

When the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company 
decided upon laying out a town here they published 
an advertisement in the principal newspapers of East- 
ern Pennsylvania., which contained the following: 
"The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Companj oiler 
for sale a variety of building lots in the town of Nes- 
quihoning. This town is situated in the Nesqui- 
honing Valley, within half a mile of the coal-mines 
(■ii Room Run, four and one-half miles by a railway 
from the coal-landing at Mauch Chunk, forty miles 
from Catawissa, and thirty miles from Berwick, on 
the Susquehanna. The ground is very favorable for 
a town plot, and a number of buildings arc already 
erected, it being in the immediate vicinity of the 
greatest anthracite coal region now known, and on 
the only ground near it adapted lor a town, will no 
doubt secure a speed} and extensive settlement. For 
terms apply to Josiah White, acting manager, at 



Mauch < 'hunk." This advertisement was dated Sept. 
19, 1831. Enoch Lewis was at that time surveying 
the plot. 

The town had - ressed that in 1832, when 

the centennial anniversary of Washington's birth 
came around, a very • celebration was had, 

to which the people of Mauch Chunk, Lehighton, 
Lausanne, and other places were invited. The gath- 
ering was at the house of X. Allen, and a great dinner 

was served thereat four o'clock in the afternoon. 

This locality was originally known as "Hell's 
Kitchen," or "the Kitchen." The first lease was 
taken by Packer, Harlan & Co., in which firm A. A. 
1 Douglass took the place of Mr. Harlan in 1*47. J. and 
R. Carterentercd the firm in 1852. By 1857 the firm had 
Income Douglass, Skeer & Co. Messrs. E. A. Packer 
and Robert Lockhart were identified with it. Mr. 
Douglass went out in 1865, and the firm closed its 
affairs in 1867, being known at the last as Linderman 
& Skeer. 

The Coal and Xavigation Company now has live 
openings in this locality, — two tunnels, one shaft, a 
slope, and a drift. The number ol employes is about 
three hundred and fifty. R. Eustis is the local su- 
perintendent, having succeeded .lames Smithain in 
1876, and he has been in the employ of the company 
since 1852. 

Nesquehoning has good schools and a church of t la- 
Met hodist denomination. 

Schools. — The preseut school building was erected 
in 1882, at a cost of about five thousand five hundred 
dollars. It has four rooms, three of which are well 
furnished and are occupied. The number of pupils is 
about two hundred. The present principal is W. Mc- 
Laughlin. Following is a list of the principal in- 
structors since 1860 : W. Burke, 1861-62; M. H. Pope, 
1863-64 ; Mr. Harris, 1864-65 ; W. A. Williams, 1866- 
67; J. N. La Rue, 1867-68; W. Burnham, 1868-69; 
A. II. Berlin, 1869-70; M. J. Corse, ls7n-72; S. H. 
Hollinger, 1872-75; W. Sterret, i875-76; S. Motzer, 
1876-77; J. H. Landis, 1*77-7* ; P. H. McCabe, 
1878-81; Hon. M. Cassiday ami I 'harles Allen, 1881- 
82; P. H. McCabe, 18S2-83 ; W. McLaughlin, 1883- 
84. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized 
on March 2, 1863. The preacher in charge was Rev. 
Henry H. Davis; the local preacher, David Trevar- 
row; and the steward.-, William York, - — — Isaas, 
Janes, Jonathan Marsden, William Swank, Rob- 
ert D. Spence, and George L. Watson. 

The preachers in rotation who have served here 

have been Rev. H. H. Davis, two years; Stech- 

ter, one year; S. H. Risdon, one year; Chriss, 

one year; J. T. Swindell, two years; J. W. Bradly, 

two years; Condry, one year; G. J. Conoway, 

one year ; Cooper, one year ; R. Drake, one year ; 

Morely, one year; J. H. Sampson, one year; 

David Wiangert, one year; II. L. Reese, two years; 
and C. R. Cook, three years. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX \ 

P0P1 1 VI l'i\ at I I BIOS i\l' I LEI ■■ PIES 

■ ii i BOH 1820 i ■ 1880). 

1880. 





Catoaauqua borough 

.rough 

* "I'lilV l.i 

Il 

township - .11 2,378 

Heidelberg township 1,900 2*S 

bowel Hacnngte twp 2.: 

U llforo t..\. oship- 

Lowhlll towuhlp : 

Lrnn to« oafati ...... 1,664 1,747 1,8$ 

Macungit 

Northampton boi ugh 1,544 . 

Northampton towoshi) 293 332 

IThitehaUtwp If 

BaUeburj townahlp 1,1 

Slating! 

.South Whitehall twp. 

I Pin r Macuogle twp i\- 

Upper 5inf.nl towoabip 2,41 
i i ■! ... t Sam .hi ■ ■■ 

Washington townahip 1,493 

wnehip 1,175 1,286 1,427 1,762 



1,932 



381 
2,061 

2.668 







14,44s 
















477 


774 






1,441 


















914 


486 






4,1=.2 4,17" 

3,061 
2,016 

2,464 

1,' M 



.•,414 
1,823 



701 
2,884 

1,627 

:. 129 






D I860 including East Allentowi, 
o I ii — r Kilfbrd in i- 
tfllleretown in 1860. 

1 included tin- I Si.rtliuuiiitnii, now Allentown. 

North and South Win 

' vtv (rROM 1850 TO 1880). 



I860 I860. 1870. 






801 



Hank- township 1,746 

i 

in township 

Franklin townahlp 

Kidder townahlp x 536 

Lansford borongh 

Lauaani 1,382 1,942 

ihi] 



1 -hip 1,197 

Mahoning townahlp 1,961 

5I.ni 1. I 4,008 i 

Hanch Chunk townanlp .7:7 

North Klddei townahlp 

Packer townahlp 291 

Parryvillo borongh. 

Peon I Up 41"i 680 

Kidder townahlp 

Towamanalng Cownabtp 1,629 801 

■ rlv borough 

Weissport borough 



1.117 



1,41.. 



1,485 

1,589 
3,841 



441 

oOt" 



913 
1,076 



933 
1,741 

1,421 

1,74! 

661 
496 

931 



.144 31,873 



In 1860 the township. 



A P PEN DIX B, 

BBACITE EBON. 

i km\i. iln- early history ..I' anthracib 
manufactun i nt the following from the ably- 

written and admirable little relume entitled " Guide- 
Book of the Lehigh Vallej Railroad," by " 1.. i 
the Rev. Leighton Coleman, formerly pastor • ■! St. 
Mark's Episcopal Church i 

It is no t positively known when or where iron was 

: "l" in tin States, Imt the attention of 

tiers of the British colonies was very early 

directed mo doubt by the previous knowledge of the 

Indians) to the iron ore with which the country 

abounds, and in various sections furnai n 

ted for its conversion into metal. Perhaps the 
tir-t production from native ore in Pennsylvania was 
at the Coventry Forge, in < hi - i I ounty, in 1720. 

It was not until after the discovery of the use of 
anthracite coal in furnaces that the foundations of 
the immense establishments wen- laid which have 
given to this trade its present importance. Prior to 
this time the ..re was converted into metal by the use 
of bituminous coal, charcoal, an. I coke. This proa 38 

was far ]. lical than was desirable, and there- 

fore when the value of anthracite for ordinary pur- 
poses oi fuel was fairly t. - tdaptatiorj to ami 
ing uses was tried, ami, after a series of reverses ami 
a period of general incredulity, gladly hailed as a 
great saving in both metal and fuel. This suci 
added largely nol only to the prosperity of the iron 
trade, but of the coal trade also. 

Op to about 1833 the cold-blast was exclusively 

ployed in the furnaces. At that time the Rev. 

deric W. i teisenhaiuer, of Schuylkill County, alter 

various experiments in the treatment of anthracite 

with the hot-blast, obtained a patent for the same, ami 

in 1835 be made iron by this process in a -mall stack 
near Pottsville. 

* ******* 

hing the question of who lir-i used anthracite 
coal in the manufacture of iron, the following docu- 
ments are submitted. Reference ha- already been 
made to this subject under the bead of Maueh < 'hunk 

Borough, where it is stated upon u I authority that 

an attempt in this direction prior to the dates below 

797 






A1TKNMX. 



mentioned was made at Mauch Chunk by membi 
i b Coal and Navigation Company. 

The first letter, originally published in the At 
Manufacturer, is as follows : 

iAi qi i, Pa., Peb. 23, 1872. 

- B. I'. II. Lynn, Esq.: 

"Dead Sir, rhe question of who was the first 
person to use anthracite coal for smelting iron is dif- 
ficult to answer; Inn I will give you a few facts, from 
which you can draw your own conclusions. 

" In the year] S25, while manager of the Yniscedwin 
Works, South Wales (where I was from 1817 to 1839), 
1 built a blast-furnace of nine feet bosh and thirty 
feet high to make experiments with anthracite coal, 
which abounded in that neighborhood, while we 
lirought coke fourteen miles by canal to smelt ore 
with. This furnace was blown in with coke in 1826, 
and the anthracite introduced first one-sixteenth part 
of the fuel and gradually advanced to one-half, when 
we had to stop and blow out. It was a failure. 

" In 1832 the same furnace was altered to forty-five 
feel high and eleven feet bosh, and the same experi- 
ment tried, with the same result. 

" In 1836 hot-blast ovens were built to this furnace, 
according to Mr. Neilson's patent for hot-blast, of 
( rlasgow, Scotland, and ou the 5th of February, 1837, 
anthracite iron was made, and quite successfully, and 
in that I claim to have been the first person to obtain 
successful results, at least as far as I know or ever 
heard of. 

'• By an agreement in writing, made with the Le- 
high Coal and Navigation Company (which agree- 
ment I still have in my possession), I came to this 
country in the spring of 1839, at which time I found 
a small furnace at South Easton, worked by a Mr. 
Van Buren, who was endeavoring to make iron with 
anthracite coal. It was run some ten days or two 
weeks, when it chilled, and proved a failure, both 
financially and as a furnace. There was another at 
Mauch Chunk, owned by three or four men, — a Mr. 
Bauhm [BaughmanJ, a Mr. Gitto [GuiteauJ, and a 
Mr. Lathrop [Lowthrop] (the latter, I think, still 
being at Trenton, N. J.). This furnace was chilled 
up in about one week after blowing-in. 

" At the same time there was another building at 
Pottsville, by Mr. Lyman. I received a communica- 
tion from this gentleman by the hand of the president 
of the Lehigh Crane Iron Company, for whom I was 
building the first furnace at this place. This letter 
urged me to come to Pottsville. I visited him in 
August, 1839, ami furnished him with plans of in- 
wall, bosh, hearth, etc., and continued to visit him 
about mice a month until the furnace was completed, 
which was in January, 1840. Then I was so engaged 
here that I could not remain with him long enough 
to put it in blast. He accordingly obtained the ser- 
vices of Mr. B. Perry, who blew it in, as founder. 
They made iron for some weeks (I am notable to say 
how many), but, the machinery not being strong, 



they broke down, and I believe the furnace chilled 
up, though I will not be positive on this point, as it 

might have been blown out. 

" i in the Ith of .'uly, 1840, I made the first iron on 
this plan in our first furnace here, and kept it running 

ii after month ami year after year. In 1841 I 

built the second; in 1846, the third; in 1849, the 
fourth and fifth; and in I860, the sixth; and there 

M..W in this valley forty-sis anthracite furnai 

producing over four hundred thousand tons of pig- 
iron annually. 

" I am sorry I have to write this so long, but could 
ii"t well make it intelligible if shorter. When next 
I see you I will take pleasure in telling you of scores 
of experiments made with anthracite coal. I have 
been in the blast-furnace business sixty years the 
12th of April next, and forty-live to fifty of these 
years I have been experimenting with anthracite. / 
care very little about tin glory, — who was or who is 
the successful candidate, — as men's praises are like 
shadows. 

"You may use this, as 1 fear no contradiction. 1 
have written nothing but plain facts, but not one- 
tenth of wdiat might be said did necessity call for it. 

" I should be glad to hear from you. 
" Yours very truly. 

"David Thomas. 

" P.S. — Mr. Richards did not buy the Mauch 
Chunk Furnace until 1842 or 1843, and he used char- 
coal in it.'' 

We give below a letter from Mr. James Pott, of 
Harrisburg, to the editor of the Coal and Iron 
Record: 

"In No. 1 of vol. i. of your journal you give a 
sketch of David Thomas, in the course of which you 
say, ' He was the first man to demonstrate the practi- 
cability of using anthracite in smelting iron ores. . . . 
And of all this magnificent industry the furnace 
started by Mr. Thomas at Pottsville, less than thirty 
years ago, has been the pioneer.' 

"My object in addressing you is not to detract from 
the credit due Mr. Thomas for the perfection to which 
he has carried this business, but to correct what I 
believe to be an error. My father, John Pott, used 
anthracite coal to smelt iron ore in his furnace (Man- 
heim Iron-Works), on the West Branch of the Schuyl- 
kill, as early as 1836-37, first in connection with 
charcoal, then with wood cut short, like stove-wood, 
and finally, by making some change in the interior of 
the furnace, with anthracite alone, a hot-blast having 
already been attached. 

" These experiments, running through several years, 
demonstrated to his entire satisfaction the practica- 
bility of using anthracite in reducing iron ore; but 
about 1838-39 the works stood idle for a year or more, 
when, in the year 1840, he made preparation to en- 
large the furnace and to construct it on different prin- 
ciples, which its former size would not admit of. In 
the early spring of 1841, and before the work was 



APPENDIX 






completed, came a terrible ice-freshet, which awepl 
away everything, tearing up the very foundations ol 
forge and furnace, and this was the end of the ' Man- 
heim iron-Works.' A few years later my fathi 
the property, and in 1844 removed to Bedford now 
Fulton) County, Pa., where for several years I 

; the 'Hanover [ron-Works.' The paralyzation 
iif this industry, following the adoption of thi 
of 1846, compelled him to abandon the business in 
ind thenceforth he devoted himself to agricul- 
ture and milling until he died, in November, I 

" From early life my father hud heeu engaged in 
the manufacture of iron, and -<■ also was his father 
(John Pott), who, in 1807, built 'Greenwood Furnace' 
on the ' Island,' where Atkins' extensive furnaces al 
Pottsville now are. 

"Mr. Thomas is a public benefactor, and deserves 
great credit for his energy and enterprise in carrying 
forward this business to Buch perfection and success : 
but I feel that it is but just to correct what I believe 
to be an error, and t<i claim tor John Pott tin 
of having firsl successfully demonstrated the 'prac- 
ticability of using anthracite in smelting iron ores,' 
and tor little 'Manlicim Furnace' the distinction of 
having been the ' pioneer' in what has since grown 
into such wondrous proportions under the skill ami 
tact of Mr. Thomas. 

" I remember well hearing my father often remark 
that he was the first to use and demonstrate the 

adaptability of anthracite to blast-furnaces, and that 
cither — tin- name of Mr. Thomas being mentioned in 
bis observations — had carried it forward to perfect 

success. 

"At the time of the destruction of the works the 
supply of anthracite for the reconstructed furnace had 
been contracted for, and a large quantity had already 
been delivered on the furnace ' bank,' — a pile so 
large as to seem to my youthful eyes like a mountain 
of coal. 

"You will not blame me, sir, for being a litt! 
sitive on the subject. I have not at hand my father's 

) ks. from which to obtain data, and am writing 

from memory, making the 'hard-cider' campaign in 
1840 and the great freshet in 1S41 the point- from 
which I calculate. If I am in error I am willing to 
be corrected." 

The following was published in the Mauch Chunk 
•'it : 

•■ .1 . March -' 

' Mn. EDITOB, — Some unknown person (a friend, I 
suppose) has sent me an article of about half a column 
in length, clipped from some newspaper, upon the 
margin of which I find written in pencil tin' ques- 
tion, ' How about this? 1 

"The article begins thus: 'For some time past 
there has been a discussion going on in regard to the 
credit of making the first anthracite iron in the 
United States, — Mr. David Thomas, of the Thomas 
Iron-Work-, Mr. John Richards, deceased, once of 



the old Mauch chunk Furnace, and Mr. Lyman, of 
Pottsville, each having then- friends to advocate their 
separate claims to tie- bon 

' follow- a btter from Mr. David Tie. ma-, re- 
lating hi- experience and knowledge of the matter in 

'ii, in the course ol which DC makes the follow - 
■lenient: 'There wa- another [furoaci 

Mauch Chunk, owned by three or four men. -a Mr. 
Bauhm, a Mr. Gitto, and a Mr. Lathrop (the latter, I 
think, i- still living at Trenton. N. .1. . This In 

idled up in about one week alter blowing-in.' 

"Mr. Thomas' memory must certainly have failed 
him, or he was misinformed in regard to the M 
Chunk Furnace, a- will appear evident from th 
lowing extracts from ' Note- on the Dse "f Anthra- 
cite in the Manufacture of Iron ; with some Remarks 
on it- Evaporative Power. By Walter it. Job 
A.M.. Boston, 1841.' 

"' The furnace at Mauch Chunk, which stand- at 
el of the preceding tabh ed to have 

been the first in this country at which any consider- 
able success was attained in the -inelti ni_ r of iron with 
anthracite.' 'Their on 1 was of various, but 

mostly inferior, qualities, '.win:: probably to deficiency 
of blast. The blowing cylinders were of wood -ingle 
acting], and at the speed employed did not furnish 
over seven hundred cubic feel of an- per minute. 

" ' Their apparatus for bot-blast was at first defective, 

and was afterwards placed at the tunnel-head, where 

it could be -een as well regulated a- though mai 
in separate ovens, with an independent fire, i 
even of the limited supply of air taken into the bel- 
low -, a eon-iderable portion niu-i have been lost by 
leakage, and by escapes at the ..pen tuyeres there 
applied.' 

•" Bui in M' ux>« , Pa., N ■. .'. 1840, 
"'SlK, — -Agreeably to a request of Col. Henry 
High, of Reading, 1 send you the following hastily- 
written statement of the experiments 
man, Guiteau & Co., in the smelting of iron ore with 
anthracite coal as a fuel. 

'During the fall and winter of the year 1837, 
Joseph Baughman. Julius Guiteau, and 

Sigh, hi Reading, made their first experi- 
ment in smelting iron on' with anthrai in an 
old furnace at Mauch Chunk, temporarily lilt 
for the pur I 

"'They used about eighty per cent, of anthracite, 
and tin- result was such as to surprise those who wit- 
it (for it was considered an impossibility 

by ironmasters), and to encourage the persons enj 

in it to go on. In order, therefore, to test the matt, i 
more thoroughly, they built a furnace mi a -mall scale 
near Maiieh Chunk Weigh-Lock, which was com- 
pleted during the iii. .nth of July, 1-:;-. Dimensions: 
Stack 2] gh, :.".' feet square a1 mes 5 

feet across, hearth 14 to 16 inches square, and t 

irer M-, i ■*. I - 



800 



A1TKNDIX. 



inches from the dam stone to the back. The blowing 
itU8 consisted of two cylinders, each 6 feel diam- 

i receiver, <:mih diameter, and about 2 feel 
deep; stroke 11 inches. Bach piston making from 
12 i" 15 strokes per minute. Am overshol water 
wheel, diameter II feet, length of buckets, 3 feet; 
number of I ackets, 36; revolutions per minute, from 
12 to 15. 

" • The blast was applied August 27th, and the fur- 
nace kept in Mast until September 10th, when they 
were obliged t" stop in consequence of the apparatus 
for heating the blast proving to be too temporary. 
phi were produced of Nos. 2 and 3 
quality. I do not recollect the proportion of an- 
thracite coal used. Temperature of the blast did not 
i sceed 200 Fahrenheit. 

"■ A new and good apparatus lor heating the blast 
was next procured (it was at this time I became a 
partner in the firm of B. G. A: Co.), consisting of two 
hundred feet in length of east-iron pipes one and a 
half inches; it was placed in a brick chamber, at the 
tunnel-head, and heated by a flame issuing thence. 
The blast was again applied about the last of Novem- 
ber, 1838, and the furnace worked remarkably well 
for five weeks, exclusively with anthracite coal; we 
were obliged, however, for want of ore, to blow out 
on the 12th of January, 1839. During this experi- 
ment our doors were open to the public, and we were 
watched very closely both day and night, for men 
could hardly believe what they saw with their own 
eyes, so incredulous was the public in regard to the 
matter at this time ; some ironmasters expressed 
themselves astonished that a furnace would work, 
whilst using unburn!, unwashed, frozen ore, such as 
was put into our furnace. 

" ' The amount of iron produced was about one and 
a half tons per day, when working best, of Nos. 1, 2, 
and 3 quality. The average temperature of the blast 
was 100° Fahrenheit. 

" ' The following season we enlarged the hearth to 
nineteen by twenty inches, and five feet three inches 
from the dam-stone to the back of the hearth, and on 
July 2Gth the furnace was again put in blast, and 
continued in blast until Nov. 2, 1839, a few days after 
the dissolution of our firm, when it was blown out in 
good order. 

"'For about three months we used no other fuel 
than anthracite, and produced about one hundred 
tons of iron of good Nos. 1, 2, and 3 quality. When 
working best the furnace produced two tons a day. 

'"Temperature of the blast 400° to 600° Fahren- 
heit. The following ores were used by us, viz.: 
"Pipe ore," from Miller's mines, a few miles from 
Allentown ; "brown hematite," commonly called 
" top mine'' or surface ore; " rock ore" from Dicker- 
son mine in New Jersey ; and " Williams Township 
ore" in Northampton County. The last-mentioned 
ore produced a very strong iron and most beautiful 
cinder. 



"'The above experiments were prosecuted under 
the most discouraging circumstances, and if we gain 
anything by it. it can only 1"- the credit of acting the 

part of pioneers in a praiseworthy undertaking. 
" ' Most re-peel fully, sir. 

" ' Your obedient servant, 

" 'F. C. LOWTHEOP. 

'"Prof. Waltek B. Johnson, Philadelphia.'" 
" ' Correet copy from the book: 

" M'.iin \Vi>i . 
"'Librarian Franklin Institute. 

'"Philadelphia, Pa.' 
"As an evidence of the reliability of the work 
from which the above extracts were taken, I would 
remind your readers that its author, in 1844, published, 
by order of Congress, a ' Report on the Different 
Varieties ol Coal,' in order to determine their evap- 
orative pow erg 

" Respectfully yours, 

" F. C. LOWTHEOP." 

Subsequently the following appeared in the Bethle- 
hem /'inn.' : 

"The following documents have been placed in 
our hands for publication, and we hope that any per- 
sons who may have facts or evidence of facts which 
will throw light on the subject will forward them to 
us, that we may lay them before our readers. Some 
time since we published the following paragraph : 

" 'The first successful use of anthracite coal for the 
-melting of iron was in 1839, at the Pioneer Furnace, 
at Pottsville, Pa. It had been tried od the Lehigh in 
1826, but was unsuccessful. 1 

"To some extent to corroborate this statement, 
which was called in question in private conversation 
by some gentlemen, a friend handed us the following 
letter and petition to the Legislature, with the request 
to publish them, as throwing light on the subject. 
We are unable to give the presentation of the peti- 
tion to the Legislature. Does any one know when it 
was circulated or signed? There may have been de- 
kite in the Assembly on the reference of the petition 
when presented, which might contain interesting 
facts. 

'"To the Senate and Roust of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: The petition of the 
subscribers respectfully sheweth, That the State of 
Pennsylvania has been greatly benefited by the re- 
sults of the experiments lately so successfully made 
to manufacture iron with anthracite coal. They con- 
ceive that these results are mainly to be attributed to 
the exertion of William Lyman, of Schuylkill County, 
who, at his own risk and expense, put into successful 
operation in this country the first anthracite blast- 
furnace (on a practical scale), the origin, therefore, 
of all others since built and now projecting; and 
they therefore pray your honorable bodies that an 
act may be passed conferring on him such privileges 
as in your wisdom may be deemed expedient, thereby 
encouraging useful enterprises in future, and afford- 



\PPKM>I\ 



-'il 



ime compensation for the heavy outlays always 
necessarily incident to the commencement ol 
such undertaking.' 

■■■I- 
"'This ia to certify to all whom it may concern, 
that all contracts nr bargains for ore which may be 

irer, Mr. Lance, will be confir 1 bj 

Marshall .v Kellogg, proprietors of the an- 
thracite furnace at this place; and all ore purchased 
by Mr. Lance will be paid for bj cil , ince, as 

shall be agreed on between the pan:.-. -For Mar- 
shall & Kellogg. Wm. Lyman."' 

The following article is from the P '/ 

Jown 

"This subject has again been broached in a letter 
which we published a tew days ago from Jami 
in which he stated that his father, John Pott, was the 
in-! to make anthracite iron at his furnace in 1837- 
38, located in the West Branch Valley. This we 
know is cornel as far a- it goes; but in the 
anthracite coal alone he tailed in making it in a mer- 
chantable quantity, and ceased working until the trial 
was made at the Pioneer Furnace on the Island in 
1889. \ Iter the success at the Pioneer Furnace, he 
did intend to remodel hi- furnace to u-e anthracite 
coal exclusively; but a freshet cam. and swept away 
his works, and he moved to Bedford (now Fulton 
Count\ . Mr. Geisenheimer made a small quantity of 
anthracite iron at the Valley Furnace, and took out 
a patent, but afterwards abandoned it. Small quan- 
tities were made on the Lehigh : and we believe that 
the late Mr. Ridgway succeeded in making a small 
quantity at the old Pott Furnace near the island. 
But, as they were all charcoal furnaces, of course no 
quantity could be made. Anthracite iron was also 
made in Wales. But t hese experiments satisfied Burd 
Patterson, and other parties deeply interested in coal 
and iron interests, that iron could be made with an- 
thracite coal; and then be and other parties com- 
menced building the Pioneer Furnace on the [sland 
alter the model of the furnace in Wales, which Mr. 
David Thomas had seen, and who superintended the 
building of this furnace. They ran out of funds, and 
the late Nicholas Biddle and others made up a fund 
of five thousand dollars as a premium, which they 
offered to any person who would make anthracite iron 
for commercial use, and run the furnace for a period 
of sis months. Mr. William Lyman then took the 
furnace, and completed it after the model of the 
- Wales furnace, which Mr. Thomas furnished. When 
finished, the furnace was blown in by Mr. Benjamin 
Perry ; and it was a success, and the furnace was 
kept running for the period of six months. The pre- 
mium, after full investigation, was awarded to Mr. 
Lyman, at the Mount Carbon House, in 1840, where 
a -upper wa- given, and it was at this supper that 
Nicholas Biddle gave the following toast: 
61 



'"Old P her sons like her -oil : 

but solid Stuff within ; plenty of ''oal 
to warm her friends, and plenty of iron to cool I 

enera 

I he iron trade was at that time bo much di pressed 
under the compromise tariff of L888, reducing 
dutii t. in 18 W, and the op- 

position i" the use of anthracil 

Mr. Lyman failed a short time aft 

Mr. Mar-hall, now of Shamokin, ran ii afl 
: -, and hi met « ith the Bami I 

wa- afterward- run bj other panic- who had but lil 

tal, and they too failed, when it finally fell into 
the hand- Brothers, who took charge of 

it in 1857 01 1 858, and thi me to -oi 

involved, owing to the dull state of the iron trade 
und' item ; and if it had not been 

for the Rebellion occurring in 1861-62, which put up 
the price of iron, they might have met tin- game t 
but liny succeeded, and added another furnace to the 
old Pioneer; then ton- down and remodeled the 
Pioneer, and are now erecting a third furnace on the 
island on a larger scale than the others. < tf the three 
brothers, our citizen, Mr. Charles Atkin only 

survivor. After the success at the Pioneer, other par- 
ti,-, ol th( old Pioneer, erected 
other furnaces on the Lehigh and elsewhere, and an- 
thracite iron was soon mad.- in large quantities, and 
in 1871, out of 1, ',114,01)11 ton- of iron produced in the 
United State-. 957,608 ton- a Intl. more than one- 
half of the supply, was made with anthracite coal. 
In 1861 tiie product wa- 409,229 ton-, having more 
than doubled in ten year-. 

"'I'll.-.' are the facts connected with the first manu- 
facture of anthracite iron for commerce in the United 
States and Mr. Lyman, who undertook the turn 
Mr. David Thomas, who superintended its erection, 
Mr. Benjamin Perry, who blew it in successfully, and 
the gentlemen who offered the premium of five thou- 
sand dollars for its production in commercial quanti- 
are really entitled to the credit of establishing 
this branch of business in this country; while the 
other gentlemen, who had previously made small 
quantities before it was made in England, are entitled 
t.. the credit of demonstrating that it could be made 
with suitable fixtures: but they all failed in making 
it in quantities for use." 

The concluding letter was published in the 

"Tbkstok, n. .!., Maj i. 

" Mu. Editor: 

■ Di In the Journal of March 30th last 

you published for me a communication containing 
some extracts from a work issued during the year 
1 — 41. by Professor Walter R. Johnson, of Philadel- 
phia, em it I. id Notes on the Use of Anthracite in the 
Manufacture of Iron; with some Remarks on its 
Evaporative Power.' 

My object in sending you that article was simply 



-tl'J 






AITKNDIX. 






to defend my former partners and myself firom the 

;'i\, ri marks made in a letter written by David 
Thomas, Esq., of Catasauqua, Pa.; he having stated 
that our furnace a< Mauch Chunk chilled up in about 

Unir'tiiij-'iii, whereas it, in fact, was not 
allowed to ehill up at any time. 

"Since my communication was written, I have- read 
two or three articles from different pa rting 

thai I was detracting from the credit due Mr. Thomas. 

" I have ni) wish to claim any 'glory' rightfully 
belonging to Mr. Thomas, or to others. I merely, in 
defending the firm of B., G. & Co. from Mr. T.'s un- 
just remark, quoted authentic history published more 
than thirty years ago. ami which has never been con- 
tradicted. 

■ Borne of the parties who have been writing in he- 
half of Mr. Thomas, but who evidently know little 
about the smelting of iron ore, speak rather contemp- 
tuously of us, because we operated with a small fur- 
nace. 

" In a matter which at that time was looked upon, 
even by ironmasters, with much uncertainty as to its 
ultimate success, it would have been very unw ise I 
to the expense of building a large furnace at a cost of 
many thousands of dollars, when it. was known that if 
the thing could be accomplished with a small furnace, 
;/ could be <l<>»' much more easily, and far more profit? 
ably, with a largt 

" We did not enlarge our furnace, as one writer has 
stated, hut simply the hearth, and we blew it out be- 
cause it wa- too small to work at profit; and, not hav- 
ing funds with which to construct large works, we re- 
turned the property on which the furnace was built to 
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, from whom 
it was leased, which was the last we had to do with it. 

" A few years afterward I was introduced to a gen- 
tleman from Pottsville, who, upon being informed by 
our friend that 1 had been connected with the Mauch 
Chunk furnace, asked if I recollected a committee of 
the citizens of Pottsville visiting us one night. I an- 



swered in the affirmative, ami asked him what con* 
elusion thej arrived at. He replied, 'We watched 

you all night long, and returned home with tin- full 

conclusion that it wa- a perfect success.' 

" Within the past week or two 1 have seen one or 
two articles from the pen of Mr. .lames Pott, of Har- 
risburg, who claims for his father, Mr. John Pott, the 
credit of having been the first in this country to -inch 
iron ore with anthracite. He dates his first success SO 

far bad as 1836 and 1887. A more unpresuming and 

candid letter than that of Mr. Pott I have never read ; 
and if we are to look outside of published history for 
the one who was first successful, 1 should say that 
without a doubt (SO far as I can learn i Mr. John Pott, 
of the Manheim furnace, was the man. 

" Very respectfully yours, 

"F. C. LOWTHROP." 

We add an article from the Mauoh Chut 
■<■ of May 25, 1872: 

"Mr. James Cornelison, formerly a blacksmith re- 
siding her.\ was in town on Monday last, and was 
' interviewed' concerning his knowledge of the first 
experiments in the manufacture of anthracite iron. 
He was employed in.the establishment of the Lehigh 
Coal and Navigation Company, whose works were 
upon the site of the present foundry of .1. 11. Salkeld 
& Co., and distinctly remembers the building, about 
the year 1823 or 1824. of a stack some fifteen or twenty 
feet high, for the purpose of smelting the iron ore 
with anthracite coal. This experiment was, at the 
time, so far successful, that Mr. Cornelison states sev- 
eral ' pigs' were actually made with cold-air blast. 
Messrs. Josiab White and Erskine Hazard were con- 
cerned in the building of the stack, in whose opera- 
tions much interest was taken. This statement, com- 
ing from a gentleman in every way reliable, makes 
good the assertion in Johnson's ' Notes on Anthracite 
Iron,' that the first known experiment in this impor- 
tant direction was made in Mauch Chunk." 



RD 16.1 



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